But then the wind
shifted and the clouds scattered rapidly. Utterly worn out, the boys
leaned against the tent poles and caught such "cat naps" as they could.
When the young hunters finally emerged from the tent a surprise
awaited them. Tommy was ahead of them, and the circus boy had cut
such dry wood as he could find and started a big blaze. More than
this, he had put on a kettle of water to boil.
"Good for you, Tommy!" cried the doctor's son. "We'll soon have a
hot cup of coffee to cheer us, and we can dry out the tent and our
clothing while we get breakfast."
"That's about the worst night I can remember," said Whopper. "My!
how it did pour at first! I thought sure we'd be washed down into
some hillside torrent and into the lake."
They placed all the damp things close to the fire to dry, and put
on their socks and shoes. Then Giant and Whopper, assisted by
Tommy, prepared a rather elaborate breakfast of fish and venison
steaks.
"We deserve a square meal," said Giant. "It will put new vigor into
us." And his words proved true. By the time they had finished the
repast they were ready to joke over the discomforts through which
they had passed.
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