Some time later Frank came out to where all the others were waiting, the dinner having been postponed. It could keep, but that wonderful story must be partly heard, at least.
“How about Bill?” asked Bluff. “Feet in pretty bad shape—eh, Frank?”
“That’s what they are, and I’m a little afraid he’s going to have lots of trouble with them yet,” the other responded. “I’ll take a run over to the lumber camp this afternoon. I want to see Mr. Darrel about several things, and will try to make arrangements to get Bill to town, some way or other. He ought to go to a hospital.”
“Will was just telling us that Teddy had owned up to you about hearing Nackerson threaten to set fire to Lumber Run Camp,” remarked Jerry.
“Yes,” Frank admitted, with a smile in the direction of the confused Teddy. “He had been bothered to know just what his duty was. You see, although Nackerson has treated him badly, still he is a relative, and blood is always thicker than water. Finally Teddy couldn’t keep in any longer, and he told us all about it. That was the main reason he ran away; he was getting afraid of Nackerson while the man drank so heavily.”
“And now, please tell us a little of all that happened to you fellows, before we go in to dinner,” pleaded Will.
“Make it as short as you can, Bluff,” said Jerry; “because, you see, none of us have had a bite since last night, and Bill’s gone even longer than that. I’m nearly as ravenous as those wolves were. Hit only the high places, Bluff.”
Bluff made short work of it, for he, too, was hungrier than he had been for many a day. After a rapid sketch of their numerous adventures had been given, Bluff declared he would say no more just then.
“The rest will keep until some time when we’re sitting around the fire and want something to help keep us awake,” he told them.
“Now let’s adjourn to the refreshment hall, where Teddy here has got a fine dinner all hot and ready waiting,” suggested Jerry.