When the time came for Sladder and Musgrove to leave, they seemed to be in anything but a comfortable frame of mind. Many a nervous glance the two cast toward the outer darkness. But there was no help for it.
"Take one of our lanterns, Sladder," said Bob Somers. "We will get it to-morrow."
"And don't be chewed up by that wandering screecher," called out Nat, with a grin, as they started off.
The boys sat around for a short time, then turned in. On soft bough beds, buried under piles of warm blankets, they were speedily lulled to sleep by the wind which swept around the huts.
After breakfast next morning a great supply of fuel was gathered.
"Hello!" exclaimed Bob. "Here come some fellows across the lake. Three of 'em," he added. "Bet they are from that cabin."
"Let 'em come," said Hackett. "Guess we can stand it."
The skaters were making good speed, and in a short time their forms grew clear and distinct against the gray background of ice. The boys saw that they were young men, probably about the age of twenty-one.
"Aren't they dressed in rough clothes, though?" said Sam.
"And with beards growing to beat the band," added Hackett.