CHAPTER FIVE
Christmas in the Wilderness
“Dad,” Sandy began haltingly as they walked slowly back to the barracks, “Professor Crowell is in some kind of trouble, isn’t he?”
Dr. Steele was evasive. “You mean because of that man who broke into our cabin? What makes you think that had anything to do with the professor?”
Sandy looked earnestly into his father’s eyes. “That was no ordinary thief, Dad. He was after something in Professor Crowell’s notes and papers.” His face became even graver. “Maybe they’re after you, too.”
Dr. Steele tried to laugh it off, but his mirth was hollow. “Aren’t you becoming a little melodramatic, Son?”
“You don’t fool me for a minute, Dad. I know that whatever’s going on is probably top-secret government business and you can’t tell me what it’s all about. But I do think it’s only fair to tell me whether or not you or the professor or Lou Mayer are in any danger.”
Dr. Steele appeared to think it over very carefully. Finally, he sighed. “Yes, I guess you’re right. I brought you boys along, so I don’t suppose I have any right to keep you completely in the dark. The fact is we are in danger—all of us. I had no right to expose you boys—especially Jerry—to this kind of thing, but I thought at first we could deceive them into believing that this was just a routine geological survey. I was wrong. They’re far too clever.” His mouth tightened. “Maybe the best thing to do would be to send you and Jerry back home.”
“Dad!” Sandy looked hurt. “Not on your life. If you’re in any kind of trouble, I’m sticking with you until you’re out of it.”
Dr. Steele frowned. “I wish I could tell you more about this, Sandy, but I’m bound by an oath of secrecy. You’ll just have to trust me.”
“I trust you, Dad.”