It was no longer dark.
A moon, slightly past the full, had crept above the horizon before they finished supper; and while the trees prevented those in camp from getting all the benefit of this fine sky lantern, for the most part the shadows that lurked in the woods were banished.
Finally some of the boys began to show signs of sleepiness. Toby was yawning about every minute, while Bandy-legs rubbed his eyes and stretched himself, like a tired boy nearly always does.
"Guess it's about time we turned in, fellows," Max declared, himself feeling the effect of getting up at three o'clock in the morning in order to leave town before peep of dawn.
"That's what I say," agreed Bandy-legs. "I'm sore all over from poling that clumsy old boat up-river. And once I hit the straw you'll never hear a peep from me till morning."
"Move we adjourn!" sang out Toby, so suddenly that he actually neglected to stammer.
"All in favor say 'Aye'!" Max proceeded to observe; and immediately a chorus of approval was the signal to send them hurrying into the tent.
Ten minutes later and silence rested all over the camp on the Big Sunflower. A hungry raccoon came prowling around, eager to pick up what crumbs had fallen from their table. The big moon climbed higher and higher in the clear sky, and, mounting above the tops of the trees to the east, looked down, and smiled upon the peaceful scene.
Max was a light sleeper, just as one of his comrades had declared.
No matter how sound his slumber appeared to be, if there happened to be any unusual movement in the camp it was sure to arouse him.