When the men had retired, they swooped.

One big fellow arrived first, and lit in defiance of the rest.
"Give it to 'im!" whispered Nolan, who had been watching.
Bob hit the other end of the pole a mighty whack with his ax.

The astonished jay, projected straight upward by the shock, gave a startled squawk and cut a hole through the air for the tall timber.

Stratton and Nolan went into convulsions of laughter.
"Get at it!" cried the cookee, as though setting a pack of dogs on their prey.
The men ate, perched in various attitudes and places.

Thorpe found it difficult to keep warm.