Accordingly the boys stretched themselves on the earth which was covered with cornstalks and in a few moments both were sleeping soundly.
Just how long Noel had been asleep he did not know, but he was awakened by a vague feeling of uneasiness. Somehow he felt as if he were being smothered, and for a brief time he was unable to decide just where he was or why he was there.
The voice of Dennis in a hoarse whisper recalled to him the incidents which had preceded the finding of the shelter within the strange hiding-place.
"What's that?" whispered Dennis.
Noel saw that his Irish friend was alarmed, although as yet he was unable to determine the cause.
"What is what?" responded Noel.
"'Tis smoke, I tell you!" said Dennis once more. "This place is on fire."
"You have been dreaming," protested Noel, although even as he spoke he was aware of the odor of burning wood.
"If I have been dreaming, I'm awake now," declared Dennis. "And the only thing for you and me to do is to get out of this place."
"It isn't midnight yet."