He would be behind them if he came down to the lake, but it was obvious that they must carry out their plans before he arrived.
When Thirlwell thought they were near the camp they left the beach and crept cautiously into the darkness among the trees that grew upon a rocky point.

Now and then the underbrush rustled and a low branch cracked, but they heard nothing when they stopped and listened.

After a few minutes they reached the other side of the point and lay down among the stones.

In front, a narrow bay opened, with the shadowy bush running round.

Two canoes lay on the beach, and although they were black and indistinct, Thirlwell imagined they had only been pulled up a few feet.
Farther back, the glow of a fire flickered among the trunks, but it was a small fire and burned low and red.