Billy Worth was not the only disappointed one. Every scout who could not accompany Hugh felt as though he were being cheated out of a treat. They would all have been pleased to belong to the rescue party, but at the same time they had learned the value of discipline, so there was no protest.
The hired man had listened to all that went on. He had watched the business-like way in which Arthur revived the fainting Peter. Apparently the help, as Hugh took it for granted he must be, took a lively interest in the venture, for after the boys had actually started he called out in a voice that was husky from the smoke he had swallowed:
“I hope and pray you may get those children, Hugh Hardin.”
Hugh half turned in his tracks as though tempted to reply, but changing his mind hurried along.
“Watch out for the stone wall, boys,” he told the other three.
“She said it lay on the right, didn’t she, Hugh?”
“Yes, and the Dry Spring lies in the same direction from the bed of the creek,” the scout master explained.
“This smoke is sure enough tough,” remarked Jack. “It grips your eyes—and how it makes ’em smart.”
“There’s a lively bunch of fire ahead of us,” observed Bud.
“We’ll pass around it,” suggested the leader.