Schneider volunteered to skirmish for some material with which to establish a campfire, while the boys busied themselves in opening some of the tins enclosing the food supply.
Roque found consolation in keeping alight a long black cigar.
Presently he concluded to follow in the footsteps of the wood hunter, and hasten the prospect of a cheery blaze by the time night should fall.
With the passing of an hour or more, and no sign of the fuel seekers, Billy and Henri developed an uneasy streak, rendered more acute by the drear surroundings and the oppressive lack of all sound.
"We had better do some scouting; I'll go daffy with this waiting business."
"I'm with you, Billy," joined in Henri, "anything but sitting 'round here doing nothing."
The boys lost no time in picking their way through the rocks in the direction taken by their absent companions.
"Let's give them a shout," suggested Billy, himself acting first on the suggestion.
No answer to the shouters, when they paused at intervals, hoping for the welcome response.