Jack and John ran to where Nat stood. There was the lightning-scarred trunk. Once more they had traveled in a circle. They had not read the moss signs aright. It was such a shock that, for a few moments, the boys did not know what to say. They had been so sure they were journeying in the right direction, that, to find they had merely gone back on their own trail, was more than discouraging. "Thought you said you knew how to read signs, and where north was," spoke Jack, looking at John. "Well, I thought I did," the Indian replied. "I'm sure I am right, only I think we must have made a mistake in our directions." "Well, we're here, and what are we going to do?" asked Nat. About them the fog swirled, lazily moving this way and that, in response to gentle puffs of wind, but never lifting enough to enable them to get a glimpse of the sun, to determine where they were, or in which direction to travel. "Let's eat, anyhow," suggested Jack. "We'll feel better after that." It was no very cheerful meal, and they were three very much worried boys. They said little while partaking of the bacon, bread and coffee, the horses cropping the sparse grass near by. But, in a little while, Jack laughed. "What's the use of feeling blue?" he asked. "We're lost, that's sure enough, but we're in a civilized country, and we'll get home, or somewhere, sooner or later. Come on, let's have another try." "Then you can lead the way, I'll not," spoke John a little sharply. "I'm not going to be blamed again." "Oh, come now!" exclaimed Jack. "Don't mind what we said. Of course it wasn't your fault. It would happen to any one!" All that afternoon they traveled, until it was hard work to urge the horses on, as they were becoming tired. The boys spoke but seldom, and John seemed more glum than ever. Once or twice Jack tried to joke with him, but it was a failure. The half Indian lad was exhibiting some of the traits of his ancestors. Gradually it grew darker, until, with the thick fog, and the overhanging trees, it was almost like twilight. "How much further?" asked Nat. "I guess we can camp any time you want to," Jack said. "Do you think we are any further along the trail, or have we just traveled in a bigger circle?" Nat inquired. "Hard to say," replied Jack. "At any rate I don't see our old friend the queer tree. We must have ascended some for it's been up hill the last two hours." They found a well sheltered place, underneath a big clump of trees, that would serve as a canopy for themselves and the horses. The animals were tethered, after being allowed to feed on a patch of grass, and then they had supper. After the meal John seemed to be in better spirits, and took a more cheerful view of things. "I guess the fog will lift by morning," he said. But it did not, and, when the boys arose to prepare breakfast, after an uncomfortable night, the white curtain was thicker than ever.