ere are some sandwiches and other things left," Russ told her.
"Luckily we didn't eat all of them. And I can make coffee."

"Then please do!" cried Ruth. "I'm cold from the rain, and it may help my
nerves!"

"You shouldn't have them, sister mine!" mocked Alice. They were all in
better spirits now. The moon was higher, and gave a good illumination,
being at the full.

There were some heavy rugs in the boat, having been brought along to use
in the picnic scene in the woods. While Paul arranged these in the bottom
of the craft, and put some cushions against the seats so that Mrs.
Maguire and the two girls could lean against them, Russ prepared the
coffee. A jug of drinking water had been brought along, for the water of
the creeks and river was not considered good. Then, with an alcohol
stove, set up on a seat, a steaming pot of coffee was soon made.

With that and sandwiches the lost ones made a meal for which they were
all grateful, and in which they stood in much need.

"Oh, how good that was!" sighed Alice. "Is there any more?"

"Well," hesitated Russ, "I was thinking perhaps we'd better save some
until morning. We will want breakfast, you know."

"Don't you think they'll find us--or we them--by breakfast time?" asked
Ruth, apprehensively.

"It's possible that it may not happen," Russ answered, slowly, and his
words seemed rather ominous to the two girls, at least.

"Oh, don't worry," advised Mrs. Maguire. "We'll be all right, I'm sure.
At the same time it might be a good plan not to eat all the food we
have."

"Oh, I agree to that!" said Alice, hastily.

"I'll shoot a wild turkey to-morrow," promised Paul, with a laugh. "Then
we will have a real Thanksgiving feast."

"I hope we don't have to stay as long as that," sighed Ruth. "Oh, how
father will worry!" she said to Alice.

"Probably, but it can't be helped. He will know we would come back if we
could, and he'll know we will take care of ourselves."

"Still, he can't help worrying," insisted Ruth.

Fortunately the boat was a roomy one, and the lost ones were not as
uncomfortable as might have been imagined, with the rugs and cushions and
the piece of canvas, as well as their raincoats, for covering.

The craft was tied to a tree on shore, in a sort of little cove, and
there the five prepared to spend the night. The moon came up higher over
the trees, and shone down on the strange scene.

"I wish it were light enough for some pictures," sighed Russ.