“I’m a-wonderin’ myself,” replied the old trapper. “If it’s the feller thet stole my gun, I’d like pow’ful well to catch up with him.”
Joe inspected the ground for some distance inland, satisfying himself that no one was about. As they returned to the boat, he said thoughtfully:
“Not in years heve I been as far as Black Island, but I’ve got an itch to go there now.”
“Good!” chuckled Penny. “I want to see the place myself.”
“It’s a long, hard row. I couldn’t rightly take you’uns.”
“Why not?”
“Fer one thing, I hain’t sure what I’ll find at the island.”
“All the better,” laughed Penny.
But the old trapper was not to be persuaded. “The trip ain’t one fer young’uns. Likewise, with three in a boat, it’s hard goin’. Part o’ the way, the run’s so shallow, ye have to pole.”
“In a polite way, he’s telling us we’re excess baggage,” Louise said, grinning at Penny. “To me it sounds like a long, hot trip.”