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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..728adc7 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63873 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63873) diff --git a/old/63873-0.txt b/old/63873-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 42ffb67..0000000 --- a/old/63873-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9481 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Camping in the Winter Woods, by Elmer Russell -Gregor - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Camping in the Winter Woods - Adventures of Two Boys in the Maine Woods - - -Author: Elmer Russell Gregor - - - -Release Date: November 24, 2020 [eBook #63873] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS*** - - -E-text prepared by Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made -available by Villanova University Digital Library -(https://digital.library.villanova.edu)) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 63873-h.htm or 63873-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/63873/63873-h/63873-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/63873/63873-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Villanova University Digital Library. See - https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:380229 - - -Transcriber’s note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - An additional transcriber’s note is at the end. - - - - - -[Illustration: IN THE WINTER WOODS] - - -CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS - -Adventures of Two Boys in the Maine Woods - -by - -ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR - -Illustrated - - -[Illustration] - - - - - - -Harper & Brothers Publishers -New York and London -MCMXII - -Copyright, 1912, by Harper & Brothers - -Printed in the United States of America -Published October, 1912 - -K-M - - - * * * * * - - - THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY - DEDICATED TO MY NEPHEW - - CHARLES RUSSELL GREGOR - - A LAD WITH ALL THE “EAR-MARKS” - OF THE TRUE WOODSMAN - - THE AUTHOR - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAP. PAGE - - I. INTO THE WILDERNESS 1 - - II. A WILD RIDE 20 - - III. BEES AND WILDCATS 35 - - IV. A DEER HUNT 63 - - V. A FOREST FIRE 75 - - VI. AN INTERESTING AFTERNOON 86 - - VII. A VISIT TO THE BEAVERS 98 - - VIII. A BULL MOOSE AND A NARROW ESCAPE 114 - - IX. FISHING THROUGH THE ICE 127 - - X. WINTER SETTLES DOWN 137 - - XI. AN ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR 150 - - XII. LOST! 166 - - XIII. ON THE TRAP LINE WITH BILL 188 - - XIV. A LYNX MAKES TROUBLE 205 - - XV. BILL CAPTURES A PRIZE 220 - - XVI. A VISITOR 232 - - XVII. CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN 241 - - XVIII. AN ENCOUNTER WITH WILD DOGS 255 - - XIX. AN INDIAN CAVE AND ITS OCCUPANTS 270 - - XX. A FIGHT ON THE ICE 287 - - XXI. SPRING AND ITS SPORTS 300 - - XXII. TREED! 316 - - XXIII. OFF TO THE LUMBER CAMP 332 - - XXIV. A DARING RESCUE 353 - - XXV. CALLED HOME 371 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - IN THE WINTER WOODS _Frontispiece_ - - GEORGE LANDED FAIRLY ASTRIDE THE BACK OF THE - FRIGHTENED BUCK _Facing p._ 24 - - GROUSE DRUMMING ON A LOG “ 40 - - FIGHTING A FOREST FIRE “ 80 - - MAKING A PORTAGE “ 98 - - BEAVER HOUSES “ 108 - - THE WHITE MANTLE OF WINTER COVERED THE EARTH “ 138 - - THE BEAR STRUCK OUT WITH ONE HUGE PAW AND - SENT GEORGE OVER BACKWARD “ 158 - - CAUTIOUSLY THE TRAPPER ADVANCED “ 216 - - “WATCH OUT; HERE THEY COME!” “ 262 - - GATHERING THE MAPLE-SUGAR SAP “ 306 - - “RIDING” A LOG DOWN THE STREAM “ 354 - - * * * * * - -CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS - - * * * * * - -CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS - - - - -I INTO THE WILDERNESS - - -As the train stopped before a small station built of logs, two boys -carrying guns and rods sprang from their seats and hurried out into the -fragrant, pine-laden air of northern Maine. They were Edward Williams -and his friend, George Rand. They waved their hands to the conductor as -he swung himself back upon the train, and then they turned to face a -vast forest which seemed to surround the tiny station on every side. - -As they were too young to enter college until the following year, -the lads had been sent to spend the fall and winter in the Maine -woods. Their fathers, both outdoor enthusiasts, whose boyhood days -had been passed on a farm, believed that a taste of pioneer life -would strengthen the boys for their life-work. They would be thrown -largely upon their own resources, and their parents hoped that the -results would justify the experiment. It was to be a new venture in -education--a course for the building of clean, self-reliant manhood. - -Ed and George were accordingly intrusted to the care and tutorage of -Ben Adams, a tried and trusted old woodsman, who had guided their -fathers for many years. Ben was told to teach them whatever he -considered it necessary for them to know. They had their text-books, -also, and a tutor was to keep in touch by letter. So at the end of -a two days’ journey we find the city boys standing curiously on the -threshold of a new world. - -Suddenly a friendly voice called to them, and turning, they saw a -figure which seemed to belong to the forests. - -“Well, boys, you got here all right, eh?” - -They looked up to see a tall, gray-haired man dressed in corduroys -smiling down at them. His face was tanned and kindly, and his keen, -penetrating dark eyes looked at them approvingly; for he winked at the -young station agent, who had just greeted him, and nodded toward the -lads. - -“Are you Mr. Adams?” asked Ed. - -“Yes, I reckon that’s me; but I guess you’d better call me Ben. It -sounds more natural up here,” he laughed. - -The boys smiled at each other, and then Ed offered his hand to the -guide, who smothered it in his own great brown one. - -“I am Ed Williams; and this is my friend, George Rand,” he explained, -introducing his chum. - -Adams then made them acquainted with the agent, and said they had come -to take a course at nature’s school in the woods. - -“Well, now that we all know one another, I’ll get the team, and -we’ll load up and mosey away from here,” and, so saying, the guide -disappeared around the corner of the station. - -The agent had departed to report the passing of the train which had -just gone. - -“Well, what about it?” asked Ed of his friend. - -“I think it is going to be great!” declared George, looking off into -the woods which they were soon to enter. - -Ben drove up with the team and, assisted by the agent, began loading -the luggage into his wagon. When everything was finally tucked away, he -called the boys. - -“You fellows had better telegraph some word to your folks to let them -know you arrived all right. When we get into the woods it may be some -time before you can send a letter out,” he advised. - -“I almost forgot,” confessed Ed, guiltily, as he and George followed -the agent into the station to send a telegram to their parents. - -When they returned, the guide was sitting on the wagon, reins in hand, -impatient to start for camp. The boys quickly climbed aboard and found -seats on top of the baggage. Ben spoke to the team of wiry little -mountain ponies, and with a sudden jerk the wagon started and rattled -down the road toward the wall of towering pines at the edge of the -forest. - -Once in the woods, the road became rougher, and the ponies subsided to -a walk. “Hang on there, you fellows!” shouted the guide, each time the -wheels dropped into a rut or bumped over the top of a rock. The boys -found it great sport, and Ed declared it made him think of stories he -had read about Rocky Mountain roads. - -A low-hanging hemlock limb swept the cap from George’s head, and Ben -stopped the team that he might go back and recover it. George jumped -down. He was about to pick up his cap when something went tearing -through the woods at the roadside with such a tremendous noise that he -half-started toward the wagon in alarm. - -Ed grasped the guide by the arm and inquired breathlessly, “What’s -that?” - -“Don’t get scared so easy,” laughed Ben. “That was only a partridge, or -ruffed grouse some call them. You’ll see and shoot lots of them; yes, -and eat them, too. Why, look at George, he’s pale yet,” he chuckled. - -George had meanwhile recovered his cap and climbed thankfully back to -his seat. As they traveled along, Ben told about the bird that had -given them their first fright in the woods. - -“He has lots of tricks to fool you with, but you fellows will learn -them all before you go back home,” he promised. - -For some time they bumped along over the rough wood-road in silence, -the boys gazing with interest into the deep, somber woods which -stretched away for miles on both sides of them. Once George thought -he saw some large animal sneaking off between the trees. He pulled Ed -excitedly by the sleeve and endeavored to make him see it. They spoke -to Ben about it, but he only smiled and said he guessed it was nothing -much. - -“You’ll see plenty of animals later on,” he told them; and they poked -each other in gleeful anticipation. - -All at once the guide stopped the team and pointed down at a muddy spot -in the road. - -“See anything?” he asked. - -They looked carefully, and finally Ed said: “Why, yes, there are some -marks down there.” - -“What kind of marks?” demanded Ben. - -They had to confess they did not know; and then he told them they were -the footprints of deer. Instantly both boys were down from the wagon, -bending eagerly over those interesting tracks. Neither of them had ever -seen a wild deer, though they had heard their fathers tell many stories -of these graceful creatures, and how Ben tracked them through the woods. - -“Don’t you notice any difference in them?” he asked. - -“They all look very much alike, except that some are bigger than -others,” declared George, glancing over his shoulder as though he half -expected to see the animals themselves walk into view. - -“Is that all you notice?” persisted Ben. - -“That is all we can see,” replied Ed. - -“Well, now let me tell you about them,” and the guide began to explain. -“You see, there are large tracks, medium-sized tracks, and small -ones. The large ones, you’ll observe, are rather blunt, and so I know -they were made by a buck. He blunts the tips of his toes by stamping -around. The medium-sized ones are quite sharp at the point, and were -undoubtedly made by a doe, and the small tracks beside them were made -by her fawn, a little deer born last spring. - -“Then you’ll see, if you look sharp, that the big tracks cover the -medium-sized ones in several places, which shows that the buck came -along some time after the doe and her fawn had passed. Notice that the -little pools in the big tracks are still roiled, which means that the -buck has passed only a short time ago. - -“Now, look here; see, his tracks are nearer together and run into one -another. He heard something which frightened him, possibly us, and -started to trot away. Here is where he turned from the road. See that -long mark in the bank? He left the road, jumped up that steep place, -and went galloping away through the woods. Yes, here are some broken -twigs where he went through.” - -Ben smiled at the boys and led them to the wagon. - -“Well, all aboard, we’ll go on now,” he said. - -The lads looked at him in wonder. They did not understand how he could -read so much from the few marks in the mud, which, had he not called -them to their attention, they would never have noticed. - -“Well, that’s your first lesson,” said Ben, as he started the team. -“You’ll have many more.” - -“My, you know a lot!” declared Ed, enthusiastically. “Who told you all -that, Ben?” - -“‘The Old Man of the Woods,’” he laughed, and the boys wondered who -that might be. - -At the foot of a long hill they came to a bit of low, open country, -apparently a swamp, or marsh. The wagon bumped and bounced so that -the boys had all they could do to hang on. Looking down, they were -surprised to find that the road was made of logs laid side by side, -lengthwise, across it. They asked Ben for an explanation, and he said -it was what was called a “corduroy” road; so named because of its -similarity to the ridges in that cloth. - -Then he explained that the ground beneath was soft and marshy, and -that without the logs the wagon would sink to the hubs. He said the -lumbermen built such roads that they could draw out their great loads -of logs which they cut far back in the forest. The boys became -interested at once and asked about these men and their work. The guide -finally promised that some time he would take them to a lumber camp, -where they could see these things for themselves. - -Suddenly Ben stopped his story and stood up, pulling on the reins and -shouting orders to his team. Almost before Ed and George realized what -had happened, the wagon plunged down a steep bank and was bumping its -way through the racing waters of a fair-sized river. The ponies tugged -and splashed, the wagon rocked and creaked, and Ben yelled and plied -his whip. The river roared angrily, and great white-crested waves broke -over the side of the wagon-box. - -Then came a jolt that almost tumbled the boys off into the water. They -clutched each other in panic as they saw one of the ponies fall to -its knees, and felt the wagon swung around by the powerful current. -The guide was plying his whip unmercifully, for they were tipping -dangerously over on one side. He finally got the pony on its feet -again, and his wagon straightened out and made the opposite bank in -safety; and the boys yelled with delight. - -A little farther on, however, they came to real grief, for the forward -wheels sank over the hubs into a bog-hole, and in trying to drag them -out one of the ponies became mired in the black, oozy ground. - -Shouting to the lads to throw off such parts of the load as they -could lift before the weight of it sent the wheels deeper, Ben jumped -down and quickly unhitched the other horse. Taking a stout rope from -beneath the wagon-seat, he made one end fast to the free pony and tied -the other end to the bemired animal. Urging and helping the straining -horse, he at length freed the imprisoned pony. - -Then assisting the boys, who had been working with a will, the guide -unloaded the balance of the baggage. He told the lads to collect some -rocks and pile them near the sunken axle. Next he took his ax and -chopped down a small spruce-tree, from which he trimmed the branches. -Fastening the ponies together again, he led them forward the full -length of the rope until they stood on firm ground. Then he cut a -number of stout poles, which the boys carried and placed across the -road in front of the wheels, so that when once released they would not -sink again, but might travel over the improvised “corduroy” to solid -ground. - -After much hard work everything was in readiness for an attempt at -moving the wagon. Ben ordered the boys forward to guide the team, -and cautioned them not to start the horses until he gave the word. -Then, using the ax for a shovel, he dug the earth away from before the -forward wheels. He placed the spruce pole between the pile of rocks and -one of the forward hubs, to serve as a lever or prop. - -Ben gave the word to start and, as the boys urged the ponies forward, -threw his weight on the end of the pole. The wheels came up, lurched -forward upon the bridge of poles, and the wagon bumped its way safely -along to solid ground, where it was repacked. - -Tired, but elated at the thought that they had been of actual use in -their first real difficulty, the boys resumed their places with much -satisfaction. They blushed with pride when Ben turned and complimented -them on their behavior. - -Several times they flushed grouse, which rose with a great roar of -wings and thundered away between the tree-trunks. George declared they -looked like chickens. To which Ben added, “And taste better.” - -Coming at length to an old camp-site by the side of a pretty little -woodland stream, the guide stopped his team and, turning, said: “It’s -some time past noon, boys, and we’ve got quite a spell to go yet -before dark. Guess your breakfast must have been shook down long ago. -Suppose we get off here, build a fire, and cook a bite to eat?” - -They were quite ready; but what they were to eat, or how or where they -were to cook it, they did not know, for neither Ed nor George had ever -camped in the real wilderness before. - -Ben soon solved the difficulty by taking from a box beneath the -wagon-seat tin-plates, knives, forks, cups, and spoons. Then from a -small deer-hide case he brought forth six eggs, some delicious-looking -brown biscuits, a piece of bacon, and a coffee-pot. Having deposited -all these things on the ground near a convenient log, he set the boys -at work gathering sticks with which to start a fire. - -These sticks were skilfully arranged between two logs, and soon a -crackling blaze was frying the eggs and bacon in the pan, while farther -along between the logs the coffee-pot was giving forth a tempting aroma. - -The lads sat cross-legged on the ground and ate their first woodland -meal with keen relish. When they had finished, and Ben had smoked a -pipe, he sent them to the stream for water, which was heated over the -bed of glowing embers. Then he gave George a dish-cloth and Ed a -coarse towel, and set them at work cleaning and drying the dishes. This -task finished, the horses were hitched to the wagon; and Ben and the -lads climbed aboard, and once more started along the trail. - -Noisy jays chattered from the tops of the tallest pines; squirrels -scolded from beside the road; and high overhead a large hawk circled -about on motionless wings and screamed down at them. The boys asked Ben -all sorts of questions about the birds and animals they were likely to -see in the woods. - -Late in the afternoon they branched off upon a new road that led -straight away into the deepest solitudes of the forest. Ben said -they were within a short distance of the cabin, and the boys peered -anxiously forward to obtain a glimpse of the place which was to be -their home for many months to come. This new route followed along the -shore of a beautiful woodland lake, and visions of fishing filled their -minds as they gazed out over its glistening blue waters. - -Just as the sun was sinking behind a ridge of pine-clad mountains Ben -shouted, and, much to the surprise of his companions, an answer at once -came back. Looking ahead, as the guide pointed with his whip, the boys -saw the outlines of a log house. In a few moments more the wagon came -to a stop before the door, where stood a great bearded man in rough -hunting clothes, who greeted them heartily. - -Ben introduced him as the owner of the team, and said that after -spending the night with them he would drive to his own cabin, some -fifteen or twenty miles distant, in the morning. - -While Ben and his friend unhitched the horses, and busied themselves -with unloading the wagon, the boys wandered about examining the cozy -log cabin, which was the first one they had ever seen. - -It was of generous proportions, and was built entirely of great peeled -logs, laid one on top of the other. The spaces between them had been -closed with pine slabs sealed over with mud. The roof was made of split -logs scooped out in the style of troughs and placed side by side, with -another slab over each two where they came together, scooped side down. -On top of them was piled earth and moss, which gave the appearance of a -sod roof. The house contained but one large room, in which was a door -and three good-sized windows. At the back of this room were four bunks, -two on either side, built one above the other. They were of large -dimensions, and would each accommodate two persons comfortably. These -bunks were filled with the tips of balsam boughs to a considerable -depth, and over this improvised mattress was spread, first, a piece of -heavy tarpaulin, and then, on top of this, several heavy blankets. In -the front part of the room was a small cook-stove, on which several -pots were simmering. Along one side of this combination living, -sleeping, and dining room was a home-made bookcase of unpeeled logs, -whose shelves held many old and entertaining volumes, mostly of -adventure. On the other side were racks and hooks for clothes and -accouterments. In one corner a pantry was built for dishes and cooking -accessories. Midway between the hard earth floor and the roof-peak, -poles were laid crosswise of the room, thus forming a sort of overhead -attic for the storing of additional baggage. A pine table covered -with red oil-cloth did service for reading, writing, and dining; and -home-made three-legged stools served as chairs. - -Their inspection finished, the boys went outside and found the men at -work building an improvised corral of logs. The ponies were driven -into it and bedded down for the night with soft hemlock boughs. Then -they all turned into the cabin, for the autumn twilight had already -descended, and supper, thoughtfully prepared by the owner of the team, -was ready. - -In the light furnished by a large lantern hung overhead in the center -of the room they sat about the red-topped table and partook of a -bountiful meal. There was deliciously browned fish fresh from the -near-by lake, hot, crumbly corn-bread, fried potatoes, great steaming -cups of tea, and canned peaches and home-made cookies for dessert. The -boys ate until they could scarcely move; and when they had finally -stopped because they were ashamed to eat any more, they rose and helped -Ben with the dishes. - -The two woodsmen sat for some time smoking and telling experiences, and -Ed and George listened to every word. It was very dark outside, and -from time to time one or other of the boys cast glances out through the -open door and wondered what animals were prowling about in the great -black woods which surrounded the cabin on all sides. - -Suddenly the stillness of the night was broken by a wild, piercing -scream from the forest. The men stopped talking and looked first at -each other and then at the boys, who sat with staring eyes and open -mouths gazing out into the darkness. Not a word was spoken while -they waited and listened for a repetition of the uncanny call. Then -an involuntary exclamation of alarm escaped the lads, for the cry was -repeated, this time nearer at hand; and they moved uneasily away from -the door. - -The woodsmen smiled reassuringly, and then Ben allayed the fears of his -young guests. - -“That’s a lynx out hunting for his supper. Don’t get uneasy about him; -you’ll hear and see him often between now and spring.” - -“What sort of a creature is it?” inquired Ed, glancing toward the door. - -“Why, he’s a kind of overgrown wildcat,” Ben explained, laughing. “He’s -savage enough if you corner him and make him fight; but otherwise he’ll -usually get out of your way.” - -The call was not repeated; but it made a deep impression on the boys, -who, never having seen the animal that made it, conjured up all sorts -of dreadful creatures in their imaginations. - -At last the guide knocked the ashes from his pipe, and after closing -and bolting the door, much to the satisfaction of the boys, declared -it time to go to bed. Ed and George decided to share a bunk between -them, and chose one of the upper ones. Bidding the men good night, they -climbed aloft, rolled themselves in the heavy blankets, and, sinking -deep in the fragrant bed of balsam, were soon sound asleep. - -George was rudely awakened by something striking him forcibly on the -chest and scampering across his face. Rising bolt upright in his -fright, he grasped Ed by the hair. As he, too, sat up half asleep, -George inquired, breathlessly, “What’s that?” - -“What’s what?” asked Ed, at once wide awake. - -“Listen!” cautioned George, in a hoarse whisper. - -They sat perfectly still, and, above the nervous thumpings of their -own hearts, heard strange scamperings, thuds, and scratchings on the -logs near the roof of the cabin. Then something soft and furry sailed -through space and struck Ed full in the face. This was more than they -could stand, and, uttering a wild yell, both of them tumbled out -of their bunk and scrambled hastily down to where the woodsmen lay -convulsed with laughter. - -“What’s the matter with you fellows?” asked Ben, when they tugged at -his arm with trembling fingers. - -“Say, Ben, there is some kind of wild animal up there!” stammered -George, endeavoring to keep his teeth from chattering. - -“Yes, and it sprang right in my face!” added Ed, ducking his head when -he heard another sound above him in the darkness. - -Ben laughed so heartily that the boys began to feel somewhat ashamed -for having told him anything about it. Then he explained it to them. - -“Why, those are little flying squirrels, the prettiest little fellows -you ever saw. I’ll show them to you to-morrow. They couldn’t harm a -baby. However, you can take that lower bunk opposite us, and they won’t -bother you any more to-night.” - -Neither of the boys was a coward, however; and, now that they knew what -had disturbed them, they climbed manfully back to their bunk and pulled -the blankets over their heads, determined to pay no more attention to -their strange bed-fellows. - -“Say, Tom, those lads are all right,” said Ben, addressing the -blanketed figure beside him. - -“Looks like they’d make good,” was the sleepy reply. - - - - -II A WILD RIDE - - -With the first gleam of daylight Ben was astir cooking breakfast. -Awakened by the noise, the boys dressed and jumped from the bunk to -join him. - -“Listen to that,” he cried, as a weird, trembling laugh sounded from -the water. “That’s a loon; and if you fellows will sneak down to the -shore of the lake you’ll get a peep at him.” - -The boys ran outside and made their way quietly down the trail toward -the lake, which they could see shimmering brightly between the -tree-trunks. - -The call was repeated, and, reaching a group of white birches growing -at the edge of the water, they parted the branches and looked eagerly -out. A great white mist was curling up from the water, and for some -time they could see nothing more. Then George pointed excitedly out -toward the center of the lake, and, following the direction with -his eyes, Ed saw a large, dark bird with a white circle about its -neck swimming leisurely along. Every few minutes it uttered a wild, -tremulous laugh, and the lads endeavored to imitate it without success. -They watched the loon while it swam about and dove beneath the water, -until it finally disappeared from view. - -Then they sat on a moss-grown log and looked across the great blue -expanse of water to the opposite wooded shore, which rose to form a -pine-topped mountain. They saw the sun rise over this mountain in -golden splendor, and shed its rays on lake and forest. A big fish -jumped into the air and returned to the water with a noisy splash. They -instantly nudged each other in delightful anticipation of the sport in -store for them with rod and reel. - -“Oh, look, look!” cried George; and he pointed to a small brown animal -swimming along near the shore. Only its head and part of its neck -showed above the water, and its mouth was full of green leaves. - -“It’s a rat!” declared Ed, seizing a stone and hurling it at the -unknown creature, which promptly dove beneath the water. - -When it reappeared some distance away, George took several ineffectual -shots at it; but each time it dove before the stone reached it, and -finally drew out of range unharmed. Disgusted with their marksmanship, -the boys hastened to the cabin, where they found breakfast ready. - -They asked Ben about the little brown animal they had seen, and he -told them it was a muskrat. He said he would some day show them its -wonderful houses, and told how it lived and traveled long distances -under the ice in winter. - -Breakfast was soon over, and the dishes washed and put away. As the -owner of the team was anxious to get started on the long journey to his -cabin, Ben and the boys went outside to help him hitch up. The task -was quickly accomplished, and, wishing them many pleasant experiences -in the woods, he bade the boys good-by, spoke to the faithful team of -ponies, and was soon lost to view. - -Returning to the cabin, the lads went to work willingly under the -direction of Ben, and unpacked and stowed away their many belongings. -The guide examined their rifles and shotguns, and pronounced them -satisfactory. The heavy boots and waterproof moccasins which they had -brought for winter wear also met his approval, and he promised they -would have much need of them later on. - -When everything had been properly stowed away, he bade them bring their -shotguns, and led the way to the lake. Walking into some bushes near -by, he dragged forth a canvas canoe and launched it. Placing Ed in the -bow and George amidships, the guide took his place in the stern and -paddled swiftly up the lake. - -He kept well in toward the shore, and explained that there was more to -be seen there than on the open water farther out. Not a sound was made, -so easily did the canoe skim along. Ben cautioned them that if they -used their eyes instead of their tongues they might see something worth -while. Consequently, they sat very quiet, watching for something to -happen. - -All at once the bow of the canoe turned toward the middle of the lake, -and the little craft commenced to leap through the water in great -forward bounds. - -“There he goes!” cried Ben. “Now for some fun.” - -The boys looked out on the lake and saw the head and antlers of a deer, -which was swimming desperately to reach the other shore. He had already -spied them, and was doing his best to escape. Ben sent the canoe racing -along, and the excited lads saw that they were rapidly gaining. They -shouted aloud in the excitement of the chase, and then began to wonder -what might happen when they drew alongside. - -“Shall we shoot him?” inquired George, eagerly. - -“Don’t you dare!” thundered Ben, between paddle-strokes. “No one but -a ‘tenderfoot’ or a ‘pot-hunter’ would shoot a deer in the water. And -never try to kill a deer with anything but a rifle. We’ll just have -some fun with him and let him go.” - -They felt rather disappointed at losing such a chance. They did not -quite know what a “tenderfoot” or a “pot-hunter” might be, but were -sure neither was a pattern for them. - -Meanwhile they had approached to within a few yards of the buck. They -could hear his hoarse, quick breathing and see the big, brown eyes -turned toward them in fear as they drew close up beside him. The deer -was doing all in its power to evade capture. But Ben was an expert with -the paddle, and, twist and turn as it would, the frightened creature -found the pursuing canoe always beside it. The boys, thoroughly carried -away by the sport, reached forth to touch it on the neck. Instantly a -change came over the hunted animal. An angry light of battle shone -in its eyes, and even as Ben called a warning it half raised itself -from the water and struck a wicked blow at the frail canoe with its -sharp-pointed forefeet. - -In jumping back from the sudden attack, the boys overturned the canoe -and were thrown out. Ed and Ben fell into the water, but George landed -squarely astride the back of the frightened buck. He had sufficient -presence of mind to grasp the antlers and hang on. And then began a -ride the like of which few if any boys have ever experienced! - -[Illustration: GEORGE LANDED FAIRLY ASTRIDE THE BACK OF THE FRIGHTENED -BUCK] - -The deer, feeling the weight of the lad on its back, threw itself -forward in a series of wild leaps half out of water. George gripped -the wet body with his knees and hung grimly to the rough horns. He had -no desire to fall off into the deep water through which the animal was -taking him in its mad flight to the opposite side of the lake. - -Ben had meantime boosted Ed to the top of the overturned canoe, and was -swimming with it toward the shore they had just left. Both of them were -yelling encouragement to the alarmed boy racing through the water on -the back of the deer. - -The buck, unable to rid himself of his unwelcome rider, began to twist -and turn his lithe body in an effort to throw him off. Then what the -guide had dreaded happened. The buck dove beneath the water and took -George with it! - -Ed gave a startled cry when he saw his friend disappear from sight -beneath the surface, and poor Ben groaned audibly. In breathless -silence they watched for what seemed an eternity for the buck and its -rider to reappear. - -When the deer plunged under the water George instinctively held his -breath and shut his eyes, as he was accustomed to do when ducked in the -school swimming-tank by mischievous school-mates. He went much deeper -this time, however, and the water went up his nostrils and roared in -his ears. He gripped the frenzied animal beneath him more tightly. -He could hear it gasping and choking down there under the water, and -it seemed as though he, too, must soon open his mouth and free his -bursting lungs. He could hold his breath but a moment longer. Then, -just as he gave an involuntary gasp for air, his head shot above the -water, and, coughing and snorting, the buck once more swam rapidly -toward the land. - -Ed and Ben, who had reached shallow water, yelled with delight when -they saw their comrade reappear far out on the lake. George was too -full of water to reply to their shouts and cheers. It was all he could -do to keep his hold on that slippery wet back. - -The buck seemed to realize that it could not lose its rider in deep -water, and it swam strongly and steadily for the shore, now but a short -distance away. From the heaving of its sides and its short, rasping -gasps, George knew it was fairly well spent. As for himself, he had -regained his wind and some of his confidence, and he determined to hold -on until he reached land. - -At last the deer found footing and jumped forward into water to its -knees. Then it began a series of bounds and bucks which sent George -soaring through space to land on his back in a foot or more of water. -For a moment the buck stood looking at him, and he feared it was going -to charge. But, to his relief, it uttered a loud snort and dashed up -the bank and disappeared in the forest. Despite his wild ride, George -was unhurt; and, scrambling to his feet, he waded ashore and sat down. - -Ed and the guide, having turned the water out of the canoe, paddled -across the lake to get him. - -“Well, you certainly had a ride and a half,” laughed Ben, when they -were within speaking distance. “You’re not hurt any, are you?” - -“No, indeed,” George assured them, rising. “Say, Ed, it’s your turn -next.” - -But Ed’s answer was, “Not for mine!” - -They entered the canoe, and Ben paddled quickly across the lake to the -other shore, where they alighted and ran to the cabin to change to dry -clothing. - -While they were drying the dishes after dinner, Ben touched them -lightly on the arm, and, cautioning them to be still, pointed overhead -toward the cross-poles of the cabin. The boys heard the scratching -that had alarmed them the night previous. Watching closely, they saw a -pretty little animal peering inquisitively down at them with big black -eyes. It was white underneath and soft-brown above. Ben said it was a -flying squirrel. He promised, if they would watch at twilight, they -would see the dainty creatures go sailing through the air. Thoroughly -interested, the lads decided to look at the proper time. - -“Ah-oonk, ah-oonk!” - -The sound came from above, and Ben ran outside, followed by the boys. -Looking up to where he pointed, they saw a V-shaped flock of large -birds flying rapidly toward the lake. The guide said they were wild -geese, and that their coming foretold cold weather. The lads watched -them wheel and drop toward the water. Then they distinctly heard the -splash as the flock alighted. - -Ed and George were for getting their guns and going after the birds at -once, but Ben told them to wait. He explained that when the geese first -settled on the lake they were wary and suspicious, but said that after -a while, if not molested, they would begin to feed, and might then be -approached more easily. - -The boys grew very impatient as the afternoon wore on, and finally -sneaked away to the lake to have a look at the geese while Ben was -busy. They could hear the birds calling somewhere out on the water, and -when near the lake threw themselves flat on their stomachs and crawled -carefully along. They peered from behind a big boulder; and there, but -a short distance away, was the flock, feeding and splashing about in -fancied security. - -“Great Scott! Why didn’t we bring our guns?” demanded Ed, in a -disgusted whisper. - -“You go back and get them, and I’ll stay here and watch,” replied -George, crouching lower behind the rock as one of the great birds -raised itself on the water and flapped its wings. “We’ll get one for -supper and surprise Ben,” he added, chuckling at the thought. - -Ed started eagerly away on his errand, but in his haste was inexcusably -clumsy, and fell head foremost over a prostrate log which happened -to lie in his path. He went down with a loud crash in the midst of a -tangled mass of broken branches and brittle sticks. - -Instantly the geese jumped into the air with loud, frightened calls, -and flew swiftly along close to the water toward a point of the shore a -short distance away. - -“You’re a peach!” cried George, in dismay, as he rose from behind the -rock and surveyed his friend, who was still floundering about in the -tangle of deadwood. - -“Did they hear me?” inquired Ed, anxiously. - -“Hear you! Why--” - -Bang, bang! - -The report of a gun sounded across the water from the direction of the -point toward which the geese had flown. Running to the water’s edge, -the boys saw the bodies of two dead geese floating on the surface some -distance out. Looking along the shore, they beheld Ben, gun in hand, -waving to them. - -“Well, what do you think of that?” asked George. - -“Beat us at our own game; but we’ll eat goose, anyhow,” laughed Ed, -slapping his friend on the back. - -Ben was calling across to them, and they listened to catch his words. - -“Hey, you fellows, watch those birds. I guess they’re dead, all right, -and I’ll come around and get the canoe.” - -The boys sat down at the edge of the lake, and Ben disappeared into the -woods. When he joined them they entered the canoe and went out to where -the geese were drifting slowly away. Ben steadied the frail craft while -the boys lifted the heavy birds in over the side. - -“Always pick them up by the head and give them a shake to get the water -off before you bring them in,” he cautioned. - -Then he began to chuckle, for the lads were crestfallen and silent. - -“That’s all right, boys; you see, I missed you and knew you had sneaked -away to have a peep at the geese. I went inside and saw you had left -your guns, which was right and proper, for I want you to remember never -to take them unless I’m with you or give you permission.” - -The boys looked at each other, thankful that Ed had failed in his -mission, for they dreaded to think of the lecture that might have come -from Ben had they taken the guns without permission. - -“Just as I said, I knew you had no chance of getting any of the birds; -and as I was sure they would sooner or later see or hear you, I decided -to steal down and knock over a couple. They’re mighty fine eating.” He -smiled mischievously. - -They landed from the canoe, and each of the lads threw a goose over his -shoulder and carried it triumphantly to the cabin. They tied the birds -up outside, for Ben told them it was best to let them hang for a day -or two before roasting. He said the boys should do the plucking and -cleaning at the proper time, as he wished them to learn how to do such -things. - -While the guide busied himself inside the cabin with the preparation -of the evening meal the boys sat outside talking over the interesting -happenings of the day. Suddenly Ed ducked his head as a little brown -animal sailed past and landed against the trunk of a tree. - -“Flying squirrels!” cried George, pointing to the roof of the cabin, -where several of them were running about in play. - -“Here comes another!” shouted Ed, as one sailed off into the woods from -the top of the cabin. “They don’t fly; they glide,” he declared, after -having watched several more go past. - -Ben came out holding something in his hat. When he sat down beside -them, they saw that he had one of the squirrels. He said he had caught -it with his hands, using the felt hat to protect him from the sharp -teeth of the little creature, which would not hesitate to use them. -He held the squirrel in such a manner that the boys were enabled to -examine the loose folds of skin which extended down the inside of each -leg, almost to its toes. They noted that when the animal spread its -legs this skin formed a sort of parachute which enabled the squirrel to -sail from a higher to a lower position. - -When they had studied the odd little rodent thoroughly, Ben released -it, expecting it would run up the side of a near-by tree. Instead, -thoroughly frightened, it turned and ran up the nearest object, which -happened to be Ben’s left trouser-leg. - -The boys rolled over the ground in spasms of laughter, while the -guide hopped about endeavoring to shake the squirrel down. After great -exertion he finally succeeded, and the panic-stricken little creature -ran up the trunk of a convenient pine and hid itself among the branches. - -After supper Ben entertained the boys by telling several hunting -stories. When he had finished the last one, he declared it bed-time; -knocking the ashes from his pipe, he rose and went outside to consult -the sky for weather predictions. - -“Going to be a fine day to-morrow. Guess we’ll line bees and get some -honey for the winter,” he said, when he came in. - -“How do you do that?” asked the lads. - -“I’ll show you in the morning. It’s time to turn in, now.” And he -motioned them to the bunk. - -“What did he say about bees?” whispered Ed, when he and George were -beneath the blankets. - -“I don’t know, but I’ll bet it’s going to be sport,” George replied, -sleepily. - - - - -III BEES AND WILDCATS - - -The boys were awake early, and, quickly dressing themselves, they -rushed outside to await the appearance of the sun. Ben had told them -that the day must be warm and cloudless, for then the bees would work -well. Having waited until the sun was some little distance above the -horizon, and all danger of a cold or rainy day was past, the hungry -lads entered the cabin and ate the meal which the guide had prepared. - -As the morning wore on and developed into all the glories of a perfect -“Indian summer” day, even Ben became enthusiastic, and declared it just -right for the lining of bees. - -“Where must we go to find the bees?” asked George. - -Before replying Ben took a small bottle from the pantry-shelf. -Uncorking it, he began sniffing at the contents. He also brought forth -a fruit-jar filled with strained honey, a tablespoonful of which he -diluted with warm water and poured into a saucer. Then he found a -good-sized piece of old honeycomb. Gathering these things together, he -was ready to start. - -“We’ll just go down to that little clearing by the lake, where we can -see them work,” he said, as Ed and George followed him from the cabin. - -In this little woodland meadow some goldenrod had grown and bloomed, -and about the blossoms several bees were buzzing industriously when Ben -and the boys arrived. The guide seemed much pleased at finding them -there, and said he would soon get a line when he had things ready. - -He explained that a line was the direction of the bee-tree which held -the honey. He said that this was found by watching the bees, who, when -they had loaded up with the sweets set out for them, would rise in the -air and, after circling about the locality once or twice, would start -off in a straight line for the distant tree. Ben cautioned the boys to -watch the line of flight as far as they could see it. Then, when they -were sure of its general direction, he would move on to where it had -faded from their vision, and again set out his bait. They must repeat -this operation until they found themselves near the tree. Then they -would begin a search for it. - -He said he was glad to find the bees at work on the goldenrod. It would -save him the necessity of building a fire and rubbing the honeycomb on -a hot stone, so that the scent would draw the bees. - -Ben uncorked a bottle which contained anise-seed oil. He broke off -several blossoming stems of the goldenrod and poured a few drops of the -liquid on each. Then he placed them on or near the saucer containing -the strained honey, and, bidding the boys be seated, sat down to await -developments. - -“There’s one now!” cried Ed, as a bee alighted on the edge of the -saucer and began to load up with the honey. - -Ben nodded his head and smiled. - -“There’ll be hundreds here in an hour,” he promised. - -“Can they smell it so far away?” asked George. - -“No; but these will come back and bring more. You’ll see, before long. -Look out! Watch him, over your head there! See him circle? There he -goes! Now watch him as far as you can,” cautioned the guide, as the -first bee started away for the unknown tree. - -“I’ve lost him!” wailed Ed. - -“I see him--no, he’s gone!” cried George. - -“Never mind, there’ll be many more,” Ben told them. “Watch that fellow -on the rim of the saucer; he’s going in a second. There he goes! See -him circle? Watch now, watch close, he’s circling again--there he -goes--same way,” he declared, shading his eyes with his hands. - -For some minutes no more bees appeared, and the boys began to fear that -something was wrong. Then three at once alighted on the saucer, and Ben -said the tree was not far away. While they were watching them two more -came; then others, by ones and twos, until there were fifteen or twenty -at the feast. The watchers were kept busy turning and twisting their -heads to follow the swift flight of the little workers as each started -away with its hoard of sweets. More bees came every moment, until they -were arriving and leaving in a steady stream. - -Ben had meanwhile discovered what he called a cross-line. Bees from -another colony in a different tree had found the tempting feast. They -were coming and leaving in a different direction from that taken by the -first lot. He decided to follow up the original line, for he believed -their tree to be the nearer. He said they would leave this second -lot until another day, although he hoped to get all the honey they -required from the colony they were tracing. - -At length he declared it time to move along the line. Choosing a dead -hemlock some distance away, on the side of a hardwood ridge, as the -spot where the bees faded from sight on their flight, the guide led the -boys through the woods in its direction. - -After a hard scramble up the hillside they reached the hemlock and -sat down to await the bees. They had not been there long before the -industrious little toilers covered the saucer, pushing and crowding one -another in their efforts to get their share of the honey it contained. -They flew away in the same direction as before, and Ben knew he was on -the line. Basing his prophecy on the increased number of bees, he said -that with the next moving they should be within reach of the tree. - -Once more they traveled on, this time over the ridge and down the other -side into a heavily timbered ravine. Here the guide thought they would -find the honey-tree. Indeed, no sooner were they seated than bees by -the hundreds flocked to the bait. These left without circling, and Ben -said it was a sure sign the tree was near. - -The bee-hunters rose and began a close inspection of each tree-trunk in -the vicinity, looking carefully up and down its length for some opening -or cavity which might proclaim the entrance to a hive within. Ben told -the boys to travel along in sight of him, one on either side, and -urged them to inspect each tree thoroughly. He reminded them that bees -sometimes went in an opening at the very bottom, and at other times -near the tiptop. - -Finally George, who was at the right of the line, came to a great -weather-beaten pine with a large cavity in its trunk near the base. He -felt sure this was the tree that contained the honey. Stooping down, he -foolishly put his face to the opening in an effort to obtain a view of -the inside. Luckily there were no bees there, but something else flew -out and struck him full in the face. And then, as he fell over on his -back from the suddenness of the attack, a perfect army of bats came -chattering from the tree. Thrusting his hands before his face, George -ran from the spot. - -Just then Ed called out that he had found the tree. Hurrying to the -place where he and Ben stood gazing at a hole near the top of a giant -oak, George saw a steady swarm of bees entering and leaving the -cavity. - -“Guess we’ll have to cut that to-night,” said Ben. “There ought to be a -pile of honey in there, boys. But you can’t always tell; sometimes the -biggest trees hold the least honey.” - -There was an angry buzzing about their heads, and they ducked and ran. - -“We’ll mosey along out of here and go home and make some torches. Then -we’ll come back after dark and go to work,” Ben promised. - -George told of finding the bats, and his companions laughed heartily. - -“They roost in a hollow tree like that by the thousands sometimes,” -said the guide. “I’ve done the same thing you did, often. Why, I’ve had -them strike me in the face so hard that my eye swelled up.” - -“What’s that?” demanded Ed, stopping to listen. - -“That? That’s our friend the grouse again, only this time he’s -drumming,” replied Ben. - -“Drumming!” exclaimed the boys, in unison. - -[Illustration: GROUSE DRUMMING ON A LOG] - -“Yes, that’s what we call it. He wins his mate that way in the spring. -Sometimes on a nice day, like this, in the fall, he comes to a warm, -sunny spot in the woods and starts drumming, just like it was spring -again.” - -“How does he do it?” inquired George, as the hollow, booming roll came -from the deep, silent woods. - -“Why, he stands on a log, or rock, and beats the air with his wings.” - -Ben knelt down and imitated the sound by pounding the ground with his -closed fist. - -“When a grouse is drumming like that, you can walk right up to him. All -you need do is to get his direction, and then hurry toward him while -he’s busy drumming. As soon as he stops, or a little sooner, you must -remain perfectly still. Then, when he drums again, move on, until you -come in sight of him.” - -The boys made a note of this, and determined to try the experiment at -the first chance. - -Arrived at the cabin, Ben busied himself in preparing the sulphur -torches. He took strips of burlap and wound them tightly about the ends -of pine sticks. Between each roll of the canvas he sprinkled a generous -quantity of powdered sulphur. - -He explained that when the tree fell some one must run forward and hold -a lighted torch at the cavity. The torch-bearer must then blow the -sulphur fumes down into the trunk to disable the bees till the honey -could be “boxed out” and secured. - -Toward late afternoon the boys were surprised to hear the deep, musical -baying of a hound in the woods near at hand. Ben came to the door at -the sound, and peered expectantly down the trail. - -“I’ll bet it’s Bill Lang,” he declared, and he uttered a loud helloa, -which was instantly answered. “Yep, that’s him, boys. Now you’ll hear -some real stories from a genuine trapper.” - -A lean, black and white hound, with long, trailing ears, came out of -the woods and wiggled its way to Ben to be petted. - -“Helloa, Moze,” cried the guide, stooping to reach the dog; “where’s -Bill, eh?” - -Then a thick-set man about the age of Ben came into view and waved his -hand at the group in the doorway. - -“Helloa, Bill!” - -“Howdy, Ben.” And the trapper turned his keen eyes on the boys, who -were endeavoring to make friends with his dog. - -“Boys, this is my friend, Bill Lang. Bill, I’ve picked up a couple of -‘pards’ since you were here. Shake hands with Ed Williams and George -Rand, young friends of mine from the city. They’re here to learn -something about the woods.” - -“That’s not the son of Doctor Williams, who comes out here to hunt and -fish, is it?” inquired the trapper, looking at Ed searchingly. - -“That’s just who he is,” responded the guide. - -“Well, if he takes after the ‘old man’ he ought to be all right,” -declared the new-comer, as he picked up the basin and retired outside -to wash. - -“Prospecting for a trap line?” inquired Ben of the trapper, when they -were at supper. - -“Yes, sort of looking the country over a little bit,” he replied. -“So you’re going to cut a bee-tree, are you? Well, I said to myself, -to-day, that the bees ought to work good. How far from here is it?” - -“Not more than a scant mile,” Ben assured him. “We got another line, -too, but couldn’t stop to bother with it. Better stay over and take -some of the honey; there’s likely to be more than we’ll need.” - -“Why, like as not I will,” agreed the trapper, much to the delight of -the boys. - -As soon as it was dark they started off for the tree. Ben went ahead -with the lantern, the torches, and an ax; George came next, carrying a -dish-pan and a large iron spoon; then Ed followed with a pail; and the -trapper brought up the rear with his ax and another pail. - -Although the stars shone brightly overhead, it was very dark in the -woods. The boys, unaccustomed to such travel, stumbled and fell many -times before they brought up at the tree. The lantern was immediately -concealed behind a rock, so its glare would not attract the bees. Then, -cautioning Ed and George to tie their handkerchiefs about their faces, -the guide and his friend prepared to fell the tree. - -The blows of their axes resounded through the woods, and great chips -flew through the air as the cutting blades bit their way into the heart -of the oak. Occasionally the choppers paused to gaze upward at its -swaying top, for it was important that the tree should fall with the -hole uppermost. Then, bending, they again attacked it with powerful, -swinging blows, until it began to creak, and give, and totter. Ben -seized the boys and pushed them aside, and the forest monarch crashed -to earth, the butt bounding back from the stump high in the air. - -Hardly had the great tree fallen before Bill was at the hole with a -sulphur torch. The lads ran forward to see what he was doing, and were -choked by the fumes he was blowing down into the trunk. They distinctly -heard the loud, angry buzzing of thousands of imprisoned bees, and -were thankful that the trapper stood guard with his torch. A few -managed to escape him and forced the boys to dodge and run by buzzing -angrily about their ears. - -While Bill stood bravely by the entrance and sent the stifling fumes -of his torch into the tree, Ben mounted the prostrate trunk. He began -cutting out a wide strip directly above the place where he heard the -fierce buzzing, now grown weaker and less threatening, thanks to the -trapper and his torch. - -The others laughed heartily when Bill got a whiff of his own medicine -and doubled up gasping and coughing, his lungs full of sulphur fumes. -Their joy was short-lived, however, for at that very instant George -was stung on the back of the neck and the guide behind the ear. Bill -declared it served them right for laughing at him. - -Ben called for the lantern and the remaining torch, which Ed quickly -brought him. He lifted out the slab he had chopped free, and instantly -thrust the torch into the long opening. Then he asked for the pan, and -began to take great strips of dripping comb from inside the tree. The -cavity was about four feet long, and was lined with layers of clean, -fragrant honey, over which crawled thousands of stupefied bees. - -Strip after strip was lifted from the tree until the dish-pan and pails -were full. All through the woods was wafted the delicious odor of -new-made honey. - -“That ought to draw a bear if there’s one anywhere around,” declared -the trapper, sniffing the air, as they gathered up their burdens and -started for the cabin. - -Ben had a lump behind his ear, and George had developed a similar one -on the back of his neck. Coming to a spring-hole, they plastered the -bites with mud. - -“Must be close to fifty pounds altogether,” said Bill, when they -reached the cabin. - -“Yes, all of that, if not more,” agreed Ben, scooping out some very -sticky bees which were leisurely crawling over the comb. - -While they were going over the honey to rid it of bark and bees, the -boys heard a new sound from the forest. - -“Who-ah, to-who, to-who, to-who!” - -It was a weird, dismal call, and they went to the door to listen. Ben -laughingly told them it was only an owl. - -Bill went outside, and, to the delight of the lads, gave a perfect -imitation of the hoot. The bird answered and came nearer, and Bill -replied again and again, and at last decoyed it into a tree directly -over the cabin. There it called and hooted for a long time, until -finally, uttering a blood-curdling screech, it flew away in the -darkness and called faintly from the other side of the lake. - -Later they heard the hound baying, and the trapper declared it was -running a coon. The boys were anxious to start a search for it, but Ben -said they had done enough for one day. He made Bill promise to remain -and take them on a hunt the following night. - -“Isn’t it great, though?” exclaimed Ed, when they were in their bunk. - -“Each day gets better,” George replied. - -The next day they spent in the woods with the trapper searching for -coon signs. The first tracks were found in the mud about a spring-hole. -Bill showed them to the boys, who were surprised at the resemblance to -baby footprints. He said the little gray-and-black animals made trails -very similar in form, though, of course, much smaller, to those of the -bear, to whom they seemed distantly related. - -About the border of the lake they found other tracks, and saw many -empty mussel shells lying about close by. Bill explained that racoons -were exceedingly fond of these freshwater clams, and described how -they cracked the shells to get at the meat inside. He said, judging -by the many signs and tracks about, they would have little trouble -“jumping” a coon when they started with the hound that night. - -It was barely twilight when the boys were eager to be off. Bill told -them that the best coon hunting came long after dark, and declared -there was no need of starting so early. The hound was fastened to the -cabin by a long leash, to prevent him straying off before the hunt. -Then for some time the impatient young hunters sat waiting. - -At last it was time to go, and the little hunting party filed away -into the black forest. Following along one behind the other, they -came to the spring-hole where they had seen the tracks. Bill, who was -leading with Moze, had trouble in holding the hound back. It sniffed -excitedly over the moist ground, but seemed to find nothing especially -interesting, and they moved on. - -“Little too early,” said Bill. - -“We’ll find one before long,” Ben prophesied, hopefully. - -The boys moved slowly along behind the trapper, who carried the -lantern, and Ben followed in the rear to prevent their straying -from the trail. The great black woods had a peculiar charm about -them at that time of night, and as the boys peered about beneath the -massive trees they recalled the story of a panther which the guide had -told them. They wondered if one of those savage animals was lurking -somewhere near them in the darkness, and were thankful for two such -body-guards as Bill and Ben. - -Suddenly the hound uttered a long, dismal howl and jumped forward so -quickly that it almost pulled Bill headlong to the ground. - -“He’s found one!” cried Ben. - -“Yep, there’s been one here, sure,” declared Bill, stooping and -releasing Moze. - -The hound instantly dashed away into the night, uttering a series of -short, excited yelps. - -The boys were for chasing after him, but were laughingly restrained and -told to remain where they were until the coon was treed. The hunters -stood clustered expectantly about the lantern, while every few moments -the voice of Moze echoed through the woods and gave warning that he was -hot on the trail. - -Then farther away they heard his quick, snappy bark, and Bill said -the coon had been treed. At a rapid pace he led the way down a steep -ravine, across a rock-strewn gully, and up a rough hillside. Panting -and excited, the boys raced along behind him. They seemed heedless of -the sharp, stinging blows from branches which snapped in their faces, -the scratching grasp of thorny bushes which tore their hands, or the -strong, entangling grip of low, sprawling vines which wound about their -feet. - -At last they came out into more open country beneath a great grove of -evergreens. The dog’s impatient yelps sounded from a short distance in -advance of them. Shouting encouragement, Bill hastened on toward where -they heard the hound. When they got there Moze was jumping about and -barking excitedly at the foot of a giant, lightning-killed pine whose -trunk extended high up into the blackness. - -“It’s up there, all right,” said the trapper, holding aloft the lantern -and peering upward into the night. - -They were unable to see the coon, which was evidently in the very top -of the tree and well shielded by the darkness. The two veteran hunters -decided to build a fire. Soon there was a great roaring blaze, which -threw a shaft of light far aloft into the mass of naked branches. On -one of them, in near the trunk, crouched their quarry. The tree was -too big to chop down, and after some discussion Bill volunteered to -climb it. - -Having cut a long, crotched pole, the trapper fastened it to his -waist with a piece of buckskin, and then he twined his legs about the -tree and began to “shinney” toward the top. Ben and the boys armed -themselves with stout clubs and waited anxiously for something to drop. - -When he was within striking distance, Bill loosened the pole from his -waist and pushed the coon from the limb on which it crouched. It fell, -but caught on a lower branch, which ran to a fork, and again settled -down. Bill slid down to it, and this time gave it a prod that sent it -sailing through space with outstretched legs. It fell heavily to the -ground in the midst of the little group at the base of the tree. - -No sooner had it struck than Moze was upon it. Then began a fierce -battle between dog and coon. Snarling and coughing, they rolled over -and over in their struggle, Moze on top one moment, and the coon, which -was putting up a valiant fight, uppermost the next. - -The battle was waged furiously, and the animals appeared to be about -evenly matched. The hunters formed an interested circle about the -combatants, until the latter, in their frenzy, rolled between Ed’s feet -and brought him down in a heap on top of them. For a moment there was -the wildest kind of excitement as Ed frantically endeavored to roll -away from the snapping animals. He finally managed to scramble to his -feet, and ran nimbly aside, as Ben struck and killed the coon with his -club. - -Moze came up for inspection under the lantern light. He wagged his -tail in triumph, but he looked much the worse for his encounter. He -was scratched and torn from the sharp teeth and claws of his late -antagonist, but appeared not to mind his wounds. Bill examined him -carefully, and said that the few scratches were nothing to what he -often got on such expeditions. As the hound seemed willing and eager to -continue the hunt, the hunters moved on. - -They walked several miles through the black woods in the hope of -finding another coon, but Moze was unable to strike a second trail. -Bill led the way through two large swamps, where in many places they -sank to their knees in water. Then he guided them up a mountain-side, -where the ground was covered with fallen tree-trunks--the result of -a forest fire and tempest the year previous. The boys found it hard -work climbing over these obstructions in the dark, and George declared -he felt like an ant clambering over a pile of tooth-picks. At last -they came to the top of the ridge, which was crowned with a forest of -hardwoods, mostly oaks and chestnuts. They sat down to rest and dry -their brows, for, though the night was cool, the brisk walk and hard -climb had made them perspire. - -Moze had gone on ahead, and suddenly they heard him baying furiously -a short distance away to the right. The boys jumped to their feet -instantly, but Ben cautioned them to wait until the hound had treed its -quarry. They listened to the yelps and howls, which now seemed to come -from farther away. Finally Bill rose and said they would follow the dog. - -“Sounds like he might have a bob-cat or a lynx,” said Bill, as they -hastened along to where Moze evidently had something up a tree. - -“If that’s the case, we’re in for fun,” laughed Ben. - -The lads became much excited at the prospect of an encounter with -either of the savage animals mentioned, and thought of the wild screech -they had heard the first night in camp. Ben had told them it was made -by a lynx. As they hurried along Ed determined to keep out of the way -this time, for he had no desire to tumble into a mix-up with such a -formidable antagonist. - -“Will Moze tackle a lynx?” he asked, breathlessly. - -“He’ll pitch into anything from a bear down,” Bill declared. “You’ll -see fur fly in a few minutes, I guess,” he added, as the savage -challenge of the hound sounded through the night. - -As they drew near, Moze went racing away down the hillside, baying -lustily. Whatever animal he was pursuing had evidently jumped from the -tree when it heard the noisy approach of the hunters. - -“That’s a bob-cat trick,” said Bill. - -“Yep,” said Ben, as he cautioned the boys to be careful of their eyes -while pushing through the mass of unyielding branches which swept -stingingly across their faces. - -Again Moze drove the unseen creature up a tree, but not before he had -come close enough to make it spit and snarl wickedly. Bill now assured -them that they had a bob-cat to deal with. He said there would be the -fiercest kind of fight. They hurried on to where the dog was barking -and growling at the base of a low, scrubby oak. The hair on his -neck stood stiffly erect, and his whole manner was more defiant and -threatening than when he had treed the coon. From time to time he left -off barking and raised himself on his hind legs in an effort to leap -into the tree. - -Gazing into the tree-top but a few feet above their heads, the boys saw -a pair of shining green eyes peering down into their own. They quickly -withdrew from beneath the limb, and called Ben and the trapper, who had -been staring into the twisted branches from the opposite side. - -“Yes, that’s a bob-cat, all right enough, and a big one, too, I -imagine,” cried Bill, excitedly. “We should have brought a gun. Might -have known we’d run across one of these fellows before we quit,” he -said. - -There was a rustling of dried leaves, and before any one had time to -move the bob-cat landed with a thump in the midst of them. Ed crashed -into George in his frantic effort to get out of the way, and both of -them fell in a heap. Ben made a vicious swing with his ax; but the -bob-cat evaded him and went racing off with Moze in hot pursuit. - -When the boys regained their feet, the trapper was some distance away -with the lantern. Ben, who was crashing through some bushes to their -left, called to them to follow the light. Not wishing to be lost in -the inky woods, they hurried, pell-mell, after Bill and the sounds of -fighting. - -From the snarls and growls which they heard, the lads knew that Moze -had once more brought the bob-cat to bay. Panting and excited, they at -last bumped into the trapper, who was standing with the lantern held -high above his head, pointing at some rocks which Ben was cautiously -approaching, ax in hand. - -There, among the rocks, the bob-cat faced them, driven to bay. With -ears flattened, eyes glaring, and lips drawn back in an ugly snarl, it -crouched before the dog. It kept up a constant low, rumbling growl, -which was defiantly answered by Moze. The old hound knew too much -to rush recklessly into close quarters, and contented himself with -circling about the ugly cat and so holding its attention. The bob-cat -was indeed, as Bill had judged, a large one. Neither Ed nor George had -ever seen such a ferocious-looking wild animal before, and it seemed to -grow in size and ugliness while they stared at it, squatting there in -the glow of the lantern, its whole body quivering with rage. - -It drew back as though to spring when the guide approached, and -Bill called a warning. Ben cautiously retreated a few paces, and -the bob-cat relaxed somewhat, growling so fiercely that the boys -involuntarily moved several feet nearer Bill. - -Moze rushed forward, but instantly jumped back when the watchful -creature struck a savage blow at his head. - -“Look out, old boy, you’ll get a clawing!” laughed Bill, warningly, to -the enraged hound, which was jumping to and fro barely out of range of -the sharp claws, bared and ready to repel his attack. - -“I’ll stone him till he turns, and then you send Moze in, and I’ll take -a chance with the ax,” Ben proposed. - -“He’s big, and he’ll fight hard,” said Bill, dubiously. - -“I know it; but it’s the only chance we have of getting him without a -gun.” And Ben stooped and picked up several stones. “Now then, boys, -look out for trouble!” he warned, preparing to hurl one of the stones. - -“Hold on till I get a club,” urged Bill, searching about for a weapon. -“Here, Ed, you hold the lantern, and, mind you, keep the light on him!” - -Ben threw a stone, which struck the bob-cat full in the side. With an -enraged snarl it turned to run, but Moze was upon it the same instant. -He fastened his teeth in one of its rear legs. The cat whirled and -struck before the dog could jump aside, and its long, sharp claws -inflicted a nasty gash in the top of his head. With a howl of mingled -rage and pain Moze bounded to one side, and Ben let go another rock, -but in his eagerness he missed the mark entirely. - -Then he shouted a warning, for the bob-cat drew back as the second -missile sped past its head, and, gathering its powerful feet beneath -it, sprang directly at Ed and the lantern. As the startled boy turned -to run it struck him in the middle of his back and sent him pitching -forward on his face. - -Instantly Moze rushed in, and Bill ran forward yelling, club in hand. -Then ensued some terrific fighting in the dark, for the lantern had -been smashed against a rock when Ed fell. Snarls, growls, yells, and -blows resounded from the blackness as Bill, Moze, and the bob-cat -fought over the prostrate body of Ed, who prudently lay face downward, -afraid to move. - -Luckily, Moze closed with the bob-cat before it had a chance to inflict -injury on the lad. And then, seeing the danger the boy was in, Bill -rushed into the fray with his club, and the cat was too hard pressed -to turn its attention to the boy underneath. But he was in a risky -place, for the combatants rolled back and forth over his body, and -several times he felt sharp scratches on his neck and shoulders as Moze -and the bob-cat struck and snapped at each other. Then he heard Bill’s -club descend with a loud whack, and at the same time the trapper called -to him to roll out of the way, which he lost no time in doing. - -Moze had been getting the worst of the fighting; but once Ed was out of -the way, Ben went to the aid of Bill, and with club and ax they soon -killed the bob-cat, but not before the trapper had been severely clawed -on his legs and arms. Moze was bleeding from a dozen wounds, and Ben -told George to gather sticks that they might build a fire and nurse the -injured. - -Bill’s wounds were painful, but not deep, and he made light of them -when Ben offered to help him. Ed had by some miracle escaped with a -slight gash in one shoulder and a few minor claw-marks across his back. -The guide bound up his shoulder, and then turned to poor Moze. The old -dog was lying down, quietly licking his injuries. There was little they -could do for him at the time, so they all sat by the fire to rest -before moving toward the cabin. - -Ben stretched out the body of the bob-cat; it measured over four feet, -and the guide claimed it would weigh between thirty and forty pounds. -It bore the marks of Moze’s mauling, and Ed went over and petted the -hound affectionately for having so gallantly gone to his rescue. - -“That’s a powerful big bob-cat,” said Bill, gazing down at the mottled -gray body stretched out at his feet. - -“’Most as big as a lynx, and just about as ugly,” declared Ben. - -They had a hard trip back to the cabin, with no lantern to help them, -but finally arrived there tired and sore. Ben at once heated some -water, and Bill and Ed carefully washed their wounds. Then they did the -same for Moze, and he wagged his tail in appreciation. More than once -the boys fairly hugged him, for the faithful old hound had gained a -lasting place in their affections by his bravery. - -When they were finally in bed, George said: “Well, Ed, you had your -turn to-day, didn’t you?” - -“Yes, and it was almost as exciting as your ride on the deer. I’m going -to ask for the skin of that bob-cat as a souvenir.” - -“I wonder what we’ll run into next!” mused George. - -“Catamounts and bears, I guess. Good night, I’m tired.” - - - - -IV A DEER HUNT - - -The boys awoke one morning to find Ben hard at work oiling the rifles. -Delighted at the sight, they hurried into their clothes, for they -felt sure the oft talked of deer hunt was about to take place. They -fairly bolted their breakfast, so eager were they to be off; but Ben -restrained them and reminded them that many things must be attended to -first. - -When they had finished washing and stowing away the dishes, which they -did with all possible speed, he taught them how to make a suitable pack -of their blankets and a few camp necessities. Then he made them change -their heavy hunting-boots for lighter, softer moccasins, explaining -that these would enable them to travel through the woods more quietly. - -Finally, after putting the cabin in order and attending to a dozen -other chores, which the boys, in their eagerness to be away, thought -might have been dispensed with, he announced that he was ready to go. - -Armed with their rifles, and each with a pack on his back, the three -hunters left the cabin and struck off through the woods. The air was -crisp and exhilarating, and their high spirits prompted a rapid pace. - -Ben kept his gaze on the ground ahead of him, in the hope of finding -deer signs. Noting this, the boys quickly imitated his example. They -flushed many grouse, and one alighted in a tree in plain sight of them, -and stood conspicuously exposed to their aim. They were anxious to try -a shot at so easy a mark, but were reminded that they were after larger -game. Ben warned them that a needless shot ringing through the woods -would frighten away any deer which might be lingering in the vicinity. -The hint was sufficient, and, casting a longing look at the foolish -bird, they followed obediently on after the guide. - -At last they climbed to the top of a dividing ridge, and here Ben -halted. He pointed to a slight depression in the carpet of dead -leaves, and said it was a deer track. He explained that deer in their -journeyings traveled along the summits of these low hills, which were -then termed “runways.” Ben said that the ridge on which they stood was -one. - -Leading the way to a near-by boulder, he bade one of the boys climb -to the top to watch the surrounding country for any sign of a buck. -He left it to them to decide which one would remain there. Ed said -he would stay; and, after cautioning him not to shoot until he saw -the whole body and antlers of the animal aimed at, Ben ordered him to -remain until he stopped for him on the way home. He told him, if he -succeeded in shooting a deer, to fire two shots in rapid succession -and, after a minute’s pause, two more. - -Ed climbed to the top of the big rock, and sat down with his rifle -across his knees. He waved his hand to Ben and George when they turned -just before they disappeared from sight among the trees. - -George was placed at another “runway,” about a mile farther on; and, -after cautioning him as he had Ed, Ben said he was going on to try to -scare out a deer. He said that anything he might start would be sure to -come over one or the other of these “runways,” and warned George to be -on his guard. Then with a wave of his arm he disappeared, and the boys -were left alone in the heart of the wilderness. - -Each boy remained at his post, expectantly gazing through the aisles of -the vast forest which surrounded him. The noise of the wind through -the tops of the trees; the squeaking of a leaning pine as it rubbed -chafingly against its neighbor; the snap of a twig, or the sudden call -of a jay, caused them to start nervously. - -Several times George half rose and cocked his rifle when he thought -he heard some animal walking about near him. But after watching with -straining eyes and thumping heart and seeing nothing, he relaxed and -made up his mind it must have been the wind, or a squirrel scurrying -about among the leaves. - -Suddenly a shot sounded from the direction in which he guessed Ed to -be, and George jumped to his feet. Another roared through the woods a -moment later, and echoed loudly between the mountains. For a minute or -so all was still. Then two reports rang out in rapid succession and, -after a minute, two more! - -“Gee whiz! Something is up!” declared George, aloud. He wished he might -find Ed and learn the cause of the shots, but he dared not leave the -place until Ben came for him. He doubted if he would be able to find -the way to his friend; and, as the guide had forbidden him to leave the -spot, he sat down to await developments. - -Ed became hungry and brought out his lunch. He was just about to bite -into one of the appetizing sandwiches when the sharp crackling of twigs -close by caused him to drop it and seize his rifle. - -Then a loud, frightened snort drew his attention, and, looking in the -direction from whence it came, he beheld a big buck standing broadside -to him. Its head was turned to look at him; the great ears were thrown -forward and moved nervously about; and the sensitive muzzle twitched -apprehensively as the dreaded man-scent came to it on the breeze. - -For a moment Ed was helpless, and stood gazing with surprised, -startled eyes at the magnificent creature before him. Then he managed -to recover, and quickly brought up his rifle. He aimed where Ben had -told him to, behind the shoulder, and with trembling fingers pressed -the trigger. At the report the buck made a tremendous leap, fell to -its knees, recovered, and bounded away. He fired again, this time at -random, and the deer crashed from sight into the heavy timber. - -“Wouldn’t that make you sick?” cried Ed, disgustedly, as he sat down -and wiped the beads of nervous perspiration from his brow. “I must have -hit him, or he wouldn’t have tumbled down,” he assured himself. - -Then he remembered the signal and rose and fired the four shots, two at -a time, which would bring Ben and the proper advice. - -After what seemed a very long time, he heard another sound near at hand -and cocked his rifle. He uncocked the weapon a moment later when he was -hailed by Ben and George. - -“I got a shot, and I think I hit him!” he cried, as he ran to meet them. - -“Where is he?” Ben asked, quietly, after he had cautioned George, who -had begun to whoop. - -“He went off that way,” explained Ed, pointing in the proper direction. - -A look of disappointment came over the face of the guide, and George at -once subsided into gloomy silence. - -“I hit him, I tell you,” Ed declared, emphatically. “He fell and then -jumped up and ran off.” - -“Where was he standing?” Ben asked, a bit more hopefully. - -Ed got his bearings from the rock on which he had been sitting, and -went over to about where he thought the buck had been when he had fired -at it. - -Ben stooped over and scanned the ground closely in a wide circle. He -was silent for some minutes while thus engaged; then he straightened, -laughing, and pointed to a low bush beside them. - -“You hit him, sure, and hit him hard,” he declared. “And we’ll get -him--he’s shot through the lungs!” - -The boys looked at the bush and saw several red splashes on its brown -leaves. Following close behind Ben, who was crouching along near to the -ground, they saw other darker spots at their feet. - -“He won’t run very far. I started him in a swamp. Just got a glimpse of -him as I was crawling under a fallen tree-top, and couldn’t shoot,” Ben -explained. - -“My, he’s big!” said Ed. - -“Better not talk any more now,” the guide cautioned them, looking -keenly ahead. - -They crossed a brook, and when they reached the opposite side there was -a rustling of undergrowth. The lads cocked their rifles and the buck -jumped to its feet and stood facing them. - -“Shoot!” cried Ben. - -The boys brought up their rifles at the same instant, but George was -the first to pull trigger. His bullet went straight through the heart, -and the buck dropped dead. - -Ben ran forward and cut its throat with his hunting-knife. He -complimented the lads on their good shooting, and said they must have -been practising before they came to the woods. Ed told him he had a -rifle-range in the cellar of his home, and said that George and he had -engaged in many contests. - -The guide showed them how to cut a slit in the flesh of the deer’s hind -legs and insert a stout stick from one leg to the other to spread them -apart. He called it a gambrel and briefly explained its use. Then, with -their assistance, he raised the carcass by aid of poles. The deer once -swung up, Ben quickly cut it open and removed its entrails. He put -aside the liver, which he promised to cook for breakfast. - -He would have skinned the buck, but twilight was fast gathering, and -they must choose a suitable camp-site and build some sort of a shelter -for the night. Therefore he decided to leave the deer hung up until -daylight, when he could remove the hide and quarter the carcass. - -They washed in the clear, cold water of a little stream. Then Ben began -his search for a camping-place. At last he found a spot to his liking -on top of a pine-clad knoll. He led the boys to it, and bade them slip -their packs. - -Ben looked around until he found two trees growing on a parallel line, -about six feet apart. He cut a pole about an inch wider than the space -between their trunks. After cutting some notches in the pole’s upper -side, he placed it between the trees and drove it down until it became -securely wedged about six feet from the ground. Next he cut and trimmed -two logs, each about eight feet long and some five inches through. He -placed them on the ground, one extending back from the base of each -tree. - -At his order the boys had cut some long straight poles, about two -inches in diameter. They were placed against the notched ridge-pole -between the trees, the end of each pole fitting nicely into the notch -cut to hold it, and the lower end resting on the ground some eight or -ten feet back. - -They had the roof, sides, and door of the lean-to completed, and -were ready to go on with the “shingling,” under Ben’s directions. He -bade them cut many armfuls of balsam and hemlock branches. These he -dexterously wove between the roof-poles until he had made a thick -covering, or mat, over their little shelter. Then he placed small trees -and branches against the sides. - -When the boys returned, each with a back-load of balsam tips for -bed-making, they were astonished to find a cozy bough-house ready for -them. The delicious aroma of fried bacon rose from the pan which Ben -was shaking over a bed of glowing coals. Hastily throwing their boughs -inside the shelter, the two hungry young hunters sat down to supper. - -That night they made a big camp-fire, for the autumn air was chill. As -the flames leaped and danced and threw a circle of orange-colored light -into the dark, somber woods, the lads sat on a great log and listened -attentively to Ben, who told them tales of the forest. - -Finally the fire died low and the blackness crept in upon the little -group before the shelter. Ben rose and declared it was time to turn -in. By the aid of the lantern they made their beds of boughs, rolled -themselves in their blankets, put out the light, and soon drifted off -to sleep. - -George was awakened by the hooting of an owl in a tree close by, and -lay for some time listening to the mournful serenade. He heard the -deep, heavy breathing of the guide, and knew he was slumbering soundly. -Ed did not stir, and he was sure that he, too, was far away in the -“land of nod.” The bird continued its dismal hooting; and then, as the -fire flickered into new life for a moment, an idea seized the waker. - -George rose and slipped noiselessly from his blankets. Then he felt -around until he had secured his rifle, and, once in possession of it, -he stole quietly out into the darkness. - -The owl ceased calling, and the sleepy young hunter strained his eyes -in an effort to locate it. Then again came the mocking call, and it -seemed to the eager youth as he stood there peering aloft into the dark -that the uncanny bird was actually laughing at him. - -The fire again flared up and sent its flickering shafts of light high -into the surrounding tree-tops. This was the opportunity for George -to get his shot. Boldly outlined on the limb sat the owl. George took -quick but accurate aim and pulled the trigger as the owl started to -vacate its illuminated perch. - -The report of the rifle reverberated through the silent woods like the -crash of thunder. Awakened by the noise, Ed and the guide sat up just -as the owl crashed through the branches and sailed headlong into the -lean-to. Its heavy body struck Ed squarely in the face and tumbled him -over backward with the force of the blow. - -“What in tarnation has happened?” cried Ben, leaping from his blankets -and grabbing the lantern. - -“There’s something in here!” yelled Ed, rushing from the shelter. -“Where’s George? He’s gone!” he cried, in alarm. - -George was helpless with laughter at the results of his shot. When Ben -had lighted the lantern and discovered the owl lying on the blankets, -the guilty marksman appeared, grinning broadly. - -“Well, say, young feller, you certainly stirred things up considerable -for this time of the night,” said Ben, as he threw the dead owl at the -disturber of his dreams. - -“Why didn’t you wake me?” protested Ed. - -“Thought I did,” laughed George, unloading his rifle and crawling -beneath his blankets. “Will you show me how to skin the owl, Ben?” he -asked, meekly. - -“Sure I will,” promised the guide; and then he extinguished the lantern -and ordered the boys to go to sleep. - - - - -V A FOREST FIRE - - -When the boys awakened it was daylight; and, to their surprise, Ben was -missing from the camp. They looked for him outside, but, not finding -him, decided he had gone to skin and quarter the deer. They busied -themselves with making a fire, that it might be ready for the guide to -cook breakfast over when he returned. - -“It looks foggy,” suggested Ed, gazing off between the trees. - -“That’s not fog, it’s smoke!” George declared, sniffing the air -suspiciously. “Don’t you smell it?” - -“Right you are, son,” said Ben, coming into camp at that moment -carrying the head, skin, and fore quarters of the deer. “It’s smoke, -and I don’t like it a little bit. There’s a forest fire not a great -ways off, and we better mosey toward the cabin. We’ll hustle through -breakfast and then travel on,” he declared, uneasily. - -The boys helped get breakfast, and when it was ready they ate rapidly -and in silence. From the way Ben consulted the sky they knew he was -anxious and worried. The sun had risen, but was obscured by a purplish -haze which he told them was smoke. Then they smelled it. The distinct -odor of burning pine was borne to them on the scant morning breeze. - -The dishes were hurriedly washed and stowed away in the packs. Each of -the boys packed up as much of the deer meat as he could stagger under; -Ben added another quarter to his load, and the remainder was covered -with boughs and hung high in a tree, to be called for later. Then, -eager and anxious, Ben led them away through the smoky woods, at a -brisk pace, toward the distant cabin. - -As they hurried along, the air seemed to grow heavier, and all through -the forest there drifted a hazy fog. The smell of smoke became stronger -with each mile they traveled, until Ben, in his anxiety, set a pace -that his young companions found it hard to follow. - -On the top of a small mountain, which they were obliged to cross, the -guide stopped a moment and pointed out a heavy, black cloud of smoke. -It was curling up from behind a distant ridge in a direct line with -the cabin. - -Then, with great strides, he raced down into the valley, the boys -stumbling along after him as best they could. Their faces and hands -were torn and scratched from thorns and briers, and their feet and -legs were bruised from contact with sharp-pointed rocks. They went on -uncomplainingly, however, for they feared that the cabin was in danger, -and they were anxious to help Ben in its defense against the oncoming -fire. - -Thicker and more dense grew the smoke-clouds in the woods, and the air -became oppressive and suffocating. Tears ran down the boys’ cheeks, and -they coughed violently as the pungent smoke filled their lungs. - -“Come on, you’ll get used to it soon,” called Ben, encouragingly. - -They got a glimpse of the cabin through the smoke, and cried out with -delight. In the doorway stood Bill, the trapper, and down the trail -came old Moze. They were compelled to laugh when every few feet the -hound was obliged to stop and sneeze. - -“I’m glad you’re here,” said Ben, greeting the trapper. - -“Well, you see, there’s a nasty fire coming this way, and I knew you’d -be glad to have help to save the shack before morning; so I hustled -over.” - -“If the wind would only shift around, we’d be all right,” said Ben, -gloomily. - -“There’s not much wind to shift,” the trapper replied, shaking his head. - -The boys sat listening while the two experienced woodsmen consulted as -to the best way of keeping the fire off. They finally agreed that the -safest course would be to back-fire the woods on all four sides of the -cabin. It would be dangerous, for the dry forest, when once kindled, -would burn like tinder. The fighters would have to work hard to prevent -their fire from turning back and consuming the cabin. To make matters -worse, the wind was momentarily strengthening, so that on two sides at -least they would be obliged to drive their back-fire into the face of -it. But nothing was to be gained by delay, and they began the fight at -once. - -Ed and George were sent to the lake for pails of water, while Ben and -the trapper cut a supply of white-pine boughs for use as beaters. When -the boys returned they were each given one of these pine branches and -told to wet them and beat out any encroaching patch of flame. Ed was -then detailed to the roof to beat out any sparks that might light -there. George was ordered to follow along the line of fire started by -the men, and told to keep it away from the dry log walls. - -[Illustration: FIGHTING A FOREST FIRE] - -By this time the smoke was so dense that they could not see one -another, and Ben cautioned George against wandering away. Great black -cinders and bits of charred wood were flying through the woods and -dropping all about them. Birds and animals, fleeing from the fire, went -by within easy reach. A deer, in its wild panic, almost ran into the -cabin, and they heard the frightened creature jump into the lake a few -seconds later. Grouse whizzed past close to their heads, and rabbits -and smaller things scurried by almost beneath their feet. - -Then they heard the roar of the fire, the crackling of undergrowth, and -the crash of falling timber as the great wall of flame drew nearer. -Twilight fell early, on account of the smoke, and it was soon quite -dark. The roar of the approaching flames sounded like the noise of -an express-train. The smoke grew still thicker, and they gasped for -breath, as scorching heat-waves, like blasts from an open furnace, -swept over them. - -They had started their back-fire, and George and the woodsmen were -compelled to work like demons to keep it from blowing back toward the -cabin. The wind blew the smoke and flames full into their faces as -they pounded and stamped to force the lengthening line of flame on its -windward course to grapple with the onrushing flames of the forest fire. - -Ed, too, was soon in the thick of the fight, for in beating at the -fire below, the fighters on the ground sent aloft a constant shower of -sparks which found their way to the dry log roof on which he crouched. -Staggering about through the choking smoke, he beat out several patches -of fire which had started from the glowing cinders. Fiery embers seemed -to fill the air. They lit on his face and hands, and burned their way -into the flesh before he could brush them off. He was unable to see his -comrades below, and so loud had the roar of the fire become that he did -not even hear their voices. Several times he found himself on the very -edge of the roof, and he barely escaped falling off, for, blinded as he -was by the smoke, he could not see where he was. - -Suddenly he felt a hand clutch his arm, and turned abruptly to find -George beside him. His eyebrows were singed, and his face streaked and -sooty. - -“I’ve been calling you till I’m hoarse,” he gasped. “Thought you -might have smothered up here. Ben says the forest fire will be over -that hill in a few minutes. Say, isn’t this an experience and a half?” -he chuckled, wiping his inflamed eyes. - -“What about the cabin?” Ed inquired, anxiously. - -“Ben thinks it’s safe, except for the sparks and embers which he says -will be dropping like hail when the real fire goes by. He and Bill will -watch the walls, and you and I are to guard the roof. You see, our -back-fire has burned everything off around the cabin, so the forest -fire will have nothing to feed on and must go round us. Ben thinks -it will travel around the lake. Say, it’s fierce work holding that -back-fire.” - -Then the woods were lighted as vividly as if thousands of great -electric lights had been suddenly turned on. The boys looked toward -the distant pine ridge in alarm, and saw a great barrier of leaping, -red-tongued flame rushing toward the little cabin, whose sole -protection was the thin line of wavering fire they had sent up the hill -to meet and combat the destroying furnace bearing down upon them. - -The roar of the flames through the trees and the crackling of burning -brush echoed in their ears. Then the awful heat swept over them and -stifled their very breath as they groped their way uncertainly about -through the yellow pall of smoke. - -“Here she is--lie low!” yelled Ben, from somewhere below them; but the -rest of his orders were drowned by the noise. - -A host of burning embers came glowing through the smoke and alighted -on the cabin. A jet of flame started up near the peak of the roof, and -the boys dashed water on the spot. Birds struck against them, cinders -lit in their hair, and their heads reeled from the intense heat and -suffocating smoke. - -“Look! Oh, look!” screamed George, hysterically, as a solid sheet -of flame flew from the top of a pitch-pine and caught again in a -neighboring tree, which it consumed with a sullen roar. - -Smoke began to twist up over the edge of the roof, and they realized -that the cabin was on fire. With blanched faces and set teeth they -crawled to the spot, but were driven back by a tongue of flame which -leaped in their faces. - -“She’s going, sure!” cried George, in dismay. - -“Water, quick!” gasped Ed. - -“The roof is on fire, too,” warned George, as he made his way boldly -toward the tiny flame that showed redly through the smoke. - -“Watch the top, boys; we’ve put the fire out down here,” cried Ben. - -The boys went to work with the energy of desperation, and after much -effort finally subdued the flames on the roof. - -Then the two fires met, and the forest fire was checked, but in no wise -conquered. Since nothing was left to burn in front, the fire ran around -the blackened circle which protected the cabin, and went roaring and -crackling through the woods. It burned down to the water’s edge, and -they could hear it hissing with baffled rage at the shore of the lake. - -When it had passed, the sparks ceased; and the boys, thoroughly -exhausted, dropped on the hot roof of the cabin, thankful for their -deliverance. - -Ben crawled up and helped them down, and they staggered feebly into -the smoke-filled room below. Neither could see, and Bill and the guide -brought fresh cold water and put wet cloths over their aching eyes. -They could still hear the fire raging in the distance, and weakly -asked if it might come back. Ben hastily assured them that this was -impossible. Gradually they were able to open their eyes, and the -woodsman led them to the lake, where the air was somewhat clearer. The -ground felt hot to their feet, and on every side were black, charred -tree-trunks and glowing stumps. - -Ben and the trapper were also burned and blistered, but made slight -of their ills; and, following their splendid example, the boys soon -declared that they, too, were all right. - -The fire burned fiercely around the shores of the lake, and the weary -group of fighters sat in awesome silence and watched it vent its -wrath. The flames were reflected in the water, and George declared it -looked as if the whole world was afire, water and all. They saw great -flame-wrapped trees topple and fall hissing into the lake. - -A deer, driven out by the approaching flames, jumped into the lake from -the opposite shore and swam directly toward them. The boys wondered -if it was the same one they had seen during the fire. The startled -creature emerged within a rod of them and staggered away in the -blackness. - -They remained there until the fire, having completely circled the lake, -came together at the lower end. Joining forces, it swept up the side -and over the top of an adjoining ridge. - -“Nothing to stop it for a hundred miles,” said Bill, sadly. - -“Nothing,” added Ben, stooping to cool his fevered face in the water at -his feet. - -They went solemnly back to the cabin, where they found Moze sound -asleep under one of the bunks. - -“Don’t seem to bother him much,” laughed Bill. - -The air was still densely laden with smoke, but it began to clear when -the wind freshened. Ben said they had better go to bed. The boys tossed -about for a long time, unable to close their eyes without causing -severe pain. Ben and Bill were equally restless, and only Moze seemed -able to slumber peacefully. - - - - -VI AN INTERESTING AFTERNOON - - -The boys slept late the next morning. When they did finally open their -smarting eyes, the sunlight was streaming through the cabin windows. -They ate a tardy breakfast which the guide had saved for them, and then -went outside to see the damage done by the fire. - -Everything was black--tree-trunks, stumps, even the ground. Sticks and -twigs lying among the rocks the day before were now rows of gray ashes. -The rocks themselves were seamed and cracked from the terrific heat -that had passed over them. The foliage of the evergreens was seared and -brown. Altogether, it was a scene of desolation. - -“Might have been worse,” Bill declared, after he had carefully -inspected many of the scorched tree-trunks. - -“Yes, I don’t believe it hurt the big timber much,” replied Ben; “it -went through too fast.” - -The boys thought that for this very reason the fire should have -been the more destructive. Ben then carefully explained that the -slow-traveling fire, working its way tediously against the wind, -or along some sheltered valley, invariably did the most damage. He -said that, on account of its very slowness, that type of fire burned -everything in its path. On the other hand, the wind-swept flames -traveling through at railroad speed very often only scorched the -foliage, and were driven on before they had a chance to eat their way -into the trees. - -Toward noon a fresh breeze came down out of the northwest and drove -away most of the smoke. A flock of ducks came with it and alighted in -the lake; but it was Sunday, and the lads were not hunting. - -At dinner the boys were much pleased when Ben promised to take them -on a canoe trip the following day. He said they would go to the -beaver-dam, where they might see some of those wonderful animals at -work. They listened eagerly while he told how the beavers felled trees, -which they cut into proper lengths and floated to the spot chosen for -their dam. Ben also promised that they might do some shooting on the -way. - -Later in the day the boys accompanied Bill down to the shore of the -lake. There they saw the flock of ducks floating quietly on the water -in a sunny cove some little distance away. - -The trapper asked Ed if he would like to try a snap-shot at them, and -Ed ran to the cabin for his camera. - -While he was gone Bill and George began to cut branches with which to -trim and conceal the canoe. - -These branches were skilfully piled in bow and stern, and draped over -each side of the little craft, until it resembled a floating tree-top, -or pile of brush. Once in their places, the occupants would be cleverly -hidden from the wary birds. - -By the time Ed returned, the job was completed, and Bill bade him take -a position in the bow, where he could use the camera to best advantage. -George was placed amidships, and the trapper knelt in the stern and -paddled them toward the ducks. He sent the canoe gliding forward -without once taking his paddle from the water, and the boys marveled at -his skill. - -As the mass of floating greens slowly approached them, the ducks -seemed to become a bit uneasy. The stragglers at once swam in to join -the balance of the flock, and soon the birds were compactly bunched. -Gazing at the approaching object suspiciously, the leaders swam -nervously about in contracted circles. Then the entire flock moved -slowly away in advance of the canoe. - -“Do you think they will fly?” whispered George, turning his face -cautiously toward Bill. - -The trapper shook his head negatively, and placed a finger across his -lips as a warning to be still. - -The flock was far out of camera-shot, and as they swam along, the -drakes called querulously. To the surprise and delight of his -companions, Bill immediately replied with a perfect imitation of their -calls. - -Somewhat reassured by his answer, the ducks halted and began to swim -uncertainly to and fro, as they endeavored to identify the mysterious -object which was bearing down upon them. - -After a time, as Bill ceased paddling and allowed the canoe to drift -toward them, urged on by the slight breeze, the birds became less -apprehensive. They began plunging their heads beneath the water -and splashing it over their backs. And from time to time, as their -suspicions became allayed, they lifted their bodies from the water and -flapped their wings like a barnyard rooster about to crow. - -As the canoe came closer and closer to the unsuspecting flock the -boys became impatient. Peering between the branches which shielded -them, they could distinctly see the sheen on the plumage of the nearer -drakes. With eager, trembling fingers Ed placed his camera in readiness -for quick focusing. - -At last he could see the birds like tiny specks in the finder, and he -was relieved to know that he was actually within focusing range. He -kept his gaze riveted on the little square of frosted glass, determined -to push the lever and make the exposure, should the ducks rise. - -Bill approached still closer. One or two stealthy paddle-strokes, and -then he allowed the canoe to drift. So slowly and cautiously was his -advance made that the ducks seemed to have lost all fear. No doubt they -had mistaken the canoe for part of a floating tree-top. At any rate, -Bill soon came within perfect focusing distance. Then, when Ed saw the -entire flock plainly outlined in the center of the finder, he pressed -the lever of his camera, and the exposure was made. - -The click of the shutter was slight, but it had been sufficient to -alarm the ducks. With loud, frightened calls they rose from the water, -and Ed snapped an exposure of them in flight. Then, on whistling -wings, they wheeled over the canoe and, towering higher and higher -as they circled the lake, flew rapidly from sight over the distant -tree-tops. - -“Well, you got them without harming a feather,” laughed Bill, well -pleased with his work. - -“Yes, and I must thank you,” said Ed, gratefully. “It was -wonderful--the way you worked up to them. I shall have some -enlargements made from that negative and will send you one, if they’re -good, Bill.” - -“All right, my son, I’ll be glad to have it,” declared Bill. “Guess we -won’t need all this browse around us any longer.” And he and the boys -began throwing the branches overboard. - -“What kind of ducks were they?” inquired George. - -“Wood-ducks, the prettiest little ducks that swim,” replied Bill. -“Funny, too; they usually build their nest in a hollow tree, and when -the ducklings are hatched, carry them to the water in their bills.” - -When the canoe was at last clear of branches the trapper paddled slowly -up the lake, his keen eyes constantly alert for something interesting. - -Suddenly he brought the canoe to a stop and nodded toward the forest. - -“Look half-way up that hemlock, over in that open space,” he said, -softly. - -The boys heeded his warning, and saw a small black animal on one of the -limbs. It seemed to be gnawing the bark, and was evidently entirely -unaware of their approach. - -“What is it?” asked Ed. - -“Porcupine,” explained Bill. - -“Can’t we go over to it?” pleaded George. - -“We’ll try; I’d like you to see one close by,” and the trapper urged -the canoe shoreward. - -“‘What funny things you see when you haven’t got a gun,’” quoted Ed, -laughing. - -“And usually on Sunday,” added George, “when you couldn’t shoot if you -had one.” - -Bill handled the canoe carefully until he got it in line with a large -tree, which shielded them from the sight of the porcupine. Then he dug -his paddle hard into the water and sent the light craft toward the bank -at top speed. - -As the boys were scrambling hastily ashore, they heard a scratching -of bark, followed by a peculiar, complaining sort of grunt, which -apparently came from the direction of the hemlock. - -“He’s climbing down! Hurry after him, he can’t run fast!” shouted Bill, -as he jumped from the canoe. - -When they came in sight of the tree, the boys saw the porcupine -shuffling awkwardly along some distance ahead of them. Instantly they -gave chase, with Bill close at their heels. When they overtook their -quarry the lads suddenly halted and broke out into peals of laughter at -the antics of the stupid creature before them. Finding itself unable -to escape by direct flight, the clumsy animal had deliberately rolled -itself into a sort of ball. And, as it lay helpless in the very path -of its pursuers, there rose from its body a mass of sharply pointed -yellow-tipped quills, or spines. - -“Look out! Don’t touch it!” warned Bill. - -“Why, what a strange-looking beast it is!” cried Ed, instantly focusing -his camera. - -“Looks like it was stuck full of hat-pins,” laughed George. - -“It is, and you’ll be, too, if you touch it!” declared the trapper. - -Then he began to prod it gently with his paddle. Quickly it -straightened out and made a vicious swing at the ashen blade with its -quill-filled tail. - -“That’s the way he drives the darts into you. See them fall out each -time he strikes the paddle?” said Bill. - -The boys saw several quills fall to the ground every time the porcupine -struck the paddle-blade with its tail. - -Bill declared the creature a nuisance on account of its habit of -stripping trees of their bark, which seemed to be its principal article -of diet. And with this he began to look for a club; but the boys begged -for mercy, and the porcupine’s life was spared him. - -They remained for some time watching the queer creature, which turned -its head slyly in their direction and blinked at them with little -stupid eyes. Then, when they had withdrawn a few yards, the porcupine -rose to its feet and resumed its laughable attempt at flight. The boys -at once ran to the spot where it had been and gathered up the shed -quills, which, after carefully examining, they fastened in their caps. - -When they were again in the canoe, Bill told them that the porcupine -would often come boldly into camp and destroy every piece of hide or -leather it could find, as well as anything, even wood, on which there -chanced to be a bit of grease. He added that few animals in the woods -cared to attack the porcupine, unless forced to do so by a scarcity of -food-supply and the pangs of hunger. - -“You see, the quills get into their mouths and work down into their -throats and stomachs. I’ve found lynxes which had starved to death on -account of having their throats full of porcupine quills,” explained -the trapper. - -“Served them right for attacking so peaceful a citizen,” declared Ed, -in defense of this abused animal. - -“Not so fast, son, not so fast!” laughed Bill. “Now, just suppose you -were on some island where you were starving. Then, suppose a miserable -little mite of a fish came close to shore and stranded before your -famished eyes. You’d be glad enough to grab him and eat him raw. Well, -suppose after you’d swallowed him you found a hundred burning, piercing -needles in your throat and tongue. Finally, suppose you staggered -around for days in agony, trying to get them out, till you dropped and -died in torture. Think you’d have deserved such an end just because you -tried to keep the breath of life in your body?” - -The boys were silent and thoughtful as Bill ceased speaking and paddled -them slowly toward the cabin. They had changed their opinions of the -starving lynxes. - -When they landed at the little log dock, the lads turned and gazed for -a long time out across the placid water at the beauty of the sunset -scene. - -In the west hung a mass of pearl-colored clouds whose ragged edges -were tinged with shining gold. The upper rim of the setting sun was -barely visible above a ridge of distant pines. The hush of closing day -had fallen on the wilderness. Smooth and unruffled, like a mirror, the -lake caught and reflected the changing tints of the evening sky. Then a -thin, steam-like mist began to rise along its borders. - -“Come on; time to go home,” called Bill. - -That night the boys expressed a wish to go with the trapper on one of -his expeditions. To their great joy Bill promptly agreed to take them -before spring. He said he would show them how to set all kinds of traps -and how to cure pelts. - -Ben reminded them that Sunday was the proper day for letter-writing, -and said it would be a fine chance to send word home, as Bill expected -to start for town at daylight. The boys wrote enthusiastic accounts of -their experiences since coming to the woods. Then they gave the letters -to the care of the trapper, to be mailed at the far-off settlement. -They thought it a very long walk for Bill to undertake, and told him -so. He only laughed and replied that such distances were nothing “when -your legs once get tuned to the trail.” - -They turned in early, and, for the first time since their arrival, the -boys failed to hear the flying squirrels scampering about above them. -They spoke to Ben about it, and he said it had become too cold for the -little night prowlers. - - - - -VII A VISIT TO THE BEAVERS - - -The boys were up early; but Bill and Moze had already gone. They ate -breakfast by lamplight, a new experience. The guide explained that they -had a long journey to make. - -Daylight was just dawning when they took their places in the canoe and -pushed from shore. Ben paddled leisurely down the lake, with Ed in the -bow and George amidships. Ed had his shotgun across his knees, and -George sat with his rifle by his side. They were armed for any sort of -game. Ben paddled noiselessly. The young hunters sat quietly in their -places, their eyes riveted on the shadowy shore-line, eager to see big -game. Once a flock of crows flew noisily overhead. Again some squirrels -barked far back in the forest. Otherwise all was still. - -By the time the sun had climbed over the mountains, they had reached -the end of the lake. Here they were obliged to make a portage to -another body of water about a mile