A search proved that he was right. Nor was there any charcoal, since the last had been used some days before, and they had been to no place where they could get more.
"Just when a fellow needs a hot cup of coffee," went on Bob. "I never saw such beastly luck."
Jerry said nothing. He seemed to be studying over some matter.
"What? Some dry wood?" asked Ned with much eagerness.
"No, but I know how to make some hot coffee," was the answer.
Jerry lost no time in explaining. He first went to the auto where he got out rubber coats for himself and his companions. Then, ready to defy the rain, which was coming down at a good clip, Jerry hunted about until he found two large stones. These he set up a short distance apart, placing another each at the front and rear of the first two.
"A heap of good it will do, with no fire in it," growled Bob.
Taking the big search-light, which he had used the night previous, he removed the top, so that the flame could be used for cooking purposes. They prepared a good meal and enjoyed it.
It continued to rain, and to fill in time the boys went fishing in the lake. Luck was with them and within half an hour they had ten fine fish, and then, though they could have taken many more, they did not, as Jerry said they would have no use for them.
"Fish for dinner for me to-day," said Bob, while the others laughed at his usual exhibition of how fond of eating he was. The fish did prove an excellent dish, fried in corn meal on Jerry's improvised stove. Some bacon gave them a relish, and with hot coffee they felt they had as good a meal as many a hotel could serve.
"I wonder where the professor is?" said Ned, when the meal was almost over. "I forgot that he wasn't with us."
"He's off gathering birds, bugs or reptiles," said Jerry. "He'll come when he feels good and hungry."
"He's more likely to forget all about being hungry if he gets chasing a fine specimen," remarked Ned. "I think I'll just take a stroll and see if I can come across him."
So the three started off together. They could easily follow the professor's trail, as he had broken through the underbrush, snapping off many twigs and breaking small branches. The boys wandered on for nearly a mile, but saw no sign of the scientist. They were about to turn back, and wait for him at camp, when Jerry held up his hand to indicate silence.