It was ten o'clock at night when they again took up their journey. There was a bright moon high up in the heavens, but it did little good in guiding them, as only now and then did a bar of light penetrate the denseness of the forest. Ned went to sleep in his saddle shortly after midnight and fell forward on his pony's neck when the animal stumbled over an unseen tree trunk. It gave the boy a sudden jolt, but was attended with no more severe consequences, although it aroused the laughter of his companions.
"Matungamook," grunted Charlie John, halting sharply at half past two o'clock in the morning.
"Where?" questioned Tad.
The guide pointed. Butler could not see anything that looked like a town, but the guide appeared to be sure of himself.
"How far?" he asked.
"Mebby mile, mebby half mile," grunted Charlie.
"Professor, if Charlie is right, the town lies over in that valley. I don't suppose it will do any good to go in now. Everyone must be asleep. There is not a light to be seen."
"No, we would gain nothing by so doing," replied Professor Zepplin.
"Then what do you propose—to sit down on the ground here and wait for daylight?" demanded Rector.
"I would suggest that we pitch a camp right here, if there is water handy," said Tad.