“’Pears like I will,” he said, his leathery face cracking into a smile. “’Tain’t smart going into the swamp without a gun, but we kin trust to Providence an’ our wits, I calculate.”
Pleased that the trapper had consented, the girls leaped to their feet and started toward the skiff which was tied up at the dock.
“Not so fast!” the trapper brought them up short. “We got to take some water and some victuals with us.”
“But we’re not going far,” Louise said in surprise. “We just ate.”
“Ye can git mighty hongry and thirsty, rowin’ in a broiling hot sun. When I go into the swamp, I always takes rations along jest in case.”
“Surely you don’t expect to lose your way,” Penny said teasingly. “An old timer like you!”
“I’m an old timer ’cause I always prepares fer the wust,” the trapper retorted witheringly. “Many a young punk’s give his life being show-off and foolhardy in that swamp. I was lost there oncst years ago. I hain’t never forgot my lesson.”
Properly put in their places, Penny and Louise said no more as Trapper Joe prepared for the trip into the swamp. He wrapped the remains of the turkey in a paper, depositing it in a covered metal container in the bottom of the skiff.
Also, he dropped in a jug of water and an extra paddle.
“Tell us about the swamp,” Louise urged as they finally shoved off. “Is it filled with wild and dangerous animals?”