The barking continued for some time, and then came answering calls from several other locations.
“They are tuning up to descend on some hen-roost, I imagine,” said Jack. “It’s a good way to get up their courage.”
“I’d like to get a shot at one of them,” said Harry.
“So would I,” burst out Boxy. “Can’t we get at them, Jack?”
“It would take too long, I’m afraid. Andy couldn’t stand the waiting in the cold.”
“Boxy and I might wait, and you fellows go on,” suggested Harry. “We will soon catch up with you.”
“Yes, let’s do that,” burst in Boxy.
The matter was talked over for a minute, and then it was agreed that Harry and Boxy should take the guns and remain behind a quarter of an hour, while the others pressed on for Rudd’s Landing, keeping close to the river bank they were now skirting.
Seeing to it that the two guns were ready for use, the two would-be fox hunters set out across the river in the direction from which the first barks of the animals had proceeded. Meanwhile those on the Icicle and the sled went ahead, and were speedily lost to view around a broad bend beyond.
“It would be fine if we could get a fox apiece,” said Boxy, as they skated along close to one another. “We could keep the brushes as trophies.”