In a short time each boy had made up his bundle of blanket, food and other things in readiness to again take the trail after the deer. It was not the first time they had gone on hikes and spent the night in the open without a tent.
“Are you sure there is plenty to eat,” Teddy asked his mother as the three chums were about to start off.
“I put in all I thought you could carry,” she answered. “After all, you won’t be out more than one night, will you?”
“I guess not,” Teddy replied. “If we can’t capture the deer between now and tomorrow noon, we’ll come back home.”
“And try over again,” said Joe.
“Yes!” Teddy agreed.
Dick was lifting his pack. A satisfied look came over his face as he noted the packages of food inside the blanket roll.
Bidding Mrs. Benson good-bye, the boys started off again. They had to go a bit slower now because of the camping packs they carried.
They made their way through the little village. On inquiring of several farmers they learned the deer was still out in the open. It had been seen crossing several fields.
On and on the boys continued. The afternoon passed. They had stopped for a little lunch. They had one distant glimpse of the deer and then the animal had disappeared.