Somehow the idea seemed to appeal more and more to Ethan as he thought it over. The other camp was only a couple of miles, more or less, away, and on their snow-shoes they could make it in what the boys would call “double-quick” order.
Phil looked up at the sky. It was only a part of his customary caution, and not that he really expected there would be any signs of trouble in that quarter.
“All right, then, Ethan; get your gun and your snow-shoes. We’ll take that scout and see if we can find out anything worth while.”
“I hope both of you keep your eyes smartly about you while you’re passing along through the woods,” urged Lub. “A mad dog is a terrible thing to run across; and for all we know the beast might have got away.”
“Ten to one, Phil,” sang out Ethan, with a carefree laugh, “poor old timid Lub here will spend every minute of the time we’re away sitting on a log by the fire with his gun on his lap, and ready to whack away at any suspicious four-legged beast that shows up.”
“Well, can you blame me?” demanded the stout boy; “I read about a fellow who was bitten by a mad dog, and it’s haunted me ever since. I guess I’d rather be taken prisoner by hostile Indians, and burned at the stake, than bitten by a dog suffering with the rabies.”
He stepped over and securing his gun found a comfortable spot on the log near the fire. Here he drew the small waif close to his left side, and looked as though he meant to stay there in that one position as long as two of the guardians of the shack were absent on their risky errand.
Phil only loitered a couple of minutes to snatch up his camera. There could be no telling when he might run across a chance to make use of this. It is like a gun in that respect, for you often see the most marvelous pictures when you have unfortunately left the camera at home.
They started off with the best wishes of those left behind.
“Course you’ve thought to put your little medicine-case in your pocket, Phil?” sang out Lub; “it came in mighty handy down on the Coast, when we found that young bayman doubled up with pain, after eating some canned stuff that gave him a little touch of ptomaine poisoning; yes I can see it bulging out on the left side of your coat. Well, so-long; and hurry back, because the night isn’t so far away, and supper will be cooking, you know.”