CHAPTER XI.
BACKWOODS GEOMETRY.
The quarrel having ended in the way described in the last chapter, the boys were compelled to find something else to talk about, as they were under a pledge not to refer further to that matter.

They were prepared, therefore, to take an interest in Sam's preparations for resuming the march without the assistance of a compass.

Their curiosity was great to know how he meant to proceed, and it was made greater by what he did first.
The clouds were thick and heavy, as I have already said, so that there was no chance to look at the sun for guidance; but Sam Hardwicke was full of resources.

He had a good habit of observing whatever he saw and remembering it, whether he saw any reason to suppose that it might be of use to him or not.

Just now he remembered something which he had observed the evening before, and he proceeded at once to make use of it.
He cut a stick, sharpened it a little at one end, and drove it into the ground at a spot which he had selected for the purpose.