But in spite of this awful threat, he was promptly dragged to his feet.
"Fellows," he said, after breakfast, "let's leave the bearskin here. It ought to be perfectly safe, eh, Havens?"
"Sure thing. We can blaze a trail, and find the cave again easy enough."
After concealing the entrance as well as possible, the hunters began their toilsome climb.
Great masses of whitish clouds flecked the blue sky, and the snow-capped summit was often hidden. They saw plenty of small game and several times heard the cry of wolves. Jim Havens blazed a trail through the deep pine and oak forests.
About noon they came to a small clearing and a halt was made.
"Weather's beginning to look threatening, fellows," observed Jim Havens. "Shouldn't wonder if a storm was coming up."
"Neither would I," said Bob. "We haven't had a drop of rain since starting."
"But managed to get wet, just the same," grinned Havens.
Lunch over, the climb was resumed.