Then they improvised new fishing tackle and both boys began to fish.

They knew that they must devote their whole time to this problem of food, and they decided, for the present, not to leave the creek.

They were afraid to renew the search for Wareville, lest they wander deeper into the wilderness, and moreover lose the way to the creek which seemed to be the surest source of food.

So they would stay a while where they were, and keep their fire burning high as a signal to searchers.
Either the fish had learned that the curiously shaped thing with the tempting bait upon it was dangerous, or they had gone to visit friends in distant parts of the creek, for, at least two hours passed, without either boy getting a bite.

When the fish did lay hold it was usually to slip again from the rude hook, and it was at least another hour before they caught a fish.