The boys skirted along the edge of the hill until a favorable place for descending was found. Light-hearted at their unexpected good fortune, rapid progress was made and within a few minutes the lake was reached.
"We never saw this spot before, fellows," observed Bob, with a glance around.
"That's another 'undeniable fact,'" replied Sam, as he started off, with long, swinging strides.
In half an hour, the scenery again became familiar, and the sight of the cabin across the lake cheered them on.
"Splendid luck, I call it," panted Dick. "Thought we had miles and miles to go, and here's the camp—just back of that ridge."
"Hope the fellows have got something started," said Bob. "Hurrah," he cried, as the point was rounded, "the whole gang seems to be on deck, and there's a jolly big fire to warm a fellow up."
"Hello—hello!" hailed the others, when they caught a glimpse of the returning hunters.
"Christopher—a fox!" exclaimed Nat Wingate, as they came up.
"Bully for you, fellows," said Hackett, approvingly. "We got a few things, too," and he pointed to several rabbits and a brace of squirrels which lay on the snow.
"Another funny thing has happened, Bob," put in Tom Clifton.