Fear gleamed momentarily in his steel-gray eyes, and then he seemed to relax. With a tired sigh, he settled back, clutching convulsively at the sand.
Though the Cubs tried twice to arouse him, he did not respond.
“He’s completely worn out,” Brad said, deeply troubled.
“Obviously he’s been in the river,” Dan added. “My guess is he’s exhausted from a long swim. Ever see him before?”
Brad shook his head. “I’m pretty sure he never went to any of the Webster City schools or I’d remember him. Must be a newcomer.”
“Whoever he is, he shouldn’t lie here in wet clothes.”
“You’re right, Dan. He’ll catch his death in this night air. And he probably needs medical attention.”
“Think we could carry him to the Cave?”
“Not by ourselves, Dan. We need the other Cubs to help.”
Wetting his fingers, Brad gave the shrill whistle which had been agreed upon as the signal to mark the end of the treasure hunt.