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diff --git a/old/67787-0.txt b/old/67787-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 53a3767..0000000 --- a/old/67787-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8277 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Rambler Club's Winter Camp, by W. -Crispin Sheppard - -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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Rambler Club's Winter Camp - -Author: W. Crispin Sheppard - -Release Date: April 6, 2022 [eBook #67787] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S WINTER -CAMP *** - - - - - - The Rambler Club's - - Winter Camp - - BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD - - AUTHOR OF - - "THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT" - "THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS" - ETC. - - THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY - PHILADELPHIA - MCMX - - COPYRIGHT 1910 BY - THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY - - - - -[Illustration: "WE CAN'T GET THERE TOO SOON!"] - - - - - Introduction - - -"The Rambler Club's Winter Camp," though a story complete in itself, -deals with the further adventures of the jolly club whose acquaintance -we made in "The Rambler Club Afloat." - -Although Nat Wingate has not always acted a good part toward Bob Somers -and his friends, they are generous enough to forget past differences. - -An enforced vacation, due to the burning of the Kingswood high school, -gives the five boys an opportunity to accompany Nat and his friend, -John Hackett, on a winter camping trip. - -Life in the wilds, amidst snow and ice, has its discomforts and -dangers, as well as charms, and many trying and exciting experiences -fall to their lot; and these they meet with a cheerful, courageous -spirit. - -But this is not all; a series of happenings puzzle the boys, their -wonder and curiosity increasing, as one strange incident follows -another, until the mystery is eventually solved. - -Their life in camp has done them a world of good; and they return home -full of pleasant and lasting remembrances. Some of the further outdoor -experiences of the same boys may be found in "The Rambler Club in the -Mountains" and "The Rambler Club on Circle T Ranch." - - W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD. - - - - - Contents - - - I. THE FIRE-BELL - - II. THE BUCKET BRIGADE - - III. OFF TO THE WOODS - - IV. "UNDENIABLE FACT" - - V. THE ROAD OF ICE - - VI. MAKING CAMP - - VII. THE FIRST HUNT - - VIII. THE GUARDIANS - - IX. A NEW SPORT - - X. A SKATING MATCH - - XI. A NIGHT ALARM - - XII. THE WILDCAT - - XIII. ON THE TRAIL - - XIV. HUNTER AND TRAPPER - - XV. A PRACTICAL JOKE - - XVI. YARDSLEY'S TRAPS - - XVII. SMOKE SIGNALS - - XVIII. WHO TOOK THE FURS? - - XIX. LOST IN THE SNOW - - XX. WOLVES! - - XXI. SUSPICIONS - - XXII. THE FAWN - - XXIII. BACK TO CAMP - - XXIV. A QUARREL - - XXV. SELF-DEFENSE - - XXVI. SNOWBALLS - - XXVII. A CAVE AND A BEAR - - XXVIII. THE NOTE ON THE DOOR - - XXIX. THE NEAR-BANDITS - - XXX. BURYING THE HATCHET - - XXXI. YARDSLEY'S LAST JOKE - - - - - Illustrations - - - "WE CAN'T GET THERE TOO SOON" - - "HELLO!" EXCLAIMED ONE OF THE STRANGERS - - WITH GUNS TIGHTLY CLASPED, THEY STARTED - - DON'T WASTE A SHOT - - HOW ABOUT THE STOREHOUSE DOOR? - - - - - The Rambler Club's - - Winter Camp - - - - - CHAPTER I - - THE FIRE-BELL - - -Bob Somers, in his room on the upper floor of Pembroke Hall, was busily -engaged in working out an algebraic equation. The cozy little study -adjoined his bedroom, and was situated almost underneath a tower which -rose above the surrounding trees. On the walls several engravings and -photographs were tastefully hung, while close to the desk before which -Bob was seated stood a table covered with the various odds and ends -which boys are apt to possess. - -It was one of those cold, keen winter nights when the comforts of a -warm and cozy room seem especially attractive. The weather was clear, -but the streets were white with snow, and a slight breeze made the -tree-tops sigh and murmur. - -Suddenly Bob Somers raised his eyes from the paper before him and -listened intently. - -The booming of a bell came over the frosty air, now very faint, then -rising clearly, as the sound of the breeze sank to a low, droning -whisper. - -"My gracious!" cried Bob. "The fire-bell!" - -For a second time, the ominous notes pealed forth, two coming close -together, then, after a brief pause, seven in succession. - -"Box twenty-seven! I wonder where it is." - -The fire-alarm was seldom heard in the quiet little town of Kingswood, -and the sound made his pulse quicken. - -He hastily opened a door and made his way to an iron staircase which -led to the tower. Up two steps at a time he bounded, until a small -square room was reached. It had windows on all sides and commanded an -extensive view of the surrounding country. - -Bob Somers peered eagerly out at the icy winter scene. The limits of -the snow-covered grounds of Pembroke Hall were defined by a row of -electric lights on the highway. Beyond, several residences appeared -faintly against the sky, but nearly all else was lost in gloom. Myriads -of stars shone brilliantly. - -A faint, hazy patch, as of smoke illuminated by an electric light, -appeared above a dark line of trees. - -"That must be the fire," murmured Bob, in some excitement. "Great -Cæsar! It's near the schoolhouse." - -Dashing down-stairs, he quickly donned his overcoat and hat. - -"Fo' goodness' sakes, what am de matter?" inquired Peter Lexington, the -colored boy, in astonishment. - -"There's a fire, Peter! Can't stop to talk now." - -"Fo' de lub of goodness! a fire?" - -The surprising intelligence seemed to deprive Peter of all movement, -and before he could utter another word, Bob was off. - -In a moment, he had passed between the tall gate-posts at the entrance. - -The air was sharp and keen. Great banks of snow, heaped up along the -sides of the street, shone brightly in the glare of electric lights. - -As Bob Somers neared the scene, he learned to his astonishment that the -high school was on fire. - -Kingswood, a wealthy community, had an excellent fire department. It -was equipped with a ladder truck and an automobile fire-engine, the -motor of which also operated the pumps. - -The high school stood back from the street, surrounded by spacious -grounds. In the centre of the three-story stone building rose a cupola -of attractive design. About a hundred feet distant, the road was -bridged over a large pond. - -Bob Somers, breathing hard after his run, mingled with the excited -groups in front of the school. - -A cloud of whitish smoke partially obscured the building, its heaviest -portion being toward the western end. - -"It's getting away from them, sure," said a man close by. "If they -don't hustle along that steamer from Rockville pretty soon the place is -a goner." - -Breaks in the curling wreaths of smoke revealed a ladder leaning -against the wall and a line of hose entering the window above it. -The shouts of the volunteers rose above the continuous roar of the -Kingswood engine and the excited murmur of the crowd. - -"That man is right," thought Bob, with a tremor of excitement; "I only -wish something more could be done." - -From the midst of the crowd, at a point some distance away, rose a -peculiar shout, somewhat like the hooting of an owl. - -Instantly Bob Somers threw back his head, and made a similar sound. -This was a special signal often used by the Ramblers to call each other. - -"Hello, Dave Brandon!" cried Bob, lustily. - -"Hello yourself!" - -In a moment the stout boy hurried forward. - -"Isn't it awful, Bob, to see the old school going up like this?" he -said. - -"How did it start, Chubby?" - -"Guess no one knows. Let's find the other fellows. Give a whoop, Bob!" - -"Hello, Sam Randall!" - -"Hello, Dick!" - -"Hi, hi, Tom Clifton!" - -In a few minutes, the Ramblers had managed to locate each other. - -"Maybe we can save something yet," cried Bob. "Let's go into the -grounds." - -There was no railing, consequently they had free access, and the frozen -crust presently began to crack sharply beneath their feet. - -"Professor Hopkins is over there!" exclaimed Bob Somers. "He just came -out of the door." - -Bob darted between the groups of people, with the others close at his -heels. - -"Professor Hopkins!" he cried. - -The principal, enveloped in a long coat, seemed almost overcome with -emotion. He was staggering along under a load of books. - -"Somers!" he exclaimed. - -"Yes, sir! We're going to try and save something!" - -"I am ruined!" gasped Professor Hopkins, apparently not hearing his -words. "The fire is steadily gaining--my office is doomed." - -"Come on, fellows!" shouted Bob. - -The moment he reached the doorway, Professors Hughes and Ivins came -out, each carrying an armful of books. - -"Don't go in there!" shouted the former, warningly; "you'll be stifled." - -"If the Rockville engine was only here, Professor Hopkins' office might -be saved," exclaimed Professor Ivins. - -"Boys!" cried Dave Brandon; "I've got an idea. We'll form a chain and -get water from the pond." - -"Splendid, Chubby! You've struck it!" broke in Bob, enthusiastically. - -"There are plenty of people around who ought to help us," added Dick -Travers; "it must be a double line--one to pass back the empty buckets." - -The students turned toward the crowd. - -"Who wants to join a bucket brigade?" yelled Dave Brandon. - -"I do!" shouted one. - -"Count me in," added another. - -The crowd, as if ashamed of its former inactivity, became animated with -life. Strangely enough, it had not occurred to any one before that some -use might be made of the pond. - -Dick Travers, Sam Randall and Tom Clifton, accompanied by several -others, started off in search of buckets. An axe was procured--then the -frozen surface of Deal's pond began to resound to the sturdy blows of -the volunteers. - -In the meantime Bob Somers and Dave Brandon had entered the building. -Choking and sputtering, they reached the main corridor and saw bright -tongues of flame mingling with the smoke. - -From the floor above came excited shouts and the sound of axes chopping -through rafters and beams. - -Bob Somers and Dave Brandon did not care to tarry long. Their eyes -ached and choking sensations gripped their throats. - -"Unless the fellows hurry up, it will be too late," gasped Dave, as the -two made their way out and stood upon the steps. - -"Let's make a dash for the president's room, and get out some of his -things," cried Bob Somers. "Come on, Dave Brandon!" - -Both boys again disappeared in the smoke-laden atmosphere. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - THE BUCKET BRIGADE - - -It was a rather perilous undertaking. Professors Hughes and Ivins, both -elderly men, did not dare to again brave the danger. - -"Come back, boys--come back!" called Professor Hughes, distractedly. - -But Bob Somers and Dave Brandon were already groping their way toward -the president's office, which was situated to the left of the entrance. -They knew that it contained some of the most prized possessions of -Professor Hopkins. Besides books and scientific instruments there were -rare collections of butterflies and other insects. - -The Ramblers knew where the cases were kept, and their efforts to reach -them proved successful. A few moments more and they were staggering -toward the entrance heavily laden. - -"Bravo, boys!" cried the professor of mathematics, seizing the precious -trays. - -"Hurrah for the bucket brigade!" shouted Bob Somers. "Here comes the -water." - -Two lines of men and boys, reaching from the schoolhouse steps to the -pond, were ready and eager for work. In a moment the first bucket had -arrived. Bob Somers seized it and rushed inside. - -The buckets began to follow each other in rapid succession, and the -volunteers, in relays, fought the flames with determined efforts. - -Dave Brandon continued to work in the president's office, and as fast -as articles were brought out other students carried them to the home of -Professor Hughes, almost opposite the school. At length they had the -satisfaction of taking over the last tray. - -Suddenly the clang of a distant bell came over the air. - -"The Rockville engine!" cried Bob. - -In a few moments it rumbled over the bridge, leaving a trail of embers, -which the breeze caught up and danced merrily along the snow-covered -street. - -Then the tender, with loudly clanging bell, passed between the crowds -which had hastily parted to the right and left. - -Bob and his companions felt that their services were no longer needed, -so they threw aside their buckets and walked across the street to the -engine. - -It had taken a position beneath an electric lamp, its polished surfaces -glistening brightly. Several firemen were already attaching the -suction hose. Another was piling on fuel and the peculiar smell of -soft coal smoke mingled with the pungent odor of burning wood from the -schoolhouse. A hissing sound showed that the steam had reached a high -pressure. It was an interesting moment to the boys. - -"Come on with the water!" shouted a voice. Instantly the engineer -turned the valve, and a loud puffing began, while a shower of sparks -shot upward through the smoky air. - -By this time, the fire had worked its way through the central portion -of the school and found a vent in the cupola. The windows had been -broken by the heat and long streamers of flame pierced the whirling -smoke. - -An extension ladder was placed against the eaves and a number of -firemen ascended to the roof, where, almost hidden by the smoke, they -dropped a rope and began hauling up another line of hose. - -But the fire in the cupola was rapidly increasing. The flames having -united into a solid body leaped furiously upward, presenting the -appearance of a gigantic torch surmounted by a column of smoke and -burning brands. - -Within a few minutes, the scene had wonderfully changed. The entire -mass of smoke seemed to be drawn upward by the rush of air, and -mingling with that from the cupola, stood out with a deep, sullen red -from a background of starlit sky. - -The electric lights began to look pale and ghostlike, and a ruddy -glare suffused the landscape, while myriads of embers drifted slowly -earthward. - -"My eye, that certainly is a pretty sight, eh, Somers?" - -A very tall, thin youth standing close by uttered this exclamation. - -"Hello, John Hackett!" - -"Hello! Say, you fellows look like a minstrel show! What's happened?" - -"Didn't you see us hauling out stuff from the president's room, and -helping to carry water?" - -"My eye! Were you in that--and Chubby, too?" - -"Of course," replied the stout boy. "Look, fellows, there goes the -water." - -A swish and a hiss sounded, as a heavy stream suddenly poured upon the -cupola. The flames slowly began to die down, and a great cheer arose -from the crowd. - -"Must be an awful mess inside," observed Hackett, meditatively. "Isn't -it too bad?" - -"Yes! and it knocks us out of study for about two months," replied Dave -Brandon. - -"Maybe they will get a hall somewhere," suggested Tom Clifton. - -"Oh, look!" cried Bob, suddenly. - -As he spoke, the half-burned timbers of the cupola collapsed and -fell with a muffled roar. Then a huge puff of smoke rolled upward, -accompanied by a fitful glare of red, while the voices of the crowd -swelled into an excited murmur. - -The firemen on the roof struggled forward, turned the stream down into -the opening, and the last glimmer of light began to slowly fade. - -There was much excitement in the crowd, as this seemed to be the -critical moment. The Rockville engine fairly roared and shook. - -"I'll bet it's under control," said Bob, at length. - -"Yes, they've got it now, that's sure," exclaimed Dick Travers. - -"Thanks to the Rockville fire company," added Sam. - -"Hope you're not going home yet," said Hackett. "I wouldn't mind -staying out all night." - -"You wouldn't catch me doing it," declared Tommy Clifton decidedly. - -"If the moon was up, I'd like to go skating," added Hackett, -boastfully, "and I wouldn't sleep all day to-morrow, either." - -"I know what you mean," said Dave, with a good-natured grin, "and I -suppose I ought to feel pretty badly about it." - -"I advise you to stop writing poetry," continued Hackett; "then you -won't need so much sleep." - -"But then I don't write the kind that puts others to sleep," laughed -Brandon, "and that ought to make the matter square." - -"In that case, you are forgiven," exclaimed Sam Randall. - -"How is Nat Wingate, 'Hatchet'?" asked Bob Somers, at this juncture. - -"The doctor says he will have to keep out in the open air as much as -possible," replied Hackett. "His lungs seem to be a little weak. Nat -thinks of going to some lumber camp--and, by jingo--" - -"What's the matter?" - -"An idea just struck me," answered Hackett, "and a fine one, too." - -"Let's hear it." - -"Well, if the school is put out of commission for a month or two, I -might manage to go with him." - -"Wouldn't it be a great idea for the whole of us to go?" spoke up Bob -Somers, turning to the others. - -"That's the way to talk," exclaimed John Hackett, enthusiastically. "We -could camp in the wilds--hunt, fish and have no end of sport." - -"It would be mighty cold out there in the woods," ventured Tom -Clifton, the smallest member of the party, "and the snow is ever so -deep. Whew! There's twelve o'clock striking." - -"Let it strike! Say, fellows, what do you think of this scheme?" - -"Simply great! But it all depends upon whether they can find a place -for the school," said Bob. - -"There isn't a hall large enough in this little town--you know that. -Might use a barn, though," grinned Hackett. "Fine to see Professor -Hopkins standing on a bale of hay and conducting the opening exercises." - -"Well, I'd like to go--but, and it's a great big but," sighed Dick -Travers, "my dad might not look upon it the way I do." - -"My fix, too," added Tom. - -"Guess we could arrange that all right," said Bob, hopefully. "I think -my father will agree to it." - -"Anyway, we'll have to talk over this again," exclaimed Hackett. "Nat -would certainly be glad if you fellows could go. How about meeting in -your barn, Somers?" - -"Come over day after to-morrow, and bring Nat with you," replied Bob. - -"You can just bet I will," said Hackett. "My eye! How I hope we can -arrange it!" - -The Rockville steamer was still sending up a stream of sparks, but the -excitement was now entirely over. The boys accordingly took leave of -each other, and set out for home. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - OFF TO THE WOODS - - -Early next morning the grounds about the high school were crowded with -students. The building presented a sorry appearance, with its broken -windows and smoke-begrimed walls. An odor of half-burned, water-soaked -wood came from within. - -Bob Somers produced a copy of the Kingswood "Times," and passed it -around. The paper stated that the fire had been caused by an overheated -furnace, and that the damage would amount to over five thousand dollars. - -Professor Hopkins approached a group, among whom were Dave Brandon and -several other members of the Rambler Club. - -"Isn't this an unfortunate occurrence, boys?" he said; "I can scarcely -believe that we all assembled here for study only yesterday morning. I -want to thank you for your work last night." - -"I'm very glad that we were able to do some good," said Dave. "How -long do you think it will take to repair the damage, professor?" - -"Months," replied the president, with something like a groan. "And I -doubt whether we shall be able to find any place to hold the exercises." - -Then, with a bow, he turned, and walked slowly away. - -Soon after this, the group broke up, and, at an appointed hour next -day, met in the hay-loft of Mr. Somers' barn. - -Peter Lexington's ebony-hued countenance wore a broad grin, as the boys -began to come in. Hackett and Nat Wingate arrived last. - -Nat seemed to have lost some of the dashing air which formerly -characterized him. His face was pale and drawn, while his movements -lacked their accustomed energy. - -"Fellows, this is a great scheme you've gotten up," he exclaimed, -enthusiastically. - -"Yes! My father says it's all right," declared Bob Somers. - -"And they haven't been able to find a hall large enough," added -Hackett, with a grin. "Professor Ivins told me so this afternoon." - -"Anything else?" queried Sam Randall. - -"Yes, he said that classes could not be resumed for about two months. -How about you, Dick Travers and Tom Clifton? Think you'll be able to -go?" - -Both boys cast grateful looks toward Bob Somers. - -"It's all right, Hacky," said Travers, gleefully. "When Bob told my -father about the trip, and how much Mr. Somers would be pleased for the -whole crowd to go, he consented." - -"The same here," put in Tom Clifton, with a glowing face. - -"And you, Chubby?" - -Dave Brandon laughed. "I managed it easily," he said. "My folks have an -idea that I don't exercise enough, and they think a trip of this kind -will be just the thing." - -"So it will be," said Nat. "You're beginning to look like a fat boy in -a five cent show." - -"Do you think there will be much work to do?" asked Dave, with -pretended alarm. - -"Well, rather--chopping wood, building camps, tramping twenty miles on -hunting trips--oh, I guess you'll find enough to keep you busy." - -"I 'clar' to goodness, boys, yo'll be froze," said Peter Lexington. - -"A little snow and ice doesn't scare us, Peter," rejoined Bob, -smilingly. - -"Talk about hunting," put in Hackett, bringing a stick up to the level -of his shoulder and squinting one eye along it. "I can hardly wait. -Just let me get a crack at something--the bigger the better." - -"That's the ticket," chimed in Nat. "It will beat a summer trip all -hollow. Say, fellows, what will we need?" - -"Help, befoah de voyage am over," interrupted Peter, with a loud -chuckle. - -"Now don't begin any croaking, Peter, or you'll scare our little friend -from going." - -"Indeed he won't do anything of the kind," retorted Tom Clifton, -indignantly. - -"We'll need lots of stuff," said Sam Randall; "tea, coffee, sugar, -spices, flour, canned goods, potatoes, beans, molasses, bacon, -blankets, skates, and snow-shoes." - -"We can pack the whole business on a couple of sleds," observed Dick -Travers; "and send them by freight to some station near the backwoods. -Got your map, Bob?" - -"Sure." - -In a short time, seven boys were bending over a map which Bob had -spread out on a bale of hay. - -"Stony Creek--that looks like a good place to start from," said Bob, -indicating a point with his forefinger. - -"From there, we might hire a sleigh to take us to Mapleton," put in -Dave Brandon, with a yawn. - -"A good idea," said Bob. "The whole thing is settled, fellows. Now when -shall we start?" - -"The sooner, the better," declared John Hackett. "Who's going to buy -the grub and other stuff?" - -"Draw lots," suggested Dave Brandon, lazily. - -"Skip around, Peter, and find a piece of paper," said Bob. "We want to -fix this thing up right away." - -"I can see my finish," groaned Dick Travers, comically. - -The stable boy soon procured a piece of brown paper, which he tore in -seven pieces. These were numbered consecutively and dropped in his cap. - -"Shake 'em up, Peter," said Bob. "Fellows, the two who draw numbers -three and five can consider that they have a job ahead of them." - -The grinning Peter vigorously stirred up the bits of paper, then held -his cap high over his head. - -There was an interval of silence, after which seven boys eagerly -glanced at the papers they had drawn. - -"Stung!" groaned Sam Randall, with a comical grimace. - -"Same here! I told you how it would be," added Travers. - -"Ha, ha!" laughed Peter Lexington. "You fellahs certainly done got -left--ha, ha!" - -"Somebody make out a list," said Dick, with a sigh of resignation, "and -we'll attend to it." - -Bob Somers got to work. In addition to the articles mentioned by Sam -Randall, he added a few simple remedies, such as they had taken on -their previous trip. - -"Now, you unfortunate chaps--hustle," said John Hackett, with a broad -grin. "Don't hang around here. Wow! I'm thinking that by the time we -get through, there'll be a few less deer and wildcats to roam around, -eh, Nat?" - -And the prospect of thinning out the animal kingdom made Hackett -execute a few fancy steps around the hay-loft, much to the amusement of -Peter Lexington. - -Sam Randall and Dick Travers set about their allotted tasks with -vigor. Before