distant. They landed, pulled the -canoe up on shore, and unloaded the guns and a few cooking utensils. -George also carried the camera slung on a strap from his shoulder. - -[Illustration: MAKING A PORTAGE (By courtesy of the Outing Publishing -Co.)] - -To the surprise of the boys, Ben hoisted the canoe on his shoulders and -walked off with it. They fell in behind him in single file. Ed carried -the two guns, and George the cooking things in a bag on his back. - -There was a well-marked trail extending from the water, and Ben -followed slowly along its winding course. He pointed to little square -patches on the tree-trunks, from which the bark had been peeled. He -said they were “blazes,” made to show the trail, especially in winter -when the snow was deep. - -A grouse rose and thundered away through the woods. Ben stopped and -told Ed to put down the rifle and go ahead with the shotgun, for he -believed other birds were hiding close by. He cautioned him to aim -well in front if the birds flew crosswise, and several inches over the -middle of their bodies if they went straight away. - -Ed had barely taken five steps when another grouse rose, and flew -directly from him. It was his first experience with these difficult -targets, and he was rattled. Although he fired both barrels the bird -went safely on its way. - -“That’s all right,” laughed the guide; “put in two new shells quick.” - -Ed slipped the shells into his gun and walked a few steps farther on, -determined to make a better showing. - -Whirr! A third grouse rose and chose the same course as the first. - -“Now!” cried Ben, when the bird was in the proper alignment. - -Bang! bang! went both shells, and Ed whooped triumphantly, for the -grouse turned a somersault in the air and landed with a thud in the -center of the trail lifeless. - -“That’s better,” said Ben, encouragingly. “You’ll soon do as well with -the gun as you do with the rifle.” - -The boys ran forward eagerly and picked up the dead bird. They stroked -its plumage admiringly, and Ed put it in the large rear pocket of his -hunting-coat. - -“Never mind, George, you’ll get a chance later on,” the guide promised. - -They started on, and before they had gone far George evened the score -by shooting a rabbit. Then they came out on the shore of a sparkling -sheet of water which the boys thought too large to be called a pond. -It spread out on either side to far-off wooded shores, and in front -apparently stretched away for miles toward a range of purple mountains. -Ben said that distance judged over water was very deceptive, and that -it was not nearly so far to the end of the lake as it seemed. He added -that he did not intend going that far, for they would turn aside to a -brook which flowed through some swampy meadows where there was a beaver -settlement. - -They had hardly launched the canoe when Ed spied a great, dark bird -with a white head and tail sitting on the naked limb of a dead pine. -Ben declared it a bald eagle, and then he pointed overhead to another -bird, somewhat smaller, soaring about in wide, swinging circles above -the lake. He called it an osprey or fish-hawk. He said, if they sat -motionless and watched closely, they might see the eagle rob it of -its dinner. For some time they drifted quietly along while the osprey -sailed about on motionless wings. Occasionally it uttered a shrill cry, -which the guide explained was its hunting-call. - -The eagle sat gloomily on its lofty perch, with feathers ruffled and -head drawn down between its shoulders. The boys thought it showed -little interest in the fish-hawk; but Ben assured them it was watching -every move the latter made. He said it was just pretending to be half -asleep. - -Then the osprey, with folded wings, dove straight as an arrow to the -water below, and disappeared with a loud splash which sent a cloud of -spray into the air. A few seconds elapsed before the tips of its wings -reappeared, and its body, wet and shining, came into view. It flapped -and struggled furiously to rise. The guide thought it had fastened its -claws in a monster fish. - -After much effort it finally rose heavily from the lake, and they saw a -large fish twisting about in the merciless grip of its talons. Slowly -it mounted upward and flew laboriously toward the distant shore. - -“Look at ‘Old Sleepy Head’ now!” laughed Ben, pointing at the eagle. - -It had risen to its full height, stretched its neck, and spread its -wings. Then with a wild scream it launched into space and flew at the -osprey. The latter immediately turned and began to tower frantically -skyward. The eagle, screaming fiercely, was close behind it. They -circled higher and higher, while the little party in the canoe looked -on. - -At length the eagle made a savage swoop toward its victim, and the -osprey dropped its finny prize and darted out of harm’s way. Like a -thunderbolt from the sky the eagle pitched headlong after the falling -fish, which it secured before it reached the water, and bore it proudly -away. - -“What do you think of that?” asked Ben. - -“I feel sorry for the poor fish-hawk; but I wouldn’t have missed seeing -the trick turned for anything,” Ed replied. - -Farther on the boys saw what they believed to be a pair of ducks on the -water. They asked Ben to turn the canoe so they might get a shot. He -promptly did so, and Ed handed the shotgun to George. He took careful -aim and pulled the trigger, and at the same instant, as it seemed, the -birds vanished under water. Ben laughed heartily while they watched for -the “ducks” to come up. - -After some moments they reappeared, and Ben worked the canoe carefully -toward them, that Ed might try a shot. He, too, took deliberate aim; -but again the uncanny birds disappeared before the shot reached them. -The guide, unable to control himself, shrieked with laughter. - -The shooters, somewhat bewildered, asked what was the matter. He said -they had been shooting at “hell-divers” or grebes, and declared they -might shoot all day without hitting them. Ben told the boys that these -little birds had deceived the best of shots. - -The young marksmen were surprised to learn that grebes sometimes swim -with only the tip of the bill above water. Also, they were told that -the surest way to get one was to paddle after it when it came to the -surface and force it to dive again. By repeatedly doing this they might -finally “wind” the swimmer and get an easy shot. The guide added that -it was not worth the trouble, as the flesh of the grebes was unfit to -eat, being strongly impregnated with fish, which formed their sole -diet. Consequently, the boys went on their way and left the grebes -swimming serenely about in bold defiance of their marksmanship. - -Ben later offered to show them an otter-slide, and turned the bow -of the canoe toward land. He paddled silently along the near shore, -which at this point rose to form a steep, moss-grown bank. Finally he -stopped and pointed to a shallow gully, or chute, which extended from -the top of the bank to the edge of the water. Close beside it, and -parallel to it, was a narrow, winding trail. Ben explained that the -larger depression was an otter-slide, which the makers used like a -toboggan-run. The otters, lying on their stomachs, slid head foremost -down the chute and into the water. The boys were told that the path at -the side had been made by otters emerging from the lake and climbing -the bank for another “header.” - -Ed and George decided to get out and investigate. Ben beached the canoe -and accompanied them. While they were examining the slide, he called, -and they made their way to him, a short distance back in the woods. - -“There’s a bear track, and a big one,” he said, pointing to a huge -paw-mark in the soft ground. - -It looked as though some giant had walked there barefooted. - -“We’ll just keep tab on that fellow till he dens up, and then we ought -to be able to get him,” said Ben, following the trail into the woods. - -“Do you think he is around now?” inquired Ed, anxiously. - -“Bless you, no; he’d have heard us long ago and--” began the guide; but -he did not finish. - -Just then there was a loud, startled “woof,” and a great crashing of -dried twigs, and to their amazement a big black shape rose from the -thicket and lumbered away. - -The guide doubled up with laughter, for at sound and sight of the bear -his companions had bolted and fled for the canoe. In their frantic -haste to escape, the boys lost their footing at the top of the bank and -went rolling down to the water’s edge. It was a funny sight. - -“The bear was ’most as frightened as you were,” chuckled Ben. “Too bad -you didn’t have your rifle, Ed, you might have had a nice shot.” - -“I don’t believe I would have stayed to shoot,” Ed confessed. “But we -won’t run next time--will we, George?” - -“Not on your life!” - -They paddled to the mouth of the brook, which flowed sluggishly into -the deep, silent woods. Ben turned the canoe into it, and they were -soon skimming along between rows of willows and birches which lined the -shores. The stream brought them to a wide marsh, where the guide hoped -to see a moose on their return toward evening. - -From beneath some bushes which overhung the water a flock of ducks rose -compactly bunched. George, who was in the bow with the shotgun across -his knees, quickly brought it to his shoulder and fired two shots in -rapid succession. Two plump ducks came tumbling down to float lifeless -on the water. Another dropped slightly farther on; but it was only -wounded, and it at once began flapping its way awkwardly toward shore. - -“Quick, George; give him another charge, or he’ll get away!” warned -Ben, swinging the canoe broadside of the stream. - -Even while George hurriedly pushed the shells into the breech of his -gun the rifle cracked, and Ed had severed the head of the duck from its -body. - -“Good boy!” cried Ben, enthusiastically. “That’s shooting.” - -Ed called it a good-luck shot, but his comrades called it skill. They -gathered the ducks and started for the beaver lodges and dam, which -were still some distance away. - -The brook widened and became deeper. They saw a muskrat house, and one -of the small, brown inmates swimming close by. Ben said that these -little creatures were near cousins to the beavers. He restrained the -lads from shooting, since the fur was not yet prime, and promised that -there would be plenty of opportunity to hunt and trap the “rats” later. - -The stream at length led into what appeared to be a mill-pond. In the -center they saw a large, dome-shaped mass of mud and sticks raised -above the water. This was the beaver house or lodge. Ben pointed to -the long, curving dam across the head of the pond. He explained how, -when the current of a brook was strong, the beavers curved their dam -upstream to withstand the surge of the water. - -[Illustration: BEAVER HOUSES] - -They paddled to the house, and the boys were astonished to find it so -large. Near it was a pile of short, green logs and sticks, a supply -of winter food. They observed that the smaller end of each stick was -thrust into the mud to prevent it from floating away. - -They were puzzled at not finding any doorway in the house; but Ben -explained that the entrance was under water, and he told them how the -beavers traveled about beneath the ice. The muskrats, he added, built -their houses in much the same way, except that instead of small logs -and large sticks they made use of grasses and weed-stalks. - -Then he paddled to the shore, and they alighted. Here they saw the -round, blunt-pointed stumps and tree-butts chiseled by the beavers’ -sharp teeth, and Ben explained how they cut the trees. He said, when -beavers find a suitable tree they sit up on their haunches and gnaw -away the bark, working slowly about the trunk in a circle. Then -they go around again and chisel out pieces of the wood itself. This -they continue to do until they penetrate to the heart of the tree, and -presently it falls. Then they gnaw off the smaller limbs and branches, -which are collected and floated to the dam or lodge. - -Ben added, some people claim that the beavers always cut a tree so that -it will fall in any desired direction. But he said he did not believe -this, for he had seen hundreds of trees which the beavers had felled -in the most inconvenient places, and others that, through careless -cutting, had lodged against adjacent trunks and failed to come to the -ground at all. - -Then the guide led the boys to the dam. They walked along the top, -where the sticks were all pointed lengthwise of the stream. There was -more beaver talk from Ben, who surprised the boys by telling them that -the beaver’s tail, properly prepared, made delicious soup. - -Anxious to get a glimpse of the clever creatures, Ben decided to wait -close to the dam. However, he was not hopeful, for, he said, the -beavers usually worked after dark, or between daylight and sunrise; -but, he added, they were occasionally seen abroad in the daytime, and -on the chance the boys were eager to wait. - -They returned to the canoe, and presently there was a crackling fire, -and appetizing smells soon drifted off through the woods. When they had -finished eating they went into hiding behind some willows at the edge -of the pond, and Ben told them that when an old bachelor beaver became -quarrelsome the beavers drove him from the village and compelled him -to live alone; also, when the beavers were obliged to go some distance -into the forest for the trees they required, they sometimes dug regular -little canals down which they floated the sticks and logs to their pond. - -Suddenly a loud whack came from the water, and, cautioning his -companions to keep still, the guide peeped between the branches. -Quietly he pointed toward the lodge, and the boys saw a dark-brown -animal swimming leisurely along near the foot of the dam. Ben whispered -that the noise had been made by the beaver striking the water with its -tail. - -The animal soon reached the base of the dam and crawled from the water. -It walked carefully along the whole length of the dam, apparently on a -tour of inspection. At one place a stick had become dislodged, and the -beaver skilfully put it back. - -Then it entered the pond and, to their delight, started directly toward -their place of concealment. Ben warned them to remain absolutely -motionless, and Ed stealthily placed his camera within reach, in the -hope of getting a snap-shot. - -The beaver swam to a log within fifteen feet of them, and there emerged -and sat up in plain view. Ed hastily focused the camera and pressed -the bulb, with an involuntary exclamation of delight. At the sound the -beaver dove beneath the water. - -“Well, my boy, you’re certainly in luck,” laughed Ben, as Ed wound off -the film. “I guess he just came over to have his picture taken.” - -“That will make a fine enlargement!” cried George. - -“It’s better than shooting him,” Ben declared. “Anybody can wait around -and get a pot-shot, but it’s not every one that can get close enough -to take a good picture. Of course, he helped considerable by saving us -the trouble of sneaking up on him; but nobody knows that,” he added, -mischievously. - -Ed took several pictures of the dam and the gnawed stumps. Then they -entered the canoe and paddled upstream toward the lake. The weather -was becoming colder, and a raw, piercing wind had come down out of the -north. Ben thought it might snow before many hours, and the boys, eager -for their first experience with snowshoes, hoped it would. - -When they turned from the stream the shadows of early twilight had -crept through the woods, and were reaching over the water. Ben paddled -rapidly, and they were soon at the end of the lake, where the dim trail -led away toward the little cabin. - -Ben had lifted the canoe on his shoulders and was starting along the -trail when an alarming sound came over the water from the swamp. - -The guide instantly set the canoe down and straightened to listen, and -the boys instinctively moved closer to his side. As they stood there -the wild call was repeated. It echoed weirdly over the water, and -consisted of a deep, cow-like bellow followed by several low, rumbling -grunts. - -“That’s a bull moose calling,” declared Ben. Then he lifted the canoe -and continued into the black woods. - -The lads followed closely, unable to keep from glancing over their -shoulders apprehensively each time the cry was repeated. They asked -Ben about the noise, and they were quite excited to learn that with -a roll of birch-bark he could imitate the sound and call a moose. He -promised to do this for them, and they determined to hold him to his -promise. - -As they stumbled along in the wake of the guide, Ed and George several -times heard animals running away through the dark. They thought it -wonderful that Ben was able to find and follow the trail in such -darkness, and finally asked him how he did it. He laughed and declared -he just followed his feet. - -It was late when they eventually reached the cabin. Ben cooked a -splendid supper, and they ate with the appetite of the woods. Then came -the comfort of their blankets and sound sleep. - - - - -VIII A BULL MOOSE AND A NARROW ESCAPE - - -Next morning the bushes about the edge of the shore were silvered with -frost, and a thin, crinkling scum of ice covered the little pools in -the marsh. The air was sharp and crisp, and it nipped viciously at the -boys’ fingers and ears. Before it was light they left the cabin and -took their stand beside Ben in the timber at the border of the swamp. - -For some time they stood there shivering from cold and excitement. -Then, as the first gray hint of approaching day came from the east, Ben -raised a cone-shaped roll of birch-bark to his lips and blew the wild, -sonorous challenge of the bull moose. It rose and fell on the frosty -air until all the woods resounded, and then died away in the distance. - -Somewhere about, within hearing distance he hoped, was the moose they -had heard on their return from the beaver-dam. Ben felt sure it would -eagerly accept this defiant challenge. If it did, he knew it would -soon come crashing noisily toward them, and he hoped to entice it out -upon the open marsh. - -Having given the call, the guide lowered the birch-bark horn and sat -down to wait, while the boys stared eagerly across the marsh. - -Time passed, but there was no response. At last Ben rose and sent forth -another strange cry. This time he substituted the call of the cow -moose. Then he again sat down to wait. - -Daylight dawned, and a white, curling mist rose and drifted away above -the marsh. Something snapped a twig at the border of the woods. The -boys looked expectantly at Ben and shifted their rifles. He smiled and -shook his head, and their tense nerves relaxed. - -Then the summons was answered, and Ben glanced at them and winked -encouragingly. From far to the right came the challenging reply, and -the very sound of it set the hearts of the young hunters to thumping, -while they thrilled with excitement. What they would do when the -moose really made its appearance they did not know, except that they -determined to stand their ground manfully. - -Ben once more placed the roll of bark to his lips and sent forth -another call--a repetition of the first defiant challenge. A minute -or so passed, and then the reply came, clearer and more distinct than -before. - -“We’ve got him coming, boys,” said Ben, confidently. “When he gets -close, and you hear him crashing through the woods, you fellows must -keep as still as mice, or we’ll lose him. If I can coax him into the -center of the marsh, cover him close behind the shoulder; and when you -hear me hiss, let him have it.” - -“What will he do when he gets here?” asked George. - -“Look around for trouble, I guess,” Ben answered. - -“And he’ll find it, too!” said Ed. - -Again the guide called, and an answer came back immediately. Then, to -their great surprise, another call sounded from the opposite side of -the swamp. The boys stared at Ben in wide-eyed astonishment. - -“Well, I’ll be blamed!” he chuckled. “We’ve got two of them coming; -and, unless I’m mistaken, we’re going to see something mighty -interesting. I wouldn’t wonder but what there’s likely to be the -liveliest kind of a scrap around here before long.” - -For some minutes they were kept in a high state of excitement and -suspense, as the calls and challenges of the rival bulls sounded back -and forth across the marsh. - -“There’s no use calling any more,” said Ben, laying aside the birch -roll. “They’ll call each other, and meet right here in front of us.” - -At last they heard the moose which had answered first crashing his way -through the undergrowth. At the same time they heard the second one -approaching from the opposite side. - -“Don’t shoot till I tell you,” whispered Ben, as they crouched behind -the bushes. - -Both bulls had become suspicious, and they were using every precaution -before exposing themselves. The boys could see the tops of small trees -shake as the moose lunged savagely at them with their antlers. The -enraged beasts were evidently pawing and stamping, for there was a -constant snapping and crackling of dried twigs. Then silence reigned -supreme while the animals stood listening for a warning of danger. - -At last, after what seemed a very long time to the impatient watchers, -one of the great beasts, the one they had heard first, left the -timber and strode defiantly out upon the marsh. The hair on his neck -was raised in anger as he stood with his massive antlers held high, -endeavoring to obtain some sign or scent of his rival. - -The boys raised their rifles and took accurate aim. Their hearts -thumped wildly, and their breath came hard and fast. Much to their -disgust, however, Ben motioned for them to lower the weapons. He -pointed mysteriously in the direction from whence he expected the -second bull. The one they had so eagerly covered was not as large a -specimen as the guide had expected to see. He was prudently holding the -impatient lads in check, in the hope that the second moose would prove -to be a finer animal. - -Then there was a savage grunt, and with lowered head the expected -arrival charged into the open and drove straight at its enemy. The -latter, although surprised by the suddenness of the attack, instantly -wheeled and braced himself to withstand the charge. - -There was a terrific crash as the two sets of antlers met. Then began -a battle the like of which none of the spellbound onlookers would -probably ever see again. Head against head, the two big brutes pushed -and shoved each other about the marsh. Great pieces of mossy turf were -torn loose and flung high in air by their sharp hoofs; bushes were -broken and trampled down as the combatants struggled through them; -and the noise of hoarse breathing, as the bulls strained and labored -against each other, could be distinctly heard. - -The last arrival was the larger and heavier animal of the two. In -spite of this, its younger and smaller adversary was giving a splendid -account of himself. Twice he sent his larger antagonist to its knees -by the force of his rushes, and he speedily won the sympathy of his -unseen audience by his courage. Several times, when he had gained a -temporary advantage, the boys were on the point of cheering. In their -struggle the infuriated animals approached close to the hiding-place of -the hunters, and the latter could see the fierce eyes blazing with the -light of battle. - -Finally the strength of the heavier animal began to assert itself, -and the younger moose, gashed and gored, began to give way. Slowly it -retreated before the furious onslaughts of its aggressive antagonist. -Then, finding itself unable to stop them, it turned in panic and fled -with its conqueror in triumphant pursuit. - -As the bulls galloped across the marsh Ben called to the boys to shoot. -Nothing could have tempted them to fire at the smaller animal, which -had so completely won their hearts by its gallant conduct. They had no -such consideration for its rival, however, and they quickly brought -their rifles up and fired at his retreating form. - -When the shots rang out the rear moose fell to its knees, but was up in -an instant and into the woods. - -“Well, you hit him,” said Ben, as he rose to his feet. “Why didn’t you -each pick one of them?” - -“We couldn’t kill the smaller one after seeing the fight he made,” -declared Ed. “At least, that was the way I felt about it.” - -“Same here,” George seconded. - -Ben laughed, but did not reply. He led them over the marsh to where -the moose had fallen. They closely examined the small bushes in the -immediate vicinity. A few splashes showed on some of the leaves, and -the guide declared the moose was only slightly wounded. - -“Of course, I may be wrong,” he added, noting the look of -disappointment on their faces. “Anyhow, we’ll have to follow him up. -Nobody but a rank ‘tenderfoot’ or a quitter would leave a wounded -animal to suffer and die in misery.” - -They started at once to follow the moose. - -“Will he be apt to go far?” Ed inquired. - -“Judging by the sign, he’ll go a long ways,” Ben prophesied, “unless -he’s bleeding inside.” - -The boys wished they had not shot, for the idea of the wounded moose, -perhaps in mortal agony, fleeing before them caused severe pangs of -conscience. They determined, therefore, to follow on the trail until -they found their victim and mercifully ended his sufferings. - -Headed by the guide, whose keen eyes never for an instant lost the -indistinct trail, they toiled through the wilderness for several -hours. Twice they were obliged to ford streams, and the icy water -chilled their legs. They flushed grouse, which, as usual at such -times, flew stupidly into trees and offered all sorts of easy shots. -But Ben, fully determined to kill the moose, forbade them to use the -rifles on anything except the wounded bull. They had an excellent -chance at a buck which leaped from cover beside them and bounded up an -exposed hillside. Even then the lads dutifully obeyed instructions and -refrained from shooting. - -While they were crossing a dangerous strip of floating bog George -lagged behind to lace his moccasins. Then, in his eagerness to overtake -his companions, he started recklessly across the treacherous swamp, -stepped upon a piece of floating bog, and disappeared into a deep -water-hole. - -When his head reappeared above the surface, George grasped desperately -at the moss and bushes fringing the edge of the pool. He was dismayed -to find that the bog all around him was afloat. He called to his -comrades for help. But they, supposing he had followed them, had -disappeared into the timber. - -The water was several feet over his depth, and George was compelled to -“tread,” a trick he had learned in the school swimming-tank, in order -to keep his head above the surface. He realized that he could not -continue it very long before he would become exhausted. Already the icy -water was cramping his legs and sending sharp, stinging pains through -his body. Again and again he clutched at the edge of the floating marsh -and tried to drag himself upon it. Each time it sank with his weight -and sent him diving beneath the water. He clung valiantly to his rifle, -and at last decided to fire it in the hope of attracting the attention -of his companions. Then he thought of the moose, and refrained. - -Finally his legs stiffened and refused to work, and, feeling himself -sinking, George clutched frantically at a bush and held to it with a -grip of despair. It was anchored to a large piece of floating bog. -Although the insecure platform would not support him, it kept the lad -from sinking into the depths of the pool. - -For what seemed hours George hung suspended in the water-hole. His -calls brought no response, and he determined to fire the danger-signal. - -He listened fearfully as the reports thundered across the marsh, for he -believed he had spoiled all chance of getting the moose. But, as the -wind blew from the wrong direction to carry the sound to his friends, -George doubted if either they or the moose had heard his desperate -appeal. - -Then the alarming possibility that perhaps Ben and Ed had also -fallen into the bog presented itself. The mere suggestion of such a -catastrophe sickened him. He realized that unless help came soon it -would be too late. The water was benumbing his entire body, and it -was with the greatest difficulty that he retained his death-like hold -on the saving bush. With all the power of his lungs he gave a last -despairing cry. Then he felt himself slowly sinking into the icy water. - -But suddenly there was an answering yell from Ben, and, rousing -himself, George saw the guide leaping over the marsh with a long pole -on his shoulder. Behind him came Ed, also carrying a pole. - -When he arrived at the edge of the treacherous bog, Ben reached forward -with the extended pole, while he held fast to the other pole which -Ed, his feet braced against a tree, clung to with all his might. The -end of the sapling just came within reach, and George grasped it -with stiffened fingers and endeavored to aid Ben, who was struggling -desperately to drag him from the water. The guide put all of his -strength into the effort, and George rose slowly from the hole and -was dragged over, under, and through the wet mass beneath him to firm -ground. - -His rescuers at once set to work rubbing and kneading his cramped -muscles, until they had partially restored circulation. Then they led -him rapidly over the marsh and into the shelter of the woods. Ben -quickly kindled a fire, and compelled George to sit near it until he -was well dried and thoroughly warmed. - -When the lad had fully recovered, the guide congratulated him on his -narrow escape, and commended him for his presence of mind in keeping -possession of his rifle. - -George apologized for having fired the shots, and said he supposed he -had ruined all chances of getting the moose. - -Ben and Ed looked at each other, and laughed heartily. Then they rose -and asked him to follow them into the woods. There before him was the -body of the moose. George, delighted, looked from one to the other for -an explanation. Ben told him that both bullets had taken deadly effect, -and the bull had succumbed to internal wounds. - -The boys helped him skin the carcass and cut out the choice parts -of the meat. Then they left the head and horns until later, made -convenient packs, and started for the canoe. They were careful to go -around the swamp instead of crossing it again. - -Once they had reached the canoe, they started directly for the cabin. -The first real touch of winter was in the air, and as they paddled -along Ben told them if the wind went down at dark they could expect to -find ice in the morning. - -When they reached the cabin he prepared a cup of hot ginger tea, which -he made George drink to offset any ill effects from his exposure in the -marsh. Then he cooked a delicious stew from the game they had procured -in the past few days, and, as they were all extremely hungry, they ate -supper early. - -As Ben had prophesied, the wind died down with the sun, and a keen, -biting frost descended over the wilderness. They made a roaring fire in -the little stove, and drew their stools close up to it while Ben told -several stories before they climbed into their bunks. - - - - -IX FISHING THROUGH THE ICE - - -For a week the cold weather continued, and the lakes and ponds became -covered with smooth, glistening sheets of ice. The boys, who had -brought their skates, enjoyed great sport. Never before had they seen -such excellent skating, and Ben advised them to make the most of it -before the snow came and spoiled their fun. - -One day they spied a fox crossing the lake, and they promptly skated -after it. The fleet-footed animal was unable to make speed on the ice, -and the boys gained rapidly. The panic-stricken fox slid about and fell -constantly in its efforts to dodge its pursuers. Once it ran directly -in front of Ed, and sent him sprawling--much to the delight of Ben -and George. The guide, who watched the sport from shore, cautioned -them against catching the animal with their hands. Therefore they were -obliged to content themselves with chasing it to the edge of the woods, -where, finding firm footing at last, it jumped into the bushes and -sped away in safety. - -Several days later the sun came out bright and warm, and Ben declared -it a splendid day to fish through the ice. He promised the boys great -sport, should the fish happen to be hungry. He went to a near-by spring -and dipped some minnows from a supply stored there. Then he took ten -or twelve pieces of lath from a shelf. Each piece was about three feet -long, and had a small, round hole bored through its center, near one -end. Fastened to this end was a heavy braided fish-line, from the end -of which dangled a businesslike-looking hook. Provided with these, -the pail of minnows, and two axes, Ben led the way over the lake to a -sheltered cove. There he halted at some distance from the shore, for -he explained that with the coming of cold weather the fish retired to -deeper water. - -While he chopped the first hole the guide set the boys at work cutting -a number of sticks, about three feet long, small enough to fit loosely -through the holes in the pieces of lath. By the time they had cut -enough Ben had chopped several holes. The lads were anxious to help, -and he surrendered the ax and told them to begin. - -They began by chipping small pieces of ice, haphazard, from the center -of a tiny circle. The guide instantly stopped them and declared such -work would not do. He showed how to cut a circular groove through -the ice, keeping all sides of the circle at an even depth until they -were on the point of reaching the water; then a clean-cut disk of ice -floated free and was pushed back out of the way. - -“There’s a knack in everything, boys,” laughed Ben, straightening after -he had cut the twelfth and last hole. - -They unwound the fish-lines, placed a minnow on each hook, and dropped -it into the water. At the same time Ben pushed a stick through the lath -and placed it across the opening. Each end of the stick rested on the -ice. The lath had its longer half resting on the ice, and its shorter -end, from which dangled the line and hook, directly over the water. - -Ben explained that when a fish jerked on the line it would pull the -short end of the lath down and cause the other end to rise and give -warning of a strike. He said such an arrangement was known as a -“tip-up.” When the last hole had been baited and set, the anglers went -ashore to wait. When one of the “tip-ups” bobbed into the air they were -all to rush for it. The one who got there first and jerked out the -fish would win that “heat.” - -Suddenly Ben shouted, “There goes number three!” and off he started, -with the boys in hot pursuit. - -It was no easy matter to keep their feet while dashing at full speed -over the glassy surface of the lake. Ed fell flat and slid along with -his arms and legs outspread. By the time George reached the hole he -was going so fast that he could not stop, and he slid past, vainly -endeavoring to turn without falling. When Ed and George had recovered -themselves, Ben had reached the opening and tossed a splendid pickerel -on the ice. - -“You fellows looked like spiders trying to run over a window-pane,” he -laughed, as the boys came up puffing. - -“Just wait until the next one!” George panted. - -“There she goes!” cried Ed; and he made a wild dash for another hole. - -George and Ben were right behind him, yelling at the top of their -voices. When near the opening Ed thought the best way to stop would be -to sit down and slide the remainder of the distance. He did so, but was -unaware that his comrades were close behind him; and he was somewhat -surprised when Ben went sailing over his head and George landed -astride his back. There was a grand mix-up of arms and legs, as all of -them tried to scramble to the hole. Finally Ed managed to crawl to the -opening, where he jerked another pickerel from the water. - -When they rose to their feet, they saw three “tip-ups” on end, and this -time each ran to a different one. Much to the delight of the boys, Ben -slipped, and to save himself from plunging into the hole jumped over -it at top speed. His feet hit the ice on the other side and instantly -shot out from under him, and he slid along on his back, while his young -companions whooped. - -“Another spider!” cried Ed. - -Ben laughed good-naturedly, and, spying another “tip-up” raised, -started for it at break-neck speed. Away went the boys at the same -instant. In vain they tried to head him off from the side. Again a -desperate mix-up ensued, and this time it was George who first got -hold of the line. He gave a violent tug. Then the others laughed -boisterously, for nothing but the bare hook shot into the air. - -After a while it began to cloud over and grow cold and raw. Ben looked -at the sky and prophesied snow before dark. They spent the remainder -of the morning on the ice; but with the disappearance of the sun and -the coming of the cold wind, the fish ceased biting. They caught only -one or two more before they took up the “tip-ups” at noon and returned -to the cabin. - -During the afternoon it continued to grow colder. Several times little -flurries of snow passed, swirling out across the lake. Ben busied -himself in overhauling several pairs of snowshoes, which he said they -might soon have need of. - -All at once a most unearthly noise sounded from the opposite side of -the lake. Ben dropped the snowshoe he was fixing, and listened. It was -a combination of howls, whines, yelps, and barks mingled in one great -bedlam of sound that greeted their ears. - -The guide rushed from the cabin with his rifle, and ran for the shore, -the boys close behind him. Whatever made the noise was evidently headed -for the lake, with the intention of crossing on the ice. - -“They’ve turned!” said Ben, disgustedly. - -“What is it?” inquired Ed. - -“Wild dogs,” said Ben. “They’re running a deer--bad luck to them! -If the deer had only come out on the ice, as it intended, I’d have -dropped a few of the rascals before they got out of range.” - -“Wild dogs?” repeated the lads, incredulously. - -“Yes, there’s been a pack of them down in the country around Big Otter -Pond for several years. Now that they’ve driven most of the game out of -there, they’ve moved up into this country. We’ll make it too all-fired -hot for them! Wait till Bill hears of it, then you’ll smell gunpowder,” -Ben declared, angrily. - -The babel from the outlaw pack grew gradually fainter, till at last it -ceased, for they had chased their doomed victim out of ear-shot. - -“Will they get the deer?” George asked. - -“Yes, they’ll get it, all right,” replied Ben. “Nothing escapes them -when once they’re hot on the trail. They’re as savage as wolves, and a -lot more cunning. That’s why nobody can kill them off.” - -When they reached the cabin the guide began the story of the -four-footed renegades. - -“Some few years ago there was an old half-breed trapper who came down -into this country from somewhere up in Canada. With him he brought -three dogs which he used on bear. Two of them were great long-eared -hounds--mostly bloodhound stock, I guess, savage as lions. The other -was a three-quarter Eskimo dog which looked for all the world like a -big gray timber-wolf. - -“Jean Beaupoy--that was the name of the old trapper--kept the dogs tied -to stout posts near his cabin. He could do anything he pleased with -them, but no one else dared go near where they were. I’ve heard men -who chanced to pass say that the dogs would growl and bark long before -any one could get near the place. Then old Jean would run out, rifle -in hand, and ask who was coming and what they wanted. We sort of got -suspicious of the old fellow, and thought maybe he’d run away from the -law, and had brought the three half-wild dogs to give him warning and -protection. - -“Well, one day early in the spring the queer old man was drowned. He -had tried to come down through ‘Crazy Man Riffs’ in his canoe. We found -the canoe turned bottom side up in the pool at the end of the rapids, -but we never found old Jean. - -“First we thought his dogs had been drowned with him, ’cause we knew he -had them along. But several weeks later a trapper saw them chase a buck -deer into a pond. He called them; but at the sound of his voice they -snarled like wolves and bounded away before he thought of shooting. - -“A year or so after this, reports began to come in about them from all -around the county. They’d gathered up other stray dogs by that time -and made them cunning, blood-thirsty outlaws like themselves. The big, -half-wolf Eskimo dog appeared to be their leader, and some used to say -he had found two or three timber-wolves and got them to join his band. -But there aren’t any wolves in Maine. - -“Finally people began to hunt them; and when they failed to get near -enough to shoot, they set poison traps. In that way they managed to -kill one or two, and then the pack refused to touch any more of the -poisoned bait. - -“One winter the trappers organized a hunt to run them down on -snowshoes. Although the best men in the county took part, they only -succeeded in killing two out of the pack, which by that time had -increased considerably. - -“Each year they grew bolder and killed more game, till the county -offered a reward for killing them, and men went to work to hunt them. -But it was no use. - -“Perhaps somebody kills one, or maybe two, now and then, but they -have increased till there are probably twenty or thirty in the pack. -They’ve chased or killed off all the game around Big Otter Pond way, -and now they’ve come yelping and raving up here like a pack of devils.” - -“Do they ever attack people?” asked Ed, when the unusual story was -finished. - -Ben resumed work on the snowshoes, and did not reply. - -Ed repeated his query, and the guide was forced into an answer. - -“Oh, they’re not dangerous,” he laughed, evading the direct question, -and the boys knew he was not so sure of it. - -They spent the balance of the day skating on the lake. Toward evening -they thought they heard the wild pack again, and they felt that the -cabin was the place for them. - -Just as they were turning in for the night it began to snow. It came -down in little round, stinging pellets, and Ben said this was the sign -of a big storm. - -Later, when they were warmly blanketed in the bunk, Ed turned to George -and said: “I believe we shall be mixed up with that band of wild dogs -before we leave here.” - -“I’ve been thinking the same thing,” said George. - - - - -X WINTER SETTLES DOWN - - -When the storm ceased two days later the lads looked out on a new -landscape. The glistening white mantle of winter covered the earth. -The evergreens were decorated with little puffs of snow, and the cabin -itself was half buried in a huge drift. Everything was white and -dazzling--lake, mountains, trees, and cabin. It seemed to the boys -that they had stepped into fairyland. They might have easily imagined -themselves in the Arctic. - -[Illustration: THE WHITE MANTLE OF WINTER COVERED THE EARTH] - -Ben brought forth two pairs of snowshoes and explained how to fasten -them on. Then he donned a pair himself and tramped slowly back -and forth, so the boys could see how he used his feet and legs to -manipulate the awkward “webs.” - -Ed and George started bravely out over the deep snow; but, unused to -the queer shoes as they were, they quickly placed one foot on top of -the other and went head first into the soft, powdery drifts. Ben shook -with laughter as they floundered about in their efforts to rise. They -soon learned to keep their feet far apart, and before long they were -running over the snow like old-timers. - -Later in the day they again put on the snowshoes and made their way out -on the lake. Suddenly George called to Ed and pointed excitedly to a -tall pine that leaned out from the shore. Looking up into the branches, -Ed saw a large white bird sitting stationary on its perch. - -Ed volunteered to go to the cabin for a gun, and started for the shore -at full speed. In his excitement he forgot all about keeping his -feet apart, and before he had gone far he overlapped the toes of his -snowshoes and took a “header.” But he quickly regained his feet and -continued. - -The big bird in the top of the tree began to twist its head uneasily, -and George was disgusted when it finally spread its wings and sailed -out over the lake and back toward the woods again. He instantly gave -chase, and kept it in sight until it alighted in another tree some -distance farther on. - -When Ed returned to the border of the lake with the gun, he was -surprised to find George nowhere in sight. But he followed the -snowshoe trail around a projecting point of land. There he found George -hidden in the bushes. Ed told him that Ben thought the bird might be a -snowy owl. - -Delighted at the prospect of procuring so rare a prize, they began a -stealthy advance through the woods. They found traveling in the timber -far more difficult than they had imagined. The snowshoes caught under -logs and in bushes continually, and their progress was slow. After much -labor they finally arrived at the base of the pine. - -They looked for some time before they were able to discover the owl -high above them. At last George pointed it out to Ed, who had the gun. -He took careful aim and pulled the trigger. With the report, down came -a shower of snow that almost blinded them. Then they saw the bird come -flapping awkwardly to earth, and land, as they supposed, some distance -away in the soft snow. - -They at once hurried to the spot, but found no trace of the owl. -They hunted diligently, and Ed, in disgust, declared the bird was no -doubt lying in plain sight, but could not be seen against the white -background of snow. They searched carefully through a fallen tree-top, -beneath bushes, and behind rocks, but all in vain. - -“I wish I hadn’t shot it,” Ed said, remorsefully, as he sat down to -cool himself. - -“We’ll find it about here somewhere,” replied George, hopefully. - -Just then another mass of loosened snow came tumbling down on Ed, as -the object of their search flapped helplessly to the ground from the -forks of a small evergreen. With one wing dragging, it tumbled along -over the snow and made away into the woods. - -“Don’t shoot!” cried George, excitedly, as Ed brought the gun to his -shoulder. “We’ll get him alive,” and he bounded off in pursuit of the -escaping bird. - -They soon saw that it was only wounded slightly, and could make -excellent speed through the tangled undergrowth. Indeed, it was only by -the greatest efforts that they were able to keep it in sight. But it -was leaving a broad trail, and they knew they would be able to track it -to its hiding-place. - -The bird finally sought refuge under a log. The boys whooped -delightedly, for they knew it could not escape them. Being entirely -unfamiliar with the danger from the powerful beak and talons of this -bird, George stooped down and reached recklessly beneath the log. He -instantly withdrew his hand and gave utterance to a howl of pain as he -hopped about holding to one of his fingers, which was bleeding freely. - -“What happened?” asked Ed, in surprise. - -“Gee whiz, the blamed thing has teeth!” declared George. “He bit me!” - -They put snow on the injured finger and bound it with a handkerchief. -Then they sat down to determine how to get the strange bird without -risking more fingers. The boys at last decided to poke it out with a -stick; but were at a loss to know how to capture it when it came from -beneath the log. - -“I have it,” declared George. “When it comes out, I’ll throw my coat -over it, and we can wrap it up and carry it home.” - -For a long time, however, the bird refused to leave its shelter, and -bit and struck at the stick with its powerful beak and great curved -claws. Noticing the way it attacked the pole, Ed decided to try an -experiment. - -He fastened his handkerchief to the end of the stick, and pushed it -before the enraged bird. Hissing angrily, the owl snapped viciously at -the lure. Before it could release its hold, Ed gave a quick pull which -brought the bird from beneath the log. - -Once in the open, it turned over on its back and clawed at the air. The -boys made many attempts to throw the coat over it, but each time it -either kicked it off or scrambled from beneath. - -“Fights almost as hard as a bob-cat,” laughed Ed. - -“Worse,” declared George, shaking his wounded finger as proof. - -The lads eventually got the savage bird wrapped in the garment, but -not until Ed had received a nasty scratch from its sharp talons. Using -the sleeves of the coat, they managed to tie their struggling captive -securely in its folds. Slinging it from the end of a small pole, they -set off for the cabin in high spirits. - -When they arrived there, they made Ben close the door, and with a shout -of triumph they released their prisoner in the center of the room. - -“Snowy owl, sure as you’re born,” said Ben, when the bird stood before -him. - -At his near approach it backed away into a corner, beneath a lower -bunk, and he bade them get it out to see if it was badly wounded. - -“Not as badly as we are,” laughed George, as he unbound his throbbing -finger. - -Ed rolled up his sleeve and exhibited the long, red scratch on his arm. - -“Heigh!” cried Ben. “Got you, did he?” And he ordered them to wash -their wounds with hot water from the kettle. - -With the aid of a fish-net he finally got the owl in his grasp, and -tenderly examined its wounded wing. - -“Just one little shot-pellet tipped him on the joint there,” he said. -“He’ll be as good as ever in a few days.” - -“May we keep him?” pleaded the lads. - -“Yes, I guess so; but you’ll have to be careful or some one may get -hurt.” - -They promised to build a cage, and said they would tame and make a -pet of their captive. They asked Ben what to feed it, and were much -relieved when told it would eat anything in the way of meat. - -“He’s a rascal, anyway, and a little term in prison won’t hurt him,” -laughed the guide. - -Then he told them that this species of owl murders and eats great -numbers of rabbits, grouse, and smaller birds and animals. He declared -that by jailing the individual in their possession they would no doubt -save the lives of many little forest folks in the vicinity. - -That afternoon, aided by Ben, they built a large rustic crate, or cage, -with a log perch extending from end to end. They managed to get the -owl inside, and when they had supplied him with some deer meat they -pushed the crate against the wall and left the surly prisoner to his -meditations. - -Ben said they would undoubtedly see many strange tracks recorded in the -snow on the following day. He explained how the various animals had -remained close in their shelter during the fury of the storm; but, now -it was over, they would venture forth in search of food. - -After supper Ed and George dragged the crate into the center of the -room. They sat down before it to study the fascinating white bird, -which sat stolidly on its perch and gazed at them with its great, -yellow eyes. They were amused and surprised to learn that it could turn -its head almost in a complete circle without moving its body. After -watching it do this for some time, Ed declared it must surely twist its -own neck if it continued. - -They learned from their books and from Ben that the snowy owl was an -inhabitant of the far-off Arctic regions, and that it came down into -this country in the winter, when it was driven south by snow, cold, -and lack of food. Ben told them how it sailed through the forest and -pounced upon a sleeping grouse or luckless rabbit before they were -aware of its presence. - -Later in the evening the moon came up big and bright and flooded -the snow-covered country with its light. The boys asked Ben if they -might take some meat down to the edge of the lake for a bait to entice -whatever wild creatures might be abroad. They explained that they -wished to hide near-by, to watch, in the hope of getting a shot. The -guide smilingly gave consent, with the understanding that they would -return promptly when he called. - -Armed with a lantern, the bait, and their guns, the boys followed their -own snowshoe trail to the edge of the ice. They threw the meat a short -distance out from shore, and it instantly sank from sight in the snow. -They recovered it, and moved farther along. Next time the bait was -placed carefully on a log. Then they concealed themselves and waited -anxiously for some forest prowler to make its appearance. - -The moonlight shining on the snow made the lake and surrounding -wilderness weird and ghostly. Not a sound disturbed the stillness -except the thumping of their own hearts. Somehow the forest seemed -bigger and wilder, and they were glad to know that the cabin was not -far away. There was little wind astir, but the still cold stung their -noses and fingers and forced its way through their clothes and made -them shiver. The lads crouched side by side, with their guns held in -readiness and their eyes fixed intently on the log, where the bait -showed distinctly against the snow. - -Something was moving in the woods close beside them. A twig snapped -loudly in the frosty air. The boys felt thrills of excitement. - -“Suppose it’s a bear!” whispered George. - -“We’ll both fire at once and then run for the cabin,” replied Ed. - -Although they listened for some minutes, the alarming sounds were -not repeated. A bit relieved, they began swinging their arms to warm -themselves. - -“I don’t believe anything will come around while we’re standing here,” -declared Ed, a little later. - -George was about to reply when they were startled by some unknown -beast, which began growling fiercely within a few yards of their -hiding-place. - -Almost at the same instant a big black animal walked into the circle of -moonlight! Both of them fired at it. A terrifying roar came in response -to the shots, and the clumsy creature lumbered away in the direction of -the cabin. - -“Are you fellows all right?” called Ben. - -“Yes, and we’ve shot a bear, I guess; he’s gone up that way, -somewhere!” Ed shouted, excitedly. - -“It’s a bear, all right enough,” Ben assured them. - -Then another roar, louder and more terrifying than the first, echoed -through the forest. The young hunters began to wish themselves up in -the cabin with Ben. - -“You stung him pretty hard, and he’s mad clear through,” warned the -guide. “Stay where you are, and I’ll come down there. I don’t believe -he’ll travel far. We’ll hunt him out with the light.” - -The boys were relieved to know that Ben was coming to reinforce them. -From what he and Bill had told them of bears, they believed they had a -dangerous customer to deal with. However, neither of them was willing -to act the part of coward, and they decided, if the wounded and enraged -creature charged them, to hold their ground and fire another broadside. - -For several minutes, which seemed hours to the boys, all was quiet. -Then a low, ugly snarl sounded forth, and they heard Ben shoot. - -“Look out, he’s headed your way!” cried the guide. - -“There he goes! Fire!” yelled Ed, as an indistinct black form galloped -awkwardly across the open space in front of them. - -Their guns roared in unison; but they were several seconds too -slow, and the bear, in full flight, went crashing away through the -undergrowth. - -Ben came running down, rifle in hand, and quickly lighted the lantern, -which they had prudently extinguished when they took their stand. -Calling to them to follow, he dashed off on the trail of the wounded -bear. - -“He’s hard hit; you must have been pretty close,” he declared, when -they had gone some distance, and he stooped to examine the tracks. “See -how he’s dragging one leg?” And he held the lantern so they could see -the telltale mark on the snow. - -In spite of its injuries, the animal was galloping along in a series of -short jumps. Should he hold to his pace it would be impossible for the -trailers to overtake him. - -After they had tracked the bear some distance and noted that he was -continuing the pace, Ben declared it useless to try to come up with him -before morning. He said they would start at daylight and track the bear -to its den. - -“He’s a big one; and unless he’s dead by the time we come up with him, -there’ll likely be some fun,” he promised. - -When they reached the cabin, the boys told how the unwelcome visitor -had almost run into them. Ben laughed when they acknowledged how -startled they had been, and said they had done well to shoot, but -declared that shotguns were not appropriate weapons for such large game. - -Once during the night the lads awakened and thought they again heard -the savage roar of the wounded bear. They called to Ben, who sat up in -his bunk and listened drowsily for some minutes. Finally he laughed and -said they must have been dreaming. He advised them to go to sleep, so -as to be in good shape for the hunt on the morrow. - - - - -XI AN ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR - - -Next morning the two eager young hunters were awake and up long before -daylight. They carefully oiled and inspected their rifles, while Ben -cooked breakfast. The boys were too excited to eat, but each put a -substantial lunch in the rear pocket of his hunting-coat. - -The air was keen and frosty, and the snow crunched and squeaked under -their snowshoes. The lads had become so expert in the use of the “webs” -that they found little difficulty in holding the stiff pace set by the -guide. They soon came to the place where they had deserted the tracks -the night before, and, eager and impatient, they sped along on the -trail. - -“Say, he can certainly go some,” said George, looking at the great -tracks in the snow. - -“I should say so,” added Ed. - -“Yes, and remember he’s not traveling like he could if he didn’t have -that bad leg,” Ben reminded them. - -The trail led along the edge of the lake for some distance, then it -turned abruptly to the right and crossed a ridge of heavy timber. Still -the bear had continued his pace, and the boys marveled at his strength -and agility. - -After a time the tracks changed, and the trailers saw that the bear -had settled into a walk. Ben pointed out the drag of the damaged limb, -which he thought was one of the fore paws. Farther back on the trail he -had drawn their attention to marks which showed that several times one -of the animal’s front legs had doubled under him. - -“He certainly is giving us a run,” Ben declared, when they had gone -several miles. - -The trail zigzagged down the side of an almost perpendicular hill, and -entered the confines of a small swamp. Here they followed it over a bit -of partly frozen marsh which vividly recalled to George his experience -in that other swamp. He was more careful this time, though there was -slight danger of a repetition, for the bog was solid, and consequently -less dangerous to walk over. The trail led them out on the opposite -side and up over a rough, rock-strewn grade to higher ground. Noting -this, Ben ordered a halt. - -“He’s going to his den, boys, and we may as well take it easy, for -we’re not likely to overtake him before he gets there.” - -“Where do you suppose the den is?” asked Ed. - -“Haven’t the faintest idea. Over in the next county, maybe; these -fellows are powerful travelers.” - -“Well, we’ll keep on till we find him, if we have to walk to the north -pole,” laughed George. - -“You bet,” said Ed. - -They scraped the snow from the top of a flat rock and sat down to rest. -While they sat there a flock of blue-jays discovered them and began -scolding furiously. Ben explained that these noisy birds invariably -discover woods travelers, either men or beasts, and by their incessant -calling give notice of all advances through the wilderness. He warned -the boys to be on the watch for game of some sort whenever they heard -the blue-jays. After a time the birds departed, and the hunters rose -and toiled laboriously up the ascent. - -They found, when they reached the crest, that the trail turned to the -left and continued along the top of a low divide. They also noticed -that there were fewer blood spots beside it, and Ben said the wounds -were not serious. Judging by the manner in which the animal was -covering ground, the boys agreed with him. They had already followed -its trail a long distance, and the end of the chase was apparently as -far off as ever. - -The drag of the snowshoes began to tire the lads, but neither would -confess it even to himself. They were too anxious to win the coveted -trophy ahead of them. - -At length, after several more miles had been covered, the guide told -the boys that he guessed they would be obliged to make good their boast -regarding the north pole. He saw nothing to indicate any ending place -this side of it. They laughed and asked him to lead the way; and he -smiled, well pleased with their gameness. - -By noon the trailers found themselves at the base of a high, -granite-capped mountain. Ben decided to stop here for luncheon. He -declared that he believed they would find the bear holed up among the -ledges which extended along the towering summit above them. An icy -stream tumbled noisily down the mountain-side, and beside it they -kicked off their snowshoes and prepared to eat their midday meal. - -The boys’ legs were stiff and sore from the unusual exercise, but -the idea of being near their quarry, at last, kept them from becoming -tired. When Ben had made a small fire and prepared some steaming -coffee, they did ample justice to their luncheon. - -The great gray ledges on the mountain top had a peculiar fascination -for the young hunters. They were constantly looking at them. Somewhere -up among the gloomy caverns was hidden the savage creature which they -pursued. Several times they imagined they actually saw it moving -clumsily about among the rocks. They were anxious to begin the long, -slippery climb up the mountain. Eager and impatient, they began to -fasten on their snowshoes before Ben had finished his after-dinner pipe. - -Finally they started slowly on the wearisome climb. In many places the -side of the mountain was so steep that the climbers were compelled to -lift one snowshoe over the other. At first Ed and George scrambled -along in front of Ben. But after several tumbles and a few wild, -toboggan-like slides they were content to go more slowly, and they -remained behind the guide. - -Up and up they climbed, until their hearts pumped wildly, their temples -throbbed, and perspiration trickled down their faces. Often they were -forced to stop for breath. Then they hurried nervously after Ben, -fearful lest he should arrive at the summit before them and get first -shot at the bear. - -Here and there he showed them where the heavy beast had lost its -footing in the slippery snow. It had slid for some distance down the -steep incline. Then it had recovered, and in a few desperate bounds -regained the lost ground and proceeded on its way. - -Finally they arrived at the foot of the big ledges, and they faced more -trouble. The passes to the top were difficult and dangerous. And as the -boys were entirely inexperienced in the sort of work before them, Ben -halted and spent some time studying out a safe way to the summit. - -He concluded that the bear itself had chosen the best route. Ordering -the lads to remove their snowshoes and sling them over their backs, -he led the way cautiously up the face of the cliff, along the narrow, -uncertain trail marked out by the bear. - -At some spots the ledge on which they walked was less than a foot wide. -The boys had many misgivings for their safety as they worked their way -gingerly along. They tried to imagine what might happen should they -suddenly come face to face with the wounded bear in so perilous a -place. The idea was far from pleasant, and they grasped their rifles -more tightly. - -“There he is!” Ben cried, suddenly, pointing indefinitely to the jumble -of loose rock above. - -The lads started in spite of themselves, and Ed, in his excitement, -barely escaped a tumble from the narrow trail. - -“Where is he?” they inquired, their eyes staring wildly at the rocks. - -“Don’t you see where his trail turns here and goes into the opening -under that big leaning rock?” inquired Ben. - -The boys said they saw it; but they had been expecting to see the -animal itself. - -“You’ll not see him till we poke him out,” laughed Ben, “and then, -maybe, you’ll see too much of him. But come on, we may as well begin -the festivities.” And, followed by the lads, he began a cautious -advance toward the den. - -In front of the dark hole beneath the rocks was a level platform -several feet wide. The snow all about was trampled down, and Ben -thought the animal had taken up its winter quarters there. How to get -it out was the question, and he longed for the help of old Moze. - -But wishing would do no good, and he looked for something with which -to poke out the bear. Seeing a small sapling which had fallen from the -top of the ledge and lodged among the rocks, he climbed nimbly up and -brought it down. - -Suddenly one deep growl after another echoed from the den. Ben dropped -the pole and stood back, with rifle cocked, watching for the bear. - -“Guess we won’t have to stir him up after all, boys; like as not -he’s heard us moseying around out here, and he’s coming outside to -investigate. You want to shoot as soon as you see him, and then watch -out, ’cause he’s liable to be a mite peevish.” - -The boys were trembling with excitement. There was no chance for a -retreat. Gripping their rifles and setting their teeth, they made up -their minds to give a good account of themselves, whatever happened. - -The growling continued, but the bear refused to come out. After waiting -some minutes in keen suspense, Ben picked up a small rock and hurled it -into the den. An angry snarl followed, and the sound of scuffling, as -though the brute had struck savagely at the missile. They waited a few -moments longer, hoping that it would appear. Then Ben tossed another -stone. - -This time a louder roar came from the den, and with startled eyes the -boys saw the snarling face of the bear before them. - -“Shoot!” yelled Ben. - -Before they could obey, the wounded animal rushed from the cave. -Straight at them it came, with flashing eyes and snapping jaws. In an -effort to stop its murderous charge, the guide, with no time to bring -his rifle to shoulder, fired with the weapon held at his hip. - -At his warning cry the boys sprang aside. Then, as it rushed past, the -bear struck out with one huge paw and sent George over backward and -off the narrow ledge. Struggling for a hold with feet or hands, he -went sliding down the steep face of the icy cliff. Luckily, he fell -on his back, and the snowshoes strapped to his shoulders served for a -toboggan. Down he went bumping along at railroad speed. Rocks followed, -bounding behind him, and several narrowly missed his head. At last he -brought up with a shock against a projecting boulder half-way down the -long, steep slope. Dazed and dizzy, the lad threw his arms about it and -held on for life. - -[Illustration: THE BEAR STRUCK OUT WITH ONE HUGE PAW AND SENT GEORGE -OVER BACKWARD] - -High above him he heard two shots ring out in rapid succession. He was -taking some consolation in the thought that Ben and Ed had killed -the bear when a great sliding of rocks caused him to look up. Then his -heart almost ceased beating, for there was the enraged brute coming -down the slide directly upon him. His rifle was at the den; and, scared -and helpless, he crouched there on the snow-covered incline, entirely -at the mercy of the bear. - -A hoarse shout sounded from above, and a shot quickly followed. George -instinctively dodged behind a rock as he heard the bullet sing past his -head. Another report sounded from the summit. The bear half turned, -rose unsteadily on its hind legs, clawed the air wildly, and rolled -down to within a few feet of George. - -After a few spasmodic twitches of its powerful muscles, the great -creature became motionless. Then George noted that it bled from three -distinct wounds, and he wondered if there had been a serious mix-up, -and how his friends had fared in the encounter. The slope on which he -found himself was very steep, and offered few footholds. He dared not -move from his cramped position for fear of plunging to destruction on -the sharp rocks far below. How he was to get out of this he did not -know, but he felt sure that Ben would find a way. - -Finally he saw the head and shoulders of the guide leaning over the -edge of the rock platform. Then Ed appeared, and George felt relieved -to know that neither had been seriously mauled by the bear. - -Ben studied the angle of the slide for some time, and realized that the -position of his young charge was a precarious one. The unfortunate lad -had lodged at about the steepest place of the rocky descent. He was in -the middle of the long slope. The distance to be traversed was equally -long and hazardous, whether he chose to climb up or slide down, in his -effort to escape. Ben pondered the situation calmly. He finally decided -that it would be easier for the boy to make his way carefully to the -bottom than it would be to risk a climb toward the rocky rim from which -he had fallen. - -Under Ben’s guidance George worked his way, an inch at a time, toward -a mass of small boulders to his left. It was slow, dangerous work. Had -it not been that the guide constantly shouted encouragement, it is -doubtful if he could have accomplished the difficult feat. - -The cold perspiration came out on his brow, and his knees grew weak -when he foolishly disobeyed instructions and glanced into the depths -below. One such look was sufficient, and after that he kept his eyes -fixed on his goal. At last he reached the boulders and sank down among -them to rest. - -“Fine! You’re all right,” Ben called down, cheerfully. “Why, you’re -a born mountaineer. Now work down between those rocks, and after you -leave them keep in a line with that small tree by the side of that big -rock. If you slip, flop over on your back and use your feet for brakes. -Remember, slow and easy, and keep behind the tree. Now then, go ahead!” -he commanded. - -Once more George moved along on his perilous journey, slipping and -sliding down from one boulder to another. Finally he reached the last -and halted. He dreaded to venture across the almost perpendicular face -of slippery rock which he must cross to gain the shelter of the tree. -For an instant George hesitated, and regretted that he had come on the -trip at all. In another second he was laughing at himself for being -afraid; and, setting his teeth, he started cautiously down the incline. - -“Look out! Look out!” warned Ben; but it was too late. “Use your feet! -Use your feet!” - -George had lost his footing! With a wild yell he went speeding down -the long, smooth slope of rock. By clever work with his legs and feet -he managed to steer his body out of the way of the rocks in his path. -The shouts from Ben and Ed grew fainter. He saw the little tree flash -past him, and reached forth to grasp it. Then it seemed as though he -had thrust his face into a mammoth pincushion. - -When he opened his eyes some time later, he found himself in the top -of a fallen spruce at the bottom of the slide. His clothes were almost -torn from his body, and he was cut and bruised about the face, arms, -and limbs. Freeing himself from the entangling branches, George, though -stiff and sore, felt quite happy when he found that no bones had been -broken. - -His alarmed companions watched him go sliding down to what seemed -certain injury or possible death. They ran hurriedly back over the -trail they had toiled up a few hours earlier, and by the time George -had clambered from the tree-top they were working their way rapidly -along the base of the mountain in search of him. - -“Do you think he’s badly hurt?” called Ed, as they hurried along. - -“Wouldn’t wonder,” replied Ben, grimly. - -When they finally reached him, George was calmly picking splinters from -his hands and arms. - -“Are you badly done for?” cried Ed, making his way to the side of his -friend. - -“No, indeed,” George assured him, and he tried to coax a smile to his -pallid face. “I’m only scraped a little and pretty sore. But say, I’m -glad it’s all over!” - -“Come over here and let me feel you,” Ben commanded. - -He proceeded to examine him carefully for broken bones or dislocations, -and, failing to find evidences of either, the guide gave a loud whoop -of delight. - -“You’re tough as nails, young fellow; I wouldn’t care about taking that -slide myself.” - -“But look at the snowshoes!” said George, sadly, as he exhibited the -mass of dangling thongs. - -“We’ll patch them up all right,” Ben promised. - -“And where is my rifle?” asked the shaken young hunter. - -“Right here,” said Ed, handing it to him. - -“And the bear-skin; what about that?” inquired George, looking up the -steep grade down which he had so lately tumbled. - -“Guess we’ll have to leave him there to decorate the landscape,” -answered Ben. “That is, unless Ed wishes to climb up after him.” And he -winked at George. “But I’m sorry to kill anything and not use it.” - -“No, thank you. Anyhow, he doesn’t belong to me. I didn’t shoot him.” -Ed laughed. - -“Then you shot him, Ben,” said George, extending his hand to the guide. - -“Yes; you see, Ben wouldn’t allow me to shoot because you were directly -in line with the bear,” Ed explained. - -When he heard this George decided to say nothing about the first -bullet, which had passed so near his head. - -“Well, it was certainly great work, and I’m very much obliged to you -fellows for saving me the trouble of killing the bear with my fist,” he -laughed. - -Realizing that George was in poor shape for the long journey to the -cabin, Ben proposed that they look around for a suitable camping-site, -build a lean-to, and remain where they were until next day. - -George promptly declared that he was perfectly able to stand the trip, -and said he would much prefer returning to the cabin. He accepted -Ben’s snowshoes only after much persuasion, and, with the guide ahead -carrying the broken ones, they started forth on the exhausting journey -to camp. - -It was a party of tired hunters that stumbled through the doorway of -the little cabin long after dark. Ben dropped his pack to the floor -and pulled the wet, snow-laden moccasins from his tired feet. He had -tramped the entire distance through three or more feet of half-frozen -snow, and the steel-like muscles of his sturdy legs were stiff and -sore. The boys were thoroughly exhausted and much disappointed at -losing the bear-skin. - - - - -XII LOST! - - -There had been a light snowfall, and this fresh covering recorded the -tracks of the wild things of the woods. The old snow beneath was frozen -hard, and walking was possible without snowshoes. The clear, cold air -was fragrant with the perfume of the pines. It was a day for outdoor -work, and the boys determined to follow up some of the freshly made -tracks. Ben was busy about the cabin, and they decided to start alone. -They felt confident they could find their way back by simply returning -on their own trail. - -Provided with a lunch and armed with rifle and shotgun, they made their -way to the lake and walked slowly along its border, on the alert for -the first fresh trail. Ben had given them matches and a small camp -ax, and had cautioned them to choose a familiar landmark and fix it -in their minds, so they would have no trouble in finding camp. Also -he told them to remember how many hills, or ridges, they ascended -and crossed, that they might know how many to descend and recross -on the return journey; he bade them note the position of the sun -when starting, and carefully explained the use and importance of the -compass, and compelled them to take their exact bearings before they -left. Then, bidding the lads return before dark and telling them to -fire the distress signal if they got into trouble, he said good-by. - -“Here’s a track, and it’s a fresh one, too! It goes right across the -lake, I guess,” cried Ed, after they had traveled quite a distance. - -“What made it?” inquired George, stooping to examine the clear-cut -footprints. - -“I’m not sure, but I’d say a fox,” replied Ed, with the manner of an -expert. - -“Well, we can easily find out by following it far enough,” declared -George. “Let’s start after it and see what we can learn.” - -They followed the trail, which led them in a straight line out across -the middle of the lake toward the opposite shore. At one place they saw -where the animal had dug down through the thin coating of snow to drink -from a small air-hole beneath. - -“How did he know it was there?” asked Ed, in wonder. - -“I’m sure I don’t know; smelled it, maybe.” - -When the trail reached the other side, it did not enter the timber, as -the boys supposed it would; it turned and continued closely along the -edge of the ice toward the swamp at the head of the lake. They hurried -on eagerly, watching far ahead for a sign of the animal itself. Several -times it had stopped to overturn small logs in its search for prey. -From what Ben had told them of the fox, they felt they were on the -trail of that wily creature. When they reached the swamp they became -quite sure. They saw that the tracks led up to, around, and over each -snow-covered muskrat house. They knew that the fox hunted those little -brown animals during the winter. Then, after hovering about the borders -of the swamp, the trail turned at a sharp angle and plunged into the -shadows of the morass beneath the giant pines and hemlocks. - -While on the lake the boys had not looked at the compass. But now that -the trail was taking them from the familiar home ground, Ed took their -bearings. The tracks led off almost due north, and, noting the fact, he -replaced the compass in his pocket and bade George follow him into the -gloomy swamp. - -It was difficult trailing in there, and many times they broke through -the half-frozen footing and sank into icy water up to their knees. -The trail doubled and circled and wound in and out among the bushes -and small evergreens, till the compass was of little use. They were -changing their course every few yards. Ed thought if they kept the -direction of the lake in their minds they would have no trouble getting -out. - -At one spot a crimson place on the snow and some small bits of rabbit -fur told the story of a woodland tragedy. The boys saw where the fox -had stolen upon an unsuspecting rabbit which had been huddled at the -foot of a weed-stalk eating the dried seeds. A sudden spring by the -agile stalker, and the doom of the rabbit had been sealed. - -Then, after eating in haste, the sly red hunter had left the scene -of his crime. His trail stretched away in a straight line till the -border of the swamp was crossed, and then it continued up the side of a -brier-covered incline. Arriving at the top, the trailers saw prints in -the snow marking the spot where the fox had rested on his haunches to -gain breath after the climb. - -Again Ed read the compass, and noted that they were headed east from -the edge of the swamp. They had entered an area of wild and unfamiliar -country, and they were careful to take precautions against becoming -lost. - -“This is the real thing!” George declared, gazing about him in -admiration. - -“It certainly is; I--” began Ed. - -“What’s that?” George interrupted, inclining his head to listen. - -From somewhere a long distance off to the right sounded the yelps, -howls, and whines of a baying pack. Weird and unnatural, the noise rang -through the wilderness, and the boys looked at each other in alarm. - -“The wild dogs!” Ed gasped, inspecting the breach of his rifle. - -“Wonder if they’re coming this way?” said George, uneasily. - -For some seconds the lads sat listening to the music of the outlaws, -and they were thankful when it finally grew faint and died away. - -“Maybe they’re after our fox,” laughed George, as they started along -the trail. - -“More likely some poor deer,” replied Ed, again consulting the compass, -when the tracks veered sharply in the direction of the fierce baying. - -“Wonder if that fool fox has gone over there and stirred up trouble?” -grumbled Ed. - -“Well, if he has, we’re in for another experience, and a real one, -I’ll bet,” declared George. - -Presently the trail brought them to a stretch of rocky ground from -which most of the snow had melted. Tracking became more difficult, and -they finally lost the trail. They seated themselves on a boulder and -spoke in uncomplimentary terms of the animal that had enticed them all -that distance, to leave them baffled on a desolate rock-strewn hillside. - -“There’s only one thing to do,” said Ed, as he placed the compass on a -flat rock. - -“What?” demanded George. - -“Why, go to the edge of this rocky strip and work around it till we -strike his tracks in the snow along its border. He must have gone out -somewhere; and if he didn’t, we know he’s hiding in here among some of -these rocks.” - -“That’s a good idea; we’ll try it,” George agreed. - -“Look at the rabbit; there it goes!” cried Ed, and he hurried toward a -big rock, George stumbling along behind him. - -There were many scattered boulders, all very similar in appearance. -When the boys reached the one where they thought the rabbit was hiding -they saw the little creature jump from behind a rock farther on and go -leaping away into a wooded ravine. - -“We’ll get him, just for luck,” cried George; and, holding his shotgun -ready, he led the way down into the swale where the rabbit had -disappeared. - -They ran upon a covey of grouse, and George killed one on the first -rise. Highly elated, they followed the birds. The next time they -thundered into flight, Ed, who had taken the shotgun, shot another. - -“This beats tracking foxes and rabbits,” declared George. - -Urged on by their enthusiasm, the boys rashly entered the confines of -an unknown swamp into which the covey had flown. Another rise, and a -miss. Then two of the birds flew into a tree and perched with their -necks stretched, motionless as the limb on which they stood. It was a -chance for Ed with his rifle, and he killed one by shooting off its -head. George got the other with the shotgun as it flew from the branch. - -Well satisfied with their luck, they continued into the swamp; but, -though they hunted everywhere, they were unable to find the balance -of the covey. In their search they twisted and turned in an uncertain -course, until they arrived in the very center of a marshy strip where -they had left no trail. - -“I never thought of taking the direction when we came in here,” said -Ed, suddenly feeling in his pocket for the compass. He stopped, and a -look of alarm flashed into his face. - -“What’s the matter?” asked George. - -“I’ve left the compass back on the rock.” - -For a moment neither spoke, though each was doing a large amount of -thinking. The seriousness of the situation dawned upon them, and they -realized that they must think calmly, and not become frightened and -confused. - -“That’s all right,” laughed George; “we’ll get out of here and go back -and look for it.” And he started splashing his way through the marsh. - -“Hold on!” commanded Ed. “Which side did we come in at? You know we’ve -done a lot of turning and changing of direction, and I’m a bit mixed.” - -“I’m not. Come on, I’ll show you exactly where we came in. It’s right -over here a little ways,” declared George, confidently. - -Ed followed him with many misgivings. They waded through cold, -ice-coated pools, stumbled over great fallen logs, tore their way -through thorny thickets, and with all their exertions only seemed to -get deeper into the swamp. - -“We’re wrong,” declared Ed, when they had gone some distance in that -uncertain manner. “If we had been traveling in the proper direction -we’d have come to the base of that rocky hillside long ago.” - -“I guess you’re right; seems to me we’ve walked a mile or more, and -still there’s no sign of our getting out.” - -“Well, there’s no use rushing about this way,” said Ed, glancing at his -watch. “It’s past noon now; here is a little spring; let’s sit down -beside it and eat our lunch and try to figure where we are.” - -They sat down and brought out the lunch. Somehow the idea of their -imprisonment in this big, dimly lighted place affected their appetites, -and neither ate much. To make matters worse, the sun disappeared behind -a mass of cold, gray clouds, and a chill wind gave promise of snow. - -“Come on, let’s get out of here; we can eat when we get home,” urged -George, springing to his feet and starting off. - -“Won’t you wait a second?” Ed called after him, a bit impatiently. -“There is only one way to get out of here quickly, and that is for us -to try and think which side we came in. We’ve been getting deeper into -this mess, and if we just rush around we’ll be lost more than ever.” - -“Right you are, Ed,” agreed George, for he readily saw the wisdom of -this. “We’ll sit down again and try to remember how we got here.” - -They sat for a long time endeavoring to trace their journey back, step -by step, to the place where they had first entered the swamp. At last -they agreed on a general direction, and, rising, they started off. - -“We’ll keep walking until we come to the edge of it, no matter which -side we come out on,” declared Ed, after they had toiled along for some -distance. - -Then it began to snow, and with the falling of the first flakes the -spirits of the boys began to sink. They realized that the new fall -would obliterate their back-track. With no compass to guide them, and -their old trail gone, they felt that their chance of reaching the -cabin was slim indeed. As the snow came down thicker and faster, they -redoubled their speed in response to a wild desire to get out of the -swamp before the full force of the storm broke upon them. - -“I guess we’re in for it,” cried Ed, as he hurried on. - -“Looks bad,” George confessed, grimly. - -They soon found themselves blinded and bewildered by the swirling -flakes which beat in their faces. Valiantly they staggered along for -some distance. Then Ed, who was leading, called a halt. - -“George, we’re only tiring ourselves completely out and getting no -nearer the edge of the swamp than before. I believe we’re traveling in -a circle; you know they say all people do that when they become lost. -I suggest that we chop down some small evergreens and build what Ben -calls a lean-to for shelter until the storm blows over. We can build a -fire and cook these grouse, and I’m sure that sooner or later Ben will -find us. Once it stops snowing we’ll travel around and make a lot of -tracks, and he’ll be pretty sure to stumble across some of them and -come to us. We can’t be such a terrible distance from the lake, and by -firing a few shots we may be heard at the cabin. What do you say?” - -“I guess it’s about all we can do, Ed; we don’t seem to be getting any -nearer home by this crazy traveling. Let’s look around for a dry place -for our camp. Looks as if we’re in for an all-night job.” - -Slightly farther on they came to a stretch of higher ground. And there -in the shelter of a hemlock grove they decided to make camp. With the -little ax they felled and trimmed several small trees, and, recalling -what Ben had done, they began to fashion a lean-to. They were surprised -to see what a good job they made of it; and, encouraged, they went -searching about for dry wood with which to start a fire. - -The lads found an old stump, and by splitting it open, they secured -plenty of dry kindlings. These they carefully piled up before the -shelter, and after many attempts and the loss of countless matches they -finally nursed them into a tiny flame. This strengthened and grew, -under their painstaking labors, into a big, cheerful, crackling fire, -and soon its merry, leaping flames gave forth comfort and cheer. - -“This isn’t so bad,” laughed Ed, holding his wet feet toward the blaze. - -“It’s great!” replied George. - -They plucked a grouse, and Ed opened and cleaned it. When it had been -thoroughly washed he ran a sharpened stick through its body, and placed -it before the fire. The lads had seen pictures of Indian hunters doing -this, and, as they possessed no cooking utensils, they decided to try -this primitive method. Being amateurs, they never thought to turn the -bird, and it began to burn and crust on the side nearest the coals. -Then they quickly exposed the other side to the fire, and waited -impatiently for it to brown. The delicious odor instantly coaxed back -the appetites which had fled at sight of the noonday meal. The grouse -was no sooner done than the boys took it from the spit and divided it -between them. - -“How is it?” inquired Ed, between mouthfuls. - -“Great!” was all George took time to reply; he was too busy to waste -any time in idle words. - -They still had three grouse left, besides the remains of their lunch, -and had little to fear from starvation, even though the storm continued -for several days and prevented Ben from finding them. - -The one thing that troubled them was the knowledge that the guide would -worry. They knew that with the closing of day and rising of the storm -his anxiety would increase. They were fearful that their failure to -appear by the time darkness descended might cause him to venture forth -in search of them. If he should, they realized full well the hardships -he would have to endure. It was still some time to twilight, and they -were a bit undecided as to just what to do. - -“He couldn’t reach us before dark, anyway,” declared Ed. - -“I know; but I think we ought to shoot, just to let him know we are all -right,” George argued. - -“But that signal really means that we are all wrong, and it would make -him come to us as soon as possible. Besides, I don’t think he could -hear us in all this wind. We are all right here till morning, and then, -if we can’t find our way out and the storm continues, we’ll signal.” - -“Well, all right,” said George, “only remember, we have no blankets, -and it’s going to be mighty cold before daylight.” And he rose to -replenish the fire. - -“We can take turns at sleeping. The one on watch will have to keep up -a big blaze, and we can huddle close to it and pass the night without -freezing,” said Ed. - -They sat in the protection of their lean-to while the twilight stole -slowly into the swamp and the storm raged with unabated fury. As it -became darker the fire illuminated and warmed the little shelter -behind it, and the boys began to understand why Ben always spoke so -affectionately of his camp-fires. The fire was the one thing of -cheer and light and life in all that black desolation of storm-rent -wilderness. Sitting in the grateful warmth of its presence, the -isolated young hunters came to look upon it as a friend, an ally, and a -guardian whose very presence brought hope and cheer to their downcast -hearts. They got in a fresh supply of wood, which was coated with snow. -But they placed it near the flames to dry out, so that it would be -ready for instant use any time in the night. - -At last blackness engulfed them, and the boys huddled closer to the -fire and conversed in low, guarded tones. They believed that outside -in the open woods the snow must be quite deep, for even in the swamp -it had piled up to a depth of many inches since the storm began. They -sat idly speculating as to the proper direction to take them out of the -gloomy confines into which they had blundered. George declared they -could tell nothing about it until they had traveled an equal distance -toward every point of the compass. Then he bade Ed go to sleep while he -kept watch for two hours, when he promised to wake him. - -The first hour dragged slowly away, and George caught himself nodding -more than once. Ed was slumbering soundly a few feet from the fire. -The storm had abated, and George hoped it would soon die out. It was -lonely work sitting there by the fire with no one to speak to, and the -time passed tediously. He consulted his watch constantly, and was much -surprised to find that what he supposed to be a long half-hour was -really only ten minutes. - -Suddenly he sat up straight as the same wild baying they had heard -earlier in the day echoed through the woods. This time it seemed nearer -at hand, and George listened anxiously for many minutes before he -decided to awaken Ed. At last, convinced that the sound was actually -coming closer, he reached in and grasped the sleeper by the foot. - -“What is it?” inquired Ed, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. - -“Listen!” whispered George. “They’re coming this way--don’t you hear -them?” - -“Who’s coming? Hear what?” began Ed. “Great Scott! It’s the wild dogs!” -he cried, excitedly, springing to his feet and seizing his rifle. - -Nearer and nearer came the wolfish pack, and louder and louder their -baying rang through the woods. As nearly as the boys could judge, they -were headed directly for the lean-to. - -“Quick! Pile wood on the fire!” shouted Ed, throwing on several armfuls -of dried twigs. - -“Let’s climb a tree,” George suggested, when it seemed certain that the -pack was really coming for them. - -They scrambled out of the lean-to, and each sought shelter by the side -of a near-by tree, ready to swing themselves up into the branches at -the first sign of real danger. - -“Hold to your gun and we’ll bowl a few of them over!” said Ed. - -Then they heard the crashing of brush, and they pulled themselves -aloft into the branches. Hardly had the lads reached their places of -concealment before a large animal dashed past just beyond the light of -the fire. For some moments afterward there was absolute silence. Then -the excited yelps of the pursuing pack broke forth close at hand. They -heard the dogs tearing madly through the undergrowth, but were unable -to see them. - -“They’re going by!” yelled George. - -“Keep quiet!” Ed cautioned, in a lower tone. - -One of the brutes either heard or scented them, for the boys saw a -big, wolfish-looking animal sneak forward into the firelight. Before -they could shoot, it vanished into the blackness. The savage baying -gradually sounded fainter as the dogs sped away on the trail of some -unfortunate victim. - -“Say, that was a close call!” said Ed, soberly. - -“I should say it was, and I’m not so sure we’re rid of them. I have an -idea that they may come back this way,” replied George, a bit nervously. - -“Well, we’ll be ready for them if they do.” - -They remained in the trees for some time, and finally, when the fire -began to die down, the lads slid to the ground and hastily piled on -more brush. The storm had about ceased, but a piercing cold wind had -come up. It moaned mournfully through the tops of the trees. All about -them was inky blackness. The fire threw weird, fantastic shadows -against the neighboring tree-trunks. George consulted his watch, and -found the time to be an hour past midnight. An owl hooted dismally, and -the boys drew near the flames. - -“Isn’t this a ‘spooky’ place?” inquired George. - -“All big swamps are, I imagine,” laughed Ed, trying to appear cheerful. - -They remained close by the fire and talked in subdued tones. Since the -visit of the wild dogs neither cared to sleep. The snow stopped and the -wind increased to a gale. They heard the snap of breaking branches and -the crash of falling trees in various parts of the swamp. Once they -thought they heard the cries of the returning pack; but after listening -intently they heard nothing more, and decided they had been mistaken. - -At last daylight came, much to their relief, and the boys cleaned and -cooked another grouse for breakfast. Then, as they talked over their -experience of the night before, they walked to the pathway of the dogs -and saw many large paw-marks in the snow. - -“There must be a lot of them in that band,” declared Ed. - -“Too many to be around loose; we ought to tell the dog-catchers,” -laughed George. - -“I’ve a hunch that we’ll have a fight with them some day,” prophesied -Ed. - -“Well, I hope it will come off in daylight,” said George, emphatically. - -Then they sat down to plan a way out of the swamp. It was finally -agreed that they would walk a certain distance, when, if they did not -find the border, they would return. Then they would try the opposite -direction for a like distance; and so on until they had tried every -point of the compass. With the rising of the sun they were enabled to -get the cardinal points of direction, and they traced them on the snow -in front of the lean-to. - -As George believed they had entered the swamp from the north, they -started on their first trip in that direction. They found the snowfall -quite deep, and knew it must be deeper in the woods outside. The lads -were anxious to make their own way from the swamp if possible, and they -determined not to fire the distress-signal until they had spent the -morning in an effort to find themselves. - -“I had no idea this swamp was so big,” declared Ed, after they had -traveled for some time. - -“Seems to stretch out in front of us as if it was made of elastic,” -laughed George. - -They halted abruptly and listened when the report of a gun broke the -stillness. It was far off in the opposite direction. A minute passed, -and then another shot was heard. - -“Wonder if that is Ben signaling us?” said Ed. - -“I rather think so. Shall we reply?” - -Once again they heard the welcome sound, and, raising his rifle, Ed -fired two shots in response. The boys stood listening as the reports -thundered through the swamp. Then they got an answer, and uttered a -delighted cheer at the prospect of early rescue. - -The lads turned eagerly and hurried toward the distant signals. They -continued to shoot in reply to the guiding shots. When they had gone -some distance in the new direction they began to recall certain trees -and marks which they had made note of the day before. - -“We’re on the right track now,” George called out, cheerily, as he -recognized the fallen tree-trunk where he had killed the grouse. - -The shots ahead became more distinct, until they sounded loudly close -before them. George, who was leading, suddenly drew back in alarm and -hastily brought up his gun. - -“Look out!” he warned, when a big, rangy hound came bounding toward -him. “Here they are--the pack!” - -Then he lowered his weapon and laughed loudly, for he recognized the -“wild dog” as old Moze. - -“Well, Moze, you old rascal, you certainly gave me a scare. Where on -earth did you come from?” he inquired. - -“You fellows are a fine lot!” sang out Bill, the veteran trapper, a -moment later. - -“Helloa, Bill!” cried the boys, rushing forward to grasp their friend -by the hand. - -They all sat down and exchanged experiences. Bill told them he had -stopped at the cabin the day before to stay until the storm passed, and -Ben had told him they were lost. When they failed to appear that night, -the two woodsmen became much worried, but decided they could do nothing -until daylight. - -He and Ben had been out since the first hint of dawn. Bill complimented -the lads for their good sense displayed in building the lean-to and -camping for the night. - -The trapper signaled Ben, and finally got an answer. Then they rose and -set out for the cabin. The snow was not so deep as the boys expected -to find it, and they had no difficulty in traveling through it without -snowshoes. - -They reached the cabin, to find Ben awaiting them with a good hot meal -already prepared. The guide, like Bill, seemed much pleased with the -conduct of the boys in taking care of themselves, and, much to their -delight, declared them full-fledged woodsmen. - -Bill and Ben sat up until late that night talking of the arrival of the -wild dogs. The lads were eager listeners, and when the two old hunters -declared they would run down and destroy the outlaw pack, Ed and George -determined to be in the hunting party. - - - - -XIII ON THE TRAP LINE WITH BILL - - -Bill delighted the boys by inviting them to his cabin to spend a -few weeks on the trap line. They promptly accepted. They bade Ben -farewell, and cautioned him to take good care of the owl, which they -had christened “Old Snowball.” Then they fastened on their snowshoes, -shouldered their packs, and started off with their rifles in quest of -new adventures. - -They followed the trapper over several miles of trail before he called -a halt for the noonday meal. He made a fire and boiled some coffee, -which accompanied crisp bacon from the little frying-pan and home-made -biscuits. - -Then they went on. It was not long before Moze dashed away noisily on -the trail of a fox. The boys were for following him. Bill laughed and -told them to wait until they reached his trapping-grounds, when they -would have many such chances to stretch their legs. - -Toward the close of day the lads found themselves in an entirely new -country. Great forests of pine, balsam, hemlock, and spruce clothed the -mountains and valleys. The sullen roar of hidden waterfalls reached -their ears. The stand of timber was so high and thick that perpetual -twilight reigned beneath it. The air was heavy with the resinous -perfume of the evergreens. The setting sun gilded the western side of -massive tree-trunks, and in the golden glow they saw the outlines of a -tiny cabin. - -“Here we are, boys; it’s not so powerful much to brag about in the way -of a building, but it wasn’t put up for show. And when you have to cut, -peel, and tote the logs to make it, single handed, you don’t care to -lay on more than you need,” said Bill. - -“I think it’s great,” said Ed, as he slipped off his pack before the -door. - -“So do I,” declared George. - -“Well, come in and make yourselves right to home,” the trapper invited, -leading the way into a cozy little room. - -There were two bunks across the room, against the rear wall, one -small window with a southern exposure, and the low door through which -they had entered. A round, home-made pine table and several stools -completed the furniture. In a corner stood a small cook-stove. On -wooden pegs driven into the logs hung the few simple cooking utensils. -Two large deer-skins covered one side of the room. Over each bunk was -thrown a great bear-skin robe. Many smaller furs were tacked against -the log walls. In another corner was a pile of rusty traps and chains. -The snug little abode was home-like and scrupulously clean, and the -boys were enthusiastic. - -“Well, think you can stand it for a while?” asked Bill, as he busied -himself about the stove. - -“You bet!” they assured him. “It’s the real thing.” - -The trapper went outside to what he called his “meat-house.” The boys -followed, expecting to see some sort of a building. Instead, they saw -him go to a near-by tree and lower a heavy white sack. Opening it, he -showed them the haunch of a deer. When he had cut sufficient meat for -their immediate needs, he hoisted the balance high into the tree again, -where it swung safe from animals. - -Bill provided a great supper, for he declared they must be hungry after -their long trip. First they had oatmeal and maple syrup; next came -fried deer steak with hot biscuit and tea; and then their host won -them completely by cooking all the flapjacks they could eat. Moze sat -by and helped consume several platefuls, which the lads slyly slipped -to him beneath the table. Finally Bill discovered the trick and shut -down on it. Moze had work to do, and must not be overfed. - -That night they sat near the stove, for it was bitter-cold outside, -while Bill entertained them with yarns of hunting and trapping. - -“Which is the hardest animal to catch?” inquired Ed. - -“The fox,” Bill declared. - -Then he explained how the fox cleverly overturned and sprang traps, -helped himself to the bait, and went on unharmed. Bill said he had set -a circle of traps around a bait, only to find each of them sprung and -the bait gone when he visited the spot next morning. - -He laughingly told of the time when he was a boy, and how he and a -young friend had tried to bait and shoot a lynx. They took some meat -to the foot of a tall hemlock-tree, near which neighbors said they -had seen the lynx. It was a bright moonlight night, and the lads -climbed into the tree to await their victim. They sat on a stout limb, -shivering with excitement and jumping at every sound. - -Suddenly clouds smothered the moon, and the watchers found themselves -aloft in inky blackness. They had about decided to descend and hurry -home when the worst racket they ever heard broke out below them. Yowls, -hisses, and snarls filled the air and caused the hair of the frightened -youngsters in the tree to stand on end. - -“Hey, Bill, there are two of them, and they’re fighting!” cried his -friend, in great alarm. - -At that moment they heard something clawing its way frantically up the -tree. A minute later two shining green eyes were peering into their -own. It was too much for the startled hunters. Bill slid down the rough -trunk and left the seat of his trousers on a stub, and his friend -dropped through the branches. - -Bruised and jarred, they scrambled to their feet. They were on the -point of dashing home with a wild tale of adventure when their own -house cat brushed lovingly against their shaking legs. Then a plaintive -meow sounded from the tree-top as the second pussy hailed them. - -The boys laughed at Bill’s story, and said it made them think of the -night they climbed the tree in the swamp. - -The trapper fixed the stove for the night, and Moze stretched out -behind it and was soon snoring loudly. Bill said they would have a -hard trip on the morrow, and advised them to go to bed. He promised to -awaken them at daylight. - -True to his promise, Bill had them up and out with the first ray of -light. Much against his wishes, Moze was left behind securely locked -in the cabin. The boys carried their rifles, and Bill carried a stout -hickory club. - -They traveled through the fragrant evergreen forest for about an hour. -Then they came to the head of the trap line in a shallow ravine. Bill -had two traps set there about a spring-hole. He hoped to capture a mink -whose tracks he had seen in the mud earlier in the season, and more -recently in the first fall of snow. - -The traps were unsprung and the bait undisturbed, and Bill thought the -mink had wandered off to other hunting-grounds for a few days. He said -it would probably return, and left some fresh bait. Then he started for -his next trap. - -Before they came to it, the trapper called attention to the trail of a -large lynx. Bill explained the difference between its tracks and those -of the fox and the dog. - -“The lynx’s tracks differ from both the others’ by showing broader, -more rounded impressions in the snow. Its trail is wider and indicates -a shorter stride than that of the fox, when both animals are walking. -The fox and the dog tracks are quite similar in form, especially when -the animals are of the same size. But the tracks of both are more -pointed than those of the lynx. The dog trail, more particularly when -the animal is walking, can always be distinguished by noting the -position of the paw-marks. At such a time they are seen one behind the -other in an oblique line. Neither of the other trails shows such an -angle.” - -Bill thought the lynx, whose trail crossed their path, was hunting -through a neighboring swamp in search of the large hare, or “snowshoe -rabbit.” The boys were surprised to learn that this hare could jump ten -or more feet when going at top speed, and that while running before -hounds it would travel almost as fast and as far as a deer. They -learned, too, that, like the weasel, its fur was brown in summer and -white in winter. The lads were anxious to get one of these hares, and -Bill promised some day to take them into its haunts. - -As they drew near the place where he had his next trap, the boys saw -some kind of an animal plunging about among the bushes. - -“Hurrah! We’ve got something!” cried Ed. - -“What is it?” inquired George, running ahead to obtain a better view. - -“Fox,” said Bill. - -The trapper walked forward, club in hand, and leaned over and dealt the -animal a blow across the nose. Then he stooped and released the jaws of -the trap. Rising, he held up the rich, glossy body of a red fox. - -“Don’t you shoot them?” asked Ed, in some surprise. - -“No, indeed; that would injure the fur and lose me many dollars,” -replied the trapper. “Of course, in the case of a bear, or extra big -lynx, I am obliged to put a rifle-ball between the eyes.” - -Bill wedged a stick between two adjacent trees and hung the body of -the fox from it. Then he cut a slit down the inside of each hind leg -to the base of the tail. Next he inserted the knife-blade beneath the -cartilage of the tail and severed it from the body. He peeled the skin -over the carcass toward the neck and on over the head, first carefully -pushing through the bones of the front legs and skinning them down to -the paws, which he cut off. Bill was very particular to cut around -the eyelids and nostrils. The boys marveled at the skill displayed in -removing the pelt. The trapper said that method was known as “boxing” a -pelt, and was used in skinning everything except racoons, beavers, and -bears. These, he explained, were cut open down the front from chin to -tail in what was called the “open” style. - -Having finished his task, Bill rolled the pelt into a small bundle and -placed it in his pack. After disposing of the body and resetting the -trap, he carefully obliterated his tracks by brushing snow over them. -Then he uncorked a small bottle and sprinkled a yellow essence, which -he called fox scent, over the snow near the trap. - -Again they resumed the trail and started for the third set, which was -not far from the one they had tended. When they arrived there they -found the trap sprung and the bait gone. All about were evidences of a -fierce struggle--pieces of broken sticks, patches of gray fur, and the -marks of a bloody footprint. - -“Been a lynx in there,” declared Bill; “but it just nipped him by the -toe, and he thrashed around till he tore loose.” - -“Gracious, I’ll bet he was mad!” said George, looking about at the -bark-stripped bushes on which the captive had vented its wrath. - -Bill carefully reset the trap but said that particular lynx had -probably grown wise by its experience, and would no doubt avoid the -locality in the future. - -They started for the next trap, and this time the trail took them -through the middle of another large swamp, which recalled unpleasant -memories of the boys’ late experience, and they half expected to hear -the weird baying of the wild dogs. Many grouse were flushed, and Ed -shot at one with the rifle, but missed. But they soon passed through -the wild strip of soggy woodland and came out into the sunshine. - -On they went through a stretch of open country, which ended at the -border of a woodland pond. Bill pointed out many snow-covered muskrat -houses, which had given to the small sheet of water the name of Muskrat -Pond. - -Bill had opened some of the houses and set his traps inside, and he -now visited them to ascertain his luck. The boys were much interested -in examining the interiors. They found them very similar to the -abodes of the beavers. There was the same comfortable grass-lined -living-chamber, the same underground tunnels into deep water, and much -the same style of architecture and workmanship. - -Some odd features of muskrat life were made known to the boys. They -found that, when muskrats travel beneath the frozen surface of the pond -in winter, they frequently rise and expel their breath against the ice. -Then, after this bubble of air has been purified, the muskrat sucks it -back into his lungs and proceeds on its journey, until compelled by -shortness of breath to do the same thing again. - -They were told, also, that muskrats have a very noticeable odor of musk -about them, especially in early spring, which may have given them their -name, although the Indian name was musquash; and learned that muskrats -warn each other of danger by slapping the water with their tails, like -the beavers. - -A round of the traps yielded eight prime pelts. When Bill had finished -with them, the journey was continued. He said he might easily trap many -more muskrats than he did, but he had no desire to exterminate them or -seriously decrease their numbers. He took as many as he believed he was -entitled to each season, and no more. - -The next leg of their circuit led them into a dense hemlock forest, -where they found the trail of another lynx. Judged from the size of the -footprints, this animal was larger than the one whose tracks they had -crossed a short time before. The boys noticed that Bill was following -the new trail with keen interest. - -“I believe that fellow is going to get mixed up with one of our traps,” -he prophesied. - -“I guess we’ll have some fun, if he does,” said Ed. - -“Shouldn’t wonder,” replied Bill, leading off into a group of small -evergreens into which the tracks disappeared. - -Hardly had