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It was a cold and windy night. It was three hours since the boys last rested.
The night forest was so dark that it was difficult for them to make their way around,
even though they each had a torchlight and a compass to direct them.
Richard, who was all round and plump from too much good food, began to grumble.
"My stomach's growling! It's been four hours since our last meal! And my legs are so tired,
I can hardly move another step!" Don and Ashton sighed because they were just as
tired and hungry but they never complained half as much as Richard.
Tired of Richard's complaints, they walked to the nearest clearing to spend the night.
Richard sat down and was asleep in less than five minutes, so it was up to Don and Ashton to pitch the tents.
The two boys were extremely efficient in their work, so they soon had their tent
taut and ready for use. They looked at Richard who was fast asleep.
They decided to play a prank on him to teach him a lesson for being so lazy on this camping trip.
They gathered some grass for their costumes and smeared mud all over themselves.
Then, they each looked for a long branch which looked like spears in the dark and woke Richard with a rough push.
When Richard opened his eyes, all he saw were two dark figures standing above him with spears in their hands.
He thought they were people of the forest tribes and he shivered.
Don and Ashton told him that they were cannibals looking for their dinner.
Richard looked as if he would make them a splendid meal because he was so fat and juicy.
Richard was so frightened that he begged for his life.
The two boys saw how pitiful Richard looked and burst out laughing.
Richard was angry for a while but he soon forgave Don and Ashton. |