night, everything needful, including three sleds, had -been purchased, and was ready for shipment to Stony Creek, the nearest -railroad station to the village of Mapleton. - -Some portions of the state of Wisconsin are wild and desolate, and the -boys had selected a region where there was every likelihood of finding -game in abundance. - -Thus, two days after their meeting in the barn, on a cold, clear day in -the early part of January, seven boys, attired in suitable fashion to -withstand the rigorous climate, met at the Kingswood railroad station. -They presented a very formidable appearance, Bob Somers and John -Hackett carrying repeating rifles and the others shotguns. - -"Did you get our stuff off to Stony Creek all right, Steve?" inquired -Nat Wingate of the ticket agent. - -"Sure thing! Where are you fellows bound for now?" - -"To the woods," replied John Hackett; "and we are going to do some tall -shooting." - -"You will, at any rate," said the agent, with a grin, as he surveyed -Hackett's long figure. "When a wildcat comes over to say how-de-do, -them legs of yourn ought to be mighty useful. Here comes number ten, -right on the minute." - -A whistle sounded, the train rounded a curve, and, in a few minutes -more, the boys had clambered aboard. - -"If anybody had told me about this last week, I wouldn't have believed -it," said Sam, in great glee, settling himself comfortably in a seat. -"Eh, Dave?" - -The stout boy nodded, and closed his eyes. - -"I'm going to make up now for all that hard work I did at the fire," he -said with a laugh. - -The train sped on, past snow-covered fields and rolling hills, over -trestles, allowing momentary glimpses of ice-bound creeks, or ravines, -purple and gray in the morning shadows. - -At various towns, the train came to a halt. Several were manufacturing -centres, where smoke rose lazily from chimneys, and jets of steam -rivaled in their whiteness the dazzling snow. But the distances between -these stopping places grew longer and longer, and when, at length, the -conductor called out, "Stony Creek," the last town had been left miles -behind. - -"Wake up, Chubby!" cried Bob, giving the stout boy a vigorous shove. -"Here's where we get off." - -Dave stretched, yawned and rose to his feet just as the cars came to a -stop. - -"It doesn't look as if we were anywhere," he said. - -"We'll have to get up a searching party and try to find the town," said -Nat. - -When the boys stood on the platform and gazed after the fast receding -train, they felt that they were already on the edge of the wilderness. - -Beyond the small ticket office was a freight house, while a lone -residence, with a veranda at the side, stood opposite the station. A -road skirted the railway tracks, and from this two others branched off, -winding their way between broad fields, patched here and there with -dark, gaunt trees. - -"Looks like the arctic regions," said Nat. - -"And feels like it, too," observed Tommy Clifton, pulling his coat -collar closer around his neck. "Guess only birds live here." - -"We'll have to rout somebody out and see about our stuff," said -Hackett. "Hello, here he comes now." - -A rather tall, spare man with a red, scraggly beard emerged from the -ticket office and lazily ambled toward them. - -"How d'y do, boys!" he said, with a broad grin. "Be you looking for -anybody who lives hereabouts?" - -"Is that the town, Jack?" asked Nat Wingate, pointing to the house -opposite. - -"Well! The idea! How did you guess my name?" exclaimed the -station-master, with a look of pleased surprise. "Reckon I never seen -you before, neither." - -"We're the bounding brotherhood of brilliant guessers," grinned Nat. -"Now, Jack, a few words with you; we want to know if you have a lot of -boxes and sleds for us." - -This rapid flow of words quite bewildered the old man. He scratched his -head. Then an idea seemed to dawn upon him. - -"Be them yourn?" he said. "A hull lot of stuff, an' sleds, too?" - -"Now you're talking, Jack, old boy," said Hackett. "Trot out your -papers, Somers, and show him." - -"They're all in the freight house. You boys a-going ter stay in town -fer a spell, I reckon, ain't yer?" - -"Where is it?" asked Nat. - -"Where?" - -The station-master paused. A look of aggrieved surprise came over his -rugged, honest face. - -"Where?" he repeated, reproachfully. "'Tain't fur." He waved his arm in -a wide circle. "Over there. Bless me--the idea! Sich a question." - -"Can we get something to eat around here?" asked Dave Brandon. "I'm -almost starved." - -"Over to Hiram Sladder's, I reckon. 'Tain't more'n one o'clock, now. -Going to stay in town long?" - -"We'll keep right on to Mapleton," volunteered Nat. "How do we get -there?" - -"To Mapleton, eh? Well, there's two ways I know of, jest two of 'em." - -"How?" asked Nat. - -"One of 'em's walking, and the other's riding," replied "Jack," -laconically. - -"Ha, ha! Bully for you," roared Hackett. "Wow--that's a good one. -'Jack,' you're all right." - -The station-master grinned, and looked at the boys with a mildly -indulgent air. - -"You certainly ain't a-going camping out, air you?" he asked. - -"Of course we are," answered Bob. "But for that, we wouldn't be -carrying around these guns." - -"Jack" shook his head. - -"A risky business--a purty risky business fur boys, I call it. Why, -there's wolves--" - -"And there's a gun all ready for 'em," interrupted John Hackett, -holding up his rifle. - -"An' wildcats." - -"Well, we have some more guns." - -"An'--an'--well, I call it a purty risky business. However, 'tain't -none of my affair. Yonder right hand road takes yer to Sladder's." - -"Come on, fellows," said Dave; "I'm hungry as a bear." - -The stout boy jumped off the platform and began striding across the -road. They toiled up a gentle incline, trudging in the middle of the -highway. Once at the top, they saw a long descent. A flagpole was -visible, rising above the crest of another hill. - -"Where there's a flagpole, there's a house," observed Hackett. - -His long steps soon put him in the lead. - -"Oh, I say, hold on, 'Hatchet,'" puffed little Tommy Clifton; "this -isn't a race." - -"You want to hurry and grow a bit, Tommy," laughed John. - -At length they began the ascent of the hill. The ruts in the road made -walking difficult, and all breathed a sigh of relief when they reached -the top. As they did so, the peaked roof of a building came into view, -rising higher and higher until the entire structure was visible. It -proved to be a long, two-story building, painted a dingy gray. - -But what interested the boys most of all was an inscription across the -front that read: - - Roadside House - Hiram Sladder, Proprietor - Accommodation for man and beast - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Now for something to eat!" - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - "UNDENIABLE FACT" - - -Before the boys could reach the entrance, the door was opened. A very -big man, with a very red complexion and prominent features, stood -surveying the group, his face wreathed in smiles. - -"Good-afternoon, young gentlemen!" he exclaimed, in a hearty voice. -"Step right in--a warm room and nice, comfortable chairs ready for you." - -"Can we get something to eat now?" asked Dave, with a touch of -apprehension in his voice. - -"All you want, sir--an undeniable fact," replied the hotel keeper; "of -the best, too--nice, hot coffee, roast beef, potatoes,--an' what would -you say to a few buckwheat cakes, with maple syrup?" - -"Um--um--ah--but don't say a few," remarked Dave. - -"An undeniable fact that they are just the thing for a cold day like -this. Put your guns in the corner, boys. Mom!" - -Mr. Hiram Sladder's stentorian voice soon brought a response. A -pleasant-looking woman bustled into the room. - -"What's this, Hiram, a meeting?" she asked, looking at the boys with a -smile. - -"Undeniable fact that it looks like it," said Mr. Sladder. "But these -young gentlemen want something to eat, and want it quick. Is Tim -around?" - -"No, Hiram. He just went off with Billy Musgrove." - -"Too bad! But never mind. Get out the best you have in the house." - -The boys drew up chairs around the bright stove, and settled down to -solid comfort, while Hiram Sladder perched himself on a stool of rather -ancient appearance. - -"Strangers around these parts?" he remarked, affably, his eyes roving -from one to another. - -"You've struck it," said Hackett; "we've been trying to find out ever -since we got here where the town is." - -"And why they call it Stony Creek," added Tom Clifton. - -"Well, just beyond the hill is as purty a little town as you want to -see," confided the hotel keeper; "and it's an undeniable fact that -the stoniest creek you ever laid your eyes upon flows close't to Bill -Manley's blacksmith shop. Going to stay here long, young gentlemen?" - -"No, we're off on a hunting trip," said Hackett, carelessly; "after big -game." - -"Sho! Know much about gunning?" asked Mr. Sladder, incautiously. - -"Do we know much about gunning?" echoed John, with withering sarcasm. -"Well, say--I've had a few tilts with wildcats, myself, and I'm here -yet." - -"Um--you can't always tell by looks," said Mr. Sladder, anxious to -appease the tall youth's ire. "My son Tim--too bad he ain't here--is -a born hunter. The way that boy can shoot and trap! Why, it's an -undeniable fact that there ain't nobody in town can beat him. If the -young gentlemen want a few good points where to go fur game--" - -"Yes--that's the idea!" cried Bob, enthusiastically, drawing forth his -map. - -Hiram Sladder spread it out on a near-by table. - -Surrounded by all save Dave Brandon, he placed a very broad finger on a -spot indicating the position of Mapleton, then slowly passed it along -the course of a river, and finally stopped at a lake. - -Then he said: "Thereabouts! No better place in the state of Wisconsin." - -"Plenty of wildcats, and wolves, I hope," said Hackett, with a sly -glance toward Tom Clifton. - -"Why bless you, you may get more'n you bargain for," replied the hotel -keeper. "Now in my younger days--" - -"Hiram, it's ready! An' I guess the boys is too," interrupted Mrs. -Sladder, at this interesting point. - -The dining-room of the Roadside House was large and comfortable, and -a bountiful meal had been prepared. From the kitchen came a delicious -odor of buckwheat cakes, which caused a look of great satisfaction to -come over Dave Brandon's face. - -Mrs. Sladder regarded the remarkable manner in which the viands -disappeared as a tribute to her culinary skill, and surveyed the boys -with a benevolent smile. - -"It's an undeniable fact that the walking ain't just what it might be," -said Mr. Sladder, who had entered the room. "Now, I've a sleigh--" - -"Just the idea," broke in Sam Randall, enthusiastically. "Eh, fellows?" - -"Then I'll have it ready for you in a jiffy. I take it that you want to -leave pretty soon. Mapleton's a good fifteen miles." - -The boys finished their meal, and sat around the table engaged in -conversation until word was brought that the sleigh was ready. A moment -later, the jingling of bells was heard, and it drew up to the front -door. - -"I'll be mighty glad to see you again, boys, any time," said Hiram -Sladder, as the fellows clambered in. - -"Get up, you Prince! Hi, hi, you Bobby!" yelled the driver, cracking -his whip, and the sleigh began to glide over the snow-covered ground. - -Upon reaching the freight house at the Stony Creek railroad station, -"Jack" assisted the boys in loading the various boxes and packages -upon the sleigh. Some of their supplies had to be tied upon the sleds, -which, in turn, were secured in such a fashion as to trail at the rear. - -"Hope yer found the town," remarked the station-master, dryly; "never -had sich a question asked me before." - -The boys laughed, and waved their hands, as the sleigh began to draw -away from the platform. - -"Hurrah! Now for the wilderness!" cried Sam Randall, enthusiastically. -"We can't get there too soon." - -The driver again cracked his long, snake-like whip, and the -sleigh-bells jingled merrily. - -Up and down hill, between dark, sombre woods, over bridges which -spanned frozen streams, then past bleak, barren stretches of fields, -dazzlingly white, they went, until the sun had disappeared beneath the -horizon, and a yellow glow suffused the west. - -"'Tain't fur now," volunteered the driver--he pointed with his -whip--"jest over that there hill. Drat that bay--the pesky brute's -a-stumbling--whoa, Prince--yes, jest over that next hill." - -"And it's an 'undeniable fact' that I'll be glad to get there," laughed -Dick Travers. - -In the course of about fifteen minutes a house was passed, then -another, and finally they saw a frame building somewhat larger than -those around it. - -"The hotel," said the driver. - -This information was scarcely necessary, as a large sign in front -announced to all that the Backwoods Hotel provided the best of -accommodations for travelers. - -"Hunting parties sometimes stop at Silas Riggs'--he's the boss," -explained the driver. "A fust-rate fellow he is too." - -He drew up to the entrance, and the boys jumped out, a trifle stiff -after their long ride. - -Silas Riggs was "right glad" to see them. His son, a sturdy young -specimen of humanity, ambled forward and surveyed them with a frank, -good-natured stare. - -Arrangements were quickly made for rooms and supper. - -Silas Riggs was a jolly old fellow, and told jolly stories--which was -better, and the evening passed very quickly indeed. The boys were -reluctant to leave the nice, cheerful stove and pleasant room. The -wind had sprung up, and, as it moaned and sighed around the corner of -the "Backwoods Hotel," sending the old sign creaking forth and back, to -mingle its dismal sound with the soughing of the tree-tops, it made the -comfortable interior seem all the more agreeable. - -But the boys were anxious to get up early next morning, so they bade -Silas Riggs and several of the guests a cheery good-night and repaired -to their rooms. - -Immediately after breakfast, boxes and packages were opened. - -"We ought to be well fixed, with all that stuff," observed Dick Travers. - -"Rubber blankets enough to start a store," put in Sam. - -"An' you'll need 'em," drawled Silas, Junior. "Cold--h'm; an' jest wait -till a blizzard gets a-going. An'--an'--but I don't want to scare you -fellers none." - -"Don't stop on our account, Silas, old boy," laughed Nat; "we're ready -for anything that comes along." - -Axes, hatchets, hunting-knives, guns and snow-shoes, besides -provisions, were securely strapped to the sleds, and, at length, they -were ready to leave. - -"Old" Silas gave them minute directions as to the best route to take, -and other bits of helpful advice. - -"On the eastern side of the lake, near the south end, you'll find a -cabin," he said. "'Tain't much to look at, but if nobody ain't thar, it -may save yer the trouble of building a camp. - -"Good-bye, boys," he added, grasping the hand of each in turn; "an' -don't forgit to drop in an' see 'Old' Silas when ye come back." - -The air was clear and crisp, and the wind had greatly moderated. Before -them was a short stretch of open country, and beyond, glistening in the -early morning light, rose the rounded tops of several hills. - -Dick Travers, Sam Randall and Tom Clifton took the first turn with the -sleds. - -"How long is it going to take us to reach Lake Wolverine, Bob?" asked -Tom Clifton. - -"If we don't get tangled up in the woods, we ought to get there some -time this afternoon." - -"This snow makes hard walking," grumbled Dave. "Say, boys, I've got an -idea. I think we're a lot of duffers. What are snow-shoes made for, eh?" - -"Yes, what are they made for, indeed?" - -"I'm going to put mine on, anyway," said Dave. - -"And so am I," added Hackett. - -Seven pairs of the long shoes were extracted from the piles on the -sleds, and the boys began to strap them on. - -"Oh, but it feels funny," said Tom Clifton, as he stood upright. "Wow! -Don't think I can manage to walk with them." - -"Strike out, like a little man," said Hackett. "Here goes!" - -He started off with great confidence, but the end of his shoe caught -on the almost concealed edge of a stump, sending the long-legged youth -floundering in the snow. - -"Hi, hi! You struck something sure, 'Hatchet,'" exclaimed Tom, -mischievously. - -Hackett's face was very red, indeed, when he picked himself up. - -"Talk about mean luck," he growled. "Quit your laughing, Tommy Clifton. -Just watch me, I'll do better this time." - -Hackett took the lead. Right after him came Dave Brandon, while Bob -Somers and Nat Wingate trailed in the rear, all moving in an awkward -fashion. But at length they mastered the new form of locomotion -sufficiently well to make good progress. - -"My eye! look at that whopping big long-ears over there," cried -Hackett; "if I'd only had my gun in hand," he added, regretfully, as -the bunny disappeared. - - "We are hunters brave and bold, - And fear not wind or cold-- - When seeking game. - Big birds look out, and small ones fly away; - Wise bears and wolves won't join the fray-- - For Hacky's after game." - -Nat improvised these lines, his old-time spirit reasserting itself. - -"Rah, rah--yi, yi--bing, bang, boom!" joined in Hackett, lustily. "And -I'm going to get some game, too. Don't you forget it." - -Soon a stretch of pine woods was reached. It grew thicker and thicker, -until the blue sky was almost shut from view. Underbrush and trailing -vines were in profusion. - -The wind had piled up great drifts of snow, and occasionally the heavy -sleds had to be dragged around a fallen tree. - -From a dense thicket came the harsh, rasping cry of the blue jay, while -a noisy flock of crows flitted among the trees. - -In places, the snow was covered with the tracks of animals and birds. - -"There have been dozens of rabbits around here," asserted Bob. "And -look--sure as I live--the trail of a fox." - -"A fox?" echoed the others. "How do you know?" - -"Because the footprints are almost in a straight line, and you can see -the marks of the claws in front." - -"My eye! I only wish I could get a shot at him," burst out Hackett, -looking eagerly around, as if he expected to see a dozen foxes running -to cover. - -"Thought nothing would satisfy you but a wildcat or deer, Hacky," -laughed Nat. - -"A fox will do for a starter. After that, Tommy Clifton must help me -rout out a big, black bear from his cave," grinned John. - -"Oh, I say, fellows," broke in Dick Travers, "somebody take this sled; -I'm fagged out." - -"So am I," puffed Tom Clifton. - -"And it's the same here," added Sam. - -The three boys were relieved. - -Maple and hickory trees were now interspersed with the dark hemlocks -and cedars, and the patches of sky between the trees grew larger. The -woods were rapidly becoming more open. - -"We ought to come to the river pretty soon, Somers," observed Hackett, -as they paused on a ridge which overlooked a steep descent. - -"Unless we do, it may mean that--" - -The rest of the sentence was interrupted in a most startling fashion. - -The snow upon which they were standing suddenly gave way beneath -their weight. With cries of dismay, Bob Somers, John Hackett and Dick -Travers wildly grasped at the empty air. Then, before their astonished -companions could make a move to aid them, they shot downward, -accompanied by an avalanche of snow. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - THE ROAD OF ICE - - -The surface was smooth and icy, and the efforts of the boys to stay -their progress were in vain. Huge masses of snow swept with them down -the hill. Bob Somers felt the cold air rush past his face. He had a -confused vision of bushes flying swiftly by, then he shot over the edge -of a hillock, and dropped with a thud upon the other side. - -Breathless and excited, he made another effort to stop his downward -plunge. For a moment, it was partially checked, but the tumbling snow -almost instantly tore him away from his hold. - -Long John Hackett and Dick Travers were considerably in advance. Their -startled cries had been silenced, and like Bob Somers, they were -helpless upon the smooth, slippery surface of the hill. - -A long line of bushes stretched across just below. - -John Hackett escaped them by a few feet, but Dick Travers crashed into -their midst and came to an abrupt halt. - -A moment later, Bob brought up against him with an impact that made -both wince. - -"I say, Dick, are you hurt?" he gasped, excitedly, as soon as he could -find his voice. - -"Whew, I'm too dizzy to know. You nearly knocked the last bit of breath -out of me. My face is scratched to pieces." - -"And--wow--how my ear stings. I'm sore all over." - -"But we are mighty lucky to get off so easily," said Dick. "I wonder -how old Hacky has fared." - -"I hope he's all right. Say, my head spins like a top. Here come the -rest of the fellows. I'll bet they are scared." - -Both boys rose slowly and painfully to their feet. They were much -jarred and bruised, but, fortunately, no serious damage had resulted. - -"Hello, Hacky!" yelled Bob. - -An answering hail came from below. - -"He must be all right," said Dick, joyfully. "There he is--away down at -the bottom of the hill." - -"Are you hurt, fellows?" came a cry. - -The other boys were making their way down the smooth, treacherous -surface as fast as they dared. - -"Not a bit of it!" yelled Bob. "Let's see about Hackett." - -Without waiting for the others, he started down the incline, this time -in an orderly fashion. Dick Travers followed him. - -They found the tall boy busily engaged in brushing the snow off his -clothes. - -"Are you hurt, Hacky?" inquired Dick, anxiously. - -"If my arm doesn't turn black and blue, I'm mistaken," growled John. -"I got about eighty-seven jolts on the back of my neck, forty on the -shoulders, and nearly broke my leg, besides. You fellows all right? -That's good. What dunces we were to stand on such a bank. Anyway, I -found out something." - -"What's that?" - -"Don't you see there's a little creek close here? And it goes in our -direction, too--eh, Somers?" - -"You're right," returned Bob, with a glance in the direction -indicated. "Skating will be good for a change." - -The rest of the boys now came up and were delighted to see that their -friends were safe and sound. - -"I move that we have something to eat," said Dave. - -His proposition met with general favor, and three of the boys went -after the sleds. In due course, they returned, and did full justice to -the lunch which Silas Riggs had put up. It was rather cold fare, but -all decided that it was better to push on as fast as possible. - -"Somebody may be using that house 'Old' Silas spoke about," said Nat; -"and, in that case, we'll have to build a camp." - -In a short time the march was resumed. - -The creek was found to be narrow and winding, but the wind had blown -its surface comparatively free from snow. - -"Now we'll make some speed," said Sam, as he unstrapped his snow-shoes. -"Look out for air holes and thin places, fellows." - -The crisp whirr of seven pairs of skates was soon ringing out, and the -three victims of the snowslide almost forgot their aches and pains in -the enjoyment of the sport. - -"Great, isn't it?" grinned Hackett, cutting a letter S. "Anybody want -to race?" - -"Not to-day, my boy," said Bob. "Guess you've got us there." - -Grim, dark trees hung over the watercourse, their interlacing branches -covered with snow. Occasionally, boughs, still full of dull yellow -leaves--like a touch of autumn in the bleak winter landscape, added -brightness to the scene. - -"Must be lots of minks, otter and beavers along these banks," declared -Bob. "They live in just this kind of place." - -"We'll make old Sladder open his eyes when we get back with a load of -skins," exclaimed John Hackett. "The cheek of him to ask if we knew -anything about hunting. Bang! I can hardly wait." - -"The wildcats are going to catch it, fellows," drawled Tommy Clifton. - -"Right you are, little boy," grinned Hackett. "And don't forget that -bear you're going to help me find." - -Nat began to show signs of fatigue, and soon a halt was made. - -"Maybe we had better not try to reach the lake to-night," said Bob. - -"Oh, pshaw! I can stand it, Somers," returned Nat. "A few minutes' rest -will fix me up all right." - -Suddenly a shout from Hackett, who had gone on ahead, attracted their -attention. He had disappeared around a bend, but now came skating back. - -"The river's just ahead, fellows," he cried. "Anything the matter, Nat?" - -"No, I feel first-rate," returned Nat, rising to his feet. "Fellows, I -believe this trip will fix me up all right." - -"Of course it will," said Hackett, enthusiastically. "Say--we ought to -reach Lake Wolverine pretty soon, now." - -"I hope so--I'm half frozen," put in Tom Clifton; "a big fire and some -hot coffee--" - -"Um--um!" interrupted Dave Brandon; "and a pan of nice bacon, and baked -potatoes, eh?" - -"I can't listen to such talk and sit still," laughed Nat. "I believe -it's getting colder," he added. "We'll feel it more on the river, too." - -The mouth of the creek was soon reached, and with long, steady strides, -the boys pushed on. Occasionally they insisted upon stopping to give -Nat a rest, and it was not until after two o'clock that the sight of a -broad expanse, gleaming in the sunlight straight ahead, brought forth a -rousing cheer. