"We walked along the shore for almost quarter of a mile," said Whopper,
"but we didn't see a blessed thing that looked like the boat. I am
afraid it's gone for good."

"If it is we'll have to go home, and that will be the end of this
outing," answered Shep.

"Oh, we're going to find that boat!" declared Giant. "But I don't
think we'll be able to do much until daybreak."

They followed the shore for a short distance further, and then went
back to the temporary camp. It was now half-past three in the morning.

"It will be growing light in another hour," said Whopper. "I move we
get breakfast and be ready to start off as soon as we can see."

His suggestion was carried out. Snap's swim had made him cold, and
he was glad enough to drink two cups of steaming hot coffee. The boys
had brought some doughnuts along, and these, with the coffee and some
fried fish, gave them a very appetizing breakfast. They took their
time eating, waiting impatiently for the first signs of light in the
eastern sky.

At last it was light enough to see almost across the lake, and then
they looked in all directions for some sign of the missing rowboat.
The craft was not in sight, and once again the party divided, this
time Whopper and Snap going to the south and Shep and Giant to the
north. Each took his gun along, and it was Snap who told them to make
sure the firearms were loaded.