"They're great fellows for staying in trees," went on Havens, "and for springing down upon any animal that happens to pass. Hard to see, too—the color is so much like the bark."
"Well, I'm glad it's skipped," said Dick. "Hang it, if I'd only thought, I might have made a snap-shot."
"The trip is just begun," laughed Havens. "Get out your grub, fellows. Cat or no cat, James is going to eat."
"Maybe that ferocious beast is waiting for us on the other side of the creek," said Dave.
"And possibly is ready for lunch, too," added Bob.
The boys looked at the swirling water and slippery rocks, the dark, overhanging banks with here and there gnarled roots exposed by crumbling away of the earth, then paused to consider.
"I think it will not be necessary for us to cross just now," said Dave, facetiously.
No one offered an objection, and the quartet thereupon found seats.
Sandwiches, washed down with clear, cold water, refreshed them all.
On resuming the march, they kept as close as possible to the rapids. Presently Havens led the way out on a bank.