Part 27 (1/2)

CHAPTER XVIII

FIs.h.i.+NG THROUGH THE ICE

With nothing of importance to do and n.o.body to awaken them, the Rover boys and their chums slept late the next morning. Gif was the first to get up, and, seeing that the others were still asleep, he made as little noise as possible when he went out into the living-room to stir up the smouldering fire and place upon it a couple of extra logs.

”h.e.l.lo, Gif! Up already?” came from Spouter, when the other cadet came back to finish his dressing. ”What sort of a day is it?”

”Clear as crystal, Spouter. It couldn't be better.”

”Then perhaps we'll get a chance to go out hunting.”

”Perhaps.” Gif looked doubtful for a moment. ”I don't know that I care to leave this place until Glutts and Werner have gone.”

”I don't blame you, Gif. It would be just like those mean chaps to try to do some damage before they left. They are not the kind to appreciate in the least what we have done for them.”

”Hardly--after the way they kicked up about was.h.i.+ng a few dishes. It made me sick.”

Gif and Spouter began preparations for breakfast, and while they were at this the four Rovers appeared, one after another. The door to the room turned over to Glutts and Werner remained closed.

”Those fellows are certainly putting in some sleep,” was Jack's comment.

”Shall I wake 'em up?” questioned Fred quickly.

”No. Let them take their own time,” answered Gif. ”With such fine weather they ought to have no trouble in getting away, and there is no use of another row before they start.”

The lads prepared a generous breakfast of pancakes and some sausage meat that had been brought along from Timminsport, washed down with a copious supply of hot coffee. As they ate they cast sundry glances at the closed bedroom door, but saw no sign of Glutts or Werner.

”Gee! they must be sleeping like rocks,” was Andy's comment.

”You'd think the smell of the pancakes and sausage would wake 'em up on such a cold morning as this,” added his twin. ”My! but it's good!”

”Perhaps they thought they wouldn't bother us about breakfast and take it out in sleep instead,” suggested Fred.

”Say, did any of you fellows get up during the night to get something to eat--crackers or cheese, or anything like that?” questioned Gif quickly.

All of the others shook their heads.

”What makes you ask that question, Gif?” remarked Jack.

”Why, I saw a lot of crumbs scattered over the kitchen table and on the floor.”

”Maybe Glutts and Werner got up to get something--” began Fred, and then a sudden idea came into his mind and he gave a start. ”Gee! what would you say if they were gone?”

”Gone!” echoed the others.

”Maybe they're not in that room at all!” added Jack.

”I'll soon find out!” answered Gif, and, leaving the breakfast table, he went over and tried the bedroom door. It was unlocked, and he opened it and went inside.