“Our tracks—from yesterday!”
CHAPTER XXVIII—WATER
Hope sprung anew! Their hearts fairly sang.
“Guess we better stay right here for the night. Rip. We’re likely to lose them again if we try to follow them in this dingy light.”
“Whatever you say. I could stretch out on the soaking ground, I’m so tired!”
“Same here, but on the other hand that wouldn’t pay. We’ve been soaked long enough as it is.”
Looking around, Westy spied a huge tree, with big broad limbs, wide enough for them to recline on. The tree next to it was growing so close that its branches also added further protection from the rain and provided more space for their bodies.
They clambered up and by Westy doubling his knees under him it enabled Rip to lay his head back, but kept his knees upright. The branches of the other tree supported Westy’s back nicely.
All he was able to do was catnap in his stiff, rigid position, for he felt duty bound to keep a watchful eye on Rip, who was likely to fall out should he try to turn suddenly. It was terribly uncomfortable, but better than the wet ground, and their close quarters afforded more warmth.
Hour after hour seemed to have passed and no murmur or word had emanated from Rip’s lips. Just the steady laborious breathing—unusually heavy, Westy thought, but probably from the discomfort. Still, he slept!