"I believe I may have touched him," admitted Russ, not a little proudly. "There was a big charge of shot in that cartridge, and it probably scattered. He can't be badly hurt though, but it may make him go serenade someone else. We've had enough." The howls grew fainter, and there was a crashing in the bushes and tree limbs that told of the retreat of some creature. Finally these sounds ceased, and once more there was silence and darkness, illuminated only by the lantern and the faint glow of the smudge-fire. "Do you really think it's gone?" asked Ruth faintly, as she nestled closer to her sister and Mrs. Maguire. "I hope so," ventured Alice. "I guess we've heard the last of it," Russ assured them. "But don't worry. We'll be on the watch the rest of the night. I wish we could have a fire; but I'm afraid it's out of the question." "Let's try, anyhow," suggested Paul. "It will give us something to do. I'm cold and stiff. Maybe we can find a bit of dry wood." "It is chilly," complained Ruth, and she shivered. The night was cold and damp. Nor were the piece of canvas and the raincoats much protection. Still, it was better than nothing. "Well, we'll try a fire," agreed Russ, as he prepared to go ashore with Paul. "Oh--don't--don't go!" begged Ruth, nervously. "Why not?" asked the young actor. "Because--that beast--!" "I fancy he's far enough off by now," answered Russ. "A fire will be our best protection, if we can make one. Come on, Paul, let's try it, anyhow." "Oh, I--I don't like them to go," protested Ruth. "Silly! It's the best thing to do," answered Alice. "They probably need a little exercise. They haven't so much room in their end of the boat as we have." "Oh, of course, I don't want them to be uncomfortable," returned Ruth, quickly. Searching about with the lantern Russ and Paul managed to get enough dry wood to start a blaze. It was a tiny one at first, but as the wood dried out the flames grew apace until there was a really good camp fire. "How's that?" called Russ, as he dropped a pile of sticks into the flames. "Lovely!" answered Alice. "It isn't half so lonesome now," added Ruth. She tried to be cheerful--as cheerful as Alice seemed, though really both girls, in their hearts, were worrying over the effect their absence would have on their father. "Now we've done this much, let's do a little more," suggested Paul. "Let's brew some coffee. I fancy the girls must be chilly. I know I am." "Good idea! Coffee for five!" cried Russ, as though giving orders to a restaurant waiter. "I wouldn't sleep, anyhow, after hearing that beast scream," said Ruth. "Do make coffee." The alcohol stove was soon lighted and the aromatic odor of the hot beverage floated on the air. The little party made merry--as merry as possible under the circumstances.