Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/160

 "We'll leave the camp as it is," the lieutenant briskly ordered. "We'll be back by night, so we'll not need our blankets or meat. See that the horses are well staked, Miller, where they'll be able to drink and forage during the day."

Doctor Robinson had gone outside for a minute. They heard his gun. He came in, packing a partly dressed deer.

"It's a new kind, lieutenant," he panted.

"Good. We'll hang up the hide, to inspect later."

The new kind of deer—a large deer with ears like mule ears—was quickly butchered. They hung its hide and the best of the meat upon a tree, until their return at evening.

"Forward march, to the top, men," the lieutenant bade. "Take only your guns and ammunition. Never mind the canteens. We'll find plenty of water, I'm sure. All ready, doctor?"

"All ready."

With the lieutenant in the lead and Stub bringing up the rear, they attacked the timbered slope. Puff, puff! Wheeze, wheeze! The pine needles underfoot and the frosty soil were slippery. Clouds veiled the sky, the timber depths were dark and cold, but presently they all were sweating. Gulches and draws cut the way, so that by sliding down in and clambering out, or else making circuits they lost much time.