The Radio Boys Rescue the Lost Alaska Expedition Part 11

Besides, what would the boys say? If necessary, he could command and they would obey. But Mr. Hampton was not one to exercise his authority dictatorially.

"I confess I don't know what to do, Farnum," he said finally.

At that moment, a laughing hail from the boys announced the completion of the second batch of food, and their imminent return.

"Make it a post of honor and danger," whispered Farnum, urgently. "Tell them the radio must be guarded, and the outfit, and that if we take these things along our movements will be so hampered that Lupo might escape. Tell them there is a big possibility, too, that some of Lupo's gang may attempt to raid the camp while we are absent."

The boys were so close at hand that Farnum desisted. Mr. Hampton nodded.

As they ate, he broached the subject of leaving a guard in camp.

"Three of us ought to stay behind," he added. "That will give sufficient protection for each other, and provide a sure safeguard against surprise. Also, that leaves five of us to go after Lupo. Four of us can go in that bigger of our canoes easily, without any baggage. It carried three of us, with baggage, so far, MacDonald can go in his kayak. So we can hit a fast pace, and make speed at the portages, if any are necessary."

"Who do you intend to leave behind, Dad?" asked Jack quietly.

Mr. Hampton realized from his son's tone that Jack understood his thoughts.

"Well, you three boys would be the natural ones to be selected," he said.

"Oh, I say," protested Bob.

"That's not fair, Mr. Hampton," cried Frank.

Jack was silent. He knew his father. Close a.s.sociation of the motherless boy with the older man since boyhood had attuned their minds. He understood how troubled his father was over the possibility of running them into danger. And he decided he would not add to his difficulties, but would keep quiet, although inwardly he felt dismayed at the prospect of "missing the fun."

"You see how it is, fellows," said Mr. Hampton, and he proceeded to elaborate on the theme furnished him by Farnum. "It's a post of honor and danger combined."

Bob and Frank, however, were not convinced. They started anew to protest But Jack silenced them.

"All right, fellows, let's be sports," he said. "If the older heads decide they don't need us, we won't force ourselves on them."

"But, Jack," cried Bob and Frank in chorus.

"No, I mean it, fellows," said Jack. "Come over here with me, and I'll tell you something."

Drawing them out of earshot, he added:

"Don't let us make it hard for Dad. He's got troubles enough. He'll feel a lot easier if we aren't along. I know how you feel. I feel the same way about it. But let's make it as easy for Dad as we can. Besides, there is something in what he said, after all. There is no guarantee that some of Lupo's men won't attempt to raid us. For my part, I believe some of them must be watching this island right now, and the minute they see the others safely out of sight, they'll attack us. For they know our numbers, and they will realize the three of us are here alone."

"All right," grumbled Bob. "Have it your own way, let's get some more to eat. I haven't filled up yet."

"This outdoor life makes me ravenous, too," agreed Frank. "And I used to be such a dainty eater. Why, I just pecked at my food."

"You mean you ate food by the peck," said Bob. "For a little guy, you're the heftiest eater I ever saw."

"Little guy, is it?" cried Frank. "I like that."

And without more ado, he made a flying tackle, his arms locking about Bob's knees. The big fellow came down in the brush and Frank piled on top of him with a shout of glee.

"Come on, Jack. We haven't had a good rough-house for a long time."

Grinning, Jack joined in, and the three went rolling and threshing about the bushes like a trio of young bears.

At the fireside, Mr. Hampton's worried look relaxed, and he grinned with enjoyment.

"It's all right, now," he said contentedly. "They'll take their disappointment out in a grand wrestling jamboree. Well, let's pack up a little grub and get ready to go."

CHAPTER XI.-BOB FALLS ASLEEP.

In no time at all, Mr. Hampton and his party were ready to set out. Of one thing they were reminded by Jack, the individual radio sets constructed along his own lines, the instrument of which was so small and compact it was contained in the panel of a ring.

"Only trouble with these," Jack said, "is that you can receive but can't transmit. However-"

"However," his father interrupted, "that is all that will be necessary."

"Why?" asked Farnum.

"It is hardly likely that the five of us will get into such a predicament that we shall fail to return," explained Mr. Hampton. "But the boys may be attacked when we are gone, and may be placed in a bad position. Then they can call for us."

"At least we could send out a hurry up call over those sets," said Jack.

"As for your calling us, well, that will be a little more complicated, Dad, but it can be done, if necessary. I insist on your taking that army field set. It came in mighty handy in South America. It is no great job to set it up. And it weighs little. You are taking no other equipment, and you can afford to take it along. It won't be in your way. Here it is, you see, all boxed up complete, handle on the box and everything."

"Right, Jack," said his father. "Now we can communicate with each other easily enough. Well"-looking about him-"are we ready?"

The others nodded.

"Then," Mr. Hampton said, "I propose that we bring our canoes back through the trees, cross the island and make for the mainland on the other side."

Farnum and MacDonald nodded agreement.

"This island is pretty long," said MacDonald, "and it will screen our departure on the other side, in all likelihood. It is hardly likely, as a matter of fact, that we will be seen, for Lupo's party has not shown itself since we beat off that canoe, and probably is somewhere back up that stream out of which your party came."

"You think they cannot see the mainland on the other side of this island from there, Dad?"

"I don't believe so," said Mr. Hampton.

"Even if they do catch a glimpse of us," suggested Farnum, "isn't it probable they'll believe we are pushing on? As a matter of fact, however, we'll land on the mainland, and carry our canoes inland and then up along the lake till we are out of sight, when we can cross again, I suppose that's your idea, Mr. Hampton?"

"My idea exactly," answered the other. "Well, let's get the canoe and MacDonald's kayak. They have been pulled well up into the bushes, and we can bring them across the island without detection easily enough."

"Wait a minute, Dad," said Jack, laying a detaining hand on his arm. "If they do see you crossing the channel to the mainland, on the other side of the island, they'll know the whole party isn't along, and will realize you aren't leaving, but merely carrying out some maneuver."

"Maybe, that's what they will think, Jack. On the other hand, they might figure some of the canoes got across beforehand. Anyway, leaving by the back door, so to speak, is our wisest plan, I am sure. The channel to the mainland on the other side is only a narrow one, and the probabilities of our escaping detection are all in our favor."

The largest of the canoes, together with MacDonald's kayak were dragged back through the underbrush and carried across the island to be launched on the other side. Nor did Jack neglect to load the compact field transmitting set in the canoe, as the party pushed off. Then, amid farewells from both sides, Mr. Hampton and his party set out for the mainland.