“Perhaps when daylight comes it may be easier,” commented Sam. “Certainly no use in keeping this up any longer.”
As the two slowly returned toward the camp they could see torches moving erratically about, and hear the various searchers occasionally calling to one another. Dave and Larry were discovered seated before the fire.
“Oh, ho!” yawned Dave, “didn’t find a thing, eh? Well, neither did we—didn’t expect to, either.”
“I reckon we won’t do any more sleeping to-night,” suggested Larry.
“If any one is willing to take my turn on guard,” laughed Dave, “I’ll guarantee to be in the land of unrealities within ten minutes. Really, I’m uncommonly tired.”
Loud tramping in the underbrush soon announced the return of the others.
“No luck at all!” exclaimed Bob, cheerfully.
“It beats me all hollow,” said Dick Travers. “Guess Tom must have struck it about right.”
“It’s another mystery for you chaps to solve, Clifton,” said Larry, managing to grin for the first time since his scare.
Tom tossed the remains of his torch into the fire.