"No, I don't, and I'm kicking myself because of it. You had better believe I shall know better next time. You don't catch me again this way, not if I am awake at the time. Are we nearly there?"
"About five miles from the ponies," answered Mr. Vaughn.
Chunky groaned dismally.
"You had better light up now," suggested the guide. "Be careful not to drop any fire, even if the ground is wet."
"No, not the rest of you," objected Tad, as the others began reaching for their matches.
"One torch will be enough. Our torches won't hold out if we all light up at the same time."
"Right," approved Cale.
Tad lighted his torch while the guide held his hat over the match. Then the party moved on again. As darkness fell their progress naturally grew more slow. They had to use extreme care not to miss any of the little blaze marks on the trees, and at the same time to note every bush that had been bent toward them.
Water was running from hat brims, clothing was soaked as was everything in their pockets, and water spurted from their boots with every step.
"How would you like a pound or so of that bear steak, Chunky?" asked Ned, shouting in the fat boy's ear.