they worked their way into this tangle of forest growth when -a wild commotion took place some little distance ahead of them. The -trapper turned toward them, laughing. - -“He’s here all right, and mad clear through!” - -Hurrying to his side, the boys saw a powerful gray animal tugging -violently at the trap-chain and tumbling about over the ground. -Then it crouched, and they saw the ugly, broad face with its long -side-whiskers, and the ears tipped with black-pointed tufts of fur. -Snarling and spitting, the lynx sprang forward to the full extent of -the steel chain which connected the trap with a heavy log. - -“I’ve an order to ship one of these fellows to a menagerie down -in Boston. What do you say to taking this one alive?” asked Bill, -smiling mischievously at his young companions, who stood aghast at the -proposition. - -“Gee whiz!” exclaimed Ed, looking at him in amazement. - -“How on earth can we do it?” asked George. - -“It’s going to be something of a job, but we’ll tackle it, anyway,” -declared Bill, putting down the club and removing his pack and coat. - -The lynx, as though endeavoring to frighten them, was making frantic -efforts to break its bonds. Finding itself unable to do so, it finally -squatted down behind the log, growling sullenly whenever they moved. - -“Just let him tire himself out; it will make our job all the easier,” -said Bill. - -He produced several pieces of buckskin from the pockets of his corduroy -coat, and two lengths of stout rope, and as many light chains from the -pack. Then he took the ax and cut and trimmed a long, straight sapling. -Joining the bits of buckskin, he made a slip-noose and fastened it to -the end of the pole. - -“We’ve got to get this over his head, and then we’ll stretch him out -and tie him up,” he said, calmly. - -Pole in hand, he made his way slowly toward the lynx, and it -immediately jumped at him. When it struck the ground, scarcely two feet -away, Bill made an attempt to shoot the noose over its head, but the -agile creature sprang aside. For some time these manœuvers continued, -and Bill was unable to get the loop over the head of the lynx. Once the -encircling loop fell about its neck, and he instantly pulled the circle -taut and snared one ear and half the face. Before he could stretch out -the powerful body, the lynx tore the noose free with one of its paws. - -“He’s sure foxy!” laughed the trapper, pausing to rest a moment. - -The lynx again crouched behind the log, and peered over at them with -savage eyes. It seemed to be resting and holding in reserve for the -next attack. - -“We’ll mix him up a little, now,” said Bill. “You fellows get poles and -begin to poke at him in front, and I’ll sneak around behind him and try -to slip the noose over his head.” - -Armed with long poles, the boys advanced and took part in the fray. -They made passes at the lynx, which instantly struck aside the -saplings and sprang savagely at its tormentors. - -Meanwhile Bill had worked his way up behind the animal, and while it -fought the boys in front, he made several ineffectual attempts to snare -it. But the wily creature, having felt the tickle of the buckskin -noose, knew that the trapper was the enemy to be feared most, and it -was on its guard. - -At last it made a mistake, and, with a yell of triumph, Bill shot the -noose over its head and drew it tight. - -“We’ve got him now!” he cried. - -The boys cheered enthusiastically as the lynx, coughing and snarling, -was pulled over on its back and straightened out with its free legs -clawing the air. Bill ordered the lads to hold the pole, and keep the -lynx prostrate until he inserted a gag between its jaws and tied its -feet. He warned them against giving any slack, and said he might be -seriously clawed should they make the slightest blunder. - -Stretched out with one foot fast in the trap and the choking circle -of buckskin about its neck, the lynx was prevented from rising by the -boys, who pulled vigorously on the pole. All the while the lynx was -thrashing about madly in a useless struggle to free itself. - -Working with lightning-like rapidity, Bill soon had the thick, muscular -legs tied and drawn securely together. Then, having cut a hardwood gag, -two inches thick and four or five inches long, he waited his chance, -and slipped it between the jaws of his snapping captive. Next he took a -piece of buckskin and passed it about the gag and around the head and -jaws of the helpless lynx. - -Having rendered the creature harmless, Bill cut two long, heavy poles. -These he placed on the ground parallel to each other and about three -feet apart. Across them he lashed shorter poles, close together, to -form a platform. - -Releasing the trap from its leg, Bill and the boys dragged their still -defiant prisoner to the rough stretcher, and soon had him securely -bound in place. - -Then they shouldered the poles, and, carrying the captive between them, -they started for the cabin. The lynx was heavy and the country rough, -and before they had gone far the lads began to realize that they had a -hard job on their hands. But they stuck to it, and finally, with aching -shoulders, they arrived before the door of the little shack and set -down their burden with a sigh of relief. - -“We’ll have to build a good, stout crate to ship him in, and, -meantime, we’ll leave ‘his royal highness’ tied up so he’ll do no -harm,” said Bill, opening the door. - -Moze instantly rushed out and hurled himself upon the prostrate lynx -before any one could stop him. The trapper seized him by the neck and -pulled him off, else he would surely have killed the helpless animal, -which was entirely at his mercy. - -“I’m afraid we’ll have our own troubles before we get that gray villain -off our hands,” laughed Bill. - - - - -XIV A LYNX MAKES TROUBLE - - -A day was spent building a substantial cage of heavy logs. With some -difficulty the lynx was placed inside it, to wait until Bill could -borrow a team and haul it to the railroad. - -Meantime a three-inch fall of snow had made ideal tracking conditions. -As the boys were anxious to follow the fresh trails of the various -animals, they determined to take advantage of it, and decided to remain -at home while Bill made the round of his traps. They told him they -would travel about in the neighborhood of the cabin and see what they -could find. The trapper gave them permission to do so, and carefully -explained the lay of the land near-by. - -When he had gone the boys started out, accompanied by Moze. They -carried their rifles, a supply of matches, and a substantial lunch. -Choosing a prominent landmark for their goal, they trained their -compass on it, and entered the inviting confines of the great white -wilderness. - -They had not gone far when they came to three piles of grouse feathers -beneath a towering hemlock. They stooped down to examine them in the -hope of finding a clue to the murderer. There were no footprints near -these mute evidences of crime; but George discovered some faint, -indistinct tracings across the snow. He and Ed studied them for some -time, at a loss to know what had made them. - -“I have it!” cried Ed, straightening. - -“Have what?” queried George, doubtfully. - -“Why, those marks have been made by wing-beats. The murderer is some -pirate of the air--a hawk, or near relative of ‘Old Snowball,’ I’ll -bet!” - -“I believe you’re right,” agreed George, looking up into the tree-tops, -as though he expected to see the bold marauder still about. - -Just then they heard the noisy commotion of a flock of jays, and they -instantly made their way in that direction. They recalled the advice -of Ben regarding these birds, and stole noiselessly toward the calls, -confident of finding game at the end of their stalk. The jays did not -appear to be moving, for their cries came continually from the same -place. Stealing cautiously along from tree to tree, the lads at length -came in sight of them. Standing motionless, they saw the jays flying -angrily about some large, dark-colored object in the top of a tree. - -“Look! It has ears!” whispered Ed, excitedly, as an erect tuft appeared -on each side of the broad, flat head. - -“It’s an owl of some sort; and see--it’s holding a grouse,” said George. - -The jays made many vicious swoops; but the owl always turned its head -in time to meet them, and the boys distinctly heard the angry snap of -its powerful beak. - -“Well, here goes for the murderer!” declared Ed, raising his rifle. “If -he had taken one grouse we might have let him off; but three are too -many for one meal. He’s a ‘tenderfoot’ and a ‘game-hog,’ and, according -to Ben, either charge is enough.” - -But the owl evidently had other ideas. Just as Ed pulled the trigger -it flew, and his bullet cut the branch directly behind where it had -perched. It sailed swiftly away among the trees, with the jays in close -pursuit. - -“Shoot first and talk afterward,” cautioned George, laughing at the -discomfiture of his friend. - -Moze was baying somewhere off to the right of them. They left the -owl to the tender mercies of the jays, and turned toward the hound. -They went down into a rocky ravine, across a little brook, and up a -hill. Then they heard Moze coming up the other side. Hiding themselves -in some bushes, they waited for the appearance of the hound and his -quarry, which he seemed to be driving directly toward them. His voice -rang out clearly in the frosty air, and the blood of the young hunters -tingled. What he was running they did not know, and they waited in -suspense. - -Suddenly a red streak flashed across the opening in front of them -and immediately disappeared into the brush again. The boys grinned -sheepishly at each other. - -Moze followed a minute later, and, glancing at them from the corner of -his eye, he raced on in pursuit of the fox. - -“Say, we’re getting pretty bad,” declared Ed, lowering his rifle. - -“That’s all right, I didn’t guarantee to hit a streak of lightning,” -replied George, looking after the fox. “It’s no use waiting for Moze; -he’ll be on the other side of the world by night if he keeps up that -pace.” - -They resumed their journey through the woods, and near the border of a -small swale they jumped a “snowshoe rabbit.” - -“There goes just the fellow we have been looking for!” shouted Ed, as -the nimble hare bounded away. - -“Let’s follow him up,” urged George. - -“No, thanks; no more swamps for me!” said Ed, shaking his head. - -“Oh, come on; this is a tiny one--you can almost see across it. We -can’t possibly get lost,” persisted George, eager to follow the hare. - -He finally won Ed’s consent, and together they plunged into the swale. -This time they prudently chopped small squares from the tree-trunks to -serve as sign-posts when they wished to return. - -“We’ll never come up with him. Just look at those leaps,” said Ed, -hopelessly. - -“He may get tired, and perhaps he’ll squat down somewhere,” suggested -George. - -Much to their satisfaction, they quickly crossed the narrow bit of -marshy forest and came out at a sunny slope along its border. Here -George spied the hare squatting under a low bush. Taking careful aim, -he killed it with the first shot. - -They were delighted with their trophy, and George tucked it into the -pocket of his coat with much pride. They had no trouble retracing their -course, and, once out of the swamp, sat down to enjoy their lunch. -They had seen or heard nothing of Moze, and George laughingly declared -he would soon be around the earth on the same trail. - -After lunch it began to grow cold, and they decided to return to the -cabin and await Bill with his spoils from the traps. The lads followed -their back-trail, and were soon in sight of the little log shelter. - -They went at once to the cage containing the lynx, and when they -reached it, drew back in alarm. The savage inmate had chewed and clawed -two bars of his prison until they were all but in half. The merest push -or jump of the lynx would snap them asunder and gain him his freedom. - -“Great Scott! What shall we do?” cried Ed. - -“Don’t go in front of it,” advised George. “If you do, he’ll jump; and -then, out he comes! We’ll sneak up from the side, throw our coats over -the front of the cage and run into the cabin with it.” - -“Hurry! He’s getting ready to spring!” warned Ed. - -Creeping up to it from the sides, the boys each grabbed an end of the -heavy crate. Pulling and tugging with all their might, they managed to -drag it into the cabin. - -Hardly were they over the threshold, with the door securely fastened -behind them, when the lynx did the very thing they feared it might -do--it jumped against the front of the cage! There was an ugly snarl, -a snapping of weakened logs, and the released captive bounded into the -center of the room and faced them. - -The boys made record time out through the doorway. Once outside, they -slammed the door shut and stood looking at each other with troubled -faces. - -“The window, quick!” screamed Ed. - -George immediately ran to it and hung his coat over the outside, in -the hope of preventing the lynx from jumping through the sash. Then -he hastily rejoined his friend, who stood braced against the door, -anxiously awaiting some sound from within. - -“Well, this is a pretty mess!” he declared, when George came up. - -“Yes, but it’s lucky we got here when we did,” said George. - -“Maybe not so lucky as we imagine. I’ve an idea there’s going to be -considerable of a ‘rough-house’ before things become settled. Besides, -there are plenty of lynxes in the woods, and perhaps it might have been -better to have killed this one when he jumped from the crate.” - -“But he doesn’t belong to us,” George reminded him, “and you know the -trouble Bill took to capture him. I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us for -shooting it in his absence.” - -So far the lynx had remained passive, and the boys were at a loss -to know just what it was doing. At last curiosity got the better of -them, and Ed tiptoed to the window and peered in. With a startled yell -he jumped away, stumbled, and fell in a heap. He had gazed directly -into the snarling face of the lynx, which was crouched on the narrow -window-sill. - -Luckily, the animal was as much surprised and frightened as the boy, -and instead of crashing through the glass it sprang away from it. - -Then pandemonium broke loose, and by the noise that came from inside -the boys knew the lynx was making sad havoc of the few furnishings. -Pans clattered and clanged to the floor; the table went over with a -bang; and in dismay they heard various pieces of crockery tumble from -the shelves as the lynx leaped wildly about the little room. At one -time he must have alighted on the hot stove, and he gave evidence of -the fact by a scream of pain. Then he crashed against the door, and the -boys threw their combined weight against it. Then he quieted down. Ed -and George were anxious to see the damage he had done, but dared not -peer through the window, lest they invite an attack. - -It grew bitterly cold, and they were obliged to stamp their feet and -swing their arms to keep their blood circulating. Several long hours -dragged by, and the short winter day came to a close. Still they kept -vigil on the outside of the cabin. Again and again the lynx stirred -things up, and once their hearts almost stopped, when they heard him -strike against the window. It was evidently a glancing blow, for it did -not break the glass, and the lads breathed a sigh of relief. - -“I wish Bill would show up,” said Ed, swinging his arms and blowing on -his benumbed finger-tips. - -“Say, suppose he doesn’t come until to-morrow; you know he said he -sometimes stayed overnight at a lean-to.” - -“Gee whiz, I never thought of that!” cried Ed, in alarm. “We can’t -spend the night out here without freezing, and we can’t go inside -without killing the lynx! We’re in a bad fix anyway you look at it.” - -As darkness gradually settled over the silent white forest the hearts -of the boys became heavy. With the fading of daylight the imprisoned -lynx became more active, and once more wild riot raged within the -dark room. The temperature dropped steadily, and the shivering young -guards were at a loss to know what to do. Even if they decided to -take possession of the cabin by killing its dangerous occupant, their -chances of doing so were now poor. - -“We’ve got to do something--I’m actually freezing to death; and, -besides, it seems ridiculous to be turned out of our own home by a -great big bully of a cat,” said Ed, through chattering teeth. - -“It is pretty tough; but what are we going to do?” asked George. “We -haven’t even a lantern, and it’s no place in there to go poking around -with a flickering little match.” - -Just then they heard the crunch of footsteps on the dry snow, and a -moment later Bill stood beside them, a big bundle of furs strapped to -his back. - -“What’s the matter?” he inquired, anxiously. “I missed the light, and -was afraid something must be wrong. Thought maybe you were lost again. -Come in. What on earth are you shivering out here for?” And he started -to open the door. - -“Wait!” cried Ed, excitedly grasping him by the arm. - -“Hold on!” warned George, barring his way. - -“What in blazes--” began the bewildered trapper; but the boys -interrupted him with a hurried recital of facts. - -A council of war was immediately held, and Bill was forced to admit -that things looked bad. He said he had little hope of retaking the lynx -alive, and he seemed much cast down at the idea of killing it. - -Then he unslung his pack and drew a keen-bladed ax from it. He made -known his intention of entering the cabin, and told the boys, who were -eager to accompany him, that they would be in the way and might get -hurt. Bill eased their minds by promising to call them if he got into -serious trouble. - -They opened the door just wide enough for the trapper to squeeze -through. When he had entered, they slammed it shut and waited nervously -for sounds of the fierce battle they felt sure would immediately begin. -They heard Bill strike a match, and for a second a bright flicker of -light showed through the cracks in the door. Then it passed, and all -was dark. The lynx began growling fiercely as Bill moved about the room -in search of the lantern. At last a steady, bright glare lighted up the -interior of the cabin, and they knew he had found it. - -Instantly the battle started, and, judging by the noise of combat, the -listeners believed it was a deadly one. They heard the lynx spring -times without number, and each time they heard Bill jump out of its -way. He was no doubt trying to stun it with the ax, so that he could -again take it alive. - -Unable to restrain their impatient curiosity longer, the lads made -their way to the window. Cautiously they rose on tiptoe and peeped into -the cabin. They saw Bill partly crouched, with the ax in his hands. One -sleeve of his hunting-shirt was ripped and torn, where the sharp claws -of the lynx had fastened in it. Following the fierce, steady gaze of -the trapper, the boys saw the lynx squatting behind an overturned stool. - -It had made a sad wreck of the place. All about lay the results of -its vengeance. Pots and pans were scattered in wild disorder over the -floor, the table had been overturned on top of its contents, and even -the personal belongings of the rightful occupants had been ripped from -their places and strewn about promiscuously. - -Bill slowly approached the crouching lynx, and the boys heard it growl -like a big, angry cat. Cautiously the trapper advanced, and they saw -him turn the ax in his hand, as though to strike with the blunt end. - -[Illustration: CAUTIOUSLY THE TRAPPER ADVANCED] - -Suddenly the lynx sprang at him, and he stepped aside and swung his -weapon, but missed. Landing in the center of the room with all four -feet beneath it, the snarling creature instantly rebounded, and Bill -had barely time to whirl and face the attack. He knocked the determined -animal from him with a powerful blow of his ax. It slunk back into a -corner, apparently unhurt, and again crouched, with fangs exposed and -eyes blazing. - -Then something unexpected happened, as a new combatant took a hand in -the fray. The door suddenly swung in, and Moze rushed into the room and -jumped for the throat of the lynx. He had arrived home from his long -chase, and had heard the savage snarls inside the cabin, and, entering, -had bounded joyously into the fight. - -As the surprised trapper ran to close the door the hound and its -adversary came together; Bill, unable to use his ax for fear of killing -Moze, hopped out of the way of the fighters. - -The boys, proud of the courage displayed by Moze, cheered him on. - -The two powerful animals were well matched, and the battle was a hard -one. They fought all over the room, first one gaining the advantage, -then the other. Gouging, snapping, clawing, and snarling, they kept -on mauling each other. Once the lynx got Moze beneath it, and would -no doubt have speedily ended his career had not Bill aimed a savage -kick at its ribs. His action diverted the animal’s attention for an -instant and gave the hound a chance to regain his feet. Both combatants -were torn and bleeding. Again and again the trapper sought to deal the -lynx a fatal blow with the sharp edge of the ax, but Moze was always -directly in the way. - -At last they drew apart for a moment, and Bill seized the opportunity -and rushed upon the great snarling cat with his ax raised. He was -unwilling to see Moze further punished in the terrific fighting, and he -determined to end it and save his faithful old hound. - -When he came within a few feet of it, the lynx jumped directly at his -throat. This time, however, Bill did not miss, and his powerful blow -buried the blade of the ax deep in the brain of the savage cat, which -crashed to the floor in a lifeless heap. - -Then the shaking, half-frozen boys rushed in and ran to Moze as he -stretched out close to the stove to lick a score of painful wounds. - -“Well, old boy, he came near doing you,” said Bill, tenderly, as he -knelt to examine the injuries of the brave old fighter. - -“Wouldn’t there have been fun if we had gone in before you arrived,” -laughed Ed, as he huddled over the stove, trying to thaw out. - -“Fun and scratches, likely,” laughed Bill. “These big lynxes are just -about as mean a proposition as roams the woods--that is, when you get -them cornered for a fight.” - -“It’s too bad you were obliged to kill him after all the work of taking -him alive,” said Ed, as he stooped down and ran his fingers through the -long, soft fur. - -“Well, it couldn’t be helped. You see, there are many more lynxes to -be had, but there is only one Moze. One or the other had to go, and I -guess we know whose side to fight on. Don’t we, ‘old spit-fire’?” and -Bill patted Moze affectionately. - -By the thumping of his tail on the floor, the boys knew the hound -understood this compliment to his valor, and was well content with the -way things had turned out. - - - - -XV BILL CAPTURES A PRIZE - - -The boys had been with Bill for some weeks when George took out his -diary. He was obliged to count back to learn the exact date; and when -he had done so, he uttered a long whistle of astonishment. - -“What is the matter?” inquired Ed. - -“Why, we are due at Ben’s the day after to-morrow, and, by ginger, the -day after that will be Christmas!” - -“Good gracious, how the time has flown!” said Ed. - -Bill was strangely silent, and the boys watched him as he sat playfully -tickling Moze. - -“Of course, if you can’t take us back then, why, I guess we could stay -here another day; only we promised Ben,” explained Ed, thinking that -perhaps their sudden decision had interfered with the plans of the old -trapper. - -“No; no, that’s all right. I’ve got to go out with these furs, anyway. -I’ll get around to-morrow and spring my traps, and we can pull out -early the next morning,” he said. - -“And you and Moze must spend Christmas with us!” cried George, -enthusiastically. - -Again a strange silence came over the trapper, and he walked slowly -away toward the door. - -“Maybe you have other plans; and, of course--” began Ed; but Bill -interrupted him. - -“No, I’ve no plans, son; I never make them any more, ’cause, you see--” -he paused and looked at them out of misty, troubled eyes, and they -instantly understood. “But we’ll do it this time! Won’t we, Moze?” he -laughed, suddenly, and the hound rose and wagged his tail. - -The next day was to be a busy one, and with the first gray streak of -dawn they were away on the trap line. About an inch of snow had fallen -during the night, and the trapper pointed out many new tracks as he -hurried along. - -“Do you see that trail there, the little footprints, two by two?” he -inquired. - -The boys said they did. - -“Well, that was made by a mink. See, here he’s stepped into one of his -front tracks, and left only three footprints on the snow. That’s a -great trail of his, always looks like he’d suddenly lost a leg.” - -It was a glorious winter day, and Bill was in high spirits. Nothing -escaped his wonderful eyes, and everything seemed to contain a message, -which he gladly read to the boys. He showed them the delicate, -lace-like trails of the little wood-mice, and pointed to where one had -tunneled its way beneath the snow in search of hidden seeds. - -Then he drew their attention to what looked like grains of pepper -shaken over the snow. The boys were astounded when told that -these minute black specks were tiny insects which woodsmen called -“snow-fleas.” Bill said they lived in the moss, and could be seen with -the naked eye only when they hopped about over a white background. - -Farther along they came upon the tracks of a moose which, Bill -declared, had gone by that very morning. George proposed that they -follow after it, but the trapper refused for two reasons; first, -because the law was on, and secondly, because it was a cow moose. The -boys asked him how he knew it was a cow, and he proceeded to explain -the difference between the track of the cow and that of the bull. Bill -said that, like the buck deer, the bull moose usually left a larger, -less pointed track than his mate. And he explained further that the -“dew-claws” of the bull were set wider apart, and so registered in the -snow. - -The trapper declared that when the marks showed close together, as they -did in the present instance, it was safe to presume that the tracks -were those of a cow. Not wishing to break any game laws, the boys -turned willingly from the tracks and continued on the trail to the -traps. - -They came at length to the spring-hole where Bill had been trying for -so long to catch the mink. Once more he was doomed to disappointment, -and, springing the trap, he hung it on a near-by sapling, until he -might return, and started on. - -Several times they crossed fox trails, which the lads had learned to -distinguish at sight. Then they came upon a track that was entirely new -to them. Bill laughed when they asked him to name it, and said it had -been made by a skunk. The trail consisted of two continuous rows of -footprints, one beside the other, and each print close up to the one -before it. The trapper explained that this animal did not often venture -forth in winter, except on warm, balmy days. - -At one of the sets Bill captured another lynx; but, as it was not a -particularly large one, he despatched it with his hickory club. - -While they were eating their midday lunch a flock of sociable little -chickadees gathered in the branches above, and, cocking their -black-capped heads sideways, peered inquisitively down at them. The -diners threw some crumbs and shreds of meat on the snow. Instantly -the fearless chickadees accepted the invitation and dropped down to -the feast. After a time, as the birds became bolder, the boys offered -scraps of meat held between their fingers. They thrilled with pleasure -when the confiding chickadees alighted trustfully on the outstretched -hands and pecked energetically at the morsels offered them. - -Having finished their meal, the three trappers rose and continued the -circuit of their traps. Everywhere the forest shone forth resplendent -in its mantle of glistening white, where, on the telltale surface, was -scrawled and dotted a complete record of woodland happenings. Helped -and encouraged by Bill, the lads were soon able to read and decipher -these code-writings of nature. The tread of a cautious paw, the sweep -of a fluttering wing, or the mark of the passing wind was instantly -noted and recognized. - -Thus the day wore on, and, though their toll of fur was not heavy, -they had a goodly number of pelts by the time the shadows commenced to -gather. There were still a number of traps to be examined, and in one -of them Bill had hopes of finding the highest prize in the trapper’s -lottery--a silver fox! - -He had seen one in the vicinity several times during the summer, and -again early in the autumn before he set his traps. As the fur of the -beautiful creature was comparatively valueless at such times, Bill had -wisely refrained from destroying it. With the coming of cold weather -and the trapping season, however, he had set skilfully concealed traps -about the locality of its wanderings. Several of them had been deftly -sprung and robbed of their bait. Bill, of course, blamed the silver -fox, and each time he reset them with greater care, hopeful that he -would eventually capture the idol of his dreams. - -Now, as they drew near the spot, the boys noticed that the old trapper -unconsciously quickened his stride. He acknowledged that the fur of -this fox would bring him in “quite a roll of money,” and the lads were -most anxious for his success. - -“Wouldn’t it be fine if you got him for a Christmas present?” laughed -George, as they hustled along. - -Bill smiled, but made no reply. Then he halted and, parting a fringe of -bushes, stooped over and sprung an empty trap. - -“Number one, and nothing,” he said, a bit disappointedly. “Well, I’ve -four more set for that black rascal, and we can’t tell what we’ll -find,” he added, hopefully. - -“Black rascal? I thought you said it was a silver fox?” said Ed, -somewhat puzzled. - -“So it is,” responded Bill; “but it’s black just the same. You see, the -fur is tipped with silver-gray at the end of each guard hair, though -the pelt itself is rich, glossy black. Looks like a black fox that has -been caught out in a heavy frost,” he explained. - -Soon they came to the second trap, and their hearts beat hard with -excitement when they heard some animal tumbling about in the bushes. - -Bill ran eagerly forward, club in hand, and the boys saw him deliver -the fatal blow. Then, in response to their inquiry, he reached down, -and, when he straightened, held up a long, reddish-brown body, somewhat -smaller and slimmer than that of a fox. - -“What is it?” inquired the lads, though, of course, they knew it was -not the hoped-for prize. - -“Fisher,” replied Bill, a satisfied smile on his face, “and a nice one.” - -While he proceeded to skin it the trapper explained the habits of the -animal he had just caught. He said it was a skilled hunter, and that -it was seemingly without fear, having been known to find and kill bear -cubs larger and more powerful than itself. Bill pronounced it a great -destroyer of game birds, rabbits, and small creatures in general. - -“Looks almost like a cross between a fox and a mink, don’t it?” he -inquired, shaking out the freshly skinned pelt. - -The boys at once noted a certain resemblance to each of the creatures -mentioned. - -“Yes, and he’s got both dispositions, too,” he declared. “All the -tricks of the fox, and all the fight of the mink. I’ve known one of -these fellows to follow a line of traps all season and destroy hundreds -of dollars’ worth of pelts, just out of pure cussedness.” - -Then he told how the fisher would sometimes follow the trail of the -trapper, until it had learned the round of his traps. Then it would -make the circuit daily and destroy whatever it happened to find -imprisoned in them. - -“Well, we have two more chances for that Christmas present you were -talking about, George,” said Bill, as they came near the third trap -set for the silver fox. - -“Yes, and I feel that you’ll get him,” replied George. - -Twilight had fallen, and it was growing dark beneath the towering -evergreens. Bill had thoughtfully brought a lantern, but as yet had not -lighted it. Silently the three comrades trudged along in the gathering -gloom. Each hoped with all his heart that somewhere ahead of them -waited the prize which was to reward the veteran trapper for his long, -hard work on the trap line. - -The boys almost held their breath when he finally halted and then made -his way, alone, to the last trap but one. Several moments went by while -they waited anxiously for a shout that would proclaim the capture of -the prize. None came, and their hearts sank. - -“Nothing,” said Bill, at last, and he hung the sprung trap in the -crotch of a sapling. - -There was one more chance to catch the silver fox, and the trapper led -them silently away in the direction of his last trap. - -“This one is set where he usually crossed,” he observed, rather -hopefully. “Don’t suppose there’s much chance, though,” he added, after -a pause. - -Not a word was spoken as they cautiously approached the last chance. -The afterglow had long since faded from the western sky, and it was now -dark in the woods. Bill stopped to light the lantern. Then he turned -abruptly down into a dry brook-bed at his right. - -“There’s something here!” he shouted. - -The boys fairly trembled with excitement. With all their souls they -hoped the trapper had won the prize he so justly deserved. Eager and -anxious, they hurried down to him. - -Suddenly they began to whoop like Indians, for Bill held up the smooth, -black body of his silver fox. - -“Got him at last,” he chuckled, delightedly, “and he’s sure a beauty.” - -By the aid of the lantern they stretched the fox out to be admired. The -lads stroked the valuable fur, and congratulated Bill warmly on his -success. - -“Guess we’ll carry him home as he is and skin him where we have better -light,” he said. “We can’t afford to make a miss on this fellow.” And -he shouldered the fox and led the way toward the cabin. - -“How did you fool him?” inquired Ed, later, when the costly pelt had -been removed and pulled on a stretching-board to dry. - -“I fooled him with a mouse,” laughed the trapper. - -“A mouse?” queried George, incredulously. “How?” - -“Well, I smoked the trap over balsam boughs for several days. You see, -the nose of a fox is powerful keen, and he can smell iron rust or -man-scent every time. Of course, unless you can cover up such odors, -there’s not much use making a set. Once a fox knows the trap is there, -he’ll dig carefully around it till it’s all exposed to view. Then, like -as not, he’ll put his paw underneath, turn the trap over, spring it, -and walk off with the bait. - -“There are several ways to fool him by destroying the scent. The two -most used are smoking the trap thoroughly and setting it an inch or so -under water. That’s what we call a ‘wet-set,’ and it usually fools the -wisest of them. To make it, we place the trap just beneath the surface, -at some still place of the lake, or stream, and float a piece of moss, -or mass of leaves, directly over the pan, arranged in such a way as -to protrude slightly out of water and give the impression of a dry -foothold. You see, a fox doesn’t like to wet his feet if he can avoid -it. Well, he comes to the edge of the water, sees that he must cross -it to reach the bait, and, spying the dry footing above the trap, steps -on it and is caught. - -“But to get back to the mouse. You’ll remember that there was no water -near where this fellow crossed, so I was obliged to make a ‘dry-set.’ -As I’ve said, I smoked the trap thoroughly over balsam. Then I hunted -around until I found a wood-mouse. Next I poured anise-seed oil over -the soles of my moccasins, and also on the gloves I intended to wear. -This destroyed the human scent about the trap and set. I carefully -concealed the trap, sprinkled some weed seeds over the center of it, -and placed my mouse, all huddled up in a heap, directly over the pan, -as though he had squatted there to eat the seeds. - -“Now then, what happened? Why, the fox came sneaking along on the scent -of the anise, which he likes, saw the mouse crouching plumb before him, -and, without waiting to ask any questions, pounced on it with his front -paws and landed in the trap.” - - - - -XVI A VISITOR - - -The next day the boys started early on the return trail to Ben, -accompanied by Bill and Moze. They had long since learned to love -the great silent forest, and as they went on they constantly called -attention to some one of its manifold beauties. - -Moze, now quite recovered from his honorable wounds, dashed on ahead as -usual. His short, snappy bark echoed through the woods as he sped away -on each fresh trail that crossed his path. - -Realizing that they had a long trip before them, and anxious to reach -the cabin in daylight, they paid no attention to his urgent appeals, -but kept steadily to their course. Although quite deep in some places, -the snow was dry and powdery, and the walking was easy. - -Coming to an open spot in the woods where the snow had been piled into -drifts by the wind, the boys saw something which greatly surprised -them. A covey of grouse were flushed at the edge of the timber, and -thundered away into the clearing. Like a meteor a feathered form -dropped from the sky, and the grouse dove beneath the soft snow. -The baffled hawk made a vicious sweep over the spot where they had -disappeared, and then, rising, flew off above the tree-tops. - -Bill led the lads to the place and pointed out the individual dents in -the snow, beneath which the birds were buried. Stooping down, he spread -his hands apart and, plunging them suddenly beneath the white surface, -brought up a fine, plump grouse. He released it immediately, and -said that none but a “pot-hunter” would take so noble a bird in that -despicable manner. The boys had much sport grabbing beneath the snow -for the balance of the covey, and refused to move on until they had -each caught and released several of the struggling birds. Bill assured -them this is a trick of the grouse when pursued by winged enemies where -cover is scarce. - -At another place they saw many moose tracks, some old, others quite -fresh. Numerous young birch trees in the near vicinity were bowed to -earth, and a few were broken off at greater or lesser distances from -the ground. All of them had been stripped of their smaller branches -and shoots. The boys were at a loss to account for it, until Bill -said that the animals had been “riding down” the trees to browse on -the tender branches and tops. He explained how a moose straddles such -a tree with his fore legs and then proceeds to bend it earthward by -walking along with the supple trunk beneath his heavy body. - -When the sun was directly overhead they halted by the side of a -woodland spring to eat their lunch. It was a warm spot, sheltered from -the wind by tall trees. The sunlight found its way down between the -branches and warmed a broad, flat rock on which they sat and ate. The -brisk walk in the sharp air had put a keen edge to their appetites, and -Bill laughed at the way the luncheon disappeared. - -Moze came in panting and hot from an exhausting chase. He was speedily -provided with his share of the food, which he gulped down with little -attention to table manners. - -Then they “hit the trail” again. Moze, evidently very tired, was -content to follow slowly along at their heels. Suddenly he stopped, -raised his head, and sniffed the air suspiciously. The hair along the -back of his neck rose instantly, and he began to growl. - -“He’s got wind of something,” declared Bill, halting and searching the -forest with his eyes. - -“What do you suppose it is?” asked Ed. - -“Don’t know; I can’t see any tracks. What’s the matter, Moze?” inquired -the trapper, addressing his hound. - -For answer the dog uttered a long, dismal howl and dashed away into the -woods, his nose held high against the wind. For some time his excited -yelps could be heard ringing through the forest. Finally they died away -in the distance as he ran out of hearing. - -“Well, there’s no use waiting for him,” said Bill. “He’s gone the other -way.” - -Once more they resumed the journey, though the boys would have lingered -there in the hope that Moze might drive something to them. Farther on -they came to the fresh trail of what Bill declared was a large lynx. -They wondered if it was this animal that had enticed Moze into a chase. - -Just beyond, Bill was much surprised to find fresh moccasin tracks -headed in the direction he and the boys were traveling. The unknown -footprints soon branched off to follow some deer tracks, and the -trapper wondered who the mysterious hunter might be. - -Suddenly they heard a rifle-shot, far to the right, and a second one a -moment afterward. They halted at once, and the boys turned to Bill for -an explanation. - -“Whoever that is has got his deer, I reckon,” he said, when the echo of -the reports had subsided. “There’s nobody hunts this country except Ben -and me; not unless it’s Indian Pete.” - -“Indian Pete?” chorused the lads, thoroughly interested by the -possibilities of such a name. - -“Yes, he’s an old Indian trapper who wanders down here from the north. -Pretty good old fellow, too. Did me a big favor once.” - -“Are there Indians near here?” inquired George. - -“No; he’s the last of a tribe that lived north of here a long time ago. -Most of them died off, or went to a reservation, which is about the -same thing; but Pete did some jobs for the State and stayed here. When -he became too old to work he built himself a little shack, and lives -by hunting and trapping. If it’s Pete, we’ll probably find him at the -cabin, ’cause he and Ben are great friends.” - -When the sun hung low and the early shadows of a winter afternoon began -to gather, Bill halted and pointed to a spot far below them, where lay -the lake in front of the cabin. The little log abode was not visible, -but a thin, wavering column of blue smoke rose above the tops of the -pines and showed them where it was. They knew that the guide was -expecting them for supper. - -“I can almost smell the biscuits,” laughed Ed. - -“And the bacon, and beans, and coffee, and--” began George. - -“Hold on there, son! You’ll get indigestion smelling so fast,” Bill -laughed, as they hurried on down the mountain. - -It was almost dark by the time they had crossed the lake. Their loud -helloas brought Ben to meet them. - -“Thought you fellows had deserted me,” he laughed, when they drew near. -“Helloa, Bill, I’m powerful glad to see you; walk in. Hey, Moze, you -old black rascal!” - -A tall, straight figure in buckskin rose and greeted Bill. The boys -gazed, fascinated, for it was none other than Indian Pete. - -“Pete, these are the fellows I’ve been telling you about. Shake hands -with Ed Williams and George Rand,” commanded the guide. - -The lads beamed with pleasure when the long, bony hand of the Indian -closed tightly over their own. For a moment or two he stood smiling -down at them. Then he relaxed his friendly grasp and resumed his seat. - -Bill learned that the tracks they had seen had been made by Pete. The -two shots had sealed the doom of a noble five-prong buck, which now -hung outside the cabin. While the Indian and the trapper conversed, Ben -busied himself with the preparation of the evening meal. - -The boys, left to themselves, noted Indian Pete’s well-proportioned -athletic figure; his coarse, straight black hair, which fell below the -square shoulders; his wrinkled, copper-colored face, with its prominent -nose and cheek bones, and most particularly his penetrating black eyes, -which looked directly into those of the listener. - -Although Bill had told them that Pete was well over seventy years, they -would not have judged him to be more than fifty-five or sixty. The -lads looked on him admiringly as a superb specimen of well-preserved -manhood. They were so much interested in the old Indian that for the -time being they forgot all about “Snow Ball,” the captive owl. - -They were soon reminded of his presence in a most startling manner. -Moze, in wandering about the room, crawled inquisitively under one of -the bunks. Instantly there was a terrific commotion, and the hound -promptly bounded out with “Snow Ball” holding fast to his tail. - -The poor dog raced twice around the room before the great white bird -lost its grip. Then, finding himself free, Moze tried to retrieve -his reputation. He dashed bravely at his new-found adversary. It -instantly turned over on its back and scratched his nose with its sharp -talons. The dog jumped away with a yelp of pain, and seemed content, -thereafter, to stand out of harm’s way and express his opinion in a -series of savage barks. - -Laughing heartily, Bill took hold of him, and Ben caught up the owl and -set it on a perch which he had made for it. The bird allowed itself to -be freely handled by the guide, who promptly fastened a small chain -about its leg and left it serenely preening its ruffled plumage and -glaring fiercely at Moze. - -“Those two will be enemies for life, I reckon,” prophesied Bill. - -“How on earth did you ever make ‘Snow Ball’ so tame?” Ed inquired. - -“Just fed and treated him well; which will bring ’most any wild -creature around.” - -They all gathered about the table to do full honor to the supper which -Ben had prepared. He and Bill exchanged glances of amusement when the -boys chose their seats, one on either side of Indian Pete. - -“By gracious, to-morrow will be Christmas!” cried George, later, as -they were sitting before the stove. - -“Strange we’ve had no word from home,” said Ed, in a disappointed tone. - -“Don’t let it worry you, son,” drawled Ben, rising and going to the -book-shelf. “There are several letters and books here for you. Yes, and -a big box, too, over beyond, under that robe; but it’s not to be opened -until to-morrow.” - -He handed the letters and magazines to Ed and George, winking at Bill -as he resumed his seat. - -“How did you get them?” asked Ed. - -“Why, Tom Westbrook came over and took me to town.” - -The boys read the letters from home with much enjoyment. When they had -finished, they went over to the box and began raising the folds of the -robe that hid it. - -The guide playfully dragged them away. Then they promised that they -would not open the box until the next morning if Indian Pete would tell -a story, and his tale of a single-handed fight with a wolf closed the -evening. - - - - -XVII CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - - -“Merry Christmas, everybody!” - -This from the boys as they slipped quietly from their bunk. - -“Merry Christmas!” replied Bill, turning in his blankets. - -“Merry Christmas, and many more of them!” added Ben, sitting up -drowsily. - -“Merry Christmas, Pete!” shouted George, determined that no one should -be left out of the cordial greetings. - -“Chrismus!” returned the Indian, his dark eyes twinkling kindly. - -“Well, you fellows stole a march on us this time,” laughed Ben, as he -rose and lighted the lamp--it was still dark outside. - -“Now for the box!” cried Ed. - -“Yes, let’s open it!” urged George. - -They soon had the cover off, and were busily engaged taking out the -contents. There was a deliciously roasted turkey with dressing such as -they relished at home; a plum-pudding decorated with sprigs of holly; -two great cakes, one filled with raisins, the other with nuts; besides -many presents for the boys, and boxes of cigars, warm gloves and caps -for Ben and the trapper. Then they found some tobacco and a pipe, and -immediately presented them to Pete, who seemed much pleased. Nor was -Moze forgotten, for lying in the very bottom of the box was a handsome -collar with his name engraved on the metal plate. - -When they had finished distributing the presents, Ben brought several -bags and bundles from beneath his bunk. When he had opened them, he -gave each of the boys a pair of moccasins and a serviceable bone-handle -hunting-knife. He also produced a box of cigars for Bill, and a pair of -fleece-lined mittens for Pete. - -Then Bill opened his pack of pelts and gave George the lynx-skin and Ed -a handsome fox-skin. - -“This is the greatest Christmas ever!” declared Ed. - -“You bet!” agreed George. - -Indian Pete had gone outside during the presentation of gifts, and they -were afraid he felt badly because he had nothing to offer. However, he -soon returned with the deer on his shoulder. With great dignity he -dropped it to the floor. - -“Chrismus, all--everyone!” he said. “Plenty eat, all.” And he laughed -and made them understand by gestures that they were to accept of the -deer as his offering. - -“That’s the best of the lot, Pete!” declared Ben, grasping the Indian -by the hand. “We’ll have a big feast.” - -Ben and Pete were greatly interested in the pelt of the silver fox, and -they congratulated Bill on his good-fortune. - -“This sure is a prosperous Christmas for you, Bill; that skin is worth -a pile of money back in the settlement. When I was in I heard them -telling that the price of fur had gone ’way up. I’m powerful glad you -got it,” said the guide. - -Bill made no reply, but looked much pleased as he fingered the -valuable prize admiringly. He pulled his furs, flesh side out, on -stretching-boards which Ben offered for his use. - -After breakfast the boys cut a small balsam, which they set up in the -cabin for a Christmas tree. Ben decorated the branches with popcorn, -candies, and cakes which he had brought from town, and the lads added -some fancy ornaments which had come in their gift-box. - -“Snow Ball” was freed from his log cage and placed on his perch. -Immediately he and Moze became eager to resume hostilities, but they -were promptly warned that it was no day for ill feeling. Finally, to -keep peace in the family, the hound was banished out-of-doors. - -Later on the boys proposed a shooting contest in honor of the day. The -others agreed, and Ben drew a target on a piece of white cardboard. -He tacked it up on a near-by tree, and the shooters went outside to -compete in the “championship” contest. - -They drew to see who would shoot first. It happened that Ed drew -first shot, Bill second, George third, Pete fourth, and Ben last. It -was agreed that they would shoot three shots apiece at each of three -different targets. The first was to be the nearer and larger, the -second farther away and smaller, and the third some difficult fancy -shot. Each contestant agreed to use his own rifle and fire without a -rest or brace. - -Ed led off and gained applause by scoring an outer “bull” and two inner -circles. Bill followed with two “bulls,” a center and an outer, and an -inner circle. The best George could do was three inner circles, close -to the “bull.” Pete got three straight “bull’s-eyes”; and Ben tied his -score. - -The second target was half as large as the first, and twice as far -away. Ed got two outer rings and a miss. Bill got two more “bulls” and -an outer ring. George retrieved himself by getting a center “bull” and -two ringers. Again Pete made three “bulls”; and again Ben equaled the -score. - -Then they cut circular bits of pasteboard the size of half-dollars, one -for each shooter. Ed clipped the edge with one shot and missed with the -others. Bill got a center and two edges. George tied Ed’s tally. Pete -put three in the center of the little circle; and Ben did likewise. - -“Well, I guess you and Pete can fight it out,” laughed Bill, turning to -the guide. - -“Yes, shoot it off!” urged the boys. - -Ben fastened a card, edge toward him, in a seam of the bark. Then he -looked smilingly at Pete. The latter at once signified his willingness -to shoot at the difficult mark, and the contest began. - -The guide’s first shot cut the card in two, and the boys cheered -wildly. A new target was set in place, and he repeated the feat. A -third card had the corner torn by his last bullet. - -Then Pete stepped forward and drew careful aim on the edge of the tiny -target. His first shot missed by the merest fraction, and he turned -toward his audience and smiled. The second bullet cut the card squarely -in the middle, and he was roundly cheered by the impartial company. His -final shot clipped the top. Pete laughed and shook his head. Ben had -bested him. - -“Eyes too old, maybe,” he said, modestly, as victor and vanquished -clasped hands. - -“Not a bit of it,” said the guide, gallantly. “It just happened that I -had a little better luck. It might come out just the other way another -time.” - -Ben then fastened one of the small bits of cardboard on a tree, and, -placing his rifle upside down on top of his head, he sent a bullet -through the center. - -“You’ll have to join a show, if you keep that up,” Bill laughed. - -The boys asked Pete to tell them more about the Indians, but could not -induce him to talk. They finally appealed to Ben. - -“Tell you what to do, Pete,” he said; “show these fellows how to build -a wigwam.” - -The old Indian smiled at his friend, and, taking up his ax strode -from the cabin, followed by Ed and George. Once outside, he quickly -selected and cut three straight saplings. Trimming off the branches, -he placed the poles on the ground with their tops together. Deftly -twisting a strip of bark, he made it into a rope and fastened the ends -of the poles one to the other. Then he raised them. He stood other -poles between, forcing the tops beneath the bark rope, and soon had the -framework of the wigwam completed. The foot of each pole was thrust -into the ground to prevent the abode from tumbling down in a high -wind. Pete left an open space in front for a doorway. In place of the -birch-bark, which he explained was generally used by his people for the -same purpose, he took a blanket and wrapped it about the bare poles to -make a shelter. At the top of the wigwam he left an opening to let the -smoke out. He explained that a covering was always provided for this -opening, to keep out rain or snow. - -Indian Pete also showed them many simple signs used by his people to -communicate with one another when traveling through the forest. He -showed how to turn a twig, or branch, so that it would point in the -direction taken by the one who had left the signal. The Indian also -showed how, by breaking a stick into long or short pieces, he could -advise his followers as to the length of journey he had undertaken. He -cut a piece of bark from a tree-trunk and made many queer drawings -on it. These were carefully explained to the boys, so that they could -read the Indian message it contained. They also had explained to them -the art of making bows and arrows, the scraping and tanning of furs and -skins, and other bits of woodcraft, and half the day was gone before -they realized it. - -Ben had meanwhile placed the turkey in the oven to warm. - -“Say, just smell that!” he cried, patting himself. Then, with a quick -glance at Pete, he added: “We’ll have this bird for dinner, and a big -stew of Pete’s deer-meat to top it off. My, I don’t believe I’ll be -able to eat again for a week after we get through with this feast.” - -Everybody seemed to be in high spirits as they took their places for -the Christmas dinner. While they were eating it began to snow, and soon -big, broad flakes were coming down in swirling thousands. - -“This is a real Christmas,” declared Ed, looking out at the storm. - -“Looks like we might be in for a big snow,” said Ben, pausing with a -leg-bone of the turkey between his fingers. - -“Let her come, we’re here first!” laughed Bill; and the boys were glad -to see the trapper so jolly, for they feared that the day held gloomy -memories for him. - -When the meal was finally over, a large plate of food was given to -Moze, and he promptly stretched out before the stove and proceeded to -enjoy it. - -In the afternoon Pete and Bill decided to go out in spite of the storm. -Armed with their rifles, they left the cabin and disappeared in the -woods. - -This was what the boys had been waiting for. As soon as the trapper -and the Indian had gone they asked Ben to tell them why Bill acted so -strangely about Christmas. - -For a time the guide looked at them in silence. Then he decided to tell -the story. - -“You see, several years ago Bill had a trapping partner by the name -of Tom Welsh,” he began. “‘Big Tom,’ we called him, because of his -size and strength. He and Bill trapped ’way up north of here, around -what was then called Bad Pond. It got its name because it was usually -rough and dangerous for a canoe in summer and full of treacherous, -snow-covered air-holes in winter. - -“One season Bill and ‘Big Tom’ built a little cabin near this pond, and -decided to spend the winter trapping around the shores. There was a lot -of fur to be taken there, and they figured on a great catch by the -time spring came. - -“Christmas day they were crossing on the ice, and they got to -skylarking and fooling. Then they began to wrestle, and Bill tripped -‘Big Tom,’ and he lost his footing and plunged head first into an -air-hole which neither of them had seen. - -“Seeing that his friend didn’t come up, Bill lay down and peered into -the opening, shouting and reaching into the cold, black water. You -see, he knew ‘Big Tom’ had bobbed up under the edge of the ice and was -probably swimming away from the opening. - -“Well, poor Bill was near crazy, and in his excitement he went into the -hole himself. He, too, came up under the ice, but near the edge of the -hole, and was clutched by the collar and yanked out. - -“When Bill blinked the water out of his eyes he saw Indian Pete. The -Indian had been watching the trappers from shore. When Tom went down -he started toward them on a run. Bill hadn’t noticed him coming over -the ice, on account of his mind being on the fate of his friend. You -see, if it hadn’t been for Pete, both partners would have drowned, -’cause Bill was dazed when he came up. Like as not he’d have swum back -under the ice same as poor Tom did; but the Indian was watching and -nabbed him quick as he appeared near the opening.” Ben finished amid an -impressive silence. - -“Did they get ‘Big Tom’--after awhile?” asked Ed, in a low tone. - -“Yes,” replied Ben, soberly. “Listen! That’s Moze, all right; he’s got -something started!” he cried, evidently glad at the opportunity of -changing the subject. - -Then for some time they heard the voice of the hound ringing through -the forest. The flakes came down thicker and faster each succeeding -hour, and a piercing northwest wind tore through the woods and piled -the snow into huge drifts. - -“Looks a little like the makings of a blizzard,” said Ben, going to the -door. - -“I hope they get back all right.” And George looked from the window a -bit uneasily. - -“Don’t you worry about them,” laughed the guide. - -As the storm increased steadily in volume and the afternoon wore on, -the boys went to the door many times to listen. They remembered what -their own experience had been in a storm not half so bad; and, though -they had implicit confidence in the ability of Bill and Pete to take -care of themselves, they were anxious for them to return. - -Hardly had they resumed their seats the last time when the door opened -and Pete came into the room. He was covered with snow, and began -shaking himself vigorously. - -“See anything special?” inquired Ben. - -“Plenty dog tracks. Run moose all time in big snow--bad!” said the -Indian, shaking his head. - -“That’s the pack of wild ones, I’ll bet!” declared Ben, straightening -up with a show of interest. - -Pete nodded in the affirmative. - -“Well, we’ve got to go after them, or there won’t be any game left in -this part of the country,” and the guide scowled. - -Again Pete nodded solemnly. - -It was almost dark, and still Bill and Moze did not make their -appearance. Several times the boys caught Ben listening and glancing -out of the window, they thought, a bit uneasily. - -Then they heard Moze whining at the door, and a moment later Bill -opened it and came in. - -“Kind of dusty out,” he laughed, brushing the flakes from his broad -shoulders. - -“What did you see?” asked Ed, eagerly. - -“The pack of wild dogs!” replied Bill, looking at Ben. - -“Get a shot at them?” inquired the guide. - -“No, they were too far away. I tell you, there’s a bunch of them. Must -be twenty-five or thirty.” - -“Tell us about them,” urged the boys. - -“Wait till after supper; I’m hungry as a bear.” - -“Well, sit down, then; it’s ready,” announced Ben. - -Afterward Bill told how he had seen the wild pack racing along a -valley, on the hot scent of some animal. He had worked his way down -the mountain on which he had been hunting, and had followed the dog -tracks for quite a distance. The trapper had learned that the wolf-like -hunters were chasing a deer--a doe. As the trail gave every indication -of a long chase, he left it and came back to the cabin. - -“This storm will cover up their trail, so that I don’t suppose there’ll -be any use looking for them to-morrow. When I hear them again, though, -I’m going after them,” declared Ben. “They’ve got to be driven out of -here, or they’ll kill everything in the woods.” - -The boys renewed their pleas to be taken on the expedition, and were -so persistent that Ben finally agreed to take them. - -The balance of the evening was passed playing games and telling -stories, till a glance at the clock showed the lateness of the hour. - -Rising, Ben went to the door and looked out. Then he called for the -others to join him. Standing there, the snow blowing into their faces, -they heard the distant baying of the wild dogs. - -“They’re like wolves,” declared Bill. - -“Worse,” agreed Ben; and he closed and bolted the door. - - - - -XVIII AN ENCOUNTER WITH WILD DOGS - - -“Snowshoes for a while,” prophesied Ben, looking out at the freshly -whitened landscape next morning. - -“I’m glad I brought mine,” said Bill. - -“You and Pete had better stay here with us another day, and give the -drifts a chance to settle some,” Ben invited. - -The boys were equally anxious to have two such interesting characters -remain, and they urgently seconded the invitation. Pete promptly -declined it and made known his intention of departing immediately after -breakfast. Bill said that he, too, would leave then. He was anxious to -reach the settlement with his furs, and, as he had a long, hard trip -before him, was eager to be off. - -The morning meal was hurried, that they might make an early start. -When it was finished, Bill and Pete began tying on the broad, round -snowshoes. Each helped the other to get his pack on his back. Then they -bade farewell to their host and the boys and departed on different -routes. The Indian turned toward the north and his far-away cabin. The -trapper started east toward the distant settlement, where he hoped to -dispose of his furs and bank the proceeds. - -Ed and George stood in the doorway and watched the two sturdy figures -disappear. They hoped to see the trapper again, for he would stop on -the return journey to his cabin. But Indian Pete they would probably -never again meet, and it was with deep regret they watched his straight -form vanish from sight among the trees. True to the custom of his race, -he refrained from looking back, even though the lads called to him -several times. - -Moze returned for a final caress, and seemed greatly to enjoy plowing -his way through the deep snow. Bill whistled to him, and then turned -and waved his hand to the little group of friends in the doorway. - -“Well, there’s one person glad they’re gone,” said Ben, when he and the -boys had entered the cabin. - -The lads looked at him in surprise and asked who it might be. - -“Old ‘Snow Ball,’” he replied, as he released the owl from its cage. - -It walked about the floor of the room, and constantly turned its head, -as though fearful that Moze was still somewhere in the vicinity. Ben -finally picked it up and put it on the perch, where it seemed more at -ease. - -“He’ll soon be able to fly, and then I’m afraid it will be good-by to -us.” - -“Suppose we let him go. We can keep him till spring, and then he’ll go -north; so he won’t do much damage to the game about here. I just hate -to think that he’s a prisoner. Since I’ve been here with you, Ben, I -feel differently about all such things,” declared Ed. - -“That’s exactly the way I feel,” added George, “and I would like to see -him freed.” - -“Well, boys, that’s my idea, too; so the jury will give old ‘Snow Ball’ -a verdict in his favor, and turn him loose with the understanding that -he’s to quit the country.” - -The owl turned his big yellow eyes on them and gave himself one or two -vigorous shakes, as though the matter was of little importance, since -he had found so good a home. - -“I would like to get some pictures before all the snow falls from the -trees,” said Ed. - -“All right, son; we’ll put on our webs”--Ben’s name for snowshoes--“and -go out for a look around.” - -“I wouldn’t wonder but what we might find a moose or a deer mired in -one of the heavy drifts. If we do, you’ll get a picture worth having,” -declared Ben, when they were traveling easily along on their snowshoes. - -They saw few tracks, and the guide said the forest creatures had -“lain low” during the storm, and would continue to do so until the -snow settled or crusted over. Deer and moose, he explained, remained -in their “yards” at such times--places similar to the one where the -birches were stripped. In such spots, Ben said, these animals trod -down and scraped away the snow to obtain the scant food-supply buried -beneath. He told the boys that if the animals were driven from these -shelters before the snow was sufficiently solid to support them, -especially the moose, they would soon become exhausted by the heavy -going and fall easy and helpless prey to whatever foe cared to pursue -them. - -“That’s the way the timber wolves used to kill off quantities of game. -They would hunt up a yard of deer or moose, and dash in quickly and -scatter them. Then it was an easy task for them to run down the heavier -animals in the deep drifts. When they had overtaken a moose helpless in -snow above its shoulders, they closed in and tore it to pieces.” - -“Listen!” cried George. “What’s that?” - -“There they are!” declared Ben. “Just what I expected. They’re doing -exactly what I’ve told you about. Wait till we see which way they’re -going.” - -Standing beneath the snow-burdened evergreens, they heard the ringing -cry of the wild hunting pack. It echoed through the woods, now clear -and distinct, and again faint and far away, as the hounds topped a rise -or descended into an intervening valley. - -“Isn’t that the direction Pete went?” inquired Ed, rather uneasily. - -“Yes; and if he hasn’t passed, they ought to run right across his -trail,” replied Ben, listening intently. - -Then the report of a rifle rang sharply through the forest. Another -shot quickly followed, and then two more, with scarce a pause between -them. - -“Come on!” cried Ben, making off at top speed. “The fight’s on; Pete -has run into them, sure!” - -As they hurried along they noticed that the noise from the pack had -subsided. Ben led them toward the spot where they had last heard the -wild baying. Soon they came to Pete’s trail, and the guide at once -turned into it. - -Again the noise sounded forth, this time to the left of the trail they -were following. Ben held to his course, however, believing it would -bring them to Pete and the pack sooner than he could go by forsaking it. - -Hot and panting in their rapid pace, they finally came to the spot -where the Indian had his chance at the pack. The trailers saw where he -had jumped behind a small hemlock, to hide, when he heard the outlaw -band approaching. About fifty yards farther along the dogs had crossed, -and two great black hounds lay dead on the snow. - -Ben and the boys stopped for a moment to examine them, and were -surprised at their resemblance to wolves. There was no evidence of a -battle, and the guide thought Pete had despatched the dogs from ambush. - -Carefully examining the trail of the fleeing pack, Ben learned they -were in pursuit of a bull moose, a small one, probably a yearling. He -found numerous red spots on the snow, and believed that Pete had hit -others than the hounds whose bodies bore evidence of his prowess. - -“We’ll follow them a ways,” he said. “Pete’s gone on their track, and -maybe we’ll get a chance at them.” - -The snow was not particularly deep, and the moose seemed well able to -maintain a safe lead. But sooner or later it was certain to be forced -into deeper going, and its doom would then be sealed. - -They reached a spot where Pete had turned from the main tracks to -follow a hound he had wounded. Its blood-stained trail showed plainly -by the side of his snowshoe tracks. - -They could hear the baying of the pack directly ahead, in the bottom -of a wooded valley. Ben said they would follow on the original trail -in the hope of catching up with the dogs, should the moose sink in the -snow. - -The boys’ legs commenced to ache, for they were straining them to the -utmost in their endeavors to keep up with Ben. He seemed determined -to come in sight of the pack at any cost, and hurried on at a -heartbreaking pace. - -“Wonder what will happen when we corner them?” inquired Ed, between -gasps. - -“Don’t know; but I’ll have to stay and see, ’cause I’m too blamed tired -to run,” replied George. - -“They’ve brought him to a stand!” yelled Ben, excitedly, at the same -time quickening his gait. “Hear the way they’re howling and snarling -down there! Come on, boys, let’s sail into them!” And the guide went -racing down the hillside. - -The lads followed as best they could, and took several “headers” in -the course of their uncertain journey. They arrived in the ravine -breathless and shaky. The snow was very deep, and they saw where the -moose had floundered with difficulty through the mound-like drifts. At -one place the pack had surrounded him, as could be seen by the tracks; -but he had freed himself and staggered to the spot where they now -appeared to have him at their mercy. - -Then the boys saw Ben raise his rifle. He shot twice. - -“Here they are!” he cried. “Look out! They’re going to show fight.” - -The lads made their way quickly to his side, and before them saw the -moose in snow to its withers. In a circle about it, on top of the light -crust, sat twenty or more snapping, wolf-like hounds. - -They had turned from their victim, and were boldly facing the hunters. -Two of their number lay dead. They had started toward Ben, and met a -swift and timely death at his hands. Their fate seemed to restrain the -pack, for the moment at least, though the defiant brutes showed no -desire to be gone. - -“Oh, wait till I get a picture!” begged Ed; and he quickly unstrapped -and focused his camera. With the click of the shutter things began -to happen, and for the next few minutes the boys experienced all the -thrills of a Siberian wolf-hunt. - -The moose renewed its efforts to extricate itself, and immediately -several of the hounds dashed forward to sink their fangs in its throat. -Instantly Ben opened fire, at the same time calling on the lads to do -likewise. - -It was then that the savage, half-wild dogs seemed to realize -their danger. As several of them writhed over the snow in their -death-struggles the remainder of the band, under the leadership of a -great gray animal, rushed at the hunters. - -“Watch out; here they come!” warned the guide, firing as fast as he -could work the lever of his rifle. “Stand close beside me and fire at -the front ones!” - -[Illustration: “WATCH OUT; HERE THEY COME!”] - -Snarling and snapping, the pack surrounded Ben and the boys. It was -no simple task to kill the beasts, for they kept moving about in a -circle, and, as the ravine was heavily timbered, the trees constantly -interfered with the aim of the shooters. Sneaking and crouching, the -dogs began to close in. - -“Stand your ground if they try to rush us!” commanded Ben, dropping one -of the leaders with a well-placed bullet. - -Evidently the hounds had at last determined the sort of enemy -confronting them, and, with lips drawn back and fangs exposed, they -charged in a body. - -The hunters met them with a deadly volley which stretched out several -of their number. The gray leader, a big, wolf-like Eskimo dog, escaped -the hail of lead and leaped straight at the throat of Ben. The guide -had no chance to shoot, but quickly clubbed his rifle and brought the -stock down with terrific force on the head of his assailant. The blow -felled the creature, and it rolled away behind a massive tree-trunk and -slunk off as three hastily aimed bullets whistled harmlessly past its -head. - -Suddenly Ed uttered a startled cry, and Ben turned quickly in his -direction. A powerful hound had crept up behind him, and, leaping, had -fastened its fangs in the shoulder of the lad’s heavy hunting-coat and -borne him to the ground. - -Ben sent a bullet into its body before it could release its grip to -fasten a more deadly one on the throat of the startled young hunter. - -“Jump up, quick!” yelled the guide. - -Encouraged by the apparent success of one of their number, the pack -again came on. Once more the fierce gray leader stole forward; but -this time a ball from George’s rifle stretched him out dead, shot -through his heart. - -“Good boy!” shouted Ben. “You’ve got the prize.” - -Then another rifle sounded close beside them, and, turning, they -saw Indian Pete shooting into the hesitating, disorganized pack of -bewildered dogs. - -“That’s right, give it to them, Pete; let’s clean them all up at once!” -cried Ben, savagely. - -Lacking the encouragement of the gray leader, the pack turned and -began a slow, sullen retreat. Pete and the guide instantly followed, -determined to kill as many of its members as possible, now that they -had the longed-for opportunity. But the survivors of the savage -band, finding they were pursued, instantly lost confidence and, -panic-stricken, dashed away, howling dismally. - -When they had disappeared, the hunters took account of the casualties. -They found, by adding the ones Pete had killed back on the trail, that -they had despatched fourteen of the outlaws, including the leader. This -was the big, wolf-like creature Ben had told of, and George was greatly -elated at obtaining the chance to kill it. - -“Well, we destroyed more than half the pack,” declared Ben, -enthusiastically, “and I guess the rest of them will hike for a safer -country.” - -Meantime they had turned their attention to the moose, and the boys -obtained many excellent photographs of it. Free from the attacks of the -hounds, it began to force its way through the drift into which it had -plunged in its wild panic. - -“Can’t we help him any?” asked George. - -“No, sir! Stay away from him and keep near me. He’s mad, and there’s no -telling what may happen when he frees himself,” cautioned the guide. - -When the moose finally emerged from the drift, Pete was the nearer to -it. Without hesitating a moment, the excited animal lowered its head -and charged the astounded Indian. He jumped nimbly from its path and -sought shelter behind the first convenient tree. - -Not satisfied to be off, the moose wheeled and came straight at Ben and -the boys, who promptly scattered and ran, or tried to, through the deep -snow. It missed George by a very narrow margin, and then turned and -stood facing them with bristling mane, blazing eyes, and curled lip, -ready for another charge. The unusual performance had ceased to be a -joke, and, fearful that some one would be hurt, Ben fired two shots -over its head. They had the effect of bringing the maddened creature to -its senses, and with a loud snort it trotted heavily away, unharmed, -for at that season these great beasts were protected by law. - -“Say, we’ve had some little excitement,” laughed Ben, looking about for -a place to sit down. - -“I should say so,” agreed Ed, feeling the tear in his coat. - -George went over to Indian Pete, who was examining the powerful, -grizzled body of the dead leader. The young hunter was much pleased -when Pete said he had done well to kill it. - -“How many do you think were in the pack?” inquired Ben. - -The Indian held up his ten fingers twice, and then five. - -“Count them, plenty times,” he said. - -“Did you get the one you left the trail for?” asked the guide. - -Pete gave one of his customary nods in the affirmative. - -“I thought so,” said Ben to the boys. “An Indian usually gets what he -starts after.” - -Pete soon left to resume the long journey to his cabin. They watched -him climb the mountain, expecting that he might look back when he -reached the summit. He did not turn, however, but went stolidly on, and -disappeared from sight over the top. - -“He’s a queer old fellow, but I like him,” said Ed. - -“So do I,” declared George. - -“He’s all right; a little peculiar, that’s all,” Ben assured them. - -George wished the pelt of the Eskimo dog for a trophy, and when Ben -started to skin it he had the boys help him. He said it would do them -no harm to learn how. The job was quickly accomplished, and the pelt -was rolled into a bundle and given to George. He slung it proudly on -his back. Then they set out for the cabin, Ben in great spirits over -his success in practically wiping out this band of outlaws. - -That night they listened in vain for the noise of distant baying. Once -they thought they heard it far to the south, but were unable to make -sure. - -Before they fell asleep, Ed poked George in the ribs and said: “I felt -we were going to have trouble with that pack, all along. I’m glad it’s -over now.” - -“So am I,” replied George. “And to think I’ve actually killed the -leader; and in a fight, too!” he added. “I believe they are all more -wolf than dog.” - -“I’m sure the one that knocked me down was,” said Ed. - - - - -XIX AN INDIAN CAVE AND ITS OCCUPANTS - - -By January the boys had learned much about the woods and the wild -creatures inhabiting them. They had also mastered most of the essential -tricks of woodcraft, and Ben said they were graduated from the -“tenderfoot” class with high honors. While there was no chance for any -“official” examination, they were certainly qualified for “Boy Scout” -honors by an actual experience in woodcraft, which few “scouts” can -have. - -They often made unaccompanied trips into the wilderness, and it was -while on one of these journeys that they chanced to discover what -seemed to be a large cave partly overgrown by bushes and completely -blocked by drifted snow. Their attention was drawn to it by a -tunnel-like hole through the drift. Poking into this with a long -pole, they were surprised to find that the opening extended back some -distance. They immediately scooped away the snow, and there, sure -enough, was a great black hole--seemingly the entrance into the heart -of the rocky cliff which towered above them. - -They had never heard Ben speak of the place, and thought it strange, -if a cave was really there, that he had not discovered it. Lighting a -match--for Ben had long ago impressed upon them the necessity of always -carrying several boxes when starting into the woods--Ed held it before -him and crawled several feet into the opening. The match went out, and -he lighted another and held it above his head, so that its light would -not blind him. Taking advantage of the short-lived flame, he glanced -quickly about. He saw that he was in a low, narrow passageway between -two smooth walls of lichen-covered rock. This passageway apparently -continued for some distance over a sort of loose shale-like trail. The -young explorer wriggled a few feet farther in, but was at once urged to -return by his anxious companion outside. - -“I tell you this is a great find!” he cried, excitedly, when he had -backed slowly out into daylight again. “We’ll explore it. I believe it -runs ’way back into the mountain.” - -“All right, only we must be careful,” warned George; “it may drop away -into a pool or something. Say, suppose there’s a wildcat or a bear up -in there!” - -“So much the better,” laughed Ed. “We’ve met them both before, so they -wouldn’t frighten us any. Tell you what we’ll do. When we go back -we won’t say anything about it to Ben; we’ll keep it a secret. Then -to-morrow we can bring a rope and some candles. I’ll tie the rope -around my waist and crawl in. If I get stuck you can pull me out.” - -“That’s a good idea; we’ll try it,” agreed George. - -When they reached the cabin they said nothing about their find. They -asked no questions which might betray their secret. When Ben said he -might go over to see Tom Westbrook the following day, the boys looked -at each other and winked. They politely refused an invitation to -accompany him, on the plea that they had found something they wished to -visit again. Ben smiled, but asked no questions. - -Next morning, as soon as Ben had gone, they took a long length of rope, -several candles, and a supply of matches, and started for the scene of -their discovery. They also carried their rifles, for, as George had -said, there was no telling what they might find at the end of the dark -tunnel. - -Eagerness gave speed to their feet, and they were soon before the -entrance into the ledge. Ed shed his heavy hunting-coat, and tied the -rope securely about his waist. Then he fastened one of the candles to -the end of a long pole. He cautioned George to keep tight hold of the -rope, and crawled boldly into the black opening. - -Lest his friend might plunge over the edge of some hidden precipice -and pull the rope out of his hands, George prudently took a turn of it -around a near-by tree. Then, with a warning to be careful, he began -letting out line, an inch at a time, as Ed wriggled into the inky -depths of the unknown interior. - -The rope went steadily into the hole, and George knew that his comrade -was making easy progress. Then it stopped, and he became somewhat -worried. Suppose it had become untied and had slipped from Ed’s waist! - -George drew it gently toward him and, when he had taken up the slack, -felt the weight of his friend at the other end. Then he slackened it, -but the coil lay there, and the rope was motionless! Something was -wrong! He waited a minute longer, and was about to pull with all his -might in an effort to extricate Ed from any difficulty he might have -got into, when again the rope began to slip forward into the cave. - -Ed had found, as he advanced, that the passageway widened. He crawled -slowly on, pausing now and then to hold the candle well out in front, -so that he could see his path and safeguard himself against accident. -The passage continued in a direct line; and, as he was already some -distance in, Ed began to wonder if he would come to the end of his rope -before he reached the end of the tunnel. If he did, he determined to -cast loose and go on, for, now he had started, the lad made up his mind -to find out where this dark alleyway led and what was at the end of it. - -He was glad to find that the passage continued to broaden, for this -promised him safe and easy return. Furthermore, should he suddenly -find himself confronted by a wild beast, he would have room to use his -rifle. Also he was able to make swifter progress, and he was anxious -to reach the end of his journey and learn what awaited him there. The -air began to grow close and stifling as he got farther in, and several -times he felt a bit dizzy. - -At last he came to the end of the rope, and felt it tighten and hold -him back. Pushing the candle far in advance, he saw close at hand -a circular cavern. Evidently the passage ended there. Ed determined -to find out, and, reaching his arms around behind him, he untied the -rope from his waist. Then, cautiously, he crawled forward toward the -mysterious underground chamber. - -When he finally crept into this large rock-bound room, Ed was surprised -to find that he was able to stand erect. Even by raising himself on his -toes and stretching his arms aloft he could not reach within several -inches of the rocky ceiling. The place seemed to have no other occupant -than himself; and, assured on that point, the lad set about to examine -it carefully. Suddenly he exclaimed, for, as he turned, the light of -his candle brought out some strange signs on the walls. - -Chiseled, or nicked, into the solid rock were strange figures and -hieroglyphics, or picture-writings. Ed began to trace them with the -tips of his fingers in an endeavor to make them out. There were many -drawings or tracings of arrows. Again there were rude sketches of hands -and feet. Then there were figures presumably intended to represent -different birds and animals. All these were separated one from another -by a series of straight and wavy lines. - -Most of the drawings were over to one side of the cavern. From what -he had read, Ed believed them to be the work of long-departed tribes -of Indians. No doubt they had made use of this cave, and to reach -it had wormed their way, as he had just done, through the dark, -narrow passageway. The thought of it thrilled him, and he gave a -half-startled, involuntary glance about the dimly lighted chamber, as -though fearful that some of the prehistoric picture-makers still lurked -in its shadows. - -What he saw caused him to cry out in horror. He staggered back against -the wall, his eyes fixed on the gruesome object before him. There, on -the ground and but a few feet away, sat a whitened human skeleton, its -back against the rough wall. - -For a moment the shock of his startling discovery completely unnerved -him. He dropped the pole, and his candle went out. Even in the inky -blackness which followed, the lad could see, all too vividly, a vision -of that awful thing against the wall. - -Panic-stricken, Ed sank to his knees and began to crawl frantically -toward the passageway. His breath came in quick gasps, and the air -of the place suddenly became suffocating. If only he could find the -entrance to the tunnel and escape! That was his one thought as he -scrambled hurriedly along in the darkness. It seemed as though he had -gone a much longer distance than necessary, and he knew he must have -passed by it. Suppose he had branched off into some other alcove of -the cave and lost himself! The possibility sickened him, and he halted -irresolutely. - -Then the lad recalled that in his wild, unreasoning fright he had -left his pole and candle somewhere behind him. He remembered the box -of matches, and brought it from his pocket with violently trembling -fingers and tried to light one. For some time he was unable to do so, -owing to his excitement. - -At last one of the sulphur-tipped slivers blazed up. Sheltering the -tiny flame with his quaking palms, Ed endeavored to peer about by aid -of its flickering glow. The match dropped from his nerveless fingers, -and he uttered an agonized groan, for there, within arm’s reach of him, -lay another appalling white specter! - -For a minute or so he was unable to move, and he sat nervously wiping -the perspiration from his brow. Then once more he made an effort to -escape from the tomb-like prison. Lighting many matches, he at last -found his way to a side wall. Keeping within touching distance, he -began to follow it along, hopeful in that way sooner or later to find -the mouth of the opening through which he had come. - -After he had followed the smooth rock wall for a long time without -coming to the outlet, Ed began to fear he had wandered from the -original chamber. If he had, he realized the improbability of ever -being able to find his way back. He used up many precious matches in a -vain endeavor to locate himself. Then he decided to hoard the balance -of his supply for use later on. Once his hand, stretched forth in the -darkness, came in contact with something smooth and hard, and he drew -back with a shudder--it felt like a human bone! - -His knees and palms were scraped and bruised from contact with the hard -floor of the cave, and several times he bumped his head against sharp, -projecting points of rock. The air was dank and stuffy; but after his -first wild panic had passed, Ed found that he could breathe with little -real difficulty. This caused him to believe that the passageway fed a -supply of air into the chamber. The belief encouraged him to hope he -had not wandered far from it. - -When the lad had first entered the cavern and surveyed it by the light -of his candle, the place had not appeared so large. Now, as he crawled -around it in the darkness, it seemed absolutely interminable. - -Ed began to suspect that he had gone around it many times, and in some -way had missed the outlet each time. He fastened his handkerchief in -a seam of the wall, so that if he was doubling on his trail his hand -would find it on the next circuit. - -Many times, as he crawled along, he blamed himself for having dropped -the pole. He felt some satisfaction in the knowledge that, oddly -enough, he had retained possession of his rifle. For a long time he -was unaware that he held it clutched in his hand; and when at last he -became conscious of it, it greatly increased his confidence. - -Suddenly he halted, listening intently. From the opposite side of the -chamber he heard what sounded like a smothered ejaculation. He remained -motionless, and, though he could not see a yard before his face, he -grasped the rifle, his finger on the trigger. - -Straining his ears, he thought he detected a peculiar scraping noise -near the source of the first sound. Then it ceased, and, except for the -noise of his own quick breathing and the pounding of his heart, all -was still, and black, and gruesome. - -After listening in vain for a repetition of the noise, Ed started to -crawl slowly forward again. Instantly the indistinct, phantom-like -voice halted him. He shuddered and sank back against the rocks. The -sound subsided, and was followed by the same peculiar scraping. - -He was wholly at a loss to account for it. He was certain of one thing, -however, and that was that whatever made it must have just entered the -cavern. He felt positive that, had there been any living thing in the -cave at the time he entered, he would have seen it when his candle was -lighted. - -Again he reasoned that if something had just come in it must have come -through the passageway, which must be, therefore, on the opposite side -from him. He determined to crawl toward it and defend himself with his -rifle if necessary. Anything was preferable to remaining imprisoned in -this dungeon with its silent white inhabitants. - -The sound was repeated more distinctly, and Ed started for it. All at -once a weird, reddish glow shone forth. Involuntarily he drew back, for -the light seemed ghostly and unreal. - -“Ed! Oh, Ed!” came the muffled call, and he at once recognized the -alarmed voice of his friend. - -He uttered a cry of joy that made the cavern ring, and crawled rapidly -toward the light, which he knew came from George’s candle. - -“What on earth are you doing in here, and what sort of a place is it?” -demanded George, when he had finally emerged from the passage. - -“Wait! Put your candle right in the entrance,” urged Ed, anxiously. -“I’ve been searching for that place for several hours. My, but I’m glad -to see you! But say, let’s get out of here.” - -“Why, what’s the matter? Now that I’m in I want to see what it’s like. -Isn’t it a queer--What’s that?” shouted George, in an alarmed tone, -when he spied one of the white forms. - -“It’s a skeleton; there are several of them in here! Come on, let’s get -out,” suggested Ed, crawling hastily into the tunnel. - -“Hold on!” urged George. “They can’t hurt us.” - -“I know it,” came back the stifled response from some distance up the -passageway. “I’ve seen enough for me; you stay and look around.” - -George held the candle high overhead and peered about the cave. He saw -several bony white objects lying prostrate on the floor. - -“Gee whiz, this is too blamed ‘spooky’ for me!” he cried, and quickly -crawled into the tunnel after his friend. - -When the lads emerged into the open air Ed told of his experience and -what he had seen. For a long time they sat in front of the cave and -speculated as to the fate of its silent tenants. Then they decided to -hurry home and tell Ben about their discovery and ask him to accompany -them on a second trip of exploration. - -It was after dark when the guide returned from his visit to Westbrook. -The boys showed by their manner that they had something of unusual -interest to tell him. They waited impatiently while he drew off his -heavy moccasins and mackinaw coat, and stood about restless and uneasy -while he prepared for supper. - -“Well, what is it, boys?” he laughed. “I know you have something to -tell, so out with it.” - -“We found a cave with a lot of skeletons in it!” George burst forth. -“And Ed was in it, too; he got lost.” - -For a moment Ben stood looking at them in silence. Then his eyes began -to twinkle merrily, as though he suspected some sort of joke. - -They noted his look of doubt, and at once hastened to reassure him. - -“Honestly we did. It’s an awfully spooky sort of place, and there are a -lot of figures and things carved in the rock.” - -“And then those things on the floor,” added Ed. - -Convinced by their earnestness, the guide frankly expressed his -surprise at this unknown cave, and he asked many questions. He gave -Ed a mild scolding for having ventured into such a place alone, but -finally promised to go with them on the morrow. - -Early next day they started for the cave. When they arrived before the -entrance, Ben was puzzled to know how it could have existed for so long -without his finding it. He said he had crossed over and by it many -times but had never happened to notice the concealed opening. - -Assured by his presence, the boys had left the rope behind as entirely -unnecessary. Neither had Ben brought his rifle, for the lads declared -they had seen no evidence of anything dangerous living there. The guide -lighted a candle and crawled forward into the hole, closely followed by -the boys. - -When they reached the death-chamber, they arose and stood upright. They -held aloft the lighted candles, and in the light from them were able to -make out four white skeletons outlined against the gloom. - -“Looks like there had been something going on here,” said Ben, as he -made his way to the one propped against the wall. Ed and George did not -follow him at once, and he stooped down and began examining the bony -structure. “Yep, this poor fellow was plugged with three arrows,” he -declared, holding up something between his fingers. “Two of them are in -him, and here’s the other one on the ground.” And the guide exhibited a -sharply pointed triangular-shaped piece of flint. - -They examined the other forms and found evidences of wounds or arrows -in each. By the side of the last they found part of a stone tomahawk, -or battle-ax. Ben picked many arrow-tips from the floor of the cave and -gave them to the boys for souvenirs. The boys showed him the picture -writings on the wall, and he spent some time in studying them. - -“Too bad we haven’t got Pete with us; he might be able to read them,” -said Ben. - -They found the pole and candle which George had dropped, and the guide -laughed at him for having been badly frightened. Then they explored -every nook and cranny. To the keen satisfaction of Ed, they found that -there were no passages leading from the main room or chamber. His fears -on the previous day had been groundless, had he but known it. - -At last they crawled out and started for the cabin. On the way the -boys plied Ben with all sorts of questions regarding the cave and the -possible fate of its four occupants. - -He declared that the picture-writings showed that the place had been -used as a shelter by some unknown tribe of Indians many years ago. Ben -thought that the four warriors whose skeletons rested in the cavern had -been members of a hostile tribe. Having ventured within the borders of -their enemies’ territory, they had no doubt been detected and pursued. -In their flight they had accidentally come to the opening and crawled -into the cave. Here, from all appearances, they had been followed and -slain like rats in a trap. At least, this was Ben’s supposition, and -the boys thought he was right. - -The guide offered to report the find to the local paper. He promised -that Ed and George should have full credit for their discovery, and -declared it would probably be considered quite an important one by the -State authorities. - - - - -XX A FIGHT ON THE ICE - - -The boys were somewhat puzzled when, on a morning late in February, -they heard all kinds of weird rumblings and groans coming from the lake. - -“Sounds like an earthquake,” declared Ed. - -“What is it?” inquired George, turning to Ben for some explanation. - -“That’s the ice talking,” laughed the guide. “The backbone of winter is -broken.” - -“The ice talking?” And the lads looked at each other as though they -suspected Ben was making sport of them. - -“Yes; you see, before it breaks up in the spring air gets underneath -and rumbles and makes a big noise as it rushes along in bubbles between -the ice and the water. Then the ice expands and contracts, as it thaws -during the day and freezes at night. That makes it snap and crack. We -say it’s talking,” he explained. - -The boys immediately went down to the shore, where they heard the -sounds more distinctly. The winter had passed before they realized -it. Soon it would be spring. Even now the sun was quite warm, and the -snow had almost disappeared from the southern slopes of the mountains. -They sat in the bright sunlight, listening to the loud booming of the -ice--the guns of spring shattering the icy fortress of winter. - -Suddenly George touched Ed on the arm and pointed to the center of the -lake. - -“Look!” he cried. “What’s that?” - -Ed instantly turned his eyes in the direction indicated and saw a -dark-colored animal with a low body about four feet long. It was making -its way leisurely across the frozen surface of the lake, and it walked -with a peculiar, waddling sort of gait. - -They immediately started in pursuit, and the unknown creature broke -into an awkward gallop. The boys ran at top speed to overtake it; but, -since there were several inches of soft, slushy snow on the ice, they -were unable to gain much. They were greatly astounded when the animal -threw itself flat and apparently dove through the ice. On reaching the -spot, however, they saw that it had disappeared into an air-hole. - -“He’ll have to come out again,” declared Ed. “You stay here, and I’ll -see if I can find any other opening where he might bob up.” - -Then they saw the head of their quarry appear above the ice about two -hundred feet farther on. They waited until the wet, glistening body -emerged from the hole, when they again started in pursuit. - -“Head him off before he gets to shore!” urged George, bounding -recklessly along in the uncertain footing. - -The next instant he slid forward on his face into the mushy, watery -mass of melting snow which covered the ice. Soaked through, and almost -blinded by the water in his eyes, he rose and ran after Ed, who was -gaining somewhat on the animal in front. - -Shorter and shorter grew the distance between pursuers and pursued. The -latter did not seem fitted for fast work over the ice, and Ed finally -came up with it. It turned on him threateningly and commenced to growl -fiercely. Being unarmed, he jumped quickly to one side and called a -timely warning to George. - -“Be careful; he’s ugly!” cried Ed. - -“What a funny-looking thing it is!” said George, suddenly halting. - -Evidently satisfied that it had impressed the boys by its bold stand, -the animal once more turned and started toward the shore. Ed ran -forward instantly to intercept it, and this time it made a rush at him. - -“Look out, there!” yelled George, running up behind it. - -“It’s an otter!” declared Ed. “I’ve seen pictures of them, and I’ve -read about them, too. They’re mighty savage customers when they get -mad. Look out! He’s coming for you!” - -Finding itself surrounded, the furious animal charged first one, then -the other of its pursuers. The boys, with nothing to defend themselves, -were obliged to retreat before each savage onslaught. When it had -driven them back a few feet, the otter, for such it was, immediately -turned and attempted to resume its flight. But each time it did so one -of the lads invariably managed to intercept it. - -“Tell you what we’ll do,” said Ed; “you stay here and prevent him from -getting to shore, and I’ll run up and get the camera. We don’t wish to -kill him, and if he should escape from you it won’t matter much.” - -“He can’t get away,” declared George, confidently. - -“All right; keep him here till I come back.” And Ed went away at a run. - -No sooner had he disappeared than the otter started for the woods. -George, yelling wildly and waving his arms, endeavored to head it off, -but the determined creature refused to swerve from its course. When he -jumped in its path it rushed angrily at his legs and drove him out of -the way. He was fast losing his wind, and the otter was rapidly nearing -the protection of the bushes at the edge of the ice. Once it gained -them, George knew it would be safe from pursuit. He had boasted to Ed -that the animal could not get away from him, and he determined to make -good the promise at any cost. - -Then an idea flashed into his mind, and, reckless of all consequences, -he proceeded to act upon it. Holding his heavy cap in his hand, George -ran close up beside the fleeing animal; and when it turned to charge, -he threw himself fearlessly upon it. The weight of his body bore the -otter flat to the ice. Instantly it twisted its powerful body, and the -ugly seal-like head, with its open jaws and sharp teeth, darted forward -to seize its adversary. - -George muzzled it with his cap, and then the desperate struggle began. -The active, sinewy creature twisted and turned about in an effort to -escape from the grip of the boy on its back. George, however, had -secured a wrestling hold, and was not to be easily shaken off. Now that -he had the jaws of the animal effectually muzzled, the lad entertained -little fear of severe injury. - -The otter was using its peculiarly webbed feet to claw and scratch him; -but, as he had on heavy hunting-clothes, it could do little damage. It -was no easy task to hold his captive and at the same time keep the cap -drawn down over its head. George wished Ed would hurry back, for he was -becoming tired. Besides, he was soaked through from rolling around in -the slush. - -Then he heard his friend calling to him; and, looking from the corner -of his eye, he saw Ed running madly across the ice. He soon drew near -and began shouting excitedly. - -“Hang on, George; I wish to take a picture of you!” he cried, hastily -bringing forth the camera. “Hold him! Hold him!” he urged, as the otter -began a desperate struggle to regain its freedom. - -“Say--what do you--think this is--a circus?” panted George, -indignantly, while he battled valiantly with the animal beneath him. - -Ed made several exposures, and then, having brought a long pole with -him, ran forward to aid his friend. - -“Let him go now,” he ordered. - -“That’s easier said than done,” puffed George. “If I do, he’ll turn and -get me before I can jump out of the way.” - -“No, he won’t. When you let go, I’ll keep him off with this pole.” - -“Sounds--easy--but just look--what he’s--doing now!” gasped George, as -the otter renewed its struggles. “Look out! He’s--getting--away--” - -Ed rushed forward with the pole and made several vicious jabs into the -side of the otter. It had gained its liberty, and turned savagely on -George, who was endeavoring to roll out of its reach. - -“Jump up!” screamed Ed, when he had succeeded in drawing the animal’s -attention to himself. He might easily have killed it, but he did not -care to commit the wanton murder. In fact, the boys were much impressed -by the gameness of the otter and the splendid fight it had made against -them. - -Once George had gained his feet, they halted the baffled creature, and -Ed took more snap-shots. Then they permitted it to travel, unmolested, -to the shore, and watched it disappear into the bushes. - -Ed turned to survey his friend, and immediately broke into peals of -laughter. - -“George, you are certainly a sight! Do hurry to the cabin and get some -dry clothes on,” he urged, anxiously. “Are you hurt?” - -“Not a bit,” laughed George. “And say, Ed, didn’t I tell you he -wouldn’t get away from me?” - -“You did, and you certainly made good. But let’s hurry--you must be -shivering.” - -While George was changing to dry clothes Ed told Ben about the -thrilling experience. The guide listened quietly, a faint smile -flitting about the corners of his mouth. - -Then, turning to George, he said: “I suppose you fellows will keep on -bumping into trouble till something comes along and takes a wallop out -of you.” - -After dinner they sat in the cabin talking, and Ben suddenly asked: - -“What about ‘Snow Ball’? I guess his time is up.” - -The boys looked at the big white owl sitting motionless on his perch. -They had become quite fond of him, in spite of his unfriendly ways. -Several times his savage nature had asserted itself. Once he had caught -Ed’s thumb in his powerful beak and pinched it painfully. They held no -enmity against him for these offenses, however, and instantly agreed to -his release. - -“Let’s take him outside so I can get his picture before we allow him to -go,” proposed Ed. - -“All right; but remember this is your party, and I’m distinctly out of -it,” warned George, soberly. - -Ben carried the owl outdoors and lifted it to a low branch of an -evergreen. Ed took several pictures of the handsome bird, whose white -plumage showed to splendid advantage against the dark background of the -tree. - -When sufficient exposures had been made Ben removed the chain and gave -“Snow Ball” his freedom. Then they sat in the doorway to see what the -newly released prisoner would do. For some time he remained on his -perch, slowly turning his head and blinking his eyes. He appeared to be -pondering the unexpected situation in which he found himself. - -“I guess he feels sorry to leave,” said George. - -“He’ll go directly,” promised the guide. “He’s just trying to remember -the way home.” - -At last some jays discovered him and at once began a furious uproar. -They flew to the branches near him, and scolded until they attracted -others of their kind. The owl watched them with warlike eyes and -snapped its beak threateningly. - -“Poor old ‘Snow Ball,’ I’m afraid your troubles have commenced,” said -Ed. - -The jays began darting at him and flying at his face. Finally, hissing -angrily, “Snow Ball” took wing and flapped silently away into the -forest. - -“Good-by, old boy!” called Ed. - -“And good luck!” added George. - -Ben told them the owl would soon depart to its summer home in the far -north. But by falling into their hands it had fared better than it -might had it been obliged to provide for itself during the long, cold -weeks of winter. - -A balmy south breeze set in late in the afternoon, and that night it -thawed. They heard the drip of melting snow from the eaves of the cabin -as they lay in their bunk. - -“I’m glad it didn’t come off cold after we turned old ‘Snow Ball’ out,” -said George. “Although I don’t suppose it would have bothered him any -if it had.” - -“No, I don’t believe so; but I’m glad it’s warmer for his first night -back in the woods.” - -“Winter is killed,” declared Ben, next morning. “Thawed all night, and -it’s melting like blazes now. Of course, we may have some more cold -weather, and snow, too, but it won’t last.” - -The boys found the snow soft and watery, and where it had been well -trodden down before the door it had disappeared entirely and left a -square of muddy-brown earth, the first they had seen for several months. - -“Does spring come as early as this up here?” asked Ed. - -“Not often,” said Ben; “and don’t make any mistake, son, we’re a long -ways from it yet. This is an early thaw, and means that most of the ice -and snow will go; but we’ll have many cold days yet before you hear the -blue-birds warble.” - -A white, cloud-like vapor drifted through the woods and out over the -lake. Seeing it, the guide assured the boys that it was a real thaw. By -evening several of the big pines in the little clearing about the cabin -had bare patches of ground at their feet. - -“This will break up the ‘yards’ and send the deer and moose out into -the woods,” said Ben. - -Cold weather quickly came again, however, and for several weeks they -had winter in all its glory. Although there were snow-storms--and big -ones, too--the snow did not remain long on the ground. The days were -becoming longer and the sun higher, and at noon there was often the -suggestion of real spring in the soft, pine-laden air. - -The boys were quite content to see the snow go, for they had learned -well their lessons written on it during the winter. Each mark across -its smooth, unruffled surface had been deciphered. The scrape of a -wind-blown reed, the scratch of a tumbling leaf, the indistinct tracing -of a fluttering wing, the careful tread of a stealthy foot, the wild -jump of a startled buck, all were noted and recognized by the trained -eyes of the young woodsmen. They had learned, too, to discriminate at a -glance between a fresh and an old trail. - -Besides all this, they had mastered many other things of great value to -them. They had been taught the use of a compass, and also how to set -a course by the sun, moon, or stars. They had learned about traps and -trapping, and the methods of skinning and preparing pelts. They had -become thoroughly versed in hunting and the habits of the animals they -hunted. They were entirely familiar with the calls, noises, and sounds -of the wilderness, and knew the reason for each of them. They knew -the trees and the shrubs. They were able to select a suitable site -and make a proper camp. All these things, and more, they had learned -during the winter now almost gone. And, having learned them, they were -not sorry that it should go, for there were still other things to be -learned with the coming of spring. - - - - -XXI SPRING AND ITS SPORTS - - -“How’s this for a morning?” was Ben’s hearty greeting, some weeks later -when spring had finally arrived. - -“Great!” shouted the boys, coming from the cabin for a few whiffs of -the balmy air. - -It was indeed a glorious day, and they sat with the door of the cabin -wide open, that they might drink in the fragrance of the pines. The -snow had long since disappeared, and the lake, now free of its icy -fetters, flashed and glistened in the strengthening sunshine. A smoky -blue haze hovered over the woods, and the trees showed signs of -leafing. The tops of the soft maples were ablaze with masses of tiny -red blossoms; the fuzzy, fur-like buds of the “pussy-willows” were out; -and down in the damp places the purple blades of the “skunk cabbage” -were pushing their way upward through the moist soil. - -The notes of the returned birds came floating in through the open -door--the soft, pleasing warble of the blue-birds, which Ben said -returned to him year after year; the rollicking song of the robin, -which usually built its muddy nest over one of the windows; and the -calls of mating crows which flew noisily along above the tree-tops. - -“Guess we’ll tap the trees to-day,” said Ben, when breakfast was over. -“Sap ought to run now. What do you say?” - -“Yes, let’s try it,” urged the boys, eagerly, anxious for a new -experience. - -“All right; we’ll put up a bite and be off, for we have quite a -distance to go.” - -The lunch was soon supplied and neatly packed. Provided with several -pails, an ax, and an auger, they set out for the distant hardwood -ridge, where, Ben said, they would find a little grove of sugar-maples. - -It was far easier walking through the woods than it had been in the -winter. The guide was in jovial spirits, and constantly called the -attention of his companions to the many signs of awakening life about -them. At one sandy place beneath the pines he stopped and sniffed the -air suggestively. - -“What is it?” asked Ed; for he and George detected a delicious -sweet-scented perfume mingled with that from the evergreens. - -“Arbutus,” said Ben, dropping to his knee and pointing to small -clusters of delicate pink-and-white flowers, which showed forth from -a mass of green, rubber-like leaves. He pulled a few bunches of the -blossoms and handed them to the boys to smell. - -“Um, that’s fine!” they declared, as they buried their noses in the -little bouquets and inhaled long breaths of exquisite perfume. - -“What do you call it?” again inquired Ed, stooping and gathering more -of the dainty plant. - -“Arbutus, or mayflower,” said Ben, placing a tiny bunch of them in the -band of his hat. “They’re my favorites.” - -The guide told how this hardy little plant sometimes bloomed beneath -a foot or more of snow. He said all woodsmen were partial to it, and -eagerly