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob Somers, "Lake Wolverine." - -"Now for the cabin that old Riggs told us about," cried Nat. - -They redoubled their exertions, skating close to the eastern shore. -All were delighted with the surroundings of the lake. There was a -picturesque combination of rugged hills and valleys, and they felt that -in such a wild country plenty of game must be found. - -"There's the cabin--straight ahead," cried Bob. "Look, Chubby, right in -front of those firs!" - -"You are right, Bob! And it's a sight I'm glad to see. Hurry up." - -The stout boy and John Hackett started ahead in a lively fashion. - -"Go it, Chubby!" yelled Bob. "Show him what you are made of!" - -Dave needed no bidding. Bending forward, he skimmed swiftly over the -ice, and when they came opposite the cabin Hackett led by only a few -feet. - -"Whew!" puffed Dave. "It warms a fellow up a bit. That's a pretty -solid-looking house, 'Hatchet.'" - -The cabin was built of logs and stood some distance from the edge of -the lake, and near the base of a steep hill. It was partly surrounded -by a group of tall cedars. - -Dave and Hackett crossed the intervening patch of snow, their skates -crunching through the hard crust. The latter tried the door, while Dave -peered in through a window. - -He uttered an exclamation of disappointment. - -"Somebody is living here," he said. "There's a lot of dishes and stuff -on a table. It means that we'll have to build a camp, after all." - -"And it would have been such a bully place to stay," said Hackett, -giving the door a spiteful kick. - -"Well, there's no help for it," put in Bob, who had come up. "You can -see the snow is freshly trampled." - -"Wonder who they can be." - -"Most likely hunters." - -"Well, what are we going to do?" asked Sam Randall. - -"Why, cross the lake, of course--if Nat doesn't mind." - -"Oh, I'm not tired out yet, Somers," protested Nat. "Certainly we'll -get over on the other side, and have a camp to ourselves, eh, Hacky?" - -"Right you are! Face about--forward march!" - -"It's time you exercised your muscle again on one of these sleds, -Hackett," complained Dick Travers. - -"Oh, I forgot! Really, my little tired-out friend, I forgot," grinned -Hackett, seizing the rope. - -"I don't call this any picnic," observed Sam, as they headed for the -opposite shore. - -"Nor I, either," said Tom. "We get the full force of the wind--cracky, -my feet are getting like lumps of ice." - -In spite of their hard traveling, the boys kept up a good pace, and -soon the opposite shore began to assume definite form. It was hilly and -well wooded. - -"We had better divide up in two parties," suggested Bob; "we ought to -strike a place quicker that way." - -"All right," said Dick. "Come on, Bob and Chubby; let's see what we can -find." - -Skates were quickly removed, the sleds drawn up on shore and the two -parties set out. - -Bob, Dick Travers and Dave Brandon kept in a southerly direction, while -the others pushed north. - -"Any number of good places around here," exclaimed the stout boy, after -a short search. "There's one, right by that clump of pines." - -"Hello--hello!" came a faint hail from the distance. - -"It's Hackett," said Dave, as they turned and saw a dark figure on the -edge of the lake waving his arms. - -"They must have found a good place." - -"Hello!" yelled the distant figure again. "Dandy place." - -This was all they could make out, but it was enough. - -The three boys hurried forward. - -In the course of a few minutes, hauling the sleds after them, they -rejoined the others. - -"We'll show you a dandy place," cried Nat; "the finest you ever saw." - -He led them around a wooded ridge, where they found, between this and -another ridge, a bowl-shaped valley. On one side, the hill sloped -gently down to the shore of the lake. - -"Isn't this a place for you, though?" asked Nat. - -"You were lucky to come across it," declared Bob; "and it's sheltered -from the northwest wind." - -"Plenty of trees--maples and spruce--just the thing for our camp." - -"And no fear of a snowslide," put in Dave; "the hill isn't steep enough -for that. There's only one thing--" - -"What is that, Chubby?" - -"A thaw might make it unpleasant." - -"Oh, pshaw!" said Hackett. "Why, it's getting colder--twice as cold -every other minute. Let's fall to, fellows, and build a fire." - -Several of the boys unpacked a box of provisions, while Sam Randall, -Tom Clifton and Dick Travers began to collect fire-wood. Armed with -hatchets, they quickly got enough to start a blaze. - -As the flames began to roar and crackle, more wood was piled on, and -the hungry and tired boys gathered around to warm their benumbed hands -and feet. - -"I'm going to have a cup of coffee," said Dave. - -"That's the idea, Chubby." - -"And why not roast some potatoes?" - -"And what's the matter with a bit of bacon?" - -"Right you are, boys! Let's get to work," said Bob. - -Hunger spurred them on. In a few minutes, potatoes were roasting, and -bacon hissing and sizzling before the fire. - -Hackett went off with an axe, chopped a hole through the ice and dipped -up enough water for the coffee. - -When the meal was ready, the boys eagerly helped themselves, then took -places around the cheerful fire and were content. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - MAKING CAMP - - -"We have a big job ahead of us," declared Bob Somers, when every scrap -of food had vanished. - -"I believe it," said Dave, with half closed eyes. - -"The huts ought to be built before dark; it means a hustle." - -"Build 'em, then, an'--" the stout boy was nodding. - -"Hi, hi! Hey, bing, bang, boom--rah--rah! No sleeping yet, Chubby. Wake -up!" - -"Let a fellow alone, can't you? Build em--stop!" - -"Oh, yes, we will leave you alone! Oh, yes--and two huts to build." - -"Only five minutes," pleaded Dave. "I feel uncommonly sleepy. I do, -indeed! Let up, won't you?" - -"Very sorry, old boy," said Bob; "but we are going to clear away the -fire and build it in another place. Better wake up and help in this -job, or we may have a pretty rough night of it." - -With a very great effort, Dave Brandon arose. - -"What do you want me to do?" he asked, with a prodigious yawn. - -"Get the fire shoved over to this place I have marked," said Bob, -indicating a spot about ten feet distant. "Just as soon as the ground -is thawed, we'll have to dig four holes for the corner posts." - -"Just think, we've got two of these old dens to build," grumbled John -Hackett. - -"Oh, never mind," said Nat. "I'm going to help, and we'll consider that -it's a fine evening of sport." - -Encouraged by these words, the tired boys set to work. - -"In the first place, we'll need a lot of slender maples for the sides -and roof," said Bob; "and any quantity of fir brush." - -"I'm going to select trees for the posts," declared Sam Randall. "These -huts are going to be built in a hurry, I can tell you that." - -In a few moments, the sound of the young woodsmen's sturdy blows were -being carried over the frosty air. As fast as the trees were felled, -Tom Clifton trimmed off the branches. Then Dick Travers and Sam Randall -began to gather the fir brush until an enormous pile was ready for use. - -All hands worked steadily, in spite of their fatigue. - -"On a camping trip, a fellow can't expect to stop just because he's -tired," declared Bob; "he must be willing to work hard and run up -against all kind of snags." - -"You bet!" agreed Sam; "and getting half frozen, on a winter trip, and -half starved besides." - -"Guess we've got enough work to last till midnight," observed Dave -Brandon, cheerfully. - -"Is that ground getting thawed out?" inquired Bob. - -"It's ready for anybody except the poet laureate to begin digging," -laughed the other. "Start right in, Sam Randall, or it will get frozen -up again." - -"It's not going to be an easy job," said Bob. "We'll all take turns." - -"And we don't want the huts to get bowled over by the first puff of -wind," added Tommy Clifton. - -"That's so, little one," said John Hackett, patronizingly; "I'll bet we -strike some of the worst gales that were ever heard of. It's getting -pretty brisk now, and we may be out in it until about three o'clock -to-morrow morning. Give me a spade, and I'll show you something fast in -the way of digging." - -Hackett found that he was going to have a hard task to live up to his -boast, but he stuck bravely at it, assisted by Bob Somers and Sam -Randall. - -"What comes next, Bob?" asked Tommy Clifton. - -"I'll show you. First, I want four stout poles for the corners." - -Bob Somers selected the heaviest maples, which had been cut to a -suitable length. They were solid and heavy, and required the combined -strength of several boys to lift into place. - -"Ram them down as hard as possible," said Bob. "Then fill up the hole -and bank them all around. Wet the earth as you pack it in. When it -gets hard, it ought to hold like a vise." - -"Well, it's going to hold that one, I can tell you," declared Sam -Randall, as they lifted the first pole, and brought it down with a bang. - -Hackett began to throw in the earth. "But it's fierce work, though," he -grumbled; "and a lot more to do." - -Bob laughed. "Stick it out, Hacky," he said; "you'll forget all about -the backache by this time next week." - -"It would be better to leave the other hut until to-morrow," suggested -Nat. "We can all crowd into one--it's only for a night, you know." - -"I guess that's the best plan." - -"Won't it be awful cold in there, Bob?" asked Tom Clifton. - -"Not when it's banked up with snow. The hardest part of the work is yet -to come." - -"You mean putting on the fir brush," spoke up Tom Clifton. "Oh, that's -easy enough." - -"Time to talk about that when the framework is up," said John Hackett, -with a laugh. "Don't make a mistake and put the brush on first." - -When the four posts had been planted, the rear ones being higher, so -as to give the roof a slope, others were placed across the tops and -securely fastened. This was done by means of nails and ropes. - -"So much for that," said Bob, in a tone of satisfaction. "Now, a lot -of poles must be placed about a foot apart all around the sides and on -the roof. Pitch in, fellows--stick 'em up, and be sure to leave space -enough for a door." - -When the framework was completed, Bob and his assistants surveyed their -handiwork with pride. - -"Fir brush lies pretty flat," said Bob, at length. "Begin at the -bottom, boys, and weave it between the poles. Then push it down as -tight as possible." - -"Correct," said Hackett. "Go up front." - -The boys worked rapidly, packing the brush so closely that not a -crevice was visible. It required patience, but the knowledge that -it would be their only shelter for the night spurred them on. When -the four walls were completed, they presented quite a substantial -appearance. - -"Looks great," commented Bob. "We'll have a fine camp. Better get some -more brush; it takes a lot of it." - -Dick Travers and Tom Clifton volunteered for the task, and work was -resumed. Sam Randall and Hackett began to brace the sides with stout -poles, and when this was done, they proceeded to bank the snow all -around, beating it down with the backs of their shovels until it formed -a compact mass. - -Bob Somers and Nat, who insisted on helping, got on the roof, while -Dave Brandon kept them well supplied with fir brush. The two worked -with great care, beginning at the front, and being sure that each lot -they put on overlapped that which was underneath. - -"It will be a good, tight roof, Nat," remarked Bob, with satisfaction. - -"And the snow around the sides ought to make it warm as toast." - -"Rather have this than a ready made cabin any day--or night, either," -grinned Nat. "There, Somers--when we make the roof a bit snug where it -joins the wall, our work is done." - -"And a good job, too," commented Dave Brandon from below. - -All now began to assist in piling up the snow, notwithstanding the -gathering gloom. But the twilight, ere long, had almost given way to -darkness. The opposite shore of the lake was lost to view, while toward -the west a sombre hillside rose against a greenish gray sky. - -"Too dark to see," sang out Dick Travers, finally. - -"We'll have supper, and put on a few finishing touches by firelight," -said Bob. - -"That's where you're right--no more work for me, until I get something -to eat," added Dave. "It's another 'undeniable fact.'" - -Fuel was heaped upon the fire, and cooking begun. Higher and higher -rose the flames, lighting up in a fantastic fashion the group of boys, -the snowy landscape and queer-looking hut in the foreground. Shadows -danced and chased each other over the ground, light gleamed for an -instant on distant objects, then vanished to sparkle again elsewhere. - -Refreshed by supper, the boys piled several logs on the fire and -resumed work, adding whatever they thought necessary to make their -dwelling secure and tight. The door was closed by strips of heavy -canvas. - -"This is a neat job, Hacky," said Nat. "Don't know just what kind of -architecture you'd call it--never saw anything quite so queer-looking -in my life--but I'll bet it is going to be comfortable, and that's all -we want." - -It was not until after nine o'clock that the weary workers ceased their -labors. But, despite aching arms and tired backs, each regarded the -odd-shaped structure with much satisfaction. - -"It would take one of Silas Riggs' blizzards to blow it over," remarked -Sam Randall. - -"And two of them to wake me up, to-night," yawned Dave. - -"Let's throw a bit of brush inside, spread out blankets and turn in," -said John Hackett. - -"Tired out, Hacky?" laughed Nat. - -"Of course not--nowhere near it. I'll bet I could give any fellow -in the crowd fifty feet start and beat him across the lake," and -Hackett's eyes sparkled with indignation at the thought of his -endurance having been questioned. - -The boys hung a lantern from the ceiling, and as the light revealed the -cozy interior, broke into a hearty cheer. - -"Not many could beat this job," declared Bob Somers; "eh, Chubby?" - -"Say--but I am tired," was Dave's response. "Good thing we have -sleeping-bags and plenty of blankets. Going to be a tight squeeze, -though," he added. - -"You take one-half of the hut, and the rest of us the other," said Bob, -humorously. "Here's my place, right where I'm standing." - -Rubber blankets were spread over the fragrant fir brush, the -sleeping-bags were put on those, and one by one, the boys lay down. -Soon there was silence, save for the fire, the glowing embers of which -occasionally cracked with a sharp report. - -But it was not for long. Bob sat up. - -"Wow--say, fellows, I'm nearly frozen. Got a trunk load of blankets on, -too." - -"And I can't sleep for the cold, either," groaned Dave. - -"It feels like the arctic regions," said Tom Clifton, in muffled tones. -"My feet are like lumps of ice." - -"And I'm nearly frozen," growled Hackett. "How about you, Nat?" - -"Feel like a snow man--and that's no joke." - -"Perhaps we'll get warm in a few minutes. Let's try it again," put in -Sam. - -The boys lay very still, and silence again reigned. - -"Fellows, it's no use." Dave leaned on his elbow. "I--I can't sleep." -His teeth were chattering. - -"Nor I." - -"What are we going to do? We haven't any more blankets." - -"Yes--what are we going to do?" - -Little Tom Clifton's voice was so despairing that the other boys broke -into a hearty laugh. - -"I think I know what's the matter," said Bob, suddenly. "We're a lot of -dunces." - -"Why--how?" - -"The cold strikes up from the ground. No matter how much stuff we pile -on top of us, we couldn't get warm. The brush beds ought to be about -three times as thick." - -"I believe you are right. I do hate to think of getting -up--still--guess there's no help for it," and Dave, with many groans -and sighs, eased himself to his feet, the others following. - -The air outside was sharp and piercing, the stars shone with great -brilliancy, and the landscape wore a dreary, desolate appearance. - -With chattering teeth, the boys approached the big pile of fir brush -which had been left over, and began to gather it up. Trip after trip -they made, working swiftly, and occasionally stopping to swing their -arms. - -"That ought to do," said Bob, when the floor had been covered to a -depth of a foot and a half. - -"It will have to do." - -"Will I ever be warm again?" sighed Tom Clifton. - -They resumed their places, and again there was silence. - -This time, their repose was not broken until the cheerful rays of the -morning sun flooded the landscape. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - THE FIRST HUNT - - -"Hi--hi--hey! It's half-past nine; wake up! Hi--hi!" - -Bob Somers uttered these words in a manner which made his companions -hastily sit up. - -"What's the use of making such an awful racket, Bob? I feel uncommonly -sleepy," and the stout boy immediately sank back and closed his eyes. - -Little Tom Clifton, however, hastily jumped to his feet. - -"Had a dandy night, after all," he said, cheerfully. "Whew, but it's -cold," he added, drawing back the canvas flap and peering out. "Those -chaps are still asleep." - -"Let's stir around and get the fire going, anyway," said Bob. "I'm more -than ready for breakfast." - -The fire-wood was almost expended, so the two boys got vigorously to -work. The sound of their hatchets soon aroused the other occupants of -the hut, who had gone to sleep again. - -"Hello," said Nat. "I thought it was still last night." - -"You mean to-morrow morning," put in Hackett. "My eye, it's nearly ten -o'clock. Make that fire howl--will you, Somers? I hate to think of -getting up." - -"So do I," grinned Nat. - -"You fellows talk so much I can't sleep," grumbled Dave. - -"It's ten o'clock! Did you catch that?--t-e-n o'clock!" - -"Wouldn't care if it was twelve," and Dave snuggled under the covers -again. - -In a short time, all but the stout boy had gathered around the fire, -and it was not until another half hour had passed that he appeared, -blinking and yawning. - -"Thought you fellows might eat all the breakfast," he said. - -"I'm sorry we didn't--so as to teach you a lesson," returned Bob. - -When the meal was over, all hands set to work on the second hut, and -when lunch time arrived, it was well under way. - -In the early afternoon, Bob Somers, accompanied by Sam and Dick, set -off. They ascended the hill, which was thickly wooded, making their way -around the underbrush and huge snow-drifts. - -At the top, they paused to look around. A succession of rolling hills -stretched off to the limits of view. In the grip of the snow king, the -country looked barren and wild. Here and there a tree higher than its -neighbors outlined its black, gaunt limbs against the sky. - -"Looks kind of desolate, eh?" remarked Bob, as they began descending a -gentle incline. - -"Don't make much noise, fellows," he cautioned, "or we'll scare the -rabbits away." - -"We ought to strike bigger game than that," said Sam; "and there's a -hawk on the hunt for something, too." - -He waved his hand toward a bird soaring far above. - -Soon the base of the hill was reached, and they kept on through a -thickly timbered valley. - -"Rabbit tracks everywhere, yet we haven't had a glimpse of one," said -Bob. - -"It only needs a little patience. A good hunter always has that." - -"Hello, there goes a rabbit!" sang out Dick, suddenly. - -From behind a mass of bushes the animal leaped, then over a fallen tree -to an open stretch, across which it dashed. - -Dick quickly raised his gun. A sharp report rang out, and the rabbit -fell in its tracks. - -"Hurrah!" shouted Dick. "Not bad for the first crack." - -Bang--bang! - -Bob Somers and Sam Randall had fired almost simultaneously. - -Another long-eared bunny fell a victim to their aim, while a third -dashed off and disappeared in the bushes. - -"And whopping big fellows, too," said Dick, enthusiastically, as he -picked one up and held it aloft. "'Hatchet' brags so much about his -shooting. He'll find that he isn't the only one." - -A quarter of an hour more found the boys again ascending. Here and -there, the ground was strewn with boulders of enormous size. Above -them the rugged line of the hill was silhouetted against the clear blue -sky. - -As they toiled slowly up, a most unexpected and astonishing sight -suddenly met the boys' gaze. It set their nerves tingling with -excitement. - -Not a hundred feet distant, at the top of the hill, there appeared a -magnificent buck. For an instant, his dark, graceful form and spreading -antlers were clearly defined. His head swung quickly around, then he -wheeled about, and vanished on the other side before the surprised -hunters could make a move. - -"Did you ever see such a beauty?" exclaimed Dick, in great excitement. - -"Let's make a sprint for it." - -"If we could only get a shot at him," said Sam, longingly. - -In headlong pursuit, at a speed which would have seemed impossible a -few moments before, they dashed up the slope. Strategy, for the moment, -was forgotten. - -Breathing hard, the boys reached the place where the buck had been. - -"Look at his tracks, fellows!" cried Bob. "He went off right toward -those woods." - -"We may get a shot at him yet." - -"Don't believe there's any chance of it." - -"Come on, anyway!" exclaimed Sam Randall. - -The boys had no difficulty in following the tracks, but the sad -realization that their efforts would lead to nothing soon forced itself -upon them. - -"I can't keep up this gait," gasped Sam, his tones evincing the -greatest disappointment. - -"Neither can I," said Bob. - -"It's a little worse than missing a train," added Dick, dolefully. - -"I should say so. Shall we keep up the chase?" - -"If he has taken to the open, we might get a sight of him," replied -Bob; "that is in the distance." - -So the boys pushed on, the trail leading in and out among the trees. -The woods grew more dense, and as there were no signs of its coming to -an end, a halt was soon made. - -"Have to leave it for another time, fellows," said Bob. "Wait until we -get to hunting in earnest." - -"A good rabbit stew just now would be better than a wild buck chase," -grinned Sam, who had recovered from his disappointment. "Let's hurry -back and start some cooking." - -They had wandered further from camp than any had imagined, and all -three were thoroughly tired and cold when the gray expanse of lake -appeared in view. It was reached at a point much above their camping -ground, and a long, weary walk ensued. The wind, too, had sprung up and -blew in their faces with unpleasant force. - -At length the boys rounded a hill and came in view of the camp. - -"Hello!" said Bob. "It's deserted--fellows must be off on a hunt." - -"Guess they're not very far away," put in Sam, as he slung his game-bag -down in front of the hut. - -"Say--somebody has been amusing himself," remarked Sam Randall, rather -abruptly, pointing toward the base of the hill. - -On the perfectly smooth blanket of snow, the boys saw a number of -markings of such odd forms as to suggest Egyptian hieroglyphics. - -"Perhaps Nat made them," observed Bob, breaking into a laugh. - -The group walked toward the queer characters. - -"Whoever did these must have puzzled his head trying to think up funny -shapes," put in Sam, with a grin. "We'll find out who's responsible -when the fellows get back." - -The Ramblers had supper under way, when voices and the sound of feet -crunching over the snow announced the return of the others. - -"Any luck?" queried Bob. "We got a couple of rabbits." - -"And I dropped a partridge," said Hackett, proudly exhibiting the bird. -"A mighty hard shot it was, too." - -"What did you get, Chubby?" - -"Cold hands, cold feet, and an awful appetite." - -"Hello, who's been scratching up the snow?" exclaimed Nat. "Did you do -that, Somers?" - -"No! We thought it was your work, Nat." - -Nat grinned. "Don't try to tell me anything like that," he said. "They -weren't there when we left camp." - -"That's a sure thing," broke in Tom Clifton, earnestly. - -"Honest, Bob--none of us were near that snow." - -"Well, we didn't do it either;" and Bob spoke in such a tone as to -leave no doubt of his sincerity. - -"Who did it, then?" - -There was an interval of silence, which John Hackett broke by -remarking, "Those people across the lake may have come over and finding -no one here thought they would amuse themselves a bit." - -This seemed a perfectly reasonable solution of the matter, so the boys -dismissed it from further consideration. - -Twilight came, then night enveloped the scene. A moderate breeze fanned -the fire, until huge, leaping tongues of flame sent out a glow of heat. - -But even under these conditions it was not easy to keep warm. The -boys stood with their backs to the fire, then faced it, then turned -sideways, but always with that uncomfortable feeling of being roasted -on one side, and, oh, so cold on the other. - -"Never thought I had a chance to get that bird," Hackett was saying. -"It was making a bee-line for the woods--you know how fast they -fly--well, I just raised my gun, and--" - -He was interrupted in a most startling fashion. - -A snowball--nothing more or less than a nice, round snowball--made in -the most approved schoolboy fashion, suddenly flew from out of the -darkness and fell in their midst. It struck the ground and broke into a -dozen fragments. - -Then came another--and another. The coffee-pot, struck squarely in the -centre, toppled over into the fire and poured forth its lamentations in -a great cloud of hissing steam, while the boys looked at each other in -the greatest wonder. