“If we can’t locate the camp after we get around the edge of the woods, what are we going to do?” questioned Roger of our hero in a low voice, so that the others who were coming on behind might not hear.
“I’m sure I don’t know, Roger,” was the unsatisfactory reply.
“We’ve got to do something, Dave. We can’t stay out here all night.”
“Oh, yes, we can if we have to. If it becomes necessary to do so, we can go into camp, light a fire, and broil some of those bear steaks.”
“Yes, we could do that. And bear steaks wouldn’t be half bad, seeing how hungry I am getting,” returned the senator’s son. “But just the same, I’d rather get back to our camp to-night.”
CHAPTER XVI
WAITING FOR LETTERS
The five chums continued on their way around the edge of the forest. All were in a sober frame of mind, for each realized that, for all they knew, they might be hopelessly lost on the mountainside. Presently the sharp decline came to an end, and then all of them leaped once more into the saddle.
“Look!” exclaimed Dave presently. “Am I right? Is that a light ahead?”
All gazed in the direction he indicated, and presently made out a small light which was swinging to and fro as it seemed to draw closer.
“I believe that’s some one with a hand lantern!” cried Roger. “Maybe it’s a man on horseback with a lantern to light his way.”