"Think a fellow could sleep in such a place as this? Of course I'm awake."
"I'm nearly stifled, trying to sleep with my head under the blanket," declared Sam, gaping to an alarming degree.
"Asleep, 'pirates'?" called Dick Travers, in a loud voice.
"Yes, and having an awful nightmare," answered Nat. "Make a noise, can't you, and wake me up."
"I feel like calling for help," broke in Hackett.
"Knew a feller once what was bit so bad he couldn't see straight for a month," said Dick, mimicking Zeke Tipson. "This is nothing."
"Well, I can't stand it any longer," groaned Bob.
He arose, stretched, then walked out and began piling wood on the fire. One by one, wrapped Indian fashion in blankets, his companions gathered around, slapping vigorously at their tiny foes.
"I didn't know there were so many skeeters in the world," said Pollock, ruefully.
"Oh ho, but I am weary," yawned Dave.