In a short time, seven boys were bending over a map which Bob had spread out on a bale of hay.
"Stony Creek—that looks like a good place to start from," said Bob, indicating a point with his forefinger.
"From there, we might hire a sleigh to take us to Mapleton," put in Dave Brandon, with a yawn.
"A good idea," said Bob. "The whole thing is settled, fellows. Now when shall we start?"
"The sooner, the better," declared John Hackett. "Who's going to buy the grub and other stuff?"
"Draw lots," suggested Dave Brandon, lazily.
"Skip around, Peter, and find a piece of paper," said Bob. "We want to fix this thing up right away."
"I can see my finish," groaned Dick Travers, comically.
The stable boy soon procured a piece of brown paper, which he tore in seven pieces. These were numbered consecutively and dropped in his cap.
"Shake 'em up, Peter," said Bob. "Fellows, the two who draw numbers three and five can consider that they have a job ahead of them."