The boys fell asleep before the fowls were cooked: but after a little more than an hour Cummings awakened them to get their share of the feast.
The now thoroughly baked clay was broken open, and it was found that the feathers and skin of the birds had adhered to the covering, leaving the white flesh temptingly exposed.
Among the small amount of stores there was salt sufficient for several days' consumption, therefore they were not without seasoning for the meat, and Jake, Neal and Teddy were quite positive they had never eaten anything half so delicious as this odd chicken baked in a most singular manner.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CAVE LIFE.
When the meal was ended it was nearly daylight and Cummings said as he stretched himself out close by the entrance:
"It is necessary that the strictest kind of a watch should be kept every moment of the time from now on. I'll take the first trick, Jake shall be awakened next, and Poyor, who has done the most work, comes last."
"But what are Teddy and I to do?" Neal asked in surprise. "We are as well able to stand guard as any one else."
"I allowed that it would be at least twenty-four hours before you were in condition for anything," Cummings replied with a laugh.