[135] [135] “Look for a place to stay over night,” was the prompt answer. “We’ll need shelter, anyhow. Let’s find a good place, and cut some hemlock branches for a lean-to.” “A cave would be just the cheese,” spoke Dick. “Maybe we can find one if we look.” “Then we’ve got to get busy,” declared Bert. “It’ll soon be dark.” Rather at a loss in which direction to start, the boys walked back along the bank of the river. Then, seeing a sort of trail, they followed that. “Where does it lead to?” asked Jack, as he limped along. “I don’t know,” answered Tom. “It’s been traveled, I can see that, and it may lead us to some sort of shelter.” “I wish it would lead us to a restaurant,” murmured Bert. “Hey, cut out that line of talk!” warned Tom. It was now so dark that they could hardly see, but the trail was firm under their feet. It led up the hillside that sloped away from the river, and then, turning, followed the stream. Tom, who was in the lead, as he usually was, came to a sudden stop when they had traversed several hundred feet on the straight path. So unexpectedly did he come to a halt that Dick, who was right behind, collided with him. [136] [136] “What’s the matter?” he asked. “See a snake, Tom?” “No, but I see something better. If that isn’t a cave I’m all kinds of a star-gazer. Look!” They peered through the gathering dusk to where he pointed and beheld a black opening underneath a ledge of rock. “It’s a cave all right!” cried Jack. “Go ahead in it,” urged Bert. “Maybe it’s where that bear hangs out,” suggested Dick.
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