So they finally prepared to lie down and get what sleep was possible,
which under the conditions could hardly be expected to amount to a
great deal.
Their blankets were folded in such fashion as to give them the best
results. This wrinkle they had learned in the field of practical
experience, than which there is no better guide. Theory is all very
well, but the book-taught scout has a great many ideas to change
when he gets out into the open, with the stars shining down on him
from the blue vault of heaven and the voices of Nature surrounding
him on every side, instead of the bare ceiling and walls of his
bedroom at home.
That night certainly dragged along fearfully. Every now and then one
of the boys would turn over and grunt, or else raise his head to look
around him at the flickering light of the fire on the walls of the
lonely woods' shack.
As many as six times did Hugh crawl out from the warm folds of his
blanket to replenish the fire, for the night air was chill; and after
one has slept, his body is apt to feel cold, as the heart beats
less rapidly, and the blood circulates with more difficulty.
But thank goodness, these things must all have an end, and Bud heaved
a sigh of profound thanksgiving when finally he saw signs of dawn
appear through the open window.
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