"I never go back on a pal," expanded Kinky, "but I think a pal ought to be sensible and not kick up too big a row for his own good."
"You'll find the row plenty big enough if you go too far," warned Matt, speaking for Kinky's especial benefit.
Kinky stirred uneasily.
"It's a case," declared Ross, "where we've got to go as far as we can. That's what'll make it safe for us. Kinky and me have been loafing in the woods all day. We were not to report to Big John until to-night. It's safer for us, you understand, to get together at night than at any other time."
Matt had been working desperately at the cord that bound his hands. The cord was drawn tight and firmly knotted, and his efforts had not met with much success.
Ross suddenly detected him in his work, and, with an oath, jerked him over and looked at the rope.
"That's enough of that," he said sternly. "Suppose you do get rid of the rope, how'll it help you? You lay still and be quiet, that's your cue."
"What are we going to do, Ross?" inquired Kinky nervously.
"You're going up on the bank and cast off the painter," returned Ross. "I don't think you're any too steady on your feet, so be careful."
"What do you want me to cast off the painter for? We've got a boat of our own, and we don't need this."