Árdís - 01.01.1963, Page 31

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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woods. Frank explained about blazing a trail and let Garry blaze
a big tree by a rock. He explained the use of the compass and let
Jim carry it.
“I’d better watch directions myself,” Frank thought. “It would
be terrifying to be lost in the woods.”
The other summer cottages were closed; there was no one to
call on for help.
THE AIR had a pleasant smell of damp earth and evergreen
needles. A squirrel galloped along the ground and Skipper
dashed after it. The small animal escaped up a tree and sat on a
limb and scolded the dog. The boys walked on without stopping
for there was no suitable material for bows and arrows among
these big spruce and pine trees. Then they came to the edge of
the forest and Garry blazed a big pine tree so they’d know where
to re-enter the woods.
Across a dried-up slough covered with tall dead grass and
brush, Frank saw a stand of willows, at the foot of a hill. Willow
was the best wood for bows, strong and tough and with good spring
to it. The boys headed across the slough wth Skipper scampering
about sniffing strange scents. They had almost reached the wil-
lows when a snowshoe rabbit came out of the brush. Instantly
Skipper gave chase. They ran in circles, then the rabbit disappeared
into the willows with the dog at his heels.
Frank’s whistle was answered by a muffled whine.
“Maybe he’s caught in a wolf snare,” Frank said. “But he’s
used to a leash, won’t thrash about and choke himself like a wild
animal, but we must find him.”
They entered the willows. The branches were close and en-
twined, hard to walk through. Frank kept an eagle eye on the
boys. He whistled again and was again answered by that strange
whine.
The boys moved forward and came to a clearing. Standing
there, listening, trying to get the direction of the sound, Frank saw
Roy suddenly run forward, and disappear. As if the ground had
swallowed him. Which it had.
Now Frank was scared; his heart pounded in his chest. “Stay
where you are,” he ordered the twins sternly.