looked for its flowers as the real harbingers of spring. - -On all sides they beheld evidences of nature awakening from her long -winter sleep. Ben drew their attention to these things, and explained -just what was happening, and the reason for it. He showed them other -delicate blossoms brought forth by the warm sunshine, while the woods -themselves were bare; called to their notice the newly born or early -awakened insects buzzing about in the sunny places, and made known the -calls and names of feathered songsters returned from the South. They -became so interested that they were at the maple grove before they knew -it. - -“Look over at that third tree to the right, on the upper side of the -first limb,” cautioned the guide, quietly. - -The lads looked where he told them to, but for several seconds they -could discern nothing out of the ordinary. All that time Ben stood -watching them closely, the faintest trace of a smile on his face. - -“I see it!” cried Ed, finally. “It’s a red squirrel, and he’s lying -flat along the top of the branch.” - -“I see it, too,” said George, a moment later. “I must have seen it all -the time and thought it was a knot.” - -“That’s better,” laughed the guide, pleased at the sharp eyesight of -the boys. “When you see him there it means that the sap is running.” - -They looked at him in astonishment. What possible connection could the -presence of a lazy little red squirrel, sprawled indolently along the -limb, have to do with the rising of the sap in the tree? - -“What do you mean?” asked George. - -“Why, that little ‘sweet-tooth’ over there has gnawed a hole in the -upper side of the limb, and then stretched himself out to watch it fill -with sap. When it’s full he quickly sucks it out and waits patiently -till another cupful is ready. It’s an old trick of his, and you may be -sure, when you find him at it, that it’s time to tap the trees. Well, -let’s begin,” said the guide, as he pulled off his coat. - -Ben took the auger and bored a hole into the trunk of a near-by -tree. He explained that he tapped the tree on the south side, as, -that being the warmer side, the sap would run more freely there. Ben -also explained that one must not bore too deep. He said he tapped a -tree once in two years. The tree he now tapped had not been touched -the season previous, and would not be again until the second season -following. Having bored the hole to the proper depth, he whittled and -inserted a grooved, trough-like plug, which protruded from the trunk -far enough to hold the pail, which was promptly hung upon it. - -While Ben went to the next tree to repeat the operation the boys stood -before the one he had just tapped. They watched the sap ooze slowly -forward from the wound and trickle down the plug, to drip, drop by -drop, into the suspended bucket. - -Ed, unable longer to resist the temptation, dipped his finger in the -sticky fluid and touched it to his tongue. - -“No wonder the red squirrel likes it,” he laughed; whereupon George -also sampled some. - -“Hey, you fellows, scat out of there!” yelled Ben, with pretended -fierceness. - -At sound of his voice the squirrel abandoned its perch, and, mounting -to the top of the tree, proceeded to scold the intruders. - -“Guess he thought I meant him,” laughed Ben, when the boys walked over -to where he had tapped another tree. “Well, how did you like it?” - -“Fine,” they declared. - -“Wait till we get it boiled down; then you’ll taste real maple-syrup. -We’ll make some sugar, too.” - -When he had hung the last of his pails, Ben proceeded to make several -troughs from logs cut and split for the purpose. He placed them on the -ground beneath the spigots in the trees for which he had no buckets. By -the time he had finished tapping all of the trees selected, it was past -noon. Seating themselves in a sunny spot, the “sugarers” enjoyed their -lunch. - -The smell of escaping sap soon enticed bees and early insects to the -vicinity. But the sticky sap clogged their wings, and the boys had much -sport freeing them from their predicament with twigs, and watching -while the confused little honey-gatherers cleaned themselves. - -They were also much interested in a pair of big, black, pileated -woodpeckers, with large crests of scarlet feathers on top of their -heads. Ben said the woodsmen called them “Cock of the Woods,” and -declared they were becoming very scarce. The birds alighted against the -trunk of a tree, from which, after having carefully examined it, they -began to chisel great pieces with their powerful bills. The guide said -it was the way they excavated a cavity in which to lay their eggs. - -Late in the afternoon Ben gathered the sap and, assisted by the boys, -carried it home to boil. It was placed in a big iron kettle and boiled -over a hardwood fire. Ed and George were kept busy stirring and -skimming, and, as the “sugaring” was continued for several days, their -job became a steady one. Ben taught them how to do the boiling, while -he tended the trees and brought in the sap. When the job was finished -they had a large quantity of golden syrup and many tempting cakes of -appetizing brown sugar to reward them for their labor. - -[Illustration: GATHERING THE MAPLE-SUGAR SAP] - -Then they awoke one morning to find the exact sort of a day they had -been wishing for. It was bright and warm, without the slightest trace -of a breeze to stir the placid, mirror-like surface of the lake. If -it continued so until darkness, the boys knew they would realize the -anticipation of weeks. On such a night Ben had promised to take them on -the lake to spear eels and suckers. He had carefully stipulated that -the night must be calm, otherwise the expedition would be useless. The -slightest rippling of the water would prevent them from seeing into it -along shore and discovering their finny prey. - -“If it’s calm to-night, how about spearing?” asked Ed, hopefully, when -they were at dinner. - -“I’ve just been thinking about that,” laughed Ben. “I guess we can go -to-night, from the way things look now. We’ll go out, presently, and -cut some pine knots. Then, if we don’t go, we’ll have them on hand for -the next time.” - -“Hurrah!” cried Ed. “Now for some fun.” - -When the table had been cleared and things tidied up after the meal, -Ben stood on a chair and reached aloft among the cross-logs near the -roof. He brought down two long poles, each of them tapered at one end -to fit into an iron socket which had four sharply pointed prongs, or -spear-points. - -He placed the poles against the outside of the cabin, and, bidding -the boys fetch two sacks, strode away into the woods, ax in hand. He -searched until he found the kind of log he wanted. This chanced to be -a fallen pitch-pine. Making his way to it, Ben began chopping out the -knots. - -“I’m taking the fat off,” he laughed. - -The lads were at a loss to understand, until he explained that the oily -pitch, or resin, collected at the knots, and was known to woodsmen as -“fat.” He said it was highly inflammable, and was used for torches and -brilliant fires. Ben showed them how to distinguish a “fat” knot from a -dry or “lean” one, and pointed out the differences by which they might -know one variety of dead tree from another. - -Ed and George gathered the knots and placed them in the bags. They -staggered gamely along under their loads, until Ben declared they had -sufficient knots for their purpose. Then they returned to the cabin, -and dropped their burdens thankfully before the door. - -All day they anxiously scanned the sky, the trees, and the surface of -the water for signs of the dreaded breeze. When the sun finally set -and twilight fell, while still the bosom of the lake lay smooth and -unruffled, they began to feel easier. - -At supper Ben gave them a dreadful fright when he suddenly ceased -eating and, with a look of disgust on his face, cried, “Hear the wind -howl!” - -The boys rose and darted to the door; but, discovering the hoax, came -back to find the guide chuckling gleefully. - -“It’s all right, you needn’t worry; there’ll be no wind to-night,” he -said; and, greatly relieved by the prophecy, the lads finished their -meal in peace. - -When they were ready to start, Ben produced a large, open-work iron -basket welded to a long iron rod. He said it was to hold the burning -pine knots. The guide also carried a small can of kerosene with which -to start the fire. - -Eagerly the boys followed him to the edge of the lake. To their -surprise, he pointed to a log raft on rollers a short distance from the -water. Ben declared it to be far safer than the canoe for the work in -hand. The boys helped him drag it to the edge of the lake and set it -afloat. - -Then he fitted the rod with the iron basket, or cage, into a hole in -the front end of one of the logs. From the bushes he brought a long -push-pole shod on the end with a blunt iron point or “shoe.” - -“My, the birds are making an awful racket to-night. I didn’t know they -called much after dark,” said Ed, when Ben was arranging the pine knots. - -“I’ve been listening to them, too. What are they?” asked George. - -Ben laughed softly to himself at the question. Then he turned soberly -to address his questioners. - -“They are ‘peepers’--birds without feathers. - -“Birds without feathers!” they repeated, incredulously. - -“Yes, they live in the water most of the time,” laughed Ben, enjoying -the joke on the boys. - -The night fairly rang with the shrill, bird-like peeps which seemed to -come from the borders of the lake. Ed and George listened, unable to -guess what made the piping sounds. - -“That noise is made by little frogs--‘peepers,’ we call them,” said -Ben. “You’ll hear them in the daytime, too, for the next few weeks; and -if you sneak up carefully you can see them singing. They puff their -throats out into a round, white ball.” - -“Do you really mean that?” asked Ed, seriously. - -“Give you my word,” replied Ben. - -“Well, that is something worth learning,” declared George. “Ed, we must -take a picture of one singing.” - -“Wouldn’t it make a dandy?” cried Ed. - -Ben had meantime arranged the pine knots to his satisfaction. Dashing -some kerosene over them, he applied a match. Instantly they flared up -and began blazing fiercely. - -“All aboard!” he cried. “And mind you, don’t fall overboard.” - -He had swung the head of the raft from shore, and was standing at the -stern end, pole in hand, ready to push off. - -The boys found places quickly, one on either side of the iron rod which -supported the basket of blazing pine. The knots were hissing, snapping, -and sending forth a constant star-like shower of sparks. - -Ben pushed from shore and poled slowly along in about three or four -feet of water. By aid of the glare from the flaming beacon above them -the young spearmen were enabled to see down through the placid depths -to the muddy bottom. They crouched, spear in hand, ready to impale the -first victim that showed itself. - -When they were well under way Ben began to issue instructions. - -“See anything yet?” he inquired. - -“Nothing but some sticks and stones,” replied Ed. - -“Wait a minute! There--goes--something!” And George made a wild jab -into the water. - -“Hold on there; that won’t do!” said Ben. “You’ll break the pole or -throw yourself overboard. When you see something, lower the point of -your spear gradually till you get it two or three inches over your -fish. Then give a short, quick jab and you’ll get him.” - -“I see an eel!” cried Ed, lowering his spear as Ben had directed. “I’ve -got him!” he declared, exultantly, and raised his spear and displayed a -three-foot eel wriggling on the tines. He was about to drop his prize -on the raft when the guide interrupted. - -“Here, take this,” he said, and pushed forward the box on which he had -been sitting. “Put them in that; otherwise they’ll flop overboard. Now -take your knife and stick him behind the head. In the future, spear -them there, and you’ll kill them at once.” - -George made another jab and brought up a good-sized sucker, which -he was careful to shake into the box. A few moments later he speared -an eel; but it was a large one, and he was unable to bring it to the -surface. Ed instantly went to his assistance, and between them they -managed to secure the prize. It was four feet or more in length and -about four inches in circumference. - -“You fellows keep sharp watch ahead; I’m traveling pretty close to -shore. We don’t want to get hung up on a rock,” Ben warned. - -“What’s that?” cried Ed, as an animal turned from the edge of the water -and crashed away through the woods. - -“Deer,” said the guide, quietly. - -Then the very thing he had warned them against happened. The forward -end of the raft ran on a submerged rock and stuck fast. The force of -the impact threw Ed over backward into the fish-box, and George within -an inch or two of the water. A veritable hail of sparks descended upon -them, and, warned by a cry from the guide, George discovered that the -wool lining of his hunting-coat was smoldering. Scrambling hastily to -his feet, he shed the garment in record time, and soon extinguished the -blaze. - -It required much hard work to free the raft, and the boys worked -desperately, for they felt guilty in having allowed the accident to -happen. When they finally floated free and went ahead, they looked out -more keenly, determined to guard against a repetition of the mishap. - -They heard many strange sounds as they floated quietly along, preceded -by the small circle of light from the roaring fire of snapping pine -knots. The deep, animal-like baying of bullfrogs sounded from the -center of the marshy swamp. Ducks were calling from the middle of the -lake. Drowsy birds fluttered uncertainly from the tree-tops along the -shore. Ben called their attention to the distant yapping of a fox. They -heard deer or moose several times. - -“Look!” cried George, pointing excitedly toward the edge of the forest. -“What is it? Oh, see its eyes!” - -“Quick, Ben, look at it--it’s moving!” said Ed, having caught sight of -the two shining spots of bright green fire. - -The guide laughed. - -“That’s ‘fox-fire,’ or phosphorus. An old decayed log, or stick, -becomes coated with it, and after a rain, or down where it’s damp, -glows like that. It scares ‘tenderfeet’ out of their wits,” he laughed. -“Some call it ‘will-o’-the-wisp,’ ’cause they imagine it moves along -through the woods. Fact is, just like now, you’re moving and watching -it at the same time, and, of course, you think it’s following you.” - -“My, it’s ‘spooky’ looking,” said Ed. - -The boys became so skilled in the use of their spears that they took -all the fish they could use in a very short time. Then Ben made them -stop, and allowed the pine knots to die down, until the dull glow gave -forth only a feeble light. - -In returning to the starting-point he wisely sought deeper water, for -he was fearful of again running aground. He beached the raft, and the -boys carried the catch ashore, well pleased with their sport. - -It was late when they reached the cabin, and Ben threw the fish into a -pan of water until the morning. As to the eels, the boys learned that -the strange creatures are born in the sea, and after they are a year -old run up the freshwater rivers and streams into the lakes, where they -remain during the summer. In the fall the eels leave these lakes and -retrace the journey to the sea, where they finally die. - - - - -XXII TREED! - - -The boys heard a grouse drumming in the woods back of the cabin one -morning, and decided to try the experiment of walking up to it. Taking -the camera, they waited until they heard the beginning of its tattoo, -and then started off in its direction. When it ceased they halted -abruptly and waited for a repetition. Then, as it again echoed through -the woods, they hurried on. These manœuvers were repeated until the -lads found themselves close upon the unsuspecting drummer. - -“Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud; thud, thud, thud, thud-r-r-r-r,” the muffled -sound rose near at hand, reverberated in their ears, and died away. - -“I think he just hopped down from that old log over there,” -said George, in a low whisper, as he and Ed lay behind a great -lichen-covered boulder. - -Again the sound came to them, and, peering at the log, they saw the -drummer at work. Hopping to the top of the fallen tree-trunk, he stood -for a moment, with crest erect, looking about him. Then, spreading his -tail and dragging the tips of his wings along the log, he strutted -proudly to and fro. Stopping suddenly, he spread his wings and began -lustily beating the air. Beginning slowly, he moved his wings faster -and faster, raising himself on his toes in the effort, until the beats -became so rapid that the thud of each stroke was blended with the one -before, and a dull, continuous rumble, as of distant thunder, was the -result. When he finished he jumped down on the opposite side of the log -and disappeared from the sight of his charmed audience. - -“Wasn’t that great?” whispered George. “We certainly walked him down, -all right, didn’t we?” - -“Yes, but keep quiet; I’m going to try to get a picture,” declared Ed, -looking longingly toward the shelter of a small evergreen that stood -within a few feet of the log on which the grouse had drummed. - -“You’ll never get there without his seeing or hearing you,” warned -George. - -Further whisperings were cut short by the second appearance of the -bird on the log. Again the boys lay fascinated, as he went through -his interesting performance. When it was finished, they turned their -heads and looked at each other comprehendingly. From close by had come -a reply, a challenge to his boastful call. - -It was evident that he heard and understood the answer of his rival. -For a moment he stood boldly erect, turning his head for some sign -of his enemy, his tail feathers spread fan-like, and his wings half -drooping. From time to time he raised and lowered the feathers on his -crown, and the stiff, ruff-like collar about his neck stood out with -anger. The boys fancied they could almost see the flash of his eyes -as he waited for the challenger to appear. Once more he sent his call -thundering through the woods, and again the answer came back, this time -closer at hand. - -An indistinct, shadowy something roared past, and the watchers dodged -involuntarily. It landed with a thud among the dried leaves, and they -saw at once that it was a second grouse come to do battle with the -first. - -“Oh, for a picture!” breathed Ed. - -“Be still; we’re going to see something worth watching in a few -minutes,” cautioned George, in a scarcely audible whisper. - -Nor were they long left in doubt about it, for the two feathered -rivals, after a little warlike strutting, attacked each other with -beak and spurs. Like barn-yard roosters, they jumped at one another, -striking and pecking, in a fast and furious battle for supremacy. The -sympathy of the boys was entirely with the one they had stalked. The -other had come looking for trouble. That he was getting it in generous -quantities seemed only proper to the partial audience behind the rock. - -In their fighting, the determined little warriors drew nearer the -hiding-place of the boys. Ed quietly brought forth the camera and made -it ready, resolved to have a picture if they came within focusing range. - -Suddenly something red flashed from a group of little pines. Before -the lads realized what had happened, a big red fox was disappearing -with one of the recent combatants in his jaws. The survivor thundered -away into the forest, chattering with fright. The birds had afforded -him easy prey, for, engaged as they were with each other, they had not -detected his stealthy approach until the sly red fellow was upon them. - -“Well, what do you think of that?” asked George, sitting up with a -surprised look on his face. - -“Beats anything I ever heard of,” declared Ed, folding the camera. - -“Say, Ed, which one did he get?” - -“The one that came looking for trouble, I think.” - -“That’s what I thought. I’m sorry he got either, but I’m glad it was -the other that got away. He seemed so blamed happy and contented -drumming away on his old log that I’d just hate to think of anything -like that happening to him.” - -“So would I,” said Ed, rising from the ground. - -The boys walked away solemnly in the direction taken by the red -marauder. They stooped and picked up several mottled-brown feathers, -mute evidences of the tragedy just witnessed. For some distance they -made their way in silence, their minds occupied with the fate of the -luckless grouse. - -Then they heard the hoarse bark of a fox and halted at once. They could -hear him trotting over the fallen leaves within a few feet of them. -Finally they saw him, and, strange enough, he did not seem inclined to -take advantage of the available shelter, but rather appeared to court -their attention. - -“George, I think he has his eye on you for an extra course after the -grouse,” laughed Ed. “Let’s give him a chase, just for fun.” - -“Hold on a moment,” cautioned George, seriously, while he studied the -unaccountable actions of the fox. “Do you know what I think is the -matter?” - -“No; what?” - -“Well, I’m quite sure that old fellow’s den is around here somewhere. -Don’t you remember what Ben told us about him? You know he said if you -suddenly came upon an old fox near its den and young, it would act -exactly like this one is acting. Remember how he said it would hover -near and endeavor to frighten you into leaving the vicinity, or else -would try to draw you into a chase, and so lead you away from the spot?” - -“By ginger! you’re right, George. Great head! I had forgotten all about -it,” confessed Ed. “I believe that is just what this old ‘sly-boots’ is -trying to do. Let’s look around a bit, and we may find the den.” - -Giving no thought to the fox, which was becoming bolder each minute, -they began to search about, in the hope of discovering his lair. -Several times, in its concern and excitement, the crafty creature ran -almost within reach of them. - -“Wonder if he really would attack us?” said George. - -“I don’t believe it,” replied Ed. “I think he’s just bluffing.” - -Finally the fox uttered a few impatient yaps and trotted off. The boys -stood looking after it; but apparently the sly red fellow had lost all -interest in them. He disappeared over a hill, as though their presence -in the vicinity caused him little anxiety. - -“Well, what about that?” inquired Ed, disgustedly. “I don’t believe -we are within a mile of his den. I guess he was just looking us over -to see if it was worth while carrying one of us home for dinner,” he -laughed. - -“Don’t you fool yourself,” said George, confidently. “That’s only part -of his bluff. His den is right here, and I’m going to find it.” - -They began their search all over again, carefully parting bushes, -peering under shelving ledges and into crevices between rocks--in fact, -any and every place where they thought it might be located. For a long -time they were unsuccessful, and they had about made up their minds to -abandon the hunt and return to the cabin. - -Then George shouted; and, hurrying over to him, Ed saw the entrance to -the den. It was in the side of a sandy bank beneath a ridge of yellow -pines. About it were tracks, and near-by some signs. The searchers -felt sure this was the abode of the crafty animal which had tried by -every means in its power to lead them astray. - -While they stood there another fox, smaller and paler than the first, -rushed from the entrance and dashed away into the woods. - -“That’s the mate!” declared Ed, excitedly. - -“Must be,” agreed George. “Now’s our chance to get the young ones,” he -added, kneeling down and placing his ear to the hole in the bank. - -“Can you hear them?” Ed inquired, eagerly. - -“Not a sound. I shouldn’t be surprised if the den is a long ways back -from the opening. Say, here are some grouse feathers.” And he held up -several which they believed had come from the bird whose taking-off -they had witnessed. - -The boys hardly knew what to do. They did not wish to kill either the -old or the young foxes, although they recalled that Ben had declared -these animals destructive to game, and therefore a nuisance in the -woods. Still, they did not care to murder the sly old fellow and his -timid mate, for at that season the pelts were of little or no value, -and the destruction of the animals would seem entirely unwarranted. -However, they were anxious to possess one or more of the baby foxes. -Ben had often told them what admirable pets these little fellows grew -to be if taken very young. - -At last they decided to dig out the den, take what pups they desired, -and leave the rest for the old foxes to remove to a new home, which, -according to the guide, they would be sure to do. - -“You stay here to keep them from taking the little fellows out, and -I’ll go back to the cabin and get something to dig with,” said Ed, -hurrying away. - -George sat down beside the entrance of the den. He expected one or both -of the foxes to return, and wondered what they would do when they found -him there. Then he began to think; and the more he thought, the less -enthusiasm he had for the undertaking in hand. Somehow it did not seem -right to destroy the home which represented so much hard labor on the -part of the old “red” and his mate. If they could get one of the young -ones without demolishing the den and leaving the others deserted and -homeless, he would have felt better about it. He believed that Ed would -feel much the same. George thought that by watching the den they might -find one of the youngsters playing before the entrance, when it might -be a simple matter to capture it. - -Then his alert ears caught the sound of snapping twigs. He looked -toward the sound, and his heart gave a great bound of joy. It seemed -that his noble resolutions were about to be rewarded. There in plain -sight, and but a short way from the den, was a small, brown-furred -creature. In his eagerness George instantly mistook it for one of the -young foxes. - -He dashed forward; but it turned at sight of him and ran into the -bushes, squealing lustily. George ran after it, but was unable to -overtake the little fugitive before it had concealed itself in the -dense cover. He searched around in the low undergrowth, and finally -frightened his supposed fox from its hiding-place and endeavored to -seize it with his hands. - -Then there was a great crashing of brush behind him, and the lad was -almost startled out of his senses by a savage roar. His frightened -glance showed him the head and shoulders of a large black bear, which -was coming directly at him. In an instant the truth flashed across his -mind--it was one of her cubs he had been chasing. - -Wheeling in panic, George sprinted toward a tree, and luckily gained -it several yards ahead of the bear. He lost little time “shinneying” -to a high branch, where, white and shaky, he sat looking down at the -infuriated animal below. - -Fortunately, the tree was of small circumference, and after sniffing -about the trunk, the bear decided not to climb it. The lad watched her -anxiously as she gathered her cubs--there were two of them. Then his -heart sank, for she evidently intended to remain at the base of the -tree until he came down. - -George sat on his dizzy perch and blamed himself for his stupidity in -mistaking a bear cub for a baby fox. Now that he saw it plainly, he was -unable to note any resemblance. - -The old bear rose several times and placed her fore feet against the -tree. Each time she did this, poor George nervously meditated the -distance he would be obliged to drop to reach the ground before the -bear reached him. When she finally walked off and sat down some little -distance away, he felt greatly relieved. - -Then a new thought came to him. What about Ed? He would soon return -from the cabin, and, unless warned, would walk right into the ugly -brute. As he saw the danger his impulsiveness had placed his friend -in, George grew sick at heart. If he could only hear him approaching, -perhaps he might be able to warn him before it was too late. What -worried him was the fear that Ed would draw near unheard. Anxious and -troubled, he sat aloft straining his ears to catch some sound that -would proclaim the return of his friend. - -Suddenly the mother bear rose to her feet, and, growling angrily, stood -facing the direction from which Ed would come. George yelled as loudly -as he could, for he felt sure his friend was advancing to his doom. His -shout was immediately answered, and George groaned. - -“Hey, Ed, look out--go back--there’s a bear waiting for you!” he -screamed, at the top of his voice. - -Ed shouted something in reply, but George could not understand what he -said. He realized that his warning had been useless. Again he shouted, -and kept on shouting; but either Ed would not or could not understand. -He was quite close now, and George could hear him forcing his way -through the brush. - -Then the savage roar echoed in George’s ears, and he saw the bear -charge. - -“Run, Ed, run! She’s after you!” he cried. - -For some moments a strange, uncanny silence followed the noise of the -bear crashing through the bushes. - -“Are you all right? Answer me, Ed!” he implored. - -“Yes--I’m--all right--so far,” came the labored reply, as if Ed had -been either badly frightened or completely “winded.” “I’m in--a -tree--about half-way up. Say, it looks like she is coming up after me!” -he yelled nervously. - -“Go on up higher!” urged George. - -“Can’t--I’m--stuck on this--blamed--stub!” was the alarming reply. -Then, after a pause: “All right, I’m free. I don’t believe she’ll come -up, after all.” - -Peering out in the direction of the voice, George finally saw his -friend in the top of a tall tree. Ed saw him at the same instant, and -gingerly waved an arm. The trees were near enough together to prevent -either of the boys from sliding down and making off to the cabin -without being seen and attacked by the angry bear on guard between them. - -“Watch out, she’s going back to you!” warned Ed, after they had been -treed for some time. - -Back came the bear to the tree George was in, and, what was more, she -started to climb it. Beads of cold sweat came out on his forehead, as -the worried lad watched the great ungainly beast struggling upward -along the slender trunk. The weight of her body and the force of her -exertions swayed the tree so that George feared he would be shaken from -his perch. - -There seemed but one thing to do when the bear should finally reach -him; and that was to hang suspended by his arms and work his way, hand -over hand, to the end of the limb. It would be a risky undertaking, for -the limb was none too strong. However, it was far less risky than a -drop to the ground, some thirty-odd feet below. - -But suddenly, when the bear was half-way up, she halted, and then began -to descend to the ground, where her cubs were calling. Once down, she -drove her babies gently before her and disappeared into the woods. - -For some time the boys were afraid to slide down for fear the bear -might be hiding and watching. At last they mustered up sufficient -courage to descend, and, gathering up the spade and other implements -which Ed had brought, they hurriedly left the spot. - -“I didn’t care about digging out that den, anyway,” said Ed, when they -were well on their way. “It seemed like a nasty trick, when I began to -think it over.” - -“That was exactly the way it struck me,” replied George, “and I -intended to speak to you about it when you came back.” - -Then he told Ed about his blunder, and they laughed heartily. - -That evening Ed explained the tear in his trousers by saying he had -been treed by a bear. When asked for particulars, he said George had -attempted to capture one of her cubs. He generously refrained from -stating that his friend had mistaken it for a young fox. - -“Well, I guess if I want to get you fellows to the lumber camp alive, -I’d better start soon,” laughed the guide. “Maybe we’ll go to-morrow; -I’ve got some business to attend to over there, anyhow.” - -The boys were overjoyed, for this was the trip they had been looking -forward to for months. They plied Ben with all sorts of questions -regarding the life of such a place. He told them enough stories to -raise their anticipations, and then ordered them to pack the things -they wished to take, for, as usual, they would be away by daybreak. - -It seemed useless for the lads to close their eyes that night. Sleep -was impossible while their minds were filled with the details of -log-drives, and jams, and birling contests, and all the things -incidental to life in a lumber camp. Accordingly, restless and -impatient, they tossed about in their blankets, waiting for daylight -and the time to be off. - - - - -XXIII OFF TO THE LUMBER CAMP - - -To reach the river which would take them thirty miles on its racing -waters to the lumber camp on its shore, the three voyagers were obliged -to traverse the length of the lake, portage through the woods to the -splendid sheet of water from which they had gone to the beaver-dam, and -paddle the entire length of this large lake, whence they must take to -land and carry to the river. - -The morning was well advanced when Ben set the canoe down on the -river-bank and wiped the moisture from his forehead. - -“Very warm, isn’t it?” said Ed, slipping his pack and dropping down to -rest in the shade. - -“You bet!” declared George, as he did likewise. - -Ben stood with his back to them, and seemed to be thinking about -something. He gazed intently at the yellow water gliding swiftly along -beneath him. He noted the effect along shore of the “going out” of the -ice with the recent flood. - -Great trees had been gashed and splintered by the resistless rush of -huge, grinding cakes borne along and piled one upon the other by the -raging, snow-fed river. Others had been uprooted and carried down with -the flood, or piled in a tangled jam along the shore. In some places -the steep banks themselves had been undermined, until large portions -had crumbled and fallen into the water, taking trees and rocks with -them. It was the annual toll of the river, exacted and collected by its -freshet-swollen waters each spring. - -“She’s still quite high. Guess we’ll go some when we hit the rapids,” -he laughed. - -“Are we really going through the rapids?” inquired George, eagerly. - -“Yes, we have two sets to run,” Ben replied. - -The boys did a double shuffle in their delight. They had read thrilling -tales of shooting rapids. Now they were to shoot rapids themselves. - -Ben carried the canoe some distance along the bank and launched it in a -quiet backwater. The boys brought the packs, and the guide stowed them -skilfully away in the canoe. He made sure that the light craft would be -evenly balanced. He shifted the bags several times, until the canoe -floated on a proper keel. - -Then he ordered the lads to take their places. Seating himself in the -stern, he pushed from the shore, with a long, iron-shod pike-pole, -which he used in the rapids and in pushing up-stream against the -current. Once in the stream, the canoe shot forward with the current, -and the eventful journey was begun. - -They were carried along so swiftly that Ben needed to do little more -than to steer. In the rapids waves broke along the sides of the fragile -bark, and then swept on, hissing, in a swirl of amber foam along the -stern. George declared it was like going to sea in a peanut-shell. The -canoe raced along, steady as a rock, thanks to Ben’s care in loading it. - -It was past noon when they entered a quieter stretch of water and Ben -turned the bow of his craft toward shore. Beaching the canoe, they -pulled it up and took out what they needed for luncheon. - -Ben started a fire, and when it was crackling merrily he told his -young companions to joint their fish-rods. When they had done this, he -searched carefully through their stock of artificial flies and chose -those he thought would be most alluring. Then he bade them follow up a -little brook which flowed down through the woods and emptied into the -river near-by. He told them to go along this brook until they came to a -large, foam-covered pool at the base of a falls, and to fish this pool -thoroughly. Then, wishing the lads luck, he dismissed them and promised -to have dinner ready when they returned. - -Ed and George hastened eagerly upstream toward the coveted pool. -Heeding Ben’s instructions, they kept well back from the bank of the -brook, to avoid frightening any trout which might be lurking between -the falls and the river. They hoped to fish on the way down. - -After some rough traveling over prostrate logs and through exasperating -tangles of deadwood they arrived within sound of the falls. In -their impatience to reach the scene of action they hurried forward -carelessly, and were “hung up” many times by twigs and bushes which -caught their lines and rods. But soon they were standing on huge, -moss-grown boulders near the foot of the falls. The top was far above -them. The water formed a glittering curtain, which fell into the rocky -basin below with an echoing roar. Drifting clouds of misty vapor arose -and blew into their faces. And there at their feet was the pool: deep, -black, and dotted with patches of foam that circled slowly about its -edges. - -“Isn’t this great?” shouted Ed, endeavoring to make himself heard. - -But George, who was only a few yards away, shook his head to show that -he could not hear. Then he raised his rod and let his fly drop gently -on the water close to a cake of foam. - -Instantly there was a flash from beneath, a swirl on the surface, and -with a swift turn of his wrist George struck and felt the hook go home. -The line tightened, the light rod bent, and as the trout felt the barb -and darted away, the reel began to sing. - -“Good boy, you’ve got him!” yelled Ed. - -George was too busy to reply, if he heard his friend at all. His fight -was on. He was pitting skill and light rod and delicate line against -the cunning and courage of the trout. Twice it leaped from the water in -its struggles, and each time the glistening body shot into the air it -appeared larger in the eyes of the excited boys. Then down it went into -the depths of the pool again, and the taut line cut widening circles -through the crust of foam. - -Ed was too absorbed in the battle to think of wetting his own line. -Rod in hand, he stood idly by cheering on the efforts of his friend. -Several times, as the fortunes of war shifted from one to the other -of the combatants, Ed almost slipped from the rock upon which he had -recklessly climbed. - -George played his fish skilfully, and soon began to work it, inch by -inch, toward the spot where he stood. It was not yet subdued, however, -and in one of its frantic rushes it caught the young angler off his -guard and came near smashing his rod. After that he was more careful, -and at last the plucky fish, weakened by the long struggle against the -spring of the rod, was drawn slowly in; and presently George landed it -on the bank, glistening and beautiful in its brave dress of dark back, -vermilion spots, and ivory-lined fins. - -They fished the pool for a time, and then started down the stream, -fishing it carefully from either side. By the time they reached Ben -they had a splendid catch of trout to show for their work. - -“That’s a mighty good string of fish,” he declared, stooping to examine -the larger ones. “Say, there’s a dandy; about three pounds. Who got -that fellow?” - -The boys gave him the full details of the battle, and he listened with -interest. While they were talking he opened and cleaned the fish, -which gave them a fine woodland feast. When it was over they embarked -and floated rapidly down the river toward the lumber camp, which Ben -hoped to reach before dark. - -The boys thought it strange that they did not see more deer and moose. -But it seemed that at that particular season of the year the cow moose -and doe deer were hidden deep away in the woods with their young. There -they would remain until the little ones were able to follow them about, -later in the season. - -At the same time the bull moose and the buck deer were growing new -horns, having shed the old ones late in the winter. Until these new -antlers grew to respectable size the bulls and the bucks remained out -of sight as much as possible, as though ashamed of being seen without -the formidable weapons which would later adorn their brows. - -The boys learned also that when the new antlers begin to form they -look like velvety knobs or bumps. These are at first pulpy and tender, -and filled with blood. Then they begin to grow into the shape of real -horns, and are covered with a moss-like protection, known to woodsmen -as “velvet.” Later in the summer, when the new horns have attained -full length and hardened, they are rubbed against trees and bushes -to free them of this outside covering, which then comes off in long -strips, leaving the antlers clean and shiny. - -“I’m glad to learn that,” said Ed. “Isn’t it wonderful?” - -“I should say so,” replied George, as he thought of the strange wild -life of the woods. - -“Now then, sit close!” Ben warned, rising in the stern of the canoe, -pole in hand. “We’re coming to the first rapids, and they’re mad! Hear -them?” - -The boys heard a low, indistinct rumbling ahead of them. They noted -that the canoe was moving faster, as the rumbling increased to a loud, -sullen roar. Before them they saw a long, steep pitch of white-crested -water. Great curling waves seemed to beckon them on. And, as if in -reply to the challenge, Ben swung his little craft into the middle of -the river and sent it boldly on into the clutches of the raging torrent. - -Crouching low, their hands grasping the sides of the canoe, Ed and -George gazed straight ahead with startled eyes and serious faces. The -roar of the angry, white-topped water, the shock from waves which -hurled themselves against the canoe and dashed their spray into -the faces of its occupants, the danger from submerged boulders and -water-logged tree-trunks whose branches, like arms, reached hungrily -toward the frail sides of the little craft, the fear of capsizing and -being swept to destruction by the swirling waters--all this overwhelmed -the lads and kept them silent. A fragile barrier of cedar and canvas, -and the alert eye, clear brain, and strong arm of Ben was all that -stood between them and destruction. He was equal to the task, however, -and with feet well braced, body inclined slightly forward, and the pole -tightly clenched in his powerful hands, he stood in the stern of the -plunging canoe and guided it safely through that raging inferno into -the safe water beyond. - -“Well, we made that all right,” he said, quietly, resuming his seat and -substituting the paddle for the pole. “Sort of scared you a little, -didn’t it?” he laughed. - -“Say, that was an experience!” declared Ed. “Did you stand all the way?” - -“Had to,” said Ben. - -“Talk about bare-back riders!” cried George. “You’ve got them beaten a -mile.” - -They were now in smooth, swift-flowing water, where they could regain -their composure before plunging into the next set of rapids, which Ben -said were some distance ahead. Now that they had passed safely through -their first experience in “swift water,” the boys caught the enthusiasm -of it, and were eager to reach the second stretch. - -“Look!” whispered Ben, suddenly, with a slight gesture, and as they -turned they saw a large bull moose staring at them from the shore. -For an instant they were too amazed to think, but then, noting the -small, fuzzy-looking knobs, one over each eye, they had the evidence -of the shedding and growth of horns verified by their own eyes. As the -canoe approached, the massive creature shook its head impatiently, -and, turning, entered the forest and disappeared into the shadows as -noiselessly as a fox. - -The day was a glorious one of sunshine and fragrance and song. The full -flush of spring had come upon the wilderness and caused it to bloom. -The delicate tint of the newly leafed trees; the flowering shad-bush, -or more stately dogwood, white and conspicuous against a background of -green; the sweet-scented breath of the dark, somber pines and hemlocks, -mingled with that from myriads of early woodland blossoms, and wafted -to them on the soft, balmy air; and, above all, the songs of the birds, -which filled their ears with woodland music--all this thrilled them -with the joy of living. “‘When the Red Gods call,’” whispered George, -happily, as Kipling’s poem came into his mind. - -Then they heard again the low, warning rumble of distant rapids, and -once more their hearts beat fast. Anxiously they peered ahead for a -sight of the long lane of “white caps.” The noise became louder; and, -rounding a turn of the river, they saw the rapids tossing in front of -them. - -This time they had no fear when the canoe, with Ben standing in the -stern, raced down through the center of that wild course. They had -implicit confidence in the skill of the guide, and they enjoyed each -moment as the little bark plunged and careened in its uncertain passage -among the waves. As before, Ben brought them safely through, and -paddled on down the river. - -It was late in the afternoon when two sturdy figures emerged from the -edge of the woods and hailed the canoe. Ben replied, and told the boys -that they were lumbermen. He said they would soon reach the great camp -itself, now but a short distance farther on. - -“We’ve made a whole lot better time coming down than we’ll be able to -make going back,” he said, when Ed expressed surprise that they had -finished the trip so soon. “Fact is, we’ve ridden down on the back of -the flood; but we’ll return with what is left of it pushing us in the -face.” - -On both sides of the river were many logs lying along the bank close -to the water. They had been cut and dragged there during the winter, -and when the water subsided to the desired level they would be rolled -into it and floated down to the mill, many miles below. Other men now -appeared along the shores and waved their hands cheerfully at the -canoemen. - -“They have their booms stretched,” said Ben, pointing to a long line of -floating logs chained one to the other. “That means they’re intending -to send the logs down--probably to-morrow.” - -The boys found that the booms were used to guide the logs in their -course, and to hold them back at certain stations until the stream -below was cleared for their passage or a jam broken up. He told them -that a jam was a great tangled pile-up of logs, caused by one or -two logs grounding, or jamming, and obstructing the progress of the -hundreds afloat behind them. - -It appeared that patrols of lumbermen were stationed along the river, -while the logs were “running,” to watch for just such emergencies. -These men would go fearlessly to work to break a jam, a hard and -dangerous task. If unsuccessful, they would run to the nearest of the -telephone-boxes, which the company had placed at intervals along the -shore, and summon aid. Sometimes a bad jam required the work of several -days to break it, and dynamite was often used in such cases. - -Twilight was gathering when they spied a clearing some distance along -on the right bank of the river. As they approached they saw that it -contained several long, low, log cabins. - -“There’s the camp,” said Ben, and he headed the bow of the canoe toward -shore. - -As he drew closer he shouted. Immediately some men made their -appearance in the doorway of one cabin, and, seeing the canoe, came -outside. Two of them left the group and started slowly toward the -water. When they had come near enough to recognize Ben, they called -to him and pointed to a suitable landing-place. As soon as the bow of -the canoe touched bottom, they pulled it from the water, and the three -occupants stepped out. - -“Howdy, Ben,” greeted the two lumbermen. - -“Helloa, Ned! Helloa, Jim!” replied the guide, shaking each of them -by the hand. Then he motioned to the boys. “These are young friends of -mine, Ed Williams and George Rand; they’ve been spending the winter -with me. Boys, shake hands with Ned Crawford and Jim Halliday. Crawford -is foreman of this crew, and Jim is the greatest log-rider in the -country.” - -Ed and George unloaded their packs from the canoe and, manfully -refusing an offer of assistance, shouldered the loads and followed Ben -toward the cabins. They saw Ned wink at the guide and nod toward them -approvingly, and they were glad they had declined help and “rustled” -for themselves. - -“The boys are at supper,” explained the big foreman, indicating the -cabin with the smoking chimney. “I’ll take you fellows over to the -bunk-house, and you can leave your ‘turkeys,’ and wash up a bit. Then -we’ll mosey over and have something to eat.” - -The lads looked about them curiously when they entered the great -house with its rows of bunks. Along the first half of each side were -long benches. In the center of the room was a huge, round stove, and, -although it contained no fire--for the nights were not cold enough to -require one--many articles of clothing were hung upon it to dry. A -large kerosene-filled lamp, suspended from overhead in the middle of -the room, furnished what light there was. - -“You can leave your ‘turkeys’ over there; take those two bunks,” said -Crawford, designating the proper ones. - -Ben promptly tossed his pack into one of them and smiled broadly when -the boys looked at him in some confusion. - -“Your pack, or ‘duffle,’ is your ‘turkey,’” laughed the guide. “Put -yours in that lower bunk.” - -“Yep, that’s what we call it,” the foreman explained. “Now, you’ll find -the basin and a pail of water outside by the door, and here’s a clean -towel. When you’re all fixed up handsome like, come over and join us in -the ‘grub-shanty,’” he said, and left them. - -When they had stowed away their belongings, they went outside and -washed at the battered tin basin. While they were going through this -interesting and necessary ceremony several lumbermen came up to shake -hands with Ben. Then they went to the “grub-shanty,” or dining-cabin, -where the foreman was waiting to welcome them. - -A long pine table, flanked on either side by low, continuous benches, -extended almost the length of the room. At it sat the lumber -crew--deep-chested, quick-eyed men of the wilderness. Ben readily -called most of them by name as he and the boys took seats. - -Soon a big, swarthy-faced man, who wore a soiled apron and had his -sleeves rolled above his elbows, came scuffling in and placed three -smoking bowls of oatmeal--“oats” he called it--before the new-comers. -Then he struck the guide a resounding whack between the shoulders, as -proof of his delight at seeing him. - -“Helloa, Charley!” said Ben, when he had recovered sufficient breath. -“Why didn’t you hit me with an ax?--it wouldn’t have hurt so much.” - -The cook roared his delight at the compliment to his strength, and Ben -introduced Ed and George. “Remember to always keep on the proper side -of the cook, and you’ll come out all right,” laughed the guide. - -They watched Charley disappear into a sort of out-shanty, where several -other men in aprons seemed to be fussing about with pots and pans. -Presently he reappeared and supplied them with cups of tea, “sour-dough -bread,” and a plentiful portion of baked beans. - -“Pile into it strong,” he urged. “You’ll never get the gout from any -fancy dishes of mine.” - -The boys did not delay. The trip and the spring air had sharpened -their appetites. They instantly became popular with the cook by their -devotion to the substantial fare set before them, and from time to time -they cast curious glances at the long rows of jolly, brown-faced men -with whom they sat. - -They had heard and read so much about the “lumber-jacks,” and they -wanted to find out what sort of fellows they were. They were compelled -to laugh outright at the quaint expressions used by these men in asking -for the various things on the table. - -“Hey, Joe, chase the cow down here, will you?” And at once Joe -understood and passed the milk down the table toward several of his -friends, who were calling, “Co boss, co boss.” “Roll along the spuds” -meant to pass the potatoes. “Say, Charley, I’m shy a stabber,” was -replied to by the gift of a fork. A spoon was alluded to as a “dipper,” -and so on through the entire list. Ben laughingly explained each phrase -as it was employed, and the boys memorized it with the purpose of -trying it on the family at home. - -When the meal was finished, they accompanied Ben to the canoe for the -string of fish, which he presented to Ned, with the compliments of the -young anglers. - -“There’s sure one dandy fish in that bunch, and that’s calling it -something, ’cause they’re all dandies,” declared the foreman, holding -the trout at arm’s length, so that all might admire it. - -Then they went into the bunk-house and took places on “the mourners’ -bench,” which was what Ben said the lumbermen had christened the seats -along the sides of the cabin. - -“When do you figure on running your logs?” he asked, when Ned came in -and seated himself beside them. - -“To-morrow, if things go as we expect. Got all our booms stretched, and -the water ought to be right if she slides down a notch or two before -morning. Quite a gang of the boys along the river now--boom gangs,” he -explained. - -“Well, boys, we’re just in time to see the fun, and I guess Ned won’t -mind if we stay around a day or two,” said Ben. “You see, Ned, I’d like -these fellows to see something of a real log-drive before they go home.” - -“The latch-string of this here camp is always out for you and your -friends, Ben; and the longer your hat hangs on the peg, the better we -like it,” was the foreman’s reply. - -For some time the men talked together in little groups ranged along -the wall. The guide seized the opportunity to make Ed and George -familiar with some famous characters of the logging country. There was -“Shorty” Brundage, a square-shouldered, stockily built young fellow, -who bore the proud distinction of having loosened more jams than any -other man in the crew. Several times he had escaped death by the merest -margin. Next to him sat “Red” Thompson, who had achieved fame by -“riding” a log through the first set of rapids. Slightly farther along, -a dark-skinned man was stooped over unlacing his “larrigans.” Ben said -that he was the renowned Pierre La Valley, known throughout the big -woods wherever an ax was swung. With a double-headed ax he could fell -a tree quicker than any two men. At each swing he turned the blade so -that every stroke was made with an alternate edge. His fame as an axman -had traveled abroad over the entire lumber country, and scores of good -men had been matched against him; but as yet he was undefeated. At the -far end of the bench was “Jake” Grant, champion “birler” of the crew. -The boys asked what “birler” meant, and were told they would learn -before they left the camp. - -This roll-call of heroes was interrupted when some one called for Tony -and his fiddle. A tall youth, with the features and hair of an Indian, -brought forth a violin and seated himself at the head of “the mourners’ -bench.” - -“He’s a half-breed,” whispered Ben. - -“Cut her loose, Tony!” - -“Open her up wide!” - -“Wat you fellows want?” asked the fiddler. - -“‘Turkey in the Straw,’” cried some. - -“‘Old Dan Tucker,’” urged others. - -Tony favored those making the most noise, and started the lively -strains of “Turkey in the Straw,” a jig dear to the heart of every -backwoodsman. The men kept time with feet and hands, and before long -the boys joined in. “Lanky” Jack Stewart brought out a mouth-organ, -and added his efforts to those of Tony. Then the foreman produced -an accordion, and the home-made orchestra was complete. The music -was loud and lively; and, unable to restrain their buoyant spirits, -several of the “lumber-jacks” jumped to their feet and began to dance a -“shake-down.” - -The lads soon found themselves yelling like the rest, for the fun -was contagious. Ben looked at them and smiled across at the foreman, -who was rocking his body to the accompaniment of the notes from his -accordion. - -The merrymaking finally wound up with an impromptu Virginia Reel, in -which the three visitors were compelled to dance. It was no gentle -affair, that “going down the line.” Resounding whacks stung the bodies -of the good-natured victims who gamely ran the gantlet between lines -of whooping dancers. The boys, too, were soundly spanked before they -reached the end of it. They retaliated enthusiastically on the couples -that followed. - -“Red Thompson and Miss Hank Davis are going down the line!” shouted -Crawford, as the two “lumber-jacks,” one of whom played “lady,” turned -to make their rush. And again: “Mr. and ‘Mrs.’ Ben Adams are going down -the line,” as Ben and his partner, Jim Halliday, made their way to the -end of the column. The boys laughed heartily when their turn came, and -Ned called out, “A pair of bantams are going down the line.” - -At last the music ceased, and the foreman said he guessed it was time -to turn in. Pushing and wrestling good-naturedly, the men made their -way to the bunks. Then Crawford extinguished the lamp, and the cabin -became dark and quiet. - - - - -XXIV A DARING RESCUE - - -The boys were awakened before daylight by the “turning out” of the -crew. They found Ben up and ready for breakfast, and, hastening into -their clothes, they joined the line of jolly men waiting their turn at -the tin wash-basin. Having finally reached it, they completed their -toilet and followed Ben into the “grub-shanty.” - -The merry meal was soon over, and, with an invitation to come and see -them at work, the lumbermen started for the woods and the river. Ned, -the foreman, was too busy to give much attention to his guests, and -telling the guide where he might find him at work, he quickly followed -after his men. - -Left alone, Ben and the boys, feeling thoroughly at home, began a -closer inspection of the camp. Charley, the cook, came out and joined -them, and they found him a quaint and interesting character. He told -of his experiences in the lumber woods, and, of course, made a great -impression on Ed and George. When they had been sitting there some -little time, the guide rose and pointed toward the river. - -“They’re running; here comes the head of the drive!” he cried. - -Plowing their way swiftly down the current, the boys saw an -advance-guard of huge logs. Close behind were others, and as the boys -hurried to the water’s edge, they saw the river was dotted with logs as -far up as they could look. The majority drifted rapidly past, well out -in the middle of the stream. Occasionally, however, one would swerve -and bang against the bank, or become temporarily stranded on a sand-bar -or pebbly beach. - -Suddenly they saw Jim Halliday sweep into view around a turn of the -river. He was standing erect on one of the drifting logs, boldly -“riding” it down the stream. The boys watched him in wide-eyed -amazement as he came gliding along, balancing himself with a long -peavey-pole, which he held horizontally. When he was opposite, the -“lumber-jack” waved his arm, and they cheered him. Jim skilfully -steered the log into a quiet eddy beyond, and, jumping into the water, -sent his “wooden horse” down the river and waded briskly ashore. - -“That’s what they call log-riding,” explained Ben. - -[Illustration: “RIDING” A LOG DOWN THE STREAM] - -Halliday had been despatched back to camp on an errand, and had taken -advantage of the opportunity for his first ride of the season. When he -was ready to return up-river, he asked Ben and the boys to accompany -him, declaring that there was “a barrel of fun” going on up there. - -They followed Jim several miles along a winding river trail, until they -came to a large clearing where the men were at work. Here the crew -were rolling logs down the steep bank into the water. Strong-armed, -quick-footed fellows started a huge log, and then jumped nimbly out -of its way as it went bumping down the incline to land in the river. -There other men, immersed to their waists, tugged and pushed till they -worked it into the current and started it on its long, uncertain course -to the distant mill. The great collection of logs extended well back -into the woods. As fast as the front ones were moved more were dragged -forward by the teams. It was an absorbing scene of bustling activity. -As Jim had said, there was plenty of sport. They saw several of the -crew pushed from the bank by their frolicsome comrades. The victims -always took their ducking good-humoredly, and scrambled from the water -determined to retaliate. - -Just before noon a long, high-prowed boat, resembling a fisherman’s -dory in its general lines, was seen slowly approaching against the -current. This was the bateau. Two broad-shouldered fellows were at the -oars, and in the bow was another, pole in hand, prepared to fend off -drifting logs. In the stern sat no less a personage than Charley, the -cook. - -At sight of the boat Ned called a halt in the work, and then the real -fun began. The men seized each other in rough sport, until almost the -whole crew were wrestling about on the ground. - -“This way, Charley; bring it up here,” ordered the foreman. - -The cook and his three assistants struggled up the bank with the -supplies for a hot dinner. Grouped in a circle on the ground, each -man was equipped with a tin plate, a knife, a fork, and a spoon, and -a large tin bowl which was speedily filled with hot stew. After that -came heaping dishes of hot beans and steaming cups of coffee. Like the -others, Ben and the boys ate the outdoor meal with keen relish. - -As neither Ed nor George had seen a birling contest, and had no idea -what it was like, Ned arranged one for their benefit. - -A large log was towed out into fairly deep water in a near-by eddy of -the river. Then Jake Grant, the champion of this particular sport, -jumped from the bank and landed on the log. He caught his balance and -drove the long, nail-like calks of his shoes deep into the bark. His -action was intended as a challenge, or “defi,” to any one to jump on -the other end and enter the contest. - -There was a cry of “Sandy,” and, amid cheers from his comrades, “Sandy” -Donaldson accepted the challenge. Moving their feet up and down -together, the men whirled the log over and over beneath them. From -time to time one or the other would jam his spiked shoes down hard in -an endeavor to stop the log and throw his adversary into the water. -First one way, then the other, they spun the log faster and faster. The -excitement on shore was intense, for each contestant had his partisans. -Once Grant lost his balance for a second, and a wild yell went up. It -looked as though his long term of championship was about to end. By -wonderful agility he saved himself, and another cheer broke forth. - -“Toss him, toss him, Jake!” cried Grant’s friends. - -“Bump him off, Sandy; you nearly caught him that time!” yelled the -partisans of Donaldson. - -Then the experience of the champion came to his aid. He worked backward -toward the extreme end of the log, and started it spinning as fast as -his nimble feet could work. Donaldson kept stride with him, and those -on shore waited in breathless suspense for the outcome of what they -believed a clever bit of stratagem. - -Suddenly the champion jammed his spikes down hard, and Donaldson -tottered. Before he could recover his balance Grant jumped into the -air. Instantly his end of the log rose, and that on which his opponent -swayed sank--not much, but enough to do the trick--and Donaldson went -over backward into the river. Jake was still champion, for he landed -squarely on top of the log and waved his hand to the cheering crowd. - -“I wouldn’t have missed that for anything,” said Ed, when he had ceased -cheering. - -“Nor I,” declared George. “Say, we’ll try that some time, Ed. What do -you call it, Ben?” - -“Birling,” explained the guide. - -The cook, who with his crew had waited to see the outcome of the -contest, approached Ben and offered to take them back in the boat. -That was certainly better than “hiking,” and presently they were -gliding swiftly down the river. - -That night there was less frolicking in the bunk-house. The first day’s -river work had tired the men, and they sat about quietly smoking and -telling yarns and singing a few lumbermen’s songs before they turned in. - -Next morning they paddled their canoe some distance down-river to see a -big restraining boom. They were obliged to dodge floating logs, which -dotted the river as far as they could see. A collision would have -smashed their light craft. However, Ben kept safely out of the way, -and, searching the water far in advance, he chose open channels, down -which he piloted them in safety. - -They saw many logs which had grounded along the shore, but they learned -that these would be all found and set afloat by the “reardrive” men, -who followed the last of the logs down the river for that purpose. -Occasionally they passed members of the river patrol, who stood on the -banks and waved to them as they floated by. Ben pointed out several -bark shanties, or lean-tos, in which these men sheltered themselves -until the drive was over. - -Then, at a narrow place in the river, they saw a great jagged pile of -logs. Others were constantly crashing into it and momentarily adding to -the tangle. - -“There’s a jam, and a nasty one!” said Ben, carefully working the canoe -toward shore. “Wonder if any one is about?” - -“Yes, I see a man,” declared George. “There he is, right under the big -log that sticks out. Gee whiz! Did you see that one rise right up on -end and sail past his head?” - -They landed and ran along the bank until they drew near the spot. At -the foot of the towering pyramid a red-shirted man was balancing on a -slippery log and prying and pulling with all his might in an effort to -free the log which was the key of the jam. Each moment he stayed there -he was risking death from the grinding, crunching, splintering logs -which the river was raising on end and throwing into the pile behind -him. Calm and undismayed by his peril, he turned a flushed, perspiring -face and called to Ben: - -“Hey, run back up the trail a piece, till you see a box nailed to a big -white pine. You’ll find a telephone inside. Tell ’em to send some men -down here, quick, an’ to stop shovin’ in any more sticks till we git -this straightened out.” - -Bidding the boys remain where they were, Ben ran up the trail on his -important errand. Anxious to help the plucky lumberman, but knowing -themselves powerless, the boys, fearful but fascinated, could only -stand and watch the reckless worker out there in that inferno of flying -logs. - -A great black hulk rose from the foaming water, shot into the air, -and came straight at him. An exclamation of horror came from the -white-faced spectators on shore. His quick eye and alert brain proved -equal to the emergency, however, and he jumped back and just escaped -being crushed. A cheer sounded from the lads on the bank, and the -“lumber-jack” turned and waved his appreciation. - -“It’s ‘Shorty’ Brundage, the champion jam-breaker!” cried Ed. - -They watched him in awed silence while he went on with his hazardous -task. Dodging and climbing, he seemed to escape destruction by simply -the luck for which he was noted. Above him towered the great mass -of piled logs. Should it give way, he would be buried beneath an -avalanche. On each side great logs shot past within reach of his arm. -Below, the river caught and tugged at his legs in an effort to sweep -him to destruction. Still he worked on, his one thought the breaking -of the jam and the clearing of the stream. - -Suddenly he slipped, lost his balance, and fell into the swirling, -foam-tossed water. They saw him reappear, a long, red streak showing -down the side of his pallid face. He made a desperate effort to climb -upon the log from which he had fallen; but two floating timbers caught -him between them, and with a despairing gesture “Shorty” collapsed. -Half in the water, half across one of the logs, he was in peril of -being crushed to a pulp by the massive logs which reared themselves -from the water and crashed down on all sides of him. - -For a moment the boys stood paralyzed with horror. Then they realized -that they were standing there without an effort to save the unconscious -man. There was one startled glance at the towering log pile, the -raging, white-capped water, and the crashing logs. Then their gaze -settled on the helpless red-shirted figure in deadly danger. Instantly -they made their choice. With white, set faces the lads ran down the -bank and along the edge of the racing water toward the jam. - -Out along the top of a slippery log they crawled, one behind the other. -They dared not stand erect, for fear of falling into the seething, -log-studded pool beneath. The noise was terrific. In some places the -raging torrent surged above their waists and threatened to sweep them -from the log. - -“Hold on with your legs!” shouted Ed. - -Then a long, spear-like splinter was thrust at him like a lance. He -dodged just in time, and the splinter flew over his back. Again and -again the whirling logs nearly crushed their legs. But at last only two -feet of open water intervened between them and the log on which lay the -victim of the jam. - -As they were hesitating, the butt of another log was driven into the -space and for the moment wedged fast. In an instant Ed had thrown -himself across it to the log that supported Brundage. Quickly he -crawled to the prostrate figure, and, placing his hands beneath -the powerful shoulders, he tried to pull the man from his perilous -position. In an instant George reached his side. After much effort they -managed, between them, to lift “Shorty” from the water and drag him -some distance along the slippery log over which they had come. - -No sooner had they removed him than two great logs were lifted by -the water and sent crashing down upon the very log across which his -unconscious form had lain. - -Lifting, pulling, and tugging with all their strength, Ed and George -managed, somehow, to crawl over the wet logs, dragging “Shorty” with -them. They had many narrow escapes, but at last the bank was reached. -Pulling their man up beyond the reach of the angry river, they dropped -beside him, too exhausted to move. - -Then Ben, who, as he was returning, had seen the whole daring rescue, -rushed breathlessly down the bank and hugged both boys in his arms. - -“You fellows are the real thing!” he cried to the blushing boys. -“You’ve got sand, and you know when to use it. That was one of the -pluckiest pieces of work I ever saw done.” - -“What’s--the--matter?” asked Brundage, feebly, opening his eyes and -staring about him in bewilderment. - -“The matter is that the jam came powerful near getting you, ‘Shorty.’ -It would have got you, too, only for these young fellows. They got to -you, somehow, and, what’s more wonderful, they got back and brought you -with them! That splintered log out there, the one with the three big -ones lying across it, is the log you were on,” said Ben. - -The “lumber-jack” passed his hand weakly across his forehead, blinked, -and sat up. He beckoned the boys to come close; and when they had done -so, he reached up and grasped their hands. - -“Much--obliged--pardners,” he said. - -They thrilled at the last word. It was the greatest compliment this -big, brave man of the woods could have paid them--he had placed them on -an equality of manhood with himself. - -“What about the jam?” he queried, in a half-dazed manner. “Did you tell -them to stop the ‘sticks’?” - -“Yes,” Ben assured him, “and Crawford and a picked crew are on their -way down. Here they come now.” - -Down the middle of the river came the bateau filled with lumbermen. The -big foreman was in the bow. Spying the trouble ahead, he bawled his -orders to the stalwart oarsmen, and the boat was quickly beached beside -the little canoe. - -The crew at once leaped out and came running to attack the huge pile of -obstructing logs. They were armed with peavey-poles, axes, and steel -bars. The boys could hardly keep from cheering these heroes of the -river as they rushed forward to grapple with the jam. - -“What’s up? Did it get you, ‘Shorty’?” inquired the foreman, bending -anxiously over the stricken river-man. - -“Pretty nigh got me, Ned,” laughed “Shorty,” feebly. “Guess I’d have -gone if it hadn’t been for these lads. They ran out there and got me.” - -The lumbermen had gathered about their injured comrade, and as he spoke -they turned to the boys. They slapped them affectionately on the back -and praised them for their bravery. Then they gave three mighty cheers -which roared and echoed up and down the river for a mile. - -“Well, let’s sail into it!” yelled Crawford. - -His crew went to work with a will, and Ed and George stood by, -interested witnesses of the determined onslaught. They saw daring -chances taken by reckless men, and several miraculous escapes. The -foreman himself led in the perilous work. He it was who, when the pile -of logs began to creak and give and totter, stood calmly below them -until the last of his crew had jumped to safety. Then, as the jam -crumbled and broke, he, too, leaped from under the crash and ran nimbly -across the tops of plunging logs to shore. - -When the obstacle had been overcome, Crawford despatched a man up the -river to the telephone-box, with orders for the crew above to resume -operations. It was important that no time should be lost in getting -the logs through while the high water lasted. Much against his wishes, -“Shorty” was ordered to camp, and a new man was left on watch at the -dangerous turn of the river. - -Assisted by the boys, Ben paddled the canoe upstream, following in the -wake of the bateau. The men in the latter struck up a familiar river -song, and the music came drifting back over the water. - -“I should think they would be too tired to sing, after what they’ve -just been through,” said George. - -“They’ve forgotten about it long ago; it’s all part of the day’s work,” -laughed Ben. - -The boat soon drew away in advance of the canoe. When the occupants of -the latter disembarked at the camp, the larger craft had already landed -“Shorty” and disappeared up the river. - -That night was a gala one in the bunk-house. The whole crew of -“lumber-jacks,” having learned of the boys’ gallant rescue of Brundage, -came into camp to do them honor. Men arrived from far down the river to -have a “look at the youngsters” who had made good. The merrymaking was -shared by all, and there was a general thanksgiving because “Shorty,” -the best jam-breaker in the country, had been spared to his crew. Nor -was Charley, the cook, to be outdone. When the fun had reached its -height, he marched solemnly to the door of the bunk-house and, waving -his arm toward the “grub-shanty,” invited them all over for a surprise -party. - -With loud cheers and whoops of approval, the noisy gathering sat -down at the long table laden with good things which the cook and his -assistants had prepared for the occasion. There were several rare -treats; and when the feast was over, three rousing cheers were given -for “the best cooks in the lumber country.” - -Big-hearted Ned Crawford and his hospitable crew were for keeping their -guests several days longer, but Ben explained that they must leave next -day. Warmly seconded by the boys, he thanked the lumbermen for their -hospitality and this glimpse of a new life. - -Early next morning, when the canoe had been loaded and the departing -guests were about to step into it, “Shorty” Brundage came forward and -addressed them. - -“I’m not much on speeches,” he laughed, nervously, as he grasped the -hands of his rescuers; “but I want you fellows to know that I feel -what you did for me. It sure was a white thing to do, and any time I -can do anything for you, just call on me like a pardner. I reckon Ben -can tell you what that means in this country.” - -The lads thanked him, and tried to make light of their exploit. Then -they took their places in the canoe, and Ben put away from shore. -Charley and his little crew waved their aprons and beat a loud salute -on tin pans, and the foreman and some of his men accompanied the -departing guests in the bateau as far as the log pile. Here more -rousing cheers were given the voyagers, until they rounded a turn of -the river and disappeared. - -“Well, you fellows have made a hit with that crowd. Your names will -be known along this river for a good many years to come,” said Ben, -proudly. “How did you enjoy it all, anyway?” - -“Ben, I’ve had the time of my life!” declared Ed. “As for the -‘lumber-jacks,’ as you call them, I think they are the manliest, -jolliest, best all-round lot of fellows I ever met. As ‘Shorty’ would -say, they sure treated us white.” - -“They did that,” chimed in George; “and I want to say I have enjoyed -it all immensely.” - -“Well, I feel some better about having taken you, now, than I did -yesterday, when I was running along the river-bank while you were out -there below the jam. I want to tell you that you had a mighty close -shave, boys, and I’m powerful thankful it turned out as it did,” he -added, soberly. - - - - -XXV CALLED HOME - - -It was well toward the evening of the day following when they reached -Ben’s cabin. The trip up the river had taken them the best part of -two days. The canoemen were agreeably surprised to see Bill and Moze -awaiting them at the landing. - -“Helloa, you fellows! Where have you been?” asked the trapper, as they -stepped ashore and grasped him warmly by the hand. - -“Down at the lumber camp; I promised to take the boys there before they -went home,” explained Ben. - -Ed and George at once started a good-natured wrestling bout with old -Moze, who seemed delighted at seeing them. Barking and whining, he -jumped about, wagging his tail, until George declared he would lose it. - -“When did you get here, Bill?” inquired the guide of his friend, after -they had entered the cabin. - -“Same morning you left, I reckon. When I saw you were away, I left a -note and went on into the settlement. Got back late last night, and I -figured I’d mosey around for a day or two and see if you came home. -I brought out some mail for Westbrook and you fellows. There’s yours -over on the table yonder. By the way, Ben, Westbrook said to tell you -he expected to go in with his team and wagon the first part of next -week. He said he’d come by here on the old wood-road, so if you wanted -anything you could let him know.” - -The boys quickly found the letters from home and began to read them. -From their manner Ben knew that they had received news of some -importance. When they had finished the letters they held a low-toned -conference, and then turned toward the guide, who was watching them -keenly. - -“Nothing wrong, I hope?” he said. - -“Nothing, except that we are ordered home,” answered Ed, endeavoring to -force a smile. - -“The deuce you say!” cried Ben, in dismay. - -“Yes, I guess our time is up,” declared George, rather gloomily. “You -see, our folks are going away in about two weeks, and, as we expect -to enter college in the fall, they won’t see much of us for a while. -Consequently they want us with them this summer.” - -“Guess that’s only natural,” said Ben, quietly. “Say, it’s going to be -some lonesome after you fellows pull out.” - -For a time the little group of friends sat about in silence. While they -were anxious and eager to see their parents, the boys nevertheless felt -badly about leaving Ben, and Bill, and Moze, and the great peaceful -forest they had learned to love. - -“Well, say, there’s no need of everybody getting the ‘blues,’” laughed -the guide. “I’ll hustle around and cook some supper, and then maybe -we’ll all feel better.” - -That night the boys sat up late, and Ben told Bill of their plucky -adventure at the log-jam. It was decided that they should go to the -station with Tom Westbrook and his team early the next week. Bill said -he would wait over at the cabin to see them off. - -It rained all the next day, and the boys busied themselves with packing -their belongings. Not the least important were several trophies of the -hunt, which they were taking home in proof of their prowess. - -The following days were spent in the woods and on the lake with Ben and -Bill. Rare golden days they were, filled with flowers and sunshine -and song, for the long, dreamy days of early summer had arrived. The -boys learned more of the songs and calls of the birds, and the names -and uses of the many wild flowers which were constantly bursting into -bloom in the woods about the cabin. They saw fishes guarding their -gravelly nests of spawn at the bottom of the lake. They found the eggs -of turtles at the end of long, tunnel-like excavations in sandy banks. -The time sped rapidly, and at length the day for their departure was -but a night away. - -“Well, this is our last snooze on balsam tips,” said Ed, when they were -finally in their bunk. - -“Yes, and, do you know, sometimes it all seems like a dream. We -certainly have been through a few experiences since we left the city. -And let me tell you, Ed, each of them has done us good; I feel that -we can take care of ourselves anywhere now,” replied George. “Say, we -never found out who ‘The Old Man of the Woods’ is.” - -“Well then, I’ll tell you now,” laughed Ben, who had overheard their -conversation. “You met him right here the first night, when you worried -about the flying squirrels. He has been with you ever since, until -you know him well enough to call him by his right name, which is -Experience.” - -“And is that how you met him?” inquired the boys. - -“That is how we must all meet him, if we expect to ever know him well. -He’s a rough old fellow, and he don’t make friends easily. You’ve got -to prove your worth before he accepts you. If you’re game, he’ll take -care of you in great shape and tell you all he knows. But if you’re -a quitter, he’ll soon drive you out of his country and make things -so unpleasant you’ll never wish to return. Now you know him, and, -furthermore, you can consider him your friend, because you’ve made -good. Good night.” - -“Thank you, Ben. Good night.” And they went to sleep, happy over the -well-earned compliment. - -They had just finished breakfast next morning when the loud barking of -Moze announced the arrival of Westbrook with his team. A moment later -the big woodsman stood in the doorway and greeted them. - -“Have some breakfast,” urged Ben, hospitably. - -“No, thanks; I had my breakfast before I started. Thought I’d just stop -a minute to see if I could do anything for you in town.” - -“You can take the boys and myself and this luggage, if you’re -traveling in light,” said Ben. - -“I sure will; but, say, now, it’s too bad you fellows have to pull up -stakes so sudden like,” he said, turning to the lads. “This is the -prettiest time of the year, too. Guess you’ve had quite a time of it, -though, haven’t you?” - -“Yes, indeed,” replied Ed; “we’ve enjoyed ourselves very much.” - -After Ben had insisted, Westbrook drank a cup of coffee. Then they -proceeded to load the baggage into the same wagon that had conveyed it -from the station almost eight months before. - -“Different-looking boys from those that came out in the fall, eh, Ben?” -laughed Westbrook, when everything was in and they were ready to climb -aboard. - -“Some browner,” said Ben. - -Bill came forward to say good-by, and Ed and George grasped his hand -affectionately. They thanked him for all the pleasure he had given -them, and said they hoped some day to come out and see him again. Old -Moze came wriggling toward them, and they stooped and petted him. - -Then Westbrook spoke to his team, and the wagon bumped away over -the long road. The boys waved their hats to Bill, who stood in the -doorway, holding Moze by an ear to prevent him from following his -departing friends. - -At noon they halted, and Ben cooked a simple meal in the woods. This -time the boys built the fire, and the two woodsmen declared it a proper -one. - -“Couldn’t have done that when you came in,” laughed Ben. - -“We couldn’t do much of anything then,” replied Ed. - -When they resumed their journey, the lads recalled many familiar spots -along the way. They went safely over the very place where they had -mired to the hubs before, and saw their own pile of rocks and the -poles with which they had freed the wagon. They forded the stream -which had come near capsizing the load. This time they had no trouble. -They bounced and bumped over the rough “corduroy” bridges which had so -excited their curiosity on the way to camp. Several times they flushed -grouse from close beside the road, and as the birds rose with a roar -of wings Ben looked at the lads and smiled, and George was reminded of -his first fright in the woods. They started a deer from the edge of a -swamp, and watched the nimble-footed creature go bounding along the -road ahead of them. Thus the interesting ride continued, until late in -the afternoon they drew up before the tiny log station. - -The agent remembered them, and said they were lucky to reach there at -that time, as an express was due to stop in thirty minutes. Had they -missed it they would have been obliged to remain over until the next -day. The boys quickly checked their baggage, and then came outside to -await the arrival of the train. - -“Ben, I’m sure we can never thank you half enough,” said Ed, with -feeling. - -“Don’t try,” laughed Ben; “I’ve enjoyed it as much as you have. The -worst of it all is this breaking up of camp; a woodsman always hates -it.” And as he turned to look up the track the boys thought they saw -moisture in his kindly eyes. “Well, it hasn’t hurt you any,” he added, -quickly recovering himself. - -“I should say not,” said George. “I feel as if I could wrestle with a -bear.” - -“You almost did, once,” Ben chuckled. - -“Here she comes. Stand back!” cried the agent, as the great whistling -engine made its appearance around a curve. - -The boys shook hands with Ben and Westbrook and then stood on the -rear platform of the last car and waved their hats at the two -broad-shouldered men left behind when the train pulled out for home. - -Two days later they were met at the great city terminal by their -fathers. Both Dr. Williams and Mr. Rand were surprised and delighted -at the improvement in the boys. They took critical note of the firm, -bronzed skin, the broadened shoulders and deepened chests, the direct, -keen glance of the eyes, and, above all, the erect, confident carriage -and free, swinging stride. The inspection ended in approval--Ben had -molded well the raw material placed in his hands, and the result was a -credit to him. - -The experiment was a success; the theory was proven. The lads had -returned with interest on the investment. They had gained not only in -health and strength, but in much besides. They had a finer, clearer, -broader view of life and the living. They had learned peace and beauty -and quietness from God’s temple, the wilderness. They had gained -strength from the pine-scented air, courage from exposure to hardship -and peril, resourcefulness from dependence upon themselves, and a sound -knowledge of sound truths from honest old Ben. - -“By Jove, Doctor, your plan has worked out wonderfully,” declared Mr. -Rand. “I wouldn’t have believed it possible. Why, look at George; he is -fit for the freshman crew.” And the proud father was delighted at the -prospect, for he, too, had worked from freshman to ’varsity oarsman in -his college days. - -“Well, you think it has done them as much good as your tutoring trip -through Europe, do you?” laughed the Doctor. - -“More!” declared Mr. Rand, enthusiastically. “In fact, I’m inclined to -agree to that Western proposition of yours for next summer, now that -I’ve seen the results of this trip.” - -“What is that?” demanded the boys, aroused at the idea of a future trip -to the wilds. - -“Never mind,” laughed Dr. Williams, winking slyly; “we’ll give you a -surprise when the time comes.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - -Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned. - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - -A change has been made as follows: - -p. 306: Illustration caption added to agree with the Table of -Illustrations. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS*** - - -******* This file should be named 63873-0.txt or 63873-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/3/8/7/63873 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- height: 4px; - border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ - border-style: solid; - border-color: #000000; - clear: both; } - </style> -</head> -<body> -<h1 class="pgx" title="">The Project Gutenberg eBook, Camping in the Winter Woods, by Elmer Russell -Gregor</h1> -<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no -restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: Camping in the Winter Woods</p> -<p> Adventures of Two Boys in the Maine Woods</p> -<p>Author: Elmer Russell Gregor</p> -<p>Release Date: November 24, 2020 [eBook #63873]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4 class="pgx" title="">E-text prepared by Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (https://www.pgdp.net)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Villanova University Digital Library<br /> - (https://digital.library.villanova.edu)</h4> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Villanova University Digital Library. See - https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:380229 - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="pgx" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover." /> -</div> - -<div style="padding-top:2em"> -<div id="Ref_002" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i002.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">IN THE WINTER WOODS</p></div> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i003.jpg" alt="Title page." /> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h1>CAMPING<br /> -<span class="largefont" style="vertical-align:25%">IN THE</span><br /> -WINTER WOODS</h1> - - -<p class="center">ADVENTURES OF TWO BOYS<br /> -IN THE MAINE WOODS</p> - -<p class="center p2">BY<br /> -<span class="largefont">ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR</span></p> - -<p class="center p2">ILLUSTRATED</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/icon.jpg" alt="Publisher icon." /> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS<br /> -NEW YORK AND LONDON<br /> -MCMXII -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center sansseriffont">COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY HARPER & BROTHERS</p> - -<p class="center sansseriffont">PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br /> -PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1912</p> - -<p class="center sansseriffont">K-M -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center sansseriffont">THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY<br /> -DEDICATED TO MY NEPHEW</p> - -<p class="center p1 largefont sansseriffont">CHARLES RUSSELL GREGOR</p> - -<p class="center p1 sansseriffont">A LAD WITH ALL THE “EAR-MARKS”<br /> -OF THE TRUE WOODSMAN</p> - -<p class="center p1 sansseriffont">THE AUTHOR -</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="center"> -<table class="toc" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> -<tr><td class="tocchapter"><span class="smallfont">CHAP.</span></td><td></td><td class="tocpage"> -<span class="smallfont">PAGE</span></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">I.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Into the Wilderness</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#I">1</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">II.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Wild Ride</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#II">20</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">III.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Bees and Wildcats</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#III">35</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">IV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Deer Hunt</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#IV">63</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">V.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Forest Fire</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#V">75</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">An Interesting Afternoon</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#VI">86</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Visit to the Beavers</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#VII">98</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">VIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Bull Moose and a Narrow Escape</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#VIII">114</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">IX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Fishing Through the Ice</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#IX">127</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">X.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Winter Settles Down</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#X">137</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">An Adventure with a Bear</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XI">150</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Lost!</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XII">166</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">On the Trap Line with Bill</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XIII">188</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Lynx Makes Trouble</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XIV">205</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Bill Captures a Prize</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XV">220</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Visitor</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XVI">232</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Christmas at the Cabin</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XVII">241</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XVIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">An Encounter with Wild Dogs</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XVIII">255</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XIX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">An Indian Cave and Its Occupants</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XIX">270</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XX.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Fight on the Ice</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XX">287</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXI.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Spring and Its Sports</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XXI">300</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Treed!</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XXII">316</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIII.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Off to the Lumber Camp</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XXIII">332</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXIV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">A Daring Rescue</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XXIV">353</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tocchapter">XXV.</td><td class="toctitle"><span class="smcap">Called Home</span></td> -<td class="tocpage"><a href="#XXV">371</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="center"> -<table class="tabill" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations"> -<tr><td class="tableft">IN THE WINTER WOODS</td><td class="tabright" colspan="2"> -<a href="#Ref_002"><em>Frontispiece</em></a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">GEORGE LANDED FAIRLY ASTRIDE THE BACK OF THE FRIGHTENED BUCK</td><td class="tabcenter" style="min-width:5em"> -<em>Facing p.</em></td><td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_037">24</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">GROUSE DRUMMING ON A LOG</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_055">40</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">FIGHTING A FOREST FIRE</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_097">80</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">MAKING A PORTAGE</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_117">98</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">BEAVER HOUSES</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_129">108</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">THE WHITE MANTLE OF WINTER COVERED THE EARTH</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_161">138</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">THE BEAR STRUCK OUT WITH ONE HUGE PAW AND SENT GEORGE OVER BACKWARD</td> -<td class="tabcenter">“</td><td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_183">158</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">CAUTIOUSLY THE TRAPPER ADVANCED</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_243">216</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">“WATCH OUT; HERE THEY COME!”</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_291">262</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">GATHERING THE MAPLE-SUGAR SAP</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_337">306</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">“RIDING” A LOG DOWN THE STREAM</td><td class="tabcenter">“</td> -<td class="tabright"><a href="#Ref_387">354</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p id="half-title">CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[1]</span></p> -<p class="center xxlargefont nobreak" style="margin-bottom:1em" id="I">CAMPING IN<br /> -THE WINTER WOODS</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">I<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">INTO THE WILDERNESS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">As the train stopped before a small station -built of logs, two boys carrying guns -and rods sprang from their seats and hurried -out into the fragrant, pine-laden air of northern -Maine. They were Edward Williams -and his friend, George Rand. They waved -their hands to the conductor as he swung -himself back upon the train, and then they -turned to face a vast forest which seemed to -surround the tiny station on every side.</p> - -<p>As they were too young to enter college -until the following year, the lads had been -sent to spend the fall and winter in the Maine -woods. Their fathers, both outdoor enthusiasts, -whose boyhood days had been passed<span class="pagenum">[2]</span> -on a farm, believed that a taste of pioneer -life would strengthen the boys for their life-work. -They would be thrown largely upon -their own resources, and their parents hoped -that the results would justify the experiment. -It was to be a new venture in education—a -course for the building of clean, self-reliant -manhood.</p> - -<p>Ed and George were accordingly intrusted -to the care and tutorage of Ben Adams, a -tried and trusted old woodsman, who had -guided their fathers for many years. Ben -was told to teach them whatever he considered -it necessary for them to know. They -had their text-books, also, and a tutor was to -keep in touch by letter. So at the end of a -two days’ journey we find the city boys standing -curiously on the threshold of a new world.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a friendly voice called to them, -and turning, they saw a figure which seemed -to belong to the forests.</p> - -<p>“Well, boys, you got here all right, eh?”</p> - -<p>They looked up to see a tall, gray-haired -man dressed in corduroys smiling down at -them. His face was tanned and kindly, and -his keen, penetrating dark eyes looked at -them approvingly; for he winked at the young -station agent, who had just greeted him, and -nodded toward the lads.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[3]</span></p> - -<p>“Are you Mr. Adams?” asked Ed.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I reckon that’s me; but I guess you’d -better call me Ben. It sounds more natural -up here,” he laughed.</p> - -<p>The boys smiled at each other, and then Ed -offered his hand to the guide, who smothered -it in his own great brown one.</p> - -<p>“I am Ed Williams; and this is my friend, -George Rand,” he explained, introducing -his chum.</p> - -<p>Adams then made them acquainted with -the agent, and said they had come to take a -course at nature’s school in the woods.</p> - -<p>“Well, now that we all know one another, -I’ll get the team, and we’ll load up and mosey -away from here,” and, so saying, the guide -disappeared around the corner of the station.</p> - -<p>The agent had departed to report the passing -of the train which had just gone.</p> - -<p>“Well, what about it?” asked Ed of his -friend.</p> - -<p>“I think it is going to be great!” declared -George, looking off into the woods which -they were soon to enter.</p> - -<p>Ben drove up with the team and, assisted -by the agent, began loading the luggage into -his wagon. When everything was finally -tucked away, he called the boys.</p> - -<p>“You fellows had better telegraph some<span class="pagenum">[4]</span> -word to your folks to let them know you -arrived all right. When we get into the -woods it may be some time before you can -send a letter out,” he advised.</p> - -<p>“I almost forgot,” confessed Ed, guiltily, -as he and George followed the agent into the -station to send a telegram to their parents.</p> - -<p>When they returned, the guide was sitting -on the wagon, reins in hand, impatient to -start for camp. The boys quickly climbed -aboard and found seats on top of the baggage. -Ben spoke to the team of wiry little mountain -ponies, and with a sudden jerk the wagon -started and rattled down the road toward -the wall of towering pines at the edge of the -forest.</p> - -<p>Once in the woods, the road became rougher, -and the ponies subsided to a walk. “Hang -on there, you fellows!” shouted the guide, -each time the wheels dropped into a rut or -bumped over the top of a rock. The boys -found it great sport, and Ed declared it made -him think of stories he had read about Rocky -Mountain roads.</p> - -<p>A low-hanging hemlock limb swept the -cap from George’s head, and Ben stopped -the team that he might go back and recover -it. George jumped down. He was about -to pick up his cap when something went<span class="pagenum">[5]</span> -tearing through the woods at the roadside -with such a tremendous noise that he half-started -toward the wagon in alarm.</p> - -<p>Ed grasped the guide by the arm and inquired -breathlessly, “What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t get scared so easy,” laughed Ben. -“That was only a partridge, or ruffed grouse -some call them. You’ll see and shoot lots -of them; yes, and eat them, too. Why, look -at George, he’s pale yet,” he chuckled.</p> - -<p>George had meanwhile recovered his cap -and climbed thankfully back to his seat. -As they traveled along, Ben told about the -bird that had given them their first fright -in the woods.</p> - -<p>“He has lots of tricks to fool you with, -but you fellows will learn them all before -you go back home,” he promised.</p> - -<p>For some time they bumped along over -the rough wood-road in silence, the boys gazing -with interest into the deep, somber woods -which stretched away for miles on both sides -of them. Once George thought he saw some -large animal sneaking off between the trees. -He pulled Ed excitedly by the sleeve and -endeavored to make him see it. They spoke -to Ben about it, but he only smiled and said -he guessed it was nothing much.</p> - -<p>“You’ll see plenty of animals later on,” he<span class="pagenum">[6]</span> -told them; and they poked each other in -gleeful anticipation.</p> - -<p>All at once the guide stopped the team and -pointed down at a muddy spot in the road.</p> - -<p>“See anything?” he asked.</p> - -<p>They looked carefully, and finally Ed said: -“Why, yes, there are some marks down -there.”</p> - -<p>“What kind of marks?” demanded Ben.</p> - -<p>They had to confess they did not know; -and then he told them they were the footprints -of deer. Instantly both boys were -down from the wagon, bending eagerly over -those interesting tracks. Neither of them -had ever seen a wild deer, though they had -heard their fathers tell many stories of these -graceful creatures, and how Ben tracked -them through the woods.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you notice any difference in them?” -he asked.</p> - -<p>“They all look very much alike, except -that some are bigger than others,” declared -George, glancing over his shoulder as though -he half expected to see the animals themselves -walk into view.</p> - -<p>“Is that all you notice?” persisted Ben.</p> - -<p>“That is all we can see,” replied Ed.</p> - -<p>“Well, now let me tell you about them,” -and the guide began to explain. “You see,<span class="pagenum">[7]</span> -there are large tracks, medium-sized tracks, -and small ones. The large ones, you’ll observe, -are rather blunt, and so I know they were -made by a buck. He blunts the tips of his -toes by stamping around. The medium-sized -ones are quite sharp at the point, and -were undoubtedly made by a doe, and the -small tracks beside them were made by her -fawn, a little deer born last spring.</p> - -<p>“Then you’ll see, if you look sharp, that -the big tracks cover the medium-sized ones -in several places, which shows that the buck -came along some time after the doe and her -fawn had passed. Notice that the little -pools in the big tracks are still roiled, which -means that the buck has passed only a short -time ago.</p> - -<p>“Now, look here; see, his tracks are nearer -together and run into one another. He heard -something which frightened him, possibly -us, and started to trot away. Here is where -he turned from the road. See that long mark -in the bank? He left the road, jumped up -that steep place, and went galloping away -through the woods. Yes, here are some -broken twigs where he went through.”</p> - -<p>Ben smiled at the boys and led them to -the wagon.</p> - -<p>“Well, all aboard, we’ll go on now,” he said.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[8]</span></p> - -<p>The lads looked at him in wonder. They -did not understand how he could read so much -from the few marks in the mud, which, had -he not called them to their attention, they -would never have noticed.</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s your first lesson,” said Ben, -as he started the team. “You’ll have many -more.”</p> - -<p>“My, you know a lot!” declared Ed, enthusiastically. -“Who told you all that, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“‘The Old Man of the Woods,’” he laughed, -and the boys wondered who that might be.</p> - -<p>At the foot of a long hill they came to a -bit of low, open country, apparently a swamp, -or marsh. The wagon bumped and bounced -so that the boys had all they could do to hang -on. Looking down, they were surprised to -find that the road was made of logs laid side -by side, lengthwise, across it. They asked -Ben for an explanation, and he said it was -what was called a “corduroy” road; so named -because of its similarity to the ridges in that -cloth.</p> - -<p>Then he explained that the ground beneath -was soft and marshy, and that without the -logs the wagon would sink to the hubs. He -said the lumbermen built such roads that they -could draw out their great loads of logs which -they cut far back in the forest. The boys<span class="pagenum">[9]</span> -became interested at once and asked about -these men and their work. The guide finally -promised that some time he would take them -to a lumber camp, where they could see these -things for themselves.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Ben stopped his story and stood -up, pulling on the reins and shouting orders -to his team. Almost before Ed and George -realized what had happened, the wagon -plunged down a steep bank and was bumping -its way through the racing waters of a fair-sized -river. The ponies tugged and splashed, -the wagon rocked and creaked, and Ben yelled -and plied his whip. The river roared angrily, -and great white-crested waves broke over the -side of the wagon-box.</p> - -<p>Then came a jolt that almost tumbled the -boys off into the water. They clutched each -other in panic as they saw one of the ponies -fall to its knees, and felt the wagon swung -around by the powerful current. The guide -was plying his whip unmercifully, for they -were tipping dangerously over on one side. -He finally got the pony on its feet again, and -his wagon straightened out and made the opposite -bank in safety; and the boys yelled -with delight.</p> - -<p>A little farther on, however, they came to -real grief, for the forward wheels sank over<span class="pagenum">[10]</span> -the hubs into a bog-hole, and in trying to -drag them out one of the ponies became -mired in the black, oozy ground.</p> - -<p>Shouting to the lads to throw off such parts -of the load as they could lift before the weight -of it sent the wheels deeper, Ben jumped -down and quickly unhitched the other horse. -Taking a stout rope from beneath the wagon-seat, -he made one end fast to the free pony -and tied the other end to the bemired animal. -Urging and helping the straining horse, he -at length freed the imprisoned pony.</p> - -<p>Then assisting the boys, who had been -working with a will, the guide unloaded the -balance of the baggage. He told the lads to -collect some rocks and pile them near the -sunken axle. Next he took his ax and -chopped down a small spruce-tree, from which -he trimmed the branches. Fastening the -ponies together again, he led them forward -the full length of the rope until they stood -on firm ground. Then he cut a number of -stout poles, which the boys carried and placed -across the road in front of the wheels, so -that when once released they would not -sink again, but might travel over the improvised -“corduroy” to solid ground.</p> - -<p>After much hard work everything was in -readiness for an attempt at moving the<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> -wagon. Ben ordered the boys forward to -guide the team, and cautioned them not to -start the horses until he gave the word. Then, -using the ax for a shovel, he dug the earth -away from before the forward wheels. He -placed the spruce pole between the pile of -rocks and one of the forward hubs, to serve -as a lever or prop.</p> - -<p>Ben gave the word to start and, as the -boys urged the ponies forward, threw his -weight on the end of the pole. The wheels -came up, lurched forward upon the bridge of -poles, and the wagon bumped its way safely -along to solid ground, where it was repacked.</p> - -<p>Tired, but elated at the thought that they -had been of actual use in their first real difficulty, -the boys resumed their places with -much satisfaction. They blushed with pride -when Ben turned and complimented them on -their behavior.</p> - -<p>Several times they flushed grouse, which -rose with a great roar of wings and thundered -away between the tree-trunks. George declared -they looked like chickens. To which -Ben added, “And taste better.”</p> - -<p>Coming at length to an old camp-site by -the side of a pretty little woodland stream, -the guide stopped his team and, turning, said: -“It’s some time past noon, boys, and we’ve<span class="pagenum">[12]</span> -got quite a spell to go yet before dark. Guess -your breakfast must have been shook down -long ago. Suppose we get off here, build a -fire, and cook a bite to eat?”</p> - -<p>They were quite ready; but what they were -to eat, or how or where they were to cook it, -they did not know, for neither Ed nor George -had ever camped in the real wilderness before.</p> - -<p>Ben soon solved the difficulty by taking -from a box beneath the wagon-seat tin-plates, -knives, forks, cups, and spoons. Then -from a small deer-hide case he brought forth -six eggs, some delicious-looking brown biscuits, -a piece of bacon, and a coffee-pot. -Having deposited all these things on the -ground near a convenient log, he set the boys -at work gathering sticks with which to start -a fire.</p> - -<p>These sticks were skilfully arranged between -two logs, and soon a crackling blaze -was frying the eggs and bacon in the pan, -while farther along between the logs the -coffee-pot was giving forth a tempting aroma.</p> - -<p>The lads sat cross-legged on the ground and -ate their first woodland meal with keen relish. -When they had finished, and Ben had smoked -a pipe, he sent them to the stream for water, -which was heated over the bed of glowing -embers. Then he gave George a dish-cloth<span class="pagenum">[13]</span> -and Ed a coarse towel, and set them at work -cleaning and drying the dishes. This task -finished, the horses were hitched to the wagon; -and Ben and the lads climbed aboard, and -once more started along the trail.