morning I'm off for assistance and a fresh supply of food."

"And leave us here alone?" cried Chunky.

"Don't you see, fellows," continued Tad, "the Professor undoubtedly is
in a worse fix than we are. He may wander about the mountains until
he starves. I've simply got to stir somebody up to start out hunting
for him. By remaining here we are only getting deeper into trouble.
Don't you understand that?"

"Yes," admitted Ned. "But, then, why not let us all go with you?"

"Yes, that's the idea," interjected Walter.

"No, that is not good judgment."

"Why not?"

"In the first place some one must remain here to watch our outfit. We
don't want to lose anything more than we have."

The boys nodded.

"Secondly, the Professor might possibly find his way back here, and
the chances are he would lose himself again trying to find us."

"That's so," chorused the boys.

"And thirdly, as the Professor says, I can get along a lot faster
alone than if you are all with me."