Even Ethan’s recollections were not of sufficient interest now to prevent the boys from running up the bank to their tents, and soon they were eagerly examining all the details of their camp. There were four cots in one of the tents and in the other were places where their trunks and guns and rods and their various belongings might be stored. Ethan’s son, who had been introduced as Tom, remained with his father and assisted in bringing from the boat the articles which were to be stored in the tents, and soon had everything arranged and in order.
The camp was on the wooded shore of one of the larger islands. Before them was a view of the broad river, dotted here and there with islands, on some of which were cottages and on others camping parties not unlike their own. It was noon time now, and the sun was almost directly above their heads. The air was almost motionless, but the restless river was hastening on as if wind or wave, or heat or cold, were all alike to it. The sublimity of the scene, the novelty of the camp, the rushing waters, and tall silent trees all combined to produce a feeling of intense delight in the hearts of the boys, and they stood together on the shore looking out over the beautiful sight and filled with expectations such as only light-hearted lads at such a time can know.
“I say, boys, mebbe ye’d like something to eat.”
In a moment the beautiful vision had lost its power, and turning eagerly to the camp, Jock said: “You are right, Ethan. How did you know we were hungry?”
“Didn’t have to know. Folks have to eat, don’ they? It’s dinner time, that’s what it is. Most o’ folks like to look at the river when they first come, but they find scenery isn’t specially fillin’ as a diet. They mostly wants somethin’ to eat afore long.”
“We’re like the others, then,” said Ben. “Did you say you had dinner now in the middle of the day?”
“Yes, that’s what I said. When did ye expect to have it?”
“Oh, I didn’t know. We usually have it at night when we’re at home.”
“At night? Dinner at night?” exclaimed Ethan. “Ye must be funny folks. Noon’s the hour for dinner. Everybody knows that.”