</p> - -<p>Noisy jays chattered from the tops of the -tallest pines; squirrels scolded from beside -the road; and high overhead a large hawk circled -about on motionless wings and screamed -down at them. The boys asked Ben all sorts -of questions about the birds and animals they -were likely to see in the woods.</p> - -<p>Late in the afternoon they branched off -upon a new road that led straight away into -the deepest solitudes of the forest. Ben said -they were within a short distance of the cabin, -and the boys peered anxiously forward to -obtain a glimpse of the place which was to -be their home for many months to come. -This new route followed along the shore of a -beautiful woodland lake, and visions of fishing -filled their minds as they gazed out over its -glistening blue waters.</p> - -<p>Just as the sun was sinking behind a ridge -of pine-clad mountains Ben shouted, and, -much to the surprise of his companions, an -answer at once came back. Looking ahead, -as the guide pointed with his whip, the boys -saw the outlines of a log house. In a few<span class="pagenum">[14]</span> -moments more the wagon came to a stop before -the door, where stood a great bearded -man in rough hunting clothes, who greeted -them heartily.</p> - -<p>Ben introduced him as the owner of the -team, and said that after spending the night -with them he would drive to his own cabin, -some fifteen or twenty miles distant, in the -morning.</p> - -<p>While Ben and his friend unhitched the -horses, and busied themselves with unloading -the wagon, the boys wandered about examining -the cozy log cabin, which was the first -one they had ever seen.</p> - -<p>It was of generous proportions, and was -built entirely of great peeled logs, laid one -on top of the other. The spaces between -them had been closed with pine slabs sealed -over with mud. The roof was made of split -logs scooped out in the style of troughs and -placed side by side, with another slab over -each two where they came together, scooped -side down. On top of them was piled earth -and moss, which gave the appearance of a -sod roof. The house contained but one large -room, in which was a door and three good-sized -windows. At the back of this room were -four bunks, two on either side, built one above -the other. They were of large dimensions,<span class="pagenum">[15]</span> -and would each accommodate two persons -comfortably. These bunks were filled with -the tips of balsam boughs to a considerable -depth, and over this improvised mattress was -spread, first, a piece of heavy tarpaulin, and -then, on top of this, several heavy blankets. -In the front part of the room was a small -cook-stove, on which several pots were simmering. -Along one side of this combination -living, sleeping, and dining room was a home-made -bookcase of unpeeled logs, whose shelves -held many old and entertaining volumes, -mostly of adventure. On the other side were -racks and hooks for clothes and accouterments. -In one corner a pantry was built for -dishes and cooking accessories. Midway between -the hard earth floor and the roof-peak, -poles were laid crosswise of the room, thus -forming a sort of overhead attic for the storing -of additional baggage. A pine table covered -with red oil-cloth did service for reading, -writing, and dining; and home-made three-legged -stools served as chairs.</p> - -<p>Their inspection finished, the boys went -outside and found the men at work building -an improvised corral of logs. The ponies were -driven into it and bedded down for the night -with soft hemlock boughs. Then they all -turned into the cabin, for the autumn twilight<span class="pagenum">[16]</span> -had already descended, and supper, -thoughtfully prepared by the owner of the -team, was ready.</p> - -<p>In the light furnished by a large lantern -hung overhead in the center of the room they -sat about the red-topped table and partook -of a bountiful meal. There was deliciously -browned fish fresh from the near-by lake, -hot, crumbly corn-bread, fried potatoes, great -steaming cups of tea, and canned peaches and -home-made cookies for dessert. The boys -ate until they could scarcely move; and when -they had finally stopped because they were -ashamed to eat any more, they rose and helped -Ben with the dishes.</p> - -<p>The two woodsmen sat for some time smoking -and telling experiences, and Ed and -George listened to every word. It was very -dark outside, and from time to time one or -other of the boys cast glances out through -the open door and wondered what animals -were prowling about in the great black woods -which surrounded the cabin on all sides.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the stillness of the night was -broken by a wild, piercing scream from the -forest. The men stopped talking and looked -first at each other and then at the boys, who -sat with staring eyes and open mouths gazing -out into the darkness. Not a word was<span class="pagenum">[17]</span> -spoken while they waited and listened for a -repetition of the uncanny call. Then an involuntary -exclamation of alarm escaped the -lads, for the cry was repeated, this time nearer -at hand; and they moved uneasily away from -the door.</p> - -<p>The woodsmen smiled reassuringly, and -then Ben allayed the fears of his young guests.</p> - -<p>“That’s a lynx out hunting for his supper. -Don’t get uneasy about him; you’ll hear and -see him often between now and spring.”</p> - -<p>“What sort of a creature is it?” inquired -Ed, glancing toward the door.</p> - -<p>“Why, he’s a kind of overgrown wildcat,” -Ben explained, laughing. “He’s savage enough -if you corner him and make him fight; but -otherwise he’ll usually get out of your way.”</p> - -<p>The call was not repeated; but it made a -deep impression on the boys, who, never having -seen the animal that made it, conjured -up all sorts of dreadful creatures in their -imaginations.</p> - -<p>At last the guide knocked the ashes from -his pipe, and after closing and bolting the -door, much to the satisfaction of the boys, -declared it time to go to bed. Ed and George -decided to share a bunk between them, and -chose one of the upper ones. Bidding the -men good night, they climbed aloft, rolled<span class="pagenum">[18]</span> -themselves in the heavy blankets, and, sinking -deep in the fragrant bed of balsam, were -soon sound asleep.</p> - -<p>George was rudely awakened by something -striking him forcibly on the chest and scampering -across his face. Rising bolt upright -in his fright, he grasped Ed by the hair. As -he, too, sat up half asleep, George inquired, -breathlessly, “What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“What’s what?” asked Ed, at once wide -awake.</p> - -<p>“Listen!” cautioned George, in a hoarse -whisper.</p> - -<p>They sat perfectly still, and, above the -nervous thumpings of their own hearts, heard -strange scamperings, thuds, and scratchings -on the logs near the roof of the cabin. Then -something soft and furry sailed through -space and struck Ed full in the face. This -was more than they could stand, and, uttering -a wild yell, both of them tumbled out of their -bunk and scrambled hastily down to where -the woodsmen lay convulsed with laughter.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with you fellows?” -asked Ben, when they tugged at his arm with -trembling fingers.</p> - -<p>“Say, Ben, there is some kind of wild animal -up there!” stammered George, endeavoring -to keep his teeth from chattering.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[19]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, and it sprang right in my face!” -added Ed, ducking his head when he heard -another sound above him in the darkness.</p> - -<p>Ben laughed so heartily that the boys began -to feel somewhat ashamed for having -told him anything about it. Then he explained -it to them.</p> - -<p>“Why, those are little flying squirrels, the -prettiest little fellows you ever saw. I’ll -show them to you to-morrow. They couldn’t -harm a baby. However, you can take that -lower bunk opposite us, and they won’t -bother you any more to-night.”</p> - -<p>Neither of the boys was a coward, however; -and, now that they knew what had disturbed -them, they climbed manfully back to -their bunk and pulled the blankets over their -heads, determined to pay no more attention -to their strange bed-fellows.</p> - -<p>“Say, Tom, those lads are all right,” said -Ben, addressing the blanketed figure beside -him.</p> - -<p>“Looks like they’d make good,” was the -sleepy reply.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[20]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="II">II<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A WILD RIDE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">With the first gleam of daylight Ben was -astir cooking breakfast. Awakened by -the noise, the boys dressed and jumped from -the bunk to join him.</p> - -<p>“Listen to that,” he cried, as a weird, -trembling laugh sounded from the water. -“That’s a loon; and if you fellows will sneak -down to the shore of the lake you’ll get a -peep at him.”</p> - -<p>The boys ran outside and made their way -quietly down the trail toward the lake, which -they could see shimmering brightly between -the tree-trunks.</p> - -<p>The call was repeated, and, reaching a group -of white birches growing at the edge of the -water, they parted the branches and looked -eagerly out. A great white mist was curling -up from the water, and for some time they -could see nothing more. Then George pointed -excitedly out toward the center of the lake, -and, following the direction with his eyes,<span class="pagenum">[21]</span> -Ed saw a large, dark bird with a white circle -about its neck swimming leisurely along. -Every few minutes it uttered a wild, tremulous -laugh, and the lads endeavored to imitate -it without success. They watched the -loon while it swam about and dove beneath -the water, until it finally disappeared from -view.</p> - -<p>Then they sat on a moss-grown log and -looked across the great blue expanse of water -to the opposite wooded shore, which rose to -form a pine-topped mountain. They saw -the sun rise over this mountain in golden -splendor, and shed its rays on lake and forest. -A big fish jumped into the air and returned -to the water with a noisy splash. They instantly -nudged each other in delightful anticipation -of the sport in store for them with -rod and reel.</p> - -<p>“Oh, look, look!” cried George; and he -pointed to a small brown animal swimming -along near the shore. Only its head and part -of its neck showed above the water, and its -mouth was full of green leaves.</p> - -<p>“It’s a rat!” declared Ed, seizing a stone -and hurling it at the unknown creature, which -promptly dove beneath the water.</p> - -<p>When it reappeared some distance away, -George took several ineffectual shots at it;<span class="pagenum">[22]</span> -but each time it dove before the stone reached -it, and finally drew out of range unharmed. -Disgusted with their marksmanship, the boys -hastened to the cabin, where they found -breakfast ready.</p> - -<p>They asked Ben about the little brown -animal they had seen, and he told them it was -a muskrat. He said he would some day show -them its wonderful houses, and told how it -lived and traveled long distances under the -ice in winter.</p> - -<p>Breakfast was soon over, and the dishes -washed and put away. As the owner of -the team was anxious to get started on the -long journey to his cabin, Ben and the boys -went outside to help him hitch up. The -task was quickly accomplished, and, wishing -them many pleasant experiences in the woods, -he bade the boys good-by, spoke to the faithful -team of ponies, and was soon lost to view.</p> - -<p>Returning to the cabin, the lads went to -work willingly under the direction of Ben, and -unpacked and stowed away their many belongings. -The guide examined their rifles -and shotguns, and pronounced them satisfactory. -The heavy boots and waterproof -moccasins which they had brought for winter -wear also met his approval, and he promised -they would have much need of them later on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[23]</span></p> - -<p>When everything had been properly stowed -away, he bade them bring their shotguns, and -led the way to the lake. Walking into some -bushes near by, he dragged forth a canvas -canoe and launched it. Placing Ed in the -bow and George amidships, the guide took -his place in the stern and paddled swiftly -up the lake.</p> - -<p>He kept well in toward the shore, and explained -that there was more to be seen there -than on the open water farther out. Not a -sound was made, so easily did the canoe skim -along. Ben cautioned them that if they used -their eyes instead of their tongues they might -see something worth while. Consequently, -they sat very quiet, watching for something -to happen.</p> - -<p>All at once the bow of the canoe turned -toward the middle of the lake, and the little -craft commenced to leap through the water -in great forward bounds.</p> - -<p>“There he goes!” cried Ben. “Now for -some fun.”</p> - -<p>The boys looked out on the lake and saw -the head and antlers of a deer, which was -swimming desperately to reach the other -shore. He had already spied them, and was -doing his best to escape. Ben sent the canoe -racing along, and the excited lads saw that<span class="pagenum">[24]</span> -they were rapidly gaining. They shouted -aloud in the excitement of the chase, and then -began to wonder what might happen when -they drew alongside.</p> - -<p>“Shall we shoot him?” inquired George, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you dare!” thundered Ben, between -paddle-strokes. “No one but a ‘tenderfoot’ -or a ‘pot-hunter’ would shoot a deer -in the water. And never try to kill a deer -with anything but a rifle. We’ll just have -some fun with him and let him go.”</p> - -<p>They felt rather disappointed at losing -such a chance. They did not quite know -what a “tenderfoot” or a “pot-hunter” -might be, but were sure neither was a pattern -for them.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile they had approached to within -a few yards of the buck. They could hear his -hoarse, quick breathing and see the big, -brown eyes turned toward them in fear as -they drew close up beside him. The deer was -doing all in its power to evade capture. But -Ben was an expert with the paddle, and, twist -and turn as it would, the frightened creature -found the pursuing canoe always beside it. -The boys, thoroughly carried away by the -sport, reached forth to touch it on the neck. -Instantly a change came over the hunted<span class="pagenum">[25]</span> -animal. An angry light of battle shone in its -eyes, and even as Ben called a warning it -half raised itself from the water and struck -a wicked blow at the frail canoe with its -sharp-pointed forefeet.</p> - -<p>In jumping back from the sudden attack, -the boys overturned the canoe and were -thrown out. Ed and Ben fell into the water, -but George landed squarely astride the back -of the frightened buck. He had sufficient -presence of mind to grasp the antlers and -hang on. And then began a ride the like -of which few if any boys have ever experienced!</p> - -<div id="Ref_037" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i037.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">GEORGE LANDED FAIRLY ASTRIDE THE BACK OF THE FRIGHTENED BUCK</p></div> -</div> - -<p>The deer, feeling the weight of the lad on -its back, threw itself forward in a series of -wild leaps half out of water. George gripped -the wet body with his knees and hung grimly -to the rough horns. He had no desire to fall -off into the deep water through which the -animal was taking him in its mad flight to -the opposite side of the lake.</p> - -<p>Ben had meantime boosted Ed to the top -of the overturned canoe, and was swimming -with it toward the shore they had just left. -Both of them were yelling encouragement to -the alarmed boy racing through the water -on the back of the deer.</p> - -<p>The buck, unable to rid himself of his unwelcome<span class="pagenum">[26]</span> -rider, began to twist and turn his -lithe body in an effort to throw him off. -Then what the guide had dreaded happened. -The buck dove beneath the water and took -George with it!</p> - -<p>Ed gave a startled cry when he saw his -friend disappear from sight beneath the surface, -and poor Ben groaned audibly. In -breathless silence they watched for what -seemed an eternity for the buck and its rider -to reappear.</p> - -<p>When the deer plunged under the water -George instinctively held his breath and shut -his eyes, as he was accustomed to do when -ducked in the school swimming-tank by mischievous -school-mates. He went much deeper -this time, however, and the water went up -his nostrils and roared in his ears. He gripped -the frenzied animal beneath him more tightly. -He could hear it gasping and choking down -there under the water, and it seemed as though -he, too, must soon open his mouth and free -his bursting lungs. He could hold his breath -but a moment longer. Then, just as he gave -an involuntary gasp for air, his head shot -above the water, and, coughing and snorting, -the buck once more swam rapidly toward the -land.</p> - -<p>Ed and Ben, who had reached shallow<span class="pagenum">[27]</span> -water, yelled with delight when they saw -their comrade reappear far out on the lake. -George was too full of water to reply to their -shouts and cheers. It was all he could do to -keep his hold on that slippery wet back.</p> - -<p>The buck seemed to realize that it could -not lose its rider in deep water, and it swam -strongly and steadily for the shore, now but -a short distance away. From the heaving of -its sides and its short, rasping gasps, George -knew it was fairly well spent. As for himself, -he had regained his wind and some of -his confidence, and he determined to hold -on until he reached land.</p> - -<p>At last the deer found footing and jumped -forward into water to its knees. Then it -began a series of bounds and bucks which -sent George soaring through space to land on -his back in a foot or more of water. For a -moment the buck stood looking at him, and -he feared it was going to charge. But, to his -relief, it uttered a loud snort and dashed up -the bank and disappeared in the forest. Despite -his wild ride, George was unhurt; and, -scrambling to his feet, he waded ashore and -sat down.</p> - -<p>Ed and the guide, having turned the water -out of the canoe, paddled across the lake to -get him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[28]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, you certainly had a ride and a half,” -laughed Ben, when they were within speaking -distance. “You’re not hurt any, are -you?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed,” George assured them, rising. -“Say, Ed, it’s your turn next.”</p> - -<p>But Ed’s answer was, “Not for mine!”</p> - -<p>They entered the canoe, and Ben paddled -quickly across the lake to the other shore, -where they alighted and ran to the cabin to -change to dry clothing.</p> - -<p>While they were drying the dishes after -dinner, Ben touched them lightly on the arm, -and, cautioning them to be still, pointed overhead -toward the cross-poles of the cabin. -The boys heard the scratching that had -alarmed them the night previous. Watching -closely, they saw a pretty little animal peering -inquisitively down at them with big black -eyes. It was white underneath and soft-brown -above. Ben said it was a flying squirrel. -He promised, if they would watch at twilight, -they would see the dainty creatures go -sailing through the air. Thoroughly interested, -the lads decided to look at the proper -time.</p> - -<p>“Ah-oonk, ah-oonk!”</p> - -<p>The sound came from above, and Ben ran -outside, followed by the boys. Looking up to<span class="pagenum">[29]</span> -where he pointed, they saw a V-shaped flock -of large birds flying rapidly toward the lake. -The guide said they were wild geese, and that -their coming foretold cold weather. The lads -watched them wheel and drop toward the -water. Then they distinctly heard the splash -as the flock alighted.</p> - -<p>Ed and George were for getting their guns -and going after the birds at once, but Ben -told them to wait. He explained that when -the geese first settled on the lake they were -wary and suspicious, but said that after a -while, if not molested, they would begin to -feed, and might then be approached more -easily.</p> - -<p>The boys grew very impatient as the afternoon -wore on, and finally sneaked away to -the lake to have a look at the geese while -Ben was busy. They could hear the birds -calling somewhere out on the water, and -when near the lake threw themselves flat on -their stomachs and crawled carefully along. -They peered from behind a big boulder; and -there, but a short distance away, was the flock, -feeding and splashing about in fancied security.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott! Why didn’t we bring our -guns?” demanded Ed, in a disgusted whisper.</p> - -<p>“You go back and get them, and I’ll stay<span class="pagenum">[30]</span> -here and watch,” replied George, crouching -lower behind the rock as one of the great -birds raised itself on the water and flapped -its wings. “We’ll get one for supper and surprise -Ben,” he added, chuckling at the -thought.</p> - -<p>Ed started eagerly away on his errand, but -in his haste was inexcusably clumsy, and fell -head foremost over a prostrate log which -happened to lie in his path. He went down -with a loud crash in the midst of a tangled -mass of broken branches and brittle sticks.</p> - -<p>Instantly the geese jumped into the air -with loud, frightened calls, and flew swiftly -along close to the water toward a point of the -shore a short distance away.</p> - -<p>“You’re a peach!” cried George, in dismay, -as he rose from behind the rock and surveyed -his friend, who was still floundering about in -the tangle of deadwood.</p> - -<p>“Did they hear me?” inquired Ed, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Hear you! Why—”</p> - -<p>Bang, bang!</p> - -<p>The report of a gun sounded across the -water from the direction of the point toward -which the geese had flown. Running to the -water’s edge, the boys saw the bodies of -two dead geese floating on the surface some<span class="pagenum">[31]</span> -distance out. Looking along the shore, they -beheld Ben, gun in hand, waving to them.</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you think of that?” asked -George.</p> - -<p>“Beat us at our own game; but we’ll eat -goose, anyhow,” laughed Ed, slapping his -friend on the back.</p> - -<p>Ben was calling across to them, and they -listened to catch his words.</p> - -<p>“Hey, you fellows, watch those birds. I -guess they’re dead, all right, and I’ll come -around and get the canoe.”</p> - -<p>The boys sat down at the edge of the lake, -and Ben disappeared into the woods. When -he joined them they entered the canoe and -went out to where the geese were drifting -slowly away. Ben steadied the frail craft -while the boys lifted the heavy birds in over -the side.</p> - -<p>“Always pick them up by the head and give -them a shake to get the water off before -you bring them in,” he cautioned.</p> - -<p>Then he began to chuckle, for the lads were -crestfallen and silent.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right, boys; you see, I missed -you and knew you had sneaked away to have -a peep at the geese. I went inside and saw -you had left your guns, which was right and -proper, for I want you to remember never to<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> -take them unless I’m with you or give you -permission.”</p> - -<p>The boys looked at each other, thankful -that Ed had failed in his mission, for they -dreaded to think of the lecture that might -have come from Ben had they taken the guns -without permission.</p> - -<p>“Just as I said, I knew you had no chance -of getting any of the birds; and as I was sure -they would sooner or later see or hear you, -I decided to steal down and knock over a -couple. They’re mighty fine eating.” He -smiled mischievously.</p> - -<p>They landed from the canoe, and each of -the lads threw a goose over his shoulder and -carried it triumphantly to the cabin. They -tied the birds up outside, for Ben told them it -was best to let them hang for a day or two -before roasting. He said the boys should do -the plucking and cleaning at the proper time, -as he wished them to learn how to do such -things.</p> - -<p>While the guide busied himself inside the -cabin with the preparation of the evening -meal the boys sat outside talking over the -interesting happenings of the day. Suddenly -Ed ducked his head as a little brown animal -sailed past and landed against the trunk of -a tree.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[33]</span></p> - -<p>“Flying squirrels!” cried George, pointing -to the roof of the cabin, where several of them -were running about in play.</p> - -<p>“Here comes another!” shouted Ed, as -one sailed off into the woods from the top of -the cabin. “They don’t fly; they glide,” he -declared, after having watched several more -go past.</p> - -<p>Ben came out holding something in his hat. -When he sat down beside them, they saw that -he had one of the squirrels. He said he had -caught it with his hands, using the felt hat -to protect him from the sharp teeth of the -little creature, which would not hesitate to -use them. He held the squirrel in such a -manner that the boys were enabled to examine -the loose folds of skin which extended -down the inside of each leg, almost to its -toes. They noted that when the animal -spread its legs this skin formed a sort of -parachute which enabled the squirrel to sail -from a higher to a lower position.</p> - -<p>When they had studied the odd little rodent -thoroughly, Ben released it, expecting -it would run up the side of a near-by tree. -Instead, thoroughly frightened, it turned and -ran up the nearest object, which happened -to be Ben’s left trouser-leg.</p> - -<p>The boys rolled over the ground in spasms<span class="pagenum">[34]</span> -of laughter, while the guide hopped about -endeavoring to shake the squirrel down. -After great exertion he finally succeeded, and -the panic-stricken little creature ran up the -trunk of a convenient pine and hid itself -among the branches.</p> - -<p>After supper Ben entertained the boys by -telling several hunting stories. When he had -finished the last one, he declared it bed-time; -knocking the ashes from his pipe, he rose and -went outside to consult the sky for weather -predictions.</p> - -<p>“Going to be a fine day to-morrow. Guess -we’ll line bees and get some honey for the -winter,” he said, when he came in.</p> - -<p>“How do you do that?” asked the lads.</p> - -<p>“I’ll show you in the morning. It’s time -to turn in, now.” And he motioned them to -the bunk.</p> - -<p>“What did he say about bees?” whispered -Ed, when he and George were beneath the -blankets.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but I’ll bet it’s going to be -sport,” George replied, sleepily.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[35]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="III">III<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BEES AND WILDCATS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys were awake early, and, quickly -dressing themselves, they rushed outside -to await the appearance of the sun. Ben -had told them that the day must be warm -and cloudless, for then the bees would work -well. Having waited until the sun was some -little distance above the horizon, and all -danger of a cold or rainy day was past, the -hungry lads entered the cabin and ate the -meal which the guide had prepared.</p> - -<p>As the morning wore on and developed into -all the glories of a perfect “Indian summer” -day, even Ben became enthusiastic, and declared -it just right for the lining of bees.</p> - -<p>“Where must we go to find the bees?” -asked George.</p> - -<p>Before replying Ben took a small bottle -from the pantry-shelf. Uncorking it, he began -sniffing at the contents. He also brought forth -a fruit-jar filled with strained honey, a tablespoonful -of which he diluted with warm water<span class="pagenum">[36]</span> -and poured into a saucer. Then he found a -good-sized piece of old honeycomb. Gathering -these things together, he was ready to -start.</p> - -<p>“We’ll just go down to that little clearing -by the lake, where we can see them work,” -he said, as Ed and George followed him from -the cabin.</p> - -<p>In this little woodland meadow some goldenrod -had grown and bloomed, and about the -blossoms several bees were buzzing industriously -when Ben and the boys arrived. The -guide seemed much pleased at finding them -there, and said he would soon get a line when -he had things ready.</p> - -<p>He explained that a line was the direction -of the bee-tree which held the honey. He -said that this was found by watching the -bees, who, when they had loaded up with the -sweets set out for them, would rise in the air -and, after circling about the locality once or -twice, would start off in a straight line for -the distant tree. Ben cautioned the boys to -watch the line of flight as far as they could -see it. Then, when they were sure of its -general direction, he would move on to where -it had faded from their vision, and again set -out his bait. They must repeat this operation -until they found themselves near the<span class="pagenum">[37]</span> -tree. Then they would begin a search -for it.</p> - -<p>He said he was glad to find the bees at -work on the goldenrod. It would save him -the necessity of building a fire and rubbing -the honeycomb on a hot stone, so that the -scent would draw the bees.</p> - -<p>Ben uncorked a bottle which contained -anise-seed oil. He broke off several blossoming -stems of the goldenrod and poured a few -drops of the liquid on each. Then he placed -them on or near the saucer containing the -strained honey, and, bidding the boys be -seated, sat down to await developments.</p> - -<p>“There’s one now!” cried Ed, as a bee -alighted on the edge of the saucer and began -to load up with the honey.</p> - -<p>Ben nodded his head and smiled.</p> - -<p>“There’ll be hundreds here in an hour,” -he promised.</p> - -<p>“Can they smell it so far away?” asked -George.</p> - -<p>“No; but these will come back and bring -more. You’ll see, before long. Look out! -Watch him, over your head there! See him -circle? There he goes! Now watch him as -far as you can,” cautioned the guide, as the -first bee started away for the unknown tree.</p> - -<p>“I’ve lost him!” wailed Ed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[38]</span></p> - -<p>“I see him—no, he’s gone!” cried George.</p> - -<p>“Never mind, there’ll be many more,” Ben -told them. “Watch that fellow on the rim -of the saucer; he’s going in a second. There -he goes! See him circle? Watch now, watch -close, he’s circling again—there he goes—same -way,” he declared, shading his eyes with -his hands.</p> - -<p>For some minutes no more bees appeared, -and the boys began to fear that something -was wrong. Then three at once alighted on -the saucer, and Ben said the tree was not far -away. While they were watching them two -more came; then others, by ones and twos, -until there were fifteen or twenty at the feast. -The watchers were kept busy turning and -twisting their heads to follow the swift flight -of the little workers as each started away -with its hoard of sweets. More bees came -every moment, until they were arriving and -leaving in a steady stream.</p> - -<p>Ben had meanwhile discovered what he -called a cross-line. Bees from another colony -in a different tree had found the tempting -feast. They were coming and leaving in a -different direction from that taken by the -first lot. He decided to follow up the original -line, for he believed their tree to be the nearer. -He said they would leave this second lot until<span class="pagenum">[39]</span> -another day, although he hoped to get all the -honey they required from the colony they -were tracing.</p> - -<p>At length he declared it time to move along -the line. Choosing a dead hemlock some distance -away, on the side of a hardwood ridge, -as the spot where the bees faded from sight -on their flight, the guide led the boys through -the woods in its direction.</p> - -<p>After a hard scramble up the hillside they -reached the hemlock and sat down to await -the bees. They had not been there long before -the industrious little toilers covered the saucer, -pushing and crowding one another in their -efforts to get their share of the honey it contained. -They flew away in the same direction -as before, and Ben knew he was on the -line. Basing his prophecy on the increased -number of bees, he said that with the next -moving they should be within reach of the -tree.</p> - -<p>Once more they traveled on, this time over -the ridge and down the other side into a -heavily timbered ravine. Here the guide -thought they would find the honey-tree. Indeed, -no sooner were they seated than bees -by the hundreds flocked to the bait. These -left without circling, and Ben said it was a -sure sign the tree was near.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[40]</span></p> - -<p>The bee-hunters rose and began a close inspection -of each tree-trunk in the vicinity, -looking carefully up and down its length for -some opening or cavity which might proclaim -the entrance to a hive within. Ben -told the boys to travel along in sight of him, -one on either side, and urged them to inspect -each tree thoroughly. He reminded them -that bees sometimes went in an opening at -the very bottom, and at other times near the -tiptop.</p> - -<p>Finally George, who was at the right of the -line, came to a great weather-beaten pine with -a large cavity in its trunk near the base. He -felt sure this was the tree that contained the -honey. Stooping down, he foolishly put his -face to the opening in an effort to obtain a -view of the inside. Luckily there were no -bees there, but something else flew out and -struck him full in the face. And then, as he -fell over on his back from the suddenness of -the attack, a perfect army of bats came chattering -from the tree. Thrusting his hands -before his face, George ran from the spot.</p> - -<p>Just then Ed called out that he had found -the tree. Hurrying to the place where he and -Ben stood gazing at a hole near the top of a -giant oak, George saw a steady swarm of bees -entering and leaving the cavity.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[41]</span></p> - -<p>“Guess we’ll have to cut that to-night,” -said Ben. “There ought to be a pile of honey -in there, boys. But you can’t always tell; -sometimes the biggest trees hold the least -honey.”</p> - -<p>There was an angry buzzing about their -heads, and they ducked and ran.</p> - -<p>“We’ll mosey along out of here and go -home and make some torches. Then we’ll -come back after dark and go to work,” Ben -promised.</p> - -<p>George told of finding the bats, and his -companions laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>“They roost in a hollow tree like that by -the thousands sometimes,” said the guide. -“I’ve done the same thing you did, often. -Why, I’ve had them strike me in the face so -hard that my eye swelled up.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” demanded Ed, stopping to -listen.</p> - -<p>“That? That’s our friend the grouse again, -only this time he’s drumming,” replied Ben.</p> - -<p>“Drumming!” exclaimed the boys, in -unison.</p> - -<div id="Ref_055" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i055.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">GROUSE DRUMMING ON A LOG</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“Yes, that’s what we call it. He wins his -mate that way in the spring. Sometimes on -a nice day, like this, in the fall, he comes to a -warm, sunny spot in the woods and starts -drumming, just like it was spring again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p> - -<p>“How does he do it?” inquired George, as -the hollow, booming roll came from the deep, -silent woods.</p> - -<p>“Why, he stands on a log, or rock, and -beats the air with his wings.”</p> - -<p>Ben knelt down and imitated the sound by -pounding the ground with his closed fist.</p> - -<p>“When a grouse is drumming like that, -you can walk right up to him. All you need -do is to get his direction, and then hurry -toward him while he’s busy drumming. As -soon as he stops, or a little sooner, you must -remain perfectly still. Then, when he drums -again, move on, until you come in sight of -him.”</p> - -<p>The boys made a note of this, and determined -to try the experiment at the first chance.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the cabin, Ben busied himself in -preparing the sulphur torches. He took strips -of burlap and wound them tightly about the -ends of pine sticks. Between each roll of the -canvas he sprinkled a generous quantity of -powdered sulphur.</p> - -<p>He explained that when the tree fell some -one must run forward and hold a lighted -torch at the cavity. The torch-bearer must -then blow the sulphur fumes down into the -trunk to disable the bees till the honey could -be “boxed out” and secured.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[43]</span></p> - -<p>Toward late afternoon the boys were surprised -to hear the deep, musical baying of a -hound in the woods near at hand. Ben came -to the door at the sound, and peered expectantly -down the trail.</p> - -<p>“I’ll bet it’s Bill Lang,” he declared, and -he uttered a loud helloa, which was instantly -answered. “Yep, that’s him, boys. Now -you’ll hear some real stories from a genuine -trapper.”</p> - -<p>A lean, black and white hound, with long, -trailing ears, came out of the woods and -wiggled its way to Ben to be petted.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, Moze,” cried the guide, stooping -to reach the dog; “where’s Bill, eh?”</p> - -<p>Then a thick-set man about the age of Ben -came into view and waved his hand at the -group in the doorway.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, Bill!”</p> - -<p>“Howdy, Ben.” And the trapper turned -his keen eyes on the boys, who were endeavoring -to make friends with his dog.</p> - -<p>“Boys, this is my friend, Bill Lang. Bill, -I’ve picked up a couple of ‘pards’ since you -were here. Shake hands with Ed Williams -and George Rand, young friends of mine from -the city. They’re here to learn something -about the woods.”</p> - -<p>“That’s not the son of Doctor Williams,<span class="pagenum">[44]</span> -who comes out here to hunt and fish, is it?” -inquired the trapper, looking at Ed searchingly.</p> - -<p>“That’s just who he is,” responded the guide.</p> - -<p>“Well, if he takes after the ‘old man’ he -ought to be all right,” declared the new-comer, -as he picked up the basin and retired outside -to wash.</p> - -<p>“Prospecting for a trap line?” inquired Ben -of the trapper, when they were at supper.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sort of looking the country over a -little bit,” he replied. “So you’re going to -cut a bee-tree, are you? Well, I said to myself, -to-day, that the bees ought to work -good. How far from here is it?”</p> - -<p>“Not more than a scant mile,” Ben assured -him. “We got another line, too, but couldn’t -stop to bother with it. Better stay over and -take some of the honey; there’s likely to be -more than we’ll need.”</p> - -<p>“Why, like as not I will,” agreed the trapper, -much to the delight of the boys.</p> - -<p>As soon as it was dark they started off for -the tree. Ben went ahead with the lantern, -the torches, and an ax; George came next, -carrying a dish-pan and a large iron spoon; -then Ed followed with a pail; and the trapper -brought up the rear with his ax and another -pail.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[45]</span></p> - -<p>Although the stars shone brightly overhead, -it was very dark in the woods. The boys, -unaccustomed to such travel, stumbled and -fell many times before they brought up at -the tree. The lantern was immediately concealed -behind a rock, so its glare would not -attract the bees. Then, cautioning Ed and -George to tie their handkerchiefs about their -faces, the guide and his friend prepared to -fell the tree.</p> - -<p>The blows of their axes resounded through -the woods, and great chips flew through the -air as the cutting blades bit their way into -the heart of the oak. Occasionally the choppers -paused to gaze upward at its swaying -top, for it was important that the tree should -fall with the hole uppermost. Then, bending, -they again attacked it with powerful, swinging -blows, until it began to creak, and give, and -totter. Ben seized the boys and pushed -them aside, and the forest monarch crashed -to earth, the butt bounding back from the -stump high in the air.</p> - -<p>Hardly had the great tree fallen before Bill -was at the hole with a sulphur torch. The -lads ran forward to see what he was doing, -and were choked by the fumes he was blowing -down into the trunk. They distinctly heard -the loud, angry buzzing of thousands of imprisoned<span class="pagenum">[46]</span> -bees, and were thankful that the -trapper stood guard with his torch. A few -managed to escape him and forced the boys -to dodge and run by buzzing angrily about -their ears.</p> - -<p>While Bill stood bravely by the entrance -and sent the stifling fumes of his torch -into the tree, Ben mounted the prostrate -trunk. He began cutting out a wide strip -directly above the place where he heard the -fierce buzzing, now grown weaker and less -threatening, thanks to the trapper and his -torch.</p> - -<p>The others laughed heartily when Bill got -a whiff of his own medicine and doubled up -gasping and coughing, his lungs full of sulphur -fumes. Their joy was short-lived, however, -for at that very instant George was -stung on the back of the neck and the guide -behind the ear. Bill declared it served them -right for laughing at him.</p> - -<p>Ben called for the lantern and the remaining -torch, which Ed quickly brought him. -He lifted out the slab he had chopped free, -and instantly thrust the torch into the long -opening. Then he asked for the pan, and -began to take great strips of dripping comb -from inside the tree. The cavity was about -four feet long, and was lined with layers of<span class="pagenum">[47]</span> -clean, fragrant honey, over which crawled -thousands of stupefied bees.</p> - -<p>Strip after strip was lifted from the tree -until the dish-pan and pails were full. All -through the woods was wafted the delicious -odor of new-made honey.</p> - -<p>“That ought to draw a bear if there’s one -anywhere around,” declared the trapper, -sniffing the air, as they gathered up their -burdens and started for the cabin.</p> - -<p>Ben had a lump behind his ear, and George -had developed a similar one on the back of -his neck. Coming to a spring-hole, they -plastered the bites with mud.</p> - -<p>“Must be close to fifty pounds altogether,” -said Bill, when they reached the cabin.</p> - -<p>“Yes, all of that, if not more,” agreed Ben, -scooping out some very sticky bees which -were leisurely crawling over the comb.</p> - -<p>While they were going over the honey to -rid it of bark and bees, the boys heard a new -sound from the forest.</p> - -<p>“Who-ah, to-who, to-who, to-who!”</p> - -<p>It was a weird, dismal call, and they went -to the door to listen. Ben laughingly told -them it was only an owl.</p> - -<p>Bill went outside, and, to the delight of the -lads, gave a perfect imitation of the hoot. -The bird answered and came nearer, and Bill<span class="pagenum">[48]</span> -replied again and again, and at last decoyed -it into a tree directly over the cabin. There -it called and hooted for a long time, until -finally, uttering a blood-curdling screech, it -flew away in the darkness and called faintly -from the other side of the lake.</p> - -<p>Later they heard the hound baying, and -the trapper declared it was running a coon. -The boys were anxious to start a search for -it, but Ben said they had done enough for -one day. He made Bill promise to remain -and take them on a hunt the following night.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it great, though?” exclaimed Ed, -when they were in their bunk.</p> - -<p>“Each day gets better,” George replied.</p> - -<p>The next day they spent in the woods with -the trapper searching for coon signs. The -first tracks were found in the mud about a -spring-hole. Bill showed them to the boys, -who were surprised at the resemblance to -baby footprints. He said the little gray-and-black -animals made trails very similar in -form, though, of course, much smaller, to -those of the bear, to whom they seemed distantly -related.</p> - -<p>About the border of the lake they found -other tracks, and saw many empty mussel -shells lying about close by. Bill explained -that racoons were exceedingly fond of these<span class="pagenum">[49]</span> -freshwater clams, and described how they -cracked the shells to get at the meat inside. -He said, judging by the many signs and -tracks about, they would have little trouble -“jumping” a coon when they started with -the hound that night.</p> - -<p>It was barely twilight when the boys were -eager to be off. Bill told them that the best -coon hunting came long after dark, and declared -there was no need of starting so early. -The hound was fastened to the cabin by a -long leash, to prevent him straying off before -the hunt. Then for some time the impatient -young hunters sat waiting.</p> - -<p>At last it was time to go, and the little -hunting party filed away into the black forest. -Following along one behind the other, -they came to the spring-hole where they had -seen the tracks. Bill, who was leading with -Moze, had trouble in holding the hound -back. It sniffed excitedly over the moist -ground, but seemed to find nothing especially -interesting, and they moved on.</p> - -<p>“Little too early,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>“We’ll find one before long,” Ben prophesied, -hopefully.</p> - -<p>The boys moved slowly along behind the -trapper, who carried the lantern, and Ben -followed in the rear to prevent their straying<span class="pagenum">[50]</span> -from the trail. The great black woods had -a peculiar charm about them at that time of -night, and as the boys peered about beneath -the massive trees they recalled the story of -a panther which the guide had told them. -They wondered if one of those savage animals -was lurking somewhere near them in the -darkness, and were thankful for two such -body-guards as Bill and Ben.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the hound uttered a long, dismal -howl and jumped forward so quickly that it -almost pulled Bill headlong to the ground.</p> - -<p>“He’s found one!” cried Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yep, there’s been one here, sure,” declared -Bill, stooping and releasing Moze.</p> - -<p>The hound instantly dashed away into the -night, uttering a series of short, excited -yelps.</p> - -<p>The boys were for chasing after him, but -were laughingly restrained and told to remain -where they were until the coon was treed. -The hunters stood clustered expectantly about -the lantern, while every few moments the -voice of Moze echoed through the woods and -gave warning that he was hot on the trail.</p> - -<p>Then farther away they heard his quick, -snappy bark, and Bill said the coon had been -treed. At a rapid pace he led the way down -a steep ravine, across a rock-strewn gully,<span class="pagenum">[51]</span> -and up a rough hillside. Panting and excited, -the boys raced along behind him. They -seemed heedless of the sharp, stinging blows -from branches which snapped in their faces, -the scratching grasp of thorny bushes which -tore their hands, or the strong, entangling -grip of low, sprawling vines which wound -about their feet.</p> - -<p>At last they came out into more open -country beneath a great grove of evergreens. -The dog’s impatient yelps sounded from a -short distance in advance of them. Shouting -encouragement, Bill hastened on toward where -they heard the hound. When they got there -Moze was jumping about and barking excitedly -at the foot of a giant, lightning-killed -pine whose trunk extended high up into the -blackness.</p> - -<p>“It’s up there, all right,” said the trapper, -holding aloft the lantern and peering upward -into the night.</p> - -<p>They were unable to see the coon, which -was evidently in the very top of the tree -and well shielded by the darkness. The -two veteran hunters decided to build a fire. -Soon there was a great roaring blaze, which -threw a shaft of light far aloft into the mass -of naked branches. On one of them, in near -the trunk, crouched their quarry. The tree<span class="pagenum">[52]</span> -was too big to chop down, and after some discussion -Bill volunteered to climb it.</p> - -<p>Having cut a long, crotched pole, the trapper -fastened it to his waist with a piece of -buckskin, and then he twined his legs about -the tree and began to “shinney” toward the -top. Ben and the boys armed themselves -with stout clubs and waited anxiously for -something to drop.</p> - -<p>When he was within striking distance, -Bill loosened the pole from his waist and -pushed the coon from the limb on which it -crouched. It fell, but caught on a lower -branch, which ran to a fork, and again -settled down. Bill slid down to it, and this -time gave it a prod that sent it sailing through -space with outstretched legs. It fell heavily -to the ground in the midst of the little group -at the base of the tree.</p> - -<p>No sooner had it struck than Moze was -upon it. Then began a fierce battle between -dog and coon. Snarling and coughing, they -rolled over and over in their struggle, Moze -on top one moment, and the coon, which -was putting up a valiant fight, uppermost the -next.</p> - -<p>The battle was waged furiously, and the -animals appeared to be about evenly matched. -The hunters formed an interested circle about<span class="pagenum">[53]</span> -the combatants, until the latter, in their -frenzy, rolled between Ed’s feet and brought -him down in a heap on top of them. For a -moment there was the wildest kind of excitement -as Ed frantically endeavored to roll -away from the snapping animals. He finally -managed to scramble to his feet, and ran -nimbly aside, as Ben struck and killed the -coon with his club.</p> - -<p>Moze came up for inspection under the -lantern light. He wagged his tail in triumph, -but he looked much the worse for his encounter. -He was scratched and torn from -the sharp teeth and claws of his late antagonist, -but appeared not to mind his wounds. -Bill examined him carefully, and said that -the few scratches were nothing to what he -often got on such expeditions. As the hound -seemed willing and eager to continue the -hunt, the hunters moved on.</p> - -<p>They walked several miles through the -black woods in the hope of finding another -coon, but Moze was unable to strike a second -trail. Bill led the way through two large -swamps, where in many places they sank to -their knees in water. Then he guided them -up a mountain-side, where the ground was -covered with fallen tree-trunks—the result of -a forest fire and tempest the year previous.<span class="pagenum">[54]</span> -The boys found it hard work climbing over -these obstructions in the dark, and George -declared he felt like an ant clambering over a -pile of tooth-picks. At last they came to the -top of the ridge, which was crowned with a -forest of hardwoods, mostly oaks and chestnuts. -They sat down to rest and dry their -brows, for, though the night was cool, the brisk -walk and hard climb had made them perspire.</p> - -<p>Moze had gone on ahead, and suddenly -they heard him baying furiously a short distance -away to the right. The boys jumped -to their feet instantly, but Ben cautioned -them to wait until the hound had treed its -quarry. They listened to the yelps and howls, -which now seemed to come from farther -away. Finally Bill rose and said they would -follow the dog.</p> - -<p>“Sounds like he might have a bob-cat or a -lynx,” said Bill, as they hastened along to -where Moze evidently had something up a -tree.</p> - -<p>“If that’s the case, we’re in for fun,” -laughed Ben.</p> - -<p>The lads became much excited at the prospect -of an encounter with either of the savage -animals mentioned, and thought of the wild -screech they had heard the first night in -camp. Ben had told them it was made by<span class="pagenum">[55]</span> -a lynx. As they hurried along Ed determined -to keep out of the way this time, for he had -no desire to tumble into a mix-up with such -a formidable antagonist.</p> - -<p>“Will Moze tackle a lynx?” he asked, -breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“He’ll pitch into anything from a bear -down,” Bill declared. “You’ll see fur fly in -a few minutes, I guess,” he added, as the savage -challenge of the hound sounded through -the night.</p> - -<p>As they drew near, Moze went racing away -down the hillside, baying lustily. Whatever -animal he was pursuing had evidently jumped -from the tree when it heard the noisy approach -of the hunters.</p> - -<p>“That’s a bob-cat trick,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>“Yep,” said Ben, as he cautioned the boys -to be careful of their eyes while pushing -through the mass of unyielding branches -which swept stingingly across their faces.</p> - -<p>Again Moze drove the unseen creature -up a tree, but not before he had come close -enough to make it spit and snarl wickedly. -Bill now assured them that they had a bob-cat -to deal with. He said there would be -the fiercest kind of fight. They hurried on to -where the dog was barking and growling at -the base of a low, scrubby oak. The hair on<span class="pagenum">[56]</span> -his neck stood stiffly erect, and his whole -manner was more defiant and threatening -than when he had treed the coon. From -time to time he left off barking and raised -himself on his hind legs in an effort to leap -into the tree.</p> - -<p>Gazing into the tree-top but a few feet -above their heads, the boys saw a pair of shining -green eyes peering down into their own. -They quickly withdrew from beneath the -limb, and called Ben and the trapper, who -had been staring into the twisted branches -from the opposite side.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s a bob-cat, all right enough, -and a big one, too, I imagine,” cried Bill, excitedly. -“We should have brought a gun. -Might have known we’d run across one of -these fellows before we quit,” he said.</p> - -<p>There was a rustling of dried leaves, and -before any one had time to move the bob-cat -landed with a thump in the midst of them. -Ed crashed into George in his frantic effort -to get out of the way, and both of them fell -in a heap. Ben made a vicious swing with -his ax; but the bob-cat evaded him and went -racing off with Moze in hot pursuit.</p> - -<p>When the boys regained their feet, the -trapper was some distance away with the -lantern. Ben, who was crashing through some<span class="pagenum">[57]</span> -bushes to their left, called to them to follow -the light. Not wishing to be lost in the inky -woods, they hurried, pell-mell, after Bill and -the sounds of fighting.</p> - -<p>From the snarls and growls which they -heard, the lads knew that Moze had once more -brought the bob-cat to bay. Panting and excited, -they at last bumped into the trapper, -who was standing with the lantern held high -above his head, pointing at some rocks which -Ben was cautiously approaching, ax in hand.</p> - -<p>There, among the rocks, the bob-cat faced -them, driven to bay. With ears flattened, -eyes glaring, and lips drawn back in an ugly -snarl, it crouched before the dog. It kept -up a constant low, rumbling growl, which was -defiantly answered by Moze. The old hound -knew too much to rush recklessly into close -quarters, and contented himself with circling -about the ugly cat and so holding its attention. -The bob-cat was indeed, as Bill had -judged, a large one. Neither Ed nor George -had ever seen such a ferocious-looking wild -animal before, and it seemed to grow in size -and ugliness while they stared at it, squatting -there in the glow of the lantern, its whole -body quivering with rage.</p> - -<p>It drew back as though to spring when the -guide approached, and Bill called a warning.<span class="pagenum">[58]</span> -Ben cautiously retreated a few paces, and the -bob-cat relaxed somewhat, growling so fiercely -that the boys involuntarily moved several -feet nearer Bill.</p> - -<p>Moze rushed forward, but instantly jumped -back when the watchful creature struck a savage -blow at his head.</p> - -<p>“Look out, old boy, you’ll get a clawing!” -laughed Bill, warningly, to the enraged hound, -which was jumping to and fro barely out of -range of the sharp claws, bared and ready to -repel his attack.</p> - -<p>“I’ll stone him till he turns, and then you -send Moze in, and I’ll take a chance with -the ax,” Ben proposed.</p> - -<p>“He’s big, and he’ll fight hard,” said Bill, -dubiously.</p> - -<p>“I know it; but it’s the only chance we -have of getting him without a gun.” And -Ben stooped and picked up several stones. -“Now then, boys, look out for trouble!” he -warned, preparing to hurl one of the stones.</p> - -<p>“Hold on till I get a club,” urged Bill, -searching about for a weapon. “Here, Ed, -you hold the lantern, and, mind you, keep -the light on him!”</p> - -<p>Ben threw a stone, which struck the bob-cat -full in the side. With an enraged snarl -it turned to run, but Moze was upon it the<span class="pagenum">[59]</span> -same instant. He fastened his teeth in one -of its rear legs. The cat whirled and struck -before the dog could jump aside, and its long, -sharp claws inflicted a nasty gash in the top -of his head. With a howl of mingled rage and -pain Moze bounded to one side, and Ben let -go another rock, but in his eagerness he missed -the mark entirely.</p> - -<p>Then he shouted a warning, for the bob-cat -drew back as the second missile sped past its -head, and, gathering its powerful feet beneath -it, sprang directly at Ed and the -lantern. As the startled boy turned to run -it struck him in the middle of his back -and sent him pitching forward on his -face.</p> - -<p>Instantly Moze rushed in, and Bill ran forward -yelling, club in hand. Then ensued -some terrific fighting in the dark, for the lantern -had been smashed against a rock when -Ed fell. Snarls, growls, yells, and blows resounded -from the blackness as Bill, Moze, -and the bob-cat fought over the prostrate -body of Ed, who prudently lay face downward, -afraid to move.</p> - -<p>Luckily, Moze closed with the bob-cat before -it had a chance to inflict injury on the -lad. And then, seeing the danger the boy -was in, Bill rushed into the fray with his club,<span class="pagenum">[60]</span> -and the cat was too hard pressed to turn its -attention to the boy underneath. But he was -in a risky place, for the combatants rolled -back and forth over his body, and several -times he felt sharp scratches on his neck and -shoulders as Moze and the bob-cat struck and -snapped at each other. Then he heard Bill’s -club descend with a loud whack, and at the -same time the trapper called to him to roll -out of the way, which he lost no time in -doing.</p> - -<p>Moze had been getting the worst of the -fighting; but once Ed was out of the way, -Ben went to the aid of Bill, and with club -and ax they soon killed the bob-cat, but not -before the trapper had been severely clawed -on his legs and arms. Moze was bleeding -from a dozen wounds, and Ben told George -to gather sticks that they might build a fire -and nurse the injured.</p> - -<p>Bill’s wounds were painful, but not deep, -and he made light of them when Ben offered -to help him. Ed had by some miracle escaped -with a slight gash in one shoulder and -a few minor claw-marks across his back. -The guide bound up his shoulder, and then -turned to poor Moze. The old dog was lying -down, quietly licking his injuries. There was -little they could do for him at the time, so<span class="pagenum">[61]</span> -they all sat by the fire to rest before moving -toward the cabin.</p> - -<p>Ben stretched out the body of the bob-cat; -it measured over four feet, and the guide -claimed it would weigh between thirty and -forty pounds. It bore the marks of Moze’s -mauling, and Ed went over and petted the -hound affectionately for having so gallantly -gone to his rescue.</p> - -<p>“That’s a powerful big bob-cat,” said Bill, -gazing down at the mottled gray body -stretched out at his feet.</p> - -<p>“’Most as big as a lynx, and just about as -ugly,” declared Ben.</p> - -<p>They had a hard trip back to the cabin, -with no lantern to help them, but finally arrived -there tired and sore. Ben at once -heated some water, and Bill and Ed carefully -washed their wounds. Then they did -the same for Moze, and he wagged his tail in -appreciation. More than once the boys fairly -hugged him, for the faithful old hound had -gained a lasting place in their affections by -his bravery.</p> - -<p>When they were finally in bed, George said: -“Well, Ed, you had your turn to-day, didn’t -you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and it was almost as exciting as -your ride on the deer. I’m going to ask<span class="pagenum">[62]</span> -for the skin of that bob-cat as a souvenir.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder what we’ll run into next!” -mused George.</p> - -<p>“Catamounts and bears, I guess. Good -night, I’m tired.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[63]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="IV">IV<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DEER HUNT</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys awoke one morning to find Ben -hard at work oiling the rifles. Delighted -at the sight, they hurried into their clothes, -for they felt sure the oft talked of deer hunt -was about to take place. They fairly bolted -their breakfast, so eager were they to be off; -but Ben restrained them and reminded them -that many things must be attended to first.</p> - -<p>When they had finished washing and stowing -away the dishes, which they did with all -possible speed, he taught them how to make -a suitable pack of their blankets and a few -camp necessities. Then he made them change -their heavy hunting-boots for lighter, softer -moccasins, explaining that these would enable -them to travel through the woods more -quietly.</p> - -<p>Finally, after putting the cabin in order and -attending to a dozen other chores, which the -boys, in their eagerness to be away, thought<span class="pagenum">[64]</span> -might have been dispensed with, he announced -that he was ready to go.</p> - -<p>Armed with their rifles, and each with a -pack on his back, the three hunters left the -cabin and struck off through the woods. The -air was crisp and exhilarating, and their high -spirits prompted a rapid pace.</p> - -<p>Ben kept his gaze on the ground ahead of -him, in the hope of finding deer signs. Noting -this, the boys quickly imitated his example. -They flushed many grouse, and one alighted -in a tree in plain sight of them, and stood conspicuously -exposed to their aim. They were -anxious to try a shot at so easy a mark, but -were reminded that they were after larger -game. Ben warned them that a needless -shot ringing through the woods would frighten -away any deer which might be lingering in the -vicinity. The hint was sufficient, and, casting -a longing look at the foolish bird, they followed -obediently on after the guide.</p> - -<p>At last they climbed to the top of a dividing -ridge, and here Ben halted. He pointed -to a slight depression in the carpet of dead -leaves, and said it was a deer track. He explained -that deer in their journeyings traveled -along the summits of these low hills, which -were then termed “runways.” Ben said that -the ridge on which they stood was one.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[65]</span></p> - -<p>Leading the way to a near-by boulder, he -bade one of the boys climb to the top to -watch the surrounding country for any sign -of a buck. He left it to them to decide which -one would remain there. Ed said he would -stay; and, after cautioning him not to shoot -until he saw the whole body and antlers of -the animal aimed at, Ben ordered him to -remain until he stopped for him on the way -home. He told him, if he succeeded in shooting -a deer, to fire two shots in rapid succession -and, after a minute’s pause, two more.</p> - -<p>Ed climbed to the top of the big rock, and -sat down with his rifle across his knees. He -waved his hand to Ben and George when they -turned just before they disappeared from -sight among the trees.</p> - -<p>George was placed at another “runway,” -about a mile farther on; and, after cautioning -him as he had Ed, Ben said he was going on -to try to scare out a deer. He said that anything -he might start would be sure to come -over one or the other of these “runways,” -and warned George to be on his guard. Then -with a wave of his arm he disappeared, and -the boys were left alone in the heart of the -wilderness.</p> - -<p>Each boy remained at his post, expectantly -gazing through the aisles of the vast forest<span class="pagenum">[66]</span> -which surrounded him. The noise of the -wind through the tops of the trees; the -squeaking of a leaning pine as it rubbed -chafingly against its neighbor; the snap of -a twig, or the sudden call of a jay, caused -them to start nervously.</p> - -<p>Several times George half rose and cocked -his rifle when he thought he heard some animal -walking about near him. But after watching -with straining eyes and thumping heart and -seeing nothing, he relaxed and made up his -mind it must have been the wind, or a squirrel -scurrying about among the leaves.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a shot sounded from the direction -in which he guessed Ed to be, and George -jumped to his feet. Another roared through -the woods a moment later, and echoed loudly -between the mountains. For a minute or -so all was still. Then two reports rang out -in rapid succession and, after a minute, two -more!</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz! Something is up!” declared -George, aloud. He wished he might find Ed -and learn the cause of the shots, but he dared -not leave the place until Ben came for him. -He doubted if he would be able to find the -way to his friend; and, as the guide had forbidden -him to leave the spot, he sat down to -await developments.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[67]</span></p> - -<p>Ed became hungry and brought out his -lunch. He was just about to bite into one -of the appetizing sandwiches when the sharp -crackling of twigs close by caused him to -drop it and seize his rifle.</p> - -<p>Then a loud, frightened snort drew his -attention, and, looking in the direction from -whence it came, he beheld a big buck standing -broadside to him. Its head was turned to -look at him; the great ears were thrown forward -and moved nervously about; and the sensitive -muzzle twitched apprehensively as the -dreaded man-scent came to it on the breeze.</p> - -<p>For a moment Ed was helpless, and stood -gazing with surprised, startled eyes at the -magnificent creature before him. Then he -managed to recover, and quickly brought up -his rifle. He aimed where Ben had told him -to, behind the shoulder, and with trembling -fingers pressed the trigger. At the report the -buck made a tremendous leap, fell to its knees, -recovered, and bounded away. He fired -again, this time at random, and the deer -crashed from sight into the heavy timber.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t that make you sick?” cried Ed, -disgustedly, as he sat down and wiped the -beads of nervous perspiration from his brow. -“I must have hit him, or he wouldn’t have -tumbled down,” he assured himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[68]</span></p> - -<p>Then he remembered the signal and rose -and fired the four shots, two at a time, which -would bring Ben and the proper advice.</p> - -<p>After what seemed a very long time, he -heard another sound near at hand and cocked -his rifle. He uncocked the weapon a moment -later when he was hailed by Ben and George.</p> - -<p>“I got a shot, and I think I hit him!” he -cried, as he ran to meet them.</p> - -<p>“Where is he?” Ben asked, quietly, after -he had cautioned George, who had begun to -whoop.</p> - -<p>“He went off that way,” explained Ed, -pointing in the proper direction.</p> - -<p>A look of disappointment came over the face -of the guide, and George at once subsided into -gloomy silence.</p> - -<p>“I hit him, I tell you,” Ed declared, emphatically. -“He fell and then jumped up -and ran off.”</p> - -<p>“Where was he standing?” Ben asked, a bit -more hopefully.</p> - -<p>Ed got his bearings from the rock on which -he had been sitting, and went over to about -where he thought the buck had been when -he had fired at it.</p> - -<p>Ben stooped over and scanned the ground -closely in a wide circle. He was silent for -some minutes while thus engaged; then he<span class="pagenum">[69]</span> -straightened, laughing, and pointed to a low -bush beside them.</p> - -<p>“You hit him, sure, and hit him hard,” he -declared. “And we’ll get him—he’s shot -through the lungs!”</p> - -<p>The boys looked at the bush and saw several -red splashes on its brown leaves. Following -close behind Ben, who was crouching along -near to the ground, they saw other darker -spots at their feet.</p> - -<p>“He won’t run very far. I started him in -a swamp. Just got a glimpse of him as I -was crawling under a fallen tree-top, and -couldn’t shoot,” Ben explained.</p> - -<p>“My, he’s big!” said Ed.</p> - -<p>“Better not talk any more now,” the guide -cautioned them, looking keenly ahead.</p> - -<p>They crossed a brook, and when they -reached the opposite side there was a rustling -of undergrowth. The lads cocked their rifles -and the buck jumped to its feet and stood -facing them.</p> - -<p>“Shoot!” cried Ben.</p> - -<p>The boys brought up their rifles at the same -instant, but George was the first to pull -trigger. His bullet went straight through the -heart, and the buck dropped dead.</p> - -<p>Ben ran forward and cut its throat with -his hunting-knife. He complimented the lads<span class="pagenum">[70]</span> -on their good shooting, and said they must -have been practising before they came to the -woods. Ed told him he had a rifle-range in -the cellar of his home, and said that George -and he had engaged in many contests.</p> - -<p>The guide showed them how to cut a slit -in the flesh of the deer’s hind legs and insert -a stout stick from one leg to the other to -spread them apart. He called it a gambrel -and briefly explained its use. Then, with -their assistance, he raised the carcass by aid -of poles. The deer once swung up, Ben -quickly cut it open and removed its entrails. -He put aside the liver, which he promised to -cook for breakfast.</p> - -<p>He would have skinned the buck, but twilight -was fast gathering, and they must choose -a suitable camp-site and build some sort of -a shelter for the night. Therefore he decided -to leave the deer hung up until daylight, -when he could remove the hide and quarter -the carcass.</p> - -<p>They washed in the clear, cold water of a -little stream. Then Ben began his search -for a camping-place. At last he found a spot -to his liking on top of a pine-clad knoll. He -led the boys to it, and bade them slip their -packs.</p> - -<p>Ben looked around until he found two trees<span class="pagenum">[71]</span> -growing on a parallel line, about six feet -apart. He cut a pole about an inch wider -than the space between their trunks. After -cutting some notches in the pole’s upper side, -he placed it between the trees and drove it -down until it became securely wedged about -six feet from the ground. Next he cut and -trimmed two logs, each about eight feet long -and some five inches through. He placed -them on the ground, one extending back from -the base of each tree.</p> - -<p>At his order the boys had cut some long -straight poles, about two inches in diameter. -They were placed against the notched ridge-pole -between the trees, the end of each pole -fitting nicely into the notch cut to hold it, -and the lower end resting on the ground some -eight or ten feet back.</p> - -<p>They had the roof, sides, and door of the -lean-to completed, and were ready to go -on with the “shingling,” under Ben’s directions. -He bade them cut many armfuls of -balsam and hemlock branches. These he -dexterously wove between the roof-poles until -he had made a thick covering, or mat, over -their little shelter. Then he placed small -trees and branches against the sides.</p> - -<p>When the boys returned, each with a back-load -of balsam tips for bed-making, they were<span class="pagenum">[72]</span> -astonished to find a cozy bough-house ready -for them. The delicious aroma of fried bacon -rose from the pan which Ben was shaking -over a bed of glowing coals. Hastily throwing -their boughs inside the shelter, the two -hungry young hunters sat down to supper.</p> - -<p>That night they made a big camp-fire, for -the autumn air was chill. As the flames -leaped and danced and threw a circle of -orange-colored light into the dark, somber -woods, the lads sat on a great log and listened -attentively to Ben, who told them tales of -the forest.</p> - -<p>Finally the fire died low and the blackness -crept in upon the little group before the shelter. -Ben rose and declared it was time to turn in. -By the aid of the lantern they made their -beds of boughs, rolled themselves in their -blankets, put out the light, and soon drifted -off to sleep.</p> - -<p>George was awakened by the hooting of an -owl in a tree close by, and lay for some time -listening to the mournful serenade. He heard -the deep, heavy breathing of the guide, and -knew he was slumbering soundly. Ed did -not stir, and he was sure that he, too, was far -away in the “land of nod.” The bird continued -its dismal hooting; and then, as the<span class="pagenum">[73]</span> -fire flickered into new life for a moment, an -idea seized the waker.</p> - -<p>George rose and slipped noiselessly from -his blankets. Then he felt around until he -had secured his rifle, and, once in possession -of it, he stole quietly out into the darkness.</p> - -<p>The owl ceased calling, and the sleepy young -hunter strained his eyes in an effort to locate -it. Then again came the mocking call, and -it seemed to the eager youth as he stood there -peering aloft into the dark that the uncanny -bird was actually laughing at him.</p> - -<p>The fire again flared up and sent its flickering -shafts of light high into the surrounding -tree-tops. This was the opportunity for -George to get his shot. Boldly outlined on -the limb sat the owl. George took quick but -accurate aim and pulled the trigger as the -owl started to vacate its illuminated perch.</p> - -<p>The report of the rifle reverberated through -the silent woods like the crash of thunder. -Awakened by the noise, Ed and the guide sat -up just as the owl crashed through the -branches and sailed headlong into the lean-to. -Its heavy body struck Ed squarely in -the face and tumbled him over backward -with the force of the blow.</p> - -<p>“What in tarnation has happened?” cried<span class="pagenum">[74]</span> -Ben, leaping from his blankets and grabbing -the lantern.</p> - -<p>“There’s something in here!” yelled Ed, -rushing from the shelter. “Where’s George? -He’s gone!” he cried, in alarm.</p> - -<p>George was helpless with laughter at the -results of his shot. When Ben had lighted -the lantern and discovered the owl lying on -the blankets, the guilty marksman appeared, -grinning broadly.</p> - -<p>“Well, say, young feller, you certainly -stirred things up considerable for this time -of the night,” said Ben, as he threw the dead -owl at the disturber of his dreams.</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you wake me?” protested Ed.</p> - -<p>“Thought I did,” laughed George, unloading -his rifle and crawling beneath his blankets. -“Will you show me how to skin the owl, Ben?” -he asked, meekly.</p> - -<p>“Sure I will,” promised the guide; and then -he extinguished the lantern and ordered the -boys to go to sleep.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[75]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="V">V<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A FOREST FIRE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">When the boys awakened it was daylight; -and, to their surprise, Ben was missing -from the camp. They looked for him outside, -but, not finding him, decided he had gone to -skin and quarter the deer. They busied themselves -with making a fire, that it might be -ready for the guide to cook breakfast over -when he returned.</p> - -<p>“It looks foggy,” suggested Ed, gazing off -between the trees.</p> - -<p>“That’s not fog, it’s smoke!” George declared, -sniffing the air suspiciously. “Don’t -you smell it?”</p> - -<p>“Right you are, son,” said Ben, coming into -camp at that moment carrying the head, skin, -and fore quarters of the deer. “It’s smoke, -and I don’t like it a little bit. There’s a forest -fire not a great ways off, and we better mosey -toward the cabin. We’ll hustle through breakfast -and then travel on,” he declared, uneasily.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[76]</span></p> - -<p>The boys helped get breakfast, and when -it was ready they ate rapidly and in silence. -From the way Ben consulted the sky they -knew he was anxious and worried. The sun -had risen, but was obscured by a purplish -haze which he told them was smoke. Then -they smelled it. The distinct odor of burning -pine was borne to them on the scant morning -breeze.</p> - -<p>The dishes were hurriedly washed and -stowed away in the packs. Each of the boys -packed up as much of the deer meat as he -could stagger under; Ben added another -quarter to his load, and the remainder was -covered with boughs and hung high in a -tree, to be called for later. Then, eager and -anxious, Ben led them away through the -smoky woods, at a brisk pace, toward the -distant cabin.</p> - -<p>As they hurried along, the air seemed to -grow heavier, and all through the forest there -drifted a hazy fog. The smell of smoke became -stronger with each mile they traveled, -until Ben, in his anxiety, set a pace that his -young companions found it hard to follow.</p> - -<p>On the top of a small mountain, which they -were obliged to cross, the guide stopped a -moment and pointed out a heavy, black cloud -of smoke. It was curling up from behind<span class="pagenum">[77]</span> -a distant ridge in a direct line with the -cabin.</p> - -<p>Then, with great strides, he raced down -into the valley, the boys stumbling along -after him as best they could. Their faces and -hands were torn and scratched from thorns -and briers, and their feet and legs were bruised -from contact with sharp-pointed rocks. They -went on uncomplainingly, however, for they -feared that the cabin was in danger, and they -were anxious to help Ben in its defense against -the oncoming fire.</p> - -<p>Thicker and more dense grew the smoke-clouds -in the woods, and the air became oppressive -and suffocating. Tears ran down -the boys’ cheeks, and they coughed violently -as the pungent smoke filled their lungs.</p> - -<p>“Come on, you’ll get used to it soon,” -called Ben, encouragingly.</p> - -<p>They got a glimpse of the cabin through -the smoke, and cried out with delight. In -the doorway stood Bill, the trapper, and down -the trail came old Moze. They were compelled -to laugh when every few feet the hound -was obliged to stop and sneeze.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad you’re here,” said Ben, greeting -the trapper.</p> - -<p>“Well, you see, there’s a nasty fire coming -this way, and I knew you’d be glad to have<span class="pagenum">[78]</span> -help to save the shack before morning; so I -hustled over.”</p> - -<p>“If the wind would only shift around, we’d -be all right,” said Ben, gloomily.</p> - -<p>“There’s not much wind to shift,” the trapper -replied, shaking his head.</p> - -<p>The boys sat listening while the two experienced -woodsmen consulted as to the best -way of keeping the fire off. They finally -agreed that the safest course would be to -back-fire the woods on all four sides of the -cabin. It would be dangerous, for the dry -forest, when once kindled, would burn like -tinder. The fighters would have to work -hard to prevent their fire from turning back -and consuming the cabin. To make matters -worse, the wind was momentarily strengthening, -so that on two sides at least they would -be obliged to drive their back-fire into the -face of it. But nothing was to be gained by -delay, and they began the fight at once.</p> - -<p>Ed and George were sent to the lake for -pails of water, while Ben and the trapper -cut a supply of white-pine boughs for use -as beaters. When the boys returned they -were each given one of these pine branches -and told to wet them and beat out any encroaching -patch of flame. Ed was then detailed -to the roof to beat out any sparks that<span class="pagenum">[79]</span> -might light there. George was ordered to -follow along the line of fire started by the -men, and told to keep it away from the dry -log walls.</p> - -<div id="Ref_097" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i097.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">FIGHTING A FOREST FIRE</p></div> -</div> - -<p>By this time the smoke was so dense that -they could not see one another, and Ben cautioned -George against wandering away. Great -black cinders and bits of charred wood were -flying through the woods and dropping all -about them. Birds and animals, fleeing from -the fire, went by within easy reach. A deer, -in its wild panic, almost ran into the cabin, -and they heard the frightened creature jump -into the lake a few seconds later. Grouse -whizzed past close to their heads, and rabbits -and smaller things scurried by almost beneath -their feet.</p> - -<p>Then they heard the roar of the fire, the -crackling of undergrowth, and the crash of -falling timber as the great wall of flame drew -nearer. Twilight fell early, on account of the -smoke, and it was soon quite dark. The -roar of the approaching flames sounded like -the noise of an express-train. The smoke -grew still thicker, and they gasped for breath, -as scorching heat-waves, like blasts from an -open furnace, swept over them.</p> - -<p>They had started their back-fire, and George -and the woodsmen were compelled to work<span class="pagenum">[80]</span> -like demons to keep it from blowing back toward -the cabin. The wind blew the smoke and -flames full into their faces as they pounded and -stamped to force the lengthening line of flame -on its windward course to grapple with the -onrushing flames of the forest fire.</p> - -<p>Ed, too, was soon in the thick of the fight, -for in beating at the fire below, the fighters -on the ground sent aloft a constant shower -of sparks which found their way to the dry -log roof on which he crouched. Staggering -about through the choking smoke, he beat -out several patches of fire which had started -from the glowing cinders. Fiery embers -seemed to fill the air. They lit on his face -and hands, and burned their way into the -flesh before he could brush them off. He was -unable to see his comrades below, and so loud -had the roar of the fire become that he did -not even hear their voices. Several times he -found himself on the very edge of the roof, -and he barely escaped falling off, for, blinded -as he was by the smoke, he could not see -where he was.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he felt a hand clutch his arm, -and turned abruptly to find George beside -him. His eyebrows were singed, and his -face streaked and sooty.</p> - -<p>“I’ve been calling you till I’m hoarse,” he<span class="pagenum">[81]</span> -gasped. “Thought you might have smothered -up here. Ben says the forest fire will be -over that hill in a few minutes. Say, isn’t -this an experience and a half?” he chuckled, -wiping his inflamed eyes.</p> - -<p>“What about the cabin?” Ed inquired, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Ben thinks it’s safe, except for the sparks -and embers which he says will be dropping -like hail when the real fire goes by. He and -Bill will watch the walls, and you and I are -to guard the roof. You see, our back-fire -has burned everything off around the cabin, -so the forest fire will have nothing to feed -on and must go round us. Ben thinks it will -travel around the lake. Say, it’s fierce work -holding that back-fire.”</p> - -<p>Then the woods were lighted as vividly as -if thousands of great electric lights had been -suddenly turned on. The boys looked toward -the distant pine ridge in alarm, and saw a -great barrier of leaping, red-tongued flame -rushing toward the little cabin, whose sole -protection was the thin line of wavering fire -they had sent up the hill to meet and combat -the destroying furnace bearing down upon -them.</p> - -<p>The roar of the flames through the trees -and the crackling of burning brush echoed<span class="pagenum">[82]</span> -in their ears. Then the awful heat swept -over them and stifled their very breath as -they groped their way uncertainly about -through the yellow pall of smoke.</p> - -<p>“Here she is—lie low!” yelled Ben, from -somewhere below them; but the rest of his -orders were drowned by the noise.</p> - -<p>A host of burning embers came glowing -through the smoke and alighted on the cabin. -A jet of flame started up near the peak of the -roof, and the boys dashed water on the spot. -Birds struck against them, cinders lit in their -hair, and their heads reeled from the intense -heat and suffocating smoke.</p> - -<p>“Look! Oh, look!” screamed George, hysterically, -as a solid sheet of flame flew from -the top of a pitch-pine and caught again in -a neighboring tree, which it consumed with a -sullen roar.</p> - -<p>Smoke began to twist up over the edge of -the roof, and they realized that the cabin was -on fire. With blanched faces and set teeth -they crawled to the spot, but were driven -back by a tongue of flame which leaped in -their faces.</p> - -<p>“She’s going, sure!” cried George, in dismay.</p> - -<p>“Water, quick!” gasped Ed.</p> - -<p>“The roof is on fire, too,” warned George,<span class="pagenum">[83]</span> -as he made his way boldly toward the tiny -flame that showed redly through the smoke.</p> - -<p>“Watch the top, boys; we’ve put the fire -out down here,” cried Ben.</p> - -<p>The boys went to work with the energy of -desperation, and after much effort finally -subdued the flames on the roof.</p> - -<p>Then the two fires met, and the forest fire -was checked, but in no wise conquered. -Since nothing was left to burn in front, the -fire ran around the blackened circle which -protected the cabin, and went roaring and -crackling through the woods. It burned -down to the water’s edge, and they could -hear it hissing with baffled rage at the shore -of the lake.</p> - -<p>When it had passed, the sparks ceased; and -the boys, thoroughly exhausted, dropped on -the hot roof of the cabin, thankful for their -deliverance.</p> - -<p>Ben crawled up and helped them down, -and they staggered feebly into the smoke-filled -room below. Neither could see, and -Bill and the guide brought fresh cold water -and put wet cloths over their aching eyes. -They could still hear the fire raging in the distance, -and weakly asked if it might come -back. Ben hastily assured them that this -was impossible. Gradually they were able to<span class="pagenum">[84]</span> -open their eyes, and the woodsman led them -to the lake, where the air was somewhat clearer. -The ground felt hot to their feet, and on every -side were black, charred tree-trunks and glowing -stumps.</p> - -<p>Ben and the trapper were also burned -and blistered, but made slight of their ills; -and, following their splendid example, the -boys soon declared that they, too, were all -right.</p> - -<p>The fire burned fiercely around the shores -of the lake, and the weary group of fighters -sat in awesome silence and watched it vent -its wrath. The flames were reflected in the -water, and George declared it looked as if -the whole world was afire, water and all. -They saw great flame-wrapped trees topple -and fall hissing into the lake.</p> - -<p>A deer, driven out by the approaching -flames, jumped into the lake from the opposite -shore and swam directly toward them. -The boys wondered if it was the same one -they had seen during the fire. The startled -creature emerged within a rod of them and -staggered away in the blackness.</p> - -<p>They remained there until the fire, having -completely circled the lake, came together -at the lower end. Joining forces, it swept up -the side and over the top of an adjoining ridge.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p> - -<p>“Nothing to stop it for a hundred miles,” -said Bill, sadly.</p> - -<p>“Nothing,” added Ben, stooping to cool -his fevered face in the water at his feet.</p> - -<p>They went solemnly back to the cabin, -where they found Moze sound asleep under -one of the bunks.</p> - -<p>“Don’t seem to bother him much,” laughed -Bill.</p> - -<p>The air was still densely laden with smoke, -but it began to clear when the wind freshened. -Ben said they had better go to bed. The boys -tossed about for a long time, unable to close -their eyes without causing severe pain. Ben -and Bill were equally restless, and only Moze -seemed able to slumber peacefully.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[86]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="VI">VI<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AN INTERESTING AFTERNOON</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys slept late the next morning. -When they did finally open their smarting -eyes, the sunlight was streaming through -the cabin windows. They ate a tardy breakfast -which the guide had saved for them, and -then went outside to see the damage done by -the fire.</p> - -<p>Everything was black—tree-trunks, stumps, -even the ground. Sticks and twigs lying -among the rocks the day before were now -rows of gray ashes. The rocks themselves -were seamed and cracked from the terrific -heat that had passed over them. The foliage -of the evergreens was seared and brown. -Altogether, it was a scene of desolation.</p> - -<p>“Might have been worse,” Bill declared, -after he had carefully inspected many of the -scorched tree-trunks.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I don’t believe it hurt the big timber -much,” replied Ben; “it went through too -fast.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[87]</span></p> - -<p>The boys thought that for this very reason -the fire should have been the more destructive. -Ben then carefully explained that the -slow-traveling fire, working its way tediously -against the wind, or along some sheltered -valley, invariably did the most damage. He -said that, on account of its very slowness, that -type of fire burned everything in its path. -On the other hand, the wind-swept flames -traveling through at railroad speed very often -only scorched the foliage, and were driven -on before they had a chance to eat their way -into the trees.</p> - -<p>Toward noon a fresh breeze came down out -of the northwest and drove away most of -the smoke. A flock of ducks came with it -and alighted in the lake; but it was Sunday, -and the lads were not hunting.</p> - -<p>At dinner the boys were much pleased -when Ben promised to take them on a canoe -trip the following day. He said they would -go to the beaver-dam, where they might see -some of those wonderful animals at work. -They listened eagerly while he told how -the beavers felled trees, which they cut into -proper lengths and floated to the spot chosen -for their dam. Ben also promised that they -might do some shooting on the way.</p> - -<p>Later in the day the boys accompanied<span class="pagenum">[88]</span> -Bill down to the shore of the lake. There -they saw the flock of ducks floating quietly -on the water in a sunny cove some little distance -away.</p> - -<p>The trapper asked Ed if he would like to -try a snap-shot at them, and Ed ran to the -cabin for his camera.</p> - -<p>While he was gone Bill and George began -to cut branches with which to trim and conceal -the canoe.</p> - -<p>These branches were skilfully piled in bow -and stern, and draped over each side of the -little craft, until it resembled a floating tree-top, -or pile of brush. Once in their places, -the occupants would be cleverly hidden from -the wary birds.</p> - -<p>By the time Ed returned, the job was completed, -and Bill bade him take a position in -the bow, where he could use the camera to -best advantage. George was placed amidships, -and the trapper knelt in the stern and paddled -them toward the ducks. He sent the -canoe gliding forward without once taking -his paddle from the water, and the boys -marveled at his skill.</p> - -<p>As the mass of floating greens slowly approached -them, the ducks seemed to become -a bit uneasy. The stragglers at once swam -in to join the balance of the flock, and soon<span class="pagenum">[89]</span> -the birds were compactly bunched. Gazing -at the approaching object suspiciously, the -leaders swam nervously about in contracted -circles. Then the entire flock moved slowly -away in advance of the canoe.</p> - -<p>“Do you think they will fly?” whispered -George, turning his face cautiously toward Bill.</p> - -<p>The trapper shook his head negatively, and -placed a finger across his lips as a warning -to be still.</p> - -<p>The flock was far out of camera-shot, and -as they swam along, the drakes called querulously. -To the surprise and delight of his -companions, Bill immediately replied with a -perfect imitation of their calls.</p> - -<p>Somewhat reassured by his answer, the ducks -halted and began to swim uncertainly to and -fro, as they endeavored to identify the mysterious -object which was bearing down upon -them.</p> - -<p>After a time, as Bill ceased paddling and -allowed the canoe to drift toward them, urged -on by the slight breeze, the birds became less -apprehensive. They began plunging their -heads beneath the water and splashing it over -their backs. And from time to time, as their -suspicions became allayed, they lifted their -bodies from the water and flapped their wings -like a barnyard rooster about to crow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[90]</span></p> - -<p>As the canoe came closer and closer to the -unsuspecting flock the boys became impatient. -Peering between the branches which -shielded them, they could distinctly see the -sheen on the plumage of the nearer drakes. -With eager, trembling fingers Ed placed his -camera in readiness for quick focusing.</p> - -<p>At last he could see the birds like tiny -specks in the finder, and he was relieved to -know that he was actually within focusing -range. He kept his gaze riveted on the little -square of frosted glass, determined to push -the lever and make the exposure, should the -ducks rise.</p> - -<p>Bill approached still closer. One or two -stealthy paddle-strokes, and then he allowed -the canoe to drift. So slowly and cautiously -was his advance made that the ducks -seemed to have lost all fear. No doubt they -had mistaken the canoe for part of a floating -tree-top. At any rate, Bill soon came within -perfect focusing distance. Then, when Ed -saw the entire flock plainly outlined in the -center of the finder, he pressed the lever of -his camera, and the exposure was made.</p> - -<p>The click of the shutter was slight, but it -had been sufficient to alarm the ducks. -With loud, frightened calls they rose from -the water, and Ed snapped an exposure of<span class="pagenum">[91]</span> -them in flight. Then, on whistling wings, -they wheeled over the canoe and, towering -higher and higher as they circled the lake, -flew rapidly from sight over the distant tree-tops.</p> - -<p>“Well, you got them without harming a -feather,” laughed Bill, well pleased with his -work.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and I must thank you,” said Ed, -gratefully. “It was wonderful—the way you -worked up to them. I shall have some enlargements -made from that negative and will -send you one, if they’re good, Bill.”</p> - -<p>“All right, my son, I’ll be glad to have it,” -declared Bill. “Guess we won’t need all this -browse around us any longer.” And he and -the boys began throwing the branches overboard.</p> - -<p>“What kind of ducks were they?” inquired -George.</p> - -<p>“Wood-ducks, the prettiest little ducks -that swim,” replied Bill. “Funny, too; they -usually build their nest in a hollow tree, and -when the ducklings are hatched, carry them -to the water in their bills.”</p> - -<p>When the canoe was at last clear of branches -the trapper paddled slowly up the lake, his -keen eyes constantly alert for something interesting.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[92]</span></p> - -<p>Suddenly he brought the canoe to a stop -and nodded toward the forest.</p> - -<p>“Look half-way up that hemlock, over in -that open space,” he said, softly.</p> - -<p>The boys heeded his warning, and saw a -small black animal on one of the limbs. It -seemed to be gnawing the bark, and was -evidently entirely unaware of their approach.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Ed.</p> - -<p>“Porcupine,” explained Bill.</p> - -<p>“Can’t we go over to it?” pleaded George.</p> - -<p>“We’ll try; I’d like you to see one close -by,” and the trapper urged the canoe shoreward.</p> - -<p>“‘What funny things you see when you -haven’t got a gun,’” quoted Ed, laughing.</p> - -<p>“And usually on Sunday,” added George, -“when you couldn’t shoot if you had one.”</p> - -<p>Bill handled the canoe carefully until he -got it in line with a large tree, which shielded -them from the sight of the porcupine. Then -he dug his paddle hard into the water and -sent the light craft toward the bank at top -speed.</p> - -<p>As the boys were scrambling hastily ashore, -they heard a scratching of bark, followed by -a peculiar, complaining sort of grunt, which -apparently came from the direction of the -hemlock.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p> - -<p>“He’s climbing down! Hurry after him, -he can’t run fast!” shouted Bill, as he jumped -from the canoe.</p> - -<p>When they came in sight of the tree, the -boys saw the porcupine shuffling awkwardly -along some distance ahead of them. Instantly -they gave chase, with Bill close at -their heels. When they overtook their quarry -the lads suddenly halted and broke out into -peals of laughter at the antics of the stupid -creature before them. Finding itself unable -to escape by direct flight, the clumsy animal -had deliberately rolled itself into a sort of -ball. And, as it lay helpless in the very path -of its pursuers, there rose from its body a -mass of sharply pointed yellow-tipped quills, -or spines.</p> - -<p>“Look out! Don’t touch it!” warned Bill.</p> - -<p>“Why, what a strange-looking beast it is!” -cried Ed, instantly focusing his camera.</p> - -<p>“Looks like it was stuck full of hat-pins,” -laughed George.</p> - -<p>“It is, and you’ll be, too, if you touch it!” -declared the trapper.</p> - -<p>Then he began to prod it gently with his -paddle. Quickly it straightened out and -made a vicious swing at the ashen blade -with its quill-filled tail.</p> - -<p>“That’s the way he drives the darts into<span class="pagenum">[94]</span> -you. See them fall out each time he strikes -the paddle?” said Bill.</p> - -<p>The boys saw several quills fall to the ground -every time the porcupine struck the paddle-blade -with its tail.</p> - -<p>Bill declared the creature a nuisance on -account of its habit of stripping trees of their -bark, which seemed to be its principal article -of diet. And with this he began to look for -a club; but the boys begged for mercy, and -the porcupine’s life was spared him.</p> - -<p>They remained for some time watching the -queer creature, which turned its head slyly -in their direction and blinked at them with -little stupid eyes. Then, when they had withdrawn -a few yards, the porcupine rose to its -feet and resumed its laughable attempt at -flight. The boys at once ran to the spot -where it had been and gathered up the shed -quills, which, after carefully examining, they -fastened in their caps.</p> - -<p>When they were again in the canoe, Bill -told them that the porcupine would often -come boldly into camp and destroy every -piece of hide or leather it could find, as well -as anything, even wood, on which there -chanced to be a bit of grease. He added -that few animals in the woods cared to attack -the porcupine, unless forced to do so by a<span class="pagenum">[95]</span> -scarcity of food-supply and the pangs of -hunger.</p> - -<p>“You see, the quills get into their mouths -and work down into their throats and stomachs. -I’ve found lynxes which had starved -to death on account of having their throats -full of porcupine quills,” explained the trapper.</p> - -<p>“Served them right for attacking so peaceful -a citizen,” declared Ed, in defense of this -abused animal.</p> - -<p>“Not so fast, son, not so fast!” laughed -Bill. “Now, just suppose you were on some -island where you were starving. Then, suppose -a miserable little mite of a fish came -close to shore and stranded before your -famished eyes. You’d be glad enough to -grab him and eat him raw. Well, suppose -after you’d swallowed him you found a hundred -burning, piercing needles in your throat -and tongue. Finally, suppose you staggered -around for days in agony, trying to get them -out, till you dropped and died in torture. -Think you’d have deserved such an end just -because you tried to keep the breath of life -in your body?”</p> - -<p>The boys were silent and thoughtful as -Bill ceased speaking and paddled them slowly -toward the cabin. They had changed their -opinions of the starving lynxes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[96]</span></p> - -<p>When they landed at the little log dock, -the lads turned and gazed for a long time -out across the placid water at the beauty of -the sunset scene.</p> - -<p>In the west hung a mass of pearl-colored -clouds whose ragged edges were tinged with -shining gold. The upper rim of the setting -sun was barely visible above a ridge of distant -pines. The hush of closing day had -fallen on the wilderness. Smooth and unruffled, -like a mirror, the lake caught and reflected -the changing tints of the evening sky. -Then a thin, steam-like mist began to rise -along its borders.</p> - -<p>“Come on; time to go home,” called Bill.</p> - -<p>That night the boys expressed a wish to -go with the trapper on one of his expeditions. -To their great joy Bill promptly agreed to -take them before spring. He said he would -show them how to set all kinds of traps and -how to cure pelts.</p> - -<p>Ben reminded them that Sunday was the -proper day for letter-writing, and said it -would be a fine chance to send word home, -as Bill expected to start for town at daylight. -The boys wrote enthusiastic accounts of -their experiences since coming to the woods. -Then they gave the letters to the care of the -trapper, to be mailed at the far-off settlement.<span class="pagenum">[97]</span> -They thought it a very long walk for Bill to -undertake, and told him so. He only laughed -and replied that such distances were nothing -“when your legs once get tuned to the trail.”</p> - -<p>They turned in early, and, for the first time -since their arrival, the boys failed to hear -the flying squirrels scampering about above -them. They spoke to Ben about it, and he -said it had become too cold for the little night -prowlers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[98]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="VII">VII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A VISIT TO THE BEAVERS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys were up early; but Bill and -Moze had already gone. They ate breakfast -by lamplight, a new experience. The -guide explained that they had a long journey -to make.</p> - -<p>Daylight was just dawning when they took -their places in the canoe and pushed from -shore. Ben paddled leisurely down the lake, -with Ed in the bow and George amidships. -Ed had his shotgun across his knees, and -George sat with his rifle by his side. They -were armed for any sort of game. Ben paddled -noiselessly. The young hunters sat quietly -in their places, their eyes riveted on the -shadowy shore-line, eager to see big game. -Once a flock of crows flew noisily overhead. -Again some squirrels barked far back in the -forest. Otherwise all was still.</p> - -<p>By the time the sun had climbed over the -mountains, they had reached the end of the -lake. Here they were obliged to make a<span class="pagenum">[99]</span> -portage to another body of water about a mile -distant. They landed, pulled the canoe up on -shore, and unloaded the guns and a few cooking -utensils. George also carried the camera -slung on a strap from his shoulder.</p> - -<div id="Ref_117" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i117.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">MAKING A PORTAGE (By courtesy of the Outing Publishing Co.)</p></div> -</div> - -<p>To the surprise of the boys, Ben hoisted -the canoe on his shoulders and walked off -with it. They fell in behind him in single -file. Ed carried the two guns, and George -the cooking things in a bag on his back.</p> - -<p>There was a well-marked trail extending -from the water, and Ben followed slowly -along its winding course. He pointed to little -square patches on the tree-trunks, from -which the bark had been peeled. He said -they were “blazes,” made to show the trail, -especially in winter when the snow was deep.</p> - -<p>A grouse rose and thundered away through -the woods. Ben stopped and told Ed to -put down the rifle and go ahead with the -shotgun, for he believed other birds were hiding -close by. He cautioned him to aim well -in front if the birds flew crosswise, and several -inches over the middle of their bodies if they -went straight away.</p> - -<p>Ed had barely taken five steps when another -grouse rose, and flew directly from -him. It was his first experience with these -difficult targets, and he was rattled. Although<span class="pagenum">[100]</span> -he fired both barrels the bird went -safely on its way.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” laughed the guide; “put -in two new shells quick.”</p> - -<p>Ed slipped the shells into his gun and walked -a few steps farther on, determined to make a -better showing.</p> - -<p>Whirr! A third grouse rose and chose the -same course as the first.</p> - -<p>“Now!” cried Ben, when the bird was in -the proper alignment.</p> - -<p>Bang! bang! went both shells, and Ed -whooped triumphantly, for the grouse turned -a somersault in the air and landed with a -thud in the center of the trail lifeless.</p> - -<p>“That’s better,” said Ben, encouragingly. -“You’ll soon do as well with the gun as you -do with the rifle.”</p> - -<p>The boys ran forward eagerly and picked -up the dead bird. They stroked its plumage -admiringly, and Ed put it in the large rear -pocket of his hunting-coat.</p> - -<p>“Never mind, George, you’ll get a chance -later on,” the guide promised.</p> - -<p>They started on, and before they had gone -far George evened the score by shooting a -rabbit. Then they came out on the shore -of a sparkling sheet of water which the boys -thought too large to be called a pond. It<span class="pagenum">[101]</span> -spread out on either side to far-off wooded -shores, and in front apparently stretched -away for miles toward a range of purple -mountains. Ben said that distance judged -over water was very deceptive, and that it -was not nearly so far to the end of the lake -as it seemed. He added that he did not -intend going that far, for they would turn -aside to a brook which flowed through some -swampy meadows where there was a beaver -settlement.</p> - -<p>They had hardly launched the canoe when -Ed spied a great, dark bird with a white head -and tail sitting on the naked limb of a dead -pine. Ben declared it a bald eagle, and then -he pointed overhead to another bird, somewhat -smaller, soaring about in wide, swinging -circles above the lake. He called it an -osprey or fish-hawk. He said, if they sat -motionless and watched closely, they might -see the eagle rob it of its dinner. For some -time they drifted quietly along while the -osprey sailed about on motionless wings. -Occasionally it uttered a shrill cry, which -the guide explained was its hunting-call.</p> - -<p>The eagle sat gloomily on its lofty perch, -with feathers ruffled and head drawn down -between its shoulders. The boys thought it -showed little interest in the fish-hawk; but<span class="pagenum">[102]</span> -Ben assured them it was watching every -move the latter made. He said it was just -pretending to be half asleep.</p> - -<p>Then the osprey, with folded wings, dove -straight as an arrow to the water below, and -disappeared with a loud splash which sent -a cloud of spray into the air. A few seconds -elapsed before the tips of its wings reappeared, -and its body, wet and shining, came into view. -It flapped and struggled furiously to rise. -The guide thought it had fastened its claws -in a monster fish.</p> - -<p>After much effort it finally rose heavily -from the lake, and they saw a large fish -twisting about in the merciless grip of its -talons. Slowly it mounted upward and flew -laboriously toward the distant shore.</p> - -<p>“Look at ‘Old Sleepy Head’ now!” laughed -Ben, pointing at the eagle.</p> - -<p>It had risen to its full height, stretched its -neck, and spread its wings. Then with a -wild scream it launched into space and flew -at the osprey. The latter immediately turned -and began to tower frantically skyward. -The eagle, screaming fiercely, was close behind -it. They circled higher and higher, -while the little party in the canoe looked on.</p> - -<p>At length the eagle made a savage swoop -toward its victim, and the osprey dropped<span class="pagenum">[103]</span> -its finny prize and darted out of harm’s way. -Like a thunderbolt from the sky the eagle -pitched headlong after the falling fish, which -it secured before it reached the water, and -bore it proudly away.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of that?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“I feel sorry for the poor fish-hawk; but -I wouldn’t have missed seeing the trick -turned for anything,” Ed replied.</p> - -<p>Farther on the boys saw what they believed -to be a pair of ducks on the water. They -asked Ben to turn the canoe so they might -get a shot. He promptly did so, and Ed -handed the shotgun to George. He took -careful aim and pulled the trigger, and at -the same instant, as it seemed, the birds -vanished under water. Ben laughed heartily -while they watched for the “ducks” to -come up.</p> - -<p>After some moments they reappeared, and -Ben worked the canoe carefully toward them, -that Ed might try a shot. He, too, took deliberate -aim; but again the uncanny birds -disappeared before the shot reached them. -The guide, unable to control himself, shrieked -with laughter.</p> - -<p>The shooters, somewhat bewildered, asked -what was the matter. He said they had been -shooting at “hell-divers” or grebes, and declared<span class="pagenum">[104]</span> -they might shoot all day without -hitting them. Ben told the boys that these -little birds had deceived the best of shots.</p> - -<p>The young marksmen were surprised to -learn that grebes sometimes swim with only -the tip of the bill above water. Also, they -were told that the surest way to get one -was to paddle after it when it came to the -surface and force it to dive again. By repeatedly -doing this they might finally “wind” -the swimmer and get an easy shot. The -guide added that it was not worth the trouble, -as the flesh of the grebes was unfit to eat, -being strongly impregnated with fish, which -formed their sole diet. Consequently, the -boys went on their way and left the grebes -swimming serenely about in bold defiance of -their marksmanship.</p> - -<p>Ben later offered to show them an otter-slide, -and turned the bow of the canoe toward -land. He paddled silently along the near -shore, which at this point rose to form a -steep, moss-grown bank. Finally he stopped -and pointed to a shallow gully, or chute, -which extended from the top of the bank to -the edge of the water. Close beside it, and -parallel to it, was a narrow, winding trail. -Ben explained that the larger depression was -an otter-slide, which the makers used like a<span class="pagenum">[105]</span> -toboggan-run. The otters, lying on their -stomachs, slid head foremost down the chute -and into the water. The boys were told that -the path at the side had been made by otters -emerging from the lake and climbing the -bank for another “header.”