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - THE GUARDIANS - - -"Why, what, which--" cried Hackett, looking wildly in the direction -from which the missiles came. "Must be those fellows again." - -"We'll show them they can't frighten us!" burst out Bob. - -Just as he spoke, a ball of the feathery particles sizzled through the -air, struck him forcibly on the shoulder, and splattered in his face. - -"Just a bit of a lark, I guess!" cried Bob, "but it shouldn't be so -one-sided. Come on, fellows!" - -With one accord, they dashed through the snow, which, though the night -was dark, could be plainly seen. In a moment, they reached the base of -the hill, and rounded the other side. - -Nothing there--but a wild expanse of nature, melting into gloom, gaunt -trees and underbrush--nothing but night and an icy wind sighing -through the tree-tops and making the bushes shiver and rattle. - -"My eye! This is funny," cried Hackett, scratching his head. - -"Christopher! It's the strangest yet," panted Nat. "Where did he get -to--or where did they get to?" - -"That's what we would like to know," said little Tom Clifton. - -"An axiom," observed Dave, "is a self-evident fact." - -"Did an axiom make the snowballs, fire 'em over, and plunk Somers in -the face?" grinned Hackett. - -"No, but somebody did, which is the axiom I mean." - -"Hi--hi!" yelled Hackett. "Come out and show yourself--come up and -toast yourself. You must be nearly frozen out there!" - -Nothing but silence followed the echo of Hackett's voice. - -"This certainly is funny," said Bob. - -"That's what we all said before, my boy," observed Dick. "It must be -those campers on the other side, as Hackett says." - -"Well, they have cleared out, and we might as well get back to the -fire," said Nat. - -"Must be a lot of jokers around these parts," ventured Tom Clifton. - -"Now they have had their fun, why don't they come out, and show -themselves?" added Sam Randall. - -There was no answer to this--and for obvious reasons. - -So they tramped toward the fire, which flashed between the trees like -a beacon, discussing the singular affair, with the rather unpleasant -feeling that any minute a snowball might land upon the back of -somebody's neck. - -Logs were piled on the blaze, and the unfortunate coffee-pot refilled. - -Very wisely, after some discussion, the boys decided to let time solve -the mystery, so they told stories and kept on trying to warm the side -which was always cold. - -Occasionally from the woods came the hoot of an owl, or over the lake -the weird cry of a loon. - -Hackett was kindly allowed to finish the story of his prowess, after -which, whether the result of his tale or not, there was an amazing -amount of yawning and stretching. - -"Oh, ho, even if it is only half-past eight, I'm going to turn in," -announced Dave. "Good-night, fellows." - -"Think I will, too," declared Sam. - -"We can get up early and put in a good day to-morrow," added Nat. - -"And get a shot at something worth while," commented Hackett. "Just let -some of you fellows feel what buck fever is like." - -"What is it like, 'Hatchet'?" asked Tom. - -"Who said I ever had it? I'll take my chances with the next one--and -don't you forget it." - -"Did you ever see a deer outside of a wire fence?" - -"My eye! But you do ask a lot of silly questions. Just let me draw a -bead on one, eh, Nat?" - -"That's right, Hacky," grinned Nat, as he started for the hut. - -It did not take the rest of the fellows long to follow his example. -Within a few minutes, the fire was deserted, and each had retired to -his bed of fir brush. - -It seemed to little Tom Clifton that he had been asleep but an instant, -when he was awakened by the sound of voices and the tread of feet. The -boy felt a strange sort of thrill run through him. With beating heart, -he listened intently. - -"Maybe somebody is going to play another joke on us," he thought. Then -another idea suggested itself, which gave him an unpleasant start. -"Perhaps the newcomers had a more serious object in view." - -But while he was speculating on the possibilities, a sound close to the -hut made him sit upright. An animal was plainly sniffing around. - -The next instant, Tom was terrified to see the canvas flap pushed back, -and a huge head thrust inside. To his excited imagination, it looked -more like a bear than anything else, and, with a startled cry, he threw -off the blankets and rose tremblingly to his feet. - -Bob and Dave Brandon started up just as a deep bay from the huge animal -seemed to make the very interior shake. - -"Great Cæsar!" - -"By Jingo, what's this?" - -The two boys were on their feet in an instant, while the animal, with -another tremendous bay, hastily withdrew its head. - -"It's only a dog!" cried Bob, beginning to laugh. - -Before the camp-fire, which, piled high with fuel, was springing into -life again, stood two dark figures, who viewed with unconcern the -precipitous exit of seven boys from two huts. - -The big animal had rushed to one side, where its eyes shone like two -orbs of green light from the darkness. - -"Hello!" exclaimed one of the strangers. - -[Illustration: "HELLO!" EXCLAIMED ONE OF THE STRANGERS] - -"Hello!" cried Bob. - -There was a hearty, boyish ring about the voice of the newcomer that -dispelled all fears from Tom Clifton's mind. - -The fire blazed up, revealing plainly the faces and figures of the -visitors. The one who had spoken was a bit taller than his companion, -with wide, strong shoulders, brown, curly hair, a pleasant face and -very red complexion. The other was short and stocky, with a mouth that -approached astonishingly close to his ears, a decidedly stubby nose, -and cheeks big and round. - -It was an odd face--an amazingly impudent face, that surveyed the boys -with a comical grin, and one that seemed to invite antagonism. His -voice, too, which the boys presently heard, was loud and boisterous. - -"Why, these must be the lads your dad told us about, Tim," he exclaimed. - -Hackett's face darkened. - -"Look here!" he exclaimed, abruptly, "didn't you chaps fire a lot of -snowballs at us a while ago?" - -"Fire a lot of snowballs at you?" repeated the newcomers, looking from -one to the other in apparent surprise. "What do you mean?" - -"Just what I said." - -"No! Of course not--just got here," spoke up the taller boy, -unceremoniously piling wood on the blaze. "Hi--get away, Bowser--lie -down." Then he added, "My name's Sladder--Tim Sladder, and this is my -friend, Billy Musgrove." - -"Sladder--Sladder," repeated Hackett. "Sounds kind of familiar. Ah, -yes, I remember. Why--say--you must be the son of Hiram Sladder, of the -Roadside House." - -"You've guessed it," grinned Billy Musgrove. - -"Well, how on earth, or how on snow, did you manage to find us?" asked -Nat Wingate, with interest. - -Musgrove laughed. It was a particularly loud and irritating laugh. He -threw back his head and laughed again, although none of the boys could -quite understand what there was to excite his merriment. - -"It was this way," he began. - -"Hold on, Billy; I'll tell it," broke in Tim Sladder. "Get out, Bowser. -You see, pop told me all about your coming to the hotel, an' he says--" - -Another laugh came from Billy Musgrove. - -"An' he says, 'I told 'em whereabouts to go--Lake Wolverine. But them -fellers, says I, ain't no hunters. If they don't get chewed up by -wolves or wildcats, or get froze, or lost in the woods, or if something -don't happen to 'em, I miss my guess, an'--'" - -"I call that pretty cool," interrupted Hackett, in fierce tones. - -Tim Sladder went on, "You must be the long-legged feller pop spoke -about. He--" - -"Is it cold up there?" blurted out Musgrove, with another laugh. - -"See here--" began Hackett, angrily. - -"Now, Billy Musgrove an' me's been a-wantin' to take a trip for a long -time," resumed Tim Sladder, "so I says to mom, 'Why can't we go out -huntin' an' trappin', an' sort of keep an eye on 'em?' an' she says, -'Just the thing an'--'" - -"My eye!" put in Hackett, angrily, "I like that--I do, indeed. What do -you think we are, anyway--a lot of two-year-olds?" - -Musgrove laughed, while Tim Sladder surveyed the speaker for some -moments in mild astonishment. - -"I'm only tellin' you how we happened to come along," he continued. -"Billy Musgrove an' me's got a bully camp up the lake a bit. We seen -the light of your fire--get away, Bowser--an' didn't know but what it -might be you fellows. So we walked over." - -"And you've got the job of looking out for us, eh, Tim?" laughed Nat. -"And that big four-legged brute is going to help?" - -"Bowser's a corking good dog--he is." - -The owner patted the head of the great hound. "Mild, when he knows -you--have to be a little careful, at first. Lie down, Bowser. Say, are -you coming over to see our camp to-morrow?" - -"If you do," chimed in Musgrove, "we'll show you some real sport." - -"What kind?" asked Hackett, with a show of interest. - -"Come over an' see! Say, can you fellers skate?" - -Hackett grinned. - -"If there is anybody around here who can beat me, I'd like to see him." - -Musgrove's loud laugh again rang out. - -"As good at that as bowling over wildcats, eh? Ha, ha! Tim's dad says -as how you could fix 'em. Well--I'll race you. Say, what's your name?" - -The light playing on Musgrove's face displayed a grin of enormous -dimensions. - -The boys tittered, that is, all except the tall youth, who scowled -ominously. He was quite unable to fathom Billy Musgrove's manner, or to -determine whether his dignity was being assailed or not. - -"John Hackett," answered the owner of that name, after a short pause. - -Then the other Kingswood boys introduced themselves. - -"Well, I'm glad we found you," said Tim Sladder, cheerfully. "I told -mom we would. Guess we'll hike back to camp now. Don't forget to look -us up to-morrow--so long, fellows! Come on, Bowser." - -Both shouldered their guns and started off, at intervals Musgrove's -laugh ringing out. - -"Mighty funny fellows, I call 'em," said Nat. "Isn't it odd that we -should meet that great hunter, Tim Sladder? And it's an 'undeniable -fact' that Billy Musgrove is a cool one. Hasn't he the biggest mouth -you ever saw?" - -"He needs to be taken down a peg or two," growled Hackett. "Little, -sawed-off turnip thinks he can skate, eh? I'll show him. The nerve of -the chap--'Say what's your name?' I had a mind to flop him in the snow." - -"Oh, ho!" laughed Dave; "to flop one of our guardians in the snow, -that's too much. I'm going to turn in." - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - A NEW SPORT - - -Next morning a dull, leaden canopy of cloud stretched across the entire -heavens. The leafless branches cracked and snapped in an icy blast that -made the boys shiver and shake until a roaring fire had been kindled. - -Shortly after breakfast they put on their skates and started off. The -crisp whirr of the steel floated off on the breeze, as, with Hackett in -the lead, they glided swiftly over the ice. - -"Smoke coming from the cabin over the way, fellows," cried Bob. - -"Those jokers must be home, then," remarked Nat. "When we come back, -let's drop over and ask 'em about those snowballs--just for fun." - -"Sure we will," agreed Hackett; "and about those marks on the snow, -too." - -In order to escape the icy blasts out in the middle of the lake the -boys followed the numerous bays and indentations along the shore. In -a few minutes they rounded a point and came in sight of a camp. It was -built against the base of a steep hill which was practically bare of -trees. - -Before a great fire Tim Sladder, Billy Musgrove and Bowser were -sitting, the two former with their faces turned toward the lake. - -"Hi, hi!" yelled Billy Musgrove, wildly waving his arms. - -The skaters swung in to the shore, and walked over the crust of snow to -the fire. - -"Glad to see you," greeted Tim Sladder, heartily. "Lie down, Bowser! -He's all right, fellers, don't be afraid. Have to be a little careful -with him at first, that's all. What do you think of our camp--slick, -eh?" - -"Bully!" responded Sam Randall. His eyes had taken in a hut of -substantial dimensions, built on the same principle as their own. - -All crowded around the cheerful fire, Tom Clifton keeping on the -opposite side from the redoubtable Bowser. - -But the big dog seemed to be in a very friendly humor. He ambled lazily -from one to the other, looking up into their faces with a peculiarly -mild and benign expression. - -"Say, Tackett," observed Billy Musgrove, with his ever-present grin, -"I--" - -"My name is Hackett--John Hackett." - -"Oh, it's all the same. Didn't you say that you wanted to see some -sport, eh? Well, me and Tim can show you some." - -"That's what we want to see." - -Musgrove laughed. He pointed to the steep hill back of the hut, then at -several strips of wood lying close to the fire. They were about seven -feet in length, four inches wide and at one end curved up to a sharp -point. In the centre of each was a loop. - -"Do you know what them things is, Wackett?" he asked. - -"They are called skees, I think," answered Hackett, stiffly. - -"That's right," said Musgrove, with a gratified look. "My uncle's a -Swede," he went on, "an' over in his country them things is used a lot. -Talk about scooting--just watch Tim an' me." - -"Going to coast down that hill on those things?" inquired Tom Clifton, -in surprise. "It's risky! You might break your neck." - -Musgrove's only answer was a loud laugh. He picked up his pair of -skees, Tim Sladder following suit. - -"Stay here, Bowser!" commanded the latter, shaking his finger in the -big dog's face. "Lie down!" - -"Don't need to budge from the fire, Wackett," remarked Musgrove. "You -can see the whole shooting match from here. Come on, Tim. Is that -skating going to be done this morning, Wackett?" - -"Whenever you like, Billy Mushroom," returned Hackett, with a steely -glare in his eye. - -The two boys began slowly climbing up the hill. It was admirably suited -to their purpose, being steep and covered with a smooth coating of snow -and ice. At the base, it rounded gently upward to a hillock, while the -level stretch before it was only here and there covered with underbrush. - -"I've often read about that sport," commented Dave Brandon. "Over in -Sweden, they take some daring jumps with those things." - -"You wouldn't catch me trying it," put in Tom Clifton, nervously. - -Hackett sniffed. "It's easy," he asserted. "Must be, if a fellow with a -face like Musgrove's can do it. What's the matter with that brute?" - -Bowser, who had been intently gazing after his master's form, uttered a -series of dismal cries, rising in a sort of crescendo, until the last -note was of such a mournful and peculiar loudness that Tom Clifton was -positively alarmed. - -"Maybe he's going mad," he suggested, brilliantly, edging away. - -Dave Brandon laughed. "Tim Sladder has been trying to fool us," he -declared. "The dog's as tame as a kitten, and, besides, is nearly as -old as the hills--here, you Bowser--come here!" - -The big animal obeyed. He fell at the feet of the stout boy and looked -plaintively at him. Dave seized his jaws, and opened them wide; not a -tooth was visible. - -"What did I tell you?" he laughed. - -"That settles it, to my mind," said Hackett. "I'll bet those chaps are -the ones who threw the snowballs." - -"Hi, hi!" yelled Musgrove, from the top of the hill. "Hi, hi! Here I -go!" - -The boys saw that he had fastened a skee to each foot, and, with a long -balance pole in his hand, stood ready to make the descent. - -For a moment, he almost disappeared over the crest of the hill. Then -the boys saw him moving forward, and the next instant, with arms -outstretched, he shot down over the icy surface of the declivity at -terrific speed. - -"My eye!" cried Hackett. - -"Christopher!" chimed in Nat, while various exclamations came from the -others. - -Musgrove seemed to fairly fly, gathering speed as he passed down the -long slope. Breathlessly, the boys watched him skimming nearer and -nearer. Like a flash, he mounted the small hillock at the base of the -hill--the onlookers saw him shoot off in the air for a distance of -fully fifteen feet, then strike the level stretch and skim over its -surface at lightning speed. - -"Here I come!" yelled Tim Sladder. "Whoop--look out!" - -With the swiftness of flight, he flashed down the hill, struck the -mound, and went speeding after his companion. - -"My eye! That's what I call sport!" exclaimed John Hackett, -enthusiastically. "I'd like to take a fling at that myself." - -"Better not, 'Hatchet.' Maybe it isn't as easy as it looks," spoke up -Dick. - -"Wouldn't catch me doing it," added Tom Clifton. - -"Why not try it on a hill that isn't so steep?" asked Bob Somers. - -John Hackett glanced from one to the other with a look of supreme scorn. - -"Listen to 'em talking like a lot of scared cats," he sniffed. "Where's -your sand, Somers? Do you suppose I'd let little 'Mushroom' think he -has me bluffed? Well, I guess not!" - -Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove, with flushed faces and sparkling eyes, -now approached. - -"Hey, what do you fellers think of that?" demanded the latter. "Ain't -it bully sport, eh?" - -A chorus of enthusiastic responses showed the boys from Stony Creek -what their visitors thought of skeeing. - -"Say, 'Mushroom,' just lend me those skees, will you?" asked Hackett, -eagerly. - -"What?"--Billy Musgrove's pudgy face began to expand into a broader -smile--"what?" he repeated. Then he drew back his head, and laughed -heartily in his own peculiar fashion. - -"Well," snapped the thin boy, "what is there so funny about it?" - -"Why--say--if you lose your balance, Sackett, you'll find out--eh, Tim?" - -"It's kinder risky fer a feller what ain't never tried it," admitted -Sladder. - -"It's easy enough," insisted Hackett, half angrily, the opposition -having aroused all his combative spirit. "Anybody can do it. Slip off -those boards, 'Mushroom,' and hand 'em over." - -"Huh!" exclaimed Musgrove. "If you take a header, don't blame me. -'Tain't nothing, eh?" and with a much injured expression, he passed -over the skees. - -"Ha, ha!" laughed Hackett. "After I start the ball rolling, the rest of -you fellows will want to take a crack at it, too. Just watch me slide. -Your turn next, Tommy Clifton." - -And with these words, the tall youth started confidently up the hill. - -"He's a sassy feller, but he's game, all right," grunted Musgrove, -admiringly. - -With a wild yell that would have done credit to an Indian, Hackett -called attention to the fact that he was ready to make the descent. - -"Hacky's all right!" laughed Nat. "Here he comes!" - -With the speed of the wind, slim John Hackett came skimming down the -incline. Half bent over, and balancing himself with the pole, he -approached the hillock. - -Eagerly the boys watched him. - -"Going like an express train!" said Tom Clifton, breathlessly. "Ah--" - -A half suppressed cheer came from the boys. Hackett rose from the -hillock, and shot forward. It was a tremendous dash through space and -the group almost held their breath. - -Then a cry of dismay was heard. - -Hackett, as he alighted on the level stretch, lost his balance, his -feet flew from under him--wildly he swung his arms. - -A cry of alarm, swelling into a confused medley of sound, came from the -watchers. They saw Hackett lurch on his side, and, lying prostrate, go -spinning along on the ice and snow. - - - - - CHAPTER X - - A SKATING MATCH - - -"I'm afraid he's badly hurt," wailed Tom Clifton, in the greatest -alarm. "I told him not to do it." - -"Come on, fellows!" cried Bob Somers, and with the others close at his -heels, he dashed forward. - -Hackett lay motionless on the snow. - -It was with the greatest misgivings that the boys rushed up to him. - -"Hacky, I say, Hacky--are you hurt?" panted Nat, anxiously. - -Hackett raised himself on his elbow and looked around with a bewildered -stare. - -"Are you hurt, Hacky?" repeated Nat, as all surrounded the prostrate -boy. - -"Hurt!" echoed Hackett, with a glare in his eye. "Of course I'm hurt. -Do you suppose I could scoop up about eighty-five feet of snow with my -back and not get bumped to pieces? And something gave me a fearful -clip on the back of the head, too. I tell you, I saw a lot of stars!" - -"But you're not hurt much?" cried Bob Somers, with a feeling of great -relief. - -"How do you know I ain't hurt much, Somers?" snapped Hackett. "You -can't feel the pain in my back, can you?--or the slam I got on the -neck?