"Let's have a squint at that map again, please," observed Bluff.
The evening passed as usual. Each seemed to be busy after his fashion. Even Jed had assumed charge of the fire, and kept up a cheery blaze, while he had a heap of wood close by, ready for use during the night.
In due time the boys began to show signs of sleepiness—yawning and stretching, after the manner of those who need rest.
"Who takes the first watch to-night?" asked Frank.
"I've spoken for that. You see, I hate to be waked up, once I get to sleep. It sort of keeps me aroused, and I get to thinking of all my troubles," said Will.
"Poor chap! Too bad you have such a load to carry; but then you must expect a few good chances to slip past your machine. As it is, I think you're doing famously, and that we'll have many a hearty laugh over the results."
"Thank you, Frank. It's sure a pleasure to know that one of my chums appreciates my humble efforts to satisfy the community, and lay up ammunition for many a dull winter evening. Go to bed, fellows. I'm it."
With Frank's gun in his possession, Will took up a position where he could observe things without being too conspicuous himself.
"Talk to me about that, will you?" muttered Jerry, as he watched this action on the part of his chum. "And notice how particular he is to sit where he can keep an eye on that black hole in the rocks. Don't worry, Will. We looked it over good and hard, and my word for it, there isn't another bear inside, big or little."
"Oh, I'm not bothering about that. I only thought that perhaps the mate of the one that was shot might come home, and I did so want to get a snapshot of a wild beast going into its den, with the whole camp asleep," avowed Will bluntly.