Sandy strode forward and put one hand on Dick’s head.
“Do you suppose, Dick——” he began, then paused abruptly.
Smiling, Dick looked up.
“I know what you are going to say, Sandy. You feel that it’s our duty to try and do something. But you are hesitating on my account. You’d like to follow those tracks and see if you can find the man.” Dick seized Sandy’s hand and gave it a re-assuring squeeze. “It’s exactly what I hoped you’d want to do. Hop to it, Sandy.”
“I’ll return before dark,” promised the other, his face lighting up with pleasure.
“Don’t get lost,” cautioned Dick.
“Of course, I won’t. I have a better sense of direction than I used to have, and I’m a lot more careful too.”
Sandy stooped down and picked up his shoulder-pack. He was eager now and worked hurriedly assembling his kit.
“Take two or three days’ rations with you,” Dick ordered. “You never can tell what will happen.”
Sandy complied willingly enough. He turned to bid Dick good-bye.