all right.” “That’s so,” agreed Bert, as he and Jack[140] lighted some dry sticks of wood they had picked up on the floor of the cave. The place was now comparatively light. [140] Dick lowered his gun, which he had been holding in readiness for another shot if necessary, and as the torches blazed up more brightly, he uttered a startled cry. “What is it?” demanded Tom. “Do you see a bear?” “No, but I see where there’s been a fire in here,” answered Dick, “and, unless I’m mistaken, there’s something here to eat.” “Get out!” cried Bert incredulously. “Don’t raise our hopes,” pleaded Jack. “I’m half starved.” For answer Dick went farther back into the cave where his companions could see some boxes. Then came a cry of triumph. “It’s all right fellows!” shouted Dick. “Someone has been camping here, and they’ve left enough stuff so we won’t starve until morning, anyhow. Here’s some canned meat, some crackers, a bit of stale bread, and a coffee pot. There’s coffee too, if my nose is good for anything!” “Hurray!” yelled Jack. “Hold me, someone, I’m going to faint.” “Is it real food?” demanded Tom. “It looks like it,” answered Dick. [141] [141] “Then, fellows, get in some wood, strip some bark for torches and we’ll make a fire and eat,” suggested Tom. “Is there anything we can get water in, Dick?” “Yes, here’s a battered pail. It may leak, but I guess it will hold enough for coffee. And there are some tin cups, too.” “Good! Bert, you get some water. We passed a spring just before we found this cave. See if you can locate it. Jack, you and Dick sort this stuff out, and I’ll get wood for the fire.” Thus Tom soon had his little force busily
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