He vowed to wreak a
woodsman's vengeance on any fellow who balked it by shaking the boat, or
by moving body or rifle so as to make a noise.
A light, humming breeze had been blowing all day; but as the afternoon
waned, it died down. The evening proved clear, chilly, and still.
"Is this a likely night for calling, Herb?" asked Cyrus anxiously,
taking a survey of sky and lake from the camp-door about an hour before
the start.
"Fine," answered Herb with satisfaction. "Guess we'll get an answer
sure, if there's a moose within hearing. There ain't a puff of wind to
carry our scent, and give the trick away. But rig yourselves up in all
the clothing you've got, boys; the cold, while we're waiting, may be
more than you bargain for."
The guide had a light boat on the lake, moored below the camp. At six
o'clock he seated himself therein, taking the oars in his brawny hands.
Cyrus and Neal took their places in the stern; while Dol disposed of
himself snugly in the bow, right under a jack-lamp which Herb had
carefully trimmed and lit. But he had closed its sliding door, which,
being padded with buckskin, could be opened and shut without a sound, so
that not a ray of light at present escaped.
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