If they go on beyond here they will find other evidences that will lead them still further on.

You see I wanted to get them as far away from home as possible so as to keep them out after dark." Hazel manipulated the rowboat until they were in the deep shadows of the rocks, after which they climbed aboard the "Red Rover." Harriet explained her plans to her companions and directed them to keep as quiet as possible in case any of the searchers should come that way.

The girls had pulled the houseboat into the secret retreat on the previous night.
They had kept a watchful eye on the boys all the morning, to see what they were planning to do, and Jane had given the lads the creeps by uttering wild, weird cries in the depths of the forest.
Harriet and Jane cooked themselves something to eat.

They had been out for a long time and were hungry.

Their companions and guardian were sitting about chatting with them.