Despite what had happened, all were in a light-hearted humor, and Joe began to whistle merrily, and soon Harry and Fred joined in.
“Well, we can’t complain of lack of adventures,” remarked Harry, as they trudged along, Joel Runnell in advance, looking for some signs of possible game.
“I should say not,” returned Fred. “We’re getting our full share and more.”
“Wonder if any of those other fellows are going to join us?” put in Joe. “Bart Mason said he would be sure to come, and Link Darrow said the same.”
“Oh, lots of fellows think they can get away, but at the last minute their parents say no, and that’s the end of it.”
They were moving around a small arm of the island when they saw Joel Runnell come to a halt.
“Guess he has sighted game,” said Harry. “Wait; we don’t want to spoil a shot.”
“I’ll go up and see what’s doing,” said Joe, and hurried forward, with his gun ready for use, should there be more game ahead than the old hunter could handle.
“Gun Club ahoy!” suddenly rang through the clear air. “Hullo, you fellows? Where are you bound?”
And then, around the bend, appeared the forms of three youths, dragging a long, low sled behind them. The trio were dressed for hunting and each carried a shotgun or a rifle. The sled was piled high with traps and provisions.