"Suppose we try to estimate the right distance, before we do anything else," said Dave Brandon.
"Say—did anybody bring a tape measure?" remarked Hackett.
The boys took no notice of this speech, but began to compare notes regarding the distance covered. After some little discussion and strolling about from place to place, it was agreed that they were about half a mile from camp.
"The best plan, now, is to walk around in a circle," said Bob. "No use to be easy, as Hackett says, and give the thing up."
"All right—here we go," said Musgrove. "Come back, there, Bowser, an' don't get too frisky."
The group now started off at right angles to their former course.
"Keep your eyes open, fellows," said Hackett, grandly, "or you may miss gittin' fooled."
Musgrove gave the speaker a queer look, and his eyes snapped furtively. "Wackett," he said, "I'd be glad if it was you what got fooled on this. 'My eye' so I would."
A rather discouraging tramp followed. It was at length seen that the course they were taking would soon lead them out upon the lake.
"What are you stopping for?" cried Hackett, as the others came to a halt. "Keep right on—maybe it's in the next state."