There was more, however, than this desire for gain urging the boys on. Most of them really yearned to improve themselves along certain lines, and to be adjudged first in their class would be considered proof that they had met with success.
So there was hardly a boy in the camp aside from Nat and his two sombre cronies, Dit Hennesy and Alonzo Crane, but found himself entering into the spirited rivalry that would act as a spur to achievement.
When finally “taps” was sounded on Mr. Bartlett’s cornet, Asa was given a place next to Dick, Andy Hale being transferred to another tent, though no one thought to ask why this was done. If the boys talked it over at all they must have reached the conclusion that Asa was growing nervous about sleeping in a tent further removed from the fire at a time when there was a creature of an unknown species prowling about on Bass Island.
By degrees the camp fell into an utter silence, though occasionally some one, who may have been lying on his back, would begin to breathe louder than his mates liked, whereupon he was punched in the ribs, and made to roll over.
It must have been well on toward midnight when the sleepers were suddenly aroused by a tremendous crash not far away; and immediately an exodus from the several shelters began. Boys, clad in various patterns of pajamas, all looking a bit frightened, gathered about in groups.
CHAPTER XIX
A DAY OF REST
“It’s a terrible storm coming, like as not!” Elmer Jones was exclaiming, as he started to unwrap a rainproof coat he had been thoughtful enough to provide for such occasions.
“Sounded more like a house falling down to me!” called Clint Babbett.
“I was dreaming of two railroad trains coming together, just when that smash came,” announced Leslie Capes.
“And I was heading straight for the falls of Niagara, and could hear the water roaring like everything,” confessed Nat Silmore.