"It's a little worse than missing a train," added Dick, dolefully.
"I should say so. Shall we keep up the chase?"
"If he has taken to the open, we might get a sight of him," replied Bob; "that is in the distance."
So the boys pushed on, the trail leading in and out among the trees. The woods grew more dense, and as there were no signs of its coming to an end, a halt was soon made.
"Have to leave it for another time, fellows," said Bob. "Wait until we get to hunting in earnest."
"A good rabbit stew just now would be better than a wild buck chase," grinned Sam, who had recovered from his disappointment. "Let's hurry back and start some cooking."
They had wandered further from camp than any had imagined, and all three were thoroughly tired and cold when the gray expanse of lake appeared in view. It was reached at a point much above their camping ground, and a long, weary walk ensued. The wind, too, had sprung up and blew in their faces with unpleasant force.
At length the boys rounded a hill and came in view of the camp.
"Hello!" said Bob. "It's deserted—fellows must be off on a hunt."
"Guess they're not very far away," put in Sam, as he slung his game-bag down in front of the hut.