Barringford was glad enough to get away from the camp for a few days, and the preparations for the journey were completed in short order.
“Like as not we’ll scare up some game on the way,” he said. “So be prepared.” And each took with him as much powder as could be spared and also a new flint for his musket.
It was a clear, cold day, and the sun made the ice and snow glitter like diamonds. There was no wind, and in the forest all was as silent as a tomb. They picked their way with care, Barringford taking the lead.
“It’s as good as a holiday,” said Dave. “Now, if we only had skates we could skate along the edge of the lake for quite a distance.”
“Never mind, Dave; if we stick to land there won’t be no danger of ye going into another hole in the ice.”
Dave gave a shiver.
“You’re right, Sam; once is enough.”
For several miles the trail was a smooth one and easily followed. But after that they had two gullies to cross, and some rough rocks, a task by no means easy. In one of the gullies the snow lay to a depth of twenty or thirty feet.
“If we fell in there it would be no easy task getting out,” remarked Dave.
At noon they rested for an hour, building a camp-fire in a sheltered spot. They carried some provisions, and on the way Barringford had brought down a fat rabbit, which was speedily done to a turn, and as quickly eaten up.