Both boys were now hungry once
more, and reckoned that it was well past the noon hour.
"I'll set you free, and then we'll look around for something to eat,"
said Tom.
"Hadn't we better get out as soon as we can?" asked his brother.
"Remember, they may come back at any moment, and we are no match for
them."
"It will take but a minute to pick up something, if it's around, Sam.
Besides, we have got to have something in our stomachs before we set
off to hunt up Dick and Mr. Barrow."
As soon as Sam was freed they rah to the outer cave. Here, on some
tree-roots overhead, hung a number of traps, including a knapsack
containing crackers and cheese, and close by it was a portion of rabbit,
left over from the morning repast.
"Just what we want!" cried Tom. "Now, if we only had a gun----"
He broke off short, as a crashing outside greeted their ears. The noise
continued several seconds, then ceased abruptly.
"What do you suppose that was?" questioned Sam. "It can't be our enemies
returning."
"No, I think it was some wild animal--perhaps a wildcat.
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