Hackett started ahead, shouting with all the strength of his lungs. "Hello, Sam—hello!" he called.
"No answer, eh?" said Bob. "Whew! This is a nice fix to be in. We'd better fire our guns."
Two reports rang out in quick succession.
"They ought to hear that," exclaimed Bob.
Straining their ears, the boys listened intently, but there was no sound of an answering shot.
"Try it again," suggested Hackett, with an anxious look.
Quickly reloading, Bob Somers and Hackett repeated their signal, but with no better success.
This was due to a combination of unfortunate circumstances. Not only was the storm raging with a violence which greatly lessened the range of the sound, but the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. Then, too, the trapper and the boys accompanying him had found it necessary to keep their ears well protected. Under these circumstances, it is not surprising that the shots passed unheard.
"Now we're in a pretty mess!" exclaimed Hackett, blankly. "Lost, as sure as guns. And the storm is getting worse all the time."
The possible seriousness of their situation came upon the boys with full force, and they looked at each other in dismay.