“Is it real food?” demanded Tom.
“It looks like it,” answered Dick.
“Then, fellows, get in some wood, strip some bark for torches and we’ll make a fire and eat,” suggested Tom. “Is there anything we can get water in, Dick?”
“Yes, here’s a battered pail. It may leak, but I guess it will hold enough for coffee. And there are some tin cups, too.”
“Good! Bert, you get some water. We passed a spring just before we found this cave. See if you can locate it. Jack, you and Dick sort this stuff out, and I’ll get wood for the fire.”
Thus Tom soon had his little force busily employed. From the depths of despair they had been transported to delight in a short time.
A quick survey showed that the cave had been used by campers, and that within a day or two. There was enough canned meat and crackers left for at least two meals, and with the coffee, a supply of which, already ground, Dick found in a can, and with some condensed milk, the boys knew they would not starve.
“This is great luck!” exclaimed Tom, as Bert came back with the pail of water.
“It sure is,” assented Jack. “I wonder who has been here?”