d their path very carefully, and as a
consequence they now found themselves somewhat bewildered.

"If the sun was only out we'd know in what direction to steer,"
remarked Jack. "But when the sky is this way, a fellow is apt to get
completely turned around."

"It's too bad we didn't bring a pocket compass."

"That's true. However, we haven't got one, so we'll have to make the
best of it. Come on!"

They had paused for a moment to rest and to survey their surroundings.
Now they continued their tramping, and at length came out on the edge
of a sheet of water which they at first took to be the pond they had
previously visited.

"There they go! Quick, Jack!" sang out Fred, and blazed away with his
shotgun. His cousin followed suit, and soon they found they had bagged
two additional rabbits--one the largest yet brought low.

"This isn't the pond at all!" cried Jack, in some disappointment, after
the excitement of shooting the rabbits had subsided. "I never saw this
spot before."

"Nor I! What do you make of it, Jack?"

"Don't ask me! It looks as if we were lost."

"Hark! I heard a shot!" cried Fred, a minute later, while the pair were
looking around trying to make up their minds in what direction to
proceed next. "Maybe those are our fellows shooting."

The shot had come from their right, and was presently followed by
another. Thinking their friends might be close at hand, the Rovers
started off as well as they could through the brushwood and between the
trees. But then they came to some rough ground covered with rocks, and
here further progress was all but impossible. In the meanwhile, no
further reports had reached their ears.

"We are sure up against it," remarked Jack, after he and his cousin had
looked at each other rather helplessly. It was darker than ever, and
the snow still continued to sift down through the trees.

"Maybe we'll have to stay out here all night," said Fred, after
consulting his watch. "It's half past five now."

"We ought to be on the way back to the Hall if we expect any supper,"
replied his cousin.

Being unable to advance further in that direction, the Rover boys
sought to retrace their steps, and after considerable trouble managed
to return to the sheet of water they had left a while before. But by
this time the darkness of night had fallen.

"It's no use!" cried Fred, helplessly. "We're lost, that's all there is
to it!"

"It was bad enough while it was daylight, Fred. I reall