[CHAPTER XXI]
THE RACE
The meal was eaten with appetites such as only come from perfect health and a life in the open. The boys filled themselves with no fear of future consequences, and then, having let down the side curtains, and seeing that all was snug, they pulled out the bunks and went to sleep.
They arose about nine o’clock and, after a bath donned their old clothes, for they anticipated rough work in making camp, and prepared breakfast.
“Shall we use lake water or get some from a spring for coffee?” asked Ned.
“Better hunt for a spring,” suggested Jerry. “There’s a house up there,” and he pointed to one quite a way from the river. “Maybe you can get some there.”
Ned took a pail and jumped to the bank. As he did so he uttered a cry.
“Sprain your ankle?” asked Jerry.
“No, but look here!” exclaimed Ned.
In an instant Jerry was at his side. Ned pointed to the ground close to a big tree to which the bow line of the Dartaway was fastened.