"And," continued Ned, "We'll just dash on ahead and bring you some
help."
"No, siree," shouted Alan. "Do you think get back to Clarkeville,
one hundred and fifteen miles or more, on six soup tablets? And for
me? If you think you ought to go, all right. But you'll take half
of the food."
"Or more," interrupted Bob, "give us a little flour and salt and
some matches. I reckon I can get a deer before night."
But Ned convinced them in the end that he was right. He argued that
each mile he and Elmer made in advance was nearer help. Alan must
advance slowly.
"All you've got to do," he explained to Bob and Alan, "is to reach
the Chusco, where Elmer camped, and take care of yourselves for
seven or eight days. And we'll be there to help you, unless
something happens. You won't have much to eat but you'll have water
and you have ammunition."
And at seven o'clock that morning they parted. Just before the
farewells Alan called Ned to one side and said:
"Hadn't you better take my bag?" indicating the jewel case under his
arm.
"Why?" answered Ned.
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