Dick removed his mittens in order to light a candle. It was very cold inside the tent. Their breath was like vapor.
“I have a plan,” Dick informed the physician. “At first, when I heard that Lamont had left us, it didn’t occur to me. It may be a worthless plan. I’d like your opinion on it. One reason why I came over here so early.”
“What is this plan?” asked Brady.
“To send Toma out to overtake and bring the guide back.”
“What! By force?”
Apparently Brady hadn’t thought of that. He frowned as he began pulling on his clothes.
“Yes, if necessary, bring him back at the point of a gun. Force him to guide us whether he wants to or not.”
“I’m a little in doubt as to the wisdom of that. Toma may be able to overtake Lamont and compel him to return. But what guarantee will you have that he’ll guide us correctly? Don’t you think that there is the danger that in revenge he’ll take us way out of our course entirely, lead us afield? That would be disastrous.”
“He wouldn’t dare. His life would be forfeit. I’ll attend to that,” said the young man grimly.
“Well, at any rate, it’s worth trying. But why don’t you go after him yourself, Dick? Do you think this young Indian will be as apt to find him as you will?”