</p> - -<p>Ed and George decided to get out and investigate. -Ben beached the canoe and accompanied -them. While they were examining -the slide, he called, and they made their way -to him, a short distance back in the woods.</p> - -<p>“There’s a bear track, and a big one,” he -said, pointing to a huge paw-mark in the soft -ground.</p> - -<p>It looked as though some giant had walked -there barefooted.</p> - -<p>“We’ll just keep tab on that fellow till he -dens up, and then we ought to be able to get -him,” said Ben, following the trail into the -woods.</p> - -<p>“Do you think he is around now?” inquired -Ed, anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Bless you, no; he’d have heard us long -ago and—” began the guide; but he did not -finish.</p> - -<p>Just then there was a loud, startled “woof,” -and a great crashing of dried twigs, and to -their amazement a big black shape rose from -the thicket and lumbered away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[106]</span></p> - -<p>The guide doubled up with laughter, for -at sound and sight of the bear his companions -had bolted and fled for the canoe. -In their frantic haste to escape, the boys lost -their footing at the top of the bank and went -rolling down to the water’s edge. It was a -funny sight.</p> - -<p>“The bear was ’most as frightened as you -were,” chuckled Ben. “Too bad you didn’t -have your rifle, Ed, you might have had a -nice shot.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe I would have stayed to -shoot,” Ed confessed. “But we won’t run -next time—will we, George?”</p> - -<p>“Not on your life!”</p> - -<p>They paddled to the mouth of the brook, -which flowed sluggishly into the deep, silent -woods. Ben turned the canoe into it, and -they were soon skimming along between rows -of willows and birches which lined the shores. -The stream brought them to a wide marsh, -where the guide hoped to see a moose on their -return toward evening.</p> - -<p>From beneath some bushes which overhung -the water a flock of ducks rose compactly -bunched. George, who was in the bow -with the shotgun across his knees, quickly -brought it to his shoulder and fired two shots -in rapid succession. Two plump ducks came<span class="pagenum">[107]</span> -tumbling down to float lifeless on the water. -Another dropped slightly farther on; but it -was only wounded, and it at once began -flapping its way awkwardly toward shore.</p> - -<p>“Quick, George; give him another charge, -or he’ll get away!” warned Ben, swinging the -canoe broadside of the stream.</p> - -<p>Even while George hurriedly pushed the -shells into the breech of his gun the rifle -cracked, and Ed had severed the head of the -duck from its body.</p> - -<p>“Good boy!” cried Ben, enthusiastically. -“That’s shooting.”</p> - -<p>Ed called it a good-luck shot, but his comrades -called it skill. They gathered the ducks -and started for the beaver lodges and dam, -which were still some distance away.</p> - -<p>The brook widened and became deeper. -They saw a muskrat house, and one of the -small, brown inmates swimming close by. -Ben said that these little creatures were near -cousins to the beavers. He restrained the -lads from shooting, since the fur was not yet -prime, and promised that there would be -plenty of opportunity to hunt and trap the -“rats” later.</p> - -<p>The stream at length led into what appeared -to be a mill-pond. In the center -they saw a large, dome-shaped mass of mud<span class="pagenum">[108]</span> -and sticks raised above the water. This was -the beaver house or lodge. Ben pointed to -the long, curving dam across the head of the -pond. He explained how, when the current -of a brook was strong, the beavers curved -their dam upstream to withstand the surge -of the water.</p> - -<div id="Ref_129" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i129.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">BEAVER HOUSES</p></div> -</div> - -<p>They paddled to the house, and the boys -were astonished to find it so large. Near it -was a pile of short, green logs and sticks, a -supply of winter food. They observed that -the smaller end of each stick was thrust into -the mud to prevent it from floating away.</p> - -<p>They were puzzled at not finding any doorway -in the house; but Ben explained that the -entrance was under water, and he told them -how the beavers traveled about beneath the -ice. The muskrats, he added, built their -houses in much the same way, except that -instead of small logs and large sticks they -made use of grasses and weed-stalks.</p> - -<p>Then he paddled to the shore, and they -alighted. Here they saw the round, blunt-pointed -stumps and tree-butts chiseled by -the beavers’ sharp teeth, and Ben explained -how they cut the trees. He said, -when beavers find a suitable tree they sit -up on their haunches and gnaw away the -bark, working slowly about the trunk in a<span class="pagenum">[109]</span> -circle. Then they go around again and chisel -out pieces of the wood itself. This they continue -to do until they penetrate to the -heart of the tree, and presently it falls. Then -they gnaw off the smaller limbs and branches, -which are collected and floated to the dam or -lodge.</p> - -<p>Ben added, some people claim that the -beavers always cut a tree so that it will -fall in any desired direction. But he said -he did not believe this, for he had seen hundreds -of trees which the beavers had felled -in the most inconvenient places, and others -that, through careless cutting, had lodged -against adjacent trunks and failed to come to -the ground at all.</p> - -<p>Then the guide led the boys to the dam. -They walked along the top, where the sticks -were all pointed lengthwise of the stream. -There was more beaver talk from Ben, who -surprised the boys by telling them that the -beaver’s tail, properly prepared, made delicious -soup.</p> - -<p>Anxious to get a glimpse of the clever creatures, -Ben decided to wait close to the dam. -However, he was not hopeful, for, he said, -the beavers usually worked after dark, or -between daylight and sunrise; but, he added, -they were occasionally seen abroad in the<span class="pagenum">[110]</span> -daytime, and on the chance the boys were -eager to wait.</p> - -<p>They returned to the canoe, and presently -there was a crackling fire, and appetizing -smells soon drifted off through the woods. -When they had finished eating they went -into hiding behind some willows at the edge -of the pond, and Ben told them that when -an old bachelor beaver became quarrelsome -the beavers drove him from the village and -compelled him to live alone; also, when the -beavers were obliged to go some distance into -the forest for the trees they required, they -sometimes dug regular little canals down -which they floated the sticks and logs to their -pond.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a loud whack came from the -water, and, cautioning his companions to -keep still, the guide peeped between the -branches. Quietly he pointed toward the -lodge, and the boys saw a dark-brown animal -swimming leisurely along near the foot of -the dam. Ben whispered that the noise had -been made by the beaver striking the water -with its tail.</p> - -<p>The animal soon reached the base of the -dam and crawled from the water. It walked -carefully along the whole length of the dam, -apparently on a tour of inspection. At one<span class="pagenum">[111]</span> -place a stick had become dislodged, and the -beaver skilfully put it back.</p> - -<p>Then it entered the pond and, to their -delight, started directly toward their place -of concealment. Ben warned them to remain -absolutely motionless, and Ed stealthily placed -his camera within reach, in the hope of getting -a snap-shot.</p> - -<p>The beaver swam to a log within fifteen -feet of them, and there emerged and sat up -in plain view. Ed hastily focused the camera -and pressed the bulb, with an involuntary exclamation -of delight. At the sound the beaver -dove beneath the water.</p> - -<p>“Well, my boy, you’re certainly in luck,” -laughed Ben, as Ed wound off the film. “I -guess he just came over to have his picture -taken.”</p> - -<p>“That will make a fine enlargement!” -cried George.</p> - -<p>“It’s better than shooting him,” Ben declared. -“Anybody can wait around and get -a pot-shot, but it’s not every one that can -get close enough to take a good picture. Of -course, he helped considerable by saving us -the trouble of sneaking up on him; but nobody -knows that,” he added, mischievously.</p> - -<p>Ed took several pictures of the dam and the -gnawed stumps. Then they entered the canoe<span class="pagenum">[112]</span> -and paddled upstream toward the lake. The -weather was becoming colder, and a raw, -piercing wind had come down out of the north. -Ben thought it might snow before many hours, -and the boys, eager for their first experience -with snowshoes, hoped it would.</p> - -<p>When they turned from the stream the -shadows of early twilight had crept through -the woods, and were reaching over the water. -Ben paddled rapidly, and they were soon at -the end of the lake, where the dim trail led -away toward the little cabin.</p> - -<p>Ben had lifted the canoe on his shoulders -and was starting along the trail when an -alarming sound came over the water from -the swamp.</p> - -<p>The guide instantly set the canoe down and -straightened to listen, and the boys instinctively -moved closer to his side. As they stood -there the wild call was repeated. It echoed -weirdly over the water, and consisted of a -deep, cow-like bellow followed by several low, -rumbling grunts.</p> - -<p>“That’s a bull moose calling,” declared Ben. -Then he lifted the canoe and continued into -the black woods.</p> - -<p>The lads followed closely, unable to keep -from glancing over their shoulders apprehensively -each time the cry was repeated.<span class="pagenum">[113]</span> -They asked Ben about the noise, and they -were quite excited to learn that with a roll -of birch-bark he could imitate the sound and -call a moose. He promised to do this for -them, and they determined to hold him to -his promise.</p> - -<p>As they stumbled along in the wake of the -guide, Ed and George several times heard -animals running away through the dark. -They thought it wonderful that Ben was able -to find and follow the trail in such darkness, -and finally asked him how he did it. He -laughed and declared he just followed his feet.</p> - -<p>It was late when they eventually reached -the cabin. Ben cooked a splendid supper, -and they ate with the appetite of the woods. -Then came the comfort of their blankets and -sound sleep.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[114]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="VIII">VIII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A BULL MOOSE AND A NARROW ESCAPE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">Next morning the bushes about the edge -of the shore were silvered with frost, and -a thin, crinkling scum of ice covered the little -pools in the marsh. The air was sharp and -crisp, and it nipped viciously at the boys’ -fingers and ears. Before it was light they -left the cabin and took their stand beside -Ben in the timber at the border of the swamp.</p> - -<p>For some time they stood there shivering -from cold and excitement. Then, as the first -gray hint of approaching day came from the -east, Ben raised a cone-shaped roll of birch-bark -to his lips and blew the wild, sonorous -challenge of the bull moose. It rose and fell -on the frosty air until all the woods resounded, -and then died away in the distance.</p> - -<p>Somewhere about, within hearing distance -he hoped, was the moose they had heard on -their return from the beaver-dam. Ben felt -sure it would eagerly accept this defiant -challenge. If it did, he knew it would soon<span class="pagenum">[115]</span> -come crashing noisily toward them, and he -hoped to entice it out upon the open marsh.</p> - -<p>Having given the call, the guide lowered -the birch-bark horn and sat down to wait, -while the boys stared eagerly across the marsh.</p> - -<p>Time passed, but there was no response. -At last Ben rose and sent forth another -strange cry. This time he substituted the -call of the cow moose. Then he again sat -down to wait.</p> - -<p>Daylight dawned, and a white, curling mist -rose and drifted away above the marsh. -Something snapped a twig at the border of -the woods. The boys looked expectantly at -Ben and shifted their rifles. He smiled and -shook his head, and their tense nerves relaxed.</p> - -<p>Then the summons was answered, and Ben -glanced at them and winked encouragingly. -From far to the right came the challenging -reply, and the very sound of it set the hearts -of the young hunters to thumping, while they -thrilled with excitement. What they would -do when the moose really made its appearance -they did not know, except that they determined -to stand their ground manfully.</p> - -<p>Ben once more placed the roll of bark to -his lips and sent forth another call—a repetition -of the first defiant challenge. A minute<span class="pagenum">[116]</span> -or so passed, and then the reply came, clearer -and more distinct than before.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got him coming, boys,” said Ben, -confidently. “When he gets close, and you -hear him crashing through the woods, you -fellows must keep as still as mice, or we’ll lose -him. If I can coax him into the center of -the marsh, cover him close behind the shoulder; -and when you hear me hiss, let him have it.”</p> - -<p>“What will he do when he gets here?” asked -George.</p> - -<p>“Look around for trouble, I guess,” Ben -answered.</p> - -<p>“And he’ll find it, too!” said Ed.</p> - -<p>Again the guide called, and an answer came -back immediately. Then, to their great surprise, -another call sounded from the opposite -side of the swamp. The boys stared at Ben -in wide-eyed astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll be blamed!” he chuckled. -“We’ve got two of them coming; and, unless -I’m mistaken, we’re going to see something -mighty interesting. I wouldn’t wonder but -what there’s likely to be the liveliest kind of -a scrap around here before long.”</p> - -<p>For some minutes they were kept in a high -state of excitement and suspense, as the calls -and challenges of the rival bulls sounded back -and forth across the marsh.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p> - -<p>“There’s no use calling any more,” said -Ben, laying aside the birch roll. “They’ll call -each other, and meet right here in front of -us.”</p> - -<p>At last they heard the moose which had answered -first crashing his way through the -undergrowth. At the same time they heard -the second one approaching from the opposite -side.</p> - -<p>“Don’t shoot till I tell you,” whispered -Ben, as they crouched behind the bushes.</p> - -<p>Both bulls had become suspicious, and they -were using every precaution before exposing -themselves. The boys could see the tops of -small trees shake as the moose lunged savagely -at them with their antlers. The enraged -beasts were evidently pawing and stamping, -for there was a constant snapping and crackling -of dried twigs. Then silence reigned -supreme while the animals stood listening -for a warning of danger.</p> - -<p>At last, after what seemed a very long -time to the impatient watchers, one of the -great beasts, the one they had heard first, -left the timber and strode defiantly out upon -the marsh. The hair on his neck was raised -in anger as he stood with his massive antlers -held high, endeavoring to obtain some sign -or scent of his rival.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[118]</span></p> - -<p>The boys raised their rifles and took accurate -aim. Their hearts thumped wildly, -and their breath came hard and fast. Much -to their disgust, however, Ben motioned for -them to lower the weapons. He pointed mysteriously -in the direction from whence he -expected the second bull. The one they had -so eagerly covered was not as large a specimen -as the guide had expected to see. He was -prudently holding the impatient lads in check, -in the hope that the second moose would -prove to be a finer animal.</p> - -<p>Then there was a savage grunt, and with -lowered head the expected arrival charged -into the open and drove straight at its enemy. -The latter, although surprised by the suddenness -of the attack, instantly wheeled and -braced himself to withstand the charge.</p> - -<p>There was a terrific crash as the two sets -of antlers met. Then began a battle the like of -which none of the spellbound onlookers would -probably ever see again. Head against head, -the two big brutes pushed and shoved each -other about the marsh. Great pieces of -mossy turf were torn loose and flung high in -air by their sharp hoofs; bushes were broken -and trampled down as the combatants struggled -through them; and the noise of hoarse -breathing, as the bulls strained and labored<span class="pagenum">[119]</span> -against each other, could be distinctly -heard.</p> - -<p>The last arrival was the larger and heavier -animal of the two. In spite of this, its younger -and smaller adversary was giving a splendid -account of himself. Twice he sent his larger -antagonist to its knees by the force of his -rushes, and he speedily won the sympathy of -his unseen audience by his courage. Several -times, when he had gained a temporary advantage, -the boys were on the point of cheering. -In their struggle the infuriated animals -approached close to the hiding-place of the -hunters, and the latter could see the fierce -eyes blazing with the light of battle.</p> - -<p>Finally the strength of the heavier animal -began to assert itself, and the younger moose, -gashed and gored, began to give way. Slowly -it retreated before the furious onslaughts of -its aggressive antagonist. Then, finding itself -unable to stop them, it turned in panic -and fled with its conqueror in triumphant -pursuit.</p> - -<p>As the bulls galloped across the marsh Ben -called to the boys to shoot. Nothing could -have tempted them to fire at the smaller -animal, which had so completely won their -hearts by its gallant conduct. They had no -such consideration for its rival, however, and<span class="pagenum">[120]</span> -they quickly brought their rifles up and fired -at his retreating form.</p> - -<p>When the shots rang out the rear moose -fell to its knees, but was up in an instant and -into the woods.</p> - -<p>“Well, you hit him,” said Ben, as he rose -to his feet. “Why didn’t you each pick one -of them?”</p> - -<p>“We couldn’t kill the smaller one after -seeing the fight he made,” declared Ed. “At -least, that was the way I felt about it.”</p> - -<p>“Same here,” George seconded.</p> - -<p>Ben laughed, but did not reply. He led -them over the marsh to where the moose -had fallen. They closely examined the small -bushes in the immediate vicinity. A few -splashes showed on some of the leaves, and -the guide declared the moose was only slightly -wounded.</p> - -<p>“Of course, I may be wrong,” he added, -noting the look of disappointment on their -faces. “Anyhow, we’ll have to follow him -up. Nobody but a rank ‘tenderfoot’ or -a quitter would leave a wounded animal to -suffer and die in misery.”</p> - -<p>They started at once to follow the moose.</p> - -<p>“Will he be apt to go far?” Ed inquired.</p> - -<p>“Judging by the sign, he’ll go a long ways,” -Ben prophesied, “unless he’s bleeding inside.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[121]</span></p> - -<p>The boys wished they had not shot, for -the idea of the wounded moose, perhaps in -mortal agony, fleeing before them caused -severe pangs of conscience. They determined, -therefore, to follow on the trail until -they found their victim and mercifully ended -his sufferings.</p> - -<p>Headed by the guide, whose keen eyes never -for an instant lost the indistinct trail, they -toiled through the wilderness for several -hours. Twice they were obliged to ford -streams, and the icy water chilled their legs. -They flushed grouse, which, as usual at such -times, flew stupidly into trees and offered all -sorts of easy shots. But Ben, fully determined -to kill the moose, forbade them to use -the rifles on anything except the wounded -bull. They had an excellent chance at a -buck which leaped from cover beside them -and bounded up an exposed hillside. Even -then the lads dutifully obeyed instructions -and refrained from shooting.</p> - -<p>While they were crossing a dangerous strip -of floating bog George lagged behind to lace -his moccasins. Then, in his eagerness to -overtake his companions, he started recklessly -across the treacherous swamp, stepped -upon a piece of floating bog, and disappeared -into a deep water-hole.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[122]</span></p> - -<p>When his head reappeared above the surface, -George grasped desperately at the moss -and bushes fringing the edge of the pool. He -was dismayed to find that the bog all around -him was afloat. He called to his comrades -for help. But they, supposing he had followed -them, had disappeared into the timber.</p> - -<p>The water was several feet over his depth, -and George was compelled to “tread,” a trick -he had learned in the school swimming-tank, -in order to keep his head above the surface. -He realized that he could not continue it very -long before he would become exhausted. Already -the icy water was cramping his legs -and sending sharp, stinging pains through his -body. Again and again he clutched at the -edge of the floating marsh and tried to drag -himself upon it. Each time it sank with his -weight and sent him diving beneath the water. -He clung valiantly to his rifle, and at last decided -to fire it in the hope of attracting the -attention of his companions. Then he thought -of the moose, and refrained.</p> - -<p>Finally his legs stiffened and refused to -work, and, feeling himself sinking, George -clutched frantically at a bush and held to it -with a grip of despair. It was anchored to -a large piece of floating bog. Although the -insecure platform would not support him, it<span class="pagenum">[123]</span> -kept the lad from sinking into the depths of -the pool.</p> - -<p>For what seemed hours George hung suspended -in the water-hole. His calls brought -no response, and he determined to fire the -danger-signal.</p> - -<p>He listened fearfully as the reports thundered -across the marsh, for he believed he had -spoiled all chance of getting the moose. But, -as the wind blew from the wrong direction -to carry the sound to his friends, George -doubted if either they or the moose had heard -his desperate appeal.</p> - -<p>Then the alarming possibility that perhaps -Ben and Ed had also fallen into the bog presented -itself. The mere suggestion of such -a catastrophe sickened him. He realized that -unless help came soon it would be too late. -The water was benumbing his entire body, -and it was with the greatest difficulty that he -retained his death-like hold on the saving -bush. With all the power of his lungs he -gave a last despairing cry. Then he felt himself -slowly sinking into the icy water.</p> - -<p>But suddenly there was an answering yell -from Ben, and, rousing himself, George saw -the guide leaping over the marsh with a long -pole on his shoulder. Behind him came Ed, -also carrying a pole.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[124]</span></p> - -<p>When he arrived at the edge of the treacherous -bog, Ben reached forward with the extended -pole, while he held fast to the other -pole which Ed, his feet braced against a tree, -clung to with all his might. The end of the -sapling just came within reach, and George -grasped it with stiffened fingers and endeavored -to aid Ben, who was struggling -desperately to drag him from the water. -The guide put all of his strength into the -effort, and George rose slowly from the -hole and was dragged over, under, and -through the wet mass beneath him to firm -ground.</p> - -<p>His rescuers at once set to work rubbing -and kneading his cramped muscles, until they -had partially restored circulation. Then they -led him rapidly over the marsh and into the -shelter of the woods. Ben quickly kindled a -fire, and compelled George to sit near it -until he was well dried and thoroughly -warmed.</p> - -<p>When the lad had fully recovered, the guide -congratulated him on his narrow escape, and -commended him for his presence of mind in -keeping possession of his rifle.</p> - -<p>George apologized for having fired the shots, -and said he supposed he had ruined all chances -of getting the moose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[125]</span></p> - -<p>Ben and Ed looked at each other, and -laughed heartily. Then they rose and asked -him to follow them into the woods. There -before him was the body of the moose. George, -delighted, looked from one to the other for -an explanation. Ben told him that both -bullets had taken deadly effect, and the bull -had succumbed to internal wounds.</p> - -<p>The boys helped him skin the carcass and -cut out the choice parts of the meat. Then -they left the head and horns until later, made -convenient packs, and started for the canoe. -They were careful to go around the swamp -instead of crossing it again.</p> - -<p>Once they had reached the canoe, they -started directly for the cabin. The first real -touch of winter was in the air, and as they -paddled along Ben told them if the wind went -down at dark they could expect to find ice in -the morning.</p> - -<p>When they reached the cabin he prepared -a cup of hot ginger tea, which he made George -drink to offset any ill effects from his exposure -in the marsh. Then he cooked a delicious -stew from the game they had procured -in the past few days, and, as they -were all extremely hungry, they ate supper -early.</p> - -<p>As Ben had prophesied, the wind died down<span class="pagenum">[126]</span> -with the sun, and a keen, biting frost descended -over the wilderness. They made a -roaring fire in the little stove, and drew their -stools close up to it while Ben told several -stories before they climbed into their bunks.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[127]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="IX">IX<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">FISHING THROUGH THE ICE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">For a week the cold weather continued, -and the lakes and ponds became covered -with smooth, glistening sheets of ice. The -boys, who had brought their skates, enjoyed -great sport. Never before had they seen such -excellent skating, and Ben advised them to -make the most of it before the snow came and -spoiled their fun.</p> - -<p>One day they spied a fox crossing the lake, -and they promptly skated after it. The fleet-footed -animal was unable to make speed on -the ice, and the boys gained rapidly. The -panic-stricken fox slid about and fell constantly -in its efforts to dodge its pursuers. Once -it ran directly in front of Ed, and sent him -sprawling—much to the delight of Ben and -George. The guide, who watched the sport -from shore, cautioned them against catching -the animal with their hands. Therefore they -were obliged to content themselves with chasing -it to the edge of the woods, where, finding<span class="pagenum">[128]</span> -firm footing at last, it jumped into the bushes -and sped away in safety.</p> - -<p>Several days later the sun came out bright -and warm, and Ben declared it a splendid day -to fish through the ice. He promised the -boys great sport, should the fish happen to -be hungry. He went to a near-by spring and -dipped some minnows from a supply stored -there. Then he took ten or twelve pieces of -lath from a shelf. Each piece was about three -feet long, and had a small, round hole bored -through its center, near one end. Fastened -to this end was a heavy braided fish-line, from -the end of which dangled a businesslike-looking -hook. Provided with these, the pail of -minnows, and two axes, Ben led the way over -the lake to a sheltered cove. There he halted -at some distance from the shore, for he explained -that with the coming of cold weather -the fish retired to deeper water.</p> - -<p>While he chopped the first hole the guide -set the boys at work cutting a number of -sticks, about three feet long, small enough -to fit loosely through the holes in the pieces -of lath. By the time they had cut enough -Ben had chopped several holes. The lads -were anxious to help, and he surrendered the -ax and told them to begin.</p> - -<p>They began by chipping small pieces of<span class="pagenum">[129]</span> -ice, haphazard, from the center of a tiny -circle. The guide instantly stopped them and -declared such work would not do. He showed -how to cut a circular groove through the ice, -keeping all sides of the circle at an even depth -until they were on the point of reaching the -water; then a clean-cut disk of ice floated -free and was pushed back out of the -way.</p> - -<p>“There’s a knack in everything, boys,” -laughed Ben, straightening after he had cut -the twelfth and last hole.</p> - -<p>They unwound the fish-lines, placed a minnow -on each hook, and dropped it into the -water. At the same time Ben pushed a stick -through the lath and placed it across the -opening. Each end of the stick rested on -the ice. The lath had its longer half resting -on the ice, and its shorter end, from which -dangled the line and hook, directly over the -water.</p> - -<p>Ben explained that when a fish jerked on -the line it would pull the short end of the lath -down and cause the other end to rise and give -warning of a strike. He said such an arrangement -was known as a “tip-up.” When the -last hole had been baited and set, the anglers -went ashore to wait. When one of the “tip-ups” -bobbed into the air they were all to rush<span class="pagenum">[130]</span> -for it. The one who got there first and jerked -out the fish would win that “heat.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly Ben shouted, “There goes number -three!” and off he started, with the boys -in hot pursuit.</p> - -<p>It was no easy matter to keep their feet -while dashing at full speed over the glassy -surface of the lake. Ed fell flat and slid -along with his arms and legs outspread. By -the time George reached the hole he was -going so fast that he could not stop, and he -slid past, vainly endeavoring to turn without -falling. When Ed and George had recovered -themselves, Ben had reached the opening and -tossed a splendid pickerel on the ice.</p> - -<p>“You fellows looked like spiders trying to -run over a window-pane,” he laughed, as the -boys came up puffing.</p> - -<p>“Just wait until the next one!” George -panted.</p> - -<p>“There she goes!” cried Ed; and he made -a wild dash for another hole.</p> - -<p>George and Ben were right behind him, -yelling at the top of their voices. When near -the opening Ed thought the best way to stop -would be to sit down and slide the remainder -of the distance. He did so, but was unaware -that his comrades were close behind him; and -he was somewhat surprised when Ben went<span class="pagenum">[131]</span> -sailing over his head and George landed -astride his back. There was a grand mix-up -of arms and legs, as all of them tried to scramble -to the hole. Finally Ed managed to crawl -to the opening, where he jerked another -pickerel from the water.</p> - -<p>When they rose to their feet, they saw three -“tip-ups” on end, and this time each ran to -a different one. Much to the delight of the -boys, Ben slipped, and to save himself from -plunging into the hole jumped over it at top -speed. His feet hit the ice on the other side -and instantly shot out from under him, and -he slid along on his back, while his young -companions whooped.</p> - -<p>“Another spider!” cried Ed.</p> - -<p>Ben laughed good-naturedly, and, spying -another “tip-up” raised, started for it at -break-neck speed. Away went the boys at -the same instant. In vain they tried to head -him off from the side. Again a desperate -mix-up ensued, and this time it was George -who first got hold of the line. He gave a violent -tug. Then the others laughed boisterously, -for nothing but the bare hook shot -into the air.</p> - -<p>After a while it began to cloud over and -grow cold and raw. Ben looked at the sky -and prophesied snow before dark. They<span class="pagenum">[132]</span> -spent the remainder of the morning on the ice; -but with the disappearance of the sun and -the coming of the cold wind, the fish ceased -biting. They caught only one or two more -before they took up the “tip-ups” at noon -and returned to the cabin.</p> - -<p>During the afternoon it continued to grow -colder. Several times little flurries of snow -passed, swirling out across the lake. Ben -busied himself in overhauling several pairs -of snowshoes, which he said they might soon -have need of.</p> - -<p>All at once a most unearthly noise sounded -from the opposite side of the lake. Ben -dropped the snowshoe he was fixing, and -listened. It was a combination of howls, -whines, yelps, and barks mingled in one -great bedlam of sound that greeted their -ears.</p> - -<p>The guide rushed from the cabin with his -rifle, and ran for the shore, the boys close -behind him. Whatever made the noise was -evidently headed for the lake, with the intention -of crossing on the ice.</p> - -<p>“They’ve turned!” said Ben, disgustedly.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired Ed.</p> - -<p>“Wild dogs,” said Ben. “They’re running -a deer—bad luck to them! If the deer had -only come out on the ice, as it intended, I’d<span class="pagenum">[133]</span> -have dropped a few of the rascals before they -got out of range.”</p> - -<p>“Wild dogs?” repeated the lads, incredulously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, there’s been a pack of them down in -the country around Big Otter Pond for several -years. Now that they’ve driven most -of the game out of there, they’ve moved up -into this country. We’ll make it too all-fired -hot for them! Wait till Bill hears of it, -then you’ll smell gunpowder,” Ben declared, -angrily.</p> - -<p>The babel from the outlaw pack grew gradually -fainter, till at last it ceased, for they had -chased their doomed victim out of ear-shot.</p> - -<p>“Will they get the deer?” George asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, they’ll get it, all right,” replied Ben. -“Nothing escapes them when once they’re -hot on the trail. They’re as savage as wolves, -and a lot more cunning. That’s why nobody -can kill them off.”</p> - -<p>When they reached the cabin the guide -began the story of the four-footed renegades.</p> - -<p>“Some few years ago there was an old -half-breed trapper who came down into this -country from somewhere up in Canada. -With him he brought three dogs which he -used on bear. Two of them were great long-eared -hounds—mostly bloodhound stock, I -guess, savage as lions. The other was a three-quarter<span class="pagenum">[134]</span> -Eskimo dog which looked for all the -world like a big gray timber-wolf.</p> - -<p>“Jean Beaupoy—that was the name of the -old trapper—kept the dogs tied to stout posts -near his cabin. He could do anything he -pleased with them, but no one else dared go -near where they were. I’ve heard men who -chanced to pass say that the dogs would -growl and bark long before any one could get -near the place. Then old Jean would run -out, rifle in hand, and ask who was coming -and what they wanted. We sort of got suspicious -of the old fellow, and thought maybe -he’d run away from the law, and had brought -the three half-wild dogs to give him warning -and protection.</p> - -<p>“Well, one day early in the spring the -queer old man was drowned. He had tried -to come down through ‘Crazy Man Riffs’ in -his canoe. We found the canoe turned bottom -side up in the pool at the end of the -rapids, but we never found old Jean.</p> - -<p>“First we thought his dogs had been -drowned with him, ’cause we knew he had -them along. But several weeks later a trapper -saw them chase a buck deer into a pond. -He called them; but at the sound of his voice -they snarled like wolves and bounded away -before he thought of shooting.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[135]</span></p> - -<p>“A year or so after this, reports began to -come in about them from all around the -county. They’d gathered up other stray dogs -by that time and made them cunning, blood-thirsty -outlaws like themselves. The big, -half-wolf Eskimo dog appeared to be their -leader, and some used to say he had found -two or three timber-wolves and got them to -join his band. But there aren’t any wolves -in Maine.</p> - -<p>“Finally people began to hunt them; and -when they failed to get near enough to shoot, -they set poison traps. In that way they -managed to kill one or two, and then the pack -refused to touch any more of the poisoned -bait.</p> - -<p>“One winter the trappers organized a hunt -to run them down on snowshoes. Although -the best men in the county took part, they -only succeeded in killing two out of the pack, -which by that time had increased considerably.</p> - -<p>“Each year they grew bolder and killed -more game, till the county offered a reward -for killing them, and men went to work to -hunt them. But it was no use.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps somebody kills one, or maybe -two, now and then, but they have increased -till there are probably twenty or thirty in<span class="pagenum">[136]</span> -the pack. They’ve chased or killed off all -the game around Big Otter Pond way, and -now they’ve come yelping and raving up here -like a pack of devils.”</p> - -<p>“Do they ever attack people?” asked Ed, -when the unusual story was finished.</p> - -<p>Ben resumed work on the snowshoes, and -did not reply.</p> - -<p>Ed repeated his query, and the guide was -forced into an answer.</p> - -<p>“Oh, they’re not dangerous,” he laughed, -evading the direct question, and the boys -knew he was not so sure of it.</p> - -<p>They spent the balance of the day skating -on the lake. Toward evening they thought -they heard the wild pack again, and they felt -that the cabin was the place for them.</p> - -<p>Just as they were turning in for the night -it began to snow. It came down in little -round, stinging pellets, and Ben said this was -the sign of a big storm.</p> - -<p>Later, when they were warmly blanketed -in the bunk, Ed turned to George and said: -“I believe we shall be mixed up with that -band of wild dogs before we leave here.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve been thinking the same thing,” said -George.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[137]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="X">X<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WINTER SETTLES DOWN</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">When the storm ceased two days later -the lads looked out on a new landscape. -The glistening white mantle of winter covered -the earth. The evergreens were decorated -with little puffs of snow, and the cabin -itself was half buried in a huge drift. Everything -was white and dazzling—lake, mountains, -trees, and cabin. It seemed to the -boys that they had stepped into fairyland. -They might have easily imagined themselves -in the Arctic.</p> - -<div id="Ref_161" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i161.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">THE WHITE MANTLE OF WINTER COVERED THE EARTH</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Ben brought forth two pairs of snowshoes -and explained how to fasten them on. Then -he donned a pair himself and tramped slowly -back and forth, so the boys could see how -he used his feet and legs to manipulate the -awkward “webs.”</p> - -<p>Ed and George started bravely out over -the deep snow; but, unused to the queer -shoes as they were, they quickly placed one -foot on top of the other and went head first<span class="pagenum">[138]</span> -into the soft, powdery drifts. Ben shook with -laughter as they floundered about in their -efforts to rise. They soon learned to keep -their feet far apart, and before long they were -running over the snow like old-timers.</p> - -<p>Later in the day they again put on the -snowshoes and made their way out on the -lake. Suddenly George called to Ed and -pointed excitedly to a tall pine that leaned -out from the shore. Looking up into the -branches, Ed saw a large white bird sitting -stationary on its perch.</p> - -<p>Ed volunteered to go to the cabin for a -gun, and started for the shore at full speed. -In his excitement he forgot all about keeping -his feet apart, and before he had gone far he -overlapped the toes of his snowshoes and -took a “header.” But he quickly regained -his feet and continued.</p> - -<p>The big bird in the top of the tree began -to twist its head uneasily, and George was -disgusted when it finally spread its wings and -sailed out over the lake and back toward the -woods again. He instantly gave chase, and -kept it in sight until it alighted in another -tree some distance farther on.</p> - -<p>When Ed returned to the border of the -lake with the gun, he was surprised to find -George nowhere in sight. But he followed<span class="pagenum">[139]</span> -the snowshoe trail around a projecting point -of land. There he found George hidden in -the bushes. Ed told him that Ben thought -the bird might be a snowy owl.</p> - -<p>Delighted at the prospect of procuring so -rare a prize, they began a stealthy advance -through the woods. They found traveling -in the timber far more difficult than they had -imagined. The snowshoes caught under logs -and in bushes continually, and their progress -was slow. After much labor they finally arrived -at the base of the pine.</p> - -<p>They looked for some time before they -were able to discover the owl high above them. -At last George pointed it out to Ed, who had -the gun. He took careful aim and pulled -the trigger. With the report, down came a -shower of snow that almost blinded them. -Then they saw the bird come flapping awkwardly -to earth, and land, as they supposed, -some distance away in the soft snow.</p> - -<p>They at once hurried to the spot, but found -no trace of the owl. They hunted diligently, -and Ed, in disgust, declared the bird was no -doubt lying in plain sight, but could not be -seen against the white background of snow. -They searched carefully through a fallen tree-top, -beneath bushes, and behind rocks, but -all in vain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[140]</span></p> - -<p>“I wish I hadn’t shot it,” Ed said, remorsefully, -as he sat down to cool himself.</p> - -<p>“We’ll find it about here somewhere,” replied -George, hopefully.</p> - -<p>Just then another mass of loosened snow -came tumbling down on Ed, as the object of -their search flapped helplessly to the ground -from the forks of a small evergreen. With -one wing dragging, it tumbled along over the -snow and made away into the woods.</p> - -<p>“Don’t shoot!” cried George, excitedly, as -Ed brought the gun to his shoulder. “We’ll -get him alive,” and he bounded off in pursuit -of the escaping bird.</p> - -<p>They soon saw that it was only wounded -slightly, and could make excellent speed -through the tangled undergrowth. Indeed, -it was only by the greatest efforts that they -were able to keep it in sight. But it was -leaving a broad trail, and they knew they -would be able to track it to its hiding-place.</p> - -<p>The bird finally sought refuge under a log. -The boys whooped delightedly, for they knew -it could not escape them. Being entirely unfamiliar -with the danger from the powerful -beak and talons of this bird, George stooped -down and reached recklessly beneath the log. -He instantly withdrew his hand and gave -utterance to a howl of pain as he hopped<span class="pagenum">[141]</span> -about holding to one of his fingers, which was -bleeding freely.</p> - -<p>“What happened?” asked Ed, in surprise.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz, the blamed thing has teeth!” -declared George. “He bit me!”</p> - -<p>They put snow on the injured finger and -bound it with a handkerchief. Then they -sat down to determine how to get the strange -bird without risking more fingers. The boys -at last decided to poke it out with a stick; -but were at a loss to know how to capture it -when it came from beneath the log.</p> - -<p>“I have it,” declared George. “When it -comes out, I’ll throw my coat over it, and we -can wrap it up and carry it home.”</p> - -<p>For a long time, however, the bird refused -to leave its shelter, and bit and struck at the -stick with its powerful beak and great curved -claws. Noticing the way it attacked the pole, -Ed decided to try an experiment.</p> - -<p>He fastened his handkerchief to the end -of the stick, and pushed it before the enraged -bird. Hissing angrily, the owl snapped viciously -at the lure. Before it could release its -hold, Ed gave a quick pull which brought the -bird from beneath the log.</p> - -<p>Once in the open, it turned over on its back -and clawed at the air. The boys made many -attempts to throw the coat over it, but each<span class="pagenum">[142]</span> -time it either kicked it off or scrambled from -beneath.</p> - -<p>“Fights almost as hard as a bob-cat,” -laughed Ed.</p> - -<p>“Worse,” declared George, shaking his -wounded finger as proof.</p> - -<p>The lads eventually got the savage bird -wrapped in the garment, but not until Ed -had received a nasty scratch from its sharp -talons. Using the sleeves of the coat, they -managed to tie their struggling captive securely -in its folds. Slinging it from the end -of a small pole, they set off for the cabin in -high spirits.</p> - -<p>When they arrived there, they made Ben -close the door, and with a shout of triumph -they released their prisoner in the center of -the room.</p> - -<p>“Snowy owl, sure as you’re born,” said -Ben, when the bird stood before him.</p> - -<p>At his near approach it backed away into -a corner, beneath a lower bunk, and he bade -them get it out to see if it was badly -wounded.</p> - -<p>“Not as badly as we are,” laughed George, -as he unbound his throbbing finger.</p> - -<p>Ed rolled up his sleeve and exhibited the -long, red scratch on his arm.</p> - -<p>“Heigh!” cried Ben. “Got you, did he?”<span class="pagenum">[143]</span> -And he ordered them to wash their wounds -with hot water from the kettle.</p> - -<p>With the aid of a fish-net he finally got the -owl in his grasp, and tenderly examined its -wounded wing.</p> - -<p>“Just one little shot-pellet tipped him on -the joint there,” he said. “He’ll be as good -as ever in a few days.”</p> - -<p>“May we keep him?” pleaded the lads.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I guess so; but you’ll have to be -careful or some one may get hurt.”</p> - -<p>They promised to build a cage, and said they -would tame and make a pet of their captive. -They asked Ben what to feed it, and were -much relieved when told it would eat anything -in the way of meat.</p> - -<p>“He’s a rascal, anyway, and a little term -in prison won’t hurt him,” laughed the guide.</p> - -<p>Then he told them that this species of owl -murders and eats great numbers of rabbits, -grouse, and smaller birds and animals. He -declared that by jailing the individual in their -possession they would no doubt save the -lives of many little forest folks in the vicinity.</p> - -<p>That afternoon, aided by Ben, they built -a large rustic crate, or cage, with a log perch -extending from end to end. They managed -to get the owl inside, and when they had supplied -him with some deer meat they pushed<span class="pagenum">[144]</span> -the crate against the wall and left the surly -prisoner to his meditations.</p> - -<p>Ben said they would undoubtedly see many -strange tracks recorded in the snow on the -following day. He explained how the various -animals had remained close in their shelter -during the fury of the storm; but, now it was -over, they would venture forth in search of -food.</p> - -<p>After supper Ed and George dragged the -crate into the center of the room. They sat -down before it to study the fascinating white -bird, which sat stolidly on its perch and gazed -at them with its great, yellow eyes. They -were amused and surprised to learn that it -could turn its head almost in a complete circle -without moving its body. After watching -it do this for some time, Ed declared it must -surely twist its own neck if it continued.</p> - -<p>They learned from their books and from -Ben that the snowy owl was an inhabitant of -the far-off Arctic regions, and that it came -down into this country in the winter, when it -was driven south by snow, cold, and lack of -food. Ben told them how it sailed through -the forest and pounced upon a sleeping grouse -or luckless rabbit before they were aware of -its presence.</p> - -<p>Later in the evening the moon came up big<span class="pagenum">[145]</span> -and bright and flooded the snow-covered -country with its light. The boys asked Ben -if they might take some meat down to the -edge of the lake for a bait to entice whatever -wild creatures might be abroad. They -explained that they wished to hide near-by, -to watch, in the hope of getting a shot. The -guide smilingly gave consent, with the understanding -that they would return promptly -when he called.</p> - -<p>Armed with a lantern, the bait, and their -guns, the boys followed their own snowshoe -trail to the edge of the ice. They threw the -meat a short distance out from shore, and it -instantly sank from sight in the snow. They -recovered it, and moved farther along. Next -time the bait was placed carefully on a log. -Then they concealed themselves and waited -anxiously for some forest prowler to make -its appearance.</p> - -<p>The moonlight shining on the snow made -the lake and surrounding wilderness weird -and ghostly. Not a sound disturbed the stillness -except the thumping of their own hearts. -Somehow the forest seemed bigger and wilder, -and they were glad to know that the cabin -was not far away. There was little wind -astir, but the still cold stung their noses and -fingers and forced its way through their<span class="pagenum">[146]</span> -clothes and made them shiver. The lads -crouched side by side, with their guns held -in readiness and their eyes fixed intently on -the log, where the bait showed distinctly -against the snow.</p> - -<p>Something was moving in the woods close -beside them. A twig snapped loudly in the -frosty air. The boys felt thrills of excitement.</p> - -<p>“Suppose it’s a bear!” whispered George.</p> - -<p>“We’ll both fire at once and then run for -the cabin,” replied Ed.</p> - -<p>Although they listened for some minutes, -the alarming sounds were not repeated. A -bit relieved, they began swinging their arms -to warm themselves.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe anything will come around -while we’re standing here,” declared Ed, a -little later.</p> - -<p>George was about to reply when they were -startled by some unknown beast, which began -growling fiercely within a few yards of their -hiding-place.</p> - -<p>Almost at the same instant a big black -animal walked into the circle of moonlight! -Both of them fired at it. A terrifying roar -came in response to the shots, and the clumsy -creature lumbered away in the direction of -the cabin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[147]</span></p> - -<p>“Are you fellows all right?” called Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and we’ve shot a bear, I guess; he’s -gone up that way, somewhere!” Ed shouted, -excitedly.</p> - -<p>“It’s a bear, all right enough,” Ben assured -them.</p> - -<p>Then another roar, louder and more terrifying -than the first, echoed through the -forest. The young hunters began to wish -themselves up in the cabin with Ben.</p> - -<p>“You stung him pretty hard, and he’s mad -clear through,” warned the guide. “Stay -where you are, and I’ll come down there. I -don’t believe he’ll travel far. We’ll hunt him -out with the light.”</p> - -<p>The boys were relieved to know that Ben -was coming to reinforce them. From what -he and Bill had told them of bears, they believed -they had a dangerous customer to deal -with. However, neither of them was willing -to act the part of coward, and they decided, -if the wounded and enraged creature charged -them, to hold their ground and fire another -broadside.</p> - -<p>For several minutes, which seemed hours -to the boys, all was quiet. Then a low, ugly -snarl sounded forth, and they heard Ben shoot.</p> - -<p>“Look out, he’s headed your way!” cried -the guide.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[148]</span></p> - -<p>“There he goes! Fire!” yelled Ed, as an -indistinct black form galloped awkwardly -across the open space in front of them.</p> - -<p>Their guns roared in unison; but they were -several seconds too slow, and the bear, in -full flight, went crashing away through the -undergrowth.</p> - -<p>Ben came running down, rifle in hand, and -quickly lighted the lantern, which they had -prudently extinguished when they took their -stand. Calling to them to follow, he dashed -off on the trail of the wounded bear.</p> - -<p>“He’s hard hit; you must have been pretty -close,” he declared, when they had gone some -distance, and he stooped to examine the tracks. -“See how he’s dragging one leg?” And he -held the lantern so they could see the telltale -mark on the snow.</p> - -<p>In spite of its injuries, the animal was -galloping along in a series of short jumps. -Should he hold to his pace it would be impossible -for the trailers to overtake him.</p> - -<p>After they had tracked the bear some distance -and noted that he was continuing the -pace, Ben declared it useless to try to come -up with him before morning. He said they -would start at daylight and track the bear -to its den.</p> - -<p>“He’s a big one; and unless he’s dead by<span class="pagenum">[149]</span> -the time we come up with him, there’ll likely -be some fun,” he promised.</p> - -<p>When they reached the cabin, the boys -told how the unwelcome visitor had almost -run into them. Ben laughed when they acknowledged -how startled they had been, and -said they had done well to shoot, but declared -that shotguns were not appropriate weapons -for such large game.</p> - -<p>Once during the night the lads awakened -and thought they again heard the savage -roar of the wounded bear. They called to -Ben, who sat up in his bunk and listened -drowsily for some minutes. Finally he -laughed and said they must have been dreaming. -He advised them to go to sleep, so as -to be in good shape for the hunt on the -morrow.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[150]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XI">XI<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AN ADVENTURE WITH A BEAR</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">Next morning the two eager young -hunters were awake and up long before -daylight. They carefully oiled and inspected -their rifles, while Ben cooked breakfast. -The boys were too excited to eat, but each -put a substantial lunch in the rear pocket of -his hunting-coat.</p> - -<p>The air was keen and frosty, and the snow -crunched and squeaked under their snowshoes. -The lads had become so expert in -the use of the “webs” that they found little -difficulty in holding the stiff pace set by the -guide. They soon came to the place where -they had deserted the tracks the night before, -and, eager and impatient, they sped along -on the trail.</p> - -<p>“Say, he can certainly go some,” said -George, looking at the great tracks in the -snow.</p> - -<p>“I should say so,” added Ed.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and remember he’s not traveling like<span class="pagenum">[151]</span> -he could if he didn’t have that bad leg,” Ben -reminded them.</p> - -<p>The trail led along the edge of the lake for -some distance, then it turned abruptly to the -right and crossed a ridge of heavy timber. -Still the bear had continued his pace, and the -boys marveled at his strength and agility.</p> - -<p>After a time the tracks changed, and the -trailers saw that the bear had settled into a -walk. Ben pointed out the drag of the -damaged limb, which he thought was one of -the fore paws. Farther back on the trail he -had drawn their attention to marks which -showed that several times one of the animal’s -front legs had doubled under him.</p> - -<p>“He certainly is giving us a run,” Ben declared, -when they had gone several miles.</p> - -<p>The trail zigzagged down the side of an -almost perpendicular hill, and entered the confines -of a small swamp. Here they followed -it over a bit of partly frozen marsh which -vividly recalled to George his experience in -that other swamp. He was more careful this -time, though there was slight danger of a -repetition, for the bog was solid, and consequently -less dangerous to walk over. The -trail led them out on the opposite side and -up over a rough, rock-strewn grade to higher -ground. Noting this, Ben ordered a halt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[152]</span></p> - -<p>“He’s going to his den, boys, and we may -as well take it easy, for we’re not likely to -overtake him before he gets there.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you suppose the den is?” asked -Ed.</p> - -<p>“Haven’t the faintest idea. Over in the -next county, maybe; these fellows are powerful -travelers.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we’ll keep on till we find him, if we -have to walk to the north pole,” laughed -George.</p> - -<p>“You bet,” said Ed.</p> - -<p>They scraped the snow from the top of a -flat rock and sat down to rest. While they -sat there a flock of blue-jays discovered them -and began scolding furiously. Ben explained -that these noisy birds invariably discover -woods travelers, either men or beasts, and by -their incessant calling give notice of all advances -through the wilderness. He warned -the boys to be on the watch for game of -some sort whenever they heard the blue-jays. -After a time the birds departed, and -the hunters rose and toiled laboriously up the -ascent.</p> - -<p>They found, when they reached the crest, -that the trail turned to the left and continued -along the top of a low divide. They also -noticed that there were fewer blood spots beside<span class="pagenum">[153]</span> -it, and Ben said the wounds were not -serious. Judging by the manner in which -the animal was covering ground, the boys -agreed with him. They had already followed -its trail a long distance, and the end of the -chase was apparently as far off as ever.</p> - -<p>The drag of the snowshoes began to tire -the lads, but neither would confess it even -to himself. They were too anxious to win -the coveted trophy ahead of them.</p> - -<p>At length, after several more miles had been -covered, the guide told the boys that he -guessed they would be obliged to make good -their boast regarding the north pole. He -saw nothing to indicate any ending place -this side of it. They laughed and asked him -to lead the way; and he smiled, well pleased -with their gameness.</p> - -<p>By noon the trailers found themselves at -the base of a high, granite-capped mountain. -Ben decided to stop here for luncheon. -He declared that he believed they would -find the bear holed up among the ledges -which extended along the towering summit -above them. An icy stream tumbled noisily -down the mountain-side, and beside it they -kicked off their snowshoes and prepared to -eat their midday meal.</p> - -<p>The boys’ legs were stiff and sore from the<span class="pagenum">[154]</span> -unusual exercise, but the idea of being near -their quarry, at last, kept them from becoming -tired. When Ben had made a small fire and -prepared some steaming coffee, they did -ample justice to their luncheon.</p> - -<p>The great gray ledges on the mountain top -had a peculiar fascination for the young -hunters. They were constantly looking at -them. Somewhere up among the gloomy -caverns was hidden the savage creature which -they pursued. Several times they imagined -they actually saw it moving clumsily about -among the rocks. They were anxious to begin -the long, slippery climb up the mountain. -Eager and impatient, they began to fasten -on their snowshoes before Ben had finished -his after-dinner pipe.</p> - -<p>Finally they started slowly on the wearisome -climb. In many places the side of the -mountain was so steep that the climbers -were compelled to lift one snowshoe over the -other. At first Ed and George scrambled -along in front of Ben. But after several -tumbles and a few wild, toboggan-like slides -they were content to go more slowly, and they -remained behind the guide.</p> - -<p>Up and up they climbed, until their hearts -pumped wildly, their temples throbbed, and -perspiration trickled down their faces. Often<span class="pagenum">[155]</span> -they were forced to stop for breath. Then -they hurried nervously after Ben, fearful lest -he should arrive at the summit before them -and get first shot at the bear.</p> - -<p>Here and there he showed them where the -heavy beast had lost its footing in the slippery -snow. It had slid for some distance down -the steep incline. Then it had recovered, and -in a few desperate bounds regained the lost -ground and proceeded on its way.</p> - -<p>Finally they arrived at the foot of the big -ledges, and they faced more trouble. The -passes to the top were difficult and dangerous. -And as the boys were entirely inexperienced -in the sort of work before them, -Ben halted and spent some time studying -out a safe way to the summit.</p> - -<p>He concluded that the bear itself had chosen -the best route. Ordering the lads to remove -their snowshoes and sling them over their -backs, he led the way cautiously up the face -of the cliff, along the narrow, uncertain trail -marked out by the bear.</p> - -<p>At some spots the ledge on which they -walked was less than a foot wide. The -boys had many misgivings for their safety as -they worked their way gingerly along. They -tried to imagine what might happen should -they suddenly come face to face with the<span class="pagenum">[156]</span> -wounded bear in so perilous a place. The -idea was far from pleasant, and they grasped -their rifles more tightly.</p> - -<p>“There he is!” Ben cried, suddenly, pointing -indefinitely to the jumble of loose rock -above.</p> - -<p>The lads started in spite of themselves, and -Ed, in his excitement, barely escaped a tumble -from the narrow trail.</p> - -<p>“Where is he?” they inquired, their eyes -staring wildly at the rocks.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you see where his trail turns here -and goes into the opening under that big -leaning rock?” inquired Ben.</p> - -<p>The boys said they saw it; but they had -been expecting to see the animal itself.</p> - -<p>“You’ll not see him till we poke him out,” -laughed Ben, “and then, maybe, you’ll see -too much of him. But come on, we may as -well begin the festivities.” And, followed by -the lads, he began a cautious advance toward -the den.</p> - -<p>In front of the dark hole beneath the rocks -was a level platform several feet wide. The -snow all about was trampled down, and Ben -thought the animal had taken up its winter -quarters there. How to get it out was the -question, and he longed for the help of old Moze.</p> - -<p>But wishing would do no good, and he<span class="pagenum">[157]</span> -looked for something with which to poke out -the bear. Seeing a small sapling which had -fallen from the top of the ledge and lodged -among the rocks, he climbed nimbly up and -brought it down.</p> - -<p>Suddenly one deep growl after another -echoed from the den. Ben dropped the pole -and stood back, with rifle cocked, watching -for the bear.</p> - -<p>“Guess we won’t have to stir him up after -all, boys; like as not he’s heard us moseying -around out here, and he’s coming outside to -investigate. You want to shoot as soon as -you see him, and then watch out, ’cause he’s -liable to be a mite peevish.”</p> - -<p>The boys were trembling with excitement. -There was no chance for a retreat. Gripping -their rifles and setting their teeth, they made -up their minds to give a good account of -themselves, whatever happened.</p> - -<p>The growling continued, but the bear refused -to come out. After waiting some minutes -in keen suspense, Ben picked up a small -rock and hurled it into the den. An angry -snarl followed, and the sound of scuffling, as -though the brute had struck savagely at the -missile. They waited a few moments longer, -hoping that it would appear. Then Ben -tossed another stone.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[158]</span></p> - -<p>This time a louder roar came from the den, -and with startled eyes the boys saw the -snarling face of the bear before them.</p> - -<p>“Shoot!” yelled Ben.</p> - -<p>Before they could obey, the wounded animal -rushed from the cave. Straight at them it -came, with flashing eyes and snapping jaws. -In an effort to stop its murderous charge, -the guide, with no time to bring his rifle to -shoulder, fired with the weapon held at his -hip.</p> - -<p>At his warning cry the boys sprang aside. -Then, as it rushed past, the bear struck out -with one huge paw and sent George over backward -and off the narrow ledge. Struggling -for a hold with feet or hands, he went sliding -down the steep face of the icy cliff. Luckily, -he fell on his back, and the snowshoes strapped -to his shoulders served for a toboggan. Down -he went bumping along at railroad speed. -Rocks followed, bounding behind him, and -several narrowly missed his head. At last he -brought up with a shock against a projecting -boulder half-way down the long, steep -slope. Dazed and dizzy, the lad threw his -arms about it and held on for life.</p> - -<div id="Ref_183" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i183.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">THE BEAR STRUCK OUT WITH ONE HUGE PAW AND SENT GEORGE -OVER BACKWARD</p></div> -</div> - -<p>High above him he heard two shots ring -out in rapid succession. He was taking some -consolation in the thought that Ben and Ed<span class="pagenum">[159]</span> -had killed the bear when a great sliding of -rocks caused him to look up. Then his heart -almost ceased beating, for there was the enraged -brute coming down the slide directly -upon him. His rifle was at the den; and, -scared and helpless, he crouched there on the -snow-covered incline, entirely at the mercy -of the bear.</p> - -<p>A hoarse shout sounded from above, and -a shot quickly followed. George instinctively -dodged behind a rock as he heard the bullet -sing past his head. Another report sounded -from the summit. The bear half turned, rose -unsteadily on its hind legs, clawed the air -wildly, and rolled down to within a few feet -of George.</p> - -<p>After a few spasmodic twitches of its powerful -muscles, the great creature became motionless. -Then George noted that it bled from -three distinct wounds, and he wondered if -there had been a serious mix-up, and how -his friends had fared in the encounter. The -slope on which he found himself was very -steep, and offered few footholds. He dared -not move from his cramped position for fear -of plunging to destruction on the sharp rocks -far below. How he was to get out of this -he did not know, but he felt sure that Ben -would find a way.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[160]</span></p> - -<p>Finally he saw the head and shoulders of -the guide leaning over the edge of the rock -platform. Then Ed appeared, and George -felt relieved to know that neither had been -seriously mauled by the bear.</p> - -<p>Ben studied the angle of the slide for some -time, and realized that the position of his -young charge was a precarious one. The -unfortunate lad had lodged at about the -steepest place of the rocky descent. He was -in the middle of the long slope. The distance -to be traversed was equally long and hazardous, -whether he chose to climb up or slide -down, in his effort to escape. Ben pondered -the situation calmly. He finally decided that -it would be easier for the boy to make his -way carefully to the bottom than it would be -to risk a climb toward the rocky rim from -which he had fallen.</p> - -<p>Under Ben’s guidance George worked his -way, an inch at a time, toward a mass of -small boulders to his left. It was slow, dangerous -work. Had it not been that the guide -constantly shouted encouragement, it is doubtful -if he could have accomplished the difficult -feat.</p> - -<p>The cold perspiration came out on his -brow, and his knees grew weak when he foolishly -disobeyed instructions and glanced into<span class="pagenum">[161]</span> -the depths below. One such look was sufficient, -and after that he kept his eyes fixed -on his goal. At last he reached the boulders -and sank down among them to rest.</p> - -<p>“Fine! You’re all right,” Ben called down, -cheerfully. “Why, you’re a born mountaineer. -Now work down between those rocks, and -after you leave them keep in a line with that -small tree by the side of that big rock. If -you slip, flop over on your back and use your -feet for brakes. Remember, slow and easy, -and keep behind the tree. Now then, go -ahead!” he commanded.</p> - -<p>Once more George moved along on his perilous -journey, slipping and sliding down from -one boulder to another. Finally he reached -the last and halted. He dreaded to venture -across the almost perpendicular face of slippery -rock which he must cross to gain the -shelter of the tree. For an instant George -hesitated, and regretted that he had come on -the trip at all. In another second he was -laughing at himself for being afraid; and, setting -his teeth, he started cautiously down the -incline.</p> - -<p>“Look out! Look out!” warned Ben; but -it was too late. “Use your feet! Use your -feet!”</p> - -<p>George had lost his footing! With a wild<span class="pagenum">[162]</span> -yell he went speeding down the long, smooth -slope of rock. By clever work with his legs -and feet he managed to steer his body out of -the way of the rocks in his path. The shouts -from Ben and Ed grew fainter. He saw the -little tree flash past him, and reached forth -to grasp it. Then it seemed as though he -had thrust his face into a mammoth pincushion.</p> - -<p>When he opened his eyes some time later, -he found himself in the top of a fallen spruce -at the bottom of the slide. His clothes were -almost torn from his body, and he was cut -and bruised about the face, arms, and limbs. -Freeing himself from the entangling branches, -George, though stiff and sore, felt quite happy -when he found that no bones had been -broken.</p> - -<p>His alarmed companions watched him go -sliding down to what seemed certain injury -or possible death. They ran hurriedly back -over the trail they had toiled up a few hours -earlier, and by the time George had clambered -from the tree-top they were working -their way rapidly along the base of the -mountain in search of him.</p> - -<p>“Do you think he’s badly hurt?” called Ed, -as they hurried along.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t wonder,” replied Ben, grimly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[163]</span></p> - -<p>When they finally reached him, George was -calmly picking splinters from his hands and -arms.</p> - -<p>“Are you badly done for?” cried Ed, making -his way to the side of his friend.</p> - -<p>“No, indeed,” George assured him, and he -tried to coax a smile to his pallid face. “I’m -only scraped a little and pretty sore. But -say, I’m glad it’s all over!”</p> - -<p>“Come over here and let me feel you,” -Ben commanded.</p> - -<p>He proceeded to examine him carefully for -broken bones or dislocations, and, failing to -find evidences of either, the guide gave a -loud whoop of delight.</p> - -<p>“You’re tough as nails, young fellow; I -wouldn’t care about taking that slide myself.”</p> - -<p>“But look at the snowshoes!” said George, -sadly, as he exhibited the mass of dangling -thongs.</p> - -<p>“We’ll patch them up all right,” Ben -promised.</p> - -<p>“And where is my rifle?” asked the shaken -young hunter.</p> - -<p>“Right here,” said Ed, handing it to him.</p> - -<p>“And the bear-skin; what about that?” -inquired George, looking up the steep grade -down which he had so lately tumbled.</p> - -<p>“Guess we’ll have to leave him there to<span class="pagenum">[164]</span> -decorate the landscape,” answered Ben. -“That is, unless Ed wishes to climb up after -him.” And he winked at George. “But -I’m sorry to kill anything and not use it.”</p> - -<p>“No, thank you. Anyhow, he doesn’t belong -to me. I didn’t shoot him.” Ed -laughed.</p> - -<p>“Then you shot him, Ben,” said George, -extending his hand to the guide.</p> - -<p>“Yes; you see, Ben wouldn’t allow me to -shoot because you were directly in line with -the bear,” Ed explained.</p> - -<p>When he heard this George decided to say -nothing about the first bullet, which had -passed so near his head.</p> - -<p>“Well, it was certainly great work, and -I’m very much obliged to you fellows for -saving me the trouble of killing the bear with -my fist,” he laughed.</p> - -<p>Realizing that George was in poor shape for -the long journey to the cabin, Ben proposed -that they look around for a suitable camping-site, -build a lean-to, and remain where they -were until next day.</p> - -<p>George promptly declared that he was perfectly -able to stand the trip, and said he would -much prefer returning to the cabin. He -accepted Ben’s snowshoes only after much -persuasion, and, with the guide ahead carrying<span class="pagenum">[165]</span> -the broken ones, they started forth on the -exhausting journey to camp.</p> - -<p>It was a party of tired hunters that stumbled -through the doorway of the little cabin -long after dark. Ben dropped his pack to the -floor and pulled the wet, snow-laden moccasins -from his tired feet. He had tramped the -entire distance through three or more feet -of half-frozen snow, and the steel-like muscles -of his sturdy legs were stiff and sore. The -boys were thoroughly exhausted and much -disappointed at losing the bear-skin.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[166]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XII">XII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">LOST!</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">There had been a light snowfall, and -this fresh covering recorded the tracks -of the wild things of the woods. The old -snow beneath was frozen hard, and walking -was possible without snowshoes. The clear, -cold air was fragrant with the perfume of the -pines. It was a day for outdoor work, and -the boys determined to follow up some of the -freshly made tracks. Ben was busy about -the cabin, and they decided to start alone. -They felt confident they could find their way -back by simply returning on their own trail.</p> - -<p>Provided with a lunch and armed with -rifle and shotgun, they made their way to -the lake and walked slowly along its border, -on the alert for the first fresh trail. Ben had -given them matches and a small camp ax, -and had cautioned them to choose a familiar -landmark and fix it in their minds, so they -would have no trouble in finding camp. Also -he told them to remember how many hills,<span class="pagenum">[167]</span> -or ridges, they ascended and crossed, that -they might know how many to descend and -recross on the return journey; he bade them -note the position of the sun when starting, -and carefully explained the use and importance -of the compass, and compelled them -to take their exact bearings before they left. -Then, bidding the lads return before dark and -telling them to fire the distress signal if they -got into trouble, he said good-by.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a track, and it’s a fresh one, too! -It goes right across the lake, I guess,” cried -Ed, after they had traveled quite a distance.</p> - -<p>“What made it?” inquired George, stooping -to examine the clear-cut footprints.</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure, but I’d say a fox,” replied -Ed, with the manner of an expert.</p> - -<p>“Well, we can easily find out by following -it far enough,” declared George. “Let’s start -after it and see what we can learn.”</p> - -<p>They followed the trail, which led them in -a straight line out across the middle of the -lake toward the opposite shore. At one -place they saw where the animal had dug -down through the thin coating of snow to -drink from a small air-hole beneath.</p> - -<p>“How did he know it was there?” asked -Ed, in wonder.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure I don’t know; smelled it, maybe.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[168]</span></p> - -<p>When the trail reached the other side, it -did not enter the timber, as the boys supposed -it would; it turned and continued -closely along the edge of the ice toward the -swamp at the head of the lake. They hurried -on eagerly, watching far ahead for a sign -of the animal itself. Several times it had -stopped to overturn small logs in its search -for prey. From what Ben had told them of -the fox, they felt they were on the trail of -that wily creature. When they reached the -swamp they became quite sure. They saw -that the tracks led up to, around, and over -each snow-covered muskrat house. They -knew that the fox hunted those little brown -animals during the winter. Then, after hovering -about the borders of the swamp, the trail -turned at a sharp angle and plunged into the -shadows of the morass beneath the giant -pines and hemlocks.</p> - -<p>While on the lake the boys had not looked -at the compass. But now that the trail was -taking them from the familiar home ground, -Ed took their bearings. The tracks led off -almost due north, and, noting the fact, he replaced -the compass in his pocket and bade -George follow him into the gloomy swamp.</p> - -<p>It was difficult trailing in there, and many -times they broke through the half-frozen<span class="pagenum">[169]</span> -footing and sank into icy water up to their -knees. The trail doubled and circled and -wound in and out among the bushes and -small evergreens, till the compass was of little -use. They were changing their course -every few yards. Ed thought if they kept -the direction of the lake in their minds they -would have no trouble getting out.</p> - -<p>At one spot a crimson place on the snow -and some small bits of rabbit fur told the -story of a woodland tragedy. The boys saw -where the fox had stolen upon an unsuspecting -rabbit which had been huddled at the -foot of a weed-stalk eating the dried seeds. -A sudden spring by the agile stalker, and the -doom of the rabbit had been sealed.</p> - -<p>Then, after eating in haste, the sly red -hunter had left the scene of his crime. His -trail stretched away in a straight line till -the border of the swamp was crossed, and -then it continued up the side of a brier-covered -incline. Arriving at the top, the -trailers saw prints in the snow marking the -spot where the fox had rested on his haunches -to gain breath after the climb.</p> - -<p>Again Ed read the compass, and noted that -they were headed east from the edge of the -swamp. They had entered an area of wild -and unfamiliar country, and they were careful<span class="pagenum">[170]</span> -to take precautions against becoming -lost.</p> - -<p>“This is the real thing!” George declared, -gazing about him in admiration.</p> - -<p>“It certainly is; I—” began Ed.</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” George interrupted, inclining -his head to listen.</p> - -<p>From somewhere a long distance off to the -right sounded the yelps, howls, and whines of -a baying pack. Weird and unnatural, the -noise rang through the wilderness, and the -boys looked at each other in alarm.</p> - -<p>“The wild dogs!” Ed gasped, inspecting -the breach of his rifle.</p> - -<p>“Wonder if they’re coming this way?” -said George, uneasily.</p> - -<p>For some seconds the lads sat listening to -the music of the outlaws, and they were -thankful when it finally grew faint and died -away.</p> - -<p>“Maybe they’re after our fox,” laughed -George, as they started along the trail.</p> - -<p>“More likely some poor deer,” replied Ed, -again consulting the compass, when the -tracks veered sharply in the direction of the -fierce baying.</p> - -<p>“Wonder if that fool fox has gone over -there and stirred up trouble?” grumbled Ed.</p> - -<p>“Well, if he has, we’re in for another experience,<span class="pagenum">[171]</span> -and a real one, I’ll bet,” declared -George.</p> - -<p>Presently the trail brought them to a -stretch of rocky ground from which most of -the snow had melted. Tracking became -more difficult, and they finally lost the trail. -They seated themselves on a boulder and -spoke in uncomplimentary terms of the animal -that had enticed them all that distance, -to leave them baffled on a desolate rock-strewn -hillside.</p> - -<p>“There’s only one thing to do,” said Ed, -as he placed the compass on a flat rock.</p> - -<p>“What?” demanded George.</p> - -<p>“Why, go to the edge of this rocky strip -and work around it till we strike his tracks -in the snow along its border. He must have -gone out somewhere; and if he didn’t, we -know he’s hiding in here among some of these -rocks.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a good idea; we’ll try it,” George -agreed.</p> - -<p>“Look at the rabbit; there it goes!” cried -Ed, and he hurried toward a big rock, George -stumbling along behind him.</p> - -<p>There were many scattered boulders, all -very similar in appearance. When the boys -reached the one where they thought the -rabbit was hiding they saw the little creature<span class="pagenum">[172]</span> -jump from behind a rock farther on and -go leaping away into a wooded ravine.</p> - -<p>“We’ll get him, just for luck,” cried George; -and, holding his shotgun ready, he led the -way down into the swale where the rabbit -had disappeared.</p> - -<p>They ran upon a covey of grouse, and -George killed one on the first rise. Highly -elated, they followed the birds. The next -time they thundered into flight, Ed, who had -taken the shotgun, shot another.</p> - -<p>“This beats tracking foxes and rabbits,” -declared George.</p> - -<p>Urged on by their enthusiasm, the boys -rashly entered the confines of an unknown -swamp into which the covey had flown. -Another rise, and a miss. Then two of the -birds flew into a tree and perched with their -necks stretched, motionless as the limb on -which they stood. It was a chance for Ed -with his rifle, and he killed one by shooting -off its head. George got the other with the -shotgun as it flew from the branch.</p> - -<p>Well satisfied with their luck, they continued -into the swamp; but, though they -hunted everywhere, they were unable to find -the balance of the covey. In their search -they twisted and turned in an uncertain -course, until they arrived in the very center<span class="pagenum">[173]</span> -of a marshy strip where they had left no -trail.</p> - -<p>“I never thought of taking the direction -when we came in here,” said Ed, suddenly -feeling in his pocket for the compass. He -stopped, and a look of alarm flashed into his -face.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked George.</p> - -<p>“I’ve left the compass back on the rock.”</p> - -<p>For a moment neither spoke, though each -was doing a large amount of thinking. The -seriousness of the situation dawned upon -them, and they realized that they must think -calmly, and not become frightened and confused.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” laughed George; “we’ll -get out of here and go back and look for it.” -And he started splashing his way through -the marsh.</p> - -<p>“Hold on!” commanded Ed. “Which side -did we come in at? You know we’ve done a -lot of turning and changing of direction, and -I’m a bit mixed.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not. Come on, I’ll show you exactly -where we came in. It’s right over here a little -ways,” declared George, confidently.</p> - -<p>Ed followed him with many misgivings. -They waded through cold, ice-coated pools, -stumbled over great fallen logs, tore their<span class="pagenum">[174]</span> -way through thorny thickets, and with all -their exertions only seemed to get deeper -into the swamp.</p> - -<p>“We’re wrong,” declared Ed, when they -had gone some distance in that uncertain -manner. “If we had been traveling in the -proper direction we’d have come to the base -of that rocky hillside long ago.”</p> - -<p>“I guess you’re right; seems to me we’ve -walked a mile or more, and still there’s no -sign of our getting out.”</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s no use rushing about this -way,” said Ed, glancing at his watch. “It’s -past noon now; here is a little spring; let’s -sit down beside it and eat our lunch and try -to figure where we are.”</p> - -<p>They sat down and brought out the lunch. -Somehow the idea of their imprisonment in -this big, dimly lighted place affected their -appetites, and neither ate much. To make -matters worse, the sun disappeared behind a -mass of cold, gray clouds, and a chill wind -gave promise of snow.</p> - -<p>“Come on, let’s get out of here; we can -eat when we get home,” urged George, springing -to his feet and starting off.</p> - -<p>“Won’t you wait a second?” Ed called -after him, a bit impatiently. “There is only -one way to get out of here quickly, and that<span class="pagenum">[175]</span> -is for us to try and think which side we came -in. We’ve been getting deeper into this mess, -and if we just rush around we’ll be lost more -than ever.”</p> - -<p>“Right you are, Ed,” agreed George, for he -readily saw the wisdom of this. “We’ll sit down -again and try to remember how we got here.”</p> - -<p>They sat for a long time endeavoring to -trace their journey back, step by step, to the -place where they had first entered the swamp. -At last they agreed on a general direction, -and, rising, they started off.</p> - -<p>“We’ll keep walking until we come to -the edge of it, no matter which side we come -out on,” declared Ed, after they had toiled -along for some distance.</p> - -<p>Then it began to snow, and with the falling -of the first flakes the spirits of the boys began -to sink. They realized that the new fall -would obliterate their back-track. With no -compass to guide them, and their old trail -gone, they felt that their chance of reaching -the cabin was slim indeed. As the snow came -down thicker and faster, they redoubled -their speed in response to a wild desire to -get out of the swamp before the full force -of the storm broke upon them.</p> - -<p>“I guess we’re in for it,” cried Ed, as he -hurried on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[176]</span></p> - -<p>“Looks bad,” George confessed, grimly.</p> - -<p>They soon found themselves blinded and -bewildered by the swirling flakes which beat -in their faces. Valiantly they staggered along -for some distance. Then Ed, who was leading, -called a halt.</p> - -<p>“George, we’re only tiring ourselves completely -out and getting no nearer the edge -of the swamp than before. I believe we’re -traveling in a circle; you know they say all -people do that when they become lost. I -suggest that we chop down some small evergreens -and build what Ben calls a lean-to -for shelter until the storm blows over. We -can build a fire and cook these grouse, and -I’m sure that sooner or later Ben will find -us. Once it stops snowing we’ll travel around -and make a lot of tracks, and he’ll be pretty -sure to stumble across some of them and -come to us. We can’t be such a terrible distance -from the lake, and by firing a few shots -we may be heard at the cabin. What do -you say?”</p> - -<p>“I guess it’s about all we can do, Ed; we -don’t seem to be getting any nearer home by -this crazy traveling. Let’s look around for a -dry place for our camp. Looks as if we’re in -for an all-night job.”</p> - -<p>Slightly farther on they came to a stretch<span class="pagenum">[177]</span> -of higher ground. And there in the shelter -of a hemlock grove they decided to make -camp. With the little ax they felled and -trimmed several small trees, and, recalling -what Ben had done, they began to fashion a -lean-to. They were surprised to see what -a good job they made of it; and, encouraged, -they went searching about for dry wood with -which to start a fire.</p> - -<p>The lads found an old stump, and by -splitting it open, they secured plenty of dry -kindlings. These they carefully piled up before -the shelter, and after many attempts and -the loss of countless matches they finally -nursed them into a tiny flame. This strengthened -and grew, under their painstaking labors, -into a big, cheerful, crackling fire, and soon -its merry, leaping flames gave forth comfort -and cheer.</p> - -<p>“This isn’t so bad,” laughed Ed, holding -his wet feet toward the blaze.</p> - -<p>“It’s great!” replied George.</p> - -<p>They plucked a grouse, and Ed opened and -cleaned it. When it had been thoroughly -washed he ran a sharpened stick through its -body, and placed it before the fire. The lads -had seen pictures of Indian hunters doing -this, and, as they possessed no cooking utensils, -they decided to try this primitive method.<span class="pagenum">[178]</span> -Being amateurs, they never thought to turn -the bird, and it began to burn and crust on -the side nearest the coals. Then they quickly -exposed the other side to the fire, and -waited impatiently for it to brown. The delicious -odor instantly coaxed back the appetites -which had fled at sight of the noonday -meal. The grouse was no sooner done than -the boys took it from the spit and divided it -between them.</p> - -<p>“How is it?” inquired Ed, between mouthfuls.</p> - -<p>“Great!” was all George took time to reply; -he was too busy to waste any time in idle -words.</p> - -<p>They still had three grouse left, besides the -remains of their lunch, and had little to fear -from starvation, even though the storm continued -for several days and prevented Ben -from finding them.</p> - -<p>The one thing that troubled them was the -knowledge that the guide would worry. They -knew that with the closing of day and rising -of the storm his anxiety would increase. -They were fearful that their failure to appear -by the time darkness descended might cause -him to venture forth in search of them. If -he should, they realized full well the hardships -he would have to endure. It was still some<span class="pagenum">[179]</span> -time to twilight, and they were a bit undecided -as to just what to do.</p> - -<p>“He couldn’t reach us before dark, anyway,” -declared Ed.</p> - -<p>“I know; but I think we ought to shoot, -just to let him know we are all right,” George -argued.</p> - -<p>“But that signal really means that we are -all wrong, and it would make him come to us -as soon as possible. Besides, I don’t think -he could hear us in all this wind. We are -all right here till morning, and then, if we -can’t find our way out and the storm continues, -we’ll signal.”</p> - -<p>“Well, all right,” said George, “only remember, -we have no blankets, and it’s going -to be mighty cold before daylight.” And he -rose to replenish the fire.</p> - -<p>“We can take turns at sleeping. The one -on watch will have to keep up a big blaze, and -we can huddle close to it and pass the night -without freezing,” said Ed.</p> - -<p>They sat in the protection of their lean-to -while the twilight stole slowly into the -swamp and the storm raged with unabated -fury. As it became darker the fire illuminated -and warmed the little shelter behind -it, and the boys began to understand why -Ben always spoke so affectionately of his<span class="pagenum">[180]</span> -camp-fires. The fire was the one thing of -cheer and light and life in all that black desolation -of storm-rent wilderness. Sitting in -the grateful warmth of its presence, the isolated -young hunters came to look upon it as -a friend, an ally, and a guardian whose very -presence brought hope and cheer to their -downcast hearts. They got in a fresh supply -of wood, which was coated with snow. But -they placed it near the flames to dry out, so -that it would be ready for instant use any -time in the night.</p> - -<p>At last blackness engulfed them, and the -boys huddled closer to the fire and conversed -in low, guarded tones. They believed that -outside in the open woods the snow must be -quite deep, for even in the swamp it had piled -up to a depth of many inches since the storm -began. They sat idly speculating as to the -proper direction to take them out of the -gloomy confines into which they had blundered. -George declared they could tell nothing -about it until they had traveled an equal -distance toward every point of the compass. -Then he bade Ed go to sleep while he kept -watch for two hours, when he promised to -wake him.</p> - -<p>The first hour dragged slowly away, and -George caught himself nodding more than<span class="pagenum">[181]</span> -once. Ed was slumbering soundly a few feet -from the fire. The storm had abated, and -George hoped it would soon die out. It was -lonely work sitting there by the fire with no -one to speak to, and the time passed tediously. -He consulted his watch constantly, and -was much surprised to find that what he supposed -to be a long half-hour was really only -ten minutes.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he sat up straight as the same -wild baying they had heard earlier in the day -echoed through the woods. This time it -seemed nearer at hand, and George listened -anxiously for many minutes before he decided -to awaken Ed. At last, convinced that -the sound was actually coming closer, he -reached in and grasped the sleeper by the -foot.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired Ed, sitting up and -rubbing his eyes.</p> - -<p>“Listen!” whispered George. “They’re -coming this way—don’t you hear them?”</p> - -<p>“Who’s coming? Hear what?” began Ed. -“Great Scott! It’s the wild dogs!” he cried, -excitedly, springing to his feet and seizing -his rifle.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer came the wolfish pack, -and louder and louder their baying rang -through the woods. As nearly as the boys<span class="pagenum">[182]</span> -could judge, they were headed directly for -the lean-to.</p> - -<p>“Quick! Pile wood on the fire!” shouted -Ed, throwing on several armfuls of dried -twigs.</p> - -<p>“Let’s climb a tree,” George suggested, -when it seemed certain that the pack was -really coming for them.</p> - -<p>They scrambled out of the lean-to, and -each sought shelter by the side of a near-by -tree, ready to swing themselves up into the -branches at the first sign of real danger.</p> - -<p>“Hold to your gun and we’ll bowl a few of -them over!” said Ed.</p> - -<p>Then they heard the crashing of brush, and -they pulled themselves aloft into the branches. -Hardly had the lads reached their places of -concealment before a large animal dashed -past just beyond the light of the fire. For -some moments afterward there was absolute -silence. Then the excited yelps of the pursuing -pack broke forth close at hand. They -heard the dogs tearing madly through the -undergrowth, but were unable to see them.</p> - -<p>“They’re going by!” yelled George.</p> - -<p>“Keep quiet!” Ed cautioned, in a lower -tone.</p> - -<p>One of the brutes either heard or scented -them, for the boys saw a big, wolfish-looking<span class="pagenum">[183]</span> -animal sneak forward into the firelight. -Before they could shoot, it vanished into the -blackness. The savage baying gradually -sounded fainter as the dogs sped away on -the trail of some unfortunate victim.</p> - -<p>“Say, that was a close call!” said Ed, -soberly.</p> - -<p>“I should say it was, and I’m not so sure -we’re rid of them. I have an idea that they -may come back this way,” replied George, a -bit nervously.</p> - -<p>“Well, we’ll be ready for them if they do.”</p> - -<p>They remained in the trees for some time, -and finally, when the fire began to die down, -the lads slid to the ground and hastily piled -on more brush. The storm had about ceased, -but a piercing cold wind had come up. It -moaned mournfully through the tops of the -trees. All about them was inky blackness. -The fire threw weird, fantastic shadows -against the neighboring tree-trunks. George -consulted his watch, and found the time to -be an hour past midnight. An owl hooted -dismally, and the boys drew near the flames.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t this a ‘spooky’ place?” inquired -George.</p> - -<p>“All big swamps are, I imagine,” laughed -Ed, trying to appear cheerful.</p> - -<p>They remained close by the fire and talked<span class="pagenum">[184]</span> -in subdued tones. Since the visit of the wild -dogs neither cared to sleep. The snow -stopped and the wind increased to a gale. -They heard the snap of breaking branches -and the crash of falling trees in various parts -of the swamp. Once they thought they heard -the cries of the returning pack; but after -listening intently they heard nothing more, -and decided they had been mistaken.</p> - -<p>At last daylight came, much to their relief, -and the boys cleaned and cooked another -grouse for breakfast. Then, as they talked -over their experience of the night before, -they walked to the pathway of the dogs and -saw many large paw-marks in the snow.</p> - -<p>“There must be a lot of them in that band,” -declared Ed.</p> - -<p>“Too many to be around loose; we ought -to tell the dog-catchers,” laughed George.</p> - -<p>“I’ve a hunch that we’ll have a fight with -them some day,” prophesied Ed.</p> - -<p>“Well, I hope it will come off in daylight,” -said George, emphatically.</p> - -<p>Then they sat down to plan a way out of -the swamp. It was finally agreed that they -would walk a certain distance, when, if they -did not find the border, they would return. -Then they would try the opposite direction -for a like distance; and so on until they had<span class="pagenum">[185]</span> -tried every point of the compass. With the -rising of the sun they were enabled to get -the cardinal points of direction, and they -traced them on the snow in front of the -lean-to.</p> - -<p>As George believed they had entered the -swamp from the north, they started on their -first trip in that direction. They found the -snowfall quite deep, and knew it must be -deeper in the woods outside. The lads were -anxious to make their own way from the -swamp if possible, and they determined not -to fire the distress-signal until they had spent -the morning in an effort to find themselves.</p> - -<p>“I had no idea this swamp was so big,” -declared Ed, after they had traveled for some -time.</p> - -<p>“Seems to stretch out in front of us as if it -was made of elastic,” laughed George.</p> - -<p>They halted abruptly and listened when the -report of a gun broke the stillness. It was -far off in the opposite direction. A minute -passed, and then another shot was heard.</p> - -<p>“Wonder if that is Ben signaling us?” said -Ed.</p> - -<p>“I rather think so. Shall we reply?”</p> - -<p>Once again they heard the welcome sound, -and, raising his rifle, Ed fired two shots in response. -The boys stood listening as the reports<span class="pagenum">[186]</span> -thundered through the swamp. Then -they got an answer, and uttered a delighted -cheer at the prospect of early rescue.</p> - -<p>The lads turned eagerly and hurried toward -the distant signals. They continued to shoot -in reply to the guiding shots. When they had -gone some distance in the new direction they -began to recall certain trees and marks which -they had made note of the day before.</p> - -<p>“We’re on the right track now,” George -called out, cheerily, as he recognized the fallen -tree-trunk where he had killed the grouse.</p> - -<p>The shots ahead became more distinct, -until they sounded loudly close before them. -George, who was leading, suddenly drew back -in alarm and hastily brought up his gun.</p> - -<p>“Look out!” he warned, when a big, rangy -hound came bounding toward him. “Here -they are—the pack!”</p> - -<p>Then he lowered his weapon and laughed -loudly, for he recognized the “wild dog” as -old Moze.</p> - -<p>“Well, Moze, you old rascal, you certainly -gave me a scare. Where on earth did you -come from?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“You fellows are a fine lot!” sang out Bill, -the veteran trapper, a moment later.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, Bill!” cried the boys, rushing forward -to grasp their friend by the hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[187]</span></p> - -<p>They all sat down and exchanged experiences. -Bill told them he had stopped at the -cabin the day before to stay until the storm -passed, and Ben had told him they were lost. -When they failed to appear that night, the -two woodsmen became much worried, but decided -they could do nothing until daylight.</p> - -<p>He and Ben had been out since the first -hint of dawn. Bill complimented the lads -for their good sense displayed in building the -lean-to and camping for the night.</p> - -<p>The trapper signaled Ben, and finally got -an answer. Then they rose and set out for -the cabin. The snow was not so deep as -the boys expected to find it, and they had no -difficulty in traveling through it without -snowshoes.</p> - -<p>They reached the cabin, to find Ben awaiting -them with a good hot meal already prepared. -The guide, like Bill, seemed much -pleased with the conduct of the boys in taking -care of themselves, and, much to their delight, -declared them full-fledged woodsmen.</p> - -<p>Bill and Ben sat up until late that night -talking of the arrival of the wild dogs. The -lads were eager listeners, and when the two -old hunters declared they would run down -and destroy the outlaw pack, Ed and George -determined to be in the hunting party.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[188]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XIII">XIII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">ON THE TRAP LINE WITH BILL</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">Bill delighted the boys by inviting them -to his cabin to spend a few weeks on -the trap line. They promptly accepted. -They bade Ben farewell, and cautioned him -to take good care of the owl, which they had -christened “Old Snowball.” Then they fastened -on their snowshoes, shouldered their -packs, and started off with their rifles in quest -of new adventures.</p> - -<p>They followed the trapper over several -miles of trail before he called a halt for the -noonday meal. He made a fire and boiled -some coffee, which accompanied crisp bacon -from the little frying-pan and home-made -biscuits.</p> - -<p>Then they went on. It was not long before -Moze dashed away noisily on the trail -of a fox. The boys were for following him. -Bill laughed and told them to wait until they -reached his trapping-grounds, when they would -have many such chances to stretch their legs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[189]</span></p> - -<p>Toward the close of day the lads found -themselves in an entirely new country. Great -forests of pine, balsam, hemlock, and spruce -clothed the mountains and valleys. The -sullen roar of hidden waterfalls reached their -ears. The stand of timber was so high and -thick that perpetual twilight reigned beneath -it. The air was heavy with the resinous perfume -of the evergreens. The setting sun -gilded the western side of massive tree-trunks, -and in the golden glow they saw the -outlines of a tiny cabin.</p> - -<p>“Here we are, boys; it’s not so powerful -much to brag about in the way of a building, -but it wasn’t put up for show. And when -you have to cut, peel, and tote the logs to -make it, single handed, you don’t care to lay -on more than you need,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>“I think it’s great,” said Ed, as he slipped -off his pack before the door.</p> - -<p>“So do I,” declared George.</p> - -<p>“Well, come in and make yourselves right -to home,” the trapper invited, leading the -way into a cozy little room.</p> - -<p>There were two bunks across the room, -against the rear wall, one small window with -a southern exposure, and the low door through -which they had entered. A round, home-made -pine table and several stools completed<span class="pagenum">[190]</span> -the furniture. In a corner stood a small -cook-stove. On wooden pegs driven into the -logs hung the few simple cooking utensils. -Two large deer-skins covered one side of the -room. Over each bunk was thrown a great -bear-skin robe. Many smaller furs were -tacked against the log walls. In another -corner was a pile of rusty traps and chains. -The snug little abode was home-like and -scrupulously clean, and the boys were enthusiastic.</p> - -<p>“Well, think you can stand it for a while?” -asked Bill, as he busied himself about the -stove.</p> - -<p>“You bet!” they assured him. “It’s the -real thing.”</p> - -<p>The trapper went outside to what he called -his “meat-house.” The boys followed, expecting -to see some sort of a building. Instead, -they saw him go to a near-by tree and -lower a heavy white sack. Opening it, he -showed them the haunch of a deer. When he -had cut sufficient meat for their immediate -needs, he hoisted the balance high into the -tree again, where it swung safe from animals.</p> - -<p>Bill provided a great supper, for he declared -they must be hungry after their long trip. -First they had oatmeal and maple syrup; -next came fried deer steak with hot biscuit<span class="pagenum">[191]</span> -and tea; and then their host won them -completely by cooking all the flapjacks they -could eat. Moze sat by and helped consume -several platefuls, which the lads slyly slipped -to him beneath the table. Finally Bill discovered -the trick and shut down on it. Moze -had work to do, and must not be overfed.</p> - -<p>That night they sat near the stove, for it -was bitter-cold outside, while Bill entertained -them with yarns of hunting and trapping.</p> - -<p>“Which is the hardest animal to catch?” -inquired Ed.</p> - -<p>“The fox,” Bill declared.</p> - -<p>Then he explained how the fox cleverly -overturned and sprang traps, helped himself -to the bait, and went on unharmed. Bill said -he had set a circle of traps around a bait, -only to find each of them sprung and the bait -gone when he visited the spot next morning.</p> - -<p>He laughingly told of the time when he was -a boy, and how he and a young friend had -tried to bait and shoot a lynx. They took -some meat to the foot of a tall hemlock-tree, -near which neighbors said they had seen the -lynx. It was a bright moonlight night, and -the lads climbed into the tree to await their -victim. They sat on a stout limb, shivering -with excitement and jumping at every sound.</p> - -<p>Suddenly clouds smothered the moon, and<span class="pagenum">[192]</span> -the watchers found themselves aloft in inky -blackness. They had about decided to descend -and hurry home when the worst racket -they ever heard broke out below them. -Yowls, hisses, and snarls filled the air and -caused the hair of the frightened youngsters -in the tree to stand on end.</p> - -<p>“Hey, Bill, there are two of them, and -they’re fighting!” cried his friend, in great -alarm.</p> - -<p>At that moment they heard something -clawing its way frantically up the tree. A -minute later two shining green eyes were -peering into their own. It was too much for -the startled hunters. Bill slid down the -rough trunk and left the seat of his trousers -on a stub, and his friend dropped through the -branches.</p> - -<p>Bruised and jarred, they scrambled to their -feet. They were on the point of dashing -home with a wild tale of adventure when -their own house cat brushed lovingly against -their shaking legs. Then a plaintive meow -sounded from the tree-top as the second -pussy hailed them.</p> - -<p>The boys laughed at Bill’s story, and said -it made them think of the night they climbed -the tree in the swamp.</p> - -<p>The trapper fixed the stove for the night,<span class="pagenum">[193]</span> -and Moze stretched out behind it and was -soon snoring loudly. Bill said they would -have a hard trip on the morrow, and advised -them to go to bed. He promised to awaken -them at daylight.</p> - -<p>True to his promise, Bill had them up and -out with the first ray of light. Much against -his wishes, Moze was left behind securely -locked in the cabin. The boys carried their -rifles, and Bill carried a stout hickory club.</p> - -<p>They traveled through the fragrant evergreen -forest for about an hour. Then they -came to the head of the trap line in a shallow -ravine. Bill had two traps set there about a -spring-hole. He hoped to capture a mink -whose tracks he had seen in the mud earlier -in the season, and more recently in the first -fall of snow.</p> - -<p>The traps were unsprung and the bait -undisturbed, and Bill thought the mink had -wandered off to other hunting-grounds for a -few days. He said it would probably return, -and left some fresh bait. Then he started -for his next trap.</p> - -<p>Before they came to it, the trapper called -attention to the trail of a large lynx. Bill -explained the difference between its tracks -and those of the fox and the dog.</p> - -<p>“The lynx’s tracks differ from both the<span class="pagenum">[194]</span> -others’ by showing broader, more rounded -impressions in the snow. Its trail is wider -and indicates a shorter stride than that of -the fox, when both animals are walking. The -fox and the dog tracks are quite similar in -form, especially when the animals are of the -same size. But the tracks of both are more -pointed than those of the lynx. The dog -trail, more particularly when the animal is -walking, can always be distinguished by noting -the position of the paw-marks. At such -a time they are seen one behind the other in -an oblique line. Neither of the other trails -shows such an angle.”</p> - -<p>Bill thought the lynx, whose trail crossed -their path, was hunting through a neighboring -swamp in search of the large hare, or -“snowshoe rabbit.” The boys were surprised -to learn that this hare could jump ten -or more feet when going at top speed, and -that while running before hounds it would -travel almost as fast and as far as a deer. -They learned, too, that, like the weasel, its -fur was brown in summer and white in winter. -The lads were anxious to get one of these -hares, and Bill promised some day to take -them into its haunts.</p> - -<p>As they drew near the place where he -had his next trap, the boys saw some kind<span class="pagenum">[195]</span> -of an animal plunging about among the -bushes.</p> - -<p>“Hurrah! We’ve got something!” cried -Ed.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired George, running -ahead to obtain a better view.</p> - -<p>“Fox,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>The trapper walked forward, club in hand, -and leaned over and dealt the animal a blow -across the nose. Then he stooped and released -the jaws of the trap. Rising, he held -up the rich, glossy body of a red fox.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you shoot them?” asked Ed, in -some surprise.</p> - -<p>“No, indeed; that would injure the fur and -lose me many dollars,” replied the trapper. -“Of course, in the case of a bear, or extra -big lynx, I am obliged to put a rifle-ball between -the eyes.”</p> - -<p>Bill wedged a stick between two adjacent -trees and hung the body of the fox from it. -Then he cut a slit down the inside of each hind -leg to the base of the tail. Next he inserted -the knife-blade beneath the cartilage of the tail -and severed it from the body. He peeled the -skin over the carcass toward the neck and -on over the head, first carefully pushing -through the bones of the front legs and -skinning them down to the paws, which he<span class="pagenum">[196]</span> -cut off. Bill was very particular to cut -around the eyelids and nostrils. The boys -marveled at the skill displayed in removing -the pelt. The trapper said that method was -known as “boxing” a pelt, and was used in -skinning everything except racoons, beavers, -and bears. These, he explained, were cut -open down the front from chin to tail in what -was called the “open” style.</p> - -<p>Having finished his task, Bill rolled the -pelt into a small bundle and placed it in his -pack. After disposing of the body and resetting -the trap, he carefully obliterated his -tracks by brushing snow over them. Then he -uncorked a small bottle and sprinkled a yellow -essence, which he called fox scent, over the -snow near the trap.</p> - -<p>Again they resumed the trail and started -for the third set, which was not far from the -one they had tended. When they arrived -there they found the trap sprung and the -bait gone. All about were evidences of a -fierce struggle—pieces of broken sticks, patches -of gray fur, and the marks of a bloody footprint.