The Go Ahead Boys in the Island Camp Part 3

"Oh, the summer will go fast enough. Don't worry about that," Grant warned him. "It'll be over before we know it."

At last the fire burned low until it was nothing but a ma.s.s of glowing embers. John arose to his feet and yawned. "I'm going in and try those new beds we made this afternoon," he said. "I'm tired."

"I'm sleepy, too," exclaimed Grant. "Let's all turn in."

The few remaining coals from the fire were carefully scattered so that they could do no damage during the night. These four friends had had enough experience in the woods to know what a forest fire means. They also knew that all good woodsmen were careful about such things and always had regard for the rights of others.

Every one was sleepy and it was not long before four tired and happy boys were stretched upon four sweet-smelling balsam beds, sound asleep.

How long he slept John could not tell when he suddenly awoke with the feeling that he had heard a cry for help.

CHAPTER III-JOHN HEARS SOMETHING

John sat upright and peered about him in the darkness, every nerve alert. He heard nothing, however. Perhaps he had been mistaken after all. George's mishap that afternoon had been on his mind and probably he had dreamed of it.

Somehow the feeling that he had heard a cry still seemed very distinct, however, and it gave him a most unpleasant sensation. He listened intently. He could hear the deep and steady breathing of his three comrades lying asleep around him, and he heaved a sigh of relief. At least nothing had happened to them.

Not a sound came to break the silence of the night and John began to feel sure that he had been deceived. He prepared himself to lie down again and go to sleep. He must have had a nightmare, he thought. Who could be in trouble on a calm, still night like this? At any rate it was none of their party and undoubtedly was no one at all. It had all been a dream, though a most unpleasant one, and John s.h.i.+vered unconsciously at the recollection. His nerves had all been set on edge, but gradually he quieted down and once more settled himself to rest.

Barely had he closed his eyes, however, when the cry was repeated. There was no mistaking it this time, and John instantly was wide awake once more, the cold s.h.i.+vers dancing up and down his spine. Never had he heard such a voice. Some one evidently was in terrible distress mingled with fear with which hopelessness seemed combined. The voice trailed off in a wail of despair that brought John's heart up into his mouth.

It seemed to him that the cry must have awakened his companions as well, but no, he could still hear their regular breathing even above the violent pounding of his heart. What should he do? There was no question about it this time; it had not been a dream. Some one was in trouble and needed help, and evidently needed it badly. Consequently it was needed quickly, too, and John was determined to do his best.

He leaned over in the darkness and felt for the boy who was lying next to him.

"Grant," he whispered. "Grant, wake up."

Grant merely groaned and stirred uneasily.

"Wake up, Grant," he repeated, shaking his friend by his shoulder. "Wake up, I tell you."

"What do you want?" demanded Grant sleepily. "What's the matter?"

"Matter enough," exclaimed John. "There's somebody in trouble out here on the lake and he's calling for help."

"Is that so?" cried Grant, now wide awake. "Are you sure?"

"I heard him call twice."

"Was it a man?"

"I think so. I never heard such a voice. It was awful."

"We'd better go see what we can do then," exclaimed Grant. "Which direction did the voice come from?"

"I couldn't say; it seemed to come from all over. Oh, Grant, it was awful."

"Sure you didn't dream it?"

"Positive. I know I heard it."

"Come along then," said Grant. "We'll go outside and get one of the canoes and see what we can find. Maybe we'll hear it again."

"I don't know; it sounded to me as though it was the death cry of some one. I never heard such a thing in all my life."

"Get your sweater and some trousers," directed Grant. "Don't wake Fred and Pop yet. We'll see what we can do first."

John and Grant rose carefully to their feet and laid aside their blankets. Feeling their way, they soon located their clothes and a moment later, partly dressed, they stepped forth from the tent. The night was clear, and the moon, in its last quarter, lighted up the trees and the water in a ghostly manner.

"Are the paddles-" began Grant, when the cry was repeated. This time it seemed only a short distance from their camp and out on the lake.

Perhaps some one had upset a boat and was struggling in the water.

"There it is," cried John, clutching Grant excitedly by the arm. "Did you hear that? Isn't that terrible?"

"Is that what you heard before?" demanded Grant.

"Yes, the same voice. Hurry! We mustn't waste a second."

"Wait a minute, String," and in Grant's voice was the suggestion of a laugh.

"What's the matter?"

"Well, if that's what you heard the other times, I wouldn't be in a great hurry if I were you."

"Why not? Are you crazy, Grant? Can't you tell by that voice that some one is in trouble? Aren't you going to help him?"

"Did you ask me if I was crazy?"

"I did, and I think you are, too. Please hurry, Grant."

"Oh, no, I'm not crazy," said Grant, and there was no mistaking the fact that he was laughing now. "I'm not crazy, but you're loony."

"What do you mean?"

"That's a loon you hear out there."

"A loon," exclaimed John in amazement. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about a bird. That noise you hear is made by a bird named a loon. Haven't you ever heard one before?"

"Never. I don't see how a bird could sound so like a human being."

"That's what it is just the same," said Grant, and he was almost doubled up with laughter now. "I think I'd better wake up Pop and Fred and tell them about your friend that's calling for help."

"Are you positive it's a loon?"