"A squirrel is as quick as they make 'em," declared Gif. "You've got to act like lightning to catch 'em."
By this time it was snowing so heavily that all concluded it would be a wise move to return to Cedar Lodge. The wind was rising, shaking the tops of the trees violently and causing a strange moaning sound through the thickets which was anything but pleasant.
"I'd hate to be caught out here all alone and in the darkness," remarked Randy to Fred, as they trudged along.
"Would give a fellow the creeps, wouldn't it?" was the reply.
As they continued on their way they kept their eyes wide open for the possible appearance of more game. But no animals showed themselves, nor did they see any birds circling through the snow, which seemed every moment to be coming down thicker than ever.
"If this snow continues and the wind keeps on rising, we'll have a regular blizzard before morning," announced Gif.
"Don't say a word about the wind," panted Andy, who had dropped a few paces behind, "My nose and my ears are almost frozen."
"Well, thank goodness, Andy, we're not very far from the Lodge. You'll soon be able to warm up."
They were still deep in the woods when from a distance they heard a peculiar whistle twice repeated.
"That's Jed Wallop's whistle," announced Gif. "He must have just come in."