This much was a matter of fact, but Harding surmised that the man, finding Blake more inclined to thwart than assist him, would be glad to get rid of him.

With Blake out of the way, the Challoners, father and son, would be at Clarke's mercy; and it unfortunately looked as if his wishes might be gratified.
Harding meant, however, to make a determined effort to save his comrade.
"I don't understand what you're leading up to," Benson remarked.
"It's this--I suspect Clarke intended us to get entangled among these muskegs, where we'd have no chance for renewing our provisions, and he misled us about the Stony village, which he didn't wish us to reach.
Well, he has succeeded in getting us into trouble; now he has to help us out.

The fellow is a doctor." Benson looked up eagerly.
"You're going to bring him here?
It's a daring plan, because it will be difficult to make him come." "He'll come it he values his life," Harding said resolutely.

"The Indian will take me to the village, and perhaps see me through if I offer him enough; he seems to have some grudge against the Stonies.
I'll have to drop in upon the doctor late at night, when none of his Indian friends are about." "But who'll look after Blake?
He can't be left." "That's your part.

You'd run more risk than I would, and I'm his partner." "I'd hate to stay," Benson protested.