They were warmly clad, even their feet being protected by heavy overshoes.
With caps drawn down over their ears, and warm mittens on their hands, why should they mind if the mercury stood somewhat below zero?
Three of them were out on a trip of exploration.

Hazelton, however, was the young Nimrod.

He wanted to bag a rabbit! Yet, seeing no game, Harry finally persuaded Tom Reade to carry the rifle.
Then at last, all unexpectedly, Hazelton caught sight of a rabbit.

The little animal had hopped briskly over the snow, coming within sight of the Grammar School boys.

Ears pointing straight up, the rabbit sat on its haunches, curiously gazing at these humans.
"Tom! Psst! ps-st! Halt!" called Harry hoarsely over the snow.
"Hey ?" answered Reade, and all four came to a halt.
"There's a rabbit," called Harry softly, pointing.
"Bless me, so there is," agreed Tom.
"Well, why don't you shoot it?
What are you carrying that air rifle for ?" "To oblige you, I guess," responded Tom, not making any motion to raise the rifle.