</p> - -<p>“Been a lynx in there,” declared Bill; -“but it just nipped him by the toe, and he -thrashed around till he tore loose.”</p> - -<p>“Gracious, I’ll bet he was mad!” said<span class="pagenum">[197]</span> -George, looking about at the bark-stripped -bushes on which the captive had vented its -wrath.</p> - -<p>Bill carefully reset the trap but said that -particular lynx had probably grown wise by -its experience, and would no doubt avoid the -locality in the future.</p> - -<p>They started for the next trap, and this -time the trail took them through the middle -of another large swamp, which recalled unpleasant -memories of the boys’ late experience, -and they half expected to hear the weird -baying of the wild dogs. Many grouse were -flushed, and Ed shot at one with the rifle, -but missed. But they soon passed through -the wild strip of soggy woodland and came -out into the sunshine.</p> - -<p>On they went through a stretch of open -country, which ended at the border of a -woodland pond. Bill pointed out many snow-covered -muskrat houses, which had given to -the small sheet of water the name of Muskrat -Pond.</p> - -<p>Bill had opened some of the houses and set -his traps inside, and he now visited them to -ascertain his luck. The boys were much interested -in examining the interiors. They -found them very similar to the abodes of the -beavers. There was the same comfortable<span class="pagenum">[198]</span> -grass-lined living-chamber, the same underground -tunnels into deep water, and much -the same style of architecture and workmanship.</p> - -<p>Some odd features of muskrat life were -made known to the boys. They found that, -when muskrats travel beneath the frozen -surface of the pond in winter, they frequently -rise and expel their breath against the ice. -Then, after this bubble of air has been purified, -the muskrat sucks it back into his lungs -and proceeds on its journey, until compelled -by shortness of breath to do the same thing -again.</p> - -<p>They were told, also, that muskrats have a -very noticeable odor of musk about them, especially -in early spring, which may have given -them their name, although the Indian name -was musquash; and learned that muskrats -warn each other of danger by slapping the -water with their tails, like the beavers.</p> - -<p>A round of the traps yielded eight prime -pelts. When Bill had finished with them, -the journey was continued. He said he might -easily trap many more muskrats than he did, -but he had no desire to exterminate them or -seriously decrease their numbers. He took -as many as he believed he was entitled to -each season, and no more.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[199]</span></p> - -<p>The next leg of their circuit led them into -a dense hemlock forest, where they found -the trail of another lynx. Judged from the -size of the footprints, this animal was larger -than the one whose tracks they had crossed -a short time before. The boys noticed that -Bill was following the new trail with keen -interest.</p> - -<p>“I believe that fellow is going to get mixed -up with one of our traps,” he prophesied.</p> - -<p>“I guess we’ll have some fun, if he does,” -said Ed.</p> - -<p>“Shouldn’t wonder,” replied Bill, leading -off into a group of small evergreens into which -the tracks disappeared.</p> - -<p>Hardly had they worked their way into this -tangle of forest growth when a wild commotion -took place some little distance ahead -of them. The trapper turned toward them, -laughing.</p> - -<p>“He’s here all right, and mad clear -through!”</p> - -<p>Hurrying to his side, the boys saw a powerful -gray animal tugging violently at the trap-chain -and tumbling about over the ground. -Then it crouched, and they saw the ugly, -broad face with its long side-whiskers, and -the ears tipped with black-pointed tufts of -fur. Snarling and spitting, the lynx sprang<span class="pagenum">[200]</span> -forward to the full extent of the steel chain -which connected the trap with a heavy log.</p> - -<p>“I’ve an order to ship one of these fellows -to a menagerie down in Boston. What do -you say to taking this one alive?” asked Bill, -smiling mischievously at his young companions, -who stood aghast at the proposition.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” exclaimed Ed, looking at him -in amazement.</p> - -<p>“How on earth can we do it?” asked George.</p> - -<p>“It’s going to be something of a job, but -we’ll tackle it, anyway,” declared Bill, putting -down the club and removing his pack -and coat.</p> - -<p>The lynx, as though endeavoring to frighten -them, was making frantic efforts to break its -bonds. Finding itself unable to do so, it -finally squatted down behind the log, growling -sullenly whenever they moved.</p> - -<p>“Just let him tire himself out; it will make -our job all the easier,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>He produced several pieces of buckskin -from the pockets of his corduroy coat, and -two lengths of stout rope, and as many light -chains from the pack. Then he took the -ax and cut and trimmed a long, straight -sapling. Joining the bits of buckskin, he -made a slip-noose and fastened it to the end -of the pole.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[201]</span></p> - -<p>“We’ve got to get this over his head, and -then we’ll stretch him out and tie him up,” -he said, calmly.</p> - -<p>Pole in hand, he made his way slowly toward -the lynx, and it immediately jumped at -him. When it struck the ground, scarcely -two feet away, Bill made an attempt to shoot -the noose over its head, but the agile creature -sprang aside. For some time these -manœuvers continued, and Bill was unable -to get the loop over the head of the lynx. -Once the encircling loop fell about its neck, -and he instantly pulled the circle taut and -snared one ear and half the face. Before he -could stretch out the powerful body, the lynx -tore the noose free with one of its paws.</p> - -<p>“He’s sure foxy!” laughed the trapper, -pausing to rest a moment.</p> - -<p>The lynx again crouched behind the log, -and peered over at them with savage eyes. -It seemed to be resting and holding in reserve -for the next attack.</p> - -<p>“We’ll mix him up a little, now,” said Bill. -“You fellows get poles and begin to poke at -him in front, and I’ll sneak around behind -him and try to slip the noose over his head.”</p> - -<p>Armed with long poles, the boys advanced -and took part in the fray. They made passes -at the lynx, which instantly struck aside the<span class="pagenum">[202]</span> -saplings and sprang savagely at its tormentors.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Bill had worked his way up -behind the animal, and while it fought the -boys in front, he made several ineffectual -attempts to snare it. But the wily creature, -having felt the tickle of the buckskin noose, -knew that the trapper was the enemy to be -feared most, and it was on its guard.</p> - -<p>At last it made a mistake, and, with a yell -of triumph, Bill shot the noose over its head -and drew it tight.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got him now!” he cried.</p> - -<p>The boys cheered enthusiastically as the -lynx, coughing and snarling, was pulled over -on its back and straightened out with its -free legs clawing the air. Bill ordered the -lads to hold the pole, and keep the lynx -prostrate until he inserted a gag between -its jaws and tied its feet. He warned them -against giving any slack, and said he might -be seriously clawed should they make the -slightest blunder.</p> - -<p>Stretched out with one foot fast in the trap -and the choking circle of buckskin about its -neck, the lynx was prevented from rising by -the boys, who pulled vigorously on the pole. -All the while the lynx was thrashing about -madly in a useless struggle to free itself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[203]</span></p> - -<p>Working with lightning-like rapidity, Bill -soon had the thick, muscular legs tied and -drawn securely together. Then, having cut -a hardwood gag, two inches thick and four -or five inches long, he waited his chance, and -slipped it between the jaws of his snapping -captive. Next he took a piece of buckskin -and passed it about the gag and around the -head and jaws of the helpless lynx.</p> - -<p>Having rendered the creature harmless, -Bill cut two long, heavy poles. These he -placed on the ground parallel to each other -and about three feet apart. Across them he -lashed shorter poles, close together, to form -a platform.</p> - -<p>Releasing the trap from its leg, Bill and the -boys dragged their still defiant prisoner to -the rough stretcher, and soon had him securely -bound in place.</p> - -<p>Then they shouldered the poles, and, carrying -the captive between them, they started -for the cabin. The lynx was heavy and the -country rough, and before they had gone far -the lads began to realize that they had a hard -job on their hands. But they stuck to it, -and finally, with aching shoulders, they arrived -before the door of the little shack and -set down their burden with a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>“We’ll have to build a good, stout crate to<span class="pagenum">[204]</span> -ship him in, and, meantime, we’ll leave ‘his -royal highness’ tied up so he’ll do no harm,” -said Bill, opening the door.</p> - -<p>Moze instantly rushed out and hurled himself -upon the prostrate lynx before any one -could stop him. The trapper seized him by -the neck and pulled him off, else he would -surely have killed the helpless animal, which -was entirely at his mercy.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid we’ll have our own troubles -before we get that gray villain off our hands,” -laughed Bill.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[205]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XIV">XIV<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A LYNX MAKES TROUBLE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">A day was spent building a substantial -cage of heavy logs. With some difficulty -the lynx was placed inside it, to wait -until Bill could borrow a team and haul it -to the railroad.</p> - -<p>Meantime a three-inch fall of snow had -made ideal tracking conditions. As the boys -were anxious to follow the fresh trails of the -various animals, they determined to take advantage -of it, and decided to remain at home -while Bill made the round of his traps. They -told him they would travel about in the -neighborhood of the cabin and see what they -could find. The trapper gave them permission -to do so, and carefully explained the -lay of the land near-by.</p> - -<p>When he had gone the boys started out, -accompanied by Moze. They carried their -rifles, a supply of matches, and a substantial -lunch. Choosing a prominent landmark for -their goal, they trained their compass on it,<span class="pagenum">[206]</span> -and entered the inviting confines of the great -white wilderness.</p> - -<p>They had not gone far when they came to -three piles of grouse feathers beneath a -towering hemlock. They stooped down to -examine them in the hope of finding a clue -to the murderer. There were no footprints -near these mute evidences of crime; but -George discovered some faint, indistinct tracings -across the snow. He and Ed studied -them for some time, at a loss to know what -had made them.</p> - -<p>“I have it!” cried Ed, straightening.</p> - -<p>“Have what?” queried George, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Why, those marks have been made by -wing-beats. The murderer is some pirate of -the air—a hawk, or near relative of ‘Old -Snowball,’ I’ll bet!”</p> - -<p>“I believe you’re right,” agreed George, -looking up into the tree-tops, as though he -expected to see the bold marauder still about.</p> - -<p>Just then they heard the noisy commotion -of a flock of jays, and they instantly made -their way in that direction. They recalled -the advice of Ben regarding these birds, and -stole noiselessly toward the calls, confident -of finding game at the end of their stalk. -The jays did not appear to be moving, for -their cries came continually from the same<span class="pagenum">[207]</span> -place. Stealing cautiously along from tree -to tree, the lads at length came in sight of -them. Standing motionless, they saw the -jays flying angrily about some large, dark-colored -object in the top of a tree.</p> - -<p>“Look! It has ears!” whispered Ed, excitedly, -as an erect tuft appeared on each side -of the broad, flat head.</p> - -<p>“It’s an owl of some sort; and see—it’s -holding a grouse,” said George.</p> - -<p>The jays made many vicious swoops; but -the owl always turned its head in time to -meet them, and the boys distinctly heard the -angry snap of its powerful beak.</p> - -<p>“Well, here goes for the murderer!” declared -Ed, raising his rifle. “If he had taken -one grouse we might have let him off; but -three are too many for one meal. He’s a -‘tenderfoot’ and a ‘game-hog,’ and, according -to Ben, either charge is enough.”</p> - -<p>But the owl evidently had other ideas. -Just as Ed pulled the trigger it flew, and his -bullet cut the branch directly behind where -it had perched. It sailed swiftly away among -the trees, with the jays in close pursuit.</p> - -<p>“Shoot first and talk afterward,” cautioned -George, laughing at the discomfiture -of his friend.</p> - -<p>Moze was baying somewhere off to the right<span class="pagenum">[208]</span> -of them. They left the owl to the tender -mercies of the jays, and turned toward the -hound. They went down into a rocky ravine, -across a little brook, and up a hill. Then -they heard Moze coming up the other side. -Hiding themselves in some bushes, they waited -for the appearance of the hound and his -quarry, which he seemed to be driving directly -toward them. His voice rang out -clearly in the frosty air, and the blood of the -young hunters tingled. What he was running -they did not know, and they waited in suspense.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a red streak flashed across the -opening in front of them and immediately -disappeared into the brush again. The boys -grinned sheepishly at each other.</p> - -<p>Moze followed a minute later, and, glancing -at them from the corner of his eye, he raced -on in pursuit of the fox.</p> - -<p>“Say, we’re getting pretty bad,” declared -Ed, lowering his rifle.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right, I didn’t guarantee to hit -a streak of lightning,” replied George, looking -after the fox. “It’s no use waiting for -Moze; he’ll be on the other side of the world -by night if he keeps up that pace.”</p> - -<p>They resumed their journey through the -woods, and near the border of a small swale -they jumped a “snowshoe rabbit.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[209]</span></p> - -<p>“There goes just the fellow we have been -looking for!” shouted Ed, as the nimble hare -bounded away.</p> - -<p>“Let’s follow him up,” urged George.</p> - -<p>“No, thanks; no more swamps for me!” -said Ed, shaking his head.</p> - -<p>“Oh, come on; this is a tiny one—you can -almost see across it. We can’t possibly get -lost,” persisted George, eager to follow the -hare.</p> - -<p>He finally won Ed’s consent, and together -they plunged into the swale. This time they -prudently chopped small squares from the -tree-trunks to serve as sign-posts when they -wished to return.</p> - -<p>“We’ll never come up with him. Just look -at those leaps,” said Ed, hopelessly.</p> - -<p>“He may get tired, and perhaps he’ll squat -down somewhere,” suggested George.</p> - -<p>Much to their satisfaction, they quickly -crossed the narrow bit of marshy forest and -came out at a sunny slope along its border. -Here George spied the hare squatting under -a low bush. Taking careful aim, he killed -it with the first shot.</p> - -<p>They were delighted with their trophy, and -George tucked it into the pocket of his coat -with much pride. They had no trouble retracing -their course, and, once out of the<span class="pagenum">[210]</span> -swamp, sat down to enjoy their lunch. They -had seen or heard nothing of Moze, and -George laughingly declared he would soon be -around the earth on the same trail.</p> - -<p>After lunch it began to grow cold, and they -decided to return to the cabin and await Bill -with his spoils from the traps. The lads followed -their back-trail, and were soon in sight -of the little log shelter.</p> - -<p>They went at once to the cage containing -the lynx, and when they reached it, drew -back in alarm. The savage inmate had -chewed and clawed two bars of his prison -until they were all but in half. The merest -push or jump of the lynx would snap them -asunder and gain him his freedom.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott! What shall we do?” cried -Ed.</p> - -<p>“Don’t go in front of it,” advised George. -“If you do, he’ll jump; and then, out he -comes! We’ll sneak up from the side, throw -our coats over the front of the cage and run -into the cabin with it.”</p> - -<p>“Hurry! He’s getting ready to spring!” -warned Ed.</p> - -<p>Creeping up to it from the sides, the boys -each grabbed an end of the heavy crate. -Pulling and tugging with all their might, they -managed to drag it into the cabin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[211]</span></p> - -<p>Hardly were they over the threshold, with -the door securely fastened behind them, when -the lynx did the very thing they feared it -might do—it jumped against the front of the -cage! There was an ugly snarl, a snapping of -weakened logs, and the released captive bounded -into the center of the room and faced them.</p> - -<p>The boys made record time out through -the doorway. Once outside, they slammed the -door shut and stood looking at each other -with troubled faces.</p> - -<p>“The window, quick!” screamed Ed.</p> - -<p>George immediately ran to it and hung his -coat over the outside, in the hope of preventing -the lynx from jumping through the -sash. Then he hastily rejoined his friend, -who stood braced against the door, anxiously -awaiting some sound from within.</p> - -<p>“Well, this is a pretty mess!” he declared, -when George came up.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but it’s lucky we got here when we -did,” said George.</p> - -<p>“Maybe not so lucky as we imagine. I’ve -an idea there’s going to be considerable of a -‘rough-house’ before things become settled. -Besides, there are plenty of lynxes in the -woods, and perhaps it might have been better -to have killed this one when he jumped from -the crate.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[212]</span></p> - -<p>“But he doesn’t belong to us,” George reminded -him, “and you know the trouble Bill -took to capture him. I’m sure he wouldn’t -thank us for shooting it in his absence.”</p> - -<p>So far the lynx had remained passive, and -the boys were at a loss to know just what it -was doing. At last curiosity got the better -of them, and Ed tiptoed to the window and -peered in. With a startled yell he jumped -away, stumbled, and fell in a heap. He had -gazed directly into the snarling face of the -lynx, which was crouched on the narrow -window-sill.</p> - -<p>Luckily, the animal was as much surprised -and frightened as the boy, and instead of -crashing through the glass it sprang away -from it.</p> - -<p>Then pandemonium broke loose, and by the -noise that came from inside the boys knew -the lynx was making sad havoc of the few -furnishings. Pans clattered and clanged to -the floor; the table went over with a bang; -and in dismay they heard various pieces of -crockery tumble from the shelves as the lynx -leaped wildly about the little room. At one -time he must have alighted on the hot stove, -and he gave evidence of the fact by a scream -of pain. Then he crashed against the door, -and the boys threw their combined weight<span class="pagenum">[213]</span> -against it. Then he quieted down. Ed and -George were anxious to see the damage he -had done, but dared not peer through the -window, lest they invite an attack.</p> - -<p>It grew bitterly cold, and they were obliged -to stamp their feet and swing their arms to -keep their blood circulating. Several long -hours dragged by, and the short winter day -came to a close. Still they kept vigil on the -outside of the cabin. Again and again the -lynx stirred things up, and once their hearts -almost stopped, when they heard him strike -against the window. It was evidently a -glancing blow, for it did not break the glass, -and the lads breathed a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>“I wish Bill would show up,” said Ed, -swinging his arms and blowing on his benumbed -finger-tips.</p> - -<p>“Say, suppose he doesn’t come until to-morrow; -you know he said he sometimes -stayed overnight at a lean-to.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz, I never thought of that!” cried -Ed, in alarm. “We can’t spend the night -out here without freezing, and we can’t go -inside without killing the lynx! We’re in a -bad fix anyway you look at it.”</p> - -<p>As darkness gradually settled over the -silent white forest the hearts of the boys -became heavy. With the fading of daylight<span class="pagenum">[214]</span> -the imprisoned lynx became more active, and -once more wild riot raged within the dark -room. The temperature dropped steadily, -and the shivering young guards were at a -loss to know what to do. Even if they decided -to take possession of the cabin by killing its -dangerous occupant, their chances of doing so -were now poor.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got to do something—I’m actually -freezing to death; and, besides, it seems ridiculous -to be turned out of our own home by -a great big bully of a cat,” said Ed, through -chattering teeth.</p> - -<p>“It is pretty tough; but what are we -going to do?” asked George. “We haven’t -even a lantern, and it’s no place in there to go -poking around with a flickering little match.”</p> - -<p>Just then they heard the crunch of footsteps -on the dry snow, and a moment later -Bill stood beside them, a big bundle of furs -strapped to his back.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” he inquired, anxiously. -“I missed the light, and was afraid something -must be wrong. Thought maybe you -were lost again. Come in. What on earth -are you shivering out here for?” And he -started to open the door.</p> - -<p>“Wait!” cried Ed, excitedly grasping him -by the arm.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[215]</span></p> - -<p>“Hold on!” warned George, barring his way.</p> - -<p>“What in blazes—” began the bewildered -trapper; but the boys interrupted him with -a hurried recital of facts.</p> - -<p>A council of war was immediately held, and -Bill was forced to admit that things looked -bad. He said he had little hope of retaking -the lynx alive, and he seemed much cast -down at the idea of killing it.</p> - -<p>Then he unslung his pack and drew a keen-bladed -ax from it. He made known his intention -of entering the cabin, and told the -boys, who were eager to accompany him, that -they would be in the way and might get hurt. -Bill eased their minds by promising to call -them if he got into serious trouble.</p> - -<p>They opened the door just wide enough -for the trapper to squeeze through. When he -had entered, they slammed it shut and waited -nervously for sounds of the fierce battle they -felt sure would immediately begin. They -heard Bill strike a match, and for a second a -bright flicker of light showed through the -cracks in the door. Then it passed, and all -was dark. The lynx began growling fiercely -as Bill moved about the room in search of the -lantern. At last a steady, bright glare lighted -up the interior of the cabin, and they knew -he had found it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[216]</span></p> - -<p>Instantly the battle started, and, judging -by the noise of combat, the listeners believed -it was a deadly one. They heard the lynx -spring times without number, and each time -they heard Bill jump out of its way. He was -no doubt trying to stun it with the ax, so -that he could again take it alive.</p> - -<p>Unable to restrain their impatient curiosity -longer, the lads made their way to the window. -Cautiously they rose on tiptoe and peeped -into the cabin. They saw Bill partly crouched, -with the ax in his hands. One sleeve of his -hunting-shirt was ripped and torn, where the -sharp claws of the lynx had fastened in it. -Following the fierce, steady gaze of the trapper, -the boys saw the lynx squatting behind an -overturned stool.</p> - -<p>It had made a sad wreck of the place. All -about lay the results of its vengeance. Pots -and pans were scattered in wild disorder over -the floor, the table had been overturned on -top of its contents, and even the personal -belongings of the rightful occupants had been -ripped from their places and strewn about -promiscuously.</p> - -<p>Bill slowly approached the crouching lynx, -and the boys heard it growl like a big, -angry cat. Cautiously the trapper advanced, -and they saw him turn the ax in his<span class="pagenum">[217]</span> -hand, as though to strike with the blunt -end.</p> - -<div id="Ref_243" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i243.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">CAUTIOUSLY THE TRAPPER ADVANCED</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Suddenly the lynx sprang at him, and he -stepped aside and swung his weapon, but -missed. Landing in the center of the room -with all four feet beneath it, the snarling -creature instantly rebounded, and Bill had -barely time to whirl and face the attack. He -knocked the determined animal from him -with a powerful blow of his ax. It slunk -back into a corner, apparently unhurt, and -again crouched, with fangs exposed and eyes -blazing.</p> - -<p>Then something unexpected happened, as -a new combatant took a hand in the fray. -The door suddenly swung in, and Moze rushed -into the room and jumped for the throat of -the lynx. He had arrived home from his -long chase, and had heard the savage snarls -inside the cabin, and, entering, had bounded -joyously into the fight.</p> - -<p>As the surprised trapper ran to close the -door the hound and its adversary came together; -Bill, unable to use his ax for fear of -killing Moze, hopped out of the way of the -fighters.</p> - -<p>The boys, proud of the courage displayed -by Moze, cheered him on.</p> - -<p>The two powerful animals were well<span class="pagenum">[218]</span> -matched, and the battle was a hard one. -They fought all over the room, first one gaining -the advantage, then the other. Gouging, -snapping, clawing, and snarling, they kept on -mauling each other. Once the lynx got Moze -beneath it, and would no doubt have speedily -ended his career had not Bill aimed a savage -kick at its ribs. His action diverted the -animal’s attention for an instant and gave -the hound a chance to regain his feet. Both -combatants were torn and bleeding. Again -and again the trapper sought to deal the lynx -a fatal blow with the sharp edge of the ax, -but Moze was always directly in the way.</p> - -<p>At last they drew apart for a moment, and -Bill seized the opportunity and rushed upon -the great snarling cat with his ax raised. -He was unwilling to see Moze further punished -in the terrific fighting, and he determined to -end it and save his faithful old hound.</p> - -<p>When he came within a few feet of it, the -lynx jumped directly at his throat. This -time, however, Bill did not miss, and his -powerful blow buried the blade of the ax -deep in the brain of the savage cat, which -crashed to the floor in a lifeless heap.</p> - -<p>Then the shaking, half-frozen boys rushed -in and ran to Moze as he stretched out close -to the stove to lick a score of painful wounds.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[219]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, old boy, he came near doing you,” -said Bill, tenderly, as he knelt to examine -the injuries of the brave old fighter.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t there have been fun if we had -gone in before you arrived,” laughed Ed, as -he huddled over the stove, trying to thaw out.</p> - -<p>“Fun and scratches, likely,” laughed Bill. -“These big lynxes are just about as mean a -proposition as roams the woods—that is, when -you get them cornered for a fight.”</p> - -<p>“It’s too bad you were obliged to kill him -after all the work of taking him alive,” said -Ed, as he stooped down and ran his fingers -through the long, soft fur.</p> - -<p>“Well, it couldn’t be helped. You see, -there are many more lynxes to be had, but -there is only one Moze. One or the other had -to go, and I guess we know whose side to -fight on. Don’t we, ‘old spit-fire’?” and Bill -patted Moze affectionately.</p> - -<p>By the thumping of his tail on the floor, -the boys knew the hound understood this -compliment to his valor, and was well content -with the way things had turned out.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[220]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XV">XV<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BILL CAPTURES A PRIZE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys had been with Bill for some -weeks when George took out his diary. -He was obliged to count back to learn the -exact date; and when he had done so, he uttered -a long whistle of astonishment.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter?” inquired Ed.</p> - -<p>“Why, we are due at Ben’s the day after -to-morrow, and, by ginger, the day after that -will be Christmas!”</p> - -<p>“Good gracious, how the time has flown!” -said Ed.</p> - -<p>Bill was strangely silent, and the boys -watched him as he sat playfully tickling -Moze.</p> - -<p>“Of course, if you can’t take us back then, -why, I guess we could stay here another day; -only we promised Ben,” explained Ed, thinking -that perhaps their sudden decision had -interfered with the plans of the old trapper.</p> - -<p>“No; no, that’s all right. I’ve got to go -out with these furs, anyway. I’ll get around<span class="pagenum">[221]</span> -to-morrow and spring my traps, and we can -pull out early the next morning,” he said.</p> - -<p>“And you and Moze must spend Christmas -with us!” cried George, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>Again a strange silence came over the trapper, -and he walked slowly away toward the -door.</p> - -<p>“Maybe you have other plans; and, of -course—” began Ed; but Bill interrupted -him.</p> - -<p>“No, I’ve no plans, son; I never make -them any more, ’cause, you see—” he paused -and looked at them out of misty, troubled -eyes, and they instantly understood. “But -we’ll do it this time! Won’t we, Moze?” he -laughed, suddenly, and the hound rose and -wagged his tail.</p> - -<p>The next day was to be a busy one, and -with the first gray streak of dawn they were -away on the trap line. About an inch of -snow had fallen during the night, and the -trapper pointed out many new tracks as he -hurried along.</p> - -<p>“Do you see that trail there, the little footprints, -two by two?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>The boys said they did.</p> - -<p>“Well, that was made by a mink. See, -here he’s stepped into one of his front tracks, -and left only three footprints on the snow.<span class="pagenum">[222]</span> -That’s a great trail of his, always looks like -he’d suddenly lost a leg.”</p> - -<p>It was a glorious winter day, and Bill was -in high spirits. Nothing escaped his wonderful -eyes, and everything seemed to contain a -message, which he gladly read to the boys. -He showed them the delicate, lace-like trails -of the little wood-mice, and pointed to where -one had tunneled its way beneath the snow in -search of hidden seeds.</p> - -<p>Then he drew their attention to what -looked like grains of pepper shaken over the -snow. The boys were astounded when told -that these minute black specks were tiny insects -which woodsmen called “snow-fleas.” -Bill said they lived in the moss, and could be -seen with the naked eye only when they -hopped about over a white background.</p> - -<p>Farther along they came upon the tracks -of a moose which, Bill declared, had gone by -that very morning. George proposed that -they follow after it, but the trapper refused -for two reasons; first, because the law was -on, and secondly, because it was a cow moose. -The boys asked him how he knew it was a -cow, and he proceeded to explain the difference -between the track of the cow and that -of the bull. Bill said that, like the buck -deer, the bull moose usually left a larger, less<span class="pagenum">[223]</span> -pointed track than his mate. And he explained -further that the “dew-claws” of the -bull were set wider apart, and so registered in -the snow.</p> - -<p>The trapper declared that when the marks -showed close together, as they did in the present -instance, it was safe to presume that the -tracks were those of a cow. Not wishing to -break any game laws, the boys turned willingly -from the tracks and continued on the trail -to the traps.</p> - -<p>They came at length to the spring-hole -where Bill had been trying for so long to -catch the mink. Once more he was doomed -to disappointment, and, springing the trap, he -hung it on a near-by sapling, until he might -return, and started on.</p> - -<p>Several times they crossed fox trails, which -the lads had learned to distinguish at sight. -Then they came upon a track that was entirely -new to them. Bill laughed when they -asked him to name it, and said it had been -made by a skunk. The trail consisted of two -continuous rows of footprints, one beside the -other, and each print close up to the one -before it. The trapper explained that this -animal did not often venture forth in winter, -except on warm, balmy days.</p> - -<p>At one of the sets Bill captured another<span class="pagenum">[224]</span> -lynx; but, as it was not a particularly large -one, he despatched it with his hickory club.</p> - -<p>While they were eating their midday lunch -a flock of sociable little chickadees gathered -in the branches above, and, cocking their -black-capped heads sideways, peered inquisitively -down at them. The diners threw some -crumbs and shreds of meat on the snow. Instantly -the fearless chickadees accepted the -invitation and dropped down to the feast. -After a time, as the birds became bolder, the -boys offered scraps of meat held between their -fingers. They thrilled with pleasure when -the confiding chickadees alighted trustfully -on the outstretched hands and pecked energetically -at the morsels offered them.</p> - -<p>Having finished their meal, the three trappers -rose and continued the circuit of their -traps. Everywhere the forest shone forth -resplendent in its mantle of glistening white, -where, on the telltale surface, was scrawled -and dotted a complete record of woodland -happenings. Helped and encouraged by Bill, -the lads were soon able to read and decipher -these code-writings of nature. The tread of a -cautious paw, the sweep of a fluttering wing, -or the mark of the passing wind was instantly -noted and recognized.</p> - -<p>Thus the day wore on, and, though their<span class="pagenum">[225]</span> -toll of fur was not heavy, they had a goodly -number of pelts by the time the shadows -commenced to gather. There were still a -number of traps to be examined, and in one -of them Bill had hopes of finding the highest -prize in the trapper’s lottery—a silver fox!</p> - -<p>He had seen one in the vicinity several -times during the summer, and again early in -the autumn before he set his traps. As the -fur of the beautiful creature was comparatively -valueless at such times, Bill had wisely -refrained from destroying it. With the coming -of cold weather and the trapping season, -however, he had set skilfully concealed traps -about the locality of its wanderings. Several -of them had been deftly sprung and robbed -of their bait. Bill, of course, blamed the silver -fox, and each time he reset them with greater -care, hopeful that he would eventually capture -the idol of his dreams.</p> - -<p>Now, as they drew near the spot, the boys -noticed that the old trapper unconsciously -quickened his stride. He acknowledged that -the fur of this fox would bring him in “quite -a roll of money,” and the lads were most -anxious for his success.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t it be fine if you got him for a -Christmas present?” laughed George, as they -hustled along.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[226]</span></p> - -<p>Bill smiled, but made no reply. Then he -halted and, parting a fringe of bushes, stooped -over and sprung an empty trap.</p> - -<p>“Number one, and nothing,” he said, a bit -disappointedly. “Well, I’ve four more set -for that black rascal, and we can’t tell what -we’ll find,” he added, hopefully.</p> - -<p>“Black rascal? I thought you said it was -a silver fox?” said Ed, somewhat puzzled.</p> - -<p>“So it is,” responded Bill; “but it’s black -just the same. You see, the fur is tipped -with silver-gray at the end of each guard -hair, though the pelt itself is rich, glossy -black. Looks like a black fox that has -been caught out in a heavy frost,” he explained.</p> - -<p>Soon they came to the second trap, and -their hearts beat hard with excitement when -they heard some animal tumbling about in -the bushes.</p> - -<p>Bill ran eagerly forward, club in hand, and -the boys saw him deliver the fatal blow. Then, -in response to their inquiry, he reached down, -and, when he straightened, held up a long, -reddish-brown body, somewhat smaller and -slimmer than that of a fox.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired the lads, though, -of course, they knew it was not the hoped-for -prize.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[227]</span></p> - -<p>“Fisher,” replied Bill, a satisfied smile on his -face, “and a nice one.”</p> - -<p>While he proceeded to skin it the trapper -explained the habits of the animal he had -just caught. He said it was a skilled hunter, -and that it was seemingly without fear, -having been known to find and kill bear cubs -larger and more powerful than itself. Bill -pronounced it a great destroyer of game -birds, rabbits, and small creatures in general.</p> - -<p>“Looks almost like a cross between a fox -and a mink, don’t it?” he inquired, shaking -out the freshly skinned pelt.</p> - -<p>The boys at once noted a certain resemblance -to each of the creatures mentioned.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and he’s got both dispositions, too,” -he declared. “All the tricks of the fox, and -all the fight of the mink. I’ve known one of -these fellows to follow a line of traps all -season and destroy hundreds of dollars’ worth -of pelts, just out of pure cussedness.”</p> - -<p>Then he told how the fisher would sometimes -follow the trail of the trapper, until it -had learned the round of his traps. Then it -would make the circuit daily and destroy -whatever it happened to find imprisoned in -them.</p> - -<p>“Well, we have two more chances for that -Christmas present you were talking about,<span class="pagenum">[228]</span> -George,” said Bill, as they came near the -third trap set for the silver fox.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and I feel that you’ll get him,” replied -George.</p> - -<p>Twilight had fallen, and it was growing -dark beneath the towering evergreens. Bill -had thoughtfully brought a lantern, but as -yet had not lighted it. Silently the three -comrades trudged along in the gathering -gloom. Each hoped with all his heart that -somewhere ahead of them waited the prize -which was to reward the veteran trapper for -his long, hard work on the trap line.</p> - -<p>The boys almost held their breath when he -finally halted and then made his way, alone, -to the last trap but one. Several moments -went by while they waited anxiously for a -shout that would proclaim the capture of the -prize. None came, and their hearts sank.</p> - -<p>“Nothing,” said Bill, at last, and he hung -the sprung trap in the crotch of a sapling.</p> - -<p>There was one more chance to catch the -silver fox, and the trapper led them silently -away in the direction of his last trap.</p> - -<p>“This one is set where he usually crossed,” -he observed, rather hopefully. “Don’t suppose -there’s much chance, though,” he added, -after a pause.</p> - -<p>Not a word was spoken as they cautiously<span class="pagenum">[229]</span> -approached the last chance. The afterglow -had long since faded from the western sky, -and it was now dark in the woods. Bill -stopped to light the lantern. Then he turned -abruptly down into a dry brook-bed at his -right.</p> - -<p>“There’s something here!” he shouted.</p> - -<p>The boys fairly trembled with excitement. -With all their souls they hoped the trapper -had won the prize he so justly deserved. -Eager and anxious, they hurried down to -him.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they began to whoop like Indians, -for Bill held up the smooth, black body of his -silver fox.</p> - -<p>“Got him at last,” he chuckled, delightedly, -“and he’s sure a beauty.”</p> - -<p>By the aid of the lantern they stretched the -fox out to be admired. The lads stroked the -valuable fur, and congratulated Bill warmly -on his success.</p> - -<p>“Guess we’ll carry him home as he is and -skin him where we have better light,” he said. -“We can’t afford to make a miss on this fellow.” -And he shouldered the fox and led -the way toward the cabin.</p> - -<p>“How did you fool him?” inquired Ed, -later, when the costly pelt had been removed -and pulled on a stretching-board to dry.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[230]</span></p> - -<p>“I fooled him with a mouse,” laughed the -trapper.</p> - -<p>“A mouse?” queried George, incredulously. -“How?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I smoked the trap over balsam -boughs for several days. You see, the nose -of a fox is powerful keen, and he can smell -iron rust or man-scent every time. Of -course, unless you can cover up such odors, -there’s not much use making a set. Once a -fox knows the trap is there, he’ll dig carefully -around it till it’s all exposed to view. Then, -like as not, he’ll put his paw underneath, turn -the trap over, spring it, and walk off with the -bait.</p> - -<p>“There are several ways to fool him by destroying -the scent. The two most used are -smoking the trap thoroughly and setting it -an inch or so under water. That’s what we -call a ‘wet-set,’ and it usually fools the wisest -of them. To make it, we place the trap just -beneath the surface, at some still place of the -lake, or stream, and float a piece of moss, or -mass of leaves, directly over the pan, arranged -in such a way as to protrude slightly -out of water and give the impression of a dry -foothold. You see, a fox doesn’t like to wet -his feet if he can avoid it. Well, he comes to -the edge of the water, sees that he must cross<span class="pagenum">[231]</span> -it to reach the bait, and, spying the dry footing -above the trap, steps on it and is caught.</p> - -<p>“But to get back to the mouse. You’ll -remember that there was no water near where -this fellow crossed, so I was obliged to make a -‘dry-set.’ As I’ve said, I smoked the trap -thoroughly over balsam. Then I hunted -around until I found a wood-mouse. Next -I poured anise-seed oil over the soles of my -moccasins, and also on the gloves I intended -to wear. This destroyed the human scent -about the trap and set. I carefully concealed -the trap, sprinkled some weed seeds over the -center of it, and placed my mouse, all huddled -up in a heap, directly over the pan, as -though he had squatted there to eat the seeds.</p> - -<p>“Now then, what happened? Why, the -fox came sneaking along on the scent of the -anise, which he likes, saw the mouse crouching -plumb before him, and, without waiting -to ask any questions, pounced on it with his -front paws and landed in the trap.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[232]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XVI">XVI<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A VISITOR</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The next day the boys started early on -the return trail to Ben, accompanied by -Bill and Moze. They had long since learned -to love the great silent forest, and as they -went on they constantly called attention to -some one of its manifold beauties.</p> - -<p>Moze, now quite recovered from his honorable -wounds, dashed on ahead as usual. His -short, snappy bark echoed through the woods -as he sped away on each fresh trail that -crossed his path.</p> - -<p>Realizing that they had a long trip before -them, and anxious to reach the cabin in daylight, -they paid no attention to his urgent -appeals, but kept steadily to their course. -Although quite deep in some places, the snow -was dry and powdery, and the walking was -easy.</p> - -<p>Coming to an open spot in the woods where -the snow had been piled into drifts by the -wind, the boys saw something which greatly<span class="pagenum">[233]</span> -surprised them. A covey of grouse were -flushed at the edge of the timber, and thundered -away into the clearing. Like a meteor -a feathered form dropped from the sky, and -the grouse dove beneath the soft snow. The -baffled hawk made a vicious sweep over the -spot where they had disappeared, and then, -rising, flew off above the tree-tops.</p> - -<p>Bill led the lads to the place and pointed -out the individual dents in the snow, beneath -which the birds were buried. Stooping down, -he spread his hands apart and, plunging them -suddenly beneath the white surface, brought -up a fine, plump grouse. He released it immediately, -and said that none but a “pot-hunter” -would take so noble a bird in that -despicable manner. The boys had much -sport grabbing beneath the snow for the -balance of the covey, and refused to move on -until they had each caught and released several -of the struggling birds. Bill assured -them this is a trick of the grouse when pursued -by winged enemies where cover is scarce.</p> - -<p>At another place they saw many moose -tracks, some old, others quite fresh. Numerous -young birch trees in the near vicinity were -bowed to earth, and a few were broken off at -greater or lesser distances from the ground. -All of them had been stripped of their smaller<span class="pagenum">[234]</span> -branches and shoots. The boys were at a -loss to account for it, until Bill said that the -animals had been “riding down” the trees -to browse on the tender branches and tops. -He explained how a moose straddles such a -tree with his fore legs and then proceeds to -bend it earthward by walking along with the -supple trunk beneath his heavy body.</p> - -<p>When the sun was directly overhead they -halted by the side of a woodland spring to -eat their lunch. It was a warm spot, sheltered -from the wind by tall trees. The sunlight -found its way down between the branches -and warmed a broad, flat rock on which they -sat and ate. The brisk walk in the sharp -air had put a keen edge to their appetites, -and Bill laughed at the way the luncheon -disappeared.</p> - -<p>Moze came in panting and hot from an -exhausting chase. He was speedily provided -with his share of the food, which he gulped -down with little attention to table manners.</p> - -<p>Then they “hit the trail” again. Moze, -evidently very tired, was content to follow -slowly along at their heels. Suddenly he -stopped, raised his head, and sniffed the air -suspiciously. The hair along the back of his -neck rose instantly, and he began to growl.</p> - -<p>“He’s got wind of something,” declared<span class="pagenum">[235]</span> -Bill, halting and searching the forest with his -eyes.</p> - -<p>“What do you suppose it is?” asked Ed.</p> - -<p>“Don’t know; I can’t see any tracks. -What’s the matter, Moze?” inquired the -trapper, addressing his hound.</p> - -<p>For answer the dog uttered a long, dismal -howl and dashed away into the woods, his -nose held high against the wind. For some -time his excited yelps could be heard ringing -through the forest. Finally they died away -in the distance as he ran out of hearing.</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s no use waiting for him,” -said Bill. “He’s gone the other way.”</p> - -<p>Once more they resumed the journey, -though the boys would have lingered there -in the hope that Moze might drive something -to them. Farther on they came to the fresh -trail of what Bill declared was a large lynx. -They wondered if it was this animal that had -enticed Moze into a chase.</p> - -<p>Just beyond, Bill was much surprised to find -fresh moccasin tracks headed in the direction -he and the boys were traveling. The unknown -footprints soon branched off to follow some -deer tracks, and the trapper wondered who -the mysterious hunter might be.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they heard a rifle-shot, far to the -right, and a second one a moment afterward.<span class="pagenum">[236]</span> -They halted at once, and the boys turned to -Bill for an explanation.</p> - -<p>“Whoever that is has got his deer, I reckon,” -he said, when the echo of the reports had -subsided. “There’s nobody hunts this country -except Ben and me; not unless it’s Indian -Pete.”</p> - -<p>“Indian Pete?” chorused the lads, thoroughly -interested by the possibilities of such -a name.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’s an old Indian trapper who wanders -down here from the north. Pretty good -old fellow, too. Did me a big favor once.”</p> - -<p>“Are there Indians near here?” inquired -George.</p> - -<p>“No; he’s the last of a tribe that lived -north of here a long time ago. Most of them -died off, or went to a reservation, which is -about the same thing; but Pete did some -jobs for the State and stayed here. When -he became too old to work he built himself -a little shack, and lives by hunting and -trapping. If it’s Pete, we’ll probably find -him at the cabin, ’cause he and Ben are great -friends.”</p> - -<p>When the sun hung low and the early shadows -of a winter afternoon began to gather, -Bill halted and pointed to a spot far below -them, where lay the lake in front of the<span class="pagenum">[237]</span> -cabin. The little log abode was not visible, -but a thin, wavering column of blue smoke -rose above the tops of the pines and showed -them where it was. They knew that the -guide was expecting them for supper.</p> - -<p>“I can almost smell the biscuits,” laughed -Ed.</p> - -<p>“And the bacon, and beans, and coffee, -and—” began George.</p> - -<p>“Hold on there, son! You’ll get indigestion -smelling so fast,” Bill laughed, as they hurried -on down the mountain.</p> - -<p>It was almost dark by the time they had -crossed the lake. Their loud helloas brought -Ben to meet them.</p> - -<p>“Thought you fellows had deserted me,” -he laughed, when they drew near. “Helloa, -Bill, I’m powerful glad to see you; walk in. -Hey, Moze, you old black rascal!”</p> - -<p>A tall, straight figure in buckskin rose and -greeted Bill. The boys gazed, fascinated, for -it was none other than Indian Pete.</p> - -<p>“Pete, these are the fellows I’ve been telling -you about. Shake hands with Ed Williams -and George Rand,” commanded the guide.</p> - -<p>The lads beamed with pleasure when the -long, bony hand of the Indian closed tightly -over their own. For a moment or two he -stood smiling down at them. Then he relaxed<span class="pagenum">[238]</span> -his friendly grasp and resumed his -seat.</p> - -<p>Bill learned that the tracks they had seen -had been made by Pete. The two shots had -sealed the doom of a noble five-prong buck, -which now hung outside the cabin. While -the Indian and the trapper conversed, Ben -busied himself with the preparation of the -evening meal.</p> - -<p>The boys, left to themselves, noted Indian -Pete’s well-proportioned athletic figure; his -coarse, straight black hair, which fell below -the square shoulders; his wrinkled, copper-colored -face, with its prominent nose and -cheek bones, and most particularly his penetrating -black eyes, which looked directly into -those of the listener.</p> - -<p>Although Bill had told them that Pete was -well over seventy years, they would not have -judged him to be more than fifty-five or -sixty. The lads looked on him admiringly -as a superb specimen of well-preserved manhood. -They were so much interested in the -old Indian that for the time being they forgot -all about “Snow Ball,” the captive owl.</p> - -<p>They were soon reminded of his presence in -a most startling manner. Moze, in wandering -about the room, crawled inquisitively -under one of the bunks. Instantly there was<span class="pagenum">[239]</span> -a terrific commotion, and the hound promptly -bounded out with “Snow Ball” holding fast -to his tail.</p> - -<p>The poor dog raced twice around the room -before the great white bird lost its grip. -Then, finding himself free, Moze tried to retrieve -his reputation. He dashed bravely at -his new-found adversary. It instantly turned -over on its back and scratched his nose with -its sharp talons. The dog jumped away with -a yelp of pain, and seemed content, thereafter, -to stand out of harm’s way and express -his opinion in a series of savage barks.</p> - -<p>Laughing heartily, Bill took hold of him, -and Ben caught up the owl and set it on a -perch which he had made for it. The bird -allowed itself to be freely handled by the -guide, who promptly fastened a small chain -about its leg and left it serenely preening its -ruffled plumage and glaring fiercely at Moze.</p> - -<p>“Those two will be enemies for life, I reckon,” -prophesied Bill.</p> - -<p>“How on earth did you ever make ‘Snow -Ball’ so tame?” Ed inquired.</p> - -<p>“Just fed and treated him well; which will -bring ’most any wild creature around.”</p> - -<p>They all gathered about the table to do full -honor to the supper which Ben had prepared. -He and Bill exchanged glances of amusement<span class="pagenum">[240]</span> -when the boys chose their seats, one on either -side of Indian Pete.</p> - -<p>“By gracious, to-morrow will be Christmas!” -cried George, later, as they were sitting -before the stove.</p> - -<p>“Strange we’ve had no word from home,” -said Ed, in a disappointed tone.</p> - -<p>“Don’t let it worry you, son,” drawled -Ben, rising and going to the book-shelf. -“There are several letters and books here for -you. Yes, and a big box, too, over beyond, -under that robe; but it’s not to be opened -until to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>He handed the letters and magazines to -Ed and George, winking at Bill as he resumed -his seat.</p> - -<p>“How did you get them?” asked Ed.</p> - -<p>“Why, Tom Westbrook came over and -took me to town.”</p> - -<p>The boys read the letters from home with -much enjoyment. When they had finished, -they went over to the box and began raising -the folds of the robe that hid it.</p> - -<p>The guide playfully dragged them away. -Then they promised that they would not -open the box until the next morning if Indian -Pete would tell a story, and his tale of -a single-handed fight with a wolf closed the -evening.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[241]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XVII">XVII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">“Merry Christmas, everybody!”</p> - -<p>This from the boys as they slipped -quietly from their bunk.</p> - -<p>“Merry Christmas!” replied Bill, turning -in his blankets.</p> - -<p>“Merry Christmas, and many more of -them!” added Ben, sitting up drowsily.</p> - -<p>“Merry Christmas, Pete!” shouted George, -determined that no one should be left out of -the cordial greetings.</p> - -<p>“Chrismus!” returned the Indian, his dark -eyes twinkling kindly.</p> - -<p>“Well, you fellows stole a march on us -this time,” laughed Ben, as he rose and -lighted the lamp—it was still dark outside.</p> - -<p>“Now for the box!” cried Ed.</p> - -<p>“Yes, let’s open it!” urged George.</p> - -<p>They soon had the cover off, and were -busily engaged taking out the contents. -There was a deliciously roasted turkey with -dressing such as they relished at home; a<span class="pagenum">[242]</span> -plum-pudding decorated with sprigs of holly; -two great cakes, one filled with raisins, the -other with nuts; besides many presents for -the boys, and boxes of cigars, warm gloves -and caps for Ben and the trapper. Then they -found some tobacco and a pipe, and immediately -presented them to Pete, who seemed -much pleased. Nor was Moze forgotten, -for lying in the very bottom of the box was -a handsome collar with his name engraved -on the metal plate.</p> - -<p>When they had finished distributing the -presents, Ben brought several bags and bundles -from beneath his bunk. When he had -opened them, he gave each of the boys a pair -of moccasins and a serviceable bone-handle -hunting-knife. He also produced a box of -cigars for Bill, and a pair of fleece-lined -mittens for Pete.</p> - -<p>Then Bill opened his pack of pelts and gave -George the lynx-skin and Ed a handsome fox-skin.</p> - -<p>“This is the greatest Christmas ever!” declared -Ed.</p> - -<p>“You bet!” agreed George.</p> - -<p>Indian Pete had gone outside during the -presentation of gifts, and they were afraid -he felt badly because he had nothing to offer. -However, he soon returned with the deer on<span class="pagenum">[243]</span> -his shoulder. With great dignity he dropped -it to the floor.</p> - -<p>“Chrismus, all—everyone!” he said. -“Plenty eat, all.” And he laughed and made -them understand by gestures that they were -to accept of the deer as his offering.</p> - -<p>“That’s the best of the lot, Pete!” declared -Ben, grasping the Indian by the hand. -“We’ll have a big feast.”</p> - -<p>Ben and Pete were greatly interested in the -pelt of the silver fox, and they congratulated -Bill on his good-fortune.</p> - -<p>“This sure is a prosperous Christmas for -you, Bill; that skin is worth a pile of money -back in the settlement. When I was in I -heard them telling that the price of fur had -gone ’way up. I’m powerful glad you got -it,” said the guide.</p> - -<p>Bill made no reply, but looked much pleased -as he fingered the valuable prize admiringly. -He pulled his furs, flesh side out, on stretching-boards -which Ben offered for his use.</p> - -<p>After breakfast the boys cut a small balsam, -which they set up in the cabin for a Christmas -tree. Ben decorated the branches with popcorn, -candies, and cakes which he had brought -from town, and the lads added some fancy -ornaments which had come in their gift-box.</p> - -<p>“Snow Ball” was freed from his log cage<span class="pagenum">[244]</span> -and placed on his perch. Immediately he -and Moze became eager to resume hostilities, -but they were promptly warned that it was -no day for ill feeling. Finally, to keep peace -in the family, the hound was banished out-of-doors.</p> - -<p>Later on the boys proposed a shooting contest -in honor of the day. The others agreed, -and Ben drew a target on a piece of white -cardboard. He tacked it up on a near-by -tree, and the shooters went outside to compete -in the “championship” contest.</p> - -<p>They drew to see who would shoot first. -It happened that Ed drew first shot, Bill -second, George third, Pete fourth, and Ben -last. It was agreed that they would shoot -three shots apiece at each of three different -targets. The first was to be the nearer and -larger, the second farther away and smaller, -and the third some difficult fancy shot. -Each contestant agreed to use his own rifle -and fire without a rest or brace.</p> - -<p>Ed led off and gained applause by scoring -an outer “bull” and two inner circles. Bill -followed with two “bulls,” a center and an -outer, and an inner circle. The best George -could do was three inner circles, close to the -“bull.” Pete got three straight “bull’s-eyes”; -and Ben tied his score.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[245]</span></p> - -<p>The second target was half as large as the -first, and twice as far away. Ed got two -outer rings and a miss. Bill got two more -“bulls” and an outer ring. George retrieved -himself by getting a center “bull” and two -ringers. Again Pete made three “bulls”; -and again Ben equaled the score.</p> - -<p>Then they cut circular bits of pasteboard -the size of half-dollars, one for each shooter. -Ed clipped the edge with one shot and missed -with the others. Bill got a center and two -edges. George tied Ed’s tally. Pete put -three in the center of the little circle; and Ben -did likewise.</p> - -<p>“Well, I guess you and Pete can fight it -out,” laughed Bill, turning to the guide.</p> - -<p>“Yes, shoot it off!” urged the boys.</p> - -<p>Ben fastened a card, edge toward him, in -a seam of the bark. Then he looked smilingly -at Pete. The latter at once signified -his willingness to shoot at the difficult mark, -and the contest began.</p> - -<p>The guide’s first shot cut the card in two, -and the boys cheered wildly. A new target -was set in place, and he repeated the feat. -A third card had the corner torn by his last -bullet.</p> - -<p>Then Pete stepped forward and drew careful -aim on the edge of the tiny target. His<span class="pagenum">[246]</span> -first shot missed by the merest fraction, and -he turned toward his audience and smiled. -The second bullet cut the card squarely in -the middle, and he was roundly cheered by -the impartial company. His final shot -clipped the top. Pete laughed and shook -his head. Ben had bested him.</p> - -<p>“Eyes too old, maybe,” he said, modestly, -as victor and vanquished clasped hands.</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” said the guide, gallantly. -“It just happened that I had a little better -luck. It might come out just the other way -another time.”</p> - -<p>Ben then fastened one of the small bits of -cardboard on a tree, and, placing his rifle upside -down on top of his head, he sent a bullet -through the center.</p> - -<p>“You’ll have to join a show, if you keep -that up,” Bill laughed.</p> - -<p>The boys asked Pete to tell them more -about the Indians, but could not induce him -to talk. They finally appealed to Ben.</p> - -<p>“Tell you what to do, Pete,” he said; -“show these fellows how to build a wigwam.”</p> - -<p>The old Indian smiled at his friend, and, -taking up his ax strode from the cabin, followed -by Ed and George. Once outside, he -quickly selected and cut three straight saplings. -Trimming off the branches, he placed<span class="pagenum">[247]</span> -the poles on the ground with their tops together. -Deftly twisting a strip of bark, he -made it into a rope and fastened the ends of -the poles one to the other. Then he raised -them. He stood other poles between, forcing -the tops beneath the bark rope, and soon had -the framework of the wigwam completed. -The foot of each pole was thrust into the -ground to prevent the abode from tumbling -down in a high wind. Pete left an open -space in front for a doorway. In place of the -birch-bark, which he explained was generally -used by his people for the same purpose, he -took a blanket and wrapped it about the bare -poles to make a shelter. At the top of the -wigwam he left an opening to let the smoke -out. He explained that a covering was always -provided for this opening, to keep out -rain or snow.</p> - -<p>Indian Pete also showed them many simple -signs used by his people to communicate with -one another when traveling through the forest. -He showed how to turn a twig, or branch, so -that it would point in the direction taken by -the one who had left the signal. The Indian -also showed how, by breaking a stick into -long or short pieces, he could advise his followers -as to the length of journey he had -undertaken. He cut a piece of bark from a<span class="pagenum">[248]</span> -tree-trunk and made many queer drawings -on it. These were carefully explained to the -boys, so that they could read the Indian -message it contained. They also had explained -to them the art of making bows and -arrows, the scraping and tanning of furs and -skins, and other bits of woodcraft, and half -the day was gone before they realized it.</p> - -<p>Ben had meanwhile placed the turkey in -the oven to warm.</p> - -<p>“Say, just smell that!” he cried, patting -himself. Then, with a quick glance at Pete, -he added: “We’ll have this bird for dinner, -and a big stew of Pete’s deer-meat to top it -off. My, I don’t believe I’ll be able to eat -again for a week after we get through with -this feast.”</p> - -<p>Everybody seemed to be in high spirits -as they took their places for the Christmas -dinner. While they were eating it began to -snow, and soon big, broad flakes were coming -down in swirling thousands.</p> - -<p>“This is a real Christmas,” declared Ed, -looking out at the storm.</p> - -<p>“Looks like we might be in for a big snow,” -said Ben, pausing with a leg-bone of the turkey -between his fingers.</p> - -<p>“Let her come, we’re here first!” laughed -Bill; and the boys were glad to see the trapper<span class="pagenum">[249]</span> -so jolly, for they feared that the day held -gloomy memories for him.</p> - -<p>When the meal was finally over, a large -plate of food was given to Moze, and he -promptly stretched out before the stove and -proceeded to enjoy it.</p> - -<p>In the afternoon Pete and Bill decided to -go out in spite of the storm. Armed with -their rifles, they left the cabin and disappeared -in the woods.</p> - -<p>This was what the boys had been waiting -for. As soon as the trapper and the Indian -had gone they asked Ben to tell them why -Bill acted so strangely about Christmas.</p> - -<p>For a time the guide looked at them in -silence. Then he decided to tell the story.</p> - -<p>“You see, several years ago Bill had a -trapping partner by the name of Tom Welsh,” -he began. “‘Big Tom,’ we called him, because -of his size and strength. He and Bill -trapped ’way up north of here, around what -was then called Bad Pond. It got its name -because it was usually rough and dangerous -for a canoe in summer and full of treacherous, -snow-covered air-holes in winter.</p> - -<p>“One season Bill and ‘Big Tom’ built a -little cabin near this pond, and decided to -spend the winter trapping around the shores. -There was a lot of fur to be taken there, and<span class="pagenum">[250]</span> -they figured on a great catch by the time -spring came.</p> - -<p>“Christmas day they were crossing on the -ice, and they got to skylarking and fooling. -Then they began to wrestle, and Bill tripped -‘Big Tom,’ and he lost his footing and plunged -head first into an air-hole which neither of -them had seen.</p> - -<p>“Seeing that his friend didn’t come up, -Bill lay down and peered into the opening, -shouting and reaching into the cold, black -water. You see, he knew ‘Big Tom’ had -bobbed up under the edge of the ice and was -probably swimming away from the opening.</p> - -<p>“Well, poor Bill was near crazy, and in his -excitement he went into the hole himself. -He, too, came up under the ice, but near the -edge of the hole, and was clutched by the -collar and yanked out.</p> - -<p>“When Bill blinked the water out of his -eyes he saw Indian Pete. The Indian had -been watching the trappers from shore. When -Tom went down he started toward them on -a run. Bill hadn’t noticed him coming over -the ice, on account of his mind being on the -fate of his friend. You see, if it hadn’t -been for Pete, both partners would have -drowned, ’cause Bill was dazed when he came -up. Like as not he’d have swum back under<span class="pagenum">[251]</span> -the ice same as poor Tom did; but the Indian -was watching and nabbed him quick as he -appeared near the opening.” Ben finished -amid an impressive silence.</p> - -<p>“Did they get ‘Big Tom’—after awhile?” -asked Ed, in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Ben, soberly. “Listen! -That’s Moze, all right; he’s got something -started!” he cried, evidently glad at the opportunity -of changing the subject.</p> - -<p>Then for some time they heard the voice -of the hound ringing through the forest. -The flakes came down thicker and faster -each succeeding hour, and a piercing northwest -wind tore through the woods and piled -the snow into huge drifts.</p> - -<p>“Looks a little like the makings of a blizzard,” -said Ben, going to the door.</p> - -<p>“I hope they get back all right.” And -George looked from the window a bit uneasily.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you worry about them,” laughed -the guide.</p> - -<p>As the storm increased steadily in volume -and the afternoon wore on, the boys went -to the door many times to listen. They remembered -what their own experience had -been in a storm not half so bad; and, though -they had implicit confidence in the ability<span class="pagenum">[252]</span> -of Bill and Pete to take care of themselves, -they were anxious for them to return.</p> - -<p>Hardly had they resumed their seats the -last time when the door opened and Pete -came into the room. He was covered with -snow, and began shaking himself vigorously.</p> - -<p>“See anything special?” inquired Ben.</p> - -<p>“Plenty dog tracks. Run moose all time -in big snow—bad!” said the Indian, shaking -his head.</p> - -<p>“That’s the pack of wild ones, I’ll bet!” -declared Ben, straightening up with a show -of interest.</p> - -<p>Pete nodded in the affirmative.</p> - -<p>“Well, we’ve got to go after them, or there -won’t be any game left in this part of the -country,” and the guide scowled.</p> - -<p>Again Pete nodded solemnly.</p> - -<p>It was almost dark, and still Bill and Moze -did not make their appearance. Several times -the boys caught Ben listening and glancing -out of the window, they thought, a bit uneasily.</p> - -<p>Then they heard Moze whining at the -door, and a moment later Bill opened it and -came in.</p> - -<p>“Kind of dusty out,” he laughed, brushing -the flakes from his broad shoulders.</p> - -<p>“What did you see?” asked Ed, eagerly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[253]</span></p> - -<p>“The pack of wild dogs!” replied Bill, -looking at Ben.</p> - -<p>“Get a shot at them?” inquired the guide.</p> - -<p>“No, they were too far away. I tell you, -there’s a bunch of them. Must be twenty-five -or thirty.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us about them,” urged the boys.</p> - -<p>“Wait till after supper; I’m hungry as a -bear.”</p> - -<p>“Well, sit down, then; it’s ready,” announced -Ben.</p> - -<p>Afterward Bill told how he had seen the -wild pack racing along a valley, on the hot -scent of some animal. He had worked his -way down the mountain on which he had -been hunting, and had followed the dog -tracks for quite a distance. The trapper had -learned that the wolf-like hunters were chasing -a deer—a doe. As the trail gave every -indication of a long chase, he left it and came -back to the cabin.</p> - -<p>“This storm will cover up their trail, so -that I don’t suppose there’ll be any use looking -for them to-morrow. When I hear them -again, though, I’m going after them,” declared -Ben. “They’ve got to be driven out -of here, or they’ll kill everything in the -woods.”</p> - -<p>The boys renewed their pleas to be taken<span class="pagenum">[254]</span> -on the expedition, and were so persistent that -Ben finally agreed to take them.</p> - -<p>The balance of the evening was passed -playing games and telling stories, till a glance -at the clock showed the lateness of the hour.</p> - -<p>Rising, Ben went to the door and looked -out. Then he called for the others to join -him. Standing there, the snow blowing into -their faces, they heard the distant baying of -the wild dogs.</p> - -<p>“They’re like wolves,” declared Bill.</p> - -<p>“Worse,” agreed Ben; and he closed and -bolted the door.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[255]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XVIII">XVIII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AN ENCOUNTER WITH WILD DOGS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">“Snowshoes for a while,” prophesied -Ben, looking out at the freshly whitened -landscape next morning.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad I brought mine,” said Bill.</p> - -<p>“You and Pete had better stay here with -us another day, and give the drifts a chance -to settle some,” Ben invited.</p> - -<p>The boys were equally anxious to have -two such interesting characters remain, and -they urgently seconded the invitation. Pete -promptly declined it and made known his -intention of departing immediately after -breakfast. Bill said that he, too, would leave -then. He was anxious to reach the settlement -with his furs, and, as he had a long, -hard trip before him, was eager to be off.</p> - -<p>The morning meal was hurried, that they -might make an early start. When it was finished, -Bill and Pete began tying on the broad, -round snowshoes. Each helped the other to -get his pack on his back. Then they bade<span class="pagenum">[256]</span> -farewell to their host and the boys and departed -on different routes. The Indian turned -toward the north and his far-away cabin. -The trapper started east toward the distant -settlement, where he hoped to dispose of his -furs and bank the proceeds.</p> - -<p>Ed and George stood in the doorway and -watched the two sturdy figures disappear. -They hoped to see the trapper again, for he -would stop on the return journey to his cabin. -But Indian Pete they would probably never -again meet, and it was with deep regret they -watched his straight form vanish from sight -among the trees. True to the custom of his -race, he refrained from looking back, even -though the lads called to him several times.</p> - -<p>Moze returned for a final caress, and seemed -greatly to enjoy plowing his way through -the deep snow. Bill whistled to him, and -then turned and waved his hand to the little -group of friends in the doorway.</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s one person glad they’re -gone,” said Ben, when he and the boys had -entered the cabin.</p> - -<p>The lads looked at him in surprise and asked -who it might be.</p> - -<p>“Old ‘Snow Ball,’” he replied, as he released -the owl from its cage.</p> - -<p>It walked about the floor of the room, and<span class="pagenum">[257]</span> -constantly turned its head, as though fearful -that Moze was still somewhere in the vicinity. -Ben finally picked it up and put it on the -perch, where it seemed more at ease.</p> - -<p>“He’ll soon be able to fly, and then I’m -afraid it will be good-by to us.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose we let him go. We can keep him -till spring, and then he’ll go north; so he -won’t do much damage to the game about -here. I just hate to think that he’s a prisoner. -Since I’ve been here with you, Ben, I feel differently -about all such things,” declared Ed.</p> - -<p>“That’s exactly the way I feel,” added -George, “and I would like to see him freed.”</p> - -<p>“Well, boys, that’s my idea, too; so the -jury will give old ‘Snow Ball’ a verdict in -his favor, and turn him loose with the understanding -that he’s to quit the country.”</p> - -<p>The owl turned his big yellow eyes on them -and gave himself one or two vigorous shakes, -as though the matter was of little importance, -since he had found so good a home.</p> - -<p>“I would like to get some pictures before -all the snow falls from the trees,” said Ed.</p> - -<p>“All right, son; we’ll put on our webs”—Ben’s -name for snowshoes—“and go out for -a look around.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t wonder but what we might -find a moose or a deer mired in one of the<span class="pagenum">[258]</span> -heavy drifts. If we do, you’ll get a picture -worth having,” declared Ben, when they were -traveling easily along on their snowshoes.</p> - -<p>They saw few tracks, and the guide said -the forest creatures had “lain low” during -the storm, and would continue to do so until -the snow settled or crusted over. Deer and -moose, he explained, remained in their -“yards” at such times—places similar to the -one where the birches were stripped. In -such spots, Ben said, these animals trod down -and scraped away the snow to obtain the -scant food-supply buried beneath. He told -the boys that if the animals were driven from -these shelters before the snow was sufficiently -solid to support them, especially the moose, -they would soon become exhausted by the -heavy going and fall easy and helpless prey -to whatever foe cared to pursue them.</p> - -<p>“That’s the way the timber wolves used -to kill off quantities of game. They would -hunt up a yard of deer or moose, and dash -in quickly and scatter them. Then it was -an easy task for them to run down the heavier -animals in the deep drifts. When they had -overtaken a moose helpless in snow above -its shoulders, they closed in and tore it to -pieces.”</p> - -<p>“Listen!” cried George. “What’s that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[259]</span></p> - -<p>“There they are!” declared Ben. “Just -what I expected. They’re doing exactly -what I’ve told you about. Wait till we see -which way they’re going.”</p> - -<p>Standing beneath the snow-burdened evergreens, -they heard the ringing cry of the wild -hunting pack. It echoed through the woods, -now clear and distinct, and again faint and -far away, as the hounds topped a rise or descended -into an intervening valley.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that the direction Pete went?” inquired -Ed, rather uneasily.</p> - -<p>“Yes; and if he hasn’t passed, they ought -to run right across his trail,” replied Ben, -listening intently.</p> - -<p>Then the report of a rifle rang sharply -through the forest. Another shot quickly -followed, and then two more, with scarce a -pause between them.</p> - -<p>“Come on!” cried Ben, making off at top -speed. “The fight’s on; Pete has run into -them, sure!”</p> - -<p>As they hurried along they noticed that -the noise from the pack had subsided. Ben -led them toward the spot where they had last -heard the wild baying. Soon they came to -Pete’s trail, and the guide at once turned -into it.</p> - -<p>Again the noise sounded forth, this time<span class="pagenum">[260]</span> -to the left of the trail they were following. -Ben held to his course, however, believing it -would bring them to Pete and the pack sooner -than he could go by forsaking it.</p> - -<p>Hot and panting in their rapid pace, they -finally came to the spot where the Indian -had his chance at the pack. The trailers saw -where he had jumped behind a small hemlock, -to hide, when he heard the outlaw band approaching. -About fifty yards farther along -the dogs had crossed, and two great black -hounds lay dead on the snow.</p> - -<p>Ben and the boys stopped for a moment to -examine them, and were surprised at their -resemblance to wolves. There was no evidence -of a battle, and the guide thought Pete -had despatched the dogs from ambush.</p> - -<p>Carefully examining the trail of the fleeing -pack, Ben learned they were in pursuit of a -bull moose, a small one, probably a yearling. -He found numerous red spots on the snow, -and believed that Pete had hit others than -the hounds whose bodies bore evidence of -his prowess.</p> - -<p>“We’ll follow them a ways,” he said. -“Pete’s gone on their track, and maybe we’ll -get a chance at them.”</p> - -<p>The snow was not particularly deep, and -the moose seemed well able to maintain a<span class="pagenum">[261]</span> -safe lead. But sooner or later it was certain -to be forced into deeper going, and its doom -would then be sealed.</p> - -<p>They reached a spot where Pete had turned -from the main tracks to follow a hound he had -wounded. Its blood-stained trail showed -plainly by the side of his snowshoe tracks.</p> - -<p>They could hear the baying of the pack -directly ahead, in the bottom of a wooded -valley. Ben said they would follow on the -original trail in the hope of catching up with -the dogs, should the moose sink in the snow.</p> - -<p>The boys’ legs commenced to ache, for they -were straining them to the utmost in their -endeavors to keep up with Ben. He seemed -determined to come in sight of the pack at -any cost, and hurried on at a heartbreaking -pace.</p> - -<p>“Wonder what will happen when we corner -them?” inquired Ed, between gasps.</p> - -<p>“Don’t know; but I’ll have to stay and -see, ’cause I’m too blamed tired to run,” replied -George.</p> - -<p>“They’ve brought him to a stand!” yelled -Ben, excitedly, at the same time quickening -his gait. “Hear the way they’re howling -and snarling down there! Come on, boys, -let’s sail into them!” And the guide went -racing down the hillside.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[262]</span></p> - -<p>The lads followed as best they could, and -took several “headers” in the course of their -uncertain journey. They arrived in the ravine -breathless and shaky. The snow was -very deep, and they saw where the moose -had floundered with difficulty through the -mound-like drifts. At one place the pack -had surrounded him, as could be seen by the -tracks; but he had freed himself and staggered -to the spot where they now appeared -to have him at their mercy.</p> - -<p>Then the boys saw Ben raise his rifle. He -shot twice.</p> - -<p>“Here they are!” he cried. “Look out! -They’re going to show fight.”</p> - -<p>The lads made their way quickly to his -side, and before them saw the moose in snow -to its withers. In a circle about it, on top -of the light crust, sat twenty or more snapping, -wolf-like hounds.</p> - -<p>They had turned from their victim, and -were boldly facing the hunters. Two of their -number lay dead. They had started toward -Ben, and met a swift and timely death at his -hands. Their fate seemed to restrain the -pack, for the moment at least, though the -defiant brutes showed no desire to be gone.</p> - -<p>“Oh, wait till I get a picture!” begged Ed; -and he quickly unstrapped and focused his<span class="pagenum">[263]</span> -camera. With the click of the shutter things -began to happen, and for the next few minutes -the boys experienced all the thrills of a -Siberian wolf-hunt.</p> - -<p>The moose renewed its efforts to extricate -itself, and immediately several of the hounds -dashed forward to sink their fangs in its -throat. Instantly Ben opened fire, at the -same time calling on the lads to do likewise.</p> - -<p>It was then that the savage, half-wild dogs -seemed to realize their danger. As several -of them writhed over the snow in their death-struggles -the remainder of the band, under -the leadership of a great gray animal, rushed -at the hunters.</p> - -<p>“Watch out; here they come!” warned the -guide, firing as fast as he could work the lever -of his rifle. “Stand close beside me and fire -at the front ones!”</p> - -<div id="Ref_291" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i291.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“WATCH OUT; HERE THEY COME!”</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Snarling and snapping, the pack surrounded -Ben and the boys. It was no simple task to -kill the beasts, for they kept moving about -in a circle, and, as the ravine was heavily -timbered, the trees constantly interfered with -the aim of the shooters. Sneaking and -crouching, the dogs began to close in.</p> - -<p>“Stand your ground if they try to rush us!” -commanded Ben, dropping one of the leaders -with a well-placed bullet.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[264]</span></p> - -<p>Evidently the hounds had at last determined -the sort of enemy confronting them, -and, with lips drawn back and fangs exposed, -they charged in a body.</p> - -<p>The hunters met them with a deadly volley -which stretched out several of their number. -The gray leader, a big, wolf-like Eskimo -dog, escaped the hail of lead and leaped -straight at the throat of Ben. The guide had -no chance to shoot, but quickly clubbed his -rifle and brought the stock down with terrific -force on the head of his assailant. The blow -felled the creature, and it rolled away behind -a massive tree-trunk and slunk off as three -hastily aimed bullets whistled harmlessly -past its head.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Ed uttered a startled cry, and -Ben turned quickly in his direction. A powerful -hound had crept up behind him, and, -leaping, had fastened its fangs in the shoulder -of the lad’s heavy hunting-coat and borne -him to the ground.</p> - -<p>Ben sent a bullet into its body before it -could release its grip to fasten a more deadly -one on the throat of the startled young -hunter.</p> - -<p>“Jump up, quick!” yelled the guide.</p> - -<p>Encouraged by the apparent success of -one of their number, the pack again came on.<span class="pagenum">[265]</span> -Once more the fierce gray leader stole forward; -but this time a ball from George’s -rifle stretched him out dead, shot through his -heart.</p> - -<p>“Good boy!” shouted Ben. “You’ve got -the prize.”</p> - -<p>Then another rifle sounded close beside -them, and, turning, they saw Indian Pete -shooting into the hesitating, disorganized -pack of bewildered dogs.</p> - -<p>“That’s right, give it to them, Pete; let’s -clean them all up at once!” cried Ben, savagely.</p> - -<p>Lacking the encouragement of the gray -leader, the pack turned and began a slow, -sullen retreat. Pete and the guide instantly -followed, determined to kill as many of its -members as possible, now that they had the -longed-for opportunity. But the survivors -of the savage band, finding they were pursued, -instantly lost confidence and, panic-stricken, -dashed away, howling dismally.</p> - -<p>When they had disappeared, the hunters -took account of the casualties. They found, -by adding the ones Pete had killed back on -the trail, that they had despatched fourteen -of the outlaws, including the leader. This -was the big, wolf-like creature Ben had told of, -and George was greatly elated at obtaining -the chance to kill it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[266]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, we destroyed more than half the -pack,” declared Ben, enthusiastically, “and -I guess the rest of them will hike for a safer -country.”</p> - -<p>Meantime they had turned their attention -to the moose, and the boys obtained many -excellent photographs of it. Free from the -attacks of the hounds, it began to force its -way through the drift into which it had -plunged in its wild panic.</p> - -<p>“Can’t we help him any?” asked George.</p> - -<p>“No, sir! Stay away from him and keep -near me. He’s mad, and there’s no telling -what may happen when he frees himself,” -cautioned the guide.</p> - -<p>When the moose finally emerged from the -drift, Pete was the nearer to it. Without -hesitating a moment, the excited animal lowered -its head and charged the astounded Indian. -He jumped nimbly from its path and -sought shelter behind the first convenient -tree.</p> - -<p>Not satisfied to be off, the moose wheeled -and came straight at Ben and the boys, who -promptly scattered and ran, or tried to, -through the deep snow. It missed George -by a very narrow margin, and then turned -and stood facing them with bristling mane, -blazing eyes, and curled lip, ready for another<span class="pagenum">[267]</span> -charge. The unusual performance had ceased -to be a joke, and, fearful that some one would -be hurt, Ben fired two shots over its head. -They had the effect of bringing the maddened -creature to its senses, and with a loud snort -it trotted heavily away, unharmed, for at -that season these great beasts were protected -by law.</p> - -<p>“Say, we’ve had some little excitement,” -laughed Ben, looking about for a place to -sit down.</p> - -<p>“I should say so,” agreed Ed, feeling the -tear in his coat.</p> - -<p>George went over to Indian Pete, who was -examining the powerful, grizzled body of the -dead leader. The young hunter was much -pleased when Pete said he had done well to -kill it.</p> - -<p>“How many do you think were in the -pack?” inquired Ben.</p> - -<p>The Indian held up his ten fingers twice, -and then five.</p> - -<p>“Count them, plenty times,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Did you get the one you left the trail -for?” asked the guide.</p> - -<p>Pete gave one of his customary nods in -the affirmative.</p> - -<p>“I thought so,” said Ben to the boys. “An -Indian usually gets what he starts after.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[268]</span></p> - -<p>Pete soon left to resume the long journey -to his cabin. They watched him climb the -mountain, expecting that he might look back -when he reached the summit. He did not -turn, however, but went stolidly on, and disappeared -from sight over the top.</p> - -<p>“He’s a queer old fellow, but I like him,” -said Ed.</p> - -<p>“So do I,” declared George.</p> - -<p>“He’s all right; a little peculiar, that’s -all,” Ben assured them.</p> - -<p>George wished the pelt of the Eskimo dog -for a trophy, and when Ben started to skin -it he had the boys help him. He said it would -do them no harm to learn how. The job was -quickly accomplished, and the pelt was rolled -into a bundle and given to George. He -slung it proudly on his back. Then they set -out for the cabin, Ben in great spirits over -his success in practically wiping out this -band of outlaws.</p> - -<p>That night they listened in vain for the -noise of distant baying. Once they thought -they heard it far to the south, but were -unable to make sure.</p> - -<p>Before they fell asleep, Ed poked George -in the ribs and said: “I felt we were going -to have trouble with that pack, all along. -I’m glad it’s over now.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[269]</span></p> - -<p>“So am I,” replied George. “And to -think I’ve actually killed the leader; and in -a fight, too!” he added. “I believe they are -all more wolf than dog.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sure the one that knocked me down -was,” said Ed.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[270]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XIX">XIX<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">AN INDIAN CAVE AND ITS OCCUPANTS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">By January the boys had learned much -about the woods and the wild creatures -inhabiting them. They had also mastered -most of the essential tricks of woodcraft, and -Ben said they were graduated from the -“tenderfoot” class with high honors. While -there was no chance for any “official” examination, -they were certainly qualified for -“Boy Scout” honors by an actual experience -in woodcraft, which few “scouts” can have.</p> - -<p>They often made unaccompanied trips into -the wilderness, and it was while on one of -these journeys that they chanced to discover -what seemed to be a large cave partly overgrown -by bushes and completely blocked by -drifted snow. Their attention was drawn to -it by a tunnel-like hole through the drift. -Poking into this with a long pole, they were -surprised to find that the opening extended -back some distance. They immediately -scooped away the snow, and there, sure<span class="pagenum">[271]</span> -enough, was a great black hole—seemingly -the entrance into the heart of the rocky cliff -which towered above them.</p> - -<p>They had never heard Ben speak of the -place, and thought it strange, if a cave was -really there, that he had not discovered it. -Lighting a match—for Ben had long ago impressed -upon them the necessity of always -carrying several boxes when starting into the -woods—Ed held it before him and crawled -several feet into the opening. The match -went out, and he lighted another and held it -above his head, so that its light would not -blind him. Taking advantage of the short-lived -flame, he glanced quickly about. He -saw that he was in a low, narrow passageway -between two smooth walls of lichen-covered -rock. This passageway apparently continued -for some distance over a sort of loose shale-like -trail. The young explorer wriggled a -few feet farther in, but was at once urged to -return by his anxious companion outside.</p> - -<p>“I tell you this is a great find!” he cried, -excitedly, when he had backed slowly out -into daylight again. “We’ll explore it. I -believe it runs ’way back into the mountain.”</p> - -<p>“All right, only we must be careful,” -warned George; “it may drop away into a<span class="pagenum">[272]</span> -pool or something. Say, suppose there’s a -wildcat or a bear up in there!”</p> - -<p>“So much the better,” laughed Ed. “We’ve -met them both before, so they wouldn’t -frighten us any. Tell you what we’ll do. -When we go back we won’t say anything -about it to Ben; we’ll keep it a secret. -Then to-morrow we can bring a rope and some -candles. I’ll tie the rope around my waist and -crawl in. If I get stuck you can pull me out.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a good idea; we’ll try it,” agreed -George.</p> - -<p>When they reached the cabin they said -nothing about their find. They asked no -questions which might betray their secret. -When Ben said he might go over to see Tom -Westbrook the following day, the boys looked -at each other and winked. They politely -refused an invitation to accompany him, on -the plea that they had found something they -wished to visit again. Ben smiled, but asked -no questions.</p> - -<p>Next morning, as soon as Ben had gone, -they took a long length of rope, several candles, -and a supply of matches, and started -for the scene of their discovery. They also -carried their rifles, for, as George had said, -there was no telling what they might find at -the end of the dark tunnel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[273]</span></p> - -<p>Eagerness gave speed to their feet, and -they were soon before the entrance into the -ledge. Ed shed his heavy hunting-coat, and -tied the rope securely about his waist. Then -he fastened one of the candles to the end of -a long pole. He cautioned George to keep -tight hold of the rope, and crawled boldly -into the black opening.</p> - -<p>Lest his friend might plunge over the edge -of some hidden precipice and pull the rope -out of his hands, George prudently took a -turn of it around a near-by tree. Then, with -a warning to be careful, he began letting out -line, an inch at a time, as Ed wriggled into -the inky depths of the unknown interior.</p> - -<p>The rope went steadily into the hole, and -George knew that his comrade was making -easy progress. Then it stopped, and he became -somewhat worried. Suppose it had -become untied and had slipped from Ed’s -waist!</p> - -<p>George drew it gently toward him and, -when he had taken up the slack, felt the -weight of his friend at the other end. Then -he slackened it, but the coil lay there, and -the rope was motionless! Something was -wrong! He waited a minute longer, and was -about to pull with all his might in an effort -to extricate Ed from any difficulty he might<span class="pagenum">[274]</span> -have got into, when again the rope began to -slip forward into the cave.</p> - -<p>Ed had found, as he advanced, that the -passageway widened. He crawled slowly on, -pausing now and then to hold the candle -well out in front, so that he could see his -path and safeguard himself against accident. -The passage continued in a direct line; and, -as he was already some distance in, Ed -began to wonder if he would come to the -end of his rope before he reached the end of -the tunnel. If he did, he determined to cast -loose and go on, for, now he had started, the -lad made up his mind to find out where this -dark alleyway led and what was at the end -of it.</p> - -<p>He was glad to find that the passage continued -to broaden, for this promised him safe -and easy return. Furthermore, should he -suddenly find himself confronted by a wild -beast, he would have room to use his rifle. -Also he was able to make swifter progress, -and he was anxious to reach the end of his -journey and learn what awaited him there. -The air began to grow close and stifling as -he got farther in, and several times he felt a -bit dizzy.</p> - -<p>At last he came to the end of the rope, and -felt it tighten and hold him back. Pushing<span class="pagenum">[275]</span> -the candle far in advance, he saw close at -hand a circular cavern. Evidently the passage -ended there. Ed determined to find out, -and, reaching his arms around behind him, he -untied the rope from his waist. Then, cautiously, -he crawled forward toward the mysterious -underground chamber.</p> - -<p>When he finally crept into this large rock-bound -room, Ed was surprised to find that -he was able to stand erect. Even by raising -himself on his toes and stretching his -arms aloft he could not reach within several -inches of the rocky ceiling. The place seemed -to have no other occupant than himself; and, -assured on that point, the lad set about to -examine it carefully. Suddenly he exclaimed, -for, as he turned, the light of his candle -brought out some strange signs on the walls.</p> - -<p>Chiseled, or nicked, into the solid rock were -strange figures and hieroglyphics, or picture-writings. -Ed began to trace them with the -tips of his fingers in an endeavor to make -them out. There were many drawings or -tracings of arrows. Again there were rude -sketches of hands and feet. Then there were -figures presumably intended to represent different -birds and animals. All these were -separated one from another by a series of -straight and wavy lines.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[276]</span></p> - -<p>Most of the drawings were over to one side -of the cavern. From what he had read, Ed -believed them to be the work of long-departed -tribes of Indians. No doubt they had made -use of this cave, and to reach it had wormed -their way, as he had just done, through the -dark, narrow passageway. The thought of -it thrilled him, and he gave a half-startled, -involuntary glance about the dimly lighted -chamber, as though fearful that some of the -prehistoric picture-makers still lurked in its -shadows.</p> - -<p>What he saw caused him to cry out in -horror. He staggered back against the wall, -his eyes fixed on the gruesome object before -him. There, on the ground and but a few -feet away, sat a whitened human skeleton, -its back against the rough wall.</p> - -<p>For a moment the shock of his startling -discovery completely unnerved him. He -dropped the pole, and his candle went out. -Even in the inky blackness which followed, the -lad could see, all too vividly, a vision of that -awful thing against the wall.</p> - -<p>Panic-stricken, Ed sank to his knees and -began to crawl frantically toward the passageway. -His breath came in quick gasps, and -the air of the place suddenly became suffocating. -If only he could find the entrance<span class="pagenum">[277]</span> -to the tunnel and escape! That was his one -thought as he scrambled hurriedly along in -the darkness. It seemed as though he had -gone a much longer distance than necessary, -and he knew he must have passed by it. -Suppose he had branched off into some other -alcove of the cave and lost himself! The -possibility sickened him, and he halted irresolutely.</p> - -<p>Then the lad recalled that in his wild, unreasoning -fright he had left his pole and -candle somewhere behind him. He remembered -the box of matches, and brought it from -his pocket with violently trembling fingers -and tried to light one. For some time he was -unable to do so, owing to his excitement.</p> - -<p>At last one of the sulphur-tipped slivers -blazed up. Sheltering the tiny flame with -his quaking palms, Ed endeavored to peer -about by aid of its flickering glow. The -match dropped from his nerveless fingers, -and he uttered an agonized groan, for there, -within arm’s reach of him, lay another appalling -white specter!</p> - -<p>For a minute or so he was unable to move, -and he sat nervously wiping the perspiration -from his brow. Then once more he made an -effort to escape from the tomb-like prison. -Lighting many matches, he at last found his<span class="pagenum">[278]</span> -way to a side wall. Keeping within touching -distance, he began to follow it along, hopeful -in that way sooner or later to find the mouth -of the opening through which he had come.</p> - -<p>After he had followed the smooth rock wall -for a long time without coming to the outlet, -Ed began to fear he had wandered from the -original chamber. If he had, he realized the -improbability of ever being able to find his -way back. He used up many precious matches -in a vain endeavor to locate himself. Then -he decided to hoard the balance of his supply -for use later on. Once his hand, stretched -forth in the darkness, came in contact with -something smooth and hard, and he drew -back with a shudder—it felt like a human -bone!</p> - -<p>His knees and palms were scraped and -bruised from contact with the hard floor of -the cave, and several times he bumped his -head against sharp, projecting points of rock. -The air was dank and stuffy; but after his -first wild panic had passed, Ed found that he -could breathe with little real difficulty. This -caused him to believe that the passageway -fed a supply of air into the chamber. The -belief encouraged him to hope he had not -wandered far from it.</p> - -<p>When the lad had first entered the cavern<span class="pagenum">[279]</span> -and surveyed it by the light of his candle, -the place had not appeared so large. Now, -as he crawled around it in the darkness, it -seemed absolutely interminable.</p> - -<p>Ed began to suspect that he had gone -around it many times, and in some way had -missed the outlet each time. He fastened -his handkerchief in a seam of the wall, so -that if he was doubling on his trail his hand -would find it on the next circuit.</p> - -<p>Many times, as he crawled along, he blamed -himself for having dropped the pole. He felt -some satisfaction in the knowledge that, oddly -enough, he had retained possession of his -rifle. For a long time he was unaware that -he held it clutched in his hand; and when at -last he became conscious of it, it greatly increased -his confidence.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he halted, listening intently. -From the opposite side of the chamber he -heard what sounded like a smothered ejaculation. -He remained motionless, and, though -he could not see a yard before his face, -he grasped the rifle, his finger on the trigger.</p> - -<p>Straining his ears, he thought he detected -a peculiar scraping noise near the source of -the first sound. Then it ceased, and, except -for the noise of his own quick breathing and<span class="pagenum">[280]</span> -the pounding of his heart, all was still, and -black, and gruesome.</p> - -<p>After listening in vain for a repetition of -the noise, Ed started to crawl slowly forward -again. Instantly the indistinct, phantom-like -voice halted him. He shuddered and -sank back against the rocks. The sound -subsided, and was followed by the same -peculiar scraping.</p> - -<p>He was wholly at a loss to account for it. -He was certain of one thing, however, and -that was that whatever made it must have -just entered the cavern. He felt positive that, -had there been any living thing in the cave -at the time he entered, he would have seen -it when his candle was lighted.</p> - -<p>Again he reasoned that if something had -just come in it must have come through the -passageway, which must be, therefore, on the -opposite side from him. He determined to -crawl toward it and defend himself with his -rifle if necessary. Anything was preferable -to remaining imprisoned in this dungeon with -its silent white inhabitants.</p> - -<p>The sound was repeated more distinctly, -and Ed started for it. All at once a weird, -reddish glow shone forth. Involuntarily he -drew back, for the light seemed ghostly and -unreal.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[281]</span></p> - -<p>“Ed! Oh, Ed!” came the muffled call, -and he at once recognized the alarmed voice -of his friend.</p> - -<p>He uttered a cry of joy that made the cavern -ring, and crawled rapidly toward the light, -which he knew came from George’s candle.</p> - -<p>“What on earth are you doing in here, and -what sort of a place is it?” demanded George, -when he had finally emerged from the passage.</p> - -<p>“Wait! Put your candle right in the entrance,” -urged Ed, anxiously. “I’ve been -searching for that place for several hours. -My, but I’m glad to see you! But say, let’s -get out of here.”</p> - -<p>“Why, what’s the matter? Now that I’m -in I want to see what it’s like. Isn’t it a -queer—What’s that?” shouted George, in -an alarmed tone, when he spied one of the -white forms.</p> - -<p>“It’s a skeleton; there are several of them -in here! Come on, let’s get out,” suggested -Ed, crawling hastily into the tunnel.</p> - -<p>“Hold on!” urged George. “They can’t -hurt us.”</p> - -<p>“I know it,” came back the stifled response -from some distance up the passageway. “I’ve -seen enough for me; you stay and look -around.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[282]</span></p> - -<p>George held the candle high overhead and -peered about the cave. He saw several bony -white objects lying prostrate on the floor.</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz, this is too blamed ‘spooky’ for -me!” he cried, and quickly crawled into the -tunnel after his friend.</p> - -<p>When the lads emerged into the open air -Ed told of his experience and what he had -seen. For a long time they sat in front of -the cave and speculated as to the fate of its -silent tenants. Then they decided to hurry -home and tell Ben about their discovery and -ask him to accompany them on a second trip -of exploration.</p> - -<p>It was after dark when the guide returned -from his visit to Westbrook. The boys -showed by their manner that they had something -of unusual interest to tell him. They -waited impatiently while he drew off his -heavy moccasins and mackinaw coat, and -stood about restless and uneasy while he prepared -for supper.</p> - -<p>“Well, what is it, boys?” he laughed. “I -know you have something to tell, so out -with it.”</p> - -<p>“We found a cave with a lot of skeletons -in it!” George burst forth. “And Ed was -in it, too; he got lost.”</p> - -<p>For a moment Ben stood looking at them<span class="pagenum">[283]</span> -in silence. Then his eyes began to twinkle merrily, -as though he suspected some sort of joke.</p> - -<p>They noted his look of doubt, and at once -hastened to reassure him.</p> - -<p>“Honestly we did. It’s an awfully spooky -sort of place, and there are a lot of figures and -things carved in the rock.”</p> - -<p>“And then those things on the floor,” -added Ed.</p> - -<p>Convinced by their earnestness, the guide -frankly expressed his surprise at this unknown -cave, and he asked many questions. He gave -Ed a mild scolding for having ventured into -such a place alone, but finally promised to -go with them on the morrow.</p> - -<p>Early next day they started for the cave. -When they arrived before the entrance, Ben -was puzzled to know how it could have existed -for so long without his finding it. He -said he had crossed over and by it many -times but had never happened to notice the -concealed opening.</p> - -<p>Assured by his presence, the boys had left -the rope behind as entirely unnecessary. -Neither had Ben brought his rifle, for the lads -declared they had seen no evidence of anything -dangerous living there. The guide -lighted a candle and crawled forward into -the hole, closely followed by the boys.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[284]</span></p> - -<p>When they reached the death-chamber, -they arose and stood upright. They held -aloft the lighted candles, and in the light from -them were able to make out four white skeletons -outlined against the gloom.</p> - -<p>“Looks like there had been something going -on here,” said Ben, as he made his way to -the one propped against the wall. Ed and -George did not follow him at once, and he -stooped down and began examining the -bony structure. “Yep, this poor fellow was -plugged with three arrows,” he declared, holding -up something between his fingers. “Two -of them are in him, and here’s the other one -on the ground.” And the guide exhibited a -sharply pointed triangular-shaped piece of -flint.</p> - -<p>They examined the other forms and found -evidences of wounds or arrows in each. -By the side of the last they found part of a -stone tomahawk, or battle-ax. Ben picked -many arrow-tips from the floor of the cave -and gave them to the boys for souvenirs. -The boys showed him the picture writings on -the wall, and he spent some time in studying -them.</p> - -<p>“Too bad we haven’t got Pete with -us; he might be able to read them,” said -Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[285]</span></p> - -<p>They found the pole and candle which -George had dropped, and the guide laughed -at him for having been badly frightened. -Then they explored every nook and cranny. -To the keen satisfaction of Ed, they found -that there were no passages leading from the -main room or chamber. His fears on the -previous day had been groundless, had he -but known it.</p> - -<p>At last they crawled out and started for -the cabin. On the way the boys plied Ben -with all sorts of questions regarding the -cave and the possible fate of its four occupants.</p> - -<p>He declared that the picture-writings -showed that the place had been used as a -shelter by some unknown tribe of Indians -many years ago. Ben thought that the four -warriors whose skeletons rested in the cavern -had been members of a hostile tribe. Having -ventured within the borders of their enemies’ -territory, they had no doubt been detected -and pursued. In their flight they had accidentally -come to the opening and crawled -into the cave. Here, from all appearances, -they had been followed and slain like rats in -a trap. At least, this was Ben’s supposition, -and the boys thought he was right.</p> - -<p>The guide offered to report the find to the<span class="pagenum">[286]</span> -local paper. He promised that Ed and -George should have full credit for their discovery, -and declared it would probably be -considered quite an important one by the -State authorities.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[287]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XX">XX<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A FIGHT ON THE ICE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys were somewhat puzzled when, on -a morning late in February, they heard all -kinds of weird rumblings and groans coming -from the lake.</p> - -<p>“Sounds like an earthquake,” declared Ed.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” inquired George, turning to -Ben for some explanation.</p> - -<p>“That’s the ice talking,” laughed the guide. -“The backbone of winter is broken.”</p> - -<p>“The ice talking?” And the lads looked -at each other as though they suspected Ben -was making sport of them.</p> - -<p>“Yes; you see, before it breaks up in the -spring air gets underneath and rumbles and -makes a big noise as it rushes along in bubbles -between the ice and the water. Then -the ice expands and contracts, as it thaws -during the day and freezes at night. That -makes it snap and crack. We say it’s talking,” -he explained.</p> - -<p>The boys immediately went down to the<span class="pagenum">[288]</span> -shore, where they heard the sounds more distinctly. -The winter had passed before they -realized it. Soon it would be spring. Even -now the sun was quite warm, and the snow -had almost disappeared from the southern -slopes of the mountains. They sat in the -bright sunlight, listening to the loud booming -of the ice—the guns of spring shattering -the icy fortress of winter.</p> - -<p>Suddenly George touched Ed on the arm -and pointed to the center of the lake.</p> - -<p>“Look!” he cried. “What’s that?”</p> - -<p>Ed instantly turned his eyes in the direction -indicated and saw a dark-colored animal -with a low body about four feet long. It -was making its way leisurely across the frozen -surface of the lake, and it walked with a -peculiar, waddling sort of gait.</p> - -<p>They immediately started in pursuit, and -the unknown creature broke into an awkward -gallop. The boys ran at top speed to overtake -it; but, since there were several inches -of soft, slushy snow on the ice, they were -unable to gain much. They were greatly -astounded when the animal threw itself flat -and apparently dove through the ice. On -reaching the spot, however, they saw that -it had disappeared into an air-hole.</p> - -<p>“He’ll have to come out again,” declared<span class="pagenum">[289]</span> -Ed. “You stay here, and I’ll see if I can -find any other opening where he might bob -up.”</p> - -<p>Then they saw the head of their quarry -appear above the ice about two hundred feet -farther on. They waited until the wet, -glistening body emerged from the hole, when -they again started in pursuit.</p> - -<p>“Head him off before he gets to shore!” -urged George, bounding recklessly along in -the uncertain footing.</p> - -<p>The next instant he slid forward on his -face into the mushy, watery mass of melting -snow which covered the ice. Soaked through, -and almost blinded by the water in his eyes, -he rose and ran after Ed, who was gaining -somewhat on the animal in front.