"I do not want any of those men to see us if it can possibly be avoided."
"We'll watch out," answered Shep.
A minute later half a dozen fat rabbits crossed their path directly in front of them. The temptation to bring the game down was strong, but they resisted, not wishing to make any noise. A little later they heard two gunshots at a distance.
"Some of the men must be out hunting," observed Giant.
"Gracious! I hope they don't mistake us for game," cried Whopper.
"Let us walk more in the open," answered Snap. "Then they can't make any mistake."
The way was rocky and uneven, and long before they came in sight of their first camp the boys were somewhat footsore and weary.
"This isn't the nicest kind of tramping in the world, is it?" came from Shep.
"Don't say a word," answered Giant. "I just came within an inch of twisting my left ankle."
They had a small brook to cross and there stopped for a drink of water. They were just going on again when another distant gunshot sounded out.