Fortunately the hole in the Ida did not open into
one of the compartments, so there was no damage done to the baggage.
It was too dark by the time this had been ascertained to attempt
repairs that night, so Milton agreed to call it a day, and after supper
was over every one but Enoch and Milton went to bed. These two sat
long in silence before the fire, smoking and enjoying the sense of
companionship that was developing between them. Finally Enoch spoke in
a low voice:
"You're going to have trouble between Forrester and Harden."
"It certainly looks like it, I've tried every sort of appeal to each of
them, but trouble keeps on smoldering." Milton shook his head.
"That's one of the trivial things that can wreck an expedition like
this; just incompatibility among the men. What would you do about it,
Judge?"
"I'd put it to them that they could either keep the peace or draw lots
to see which of them should leave the expedition at the Ferry. In
fact, I don't believe I'd temporize even that much. I'd certainly set
one of them ashore. My experience with men leads me to believe that
with a certain type of men, there is no appeal. As you say, they're
both nice chaps but they have a childish streak in them.
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