"I hope we don't make any more false turns," observed Snap, as they rowed and poled their way along. "I am getting a bit anxious to see Lake Narsac."
So were the others, and that noon they allowed themselves only half an hour for lunch. During that time some of the boys went fishing in the stream and were lucky enough to catch some trout and several suckers. Once Whopper got a strong pull, but it only proved to be a mud turtle, much to his disgust.
"Thought I had a ten-pound fish," he said.
The middle of the afternoon found them on a clear, deep stream, which broadened out constantly as they advanced. This made them certain that they were nearing Lake Narsac, and they were correspondingly elated. At one point in the stream they came to a beautiful island, with elderberry bushes lining the shore and a patch of trees in the center. As they drew closer they saw several rabbits and squirrels, but did not get a chance to shoot the game.
"If we run short of food we can come here," observed Snap. "That game can't get away from the island."
"Shall we stop off now?" asked Whopper. "We'll be sure to get something."
"No! no! Let us go on!" cried Giant. "We want to make Lake Narsac by to-night, if we can possibly do it."
The others agreed with Giant, and they kept on until the long shadows over the mountain to the westward told them that night was again approaching.
"Looks as if we'd have to camp in the woods along this river," said the doctor's son.
"Oh, let us keep on until it is really dark," replied Giant.