"
"But I can't!" insisted Milton. "What becomes of the work?"
"The work stops till you get well." Harden stood up to survey his and
Jonas's surgical job with considerable satisfaction. "We'll hurry on
down to the Ferry and get you to a doctor."
Milton sank back with a groan, then hoisted himself to his elbow to say:
"You fellows change your clothes quick, now."
The men looked at each other, half guilty.
"What is it!" cried Milton. "What are you keeping from me."
"The Na-che's gone!" Jonas spoke huskily.
"How'd she go?" demanded Milton.
"A sucking whirlpool up there took her, after we struck a rock at the
bottom of the falls," answered Harden. "We struck at such speed that
it stove in her bottom and threw us clear of the whirlpool. But she's
gone and everything in her."
"How about the Ida?" Milton's face was white and his lips were
compressed.
"She'll do, with some patching," replied Enoch.
"Some leader, I am, eh?" Milton lay back on his blanket.
"I think I've heard of a number of other leaders losing boats on this
trip," said Enoch. "Now, you fellows can dry off piecemeal. This fire
would dry anything. We've got to shift Milton's clothes somehow.
Lucky for you your clothes were in the Ida, Milt.
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