"After they had eaten one member of the family they would be still hungrier for another." "And yet that isn't a half bad idea," said Tom, "and for two reasons.
Did you notice a path which began at the hut and which was evidently Jean's trail?
I saw it from the corner of my eye as I ran." No, the others had not noticed anything of the sort.

But who would stop to think of trails with a pack of hungry wolves at his heels?
Tom's training in the woods had taught him to take in such details, and consequently he had noticed it particularly.

Moreover, the trail led straight to the left, presumably toward the west.
"Now, this is what I propose to do," he continued, taking down the snowshoes and looking over their straps and fastenings carefully.
"Reddy, who, I hear, is a good shot, must climb up at one of the windows and shoot the first wolf he sees.

Eating the dead wolf would probably occupy the attention of his brothers for some ten minutes or so--perhaps longer.

While they are busy I shall make off on the snowshoes.