family will be having a blue fit about us."

"Cheer up! We'll get down all right, only it may take us a little
longer," Van asserted.

They branched into a side path.

The snow swirled about them in blinding sheets, and their footing
became heavy and slippery.

Wandering on, they scanned the trees.

Not a mark appeared.

Both boys were chilled now, and their spirits drooped.

The possibility of being lost on the mountain began to definitely
form itself in their minds.

"I'm mighty sorry I got you into this scrape, Van," Bob said after
a long pause. "I was too cock-sure of myself. That comes of thinking
you know it all."

"Pooh! It wasn't your fault, Bob. I'd give a cent, though, to know
where we are. Do you suppose we've been making any progress all this
time, or just going round in a circle?"

"Search me. I'll bet we've walked miles," groaned Bob. "I've got to
rest if we never find the trail."