--or the bump over my left ear? My eye! I'd like to meet the man -that invented this game. Take those sticks, 'Mushroom,' and start a -fire with 'em." - -Hackett shook his fist toward the skees, then painfully leaned over and -began to unfasten them. - -"It was a fierce slide you got--that's sure," commented Musgrove, in a -greatly relieved tone. "Your own fault, though, Tackett. I told you--" - -"If it hadn't been that my foot struck a rock, I'd have gone through -all right. Don't stand around looking at me as if I was a prize pig in -a show. Give me your hand, Nat!" - -It soon became apparent that Hackett's temper had sustained the most -serious damage. But this was more easily repaired than broken bones or -strained tendons, and the boys were correspondingly thankful. - -But Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove had a pleasant surprise in store, -which went far toward restoring his temper, and make him forget his -aches and pains. - -Musgrove went to the back of the hut and reappeared with an enormous -wild goose. - -"Got 'im yesterday!" he exclaimed. "Ain't he a whopper?" - -"Where?" asked Hackett, eagerly. "My eye! I want to get a crack at one -myself." - -"You'll have plenty of chances, right along the lake. If you fellers -want to stop, we'll brile it, eh?" - -"You couldn't drive me away, after getting a sight of that," grinned -Nat. "Hurry it up, Billy. I can hardly wait." - -Sladder and Musgrove worked with commendable speed, and within a few -minutes the goose was broiling over the fire. - -It took a long time to cook, but the boys were well repaid for their -wait, especially as roast potatoes were included in the meal. - -"Say, Sladder," remarked Nat Wingate, at length, balancing a tin dipper -of coffee in one hand and a goose leg in the other, "what did you mean -by making us think that your dog is fierce?" - -Sladder grinned. "So you found out?" he said. "Well, Musgrove an' me -thought it was a good joke, 'cause Bowser's the tamest dog I ever saw." - -"And it was you who threw a lot of snowballs at our -camp--honest--wasn't it?" - -"No such thing!" protested Tim Sladder, warmly. "Eh, Billy?" - -"Own up to it now." - -"Certainly we won't! I tell you it wasn't us!" Musgrove managed to say, -between huge mouthfuls. - -"What has that got to do with a skating match?" demanded Hackett. "Eh, -'Mushroom'?" - -"Huh! d'ye mean to say that you feel like skating after sich a tumble -as you had?" demanded Musgrove, in astonishment. - -"A little thing like that doesn't bother me," said Hackett, -reflectively, rubbing his left shoulder. "Who wants to go in the match?" - -"I will," said Bob Somers. - -"Count me in, too," added Dick Travers. - -"And me, too," said Randall. - -"How about you, Chubby?" asked Bob. - -"Count me out of it," replied Dave, promptly. - -"For the championship of Lake Wolverine let it be," grinned John -Hackett. "Where'll we begin?" - -"From here--to the end of the lake, in your direction," answered -Musgrove, promptly. - -"Good! In about an hour we'll start." - -Sitting around the fire was so pleasant that the hour lengthened into -two. - -Finally Hackett jumped to his feet. "My eye!" he exclaimed; "it's -getting late. Come ahead, 'Mushroom'--clap on your skates." - -Billy Musgrove winked. It was an expressive wink, and seemed to be a -fitting counterpart to his expansive grin. - -"All right, Wackett," he said. "I'm ready--for the championship of Lake -Wolverine," and his speech ended with a loud laugh. - -"He won't smile so much after the race," whispered Hackett to Nat -Wingate. "This is where he gets taken down the first peg." - -"You can do it, Hacky, if any one can," returned Nat, in equally -cautious tones. "Make him think he's standing still." - -Bob Somers presently scratched a long line on the ice, and five -contestants eagerly toed the mark. - -"Bully sport--skatin'," grinned Musgrove. - -"Only your legs ain't very long," chuckled Hackett. - -"They don't have to grow none, to beat some fellers." - -"One--two--three!" cried Nat,--"go!" - -Like a flash, the boys were off. - -"Hi, hi, Billy!" yelled Tim Sladder; "go it! hi, hi!" - -"Keep it up, Hacky--you've got 'em left at the post!" shouted Nat. - -Three of the party kept neck and neck--Bob Somers, Hackett and -Musgrove, while Dick Travers and Sam Randall fell to the rear. - -All had expected to see slim John Hackett quickly take the lead, but, -to their surprise, both Somers and Musgrove at once set such a pace -that the tall youth was compelled to exert himself to a far greater -degree than he cared to at that stage of the proceedings. - -From an unexpectedly one-sided affair, the race developed into an -exciting contest. - -The non-contestants trailed along in the rear, at a pretty fast clip. - -"You're winning, hands down, Hacky!" yelled Nat. - -"Keep it up, Bob Somers!" shouted Tom Clifton, excitedly. - -"Hi, hi!" cried Tim Sladder. "Go it, Billy--go it!" - -Musgrove was going it. His short legs moved with wonderful rapidity. -Leaning well forward, he kept up a steady rhythmic movement, -occasionally spurting in a manner which showed that he had himself well -under control. - -Hackett, guarding his strength and wind, saw, first with astonishment, -then dismay, that Billy Musgrove refused to be shaken off. He was, -before very long, breathing hard; his eyes gleamed with determination; -off in the distance he saw the end of the lake rounding in a -semicircle--the goal. - -The moment for the final spurt had arrived; he was ready to bend all -his energies in a last desperate effort to draw away from the grinning -face beside him, when a strange sound reached his ears. - -It was a curious, crackling noise, which increased in intensity. Then -a clear, sharp report like a pistol-shot suddenly reverberated across -the lake. Instantly a dark line flashed over the surface of the ice -directly in the path of the skaters. - -As occasionally happens, the ice had been under a tension, which -finally became so great as to cause it to crack, leaving a bare space -perhaps five or six inches wide. - -The unexpected incident caused the boys to check their momentum, but -there was not sufficient time to stop, and Musgrove's skate, striking -the edge of the crack, almost sent him headlong. It was only by a -powerful effort that he managed to save himself. - -Hackett and Somers, who had jumped the crack safely, turned their heads -to see how Musgrove had fared--then, puffing and blowing, came to a -stop. - -"Fierce luck!" panted Musgrove. "Was just going to spurt, too. I had -your measure, Tackett." - -"Spurt?" sniffed Hackett. "Much good that would have done. You would -have been beaten so badly on the last stretch that--" - -"Huh! I would, hey? You never saw the day when you could beat me, -Crackett!" - -"You'll have to grow about a foot, 'Mud-bank,' before you're in my -class," retorted Hackett, angrily. - -"No use scrapping about it, boys," said Bob Somers. "Plenty of time to -settle the championship of Lake Wolverine." - -"There ain't no one in Stony Creek can beat me," asserted Musgrove, -positively; "ask Tim Sladder." - -"Well, there's one here who can." - -"'Tain't so! An' Scummers was right up with us, too." - -"Oh, ho, fellows," drawled Dave Brandon; "what's the matter with you? -The lake is still here, and to-morrow's coming. You can try it again, -and maybe I'll go in for the championship myself." - -This idea made the expansive grin reappear on Musgrove's face, and, -with a survey of the poet laureate's generous proportions, he broke -into his usual laugh. - -"Let's get over to camp, fellows, and see if any one has been up to -more funny tricks," suggested Tom Clifton. - -"That's the idea," approved Dave. "It's too late, now, to go over and -see those fellows across the lake. Besides, I'm half frozen." - -When the party reached the huts, they found everything as it had been -left. - -"You fellows had better grub with us to-night," said Nat Wingate, -addressing Sladder and Musgrove. "How will that do?" - -"Bully!" replied the two in unison. - -The canopy of cloud still hung over the landscape, and strong gusts of -wind made the biting cold seem all the more intense. - -"Wow! This is the worst yet," growled Dave. "Wouldn't care to have -stayed out on the lake any longer." - -"It will get a great deal wuss than this," put in Tim Sladder, -cheerfully, "but I don't keer as long as there ain't no blizzard." - -"Suppose one will be due pretty soon, eh?" remarked Sam Randall, with -a critical glance at the lowering sky. "Bother the wind! Listen to it -howling among those trees." - -Between dancing, swinging their arms and crowding around the blazing -fire, the boys managed to keep fairly comfortable. - -Twilight began to blot out the distance and, at length, night enveloped -the scene--a sullen, gloomy night--one of the blackest they had ever -seen. The towering flames threw a wider circle of light than usual, and -the near-by trees stood out weirdly against the background. - -"Think I know where there's a b'ar hole," remarked Tim Sladder, in a -casual way, as he began to eat with much eagerness a plate of rabbit -stew. "Me an' Billy seen it yesterday mornin'." - -"My eye! That's what I like to hear," said Hackett, enthusiastically. -"Anybody can crack a six ounce rabbit. I'm for heavy-weight game." - -"And I'm for eating all kinds," put in Dave Brandon, with a laugh. - -"If we don't bring down a deer or two, I'll be disappointed," added Bob. - -"I've bagged 'em," began Billy Musgrove, as he leaned over and helped -himself to another plate of stew, "an' 'tain't so easy as you think, -Plummers. No, sir; I remember once, me an' my dad, an' say--talk about -shootin', there ain't none can beat him--well, we spotted a herd of -deer in the distance, an', as luck would have it, the wind was just -right." - -Musgrove paused, and seeing that his hearers were displaying a proper -amount of interest, was about to continue, when, with startling -abruptness, a series of the most discordant, rasping cries came from -the depths of the woods. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - A NIGHT ALARM - - -"What in the world is that?" cried Tommy Clifton, aghast. - -"Christopher!" exclaimed Nat. "Is it a wildcat?" - -"A wolf, perhaps!" chimed in Sam Randall, excitedly, straining his eyes -to pierce the gloom. - -The boys were thoroughly startled, but in a moment each had seized his -gun, and stood ready for any emergency. - -The cries continued--a steady succession of blood-curdling sounds which -made the group of boys look at each other in wonder and alarm. - -Bowser began to whine, and utter short, doleful barks; then threw -himself on the ground, apparently in great fear. - -"Never heard no four-legged critter make sich sounds as them," said Tim -Sladder, in awed tones. - -"An' it certainly isn't no humans," broke in Musgrove, in a voice that -he vainly tried to control. - -The cries ceased as suddenly as they had begun. - -"My eye! It couldn't have been a wildcat," declared John Hackett. - -"And it certainly wasn't a wolf," cried Bob. - -"Then what was it?" demanded Nat. - -"Never in my born days did I hear anything like it. It was awful!" -gasped Sladder. "Listen! Is there anything skulking 'round over there?" - -With trembling hands, Musgrove lighted a pine-knot, and, advancing -toward the thicket, held it high above his head. The other boys -followed closely. - -A flaring circle of light slowly danced along over the snow. Bright -beams glanced from tree to tree, queer-shaped shadows flitted about, -but the hissing, sputtering flames revealed nothing but gaunt trees and -underbrush. - -"This is the strangest thing yet," declared Bob Somers. - -"What kind of a place have we struck, I wonder?" put in Dick Travers. -"First we are snowballed by somebody who isn't anybody, and now we get -the life scared out of us by an animal that isn't an animal. What do -you think about it, Chubby?" - -Dave considered. "To tell the truth, Dick, I don't know what to think," -he answered, slowly. - -"I don't like this--don't, for a fact," declared Musgrove. "I ain't -afraid of no animals, or humans either. But take my word on it, there's -something funny going on around this place." - -All breathed easier as time went on, and there came no repetition of -the cries. - -The boys had all returned to the camp-fire, but Bob at length -exclaimed, "Who has the sand to go out with me and take another look -around?--H'm," he added, as he glanced in the direction of the lake and -waved his hand toward a starlike point which glimmered faintly in the -distance, "there's a light in the cabin." - -"So there is!" cried Sam, with interest. "But say--come on--let's -scurry around a bit." - -[Illustration: WITH THEIR GUNS TIGHTLY CLASPED THEY STARTED] - -Bob, Hackett and Sam procured lanterns. Then, with their guns tightly -clasped, they started out. Near the lake, the gusts of wind tore -against them with unpleasant violence. Bending over, to escape its full -force, they strained their eyes and ears to catch a glimpse or sound of -the strange visitor, but their efforts were not rewarded. - -"It's back to the fire for me," puffed Sam, at length. "Whew! This cold -is awful." - -"Hey, did you see anything?" asked Musgrove, eagerly, as they emerged -from the darkness. - -"Not a thing, 'Mushroom,'" responded Hackett. - -"Oh, ho!" said Dave, yawning; "then there's no use making our heads -ache about it--I won't, for one." - -When the time came for Sladder and Musgrove to leave, they seemed to be -in anything but a comfortable frame of mind. Many a nervous glance the -two cast toward the outer darkness. But there was no help for it. - -"Take one of our lanterns, Sladder," said Bob Somers. "We will get it -to-morrow." - -"And don't be chewed up by that wandering screecher," called out Nat, -with a grin, as they started off. - -The boys sat around for a short time, then turned in. On soft bough -beds, buried under piles of warm blankets, they were speedily lulled to -sleep by the wind which swept around the huts. - -After breakfast next morning a great supply of fuel was gathered. - -"Hello!" exclaimed Bob. "Here come some fellows across the lake. Three -of 'em," he added. "Bet they are from that cabin." - -"Let 'em come," said Hackett. "Guess we can stand it." - -The skaters were making good speed, and in a short time their forms -grew clear and distinct against the gray background of ice. The boys -saw that they were young men, probably about the age of twenty-one. - -"Aren't they dressed in rough clothes, though?" said Sam. - -"And with beards growing to beat the band," added Hackett. - -"A fierce-looking lot--that's sure," exclaimed Nat. - -Nevertheless, as the three drew up to the camp, our friends saw that -their faces were not unprepossessing. - -"Hello!--Hello!" they exclaimed, almost in one breath, nodding to the -boys in a friendly way. - -"Hello!" responded the young hunters, cheerfully. - -"We are occupying that cabin across the lake," began one of the youths -who appeared to be the elder, "and have several times noticed your -camp-fire. So we thought that being so close together it might be well -to form a society for mutual protection." - -"For mutual protection?" echoed Hackett, in a questioning tone. - -"Exactly!" returned the other, with a smile. "Now, I don't know what -experience in hunting you may have had, but this time of year, wolves -are apt to be on the rampage, and when a howling pack of 'em gets after -you--well, a fellow generally wishes he was somewhere else." - -"Do you think they are likely to come around here?" put in Tom Clifton. - -"They may. Then, in camp life, certain emergencies are liable to arise, -when assistance is needed. But I forgot"--the speaker paused, then -added, with a short laugh--"before I go any further, we had better -introduce ourselves. My name is Charlie Piper." - -"Mine is Rex Heydon," put in one of the others. - -"And mine is Fulmer Robson," added the third. - -The boys, in turn, quickly introduced themselves. - -Presently the speaker continued, "We came out on a hunting trip, and -stumbled across the cabin. Do you intend to stay here long?" - -"Two or three weeks, at least," replied Bob. - -"Good! Well, as I was saying, it might not be a bad plan to arrange a -code of signals." - -"A fine idea," commented Bob Somers. "It might come in very handy, -indeed." - -"We could use smoke signals," went on Piper. "You know how to make -them?" - -"How?" asked little Tom Clifton. - -"A couple of fellows hold a blanket over the fire--then withdraw it -quickly, and repeat. The smoke, of course, rises in detached clouds." - -"Sure--we know all about that," interrupted John Hackett, loftily; "and -firing off guns, too--two shots close together, then a single one." - -"That's it," said Piper. "Of course we may never need anything of the -sort--yet it's well to be prepared." - -"Suppose we come to an understanding about the signals," suggested -Heydon. - -"We shall be glad to," assented Bob. - -"Well, in case you need assistance of any kind, send up three clouds of -smoke, and fire off a gun. You'll find us hiking over here in a hurry." - -"And, of course, if the signal comes from our side, we shall expect you -to cross the lake in jig time," added Fulmer Robson. - -"You can depend upon us," said Bob. - -"Well, that point is settled. This locality seems to be a favorite -place for hunters, and we're glad of it. A couple of young fellows have -a camp near by." - -"Yes--their names are Sladder and Musgrove," explained Bob. - -"H'm, as I said, it's good to have company, providing we don't take -each other for deer or other animals," laughed Piper. "A good, solid -pair of shelters you have there, boys." - -"Oh, this isn't our first camping trip," said Hackett. "We know a thing -or two about it." - -"I see that you do." - -"Say!" remarked Nat Wingate, rather abruptly. "Didn't you fellows play -a little joke on us the other night?" - -"How?" asked Piper, in puzzled tones. - -"Why--fire a lot of snowballs. One of them knocked over the coffee-pot -and another washed Bob Somers' face." - -"Why, no! I assure you we didn't do it," said Rex Heydon, quickly. "No, -sir--it may have been those two boys." - -"Was an animal of some kind prowling around on your side of the lake -last night?" broke in Hackett. "We heard the most awful lot of wild -screeching you can imagine. It scared some of these little chaps pretty -badly." - -"Speak for yourself, 'Hatchet,'" said Tom Clifton, indignantly. - -"Thought I heard wolves in the distance," answered Piper, "but wasn't -sure. Nothing close to camp, though, was there, Robson?" - -"Not a thing," was the answer. - -The visitors stayed for some time, then, after cordially inviting the -boys to come over and see them, shouldered their guns and began the -return trip. - -"Nice fellows," commented Tom Clifton, "and a good idea of theirs about -signals." - -"Everybody seems to think we need help," observed Bob, good-humoredly. -"Between guardians and smoke signals we ought to be all right. Who -wants to go after fish, fellows?" he asked. - -"I do," said Sam Randall. - -Provided with a couple of spears and an axe, besides their guns, the -boys made their way toward the lake, and followed the shore to the -south. At length, reaching a point where a number of scraggly willows -leaned over the frozen surface, Bob stopped. - -It was a dreary, barren spot. A fallen bough of yellow leaves rustled -musically in the wind and the trees sighed and shivered. A few tufts -of forlorn, withered grass still lingered, as a reminder of the season -past. - -"Looks like a good place, Sam," he said. - -"You try here, and I'll go along a bit further," was the answer. - -Bob soon chopped a square hole in the ice, then handed the axe to Sam, -who proceeded on his way. - -With spear poised for action, Bob waited. It was cold work, and he -began to wish that he had gone shooting, instead. Then, quick as a -flash, his spear descended through the hole. - -"Missed!" he muttered, regretfully, drawing it back by means of the -attached rope. - -Some time elapsed before another chance presented itself. When, at -length, a shadowy form flitted by, Bob again took aim, and sent the -spear through the opening. - -"But I got one that time," he thought, pulling in the rope. "Great -luck--a good-sized pickerel!" he exclaimed, as the prize came in view. -"A few more like this will do." - -He detached the fish, laid it to one side and was about to continue his -occupation when a hail came from Sam Randall. - -Turning quickly, he saw the boy wildly gesticulating. - -"Wild geese!" came a faint cry. - -"By George, he's right!" exclaimed Bob, in excitement, "and what's -better, they are coming this way." - -In their peculiar V-shaped formation and flying low, a flock of geese -were speeding in an easterly direction. - -Bob Somers' interest in spearing fish suddenly vanished. Quickly -seizing his gun, he made a dash across the ice, and raised it just as -the leader veered sharply toward the right. Two reports rang out in -quick succession. Each charge found a victim. Two birds came tumbling -down, while the others, with cries of alarm, flew swiftly away and were -out of range of Sam Randall's gun. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Two of 'em--not bad--and big, plump fellows, too." - -"That's great, Bob!" exclaimed Sam, as he came up. "Only wish I'd had a -chance, too; but never mind--better luck next day." - -"Won't 'Hatchet' wish he had been here?" laughed Bob, as he slung the -geese over his shoulder. "Got any fish, Sam?" - -"No!" - -"Well, I beat you by one." - -"Guess I'll try again." - -"All right, Sam. We'll keep it up for a while." - -The boys then separated. - -After reloading his gun, Bob picked up the spear and resumed his place -by the side of the hole. - -Notwithstanding the comparative shelter of his position, he soon began -to suffer from the intense cold. - -"Hi, hi, hi, Sam!" he yelled. "Do you want to go back?" - -"I'll be right with you," came the reply. - -Sam Randall soon came up, much disgusted at his poor luck. - -"Not a thing the whole morning," he grumbled. "Say, Bob, when are we -going off on that great hunt for deer--to-morrow, eh?" - -"Of course!" - -"Good! And I'll get something, if it's only a squirrel." - -When the boys reached camp, they found all hands, including Sladder and -Musgrove, around the fire. - -"My eye, Somers! That's what I call a good sight!" exclaimed Hackett. -"How did it happen? Did they fly down and say, 'Here I am--bang away,' -or did you go after 'em with a pinch of salt?" - -Bob laughed. "You're not the only crack shot here, 'Hatchet,'" he said. -"What's the matter, Musgrove? You look sleepy." - -"An' who wouldn't be sleepy?" responded Billy, with a terrific yawn. -"Sich a night as me an' Tim put in." - -"What was the matter?" - -"Matter--say--" Musgrove lowered his voice, and his tone became -strained. "Why, we hadn't no more'n turned in, when Bowser began to -act queer--cry an' whine--an' of a sudden he flops down. Skeered?--I -never seen nothing like it--no, sir. Then them there cries started -again--wuss than ever, eh, Tim?" - -At the recollection, Musgrove's ruddy face seemed to turn a shade -paler, while a frightened expression came into his eyes. - -"Wuss than ever? I should say so!" echoed Tim. "I've knocked around in -the woods for a long time, but I never heard nothing like it before." - -"'Tain't natural, I tell you," said Musgrove. "Neither me or Tim slep' -a wink all night." - -"It's some kind of a prowling beast, Musgrove," put in Nat. "If we once -get a crack at him, there won't be much more howling done." - -"That's right, Nat," said John Hackett, "and I only hope we get a -chance to-night." - -After lunch, the boys in several parties started out on a tour of -exploration. - -Bob, Sam Randall and Dick Travers discovered a creek, and in the course -of their wanderings came across the trail of a fox. The boys had -decided to put in the whole of the next day on a trip in quest of big -game. - -"Every time I think of that buck, I want to start right off," declared -Bob Somers. - -"So do I," exclaimed Sam. "If we brought one down, it would cause a -sensation all right." - -Late in the afternoon the camp was reached. - -It was soon discovered that Hackett had again made several remarkable -shots. Three rabbits lay on the snow, while an owl fastened to a stick -stood in front of the hut. - -"There's an ex-screecher that's going to be stuffed," announced -Hackett, proudly. "Banged him just as he was getting to cover. If that -queer animal comes sneaking around again, it'll be another job for a -taxidermist." - -All hands retired early. - -The gray light of morn had just begun to show in the eastern sky when -John Hackett awakened with a dreadful start, and looked wildly around. - -The blood-curdling cries of the mysterious animal were again sounding, -and now apparently close at hand. Hackett felt a cold perspiration -standing out upon his face. For an instant, too terrified to move, -he listened intently, while the harsh, rasping cries poured out in a -steady volume. - -Then the spell was broken. - -"Nat--wake up!" he cried. "Nat!" and leaning over, he vigorously shook -the sleeping boy. - -"Why--what's--the--" gasped Nat. Then his blinking eyes opened wide. -With a startled exclamation, he sat up, and, at the same moment, Sam -Randall and Dick Travers were aroused. - -In confusion and terror, the boys reached for their guns, every instant -expecting to hear the tread of their foe outside. - -"Christopher! It's most on top of us, Hacky," yelled Nat, excitedly. -"Quick!" - -With a hand that trembled in spite of himself, Hackett drew back the -canvas flap. No sooner had he peered through the opening than a wild -cry escaped his lips. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - THE WILDCAT - - -Within a few feet of the hut, motionless upon a fallen tree, stood an -enormous wildcat. Its large yellow eyes were glaring steadily toward -them, and, as if transfixed by sight of the group of pale faces which -suddenly appeared, it made not the slightest move. - -"Look at those blazing eyes!" cried Sam. - -"It's going to spring--watch out, fellows!" shouted Hackett. - -"I knew a wildcat was making those awful cries," chattered Dick. - -Hackett, with a look of determination, raised his gun, Nat following -suit. - -The cries had ceased. As if in sullen defiance, the animal glared -toward the hut. - -"By Jingo, I never saw anything stand so still," exclaimed Sam Randall. - -Hackett's arms trembled in his eagerness and excitement, as he pulled -the trigger. Two deafening reports blended into one. - -Without a cry, the wildcat toppled off the tree trunk, and fell with -a thud in the snow, where it lay motionless and stretched out in a -strangely stiff position. - -With loud shouts of exultation, Hackett and Nat Wingate leaped forward. -Clutching his still smoking gun by the barrel, the former swung it with -telling force on the animal's head. - -"Hurrah, hurrah!" he cried. "I've settled him. Don't be scared, Somers -and the rest--wow--" - -Hackett suddenly paused, the light of excitement faded from his eyes -and he began to stare. A dreadful suspicion that everything wasn't as -it should be had entered his head. - -Nat, too, was staring, and so were all the others. - -The wildcat had a most unusual appearance. Its head was flattened to a -most extraordinary degree by Hackett's blow, and its four legs stuck up -in the air, stiff and straight, like pokers. - -A discovery was made--an amazing discovery--the wildcat was stuffed. -One yellow glass eye had dropped out and lay upon the snow. - -There was a moment of silence. Then Hackett, with an angry exclamation, -delivered an energetic kick, which lifted the stuffed animal in the air -and sent it tumbling to the ground several feet away. As it fell, a -long rent appeared, from which flew an abundant supply of pine-needles. - -A storm of merriment burst forth. The boys danced around, holding their -sides, while Hackett, his color rising, glared from one to the other -with an expression of the greatest disgust. - -"Oh, this is the richest joke I ever heard of," shouted Nat Wingate. -"Hacky settled him with that crack on the head. 