“Say, that’s fine! We’ll do that!” approved Buck.
On the sides of the tents where the cut ropes faced each other the boys tied them together and then came the problem of logs. They did not want to use old half-rotted logs and they did not care to cut down good trees. Buck suggested that they seek out some trees that were dead but still standing, and this they did, finding more than enough of such trees. As soon as the best ones had been picked out they cut them down to the desired length, brought them back to camp, and then laid them across the ropes which stretched from tent to tent. Immediately they weighed the canvas down by their pressure on the ropes much as pegs would have drawn them tightly, and altogether proved themselves satisfactory.
“By George, any camp where they had more than one tent, could do that, and it would be an improvement on pegs!” approved Buck.
“Well, not exactly an improvement,” Ted shook his head. “Pegs give a more direct and downward pull. But the logs make a good substitute. It surely makes the camp look funny.”
The sight of the three logs hanging on the ropes between tents might have puzzled anyone who did not understand them, but the boys were content with their work. The camp was now in good condition and the reaction set in soon after the noon meal. The excitement and work had kept them all wide awake, but now yawns began to be heard from them.
“All of you fellows who want to can turn in for a good sleep,” said Ted. “Just roll up in your blankets and snooze away! Everyone who doesn’t feel like sleeping will please be quiet and give the others a chance.”
“I’d like to know who won’t be sleeping,” Bob smiled, rubbing his eyes.
“I’m not going to sleep right away,” replied Ted. “Buck and I are going over to the farmhouse where we buy the fresh supplies and get some stuff. When we get back we’ll turn in.”
The other boys straggled off at once to their tents, and wrapping themselves in their blankets, fell asleep without any trouble. Fortunately, the sun had passed far enough behind the trees so that the rays did not beat down on the tents and they had no great difficulty in getting to sleep. Ted and Buck put empty knapsacks on their backs and started off for the farmhouse where they bought their provisions.
“I certainly won’t mind a little sleep myself,” yawned Buck, as they left the camp.