"We are at our temporary camp. Luckily for us, too," said the guide, "for our torches have all burned out. Stamp that out, Master Tad. We will have a fire going in a short time."
The boys turned toward their ponies, stumbling over obstructions, guided by the snorts of welcome from the little animals that they could hear but were unable to see. They were to learn some new tricks in woodcraft right then and there, something that they probably never would have learned of themselves. Even Cale Vaughn's resources were to be taxed somewhat in overcoming the difficulties that now confronted them.
[CHAPTER XI]
FACING NEW OBSTACLES
"The first thing to be done," announced the guide, "is to get either some pitch pine or some birch bark."
"Ha, ha!" laughed Stacy in a hollow voice. "Easily said."
"I am afraid that is beyond me," declared Tad Butler.
The other boys were of the same mind. Cale directed them to stand where they were while he made a search for the desired wood. They could hear him threshing around in the darkness, the sounds growing fainter and fainter until they were finally lost in the steady patter of the heavy raindrops showering down on them through the foliage. Now and then the raindrops became a deluge as a breeze, stirring the tops of the trees, sent a chilling shower over their shivering bodies.
"Whoo-ee!" It was the voice of the guide.
"Whoo-ee!" answered Tad.