They discussed the matter for some time longer and then sought the comfortable bunks. Nothing disturbed them during the night, or if there were unusual noises the boys did not hear them, for they all slept soundly.
They awoke to find the sun shining gloriously, and after breakfast Tom got down his gun, an example followed by the others.
“Now for a hunt!” he cried. “Some rabbit stew, or fried squirrel, wouldn’t go half bad.”
“Or a bit of venison or a plump partridge,” added Jack. “On with the hunt!”
[CHAPTER IX]
AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
Tom and his chums had no false notions about their hunting trip. They did not expect much in the way of big game, though they had been told that at some seasons bear and deer were plentiful. But while they had hopes that they might bag one of those large animals, they were not too sanguine.
“We’ll stand better chances on deer than bears,” said Tom. “For the bears are likely to be ‘holed up’ by now, though there may be one or two stray ones out that haven’t fatted up enough to insure a comfortable sleep all Winter. Of course the deer aren’t like that. They don’t hibernate.”
“What!” laughed Bert. “Say it again, and say it slow.”