</p> - -<p>Shorter and shorter grew the distance between -pursuers and pursued. The latter did -not seem fitted for fast work over the ice, -and Ed finally came up with it. It turned -on him threateningly and commenced to -growl fiercely. Being unarmed, he jumped -quickly to one side and called a timely warning -to George.</p> - -<p>“Be careful; he’s ugly!” cried Ed.</p> - -<p>“What a funny-looking thing it is!” said -George, suddenly halting.</p> - -<p>Evidently satisfied that it had impressed<span class="pagenum">[290]</span> -the boys by its bold stand, the animal once -more turned and started toward the shore. -Ed ran forward instantly to intercept it, and -this time it made a rush at him.</p> - -<p>“Look out, there!” yelled George, running -up behind it.</p> - -<p>“It’s an otter!” declared Ed. “I’ve seen pictures -of them, and I’ve read about them, too. -They’re mighty savage customers when they -get mad. Look out! He’s coming for you!”</p> - -<p>Finding itself surrounded, the furious -animal charged first one, then the other of -its pursuers. The boys, with nothing to defend -themselves, were obliged to retreat before -each savage onslaught. When it had -driven them back a few feet, the otter, for -such it was, immediately turned and attempted -to resume its flight. But each time -it did so one of the lads invariably managed -to intercept it.</p> - -<p>“Tell you what we’ll do,” said Ed; “you -stay here and prevent him from getting to -shore, and I’ll run up and get the camera. -We don’t wish to kill him, and if he should -escape from you it won’t matter much.”</p> - -<p>“He can’t get away,” declared George, -confidently.</p> - -<p>“All right; keep him here till I come back.” -And Ed went away at a run.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[291]</span></p> - -<p>No sooner had he disappeared than the -otter started for the woods. George, yelling -wildly and waving his arms, endeavored to -head it off, but the determined creature refused -to swerve from its course. When he -jumped in its path it rushed angrily at his -legs and drove him out of the way. He was -fast losing his wind, and the otter was rapidly -nearing the protection of the bushes at the -edge of the ice. Once it gained them, George -knew it would be safe from pursuit. He had -boasted to Ed that the animal could not get -away from him, and he determined to make -good the promise at any cost.</p> - -<p>Then an idea flashed into his mind, and, -reckless of all consequences, he proceeded to -act upon it. Holding his heavy cap in his -hand, George ran close up beside the fleeing -animal; and when it turned to charge, he -threw himself fearlessly upon it. The weight -of his body bore the otter flat to the ice. -Instantly it twisted its powerful body, and -the ugly seal-like head, with its open jaws -and sharp teeth, darted forward to seize its -adversary.</p> - -<p>George muzzled it with his cap, and then -the desperate struggle began. The active, -sinewy creature twisted and turned about in -an effort to escape from the grip of the boy<span class="pagenum">[292]</span> -on its back. George, however, had secured -a wrestling hold, and was not to be easily -shaken off. Now that he had the jaws of -the animal effectually muzzled, the lad entertained -little fear of severe injury.</p> - -<p>The otter was using its peculiarly webbed -feet to claw and scratch him; but, as he had -on heavy hunting-clothes, it could do little -damage. It was no easy task to hold his -captive and at the same time keep the cap -drawn down over its head. George wished -Ed would hurry back, for he was becoming -tired. Besides, he was soaked through from -rolling around in the slush.</p> - -<p>Then he heard his friend calling to him; -and, looking from the corner of his eye, he saw -Ed running madly across the ice. He soon -drew near and began shouting excitedly.</p> - -<p>“Hang on, George; I wish to take a picture -of you!” he cried, hastily bringing forth the -camera. “Hold him! Hold him!” he urged, -as the otter began a desperate struggle to regain -its freedom.</p> - -<p>“Say—what do you—think this is—a circus?” -panted George, indignantly, while he -battled valiantly with the animal beneath him.</p> - -<p>Ed made several exposures, and then, having -brought a long pole with him, ran forward -to aid his friend.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[293]</span></p> - -<p>“Let him go now,” he ordered.</p> - -<p>“That’s easier said than done,” puffed -George. “If I do, he’ll turn and get me -before I can jump out of the way.”</p> - -<p>“No, he won’t. When you let go, I’ll keep -him off with this pole.”</p> - -<p>“Sounds—easy—but just look—what he’s—doing -now!” gasped George, as the otter -renewed its struggles. “Look out! He’s—getting—away—”</p> - -<p>Ed rushed forward with the pole and made -several vicious jabs into the side of the otter. -It had gained its liberty, and turned savagely -on George, who was endeavoring to roll out -of its reach.</p> - -<p>“Jump up!” screamed Ed, when he had -succeeded in drawing the animal’s attention -to himself. He might easily have killed it, -but he did not care to commit the wanton -murder. In fact, the boys were much impressed -by the gameness of the otter and the -splendid fight it had made against them.</p> - -<p>Once George had gained his feet, they -halted the baffled creature, and Ed took more -snap-shots. Then they permitted it to travel, -unmolested, to the shore, and watched it disappear -into the bushes.</p> - -<p>Ed turned to survey his friend, and immediately -broke into peals of laughter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[294]</span></p> - -<p>“George, you are certainly a sight! Do -hurry to the cabin and get some dry clothes -on,” he urged, anxiously. “Are you hurt?”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit,” laughed George. “And say, -Ed, didn’t I tell you he wouldn’t get away -from me?”</p> - -<p>“You did, and you certainly made good. -But let’s hurry—you must be shivering.”</p> - -<p>While George was changing to dry clothes -Ed told Ben about the thrilling experience. -The guide listened quietly, a faint smile flitting -about the corners of his mouth.</p> - -<p>Then, turning to George, he said: “I suppose -you fellows will keep on bumping into -trouble till something comes along and takes -a wallop out of you.”</p> - -<p>After dinner they sat in the cabin talking, -and Ben suddenly asked:</p> - -<p>“What about ‘Snow Ball’? I guess his -time is up.”</p> - -<p>The boys looked at the big white owl sitting -motionless on his perch. They had become -quite fond of him, in spite of his unfriendly -ways. Several times his savage nature -had asserted itself. Once he had caught -Ed’s thumb in his powerful beak and pinched -it painfully. They held no enmity against -him for these offenses, however, and instantly -agreed to his release.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[295]</span></p> - -<p>“Let’s take him outside so I can get his -picture before we allow him to go,” proposed -Ed.</p> - -<p>“All right; but remember this is your party, -and I’m distinctly out of it,” warned George, -soberly.</p> - -<p>Ben carried the owl outdoors and lifted it -to a low branch of an evergreen. Ed took -several pictures of the handsome bird, whose -white plumage showed to splendid advantage -against the dark background of the tree.</p> - -<p>When sufficient exposures had been made -Ben removed the chain and gave “Snow -Ball” his freedom. Then they sat in the -doorway to see what the newly released -prisoner would do. For some time he remained -on his perch, slowly turning his head -and blinking his eyes. He appeared to be -pondering the unexpected situation in which -he found himself.</p> - -<p>“I guess he feels sorry to leave,” said -George.</p> - -<p>“He’ll go directly,” promised the guide. -“He’s just trying to remember the way -home.”</p> - -<p>At last some jays discovered him and at -once began a furious uproar. They flew to -the branches near him, and scolded until -they attracted others of their kind. The owl<span class="pagenum">[296]</span> -watched them with warlike eyes and snapped -its beak threateningly.</p> - -<p>“Poor old ‘Snow Ball,’ I’m afraid your -troubles have commenced,” said Ed.</p> - -<p>The jays began darting at him and flying -at his face. Finally, hissing angrily, “Snow -Ball” took wing and flapped silently away -into the forest.</p> - -<p>“Good-by, old boy!” called Ed.</p> - -<p>“And good luck!” added George.</p> - -<p>Ben told them the owl would soon depart -to its summer home in the far north. But -by falling into their hands it had fared better -than it might had it been obliged to provide -for itself during the long, cold weeks of -winter.</p> - -<p>A balmy south breeze set in late in the afternoon, -and that night it thawed. They heard -the drip of melting snow from the eaves of -the cabin as they lay in their bunk.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad it didn’t come off cold after we -turned old ‘Snow Ball’ out,” said George. -“Although I don’t suppose it would have -bothered him any if it had.”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t believe so; but I’m glad it’s -warmer for his first night back in the woods.”</p> - -<p>“Winter is killed,” declared Ben, next -morning. “Thawed all night, and it’s melting -like blazes now. Of course, we may have<span class="pagenum">[297]</span> -some more cold weather, and snow, too, but -it won’t last.”</p> - -<p>The boys found the snow soft and watery, -and where it had been well trodden down -before the door it had disappeared entirely -and left a square of muddy-brown earth, the -first they had seen for several months.</p> - -<p>“Does spring come as early as this up -here?” asked Ed.</p> - -<p>“Not often,” said Ben; “and don’t make -any mistake, son, we’re a long ways from it -yet. This is an early thaw, and means that -most of the ice and snow will go; but we’ll -have many cold days yet before you hear -the blue-birds warble.”</p> - -<p>A white, cloud-like vapor drifted through -the woods and out over the lake. Seeing it, -the guide assured the boys that it was a real -thaw. By evening several of the big pines -in the little clearing about the cabin had bare -patches of ground at their feet.</p> - -<p>“This will break up the ‘yards’ and send -the deer and moose out into the woods,” said -Ben.</p> - -<p>Cold weather quickly came again, however, -and for several weeks they had winter in all -its glory. Although there were snow-storms—and -big ones, too—the snow did not -remain long on the ground. The days were<span class="pagenum">[298]</span> -becoming longer and the sun higher, and at -noon there was often the suggestion of real -spring in the soft, pine-laden air.</p> - -<p>The boys were quite content to see the snow -go, for they had learned well their lessons -written on it during the winter. Each mark -across its smooth, unruffled surface had been -deciphered. The scrape of a wind-blown -reed, the scratch of a tumbling leaf, the indistinct -tracing of a fluttering wing, the -careful tread of a stealthy foot, the wild -jump of a startled buck, all were noted and -recognized by the trained eyes of the young -woodsmen. They had learned, too, to discriminate -at a glance between a fresh and an -old trail.</p> - -<p>Besides all this, they had mastered many -other things of great value to them. They -had been taught the use of a compass, and -also how to set a course by the sun, moon, or -stars. They had learned about traps and -trapping, and the methods of skinning and -preparing pelts. They had become thoroughly -versed in hunting and the habits of the -animals they hunted. They were entirely -familiar with the calls, noises, and sounds of -the wilderness, and knew the reason for each -of them. They knew the trees and the -shrubs. They were able to select a suitable<span class="pagenum">[299]</span> -site and make a proper camp. All these -things, and more, they had learned during -the winter now almost gone. And, having -learned them, they were not sorry that it -should go, for there were still other things -to be learned with the coming of spring.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[300]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XXI">XXI<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">SPRING AND ITS SPORTS</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">“How’s this for a morning?” was Ben’s -hearty greeting, some weeks later when -spring had finally arrived.</p> - -<p>“Great!” shouted the boys, coming from -the cabin for a few whiffs of the balmy air.</p> - -<p>It was indeed a glorious day, and they sat -with the door of the cabin wide open, that -they might drink in the fragrance of the -pines. The snow had long since disappeared, -and the lake, now free of its icy fetters, flashed -and glistened in the strengthening sunshine. -A smoky blue haze hovered over the woods, -and the trees showed signs of leafing. The -tops of the soft maples were ablaze with -masses of tiny red blossoms; the fuzzy, fur-like -buds of the “pussy-willows” were out; -and down in the damp places the purple -blades of the “skunk cabbage” were pushing -their way upward through the moist soil.</p> - -<p>The notes of the returned birds came floating -in through the open door—the soft, pleasing<span class="pagenum">[301]</span> -warble of the blue-birds, which Ben said -returned to him year after year; the rollicking -song of the robin, which usually built its -muddy nest over one of the windows; and the -calls of mating crows which flew noisily along -above the tree-tops.</p> - -<p>“Guess we’ll tap the trees to-day,” said -Ben, when breakfast was over. “Sap ought -to run now. What do you say?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, let’s try it,” urged the boys, eagerly, -anxious for a new experience.</p> - -<p>“All right; we’ll put up a bite and be off, -for we have quite a distance to go.”</p> - -<p>The lunch was soon supplied and neatly -packed. Provided with several pails, an ax, -and an auger, they set out for the distant -hardwood ridge, where, Ben said, they would -find a little grove of sugar-maples.</p> - -<p>It was far easier walking through the woods -than it had been in the winter. The guide -was in jovial spirits, and constantly called the -attention of his companions to the many signs -of awakening life about them. At one sandy -place beneath the pines he stopped and sniffed -the air suggestively.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Ed; for he and George -detected a delicious sweet-scented perfume -mingled with that from the evergreens.</p> - -<p>“Arbutus,” said Ben, dropping to his knee<span class="pagenum">[302]</span> -and pointing to small clusters of delicate -pink-and-white flowers, which showed forth -from a mass of green, rubber-like leaves. He -pulled a few bunches of the blossoms and -handed them to the boys to smell.</p> - -<p>“Um, that’s fine!” they declared, as they -buried their noses in the little bouquets and -inhaled long breaths of exquisite perfume.</p> - -<p>“What do you call it?” again inquired Ed, -stooping and gathering more of the dainty -plant.</p> - -<p>“Arbutus, or mayflower,” said Ben, placing -a tiny bunch of them in the band of his hat. -“They’re my favorites.”</p> - -<p>The guide told how this hardy little plant -sometimes bloomed beneath a foot or more -of snow. He said all woodsmen were partial -to it, and eagerly looked for its flowers as the -real harbingers of spring.</p> - -<p>On all sides they beheld evidences of nature -awakening from her long winter sleep. Ben -drew their attention to these things, and -explained just what was happening, and the -reason for it. He showed them other delicate -blossoms brought forth by the warm -sunshine, while the woods themselves were -bare; called to their notice the newly born -or early awakened insects buzzing about in -the sunny places, and made known the calls<span class="pagenum">[303]</span> -and names of feathered songsters returned -from the South. They became so interested -that they were at the maple grove before they -knew it.</p> - -<p>“Look over at that third tree to the right, -on the upper side of the first limb,” cautioned -the guide, quietly.</p> - -<p>The lads looked where he told them to, -but for several seconds they could discern -nothing out of the ordinary. All that time -Ben stood watching them closely, the faintest -trace of a smile on his face.</p> - -<p>“I see it!” cried Ed, finally. “It’s a red -squirrel, and he’s lying flat along the top of -the branch.”</p> - -<p>“I see it, too,” said George, a moment -later. “I must have seen it all the time and -thought it was a knot.”</p> - -<p>“That’s better,” laughed the guide, pleased -at the sharp eyesight of the boys. “When -you see him there it means that the sap is -running.”</p> - -<p>They looked at him in astonishment. What -possible connection could the presence of a -lazy little red squirrel, sprawled indolently -along the limb, have to do with the rising of -the sap in the tree?</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” asked George.</p> - -<p>“Why, that little ‘sweet-tooth’ over there<span class="pagenum">[304]</span> -has gnawed a hole in the upper side of the -limb, and then stretched himself out to watch -it fill with sap. When it’s full he quickly -sucks it out and waits patiently till another -cupful is ready. It’s an old trick of his, and -you may be sure, when you find him at it, -that it’s time to tap the trees. Well, let’s -begin,” said the guide, as he pulled off his -coat.</p> - -<p>Ben took the auger and bored a hole into -the trunk of a near-by tree. He explained -that he tapped the tree on the south side, as, -that being the warmer side, the sap would -run more freely there. Ben also explained -that one must not bore too deep. He said he -tapped a tree once in two years. The tree he -now tapped had not been touched the season -previous, and would not be again until the -second season following. Having bored the -hole to the proper depth, he whittled and inserted -a grooved, trough-like plug, which protruded -from the trunk far enough to hold the -pail, which was promptly hung upon it.</p> - -<p>While Ben went to the next tree to repeat -the operation the boys stood before the one -he had just tapped. They watched the sap -ooze slowly forward from the wound and -trickle down the plug, to drip, drop by drop, -into the suspended bucket.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[305]</span></p> - -<p>Ed, unable longer to resist the temptation, -dipped his finger in the sticky fluid and -touched it to his tongue.</p> - -<p>“No wonder the red squirrel likes it,” he -laughed; whereupon George also sampled -some.</p> - -<p>“Hey, you fellows, scat out of there!” -yelled Ben, with pretended fierceness.</p> - -<p>At sound of his voice the squirrel abandoned -its perch, and, mounting to the top of -the tree, proceeded to scold the intruders.</p> - -<p>“Guess he thought I meant him,” laughed -Ben, when the boys walked over to where he -had tapped another tree. “Well, how did -you like it?”</p> - -<p>“Fine,” they declared.</p> - -<p>“Wait till we get it boiled down; then -you’ll taste real maple-syrup. We’ll make -some sugar, too.”</p> - -<p>When he had hung the last of his pails, -Ben proceeded to make several troughs from -logs cut and split for the purpose. He -placed them on the ground beneath the -spigots in the trees for which he had no -buckets. By the time he had finished tapping -all of the trees selected, it was past noon. -Seating themselves in a sunny spot, the -“sugarers” enjoyed their lunch.</p> - -<p>The smell of escaping sap soon enticed bees<span class="pagenum">[306]</span> -and early insects to the vicinity. But the -sticky sap clogged their wings, and the boys -had much sport freeing them from their predicament -with twigs, and watching while the confused -little honey-gatherers cleaned themselves.</p> - -<p>They were also much interested in a pair -of big, black, pileated woodpeckers, with -large crests of scarlet feathers on top of their -heads. Ben said the woodsmen called them -“Cock of the Woods,” and declared they were -becoming very scarce. The birds alighted -against the trunk of a tree, from which, after -having carefully examined it, they began to -chisel great pieces with their powerful bills. -The guide said it was the way they excavated -a cavity in which to lay their eggs.</p> - -<p>Late in the afternoon Ben gathered the -sap and, assisted by the boys, carried it home -to boil. It was placed in a big iron kettle -and boiled over a hardwood fire. Ed and -George were kept busy stirring and skimming, -and, as the “sugaring” was continued for -several days, their job became a steady one. -Ben taught them how to do the boiling, while -he tended the trees and brought in the sap. -When the job was finished they had a large -quantity of golden syrup and many tempting -cakes of appetizing brown sugar to reward -them for their labor.</p> - -<div id="Ref_337" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i337.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">GATHERING THE MAPLE-SUGAR SAP</p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[307]</span></p> - -<p>Then they awoke one morning to find the -exact sort of a day they had been wishing -for. It was bright and warm, without the -slightest trace of a breeze to stir the placid, -mirror-like surface of the lake. If it continued -so until darkness, the boys knew they -would realize the anticipation of weeks. On -such a night Ben had promised to take them -on the lake to spear eels and suckers. He -had carefully stipulated that the night must -be calm, otherwise the expedition would be -useless. The slightest rippling of the water -would prevent them from seeing into it along -shore and discovering their finny prey.</p> - -<p>“If it’s calm to-night, how about spearing?” -asked Ed, hopefully, when they were at -dinner.</p> - -<p>“I’ve just been thinking about that,” -laughed Ben. “I guess we can go to-night, -from the way things look now. We’ll go out, -presently, and cut some pine knots. Then, -if we don’t go, we’ll have them on hand for -the next time.”</p> - -<p>“Hurrah!” cried Ed. “Now for some fun.”</p> - -<p>When the table had been cleared and things -tidied up after the meal, Ben stood on a chair -and reached aloft among the cross-logs near -the roof. He brought down two long poles, -each of them tapered at one end to fit into<span class="pagenum">[308]</span> -an iron socket which had four sharply pointed -prongs, or spear-points.</p> - -<p>He placed the poles against the outside of -the cabin, and, bidding the boys fetch two -sacks, strode away into the woods, ax in -hand. He searched until he found the kind -of log he wanted. This chanced to be a fallen -pitch-pine. Making his way to it, Ben began -chopping out the knots.</p> - -<p>“I’m taking the fat off,” he laughed.</p> - -<p>The lads were at a loss to understand, -until he explained that the oily pitch, or resin, -collected at the knots, and was known to -woodsmen as “fat.” He said it was highly -inflammable, and was used for torches and -brilliant fires. Ben showed them how to distinguish -a “fat” knot from a dry or “lean” -one, and pointed out the differences by which -they might know one variety of dead tree -from another.</p> - -<p>Ed and George gathered the knots and -placed them in the bags. They staggered -gamely along under their loads, until Ben -declared they had sufficient knots for their -purpose. Then they returned to the cabin, -and dropped their burdens thankfully before -the door.</p> - -<p>All day they anxiously scanned the sky, -the trees, and the surface of the water for<span class="pagenum">[309]</span> -signs of the dreaded breeze. When the sun -finally set and twilight fell, while still the -bosom of the lake lay smooth and unruffled, -they began to feel easier.</p> - -<p>At supper Ben gave them a dreadful fright -when he suddenly ceased eating and, with a -look of disgust on his face, cried, “Hear the -wind howl!”</p> - -<p>The boys rose and darted to the door; -but, discovering the hoax, came back to find -the guide chuckling gleefully.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, you needn’t worry; there’ll -be no wind to-night,” he said; and, greatly -relieved by the prophecy, the lads finished -their meal in peace.</p> - -<p>When they were ready to start, Ben produced -a large, open-work iron basket welded -to a long iron rod. He said it was to hold the -burning pine knots. The guide also carried -a small can of kerosene with which to start -the fire.</p> - -<p>Eagerly the boys followed him to the edge -of the lake. To their surprise, he pointed to -a log raft on rollers a short distance from the -water. Ben declared it to be far safer than -the canoe for the work in hand. The boys -helped him drag it to the edge of the lake and -set it afloat.</p> - -<p>Then he fitted the rod with the iron basket,<span class="pagenum">[310]</span> -or cage, into a hole in the front end of one of -the logs. From the bushes he brought a -long push-pole shod on the end with a blunt -iron point or “shoe.”</p> - -<p>“My, the birds are making an awful racket -to-night. I didn’t know they called much -after dark,” said Ed, when Ben was arranging -the pine knots.</p> - -<p>“I’ve been listening to them, too. What -are they?” asked George.</p> - -<p>Ben laughed softly to himself at the question. -Then he turned soberly to address his -questioners.</p> - -<p>“They are ‘peepers’—birds without feathers.</p> - -<p>“Birds without feathers!” they repeated, -incredulously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, they live in the water most of the -time,” laughed Ben, enjoying the joke on the -boys.</p> - -<p>The night fairly rang with the shrill, bird-like -peeps which seemed to come from the -borders of the lake. Ed and George listened, -unable to guess what made the piping -sounds.</p> - -<p>“That noise is made by little frogs—‘peepers,’ -we call them,” said Ben. “You’ll hear -them in the daytime, too, for the next few -weeks; and if you sneak up carefully you<span class="pagenum">[311]</span> -can see them singing. They puff their throats -out into a round, white ball.”</p> - -<p>“Do you really mean that?” asked Ed, -seriously.</p> - -<p>“Give you my word,” replied Ben.</p> - -<p>“Well, that is something worth learning,” -declared George. “Ed, we must take a picture -of one singing.”</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t it make a dandy?” cried Ed.</p> - -<p>Ben had meantime arranged the pine knots -to his satisfaction. Dashing some kerosene -over them, he applied a match. Instantly -they flared up and began blazing fiercely.</p> - -<p>“All aboard!” he cried. “And mind you, -don’t fall overboard.”</p> - -<p>He had swung the head of the raft from -shore, and was standing at the stern end, -pole in hand, ready to push off.</p> - -<p>The boys found places quickly, one on -either side of the iron rod which supported -the basket of blazing pine. The knots were -hissing, snapping, and sending forth a constant -star-like shower of sparks.</p> - -<p>Ben pushed from shore and poled slowly -along in about three or four feet of water. -By aid of the glare from the flaming beacon -above them the young spearmen were enabled -to see down through the placid depths -to the muddy bottom. They crouched, spear<span class="pagenum">[312]</span> -in hand, ready to impale the first victim that -showed itself.</p> - -<p>When they were well under way Ben began -to issue instructions.</p> - -<p>“See anything yet?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Nothing but some sticks and stones,” replied -Ed.</p> - -<p>“Wait a minute! There—goes—something!” -And George made a wild jab into -the water.</p> - -<p>“Hold on there; that won’t do!” said Ben. -“You’ll break the pole or throw yourself overboard. -When you see something, lower the -point of your spear gradually till you get it -two or three inches over your fish. Then -give a short, quick jab and you’ll get him.”</p> - -<p>“I see an eel!” cried Ed, lowering his spear -as Ben had directed. “I’ve got him!” he -declared, exultantly, and raised his spear and -displayed a three-foot eel wriggling on the -tines. He was about to drop his prize on -the raft when the guide interrupted.</p> - -<p>“Here, take this,” he said, and pushed forward -the box on which he had been sitting. -“Put them in that; otherwise they’ll flop -overboard. Now take your knife and stick -him behind the head. In the future, spear -them there, and you’ll kill them at once.”</p> - -<p>George made another jab and brought up<span class="pagenum">[313]</span> -a good-sized sucker, which he was careful to -shake into the box. A few moments later he -speared an eel; but it was a large one, and -he was unable to bring it to the surface. Ed -instantly went to his assistance, and between -them they managed to secure the prize. It -was four feet or more in length and about -four inches in circumference.</p> - -<p>“You fellows keep sharp watch ahead; -I’m traveling pretty close to shore. We don’t -want to get hung up on a rock,” Ben warned.</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” cried Ed, as an animal -turned from the edge of the water and crashed -away through the woods.</p> - -<p>“Deer,” said the guide, quietly.</p> - -<p>Then the very thing he had warned them -against happened. The forward end of the -raft ran on a submerged rock and stuck fast. -The force of the impact threw Ed over backward -into the fish-box, and George within -an inch or two of the water. A veritable -hail of sparks descended upon them, and, -warned by a cry from the guide, George discovered -that the wool lining of his hunting-coat -was smoldering. Scrambling hastily to -his feet, he shed the garment in record time, -and soon extinguished the blaze.</p> - -<p>It required much hard work to free the -raft, and the boys worked desperately, for<span class="pagenum">[314]</span> -they felt guilty in having allowed the accident -to happen. When they finally floated free -and went ahead, they looked out more keenly, -determined to guard against a repetition of -the mishap.</p> - -<p>They heard many strange sounds as they -floated quietly along, preceded by the small -circle of light from the roaring fire of snapping -pine knots. The deep, animal-like baying -of bullfrogs sounded from the center -of the marshy swamp. Ducks were calling -from the middle of the lake. Drowsy birds -fluttered uncertainly from the tree-tops along -the shore. Ben called their attention to the -distant yapping of a fox. They heard deer -or moose several times.</p> - -<p>“Look!” cried George, pointing excitedly -toward the edge of the forest. “What is it? -Oh, see its eyes!”</p> - -<p>“Quick, Ben, look at it—it’s moving!” said -Ed, having caught sight of the two shining -spots of bright green fire.</p> - -<p>The guide laughed.</p> - -<p>“That’s ‘fox-fire,’ or phosphorus. An old -decayed log, or stick, becomes coated with it, -and after a rain, or down where it’s damp, -glows like that. It scares ‘tenderfeet’ out of -their wits,” he laughed. “Some call it ‘will-o’-the-wisp,’ -’cause they imagine it moves<span class="pagenum">[315]</span> -along through the woods. Fact is, just like -now, you’re moving and watching it at the -same time, and, of course, you think it’s following -you.”</p> - -<p>“My, it’s ‘spooky’ looking,” said Ed.</p> - -<p>The boys became so skilled in the use of -their spears that they took all the fish they -could use in a very short time. Then Ben -made them stop, and allowed the pine knots -to die down, until the dull glow gave forth -only a feeble light.</p> - -<p>In returning to the starting-point he wisely -sought deeper water, for he was fearful of -again running aground. He beached the raft, -and the boys carried the catch ashore, well -pleased with their sport.</p> - -<p>It was late when they reached the cabin, -and Ben threw the fish into a pan of water -until the morning. As to the eels, the boys -learned that the strange creatures are born -in the sea, and after they are a year old -run up the freshwater rivers and streams -into the lakes, where they remain during the -summer. In the fall the eels leave these lakes -and retrace the journey to the sea, where they -finally die.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[316]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XXII">XXII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">TREED!</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys heard a grouse drumming in the -woods back of the cabin one morning, -and decided to try the experiment of walking -up to it. Taking the camera, they waited -until they heard the beginning of its tattoo, -and then started off in its direction. When -it ceased they halted abruptly and waited for -a repetition. Then, as it again echoed through -the woods, they hurried on. These manœuvers -were repeated until the lads found -themselves close upon the unsuspecting drummer.</p> - -<p>“Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud; thud, thud, -thud, thud-r-r-r-r,” the muffled sound rose -near at hand, reverberated in their ears, and -died away.</p> - -<p>“I think he just hopped down from that -old log over there,” said George, in a low -whisper, as he and Ed lay behind a great -lichen-covered boulder.</p> - -<p>Again the sound came to them, and, peering<span class="pagenum">[317]</span> -at the log, they saw the drummer at -work. Hopping to the top of the fallen tree-trunk, -he stood for a moment, with crest -erect, looking about him. Then, spreading his -tail and dragging the tips of his wings along -the log, he strutted proudly to and fro. -Stopping suddenly, he spread his wings and -began lustily beating the air. Beginning -slowly, he moved his wings faster and faster, -raising himself on his toes in the effort, until -the beats became so rapid that the thud of -each stroke was blended with the one before, -and a dull, continuous rumble, as of distant -thunder, was the result. When he finished -he jumped down on the opposite side of the -log and disappeared from the sight of his -charmed audience.</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t that great?” whispered George. -“We certainly walked him down, all right, -didn’t we?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but keep quiet; I’m going to try -to get a picture,” declared Ed, looking longingly -toward the shelter of a small evergreen -that stood within a few feet of the log on -which the grouse had drummed.</p> - -<p>“You’ll never get there without his seeing -or hearing you,” warned George.</p> - -<p>Further whisperings were cut short by the -second appearance of the bird on the log.<span class="pagenum">[318]</span> -Again the boys lay fascinated, as he went -through his interesting performance. When -it was finished, they turned their heads and -looked at each other comprehendingly. From -close by had come a reply, a challenge to his -boastful call.</p> - -<p>It was evident that he heard and understood -the answer of his rival. For a moment -he stood boldly erect, turning his head for -some sign of his enemy, his tail feathers -spread fan-like, and his wings half drooping. -From time to time he raised and lowered the -feathers on his crown, and the stiff, ruff-like -collar about his neck stood out with anger. -The boys fancied they could almost see the -flash of his eyes as he waited for the challenger -to appear. Once more he sent his call thundering -through the woods, and again the answer -came back, this time closer at hand.</p> - -<p>An indistinct, shadowy something roared -past, and the watchers dodged involuntarily. -It landed with a thud among the dried leaves, -and they saw at once that it was a second -grouse come to do battle with the first.</p> - -<p>“Oh, for a picture!” breathed Ed.</p> - -<p>“Be still; we’re going to see something -worth watching in a few minutes,” cautioned -George, in a scarcely audible whisper.</p> - -<p>Nor were they long left in doubt about it,<span class="pagenum">[319]</span> -for the two feathered rivals, after a little warlike -strutting, attacked each other with beak -and spurs. Like barn-yard roosters, they -jumped at one another, striking and pecking, -in a fast and furious battle for supremacy. -The sympathy of the boys was entirely with -the one they had stalked. The other had -come looking for trouble. That he was getting -it in generous quantities seemed only -proper to the partial audience behind the -rock.</p> - -<p>In their fighting, the determined little warriors -drew nearer the hiding-place of the boys. -Ed quietly brought forth the camera and -made it ready, resolved to have a picture if -they came within focusing range.</p> - -<p>Suddenly something red flashed from a -group of little pines. Before the lads realized -what had happened, a big red fox was disappearing -with one of the recent combatants -in his jaws. The survivor thundered away -into the forest, chattering with fright. The -birds had afforded him easy prey, for, engaged -as they were with each other, they had not -detected his stealthy approach until the sly -red fellow was upon them.</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you think of that?” asked -George, sitting up with a surprised look on -his face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[320]</span></p> - -<p>“Beats anything I ever heard of,” declared -Ed, folding the camera.</p> - -<p>“Say, Ed, which one did he get?”</p> - -<p>“The one that came looking for trouble, -I think.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I thought. I’m sorry he got -either, but I’m glad it was the other that -got away. He seemed so blamed happy and -contented drumming away on his old log -that I’d just hate to think of anything like -that happening to him.”</p> - -<p>“So would I,” said Ed, rising from the ground.</p> - -<p>The boys walked away solemnly in the direction -taken by the red marauder. They -stooped and picked up several mottled-brown -feathers, mute evidences of the tragedy just -witnessed. For some distance they made -their way in silence, their minds occupied -with the fate of the luckless grouse.</p> - -<p>Then they heard the hoarse bark of a fox -and halted at once. They could hear him -trotting over the fallen leaves within a few -feet of them. Finally they saw him, and, -strange enough, he did not seem inclined to -take advantage of the available shelter, but -rather appeared to court their attention.</p> - -<p>“George, I think he has his eye on you for -an extra course after the grouse,” laughed -Ed. “Let’s give him a chase, just for fun.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[321]</span></p> - -<p>“Hold on a moment,” cautioned George, -seriously, while he studied the unaccountable -actions of the fox. “Do you know what I -think is the matter?”</p> - -<p>“No; what?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m quite sure that old fellow’s den -is around here somewhere. Don’t you remember -what Ben told us about him? You -know he said if you suddenly came upon an -old fox near its den and young, it would act -exactly like this one is acting. Remember -how he said it would hover near and endeavor -to frighten you into leaving the vicinity, or -else would try to draw you into a chase, and -so lead you away from the spot?”</p> - -<p>“By ginger! you’re right, George. Great -head! I had forgotten all about it,” confessed -Ed. “I believe that is just what -this old ‘sly-boots’ is trying to do. Let’s -look around a bit, and we may find the -den.”</p> - -<p>Giving no thought to the fox, which was -becoming bolder each minute, they began -to search about, in the hope of discovering -his lair. Several times, in its concern and -excitement, the crafty creature ran almost -within reach of them.</p> - -<p>“Wonder if he really would attack us?” -said George.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[322]</span></p> - -<p>“I don’t believe it,” replied Ed. “I think -he’s just bluffing.”</p> - -<p>Finally the fox uttered a few impatient -yaps and trotted off. The boys stood looking -after it; but apparently the sly red fellow -had lost all interest in them. He disappeared -over a hill, as though their presence in the -vicinity caused him little anxiety.</p> - -<p>“Well, what about that?” inquired Ed, disgustedly. -“I don’t believe we are within a -mile of his den. I guess he was just looking -us over to see if it was worth while carrying -one of us home for dinner,” he laughed.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you fool yourself,” said George, -confidently. “That’s only part of his bluff. -His den is right here, and I’m going to find it.”</p> - -<p>They began their search all over again, -carefully parting bushes, peering under shelving -ledges and into crevices between rocks—in -fact, any and every place where they -thought it might be located. For a long time -they were unsuccessful, and they had about -made up their minds to abandon the hunt -and return to the cabin.</p> - -<p>Then George shouted; and, hurrying over -to him, Ed saw the entrance to the den. It -was in the side of a sandy bank beneath a -ridge of yellow pines. About it were tracks, -and near-by some signs. The searchers felt<span class="pagenum">[323]</span> -sure this was the abode of the crafty animal -which had tried by every means in its power -to lead them astray.</p> - -<p>While they stood there another fox, smaller -and paler than the first, rushed from the entrance -and dashed away into the woods.</p> - -<p>“That’s the mate!” declared Ed, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“Must be,” agreed George. “Now’s our -chance to get the young ones,” he added, -kneeling down and placing his ear to the -hole in the bank.</p> - -<p>“Can you hear them?” Ed inquired, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Not a sound. I shouldn’t be surprised if -the den is a long ways back from the opening. -Say, here are some grouse feathers.” And he -held up several which they believed had come -from the bird whose taking-off they had -witnessed.</p> - -<p>The boys hardly knew what to do. They -did not wish to kill either the old or the young -foxes, although they recalled that Ben had -declared these animals destructive to game, -and therefore a nuisance in the woods. Still, -they did not care to murder the sly old fellow -and his timid mate, for at that season the -pelts were of little or no value, and the destruction -of the animals would seem entirely -unwarranted. However, they were anxious<span class="pagenum">[324]</span> -to possess one or more of the baby foxes. -Ben had often told them what admirable pets -these little fellows grew to be if taken very -young.</p> - -<p>At last they decided to dig out the den, -take what pups they desired, and leave the -rest for the old foxes to remove to a new home, -which, according to the guide, they would be -sure to do.</p> - -<p>“You stay here to keep them from taking -the little fellows out, and I’ll go back to the -cabin and get something to dig with,” said -Ed, hurrying away.</p> - -<p>George sat down beside the entrance of the -den. He expected one or both of the foxes -to return, and wondered what they would do -when they found him there. Then he began -to think; and the more he thought, the less -enthusiasm he had for the undertaking in -hand. Somehow it did not seem right to -destroy the home which represented so much -hard labor on the part of the old “red” and -his mate. If they could get one of the young -ones without demolishing the den and leaving -the others deserted and homeless, he -would have felt better about it. He believed -that Ed would feel much the same. George -thought that by watching the den they might -find one of the youngsters playing before the<span class="pagenum">[325]</span> -entrance, when it might be a simple matter -to capture it.</p> - -<p>Then his alert ears caught the sound of -snapping twigs. He looked toward the sound, -and his heart gave a great bound of joy. It -seemed that his noble resolutions were about -to be rewarded. There in plain sight, and -but a short way from the den, was a small, -brown-furred creature. In his eagerness -George instantly mistook it for one of the -young foxes.</p> - -<p>He dashed forward; but it turned at sight -of him and ran into the bushes, squealing -lustily. George ran after it, but was unable -to overtake the little fugitive before it had -concealed itself in the dense cover. He -searched around in the low undergrowth, and -finally frightened his supposed fox from its -hiding-place and endeavored to seize it with -his hands.</p> - -<p>Then there was a great crashing of brush -behind him, and the lad was almost startled -out of his senses by a savage roar. His -frightened glance showed him the head and -shoulders of a large black bear, which was -coming directly at him. In an instant the -truth flashed across his mind—it was one of -her cubs he had been chasing.</p> - -<p>Wheeling in panic, George sprinted toward<span class="pagenum">[326]</span> -a tree, and luckily gained it several yards -ahead of the bear. He lost little time “shinneying” -to a high branch, where, white and -shaky, he sat looking down at the infuriated -animal below.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, the tree was of small circumference, -and after sniffing about the trunk, -the bear decided not to climb it. The lad -watched her anxiously as she gathered her -cubs—there were two of them. Then his -heart sank, for she evidently intended to remain -at the base of the tree until he came -down.</p> - -<p>George sat on his dizzy perch and blamed -himself for his stupidity in mistaking a bear -cub for a baby fox. Now that he saw it -plainly, he was unable to note any resemblance.</p> - -<p>The old bear rose several times and placed -her fore feet against the tree. Each time she -did this, poor George nervously meditated -the distance he would be obliged to drop to -reach the ground before the bear reached him. -When she finally walked off and sat down -some little distance away, he felt greatly relieved.</p> - -<p>Then a new thought came to him. What -about Ed? He would soon return from the -cabin, and, unless warned, would walk right<span class="pagenum">[327]</span> -into the ugly brute. As he saw the danger -his impulsiveness had placed his friend in, -George grew sick at heart. If he could only -hear him approaching, perhaps he might be -able to warn him before it was too late. -What worried him was the fear that Ed would -draw near unheard. Anxious and troubled, -he sat aloft straining his ears to catch some -sound that would proclaim the return of his -friend.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the mother bear rose to her feet, -and, growling angrily, stood facing the direction -from which Ed would come. George -yelled as loudly as he could, for he felt sure -his friend was advancing to his doom. His -shout was immediately answered, and George -groaned.</p> - -<p>“Hey, Ed, look out—go back—there’s a -bear waiting for you!” he screamed, at the -top of his voice.</p> - -<p>Ed shouted something in reply, but George -could not understand what he said. He -realized that his warning had been useless. -Again he shouted, and kept on shouting; but -either Ed would not or could not understand. -He was quite close now, and George could -hear him forcing his way through the brush.</p> - -<p>Then the savage roar echoed in George’s -ears, and he saw the bear charge.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[328]</span></p> - -<p>“Run, Ed, run! She’s after you!” he cried.</p> - -<p>For some moments a strange, uncanny silence -followed the noise of the bear crashing -through the bushes.</p> - -<p>“Are you all right? Answer me, Ed!” he -implored.</p> - -<p>“Yes—I’m—all right—so far,” came the -labored reply, as if Ed had been either badly -frightened or completely “winded.” “I’m -in—a tree—about half-way up. Say, it looks -like she is coming up after me!” he yelled -nervously.</p> - -<p>“Go on up higher!” urged George.</p> - -<p>“Can’t—I’m—stuck on this—blamed—stub!” -was the alarming reply. Then, -after a pause: “All right, I’m free. I don’t -believe she’ll come up, after all.”</p> - -<p>Peering out in the direction of the voice, -George finally saw his friend in the top of a -tall tree. Ed saw him at the same instant, -and gingerly waved an arm. The trees were -near enough together to prevent either of -the boys from sliding down and making off to -the cabin without being seen and attacked by -the angry bear on guard between them.</p> - -<p>“Watch out, she’s going back to you!” -warned Ed, after they had been treed for -some time.</p> - -<p>Back came the bear to the tree George was<span class="pagenum">[329]</span> -in, and, what was more, she started to climb -it. Beads of cold sweat came out on his forehead, -as the worried lad watched the great -ungainly beast struggling upward along the -slender trunk. The weight of her body and -the force of her exertions swayed the tree -so that George feared he would be shaken -from his perch.</p> - -<p>There seemed but one thing to do when the -bear should finally reach him; and that was -to hang suspended by his arms and work his -way, hand over hand, to the end of the limb. -It would be a risky undertaking, for the limb -was none too strong. However, it was far -less risky than a drop to the ground, some -thirty-odd feet below.</p> - -<p>But suddenly, when the bear was half-way -up, she halted, and then began to descend -to the ground, where her cubs were calling. -Once down, she drove her babies gently before -her and disappeared into the woods.</p> - -<p>For some time the boys were afraid to -slide down for fear the bear might be hiding -and watching. At last they mustered up sufficient -courage to descend, and, gathering up -the spade and other implements which Ed -had brought, they hurriedly left the spot.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t care about digging out that den, -anyway,” said Ed, when they were well on<span class="pagenum">[330]</span> -their way. “It seemed like a nasty trick, -when I began to think it over.”</p> - -<p>“That was exactly the way it struck me,” -replied George, “and I intended to speak to -you about it when you came back.”</p> - -<p>Then he told Ed about his blunder, and they -laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>That evening Ed explained the tear in his -trousers by saying he had been treed by a -bear. When asked for particulars, he said -George had attempted to capture one of her -cubs. He generously refrained from stating -that his friend had mistaken it for a young -fox.</p> - -<p>“Well, I guess if I want to get you fellows -to the lumber camp alive, I’d better start -soon,” laughed the guide. “Maybe we’ll -go to-morrow; I’ve got some business to -attend to over there, anyhow.”</p> - -<p>The boys were overjoyed, for this was the -trip they had been looking forward to for -months. They plied Ben with all sorts of -questions regarding the life of such a place. -He told them enough stories to raise their -anticipations, and then ordered them to pack -the things they wished to take, for, as usual, -they would be away by daybreak.</p> - -<p>It seemed useless for the lads to close their -eyes that night. Sleep was impossible while<span class="pagenum">[331]</span> -their minds were filled with the details of log-drives, -and jams, and birling contests, and -all the things incidental to life in a lumber -camp. Accordingly, restless and impatient, -they tossed about in their blankets, waiting -for daylight and the time to be off.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[332]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XXIII">XXIII<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">OFF TO THE LUMBER CAMP</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">To reach the river which would take them -thirty miles on its racing waters to the -lumber camp on its shore, the three voyagers -were obliged to traverse the length of the lake, -portage through the woods to the splendid -sheet of water from which they had gone to -the beaver-dam, and paddle the entire length -of this large lake, whence they must take to -land and carry to the river.</p> - -<p>The morning was well advanced when Ben -set the canoe down on the river-bank and -wiped the moisture from his forehead.</p> - -<p>“Very warm, isn’t it?” said Ed, slipping -his pack and dropping down to rest in the -shade.</p> - -<p>“You bet!” declared George, as he did -likewise.</p> - -<p>Ben stood with his back to them, and -seemed to be thinking about something. He -gazed intently at the yellow water gliding -swiftly along beneath him. He noted the<span class="pagenum">[333]</span> -effect along shore of the “going out” of the -ice with the recent flood.</p> - -<p>Great trees had been gashed and splintered -by the resistless rush of huge, grinding cakes -borne along and piled one upon the other by -the raging, snow-fed river. Others had been -uprooted and carried down with the flood, -or piled in a tangled jam along the shore. In -some places the steep banks themselves had -been undermined, until large portions had -crumbled and fallen into the water, taking -trees and rocks with them. It was the annual -toll of the river, exacted and collected by -its freshet-swollen waters each spring.</p> - -<p>“She’s still quite high. Guess we’ll go -some when we hit the rapids,” he laughed.</p> - -<p>“Are we really going through the rapids?” -inquired George, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, we have two sets to run,” Ben replied.</p> - -<p>The boys did a double shuffle in their delight. -They had read thrilling tales of shooting -rapids. Now they were to shoot rapids -themselves.</p> - -<p>Ben carried the canoe some distance along -the bank and launched it in a quiet backwater. -The boys brought the packs, and the -guide stowed them skilfully away in the -canoe. He made sure that the light craft -would be evenly balanced. He shifted the<span class="pagenum">[334]</span> -bags several times, until the canoe floated -on a proper keel.</p> - -<p>Then he ordered the lads to take their -places. Seating himself in the stern, he -pushed from the shore, with a long, iron-shod -pike-pole, which he used in the rapids and -in pushing up-stream against the current. -Once in the stream, the canoe shot forward -with the current, and the eventful journey -was begun.</p> - -<p>They were carried along so swiftly that -Ben needed to do little more than to steer. -In the rapids waves broke along the sides of -the fragile bark, and then swept on, hissing, -in a swirl of amber foam along the stern. -George declared it was like going to sea in -a peanut-shell. The canoe raced along, steady -as a rock, thanks to Ben’s care in loading it.</p> - -<p>It was past noon when they entered a -quieter stretch of water and Ben turned the -bow of his craft toward shore. Beaching -the canoe, they pulled it up and took out -what they needed for luncheon.</p> - -<p>Ben started a fire, and when it was crackling -merrily he told his young companions -to joint their fish-rods. When they had done -this, he searched carefully through their -stock of artificial flies and chose those he -thought would be most alluring. Then he<span class="pagenum">[335]</span> -bade them follow up a little brook which -flowed down through the woods and emptied -into the river near-by. He told them to go -along this brook until they came to a large, -foam-covered pool at the base of a falls, and -to fish this pool thoroughly. Then, wishing -the lads luck, he dismissed them and promised -to have dinner ready when they returned.</p> - -<p>Ed and George hastened eagerly upstream -toward the coveted pool. Heeding Ben’s instructions, -they kept well back from the bank -of the brook, to avoid frightening any trout -which might be lurking between the falls and -the river. They hoped to fish on the way -down.</p> - -<p>After some rough traveling over prostrate -logs and through exasperating tangles of -deadwood they arrived within sound of the -falls. In their impatience to reach the scene -of action they hurried forward carelessly, -and were “hung up” many times by twigs -and bushes which caught their lines and -rods. But soon they were standing on huge, -moss-grown boulders near the foot of the -falls. The top was far above them. The -water formed a glittering curtain, which fell -into the rocky basin below with an echoing -roar. Drifting clouds of misty vapor arose -and blew into their faces. And there at their<span class="pagenum">[336]</span> -feet was the pool: deep, black, and dotted -with patches of foam that circled slowly -about its edges.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t this great?” shouted Ed, endeavoring -to make himself heard.</p> - -<p>But George, who was only a few yards -away, shook his head to show that he could -not hear. Then he raised his rod and let -his fly drop gently on the water close to a -cake of foam.</p> - -<p>Instantly there was a flash from beneath, a -swirl on the surface, and with a swift turn of -his wrist George struck and felt the hook go -home. The line tightened, the light rod bent, -and as the trout felt the barb and darted -away, the reel began to sing.</p> - -<p>“Good boy, you’ve got him!” yelled Ed.</p> - -<p>George was too busy to reply, if he heard -his friend at all. His fight was on. He was -pitting skill and light rod and delicate line -against the cunning and courage of the trout. -Twice it leaped from the water in its struggles, -and each time the glistening body shot -into the air it appeared larger in the eyes -of the excited boys. Then down it went into -the depths of the pool again, and the taut line -cut widening circles through the crust of -foam.</p> - -<p>Ed was too absorbed in the battle to think<span class="pagenum">[337]</span> -of wetting his own line. Rod in hand, he -stood idly by cheering on the efforts of his -friend. Several times, as the fortunes of war -shifted from one to the other of the combatants, -Ed almost slipped from the rock -upon which he had recklessly climbed.</p> - -<p>George played his fish skilfully, and soon -began to work it, inch by inch, toward the -spot where he stood. It was not yet subdued, -however, and in one of its frantic rushes -it caught the young angler off his guard and -came near smashing his rod. After that he -was more careful, and at last the plucky fish, -weakened by the long struggle against the -spring of the rod, was drawn slowly in; and -presently George landed it on the bank, glistening -and beautiful in its brave dress of dark -back, vermilion spots, and ivory-lined fins.</p> - -<p>They fished the pool for a time, and then -started down the stream, fishing it carefully -from either side. By the time they reached -Ben they had a splendid catch of trout to -show for their work.</p> - -<p>“That’s a mighty good string of fish,” he -declared, stooping to examine the larger ones. -“Say, there’s a dandy; about three pounds. -Who got that fellow?”</p> - -<p>The boys gave him the full details of the -battle, and he listened with interest. While<span class="pagenum">[338]</span> -they were talking he opened and cleaned the -fish, which gave them a fine woodland feast. -When it was over they embarked and floated -rapidly down the river toward the lumber -camp, which Ben hoped to reach before dark.</p> - -<p>The boys thought it strange that they did -not see more deer and moose. But it seemed -that at that particular season of the year -the cow moose and doe deer were hidden -deep away in the woods with their young. -There they would remain until the little ones -were able to follow them about, later in the -season.</p> - -<p>At the same time the bull moose and the -buck deer were growing new horns, having -shed the old ones late in the winter. Until -these new antlers grew to respectable size -the bulls and the bucks remained out of sight -as much as possible, as though ashamed of -being seen without the formidable weapons -which would later adorn their brows.</p> - -<p>The boys learned also that when the new -antlers begin to form they look like velvety -knobs or bumps. These are at first pulpy -and tender, and filled with blood. Then they -begin to grow into the shape of real horns, -and are covered with a moss-like protection, -known to woodsmen as “velvet.” Later in -the summer, when the new horns have attained<span class="pagenum">[339]</span> -full length and hardened, they are -rubbed against trees and bushes to free them -of this outside covering, which then comes -off in long strips, leaving the antlers clean -and shiny.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad to learn that,” said Ed. “Isn’t -it wonderful?”</p> - -<p>“I should say so,” replied George, as he -thought of the strange wild life of the woods.</p> - -<p>“Now then, sit close!” Ben warned, rising -in the stern of the canoe, pole in hand. -“We’re coming to the first rapids, and they’re -mad! Hear them?”</p> - -<p>The boys heard a low, indistinct rumbling -ahead of them. They noted that the canoe -was moving faster, as the rumbling increased -to a loud, sullen roar. Before them they saw -a long, steep pitch of white-crested water. -Great curling waves seemed to beckon them -on. And, as if in reply to the challenge, Ben -swung his little craft into the middle of the -river and sent it boldly on into the clutches -of the raging torrent.</p> - -<p>Crouching low, their hands grasping the -sides of the canoe, Ed and George gazed -straight ahead with startled eyes and serious -faces. The roar of the angry, white-topped -water, the shock from waves which hurled -themselves against the canoe and dashed<span class="pagenum">[340]</span> -their spray into the faces of its occupants, -the danger from submerged boulders and -water-logged tree-trunks whose branches, like -arms, reached hungrily toward the frail sides -of the little craft, the fear of capsizing and -being swept to destruction by the swirling -waters—all this overwhelmed the lads and -kept them silent. A fragile barrier of cedar -and canvas, and the alert eye, clear brain, -and strong arm of Ben was all that stood -between them and destruction. He was equal -to the task, however, and with feet well -braced, body inclined slightly forward, and -the pole tightly clenched in his powerful -hands, he stood in the stern of the plunging -canoe and guided it safely through that -raging inferno into the safe water beyond.</p> - -<p>“Well, we made that all right,” he said, -quietly, resuming his seat and substituting -the paddle for the pole. “Sort of scared you -a little, didn’t it?” he laughed.</p> - -<p>“Say, that was an experience!” declared -Ed. “Did you stand all the way?”</p> - -<p>“Had to,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Talk about bare-back riders!” cried -George. “You’ve got them beaten a mile.”</p> - -<p>They were now in smooth, swift-flowing -water, where they could regain their composure -before plunging into the next set of<span class="pagenum">[341]</span> -rapids, which Ben said were some distance -ahead. Now that they had passed safely -through their first experience in “swift water,” -the boys caught the enthusiasm of it, and -were eager to reach the second stretch.</p> - -<p>“Look!” whispered Ben, suddenly, with a -slight gesture, and as they turned they saw -a large bull moose staring at them from the -shore. For an instant they were too amazed -to think, but then, noting the small, fuzzy-looking -knobs, one over each eye, they had -the evidence of the shedding and growth of -horns verified by their own eyes. As the canoe -approached, the massive creature shook its -head impatiently, and, turning, entered the -forest and disappeared into the shadows as -noiselessly as a fox.</p> - -<p>The day was a glorious one of sunshine and -fragrance and song. The full flush of spring -had come upon the wilderness and caused it -to bloom. The delicate tint of the newly -leafed trees; the flowering shad-bush, or -more stately dogwood, white and conspicuous -against a background of green; the sweet-scented -breath of the dark, somber pines and -hemlocks, mingled with that from myriads -of early woodland blossoms, and wafted to -them on the soft, balmy air; and, above all, -the songs of the birds, which filled their ears<span class="pagenum">[342]</span> -with woodland music—all this thrilled them -with the joy of living. “‘When the Red Gods -call,’” whispered George, happily, as Kipling’s -poem came into his mind.</p> - -<p>Then they heard again the low, warning -rumble of distant rapids, and once more their -hearts beat fast. Anxiously they peered -ahead for a sight of the long lane of “white -caps.” The noise became louder; and, rounding -a turn of the river, they saw the rapids -tossing in front of them.</p> - -<p>This time they had no fear when the -canoe, with Ben standing in the stern, raced -down through the center of that wild course. -They had implicit confidence in the skill of -the guide, and they enjoyed each moment as -the little bark plunged and careened in its -uncertain passage among the waves. As before, -Ben brought them safely through, and -paddled on down the river.</p> - -<p>It was late in the afternoon when two -sturdy figures emerged from the edge of the -woods and hailed the canoe. Ben replied, -and told the boys that they were lumbermen. -He said they would soon reach the great camp -itself, now but a short distance farther on.</p> - -<p>“We’ve made a whole lot better time coming -down than we’ll be able to make going -back,” he said, when Ed expressed surprise<span class="pagenum">[343]</span> -that they had finished the trip so soon. -“Fact is, we’ve ridden down on the back of -the flood; but we’ll return with what is left -of it pushing us in the face.”</p> - -<p>On both sides of the river were many logs -lying along the bank close to the water. They -had been cut and dragged there during the -winter, and when the water subsided to the -desired level they would be rolled into it and -floated down to the mill, many miles below. -Other men now appeared along the shores -and waved their hands cheerfully at the -canoemen.</p> - -<p>“They have their booms stretched,” said -Ben, pointing to a long line of floating logs -chained one to the other. “That means -they’re intending to send the logs down—probably -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>The boys found that the booms were used -to guide the logs in their course, and to hold -them back at certain stations until the stream -below was cleared for their passage or a jam -broken up. He told them that a jam was a -great tangled pile-up of logs, caused by one -or two logs grounding, or jamming, and obstructing -the progress of the hundreds afloat -behind them.</p> - -<p>It appeared that patrols of lumbermen were -stationed along the river, while the logs were<span class="pagenum">[344]</span> -“running,” to watch for just such emergencies. -These men would go fearlessly to work -to break a jam, a hard and dangerous task. -If unsuccessful, they would run to the nearest -of the telephone-boxes, which the company -had placed at intervals along the shore, and -summon aid. Sometimes a bad jam required -the work of several days to break it, and -dynamite was often used in such cases.</p> - -<p>Twilight was gathering when they spied -a clearing some distance along on the right -bank of the river. As they approached they -saw that it contained several long, low, log -cabins.</p> - -<p>“There’s the camp,” said Ben, and he -headed the bow of the canoe toward shore.</p> - -<p>As he drew closer he shouted. Immediately -some men made their appearance in the doorway -of one cabin, and, seeing the canoe, came -outside. Two of them left the group and -started slowly toward the water. When they -had come near enough to recognize Ben, they -called to him and pointed to a suitable landing-place. -As soon as the bow of the canoe -touched bottom, they pulled it from the water, -and the three occupants stepped out.</p> - -<p>“Howdy, Ben,” greeted the two lumbermen.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, Ned! Helloa, Jim!” replied the<span class="pagenum">[345]</span> -guide, shaking each of them by the hand. -Then he motioned to the boys. “These are -young friends of mine, Ed Williams and George -Rand; they’ve been spending the winter with -me. Boys, shake hands with Ned Crawford -and Jim Halliday. Crawford is foreman of -this crew, and Jim is the greatest log-rider -in the country.”</p> - -<p>Ed and George unloaded their packs from -the canoe and, manfully refusing an offer of -assistance, shouldered the loads and followed -Ben toward the cabins. They saw Ned wink -at the guide and nod toward them approvingly, -and they were glad they had declined help -and “rustled” for themselves.</p> - -<p>“The boys are at supper,” explained the -big foreman, indicating the cabin with the -smoking chimney. “I’ll take you fellows -over to the bunk-house, and you can leave -your ‘turkeys,’ and wash up a bit. Then -we’ll mosey over and have something to eat.”</p> - -<p>The lads looked about them curiously when -they entered the great house with its rows -of bunks. Along the first half of each side -were long benches. In the center of the room -was a huge, round stove, and, although it contained -no fire—for the nights were not cold -enough to require one—many articles of clothing -were hung upon it to dry. A large kerosene-filled<span class="pagenum">[346]</span> -lamp, suspended from overhead in -the middle of the room, furnished what light -there was.</p> - -<p>“You can leave your ‘turkeys’ over there; -take those two bunks,” said Crawford, designating -the proper ones.</p> - -<p>Ben promptly tossed his pack into one of -them and smiled broadly when the boys -looked at him in some confusion.</p> - -<p>“Your pack, or ‘duffle,’ is your ‘turkey,’” -laughed the guide. “Put yours in that lower -bunk.”</p> - -<p>“Yep, that’s what we call it,” the foreman -explained. “Now, you’ll find the basin and -a pail of water outside by the door, and here’s -a clean towel. When you’re all fixed up -handsome like, come over and join us in the -‘grub-shanty,’” he said, and left them.</p> - -<p>When they had stowed away their belongings, -they went outside and washed at the -battered tin basin. While they were going -through this interesting and necessary ceremony -several lumbermen came up to shake -hands with Ben. Then they went to the -“grub-shanty,” or dining-cabin, where the -foreman was waiting to welcome them.</p> - -<p>A long pine table, flanked on either side by -low, continuous benches, extended almost the -length of the room. At it sat the lumber<span class="pagenum">[347]</span> -crew—deep-chested, quick-eyed men of the -wilderness. Ben readily called most of them -by name as he and the boys took seats.</p> - -<p>Soon a big, swarthy-faced man, who wore a -soiled apron and had his sleeves rolled above -his elbows, came scuffling in and placed three -smoking bowls of oatmeal—“oats” he called -it—before the new-comers. Then he struck -the guide a resounding whack between the -shoulders, as proof of his delight at seeing -him.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, Charley!” said Ben, when he had -recovered sufficient breath. “Why didn’t you -hit me with an ax?—it wouldn’t have hurt so -much.”</p> - -<p>The cook roared his delight at the compliment -to his strength, and Ben introduced Ed -and George. “Remember to always keep -on the proper side of the cook, and you’ll -come out all right,” laughed the guide.</p> - -<p>They watched Charley disappear into a -sort of out-shanty, where several other men -in aprons seemed to be fussing about with -pots and pans. Presently he reappeared and -supplied them with cups of tea, “sour-dough -bread,” and a plentiful portion of baked beans.</p> - -<p>“Pile into it strong,” he urged. “You’ll -never get the gout from any fancy dishes of -mine.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[348]</span></p> - -<p>The boys did not delay. The trip and the -spring air had sharpened their appetites. -They instantly became popular with the cook -by their devotion to the substantial fare set -before them, and from time to time they cast -curious glances at the long rows of jolly, -brown-faced men with whom they sat.</p> - -<p>They had heard and read so much about -the “lumber-jacks,” and they wanted to find -out what sort of fellows they were. They -were compelled to laugh outright at the -quaint expressions used by these men in asking -for the various things on the table.</p> - -<p>“Hey, Joe, chase the cow down here, will -you?” And at once Joe understood and -passed the milk down the table toward several -of his friends, who were calling, “Co boss, co -boss.” “Roll along the spuds” meant to -pass the potatoes. “Say, Charley, I’m shy a -stabber,” was replied to by the gift of a fork. -A spoon was alluded to as a “dipper,” and so -on through the entire list. Ben laughingly -explained each phrase as it was employed, -and the boys memorized it with the purpose of -trying it on the family at home.</p> - -<p>When the meal was finished, they accompanied -Ben to the canoe for the string of fish, -which he presented to Ned, with the compliments -of the young anglers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[349]</span></p> - -<p>“There’s sure one dandy fish in that -bunch, and that’s calling it something, ’cause -they’re all dandies,” declared the foreman, -holding the trout at arm’s length, so that all -might admire it.</p> - -<p>Then they went into the bunk-house and -took places on “the mourners’ bench,” which -was what Ben said the lumbermen had christened -the seats along the sides of the cabin.</p> - -<p>“When do you figure on running your -logs?” he asked, when Ned came in and -seated himself beside them.</p> - -<p>“To-morrow, if things go as we expect. -Got all our booms stretched, and the water -ought to be right if she slides down a notch -or two before morning. Quite a gang of the -boys along the river now—boom gangs,” he -explained.</p> - -<p>“Well, boys, we’re just in time to see the -fun, and I guess Ned won’t mind if we stay -around a day or two,” said Ben. “You see, -Ned, I’d like these fellows to see something of -a real log-drive before they go home.”</p> - -<p>“The latch-string of this here camp is always -out for you and your friends, Ben; -and the longer your hat hangs on the peg, -the better we like it,” was the foreman’s -reply.</p> - -<p>For some time the men talked together in<span class="pagenum">[350]</span> -little groups ranged along the wall. The guide -seized the opportunity to make Ed and -George familiar with some famous characters -of the logging country. There was “Shorty” -Brundage, a square-shouldered, stockily built -young fellow, who bore the proud distinction -of having loosened more jams than any other -man in the crew. Several times he had escaped -death by the merest margin. Next to -him sat “Red” Thompson, who had achieved -fame by “riding” a log through the first set -of rapids. Slightly farther along, a dark-skinned -man was stooped over unlacing his -“larrigans.” Ben said that he was the renowned -Pierre La Valley, known throughout -the big woods wherever an ax was swung. -With a double-headed ax he could fell a tree -quicker than any two men. At each swing -he turned the blade so that every stroke was -made with an alternate edge. His fame as -an axman had traveled abroad over the entire -lumber country, and scores of good men -had been matched against him; but as yet -he was undefeated. At the far end of the -bench was “Jake” Grant, champion “birler” -of the crew. The boys asked what “birler” -meant, and were told they would learn before -they left the camp.</p> - -<p>This roll-call of heroes was interrupted when<span class="pagenum">[351]</span> -some one called for Tony and his fiddle. A -tall youth, with the features and hair of an -Indian, brought forth a violin and seated himself -at the head of “the mourners’ bench.”</p> - -<p>“He’s a half-breed,” whispered Ben.</p> - -<p>“Cut her loose, Tony!”</p> - -<p>“Open her up wide!”</p> - -<p>“Wat you fellows want?” asked the fiddler.</p> - -<p>“‘Turkey in the Straw,’” cried some.</p> - -<p>“‘Old Dan Tucker,’” urged others.</p> - -<p>Tony favored those making the most noise, -and started the lively strains of “Turkey in -the Straw,” a jig dear to the heart of every -backwoodsman. The men kept time with -feet and hands, and before long the boys -joined in. “Lanky” Jack Stewart brought out -a mouth-organ, and added his efforts to those -of Tony. Then the foreman produced an -accordion, and the home-made orchestra was -complete. The music was loud and lively; -and, unable to restrain their buoyant spirits, -several of the “lumber-jacks” jumped to their -feet and began to dance a “shake-down.”</p> - -<p>The lads soon found themselves yelling like -the rest, for the fun was contagious. Ben -looked at them and smiled across at the foreman, -who was rocking his body to the accompaniment -of the notes from his accordion.</p> - -<p>The merrymaking finally wound up with<span class="pagenum">[352]</span> -an impromptu Virginia Reel, in which the -three visitors were compelled to dance. It -was no gentle affair, that “going down the -line.” Resounding whacks stung the bodies -of the good-natured victims who gamely ran -the gantlet between lines of whooping dancers. -The boys, too, were soundly spanked before -they reached the end of it. They retaliated -enthusiastically on the couples that followed.</p> - -<p>“Red Thompson and Miss Hank Davis -are going down the line!” shouted Crawford, -as the two “lumber-jacks,” one of whom -played “lady,” turned to make their rush. -And again: “Mr. and ‘Mrs.’ Ben Adams are -going down the line,” as Ben and his partner, -Jim Halliday, made their way to the end of -the column. The boys laughed heartily when -their turn came, and Ned called out, “A -pair of bantams are going down the line.”</p> - -<p>At last the music ceased, and the foreman -said he guessed it was time to turn in. Pushing -and wrestling good-naturedly, the men -made their way to the bunks. Then Crawford -extinguished the lamp, and the cabin -became dark and quiet.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[353]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XXIV">XXIV<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DARING RESCUE</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">The boys were awakened before daylight -by the “turning out” of the crew. They -found Ben up and ready for breakfast, and, -hastening into their clothes, they joined the -line of jolly men waiting their turn at the tin -wash-basin. Having finally reached it, they -completed their toilet and followed Ben into -the “grub-shanty.”</p> - -<p>The merry meal was soon over, and, with -an invitation to come and see them at work, -the lumbermen started for the woods and the -river. Ned, the foreman, was too busy to -give much attention to his guests, and telling -the guide where he might find him at work, -he quickly followed after his men.</p> - -<p>Left alone, Ben and the boys, feeling thoroughly -at home, began a closer inspection of -the camp. Charley, the cook, came out and -joined them, and they found him a quaint -and interesting character. He told of his -experiences in the lumber woods, and, of<span class="pagenum">[354]</span> -course, made a great impression on Ed and -George. When they had been sitting there -some little time, the guide rose and pointed -toward the river.</p> - -<p>“They’re running; here comes the head of -the drive!” he cried.</p> - -<p>Plowing their way swiftly down the current, -the boys saw an advance-guard of huge -logs. Close behind were others, and as the -boys hurried to the water’s edge, they saw -the river was dotted with logs as far up as -they could look. The majority drifted rapidly -past, well out in the middle of the stream. -Occasionally, however, one would swerve and -bang against the bank, or become temporarily -stranded on a sand-bar or pebbly beach.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they saw Jim Halliday sweep into -view around a turn of the river. He was -standing erect on one of the drifting logs, -boldly “riding” it down the stream. The -boys watched him in wide-eyed amazement -as he came gliding along, balancing himself -with a long peavey-pole, which he held horizontally. -When he was opposite, the “lumber-jack” -waved his arm, and they cheered -him. Jim skilfully steered the log into a -quiet eddy beyond, and, jumping into the -water, sent his “wooden horse” down the -river and waded briskly ashore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[355]</span></p> - -<p>“That’s what they call log-riding,” explained -Ben.</p> - -<div id="Ref_387" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i387.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“RIDING” A LOG DOWN THE STREAM</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Halliday had been despatched back to -camp on an errand, and had taken advantage -of the opportunity for his first ride of the -season. When he was ready to return up-river, -he asked Ben and the boys to accompany -him, declaring that there was “a barrel -of fun” going on up there.</p> - -<p>They followed Jim several miles along a -winding river trail, until they came to a -large clearing where the men were at work. -Here the crew were rolling logs down the -steep bank into the water. Strong-armed, -quick-footed fellows started a huge log, and -then jumped nimbly out of its way as it went -bumping down the incline to land in the river. -There other men, immersed to their waists, -tugged and pushed till they worked it into -the current and started it on its long, uncertain -course to the distant mill. The great -collection of logs extended well back into the -woods. As fast as the front ones were moved -more were dragged forward by the teams. -It was an absorbing scene of bustling activity. -As Jim had said, there was plenty of sport. -They saw several of the crew pushed from -the bank by their frolicsome comrades. The -victims always took their ducking good-humoredly,<span class="pagenum">[356]</span> -and scrambled from the water -determined to retaliate.</p> - -<p>Just before noon a long, high-prowed boat, -resembling a fisherman’s dory in its general -lines, was seen slowly approaching against -the current. This was the bateau. Two -broad-shouldered fellows were at the oars, -and in the bow was another, pole in hand, -prepared to fend off drifting logs. In the -stern sat no less a personage than Charley, -the cook.</p> - -<p>At sight of the boat Ned called a halt in -the work, and then the real fun began. The -men seized each other in rough sport, until -almost the whole crew were wrestling about -on the ground.</p> - -<p>“This way, Charley; bring it up here,” -ordered the foreman.</p> - -<p>The cook and his three assistants struggled -up the bank with the supplies for a hot dinner. -Grouped in a circle on the ground, each -man was equipped with a tin plate, a knife, -a fork, and a spoon, and a large tin bowl -which was speedily filled with hot stew. -After that came heaping dishes of hot beans -and steaming cups of coffee. Like the others, -Ben and the boys ate the outdoor meal with -keen relish.</p> - -<p>As neither Ed nor George had seen a birling<span class="pagenum">[357]</span> -contest, and had no idea what it was like, -Ned arranged one for their benefit.</p> - -<p>A large log was towed out into fairly deep -water in a near-by eddy of the river. Then -Jake Grant, the champion of this particular -sport, jumped from the bank and landed on -the log. He caught his balance and drove -the long, nail-like calks of his shoes deep into -the bark. His action was intended as a challenge, -or “defi,” to any one to jump on the -other end and enter the contest.</p> - -<p>There was a cry of “Sandy,” and, amid -cheers from his comrades, “Sandy” Donaldson -accepted the challenge. Moving their -feet up and down together, the men whirled -the log over and over beneath them. From -time to time one or the other would jam his -spiked shoes down hard in an endeavor to -stop the log and throw his adversary into the -water. First one way, then the other, they -spun the log faster and faster. The excitement -on shore was intense, for each contestant -had his partisans. Once Grant lost his -balance for a second, and a wild yell went up. -It looked as though his long term of championship -was about to end. By wonderful agility -he saved himself, and another cheer broke forth.</p> - -<p>“Toss him, toss him, Jake!” cried Grant’s -friends.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[358]</span></p> - -<p>“Bump him off, Sandy; you nearly caught -him that time!” yelled the partisans of -Donaldson.</p> - -<p>Then the experience of the champion came -to his aid. He worked backward toward the -extreme end of the log, and started it spinning -as fast as his nimble feet could work. Donaldson -kept stride with him, and those on shore -waited in breathless suspense for the outcome -of what they believed a clever bit of stratagem.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the champion jammed his spikes -down hard, and Donaldson tottered. Before -he could recover his balance Grant jumped -into the air. Instantly his end of the log -rose, and that on which his opponent swayed -sank—not much, but enough to do the trick—and -Donaldson went over backward into -the river. Jake was still champion, for he -landed squarely on top of the log and waved -his hand to the cheering crowd.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t have missed that for anything,” -said Ed, when he had ceased cheering.</p> - -<p>“Nor I,” declared George. “Say, we’ll -try that some time, Ed. What do you call -it, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Birling,” explained the guide.</p> - -<p>The cook, who with his crew had waited -to see the outcome of the contest, approached -Ben and offered to take them back in the<span class="pagenum">[359]</span> -boat. That was certainly better than “hiking,” -and presently they were gliding swiftly -down the river.</p> - -<p>That night there was less frolicking in the -bunk-house. The first day’s river work had -tired the men, and they sat about quietly -smoking and telling yarns and singing a few -lumbermen’s songs before they turned in.</p> - -<p>Next morning they paddled their canoe -some distance down-river to see a big restraining -boom. They were obliged to dodge floating -logs, which dotted the river as far as they -could see. A collision would have smashed -their light craft. However, Ben kept safely -out of the way, and, searching the water far -in advance, he chose open channels, down -which he piloted them in safety.</p> - -<p>They saw many logs which had grounded -along the shore, but they learned that these -would be all found and set afloat by the -“reardrive” men, who followed the last of -the logs down the river for that purpose. -Occasionally they passed members of the river -patrol, who stood on the banks and waved -to them as they floated by. Ben pointed out -several bark shanties, or lean-tos, in which -these men sheltered themselves until the -drive was over.</p> - -<p>Then, at a narrow place in the river, they<span class="pagenum">[360]</span> -saw a great jagged pile of logs. Others were -constantly crashing into it and momentarily -adding to the tangle.</p> - -<p>“There’s a jam, and a nasty one!” said -Ben, carefully working the canoe toward -shore. “Wonder if any one is about?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I see a man,” declared George. -“There he is, right under the big log that -sticks out. Gee whiz! Did you see that -one rise right up on end and sail past his -head?”</p> - -<p>They landed and ran along the bank until -they drew near the spot. At the foot of the -towering pyramid a red-shirted man was -balancing on a slippery log and prying and -pulling with all his might in an effort to free -the log which was the key of the jam. Each -moment he stayed there he was risking death -from the grinding, crunching, splintering logs -which the river was raising on end and throwing -into the pile behind him. Calm and undismayed -by his peril, he turned a flushed, -perspiring face and called to Ben:</p> - -<p>“Hey, run back up the trail a piece, till -you see a box nailed to a big white pine. -You’ll find a telephone inside. Tell ’em to -send some men down here, quick, an’ to stop -shovin’ in any more sticks till we git this -straightened out.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[361]</span></p> - -<p>Bidding the boys remain where they were, -Ben ran up the trail on his important errand. -Anxious to help the plucky lumberman, but -knowing themselves powerless, the boys, fearful -but fascinated, could only stand and watch -the reckless worker out there in that inferno -of flying logs.</p> - -<p>A great black hulk rose from the foaming -water, shot into the air, and came straight -at him. An exclamation of horror came from -the white-faced spectators on shore. His -quick eye and alert brain proved equal to -the emergency, however, and he jumped -back and just escaped being crushed. A -cheer sounded from the lads on the bank, -and the “lumber-jack” turned and waved -his appreciation.</p> - -<p>“It’s ‘Shorty’ Brundage, the champion -jam-breaker!” cried Ed.</p> - -<p>They watched him in awed silence while -he went on with his hazardous task. Dodging -and climbing, he seemed to escape destruction -by simply the luck for which he was noted. -Above him towered the great mass of piled -logs. Should it give way, he would be buried -beneath an avalanche. On each side great -logs shot past within reach of his arm. Below, -the river caught and tugged at his legs in an -effort to sweep him to destruction. Still he<span class="pagenum">[362]</span> -worked on, his one thought the breaking of -the jam and the clearing of the stream.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he slipped, lost his balance, and -fell into the swirling, foam-tossed water. -They saw him reappear, a long, red streak -showing down the side of his pallid face. He -made a desperate effort to climb upon the -log from which he had fallen; but two floating -timbers caught him between them, and -with a despairing gesture “Shorty” collapsed. -Half in the water, half across one of the -logs, he was in peril of being crushed to a -pulp by the massive logs which reared themselves -from the water and crashed down on -all sides of him.</p> - -<p>For a moment the boys stood paralyzed -with horror. Then they realized that they -were standing there without an effort to -save the unconscious man. There was one -startled glance at the towering log pile, the -raging, white-capped water, and the crashing -logs. Then their gaze settled on the helpless -red-shirted figure in deadly danger. Instantly -they made their choice. With white, -set faces the lads ran down the bank and along -the edge of the racing water toward the jam.</p> - -<p>Out along the top of a slippery log they -crawled, one behind the other. They dared -not stand erect, for fear of falling into the<span class="pagenum">[363]</span> -seething, log-studded pool beneath. The noise -was terrific. In some places the raging torrent -surged above their waists and threatened -to sweep them from the log.</p> - -<p>“Hold on with your legs!” shouted Ed.</p> - -<p>Then a long, spear-like splinter was thrust -at him like a lance. He dodged just in time, -and the splinter flew over his back. Again -and again the whirling logs nearly crushed -their legs. But at last only two feet of open -water intervened between them and the log -on which lay the victim of the jam.</p> - -<p>As they were hesitating, the butt of another -log was driven into the space and for -the moment wedged fast. In an instant Ed -had thrown himself across it to the log that -supported Brundage. Quickly he crawled to -the prostrate figure, and, placing his hands -beneath the powerful shoulders, he tried to -pull the man from his perilous position. In -an instant George reached his side. After -much effort they managed, between them, to -lift “Shorty” from the water and drag him -some distance along the slippery log over -which they had come.</p> - -<p>No sooner had they removed him than two -great logs were lifted by the water and sent -crashing down upon the very log across which -his unconscious form had lain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[364]</span></p> - -<p>Lifting, pulling, and tugging with all their -strength, Ed and George managed, somehow, -to crawl over the wet logs, dragging “Shorty” -with them. They had many narrow escapes, -but at last the bank was reached. Pulling -their man up beyond the reach of the angry -river, they dropped beside him, too exhausted -to move.</p> - -<p>Then Ben, who, as he was returning, had -seen the whole daring rescue, rushed breathlessly -down the bank and hugged both boys -in his arms.</p> - -<p>“You fellows are the real thing!” he cried -to the blushing boys. “You’ve got sand, -and you know when to use it. That was one -of the pluckiest pieces of work I ever saw -done.”</p> - -<p>“What’s—the—matter?” asked Brundage, -feebly, opening his eyes and staring about -him in bewilderment.</p> - -<p>“The matter is that the jam came powerful -near getting you, ‘Shorty.’ It would -have got you, too, only for these young fellows. -They got to you, somehow, and, what’s -more wonderful, they got back and brought -you with them! That splintered log out -there, the one with the three big ones lying -across it, is the log you were on,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>The “lumber-jack” passed his hand weakly<span class="pagenum">[365]</span> -across his forehead, blinked, and sat up. -He beckoned the boys to come close; and -when they had done so, he reached up and -grasped their hands.</p> - -<p>“Much—obliged—pardners,” he said.</p> - -<p>They thrilled at the last word. It was the -greatest compliment this big, brave man of -the woods could have paid them—he had -placed them on an equality of manhood with -himself.</p> - -<p>“What about the jam?” he queried, in a -half-dazed manner. “Did you tell them to -stop the ‘sticks’?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Ben assured him, “and Crawford -and a picked crew are on their way down. -Here they come now.”</p> - -<p>Down the middle of the river came the -bateau filled with lumbermen. The big foreman -was in the bow. Spying the trouble -ahead, he bawled his orders to the stalwart -oarsmen, and the boat was quickly beached -beside the little canoe.</p> - -<p>The crew at once leaped out and came -running to attack the huge pile of obstructing -logs. They were armed with peavey-poles, -axes, and steel bars. The boys could hardly -keep from cheering these heroes of the river -as they rushed forward to grapple with the -jam.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[366]</span></p> - -<p>“What’s up? Did it get you, ‘Shorty’?” -inquired the foreman, bending anxiously over -the stricken river-man.</p> - -<p>“Pretty nigh got me, Ned,” laughed -“Shorty,” feebly. “Guess I’d have gone if -it hadn’t been for these lads. They ran out -there and got me.”</p> - -<p>The lumbermen had gathered about their -injured comrade, and as he spoke they turned -to the boys. They slapped them affectionately -on the back and praised them for their -bravery. Then they gave three mighty cheers -which roared and echoed up and down the -river for a mile.</p> - -<p>“Well, let’s sail into it!” yelled Crawford.</p> - -<p>His crew went to work with a will, and Ed -and George stood by, interested witnesses of -the determined onslaught. They saw daring -chances taken by reckless men, and several -miraculous escapes. The foreman himself -led in the perilous work. He it was who, -when the pile of logs began to creak and -give and totter, stood calmly below them -until the last of his crew had jumped to -safety. Then, as the jam crumbled and -broke, he, too, leaped from under the crash -and ran nimbly across the tops of plunging -logs to shore.</p> - -<p>When the obstacle had been overcome,<span class="pagenum">[367]</span> -Crawford despatched a man up the river to -the telephone-box, with orders for the crew -above to resume operations. It was important -that no time should be lost in getting -the logs through while the high water lasted. -Much against his wishes, “Shorty” was ordered -to camp, and a new man was left on -watch at the dangerous turn of the river.</p> - -<p>Assisted by the boys, Ben paddled the -canoe upstream, following in the wake of -the bateau. The men in the latter struck -up a familiar river song, and the music came -drifting back over the water.</p> - -<p>“I should think they would be too tired -to sing, after what they’ve just been through,” -said George.</p> - -<p>“They’ve forgotten about it long ago; it’s -all part of the day’s work,” laughed Ben.</p> - -<p>The boat soon drew away in advance of -the canoe. When the occupants of the latter -disembarked at the camp, the larger craft had -already landed “Shorty” and disappeared up -the river.</p> - -<p>That night was a gala one in the bunk-house. -The whole crew of “lumber-jacks,” -having learned of the boys’ gallant rescue of -Brundage, came into camp to do them honor. -Men arrived from far down the river to have -a “look at the youngsters” who had made<span class="pagenum">[368]</span> -good. The merrymaking was shared by all, -and there was a general thanksgiving because -“Shorty,” the best jam-breaker in the country, -had been spared to his crew. Nor was -Charley, the cook, to be outdone. When the -fun had reached its height, he marched solemnly -to the door of the bunk-house and, waving -his arm toward the “grub-shanty,” invited -them all over for a surprise party.</p> - -<p>With loud cheers and whoops of approval, -the noisy gathering sat down at the long table -laden with good things which the cook and -his assistants had prepared for the occasion. -There were several rare treats; and when the -feast was over, three rousing cheers were -given for “the best cooks in the lumber -country.”</p> - -<p>Big-hearted Ned Crawford and his hospitable -crew were for keeping their guests several -days longer, but Ben explained that they -must leave next day. Warmly seconded by -the boys, he thanked the lumbermen for their -hospitality and this glimpse of a new life.</p> - -<p>Early next morning, when the canoe had -been loaded and the departing guests were -about to step into it, “Shorty” Brundage came -forward and addressed them.</p> - -<p>“I’m not much on speeches,” he laughed, -nervously, as he grasped the hands of his<span class="pagenum">[369]</span> -rescuers; “but I want you fellows to know -that I feel what you did for me. It sure was -a white thing to do, and any time I can do -anything for you, just call on me like a pardner. -I reckon Ben can tell you what that -means in this country.”</p> - -<p>The lads thanked him, and tried to make -light of their exploit. Then they took their -places in the canoe, and Ben put away from -shore. Charley and his little crew waved -their aprons and beat a loud salute on tin -pans, and the foreman and some of his men -accompanied the departing guests in the -bateau as far as the log pile. Here more -rousing cheers were given the voyagers, until -they rounded a turn of the river and disappeared.</p> - -<p>“Well, you fellows have made a hit with -that crowd. Your names will be known along -this river for a good many years to come,” -said Ben, proudly. “How did you enjoy it -all, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“Ben, I’ve had the time of my life!” declared -Ed. “As for the ‘lumber-jacks,’ as -you call them, I think they are the manliest, -jolliest, best all-round lot of fellows I ever met. -As ‘Shorty’ would say, they sure treated us -white.”</p> - -<p>“They did that,” chimed in George; “and<span class="pagenum">[370]</span> -I want to say I have enjoyed it all immensely.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I feel some better about having -taken you, now, than I did yesterday, when -I was running along the river-bank while you -were out there below the jam. I want to tell -you that you had a mighty close shave, boys, -and I’m powerful thankful it turned out as it -did,” he added, soberly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[371]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="XXV">XXV<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CALLED HOME</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p class="dropcap">It was well toward the evening of the day -following when they reached Ben’s cabin. -The trip up the river had taken them the -best part of two days. The canoemen were -agreeably surprised to see Bill and Moze -awaiting them at the landing.</p> - -<p>“Helloa, you fellows! Where have you -been?” asked the trapper, as they stepped -ashore and grasped him warmly by the hand.</p> - -<p>“Down at the lumber camp; I promised -to take the boys there before they went -home,” explained Ben.</p> - -<p>Ed and George at once started a good-natured -wrestling bout with old Moze, who -seemed delighted at seeing them. Barking -and whining, he jumped about, wagging his -tail, until George declared he would lose it.</p> - -<p>“When did you get here, Bill?” inquired -the guide of his friend, after they had entered -the cabin.</p> - -<p>“Same morning you left, I reckon. When<span class="pagenum">[372]</span> -I saw you were away, I left a note and went -on into the settlement. Got back late last -night, and I figured I’d mosey around for a -day or two and see if you came home. I -brought out some mail for Westbrook and -you fellows. There’s yours over on the table -yonder. By the way, Ben, Westbrook said -to tell you he expected to go in with his team -and wagon the first part of next week. He -said he’d come by here on the old wood-road, -so if you wanted anything you could let him -know.”</p> - -<p>The boys quickly found the letters from -home and began to read them. From their -manner Ben knew that they had received news -of some importance. When they had finished -the letters they held a low-toned conference, -and then turned toward the guide, who was -watching them keenly.</p> - -<p>“Nothing wrong, I hope?” he said.</p> - -<p>“Nothing, except that we are ordered -home,” answered Ed, endeavoring to force a -smile.</p> - -<p>“The deuce you say!” cried Ben, in dismay.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I guess our time is up,” declared -George, rather gloomily. “You see, our folks -are going away in about two weeks, and, as -we expect to enter college in the fall, they -won’t see much of us for a while. Consequently<span class="pagenum">[373]</span> -they want us with them this summer.”</p> - -<p>“Guess that’s only natural,” said Ben, -quietly. “Say, it’s going to be some lonesome -after you fellows pull out.”</p> - -<p>For a time the little group of friends sat -about in silence. While they were anxious -and eager to see their parents, the boys -nevertheless felt badly about leaving Ben, and -Bill, and Moze, and the great peaceful forest -they had learned to love.</p> - -<p>“Well, say, there’s no need of everybody -getting the ‘blues,’” laughed the guide. “I’ll -hustle around and cook some supper, and then -maybe we’ll all feel better.”</p> - -<p>That night the boys sat up late, and Ben -told Bill of their plucky adventure at the log-jam. -It was decided that they should go -to the station with Tom Westbrook and his -team early the next week. Bill said he would -wait over at the cabin to see them off.</p> - -<p>It rained all the next day, and the boys -busied themselves with packing their belongings. -Not the least important were several -trophies of the hunt, which they were -taking home in proof of their prowess.</p> - -<p>The following days were spent in the woods -and on the lake with Ben and Bill. Rare -golden days they were, filled with flowers<span class="pagenum">[374]</span> -and sunshine and song, for the long, dreamy -days of early summer had arrived. The -boys learned more of the songs and calls of -the birds, and the names and uses of the many -wild flowers which were constantly bursting -into bloom in the woods about the cabin. -They saw fishes guarding their gravelly nests -of spawn at the bottom of the lake. They -found the eggs of turtles at the end of long, -tunnel-like excavations in sandy banks. The -time sped rapidly, and at length the day for -their departure was but a night away.</p> - -<p>“Well, this is our last snooze on balsam tips,” -said Ed, when they were finally in their bunk.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and, do you know, sometimes it all -seems like a dream. We certainly have been -through a few experiences since we left the -city. And let me tell you, Ed, each of them -has done us good; I feel that we can take -care of ourselves anywhere now,” replied -George. “Say, we never found out who -‘The Old Man of the Woods’ is.”</p> - -<p>“Well then, I’ll tell you now,” laughed Ben, -who had overheard their conversation. “You -met him right here the first night, when you -worried about the flying squirrels. He has -been with you ever since, until you know him -well enough to call him by his right name, -which is Experience.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[375]</span></p> - -<p>“And is that how you met him?” inquired -the boys.</p> - -<p>“That is how we must all meet him, if we -expect to ever know him well. He’s a rough -old fellow, and he don’t make friends easily. -You’ve got to prove your worth before he -accepts you. If you’re game, he’ll take care -of you in great shape and tell you all he -knows. But if you’re a quitter, he’ll soon -drive you out of his country and make things -so unpleasant you’ll never wish to return. -Now you know him, and, furthermore, you -can consider him your friend, because you’ve -made good. Good night.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Ben. Good night.” And -they went to sleep, happy over the well-earned -compliment.</p> - -<p>They had just finished breakfast next -morning when the loud barking of Moze -announced the arrival of Westbrook with -his team. A moment later the big woodsman -stood in the doorway and greeted them.</p> - -<p>“Have some breakfast,” urged Ben, hospitably.</p> - -<p>“No, thanks; I had my breakfast before I -started. Thought I’d just stop a minute -to see if I could do anything for you in -town.”</p> - -<p>“You can take the boys and myself and<span class="pagenum">[376]</span> -this luggage, if you’re traveling in light,” said -Ben.</p> - -<p>“I sure will; but, say, now, it’s too bad you -fellows have to pull up stakes so sudden like,” -he said, turning to the lads. “This is the -prettiest time of the year, too. Guess you’ve -had quite a time of it, though, haven’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed,” replied Ed; “we’ve enjoyed -ourselves very much.”</p> - -<p>After Ben had insisted, Westbrook drank -a cup of coffee. Then they proceeded to -load the baggage into the same wagon that -had conveyed it from the station almost eight -months before.</p> - -<p>“Different-looking boys from those that -came out in the fall, eh, Ben?” laughed Westbrook, -when everything was in and they -were ready to climb aboard.</p> - -<p>“Some browner,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>Bill came forward to say good-by, and Ed -and George grasped his hand affectionately. -They thanked him for all the pleasure he had -given them, and said they hoped some day -to come out and see him again. Old Moze -came wriggling toward them, and they stooped -and petted him.</p> - -<p>Then Westbrook spoke to his team, and -the wagon bumped away over the long road. -The boys waved their hats to Bill, who stood<span class="pagenum">[377]</span> -in the doorway, holding Moze by an ear to -prevent him from following his departing -friends.</p> - -<p>At noon they halted, and Ben cooked a -simple meal in the woods. This time the -boys built the fire, and the two woodsmen -declared it a proper one.</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t have done that when you came -in,” laughed Ben.</p> - -<p>“We couldn’t do much of anything then,” -replied Ed.</p> - -<p>When they resumed their journey, the lads -recalled many familiar spots along the way. -They went safely over the very place where -they had mired to the hubs before, and saw -their own pile of rocks and the poles with -which they had freed the wagon. They -forded the stream which had come near capsizing -the load. This time they had no -trouble. They bounced and bumped over -the rough “corduroy” bridges which had so -excited their curiosity on the way to camp. -Several times they flushed grouse from close -beside the road, and as the birds rose with -a roar of wings Ben looked at the lads and -smiled, and George was reminded of his first -fright in the woods. They started a deer -from the edge of a swamp, and watched the -nimble-footed creature go bounding along the<span class="pagenum">[378]</span> -road ahead of them. Thus the interesting -ride continued, until late in the afternoon -they drew up before the tiny log station.</p> - -<p>The agent remembered them, and said -they were lucky to reach there at that time, -as an express was due to stop in thirty minutes. -Had they missed it they would have -been obliged to remain over until the next -day. The boys quickly checked their baggage, -and then came outside to await the -arrival of the train.</p> - -<p>“Ben, I’m sure we can never thank you -half enough,” said Ed, with feeling.</p> - -<p>“Don’t try,” laughed Ben; “I’ve enjoyed -it as much as you have. The worst of it all -is this breaking up of camp; a woodsman always -hates it.” And as he turned to look -up the track the boys thought they saw -moisture in his kindly eyes. “Well, it hasn’t -hurt you any,” he added, quickly recovering -himself.</p> - -<p>“I should say not,” said George. “I feel -as if I could wrestle with a bear.”</p> - -<p>“You almost did, once,” Ben chuckled.</p> - -<p>“Here she comes. Stand back!” cried the -agent, as the great whistling engine made its -appearance around a curve.</p> - -<p>The boys shook hands with Ben and Westbrook -and then stood on the rear platform<span class="pagenum">[379]</span> -of the last car and waved their hats at the -two broad-shouldered men left behind when -the train pulled out for home.</p> - -<p>Two days later they were met at the great -city terminal by their fathers. Both Dr. -Williams and Mr. Rand were surprised and -delighted at the improvement in the boys. -They took critical note of the firm, bronzed -skin, the broadened shoulders and deepened -chests, the direct, keen glance of the eyes, -and, above all, the erect, confident carriage -and free, swinging stride. The inspection -ended in approval—Ben had molded well -the raw material placed in his hands, and the -result was a credit to him.</p> - -<p>The experiment was a success; the theory -was proven. The lads had returned with -interest on the investment. They had gained -not only in health and strength, but in much -besides. They had a finer, clearer, broader -view of life and the living. They had learned -peace and beauty and quietness from God’s -temple, the wilderness. They had gained -strength from the pine-scented air, courage -from exposure to hardship and peril, resourcefulness -from dependence upon themselves, -and a sound knowledge of sound -truths from honest old Ben.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, Doctor, your plan has worked<span class="pagenum">[380]</span> -out wonderfully,” declared Mr. Rand. “I -wouldn’t have believed it possible. Why, -look at George; he is fit for the freshman -crew.” And the proud father was delighted -at the prospect, for he, too, had worked from -freshman to ’varsity oarsman in his college -days.</p> - -<p>“Well, you think it has done them as much -good as your tutoring trip through Europe, -do you?” laughed the Doctor.</p> - -<p>“More!” declared Mr. Rand, enthusiastically. -“In fact, I’m inclined to agree to -that Western proposition of yours for next -summer, now that I’ve seen the results of -this trip.”</p> - -<p>“What is that?” demanded the boys, -aroused at the idea of a future trip to the -wilds.</p> - -<p>“Never mind,” laughed Dr. Williams, winking -slyly; “we’ll give you a surprise when the -time comes.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i414.jpg" alt="Chapter divider." /> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<hr class="tb" /> -<p> </p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Note:</h2> - -<p>Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned.</p> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors -have been corrected.</p> - -<p>A change has been made as follows:</p> - -<p><a href="#Ref_337">p. 306</a>: Illustration caption added to agree with the Table of Illustrations.</p> -</div></div> - -<p> </p> -<hr class="pgx" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPING IN THE WINTER WOODS***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 63873-h.htm or 63873-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/3/8/7/63873">http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/8/7/63873</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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