'Look out, he's going -to spring.' Oh, those 'blazing eyes.'" Almost convulsed with laughter, -the ex-leader of the Nimrods sent the stuffed specimen once again -flying through the air. - -Then followed a scene suggestive of the football field. Between rushes -could be seen glimpses of a sadly kicked and battered object rising and -falling and hurtling back and forth. - -"Twenty-five doctors wouldn't have done me as much good as this," -declared Nat. "Cheer up, Hacky--you look so sad." - -"Never mind what I look like," returned Hackett, fiercely. "Stop your -giggling, Tommy Clifton. I owe you one, and--" - -"Oh, ho!" exclaimed Dave Brandon. "Such is life in the wilderness. -There's somebody around here with a sense of humor." - -"It would have turned to sadness, if I'd met him," said John Hackett. -"I believe it's those fellows across the lake. Smoke signals--all in my -eye--they just came over to see the lay of the camp." - -"How about Sladder and Musgrove?" asked Dick Travers. - -"They haven't brains enough." - -"And those awful cries?" - -"Well, what do you suppose I know about 'em, Travers?" snapped John -Hackett. "I wouldn't mind if they were to start up right now." - -"Are we going to try and find out where this beast came from?" inquired -Bob. - -Hackett glanced toward the strange-looking wildcat with a savage scowl. - -"Well, I should say so!" he exclaimed. - -"Oh, ho, why not look for tracks, fellows?" proposed Dave Brandon. "The -only thing I'm mad about is getting awakened so early in the morning," -he went on. "Some one is having great fun at our expense, and if we -work quietly there's a chance of finding out who it is." - -"Not much use of looking for tracks," growled Hackett. "The snow's been -trampled too much for that. Wish I'd caught that fellow in the act." - -"This looks like a print made by a snow-shoe!" exclaimed Bob, suddenly. - -"That's just what it is," agreed Dave Brandon, leaning over and -examining an impression which Somers pointed out. - -"And here's another," put in Sam Randall. - -In the course of a quarter of an hour distinct tracks were discovered -leading around the base of the hill. The boys followed these gleefully -for a short distance, then the trail was lost. It was some time, -however, before they became discouraged and abandoned the search. - -"Wish we could find out who has been playing all these tricks," said -Nat, reflectively. - -"We're going to--and that pretty soon." - -"How shall we do it, Hacky?" - -"Leave it to me. Nobody is going to make an easy mark of John Hackett." - -During breakfast, the boys continued to discuss the mysterious affair, -the majority agreeing that Hackett was right. - -"Stuffed wildcats and funny screeches won't prevent me from going on -that hunting trip to-day," declared Bob, "and right after breakfast, -too." - -"When you get back, we may have a little game to show you ourselves," -remarked Hackett, dryly. - -It had been agreed by the boys that it was better to divide into two -parties, as so many tramping together would be apt to scare off game. - -In a short time Bob Somers, Sam Randall and Dick Travers had strapped -on their snow-shoes and were ready. Each was plentifully supplied with -ammunition and had a substantial lunch reposing in the bottom of his -game-bag. - -They followed the course of the creek, discovered the day before. Its -banks were lined with underbrush and overhanging trees, while huge -drifts of snow glistened in the early morning light. Finally the creek -became so winding that it was abandoned, and the boys began to climb -the steep sides of a pine-clad hill. - -"Here's where we begin to blaze a trail," said Bob, as he took a small -hatchet from his belt. - -The top of the ridge was soon reached. Beyond extended a picturesque -valley, on the far side of which rose a steep, rugged hill, partly bare -of timber. The weather still continued threatening. - -"Look there!" cried Dick, abruptly, in his excitement almost shouting -the words. - -The boys quickly turned. A couple of grayish animals had darted from -behind a mass of underbrush. - -"Foxes!" exclaimed Bob, excitedly. - -In an instant, three reports reverberated from the opposite hills. The -foremost fox leaped high in the air and fell motionless in the snow, -while the other, with a flying leap, cleared a bush and disappeared -from view. - -"We got one, anyway!" cried Bob, exultantly. "Make sure he's finished, -fellows," he added, as they ran toward their prize; "a fox can give a -pretty nasty bite." - -"This fellow never will!" exclaimed Dick. "What a beauty--a silver gray -fox, too; that kind is rare." - -"Guess we all shot at the same one," commented Bob. "Like 'Hatchet's' -owl, this fellow ought to be stuffed," he added, meditatively. - -"That's the idea," agreed Dick, enthusiastically. "We'll only need a -couple more to go around." - -"It's pretty heavy. How shall we carry it?" asked Sam. - -"Easy enough. Cut a sapling, tie the fox to it, let one end drag in the -snow and the other rest on your shoulder. Taking turns, it ought not to -be hard work." - -Bob quickly felled a sapling and trimmed off the branches. Then he -tied the fox's legs in pairs, pushed the pole between and fastened the -body with a short piece of rope in such a manner as to prevent it from -slipping down. - -"Capital, Bob!" observed Dick. "But say--suppose we don't get any -others--whose fox is this?" - -"The only fair way is to divide it into thirds," laughed Sam. "I'll -take the head." - -"My scheme is better than that." - -"What is it?" - -"Present the fox to Professor Hopkins. He will be delighted." - -"Oh, that's the idea!" said Dick. "Well, I agree to it. How about you, -Sam?" - -"It's the best way to settle the matter." - -The ground now sloped down to a dark, gloomy ravine, with steep, -slippery sides. - -"A pretty deep gully, eh, fellows?" remarked Bob. - -"How are we going to get across, I wonder?" spoke up Sam. - -"There may be a place a bit further along." - -"Hello, here's just the thing!" exclaimed Dick, a few moments later. "A -piece of luck, I call it." - -He pointed toward a tree straight ahead, which a storm had evidently -sent crashing earthward. It formed a natural bridge across the chasm. - -"Couldn't be better," observed Bob. "We'll get over in a jiffy." - -Dick Travers unstrapped his snow-shoes and tossed them over to the -opposite side. - -"Here goes number one," he said, with a grin. - -Carefully, Dick began making his way across. - -But a few feet separated him from the brink, when an ominous cracking -sound rose sharply on the air. The tree began to sag in an alarming -manner. - -With an exclamation of dismay, Dick let his gun drop, then, as he felt -the support slipping from under him, gave a flying leap. - -As he did so, the trunk, split in twain, crashed to the bottom of the -gully. Dick's startled companions saw him frantically grasp hold of a -low-hanging branch which projected over the brink of the chasm. Bending -beneath his weight, it held him suspended in mid-air. - -"Great Cæsar!" cried Sam. "If that breaks, he'll get an ugly tumble." - -"Hang on tight!" yelled Bob, encouragingly. - -But Dick's strong hands were holding with a firm grasp, and after the -first moment of fear had passed, he glanced at the bottom of the -gully, and, with a long breath, started to swing himself hand over hand -to safety. - -The strain proved to be too much for the elastic branch. It began to -bend, carrying the dangling boy in a graceful curve downward. Presently -it snapped, with a resounding crack, and Dick found himself crashing -through the twigs and branches of the prostrate tree. - -The fall was but short, and being thus broken resulted in no harm. Dick -immediately extricated himself. - -"All right, Dick?" called Bob, anxiously. - -"Sound as a dollar. That tree must have lain there for ages--it's -nothing but punk." - -The bank was too steep to admit of climbing it, so Dick, after a -moment's consideration, picked up his gun and began walking slowly -along the bottom of the gully. - -It was a most unpleasant necessity. Huge snow-drifts barred his way, -and occasionally he floundered along almost waist-deep. However, the -gully soon widened out and its sides became less steep. - -A short distance further found the boys at a place where all were able -to reach the far side of the ravine. They were then obliged to go back -for Dick Travers' snow-shoes. After a brief halt for lunch, the three -young hunters continued their march. - -"Guess we won't get a shot at any deer to-day," remarked Bob. - -"We haven't seen any of those wolves that Piper spoke about either," -said Dick. - -"No--and I'm too hungry to care anything about them now," observed Sam. -"How many miles do you suppose we have come, anyway?" - -"More than I care to think about. We'll have to turn back pretty soon, -or it may mean a nice, cold night out in the woods." - -In a short time they emerged from amidst the timber and stood on the -brink of a steep hill, which rounded somewhat like the sides of a huge -amphitheatre. - -"Hello, here's a lake!" exclaimed Bob, as he saw an expanse of ice far -below. - -"Don't I wish it was Lake Wolverine?" sighed Sam. - -"Perhaps we have made a big circle," said Dick, hopefully. - -"It might be," admitted Bob. "But there are a good many lakes in this -part of the country. Anyway, let's take a look at it." - -They began to descend the slope of the hill, when an object to the left -and some distance off attracted Bob's attention. - -He drew forth his field-glass and took a long look. - -"By jingo, if that doesn't look like a sign-board, I'm mistaken," he -exclaimed. - -"A sign-board out in this wilderness?" said Sam, incredulously. - -"That's what I said, Sam; see for yourself." - -"If it isn't one, it's the nearest thing to it I ever saw," admitted -Sam, after a moment's survey. "It won't take long to find out." - -"As sure as I live, it's a sign," exclaimed Dick, as they approached -the object. - -Upon the top of a stout upright, a crosspiece had been nailed. On the -latter, in rude, black letters, was painted this surprising notice: - - _LAKE WOLVERINE_ - - _Coasting, skating or falling down this hill more than forty miles - an hour prohibited._ - - _Picnic parties must keep off the grass._ - - _No dogs allowed to run at large--wolves take notice._ - -"By all that's wonderful, we're right at our lake," cried Bob, -joyously. "Isn't that great?" - -"Hurrah!" added Sam. "We did circle around, after all." - -"Think of that tramp we're saved," put in Dick, with shining eyes. - -The strange wording of the sign-post was, for a moment, forgotten in -the joy of their discovery. Then Bob began to laugh. - -"This must be jokers' paradise," he exclaimed. "Nice country for a -picnic, eh?" - -"The man who wrote that is certainly a backwoods wit," grinned Sam. -"Say," he continued, abruptly, "I wonder if he's the fellow who has -been playing all those jokes on us." - -The boys skirted along the edge of the hill until a favorable place for -descending was found. Light-hearted at their unexpected good fortune, -rapid progress was made and within a few minutes the lake was reached. - -"We never saw this spot before, fellows," observed Bob, with a glance -around. - -"That's another 'undeniable fact,'" replied Sam, as he started off, -with long, swinging strides. - -In half an hour, the scenery again became familiar, and the sight of -the cabin across the lake cheered them on. - -"Splendid luck, I call it," panted Dick. "Thought we had miles and -miles to go, and here's the camp--just back of that ridge." - -"Hope the fellows have got something started," said Bob. "Hurrah," he -cried, as the point was rounded, "the whole gang seems to be on deck, -and there's a jolly big fire to warm a fellow up." - -"Hello--hello!" hailed the others, when they caught a glimpse of the -returning hunters. - -"Christopher--a fox!" exclaimed Nat Wingate, as they came up. - -"Bully for you, fellows," said Hackett, approvingly. "We got a few -things, too," and he pointed to several rabbits and a brace of -squirrels which lay on the snow. - -"Another funny thing has happened, Bob," put in Tom Clifton. - -"What is that?" - -For an answer, Tom walked over and picked up a sheet of common brown -paper which rested near the huts. On it was a rude drawing. - -"When we got back, this was standing alongside of Hackett's owl." - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - ON THE TRAIL - - -The three boys examined the paper with interest. It was about a foot -square, and the lines had evidently been made with charcoal. This is -the way it looked: - -[Illustration: cryptogram] - -"A cryptogram!" exclaimed Bob. - -"I wonder who left it?" added Dick. - -"And what it means?" said Randall. - -"Perhaps, if we work it out, it may tell us where to find our -mysterious visitor," went on Bob Somers. "These things are getting more -and more interesting." - -"That was my idea!" exclaimed Nat Wingate. - -"Maybe it's just a bit of foolishness," put in Tom. - -"No, I think it has a meaning. This figure at the bottom may be one of -our huts." - -"And those funny-looking spots above?" - -"They look like trees to me; eh, Chubby?" - -The poet laureate lazily inclined his head. - -"What's that queer-shaped thing to the left?" - -"Don't know--got any ideas, 'Hatchet'?" - -"Guess somebody has taken the crowd for a lot of chumps, and thinks -they will be dunces enough to go off on a wild goose chase. It's only -those duffers across the lake--but they can't fool me." - -Bob laughed. "We'll study it out a bit, anyway. If we only knew in what -direction to start, it wouldn't take long to find out something." - -Dave Brandon leaned over and scanned the mysterious paper carefully. - -"Looks easy to me," he drawled. "That's the door, eh?--well, from the -back of the hut we must go off at an angle for a half mile. Then, if -three trees in a row are found, I guess we'll be all right." - -"A large head on large shoulders," grinned Nat. - -"But say, fellows," observed Bob Somers, with a sudden thought, "of -course you looked for tracks? I suppose the visitor wore snow-shoes, -though, and sometimes they don't make much of a mark." - -"We started right in to hunt for them," replied Dave Brandon. "Had a -little better luck than this morning, but the tracks led to the lake -and ended. We walked around a bit, didn't see anything, then gave it -up." - -"How do you know they weren't made by some of us?" - -"Because none of the fellows have been off that way." Dave pointed out -the direction. - -"Guess you are right!" - -"Well, there's no way of telling which way he went after reaching -the lake. So we must try to follow the thing up from this mysterious -drawing." - -"All right, Chubby, we will." - -"Makes a fellow feel kind of creepy when he thinks that some one was -prowling around the camp early this morning," observed Tom Clifton. -"If we only had a dog--" - -"But not of the Bowser kind," laughed Bob. "I wish we could find out -what it was that made those funny screeches," he added, reflectively. - -"The mystery may be solved before our trip is over," said Dave Brandon, -with a yawn. "I won't let it bother me." - -"But we don't want to get chewed all to bits," broke in Tom Clifton, -nervously. "Whew--hope we don't hear those awful yells again to-night." - -When the boys finally turned in, more than one lay awake for some time, -listening in nervous apprehension for any indications of the strange -beast. - -After breakfast next morning, Sladder and Musgrove put in an appearance. - -The stuffed wildcat had been propped up in front of Bob Somers' hut, -and, with its flattened head and glass eyes, wore a most ludicrous -expression. - -The Stony Creek boys looked at it in dumb amazement, and listened with -open mouths as Nat Wingate, with many exaggerations, told about their -early morning scare. - -"Huh! Ain't that fierce?" exclaimed Musgrove. "Never heard nothing -to beat it. Nobody wouldn't play no such game on me twicet. Was you -skeered, Plackett?" - -"Scared nothing!" returned John, with a flash in his eyes. "Say--my -name is Hackett--H-a-c-k-e-t-t! How many more times must I tell you?" - -"I ain't no good on rememberin' names. But this beats me--it does--you -heard that critter again?" and Musgrove gave a perceptible shiver. - -Bob Somers presently produced the rude scrawl and placed it before the -visitors. - -"Can you make anything out of that?" he asked, after explaining how it -had come into their possession. - -"Don't look like nothing to me," replied Tim Sladder, shaking his head. - -"Search me," added Musgrove, with an equally puzzled expression. - -In a few words, Bob gave their views on the subject. - -When he had finished, both Sladder and Musgrove seemed to be greatly -impressed. - -All the members of the Rambler Club strapped on their snow-shoes, and -at the last moment Hackett and Nat Wingate decided to accompany them. - -Starting in a northwesterly direction, they began ascending the thickly -timbered hill back of the huts. Down on the other side and over another -ridge they went, until at length a third elevation rose above them. - -"Must have gone a half mile already," said Hackett. - -"We may see something from the top of this hill," replied Bob, "unless -our reading of the thing was all wrong." - -When, after another hard climb, the summit was reached, all looked -eagerly around. - -Below stretched a valley, hills enclosing it on three sides. - -"Well, what did I tell you?" exclaimed Hackett, triumphantly, after an -interval of silence. "If anybody can spot something, now's the time to -speak up and earn a vote of thanks." - -The silence continued. - -"Joke number nineteen," went on Hackett, presently. "When it gets to -be about two hundred and six, I hope you fellows will take a grand -tumble. It's awful to see a crowd so easy." - -"Suppose we try to estimate the right distance, before we do anything -else," said Dave Brandon. - -"Say--did anybody bring a tape measure?" remarked Hackett. - -The boys took no notice of this speech, but began to compare notes -regarding the distance covered. After some little discussion and -strolling about from place to place, it was agreed that they were about -half a mile from camp. - -"The best plan, now, is to walk around in a circle," said Bob. "No use -to be easy, as Hackett says, and give the thing up." - -"All right--here we go," said Musgrove. "Come back, there, Bowser, an' -don't get too frisky." - -The group now started off at right angles to their former course. - -"Keep your eyes open, fellows," said Hackett, grandly, "or you may miss -gittin' fooled." - -Musgrove gave the speaker a queer look, and his eyes snapped furtively. -"Wackett," he said, "I'd be glad if it was you what got fooled on -this. 'My eye' so I would." - -A rather discouraging tramp followed. It was at length seen that the -course they were taking would soon lead them out upon the lake. - -"What are you stopping for?" cried Hackett, as the others came to a -halt. "Keep right on--maybe it's in the next state." - -The boys laughed, and, a few moments later, were retracing their steps. -They reached and passed the place at the summit of the hill, always -endeavoring to maintain as closely as possible the half mile distance -from their camp. - -"Look at that whopping big boulder down there!" exclaimed Dick Travers, -at length. - -"I'll bet that's the very thing marked on the paper," interposed Sam. - -"Hurrah!" broke in Bob. "Don't you see three trees nearly in a row over -there?" - -"My eye, Scummers is right," declared Musgrove, peering earnestly in -the direction indicated. - -The boys were still on the edge of the valley, the boulder and three -trees being several hundred yards down the slope. - -Hackett did not make any funny remarks at this juncture. - -"What number joke is this?" asked Musgrove, with a laugh, as the party -began to make their way cautiously downward over the snow-covered -ground. "'My eye!' Them is the trees." - -Before long the boys approached three huge pines, which were standing -almost in a row. - -"We ought to find out something now," observed Dick Travers. - -They struck off along the valley, moving rapidly over the snow in the -direction indicated by the cryptogram. - -"Hello!" exclaimed Sam, suddenly. "Smoke--rising above that copse of -trees--see it?" - -"Right you are," returned Bob. "What do you think, now, 'Hatchet'?" - -"Tell you later," grinned John, not in the least abashed. - -Between the trees, a glimpse of a cabin was caught, and when the boys -reached a clearing, they saw before them a substantial log structure, -with a single window. From a stovepipe issued a whirling column of -smoke. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "We didn't get left after all." - -As he spoke, the door of the cabin was thrown open, and a tall, -wiry-looking man, with a tawny moustache and stubby beard, appeared on -the threshold. - -"Powerful glad to see you, boys!" he exclaimed, heartily. "Honest -Injun, though--never thought you know'd enough or would take the -trouble ter git here. I'm John Yardsley, hunter an' trapper, at your -service." - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - HUNTER AND TRAPPER - - -The boys surveyed the speaker for a moment with great interest. His -appearance was rugged and honest, and a kindly light beamed from a -pair of keen, gray eyes. Open air life had bronzed his skin until it -was almost as brown as an Indian's. He stooped slightly, but all his -movements showed that a life amid danger had made him exceedingly -active and alert. - -"I'm John Yardsley, at your service," he repeated, "an' powerful glad -ter see yer. Step inter my office," and he waved his hand toward the -door. - -"Well, Yardsley, we're glad to meet you, too," said Nat, with his -old-time, easy familiarity. "We're the Bounding Brotherhood of -Hunters--members, warble out your names." - -"Ha, ha!" laughed John Yardsley. "Bounding Brotherhood, ha, ha! Did you -do some bounding yisterday mornin'?" - -He broke into a short laugh, and pushed the door open to its fullest -extent, while the boys crowded in. - -At one end of the interior, they saw a big stove, and near the window a -long table. A bunk occupied one corner, while several rude stools were -scattered around. - -But what interested the visitors most of all were a number of stuffed -animals and birds which rested on various shelves. Each was in a -natural position and looked quite life-like with its yellow glass eyes. - -"This your work, Yardsley?" asked Nat, forgetting, for the moment, that -he had intended to hurl forth a lot of questions. - -"Everything mine," answered the trapper, with a smile. - -"And look at that moose's head over the door," said Bob, pointing to -one with enormous antlers. - -"Brung him down myself," said the trapper, "and after as pretty a -tussle as you'd want ter see. That was long ago. And here's something -else, young fellers." - -He pointed to a corner of the room. The boys crowded over and saw a -number of clay modelings of animals, which made them open their eyes -in astonishment. - -"My eye! A wildcat," cried John Hackett, "and natural as can be." - -"A wolf, too," said Bob. "That certainly is great." - -"Christopher, I wish I could do work like this," put in Nat Wingate. - -The trapper smiled at their enthusiasm. "Why shouldn't I be able to -make 'em?" he asked. "Ain't I seen them critters for years an' years? -Ain't I shot 'em--an' trapped 'em? I ain't got none too much book -learnin', mebbe, an' who has?" he went on, "but I can tell you a few -things 'bout the woods, an' the wild critters in 'em. Know the things -about yer, that's what I calls eddication." - -The trapper spoke earnestly and continued to enlarge upon a theme which -was evidently a favorite one with him. At length, however, he paused, -and asked the boys to tell him how they had managed to read his message. - -Bob complied with the request, explaining the matter briefly but -clearly. - -At his conclusion, the trapper nodded approvingly, and was about to -make some remark, when Billy Musgrove suddenly blurted out, in his -loud, impudent voice, "See here, old sport, you was the feller what put -a stuffed cat in front of them chaps' huts, eh?" - -John Yardsley began to smile. - -"I've got one failin'," he admitted, "an' I can't help it." - -"An' you fired snowballs at 'em?" - -Yardsley chuckled. - -"Well, see here!" Musgrove's face assumed an angry expression. "I don't -like them jokes--no, sir--it's good that you didn't try 'em on me an' -Tim Sladder--'cause we don't stand for nothing like that. No, sir!" - -This very frank statement seemed to amuse the trapper hugely. He broke -into a laugh. Then turning toward the others, he said, "I seen you -fellers several times, I guess, when you didn't think no one was near. -I can't help jokin'. I hope you don't take no offense, but I says to -myself, 'A few little tricks an' them fellers will pack up an' git back -to their own little firesides.'" - -"Humph! You didn't think we had much sand, did you?" sniffed John -Hackett. - -"A feller without it ain't got no business out in the woods. I was only -a-testin' of you." - -"I'm glad you didn't do none of it on us," remarked Musgrove. "No, -sir!--Lay down, Bowser." - -"There's another thing we'd like to know," broke in Tom Clifton, rather -timidly. "Have you heard any strange cries lately? Some animal was -prowling around our camp, and--" - -"Strange cries?" echoed the trapper. "What were they like?" - -"Oh, awful--I can't describe 'em." - -"Wust you ever listened to," observed Tim Sladder. "We heard 'em at our -camp, too." - -"An' it didn't sound like no animal, or humans, either," added Musgrove. - -"Ah, ha! This is interesting." - -Yardsley seemed to reflect. - -"We heard the beast twice," said Hackett. - -"Well, now," continued Yardsley, "kinder think I did hear something -like that. Strange critter it must have been--jest wait a second." - -He opened a door and walked into an adjoining room. Then the boys heard -a peculiar click. - -Just as the trapper emerged, with a broad smile on his face, a terrible -series of wild, weird screeches, exactly like those they had heard -before, filled the cabin. - -His visitors jumped to their feet in astonishment, while the effect -upon Bowser was magical. Whining and whimpering, the big dog flopped -heavily upon the floor at his master's feet and looked intently into -his face. - -"Was it something like that?" asked Yardsley, innocently. - -Sladder and Musgrove, with wildly staring eyes, looked toward the room -as if fascinated, but upon all the others the truth instantly dawned, -and they received it with varied feelings. - -"A phonograph!" cried Bob. - -"My eye! A--a--phonograph!" echoed Hackett. - -Then Nat Wingate began to laugh, and all at once the absurdity of the -whole thing appealed irresistibly to most of the boys, and a wild burst -of merriment rang out. - -Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove remained ominously silent. There was a -steely glitter in the latter's little blinking eyes, which seemed to -say,--"Look out!" - -"I'm powerful glad you fellers ain't took no offense," grinned John -Yardsley. "I notice I come nigh to killin' that dorg. I met one of them -scientific fellers oncet. You know the kind what can tell how many -hairs a squirrel's got in its tail? He was an animalist; mebbe that -ain't the word, but he know'd everything. He stayed out in the woods a -spell with me, one winter; bunked right in here; an' he kinder took a -fancy to yours truly. - -"Well, I happened to run acrost him in town the next summer. -'Yardsley,' says he, 'you did play some awful jokes on me, out in the -woods--it's a wonder my hair ain't gray.' An' he says, 'Yardsley, I've -been having a lot of records took of different animals' voices. I want -to give you one of a laughing hyena--it reminds me so much of you!'" - -A titter went around the room. - -The trapper continued, "'It would make me feel better, Yardsley,' he -says, 'if you would take it an' kinder test it on some one out in the -woods. I don't like ter feel I was the only one.'" - -"An' that's jest what you done, eh, Pardsley?" broke in Musgrove, -shaking his head vigorously. "An' me an' Tim didn't sleep a wink all -night--an' all fer that, eh? An' Bowser most took a spell. Well, I like -it; yes, sir, I do--for a fact." And Musgrove's expression indicated a -state of feeling exactly the reverse of his words. - -"I'm powerful glad ter hear you say that," remarked the trapper, with a -sly wink at the others. "That's the way ter take them things, an'--" - -"But don't never try no more, Bardsley," interrupted Musgrove, -fiercely. "We won't stand fer it. No, sir, not me,--nor Tim, neither. -No more jokin'--mind yer." - -"All right!" responded Yardsley, with pretended meekness. "I like -ter hear a feller speak right out in meetin'. And by the way," he -continued, "do you know them fellers 'crost the lake?" - -"They came over to see us once," replied Bob Somers. - -"Wal, I don't know nothing about 'em. They was nosing around yesterday -morning, kinder curious like, an' askin' if I had many furs--but I -ain' tellin' my affairs ter strangers nohow." - -"Been hunting and trapping long?" asked Nat. - -"Wal, I guess! I come from down East, an' been at it off an' on for -quite a spell." - -"How do you like it out here?" asked Hackett. - -"Powerful well, my slim young friend. Say, with them legs you oughter -be a good runner." - -"Maybe he's a good runner, but he can't skate with me," interposed -Musgrove. "No, sir, I--" - -"What!" exclaimed Yardsley, with an amused glance at the other's -short stature. "He can't! Why--say, I don't believe--no offense, mind -yer--that you could run with any feller in this crowd." - -Billy Musgrove's face flushed--his little eyes blinked angrily. - -"You talk like an idjit, Pardsley," he exclaimed. "I didn't say I could -run, but I ain't skeered to try--no, sir--I ain't." - -"Why not get up a little race? Them two," indicating Sladder and -Musgrove, "can try it first between 'em." - -"I don't mind," said Tim Sladder; "eh, Billy?" - -"Suits me," grinned Musgrove. - -"Might work up a little appetite fer lunch by having that race now," -suggested the trapper, with a rather quizzical look. "What say? Or if -Musgrove's kinder skeered, mebbe--" - -"Skeered? I'll show you I ain't skeered, Bardsley. No, sir! Come on!" -and Billy Musgrove strode toward the door. - -"Good! That's the way ter feel about it. We'll hev a little fun." - -Just beyond the cabin was a clear patch of level ground. - -"A good place for our games," remarked Yardsley, rubbing his hands -together. "See that there tree over there? Round it and back. Here's a -line ter start from." - -Grinning broadly, Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove took their places, an -expressive wink from the latter indicating his confidence. - -"All ready! One--two--three--go!" - -At the word, the Stony Creek boys were off. Musgrove, with all the vim -and determination at his command, struggled through the snow, and -despite Sladder's most desperate efforts, his longer legs seemed to -give him but little advantage. - -"Go it, Sladder!" yelled Hackett. "Hi, hi! He'll never make it." - -"That he won't!" grinned the trapper. - -And now the two dark figures were approaching the turning-point. - -"Keep it up, Tim!" encouraged Hackett, at the top of his voice. - -Suddenly the spectators were treated to a most unusual sight. - -Both boys were seen to lurch forward, two wild yells floated over the -air--then the contestants, frantically waving their arms, plunged head -first into a great pit filled to the brim with snow. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - A PRACTICAL JOKE - - -This catastrophe was witnessed with much astonishment. - -"Great Cæsar--look at that!" cried Bob Somers. - -"My eye! Did you ever see such a tumble?" exclaimed Hackett. - -Then, as Sladder and Musgrove, almost up to their necks in the white -mass, floundered and kicked to regain an upright position, Hackett, Nat -Wingate and several of the others burst forth into the most uproarious -peals of laughter. - -"Bring a derrick," roared Nat. "Stand up straight, Musgrove. Don't you -know enough not to dive on land?" - -"He thought he was in a swimming race!" cried Hackett. - -"'Tain't right ter plague a feller that way," reproved Yardsley, -mildly. "Powerful singular I didn't happen ter mention that pit, ain't -it? I guess the race is over." - -"Lay on your back, and you won't sink any further, Mushroom," shouted -Hackett. - -To all these remarks Sladder and Musgrove paid no attention. They were -too busy extricating themselves from their unpleasant predicament. -Bowser had ambled to the edge of the pit, and, evidently realizing that -something was amiss, barked dolefully. - -At length, after having slipped and fallen several times, the two boys -managed to reach solid ground. They brushed their clothes and came -slowly back. - -The others had expected to see Musgrove explode with wrath, but besides -a queer expression in his small, blinking eyes, his pudgy face gave no -evidence of anger. - -"Got ahead of us that time, Pardsley," he observed. "I ain't saying -what I think of nobody--no, sir--don't want to start a free fight, -but say"--Billy Musgrove paused, the queer look in his eyes deepened, -"there's goin' ter be some fun 'round these diggin's 'fore I -leave--an' don't you forgit it." - -"Powerful glad ter hear that," declared the trapper. "You kinder -tempted me, the way you talked, a spell back. It's a failin' I've got. -Now I want all hands ter grub with me." - -The boys were soon compelled to acknowledge that John Yardsley was -certainly a good cook. Baked beans, roasted potatoes, and venison steak -done to a crisp turn were set before them, besides steaming coffee and -hard-tack. At the last, to their great satisfaction, came buckwheat -cakes and maple syrup. - -Under the cheering influence of the fire and a company of lively boys, -John Yardsley began to grow confidential. He freely admitted his -superiority in skill over the majority of hunters and trappers. - -"I study it, an' make a business of it,--that is I do for the present," -he said, rubbing his hands together and tilting back in his chair, "an' -I ain't done bad this season." - -"Got lots of furs and skins, Spardsley?" inquired Musgrove, taking time -enough to look up from his plate. - -"Mebbe--mebbe not." - -"Ain't that jest what you said?" - -"You're a keen youngster, ain't yer?" - -"I'm smarter than some people." - -"Powerful glad ter hear it. One of these days I'll take ye boys around -when I visit my traps,--only one at a time, mind ye. A hull lot might -scare the critters away fur a month. Who wants ter go?" - -"I do," said Bob, quickly. - -"Being as it's you who spoke fust, you're number one," returned the -trapper, nodding toward him. - -"Good! You'll find me ready any time." - -After the meal, Yardsley exhibited a number of beaver, otter and mink -skins stretched out tightly on boards to dry. He also called attention -to a curious piece of furniture standing in one corner. A section of a -tree had been hollowed out, and the interior fitted with a number of -shelves, which contained various objects collected in the woods. There -were butterflies, moths and dragon flies, besides a number of minerals -and stones. - -"As I said afore," remarked the trapper, seating himself, "I ain't -got as much book learnin' as I'd like," he smiled curiously, "but -ask me somethin' about trees, or birds, or animals, an' well--mebbe -I could make some of your dandified professors look cheap, if they -was here. Eddication, I call it, is l'arnin' about the things 'round -you--varmints and sich like--an' my friend, the animalist, said so, -too." - -"There's one thing you can do, all right, Bardsley," interrupted -Musgrove. - -"What's that?" - -"Talk a fierce streak--I never heard nothing like it." - -Yardsley laughed good-naturedly. "It's another failin', mebbe," he -admitted. "Now I'm goin' ter spin some yarns." - -These proved so interesting, that it was not until the late afternoon -that the boys took their leave. - -"An' look here, Jardsley," remarked Musgrove, at parting, "don't try no -funny tricks now. We won't stand for none--no, sir--not me--nor Tim, -neither." - -"You certainly bit easily on one joke, Mushroom," remarked Hackett, -when Yardsley's hut was lost to view behind the trees. - -"Huh! You needn't talk! I never slammed no glass-eyed cat!" retorted -Billy, and for the rest of the way there was no further conversation -between the two. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - YARDSLEY'S TRAPS - - -A week passed without special incident. - -Piper, Robson and Heydon also made the acquaintance of the trapper, and -all the hunters spent an evening in the cabin across the lake. - -It became known that Yardsley had a fine collection of furs, which he -intended to take to town very shortly. This fact had been ascertained -by Charlie Piper, who, for purposes of speculation, wished to purchase -a number of skins. But the price offered was too low to suit the -trapper. - -At the appointed time, Bob Somers tapped on the cabin door. - -"Glad ter see you, cap'n!" exclaimed the woodsman, heartily, holding -out his strong, sinewy hand. "In two shakes of a lamb's tail, I'll be -ready." - -"Think we'll have snow before long?" asked Bob. - -Yardsley glanced out of the window at a sullen, lowering sky. -"Snow--an' plenty of it," he announced. "An' lucky if it ain't a -blizzard. Never seen one out here--eh, cap'n?--No?--Wal, a fair-sized -northwester oughter satisfy yer fur a while--talk about wind and -snow--it's fierce, an' no mistake." - -"We might get snowed up." - -"'Tain't at all unlikely." - -Yardsley now rapidly led the way toward the creek which Bob and his -companions had previously followed. Once there, he moved with more -caution. - -"Ter be a good trapper, a man has ter be powerful particular," he -said. "Wild critters is certainly knowin'. Yer got ter understand 'em, -an' l'arn their ways. I've got traps out fur minks, beavers, otter, -muskrats an' foxes." - -"Which are the hardest to catch?" asked Bob. - -"Otter, p'r'aps! Minks is easier, bein' as they're sich hungry beasts, -an' will take a chance when others might git scared off. Be careful, -cap'n, we're comin' ter a trap, now." - -At a convenient place, Yardsley led the way up the bank, avoiding with -great skill the various obstacles with which the ground was strewn. -Still keeping near the watercourse, they soon reached a confused heap -of branches and logs. - -"Right on that big log, cap'n." - -"I don't see anything but a lot of twigs and bushes," said Bob. - -"It's there, all right," chuckled Yardsley. "But it has ter be kep' out -of sight. Wait here, cap'n." - -The trapper went cautiously forward, stepping around the log, from the -top of which the snow had been partly blown away. - -"Nary a thing," he announced, after a moment's inspection. - -"Better luck at the next one, perhaps," said Bob. - -"I ain't a-worryin'--we'll git back on the ice." - -They followed the winding stream for some distance, when Yardsley again -slackened his pace. - -"Easy, cap'n!" he exclaimed. "'Round here is regular otterville. See -that there hole in the ice? Well, the critters has used it ter come -out on shore. So I sinks my trap, an'--" - -"And what?" - -"Wal--I'll show yer in a minute--if I've struck luck." - -From back of a mass of underbrush close by, Yardsley pulled a stout -stick curved at the end. This he pushed through the hole in the ice, -and a grunt of satisfaction escaped his lips. - -With a couple of vigorous pulls, he brought to the surface a fine large -otter. - -"How's that fur one?" he remarked, as he disengaged the animal from the -trap and laid it in the ice. - -"It's a whopper," said Bob, enthusiastically, "and what a beautiful -bluish gray coat. Don't they kill lots of fish, John?" - -"A powerful number, cap'n. An' brings 'em ashore ter eat. The little -rascal is awful wasteful, too, sometimes leavin' 'em 'most untouched." - -The trapper rebaited the trap, which was attached by means of a chain -to a stone, and lowered both in the water again. - -"Where are we going now?" asked Bob. - -"Follow the stream fur a piece. I've got more traps along here." - -John Yardsley returned the stick to its hiding-place, then, as they -started off, began to talk about the habits of the various animals. - -"Powerful knowin' critters," he observed. "Take beavers, which lives -along rivers an' ponds, for instance. A hull lot of these critters will -git together an' build houses of mud, stones an' sticks. Their teeth -are very hard and sharp, an' they don't have much trouble cuttin' all -the wood they want. Then, if the water ain't right, they dam it up with -the same stuff as the huts is made of." - -"Isn't the entrance under water?" asked Bob. - -"Allus! So that other critters can't git at 'em. In the spring, they -come out, an' ramble off; an' mebbe it's autumn before they says ter -each other, 'It's time ter git back ter them huts of ourn an' fix 'em -up fur the winter.'" - -"Muskrats build places pretty much the same, only smaller," said Bob. - -"Yes, but martens lives in the deepest parts of the woods, while -fishers an' minks hang out along streams an' marshes. I've seen a -fisher a-sittin' on a stone, lookin' in the water, an' waitin' fur his -dinner ter pass by. All of a sudden, he went ker flump--there was a -splash--an' yer can bet he got his fish." - -After a short pause, Yardsley continued, "But here we are, cap'n, at -another trap." - -This proved to be along the bank, and cleverly concealed in the midst -of a tangled growth. But although it had been sprung the animal had -managed to get away. - -The next one, however, held captive a good-sized mink. - -"Not so bad, an' we may get some more yet," commented Yardsley. "I'm -powerful afear'd we're goin' ter have some pretty tough weather," he -added, with a look at the sullen sky. - -"I say, John," asked Bob, with a sudden thought, "didn't you put up a -sign over by Lake Wolverine?" - -Yardsley grinned. "Jokin' is a little failin' I have, as I told you -afore," he said. "You'll run acrost several of 'em 'round these parts. -I'm powerful glad, cap'n, that you fellers didn't git mad." - -"I thought Sladder and Musgrove would be wild when they got dumped into -that pit," remarked Bob. - -The trapper laughed as he recalled the scene. "If them kids hadn't been -so sassy, I wouldn't have done it," he said. "I thought one of 'em -needed a lesson, anyway." - -"Here's the snow!" cried Bob, at length. - -"Slow--very slow--an' sure," added the trapper. - -They had reached the gloomy depths of a dense wood. Here and there were -great boulders of odd shapes, and their rugged appearance added to the -desolation of the scene. - -As they passed one of these, a long, low growl suddenly caused them to -turn. But a few paces distant stood a huge wildcat. Its paws rested on -a partly devoured rabbit, and, angry at being disturbed, the animal -crouched low, while its long tail moved slowly forth and back. - -With flattened ears and glaring eyes, it presented a terrifying sight, -and, thoroughly startled, Bob Somers involuntarily stepped backward. - -"Leave it to me!" yelled Yardsley. - -But as he spoke, the dull, tawny-colored animal, with a snarl, sprang -directly toward Bob Somers. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - SMOKE SIGNALS - - -"Oh, ho, what are we going to do, fellows?" asked Dave Brandon, lazily, -to Dick Travers and Tom Clifton, as they sat warming themselves before -a cheerful fire. - -"I don't think we ought to stray very far from camp," said Tom Clifton. -"Looks as if there was going to be a big snow-storm." - -"An 'undeniable fact,'" put in Dick, with a grin. - -"And if it's anything like the kind that Riggs, Junior, spoke about, -Tom is right," said Dave. "For my part, I'd sooner sit by a nice, big -fire, anyway, than trot around over a lot of barren hills." - -"You don't have to tell us that, Chubby," laughed Dick. - -"No, I suppose not." The stout boy yawned and shifted his position -slightly. "I haven't been able to write a single bit since I came out -here," he grumbled, more to himself than to the others. - -"Why not?" asked Tom. - -"Too cold--and, whenever I begin, Billy Musgrove's face seems to bob -right up in front of me." - -"What has that to do with it?" - -"See here, Dick Travers," observed Dave, with mock severity, "could any -one have an inspiration and think of Billy Musgrove's face at the same -time?" - -Dick grinned. "It kind of takes the poetry out of the scene," he -suggested. - -"Exactly. Hello--" - -"Looks like smoke signals across the way. Wonder if anything's up?" - -The three boys stared intently toward the cabin, a mere brownish spot -against the background of trees. - -Sure enough. A cloud of grayish smoke, in a rather solid mass, rose -lazily in the air, light against the firs and dark as it emerged into -the expanse of sky above. - -"There goes another!" exclaimed Tom, in some excitement. - -"Sure as you live, it's a signal," put in Dick, as a third slowly -appeared. "Guess we'll have to skip over. Something may have happened." - -"Certainly we will," grumbled Dave. "And just as I thought of getting a -nice rest by the fire. Hello--gun signals, too," he added, as a faint -report came from the distance. - -"Hurry up, fellows! Strap on your skates!" cried Dick, excitedly. "We -must see about this. Somebody hurt, do you think?" - -"It isn't far across, and we'll soon know," replied Dave. - -Down to the lake the trio quickly made their way, and then, with long, -swinging strides, began to skim swiftly over the frozen surface. As -they approached the cabin, many eager looks were cast toward it. - -"There's somebody at the door now," panted Dave Brandon. - -A dark figure had appeared, and an instant later a hail reached their -ears, which was answered by a lusty chorus from the skaters. - -"I hope I haven't put you fellows to any inconvenience, or given you a -scare," said Fulmer Robson, as the trio breathlessly approached. - -"Nothing has happened, I hope?" panted Tom. - -"No--nothing serious. But come inside, boys, and I'll tell you all -about it." - -The interior of the cabin had been made comfortable and cozy. In one -corner was a stove, while several rude seats were distributed around. -Against one wall stood a long table. - -"Make yourselves comfortable," said Robson, drawing a stool alongside -the stove, which was sending forth a pleasant heat. "I would have come -over to your camp," he added, "but I have a bad headache. What I wanted -you for is this. There's a pack of wolves around the neighborhood, and -I thought you ought to know it." - -"Wolves?" echoed Tom Clifton, paling a trifle. - -"Yes! We had a sight of them yesterday afternoon--not far from -here, too. A pack of the brutes were after a deer. Heydon and I had -reached the top of a hill when we discovered them, and, as we had a -field-glass, we saw the whole thing." - -"What happened?" asked Tom, eagerly. - -"It looked as if the wolves had chased the deer for a long distance, -for he seemed 'most played out. Three of the brutes flung themselves -upon him at once, and--well, you can guess the rest." - -"How far away was this?" asked Dave. - -"Not more than two miles." - -"We are certainly much obliged to you," put in Dick Travers. "It -wouldn't do to be unprepared, if they happen to come along." - -"I should say not. Wolves are bad customers at this time of the year. I -suppose," added Robson, with a smile, "you thought something terrible -had happened?" - -"Yes, we did," admitted Dick. "Where are the other fellows--how did you -manage to make that signal alone?" - -"They just left, a short time ago," answered Robson. "The weather looks -pretty threatening, doesn't it? Well, we concluded that it would be -best to get in as much game as possible." - -"Do you think it's going to be as bad as all that?" asked Tom Clifton, -anxiously. - -"It's hard to say; after all, it may be nothing worse than an ordinary -snow-storm. But we got caught once, and don't propose to let such a -thing happen again. I expected the whole crowd of you," he added, with -a questioning glance. - -Dave explained the situation. - -"Oh, that's it," remarked Robson, reflectively. "On your way back, you -might tell Sladder and Musgrove about the wolves. And by the way," he -added, "I haven't much use for those fellows. Frankly, I don't like -either." - -"They always treated us well," replied Dave, evasively. - -"Oh, I don't want you to say anything against 'em," laughed Robson, -"but Billy Musgrove by all odds is the most impudent chap I ever ran -across. We had a scrap the other day--he kept calling me 'Bobson,' and -Piper, 'Swiper.' We got kind of sore, and Billy then fired off, sassing -all three of us right and left." - -"Musgrove never gets names straight," observed Dick, with a grin. - -"It's beginning to snow," broke in Tom, "and the wind is coming up, -too." - -The sky was unusually dark and threatening; it seemed almost like -approaching twilight. - -An anxious expression came into Dick Travers' face, and Tom, too, -surveyed the scene apprehensively, but the poet laureate's round -features seemed only to reflect content, as he resumed his place before -the fire. - -"I'll bet it will be a howler," said Tom Clifton. - -"And that we get snowed up for a week," grumbled Dick. - -"Why not add a visit or two from wolves, while you are about it?" put -in Robson, with a laugh. - -"Nothing like looking at things all around," yawned Dave. "I feel -uncommonly sleepy." - -"You'd better have lunch with me," proposed Robson. "It will make my -head feel better. Only wish the rest of your crowd was here," he added. -"Fall to, boys, and give me a hand." - -At length, however, the thought that the other boys might have returned -induced the three members of the Rambler Club to bring their visit to a -close. - -"Oh, ho, I'm afraid we'll have to go, fellows," said Dave Brandon, with -a grimace. "Just think of having to face that wind." - -"Sorry you have to leave," observed Robson. - -"Not half so sorry as we are," drawled Dave, with a dubious look -outside. - -Once out upon the lake, a succession of furious gusts swept toward -them, accompanied by whirling clouds of fine, needle-like particles. -Presently, they were in the thick of it, and found themselves, for the -moment, compelled to turn their backs to the storm. - -"Whew! This is certainly fierce," panted Dick. "We ought to get there -pretty soon, however." - -The storm did not increase, as the boys' fears led them to expect. -Instead, the fall of snow soon began to lessen, and only where there -happened to be irregularities in the ice did the flakes find a -resting-place. - -"Hurrah, I see the shore," burst forth Dick, at length. "Let's make a -spurt." - -This the trio proceeded to do, and they were soon tramping over the -snow toward the camp. - -Startling news awaited them. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - WHO TOOK THE FURS? - - -Taken altogether by surprise, Bob Somers was, for an instant, almost -incapable of motion. He saw the long, lithe body spring forward -and heard the harsh, rasping snarl. Then, with a strong effort, he -recovered his wits--like a flash his rifle was raised and fired. - -Blending with the report came a terrific cry of fury and pain. - -But the wildcat was only wounded. In his haste and alarm, Bob had not -been able to reach a vital spot. The animal fell, but almost instantly -rose. - -"Give me a chance!" yelled Yardsley. "Skip around that there rock, an' -I'll finish 'im." - -But before the boy could comply, the wildcat, with an infuriated -screech, sprang forward again. - -Taking his gun by the barrel, Bob Somers swung it with all his -strength. The animal, dealt a glancing blow, was checked--just long -enough for Bob to dart around the rock. Almost at his heels came the -snarling wildcat. - -In and out among the trees the two went, while Yardsley followed, -unable to shoot for fear of hitting his companion. - -With a glance over his shoulder, Bob once more jumped aside, and again -his gun rose and fell. - -John Yardsley, leaping over the snow, reached the spot where the -wildcat, scarcely stunned by Bob Somers' last blow, was preparing to -make another spring. - -"I've got 'im!" he cried. - -A sharp report rang out. Rising to his haunches, in a last desperate -effort, the wildcat lurched over, and fell at full length motionless in -the snow. - -"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Thanks, John," and he clasped the hunter's big -hand. "Ugh I Thought he had me." He shivered, as his eyes rested upon -the savage head and dangerous-looking claws. - -"Powerful bad critters when they get their dander up," commented -Yardsley, giving the beast a shove with his toe. "What's ter be did -with the varmint?" - -"Don't you want it?" Bob's voice still trembled with excitement. - -"I reckon not." - -"Then I'll have him stuffed," said Bob. "Won't that be great? Only wish -I'd got him myself," he added, half regretfully. - -"You orter be glad he didn't get you," observed the trapper, dryly. -"Now, I'll make a drag. Twenty-five or thirty pounds of cat meat would -be a little too much ter carry." - -Yardsley strode forward, and selecting an ash of suitable thickness--of -course it was a mere sapling--quickly felled and trimmed it. Then he -cut it into two pieces of equal length. - -"Pitch in an' get me some short bits fur the cross-bars, cap'n," he -said, handing Bob the hatchet. "We'll have it fixed in a minute." - -As soon as Bob Somers had complied with his request, the trapper laid -the two pieces of ash parallel on the ground, then three cross-bars -were quickly fastened in place. - -"Want anything better than that?" he demanded, with a grin. "I'll jest -cut them 'ere ends, so's ter make 'em lift off the snow like runners." - -"Have you a rope to pull it with?" asked Bob. - -"Catch John Yardsley a-comin' out unprepared? I reckon not. Guess we'd -better hit the trail fur camp," he added. - -The wildcat, otter and other game were securely attached to the drag, -which was not difficult to pull over the snow-crusted ground. - -After making a long circuit, the winding stream was again reached, and, -at length, the cabin in the valley came into view. - -"Reckon you air powerful glad ter git back, cap'n?" observed the -trapper. "I'll fix the skin of that there critter, an'--" - -Yardsley suddenly paused, and gazed intently toward the cabin, while a -puzzled, alarmed expression passed over his rugged features. - -"I'm sartin sure--" he began. - -"Sure of what?" asked Bob, surprised at his companion's manner. - -"That I shut the door of that storehouse. Sure as guns is guns, I did, -an'--" - -Yardsley did not finish the sentence, but fairly tore over the snow, -while Bob, leaving the sled, followed close at his heels. - -At one end of the log house a small addition had been built for the -purpose of storing furs and skins. There was an entrance on the -outside, and it was this which now stood slightly open. - -"As sure as guns is guns," repeated the woodsman, excitedly, "I shut -that 'ere door, an' shut it tight." - -He hastily entered the storehouse, and at a glance his worst fears were -realized. - -"Gone--every blessed one!" he groaned. "Not a thing left!" - -"Robbed?" gasped Bob Somers. "How many did you have?" - -"A powerful number, cap'n." - -Yardsley stood perfectly still and gazed around with a dazed air. - -"Every blessed one," he repeated. "An' I was 'most ready ter take 'em -ter town." His arms dropped to his side, and he looked toward Bob -Somers in the utmost dejection. - -"Well, we can't do any good standing here," cried Bob. "Let's -investigate and get after 'em." - -"That's the idea!" exclaimed Yardsley, his look of dismay giving place -to one of intense anger. - -"Jest let me come up with them rascals, that's all." He made an -expressive motion, then darted outside, his eyes roving over the ground. - -"Carted 'em away on a big sled," he exclaimed. "See, cap'n--tracks as -plain as the nose on yer face. An' the rascals was on snow-shoes." - -"I'll skip over to camp and get some of the fellows!" cried Bob. "Then -the whole crowd can follow." - -"Good, cap'n, an' John Yardsley won't forgit it. By the time yer gits -back I'll hev a bite ter eat. With a storm a-comin', an' no tellin' -what may be afore us, 'twouldn't do by no means ter go off on an empty -stummick." - -But Bob Somers had not waited to hear his last words. Although the -morning's tramp had been a rather long one, he moved over the ground at -a rapid rate, and, panting from his exertions, at length reached the -camp just as the others came in. - -"What's the matter, Somers, you look scared--any fierce rabbits get -after you?" asked Nat Wingate, winking at Hackett. - -"Yardsley's been robbed of his furs," said Bob. "Not one of 'em left!" - -"Robbed?" echoed Nat, in astonishment. "How--when?" - -"Whew! That's mighty funny!" exclaimed Sam Randall. "Robbed? I can -hardly believe it." - -"It's true!--Who wants to come along and help us trail the thieves?" - -"Well now!" Hackett paused and a fierce expression came into his eyes. -"After amusing himself at our expense, he's got a fine nerve to ask us -to help him--still," he went on, "speak your little piece, Somers, and -we'll decide." - -This Bob did, briefly, and at its conclusion Hackett again spoke up. "I -feel sorry for the old man," he announced. "I'll go. There's a chance -for some excitement, too." - -"So will I," added Sam Randall, eagerly. "Here come Chubby and the -rest. Won't they be surprised?" - -Dave Brandon and his companions were seen making their way toward the -camp. - -As they came up, Hackett shouted out the news. - -Dick Travers gave a whistle of astonishment, while Tom, believing that -some joke was intended, began to laugh. - -But Bob Somers quickly told his story again, and the astonished boys -were given a chance to decide what they wanted to do. The question was -almost immediately settled. - -In brief, Nat Wingate, Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton concluded that -their services were not required. The others hastily prepared to -take their departure. Bob, who had already been helping himself -to everything eatable in sight, drank a cup of coffee which had -fortunately been left over, filled his pockets with crackers, and -followed the already retreating forms of Hackett, Randall and Travers. - -"Come on!" cried the slim boy. "The snow isn't falling half as fast as -it was." - -The three who stood by the fire gazed after them in a disconsolate -fashion. - -"I wonder what is going to happen now?" said Nat Wingate, as the four -figures were lost to view. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - LOST IN THE SNOW - - -Bob and his companions found the hunter pacing up and down the cabin in -a state of great agitation. - -"I was jest about gittin' off," he exclaimed. "Thought you'd never -come. Them rascals will give us the slip yit." - -"Who could have robbed you, Yardsley?" demanded Hackett. "It's pretty -tough luck, eh?" - -"Bless you--yes! When I seed that door open, I know'd something had -happened. An' I could hev sold them skins ter Piper, too. Never heard -the beat of it." - -"Have you seen any suspicious characters around?" - -"Nary one!" - -"It's mighty queer that somebody should happen along just while you -were out. They must have been watching the place pretty closely, eh?" - -"Most likely!" - -"My eye! There's the wildcat. Why, it's a whopper, Somers--" - -"Come on, cap'n an' mates," interrupted Yardsley, impatiently. "Let's -be off!" - -In a few minutes, the party, with the trapper in the lead, were swiftly -following the trail which led across the valley. - -"Them tracks is purty fresh," said Yardsley, "an' we oughter gain on -'em fast. Every blessed pack of furs gone." - -"You haven't lost 'em altogether yet," put in Hackett. "If this -snow-storm doesn't turn into a blizzard, there's a chance of getting -the whole bunch back." - -"A blizzard's jest what I am afear'd of," commented the other. "It's -blowin' purty fresh now." - -Up-hill and down, scarcely slackening their pace, they kept along, the -tracks of the sled being plainly visible. They were sunk to an unusual -depth, showing how heavily it had been laden. - -The snow was again coming down thicker, and in that steady fashion -which indicated a deep fall. In through a dense pine woods the trail -led, then turned abruptly toward the lake. - -"The rascals will give us a purty chase," grumbled Yardsley. "Gittin' -tired, boys?" - -"I don't know about the others, but I'm not," replied Hackett. "I can -give you ten feet start, and catch up, any time." - -"Good for you," and Yardsley, bending forward, increased his pace. - -Everybody had expected that the tracks would lead directly to Lake -Wolverine, but this did not prove to be the case. About a quarter of -a mile from the shore, they veered off sharply in a northwesterly -direction, and, unfortunately, this made traveling all the more -difficult. - -Whirling clouds of snow dashed in their faces and gusts of wind bore -down upon them, but none uttered a word of complaint, as they plunged -doggedly along, straining eyes and ears to catch any signs of the -thieves. - -"It's turnin' inter a reg'lar blizzard," groaned Yardsley. "Them tracks -is gittin' lost a'ready." - -"Keep it up," urged Bob. - -"Don't fear, cap'n. You'll never ketch me a-givin' up while thar's the -slightest chance." - -"If it would only hold up for a few minutes, even," panted Dick -Travers, as they paused for a moment in a deep ravine. - -"It's going to be worse before it's better, Dick," said Hackett. "Whew! -Listen to the wind in those trees." - -"And we can't see very far ahead, now," broke in Sam. "It's getting -thicker every minute." - -"That it is, mate. Never calc'lated it would be ragin' like this so -soon," and there was a tone in the trapper's voice which seemed to -indicate that he had begun to have little hope of success. - -On the crest of another hill, they could scarcely stand against the -terrific blasts which swept along, carrying with them clouds of -feathery particles. It was bitterly cold and the darkness unusual, even -for a heavy winter storm. The valley was entirely lost to view. - -Enveloped in the whirling masses, the boys followed the trapper, whose -form loomed up dimly in front. Now and then, he stooped to examine the -trail, and occasionally encouraged them to renewed exertions, but the -disheartening fact that the deep impressions must be speedily lost was -apparent to all. - -Faint as his hope was, however, Yardsley kept swinging along. -Sure-footed, and accustomed to the woods, he got around the underbrush -and fallen limbs in a manner that the others could not imitate. - -Half blinded by the flakes, battered by the violent wind, they -struggled along. Several times the wind veered sharply around and the -boys no longer had an accurate idea of their direction. Every minute -found them facing more discouraging conditions. Branches and twigs -frequently came rattling about them and their progress was greatly -impeded. Thus the pursuit continued for a long time. - -Yardsley at length redoubled his efforts, pushing steadily forward, -with great strides, so as to take advantage of the few minutes which -remained before the trail would be entirely obliterated. - -Suddenly Dick Travers pointed ahead, and uttered an exclamation. - -Scarcely visible through the driving snow was an object which had -neither the shape of a rock, stump, nor anything usually seen in the -woods. - -"The sled!--I'll bet it's the sled!" roared Dick. - -"That's what I think," shouted Sam. "They've had to abandon it." - -Close at his heels, the two boys pressed. - -Sure enough, there was a sled--but empty. - -"They had time ter git away with the stuff, after all," groaned -Yardsley. "Nary a thing--all gone." - -"Do you think they could have hidden it somewhere?" yelled Dick. Then, -without waiting for an answer, he turned quickly around. - -"Hello!" he exclaimed. "Where are Bob Somers and John Hackett? I -thought they were right back of us." - -"So did I," put in Sam. - -"Great Scott! Whar' did they git ter?" roared Yardsley, with a look of -apprehension on his bronzed face. - -"Hi, hi--hello, cap'n!" he yelled at the top of his voice. - -"Hi, hi, hey, hey!" chorused the others. - -But no sounds came back to them. - -Again they shouted, their united voices rising above the roar of the -winds. Still there was no response. - -Yardsley did not attempt to conceal his anxiety. "Lost!" he exclaimed; -"an' in this blizzard!" - -"Lost!" echoed Sam Randall and Dick Travers, as they looked at each -other in alarm. - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - WOLVES! - - -John Hackett's snow-shoe had caught upon a projecting log, and sent -him sprawling. In his descent, his head brought up sharply against a -low-hanging branch, and for a moment he lay stunned. - -"Great Cæsar!" cried Bob. He stooped over and placed his hand upon -Hackett's shoulder. "Hurt, Hacky?" he asked, anxiously. - -"I hit my head an awful whack," replied Hackett, faintly. - -Aided by his companion, he slowly rose to a sitting posture, but -the blow had dazed him to such an extent that he remained almost -motionless, while Bob Somers rubbed his forehead with snow. - -"Feeling better now?" - -"Yes--a little. My eye! I saw about fifty-six stars. It took all the -strength out of me. Is there any mark, Somers?" - -"A red spot--that's all." - -"Wonder it didn't make a dent an inch deep." - -Hackett accepted Bob's hand, struggled to his feet, and leaned heavily -against a tree. - -"I'm awfully sorry, Hacky," said Bob, compassionately. - -"I'll have to take a few minutes' rest. Where are the other fellows, -Somers?" - -"They can't be far ahead." - -"Better be going now, or we may get separated," said Hackett, -presently. "Can you see the tracks still?" - -"Yes, but they are very faint." - -Hackett rubbed his forehead. "I'm getting all right, now; sail ahead." - -"Bother the snow," said Bob. "It's so thick a fellow can't see more -than a few feet." - -"My eye! I don't like this," declared Hackett, nervously; "Yardsley is -the only one who can find his way back to camp in this storm." - -"And I can scarcely make out the trail any more." - -A few rods further, and Bob stopped short. Then he walked back slowly, -with his eyes fixed upon the surface of the snow. - -"Have you lost it?" queried Hackett, bending over. - -"No--thought I had. It's pretty faint, though. Come on." - -Slowly they pushed ahead, now losing the trail, then finding it again. -Drifts had settled over it in places, while generally it was becoming -so faint as to be almost obliterated. - -"I say, Somers," shouted Hackett, at length, as he turned his back to -an unusually fierce blast, "unless some one has taken the trouble to -look back, it means that we are left away behind." - -"That's so! Yardsley was going at a pretty fast clip, while we've just -poked along." - -Hackett's face began to wear an angry expression. "Did you ever hear -of such fierce luck?" he shouted, scarcely able to make himself heard -above the roar of the storm. - -"What chumps we were not to yell for them in the first place." - -Hackett started ahead, shouting with all the strength of his lungs. -"Hello, Sam--hello!" he called. - -"No answer, eh?" said Bob. "Whew! This is a nice fix to be in. We'd -better fire our guns." - -Two reports rang out in quick succession. - -"They ought to hear that," exclaimed Bob. - -Straining their ears, the boys listened intently, but there was no -sound of an answering shot. - -"Try it again," suggested Hackett, with an anxious look. - -Quickly reloading, Bob Somers and Hackett repeated their signal, but -with no better success. - -This was due to a combination of unfortunate circumstances. Not only -was the storm raging with a violence which greatly lessened the range -of the sound, but the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. Then, -too, the trapper and the boys accompanying him had found it necessary -to keep their ears well protected. Under these circumstances, it is not -surprising that the shots passed unheard. - -"Now we're in a pretty mess!" exclaimed Hackett, blankly. "Lost, as -sure as guns. And the storm is getting worse all the time." - -The possible seriousness of their situation came upon the boys with -full force, and they looked at each other in dismay. - -"We can tell what direction to go by the wind," said Bob, presently. - -But this proved to be impossible. Due partially to the formation of -the land, which was hilly and rugged, they were surrounded by so many -eddying swirls that the wind afforded almost no guide. - -In silence, with all senses alert, they kept on, amidst a thick group -of evergreens, whose rich green boughs drooped beneath the weight of -snow. - -"No use," panted Hackett, at length. "Not a ghost of a show, Somers. -Let's try and make a break for camp." - -"Which way do you think it is?" - -"Don't know, I'm sure. Bad as finding a pin in a ton of snow. But we -have to keep on moving, and might as well go in the direction it seems -to be." - -But the boys' ideas on this important point did not agree, and both -finally concluded that at the very first sheltered place it would be -wiser to call a halt. - -"My eye!" cried Hackett, suddenly. "What's that?" He stopped short and -grasped his companion by the arm. - -Above the roar of the wind came a crashing sound, which grew louder and -louder. - -"Look!" shouted Bob, pointing toward the right. - -Dimly, through the driving snow, they saw a pine crashing downward. -Gathering speed, it snapped off limbs and branches from the surrounding -trees, and struck the ground about twenty feet away with a sullen thud. -Several rabbits suddenly appeared, leaping wildly over the snow. - -Almost mechanically, Bob Somers raised his gun, and taking quick aim, -fired both barrels. At the second report, one of the animals fell back -in the snow. - -"Glad I borrowed Tom Clifton's gun," said Bob. "With a rifle might have -missed him." Then he added, as he walked over and picked up the rabbit, -"It's blowing hard to carry down a tree like that." - -"Another danger we have to look out for," yelled Hackett. "My eye! -Suppose we had been in the way!" - -Bob glanced apprehensively at the swaying trees, from which now and -then a branch would snap off, to come hurtling through the air. - -"I'm nearly frozen," growled Hackett, "and can hardly see." He -struggled slowly ahead, occasionally forced to turn his back to the icy -blasts. "We are in a bad fix, Somers," he went on. "What are we going -to do?" - -"Keep a stiff upper lip. It might be a great deal worse." - -"I don't see it. Just as likely, we are going directly away from camp, -and we can't stay out all night." - -The boys slowed up and looked anxiously around, in an effort to make -out their surroundings. - -"We'll have to trust to luck, Somers, and keep moving," said Hackett. - -"Right you are!" replied Bob, with an effort at cheerfulness. "Don't -get scared, and--" - -"Who said I was scared?" cried Hackett, bristling up. - -The thought of his courage being questioned seemed to put new life into -him, and he moved ahead again with more spirit. - -Before them was a level stretch, which they soon discovered was -bordered by rugged hills. Here the full force of the storm was escaped, -and, at length, to their great joy, beneath a sullen, beetling cliff, -a spot was found partially free from snow and sheltered from the wind. -Strewn about, not far from the nearest snow-drifts, were numerous limbs -and branches carried there by the heavy gusts. - -"My eye! But this is a find!" cried Hackett. "It's great to get away -from that wind. If we can only start a fire--got any matches, Somers?" - -"Of course!" replied Bob, in a tone of great relief. "Whew! I don't -believe I could have stood it out there much longer." - -He shook the snow from his clothing and swung his arms. Then after -a moment's rest, took out his hatchet and began chopping away on a -branch. Hackett, too, set to work, and within a quarter of an hour, a -fire was started. - -Beyond the shelter of the crag, the blizzard continued with unabated -force. The wind howled and whistled, while scarcely anything could be -seen through the mass of falling flakes. - -"We certainly were lucky to get such a place as this, Hacky," commented -Bob. - -"And to crack that rabbit, too," said Hackett. "If we only had a little -salt and pepper--" - -"What do you say to this?" And Bob triumphantly brought forth a small -can of each. - -"My eye! Are