“That indicates he’s gone through poor Old Stony’s possessions from A to Z,” Jack declared. “He’s satisfied there’s nothing of value here.”
“Even so, it would do no harm to look around ourselves,” War proposed. “Walz could have missed something.”
Mr. Livingston vetoed the suggestion. “No, War. This is Stony’s cabin. It ought to be locked.”
“Let’s all get to bed,” Willie urged. “Look at the horizon. It’s nearly dawn.”
After a bit of debate, the Scouts decided to try to catch an hour of sleep before breaking camp. Accordingly, forgetting the unlocked cabin door, they retired to their tents. Everyone slept soundly.
When Jack finally opened his eyes, a hot sun was beating down on the canvas. He was alone in the tent. Peering out, he sniffed the aroma of frying eggs. The others were up ahead of him.
“Gosh, am I lazy!” he exclaimed. “What time is it?”
“Ten to nine,” Willie told him as he turned the eggs. “You were sleeping like a babe, so we didn’t call you.”
Jack quickly dressed and helped Mr. Livingston strike and pack the two tents. By that time Willie had breakfast ready to serve.
“We’re making a late start,” the Scout leader said, looking ruefully at his watch. “But we all needed sleep. Last night was rough.”