Very wisely, after some discussion, the boys decided to let time solve the mystery, so they told stories and kept on trying to warm the side which was always cold.
Occasionally from the woods came the hoot of an owl, or over the lake the weird cry of a loon.
Hackett was kindly allowed to finish the story of his prowess, after which, whether the result of his tale or not, there was an amazing amount of yawning and stretching.
"Oh, ho, even if it is only half-past eight, I'm going to turn in," announced Dave. "Good-night, fellows."
"Think I will, too," declared Sam.
"We can get up early and put in a good day to-morrow," added Nat.
"And get a shot at something worth while," commented Hackett. "Just let some of you fellows feel what buck fever is like."
"What is it like, 'Hatchet'?" asked Tom.
"Who said I ever had it? I'll take my chances with the next one—and don't you forget it."
"Did you ever see a deer outside of a wire fence?"