“Harry has found a place,” said Boxy. “It’s just the thing, between a couple of big rocks.”
While Andy remained behind to keep up the fire and prepare supper, Harry, Boxy and the colored youth went off to prepare the camp.
“We’ll take all the snow out first,” said Harry. “Then we’ll make a wall in front, with only a narrow opening to get in, and shut up the back as tightly as we can.”
The three boys went to work with a will, and inside of half an hour the temporary camp was ready for occupancy. The sled was drawn inside, and the rubber blankets spread around, and then the fire was transferred to a spot directly in front of the opening.
“That will keep us warm, and also keep wild animals from bothering us,” said Harry.
“Yes; we want no wolf or bear to wake us up by biting off an ear or a foot,” laughed Boxy.
“Gee, shoo, no!” put in Pickles. “Dat would make dis yere coon turn white, ’deed it would!”
Just before they had reached the lake, Boxy, anxious to prove that he wasn’t such a poor shot that he couldn’t shoot anything, had gone off in search of a partridge, and succeeded in bringing down one of fair size. This Andy had prepared as nicely as possible, and, with bread and tea, made a most appetizing supper for the hungry boys.
“This is the last of the fresh bread,” remarked Andy, as he dealt it out. “After this we’ll have crackers instead.”
“Just as good,” returned Boxy, but before the tour was over he was compelled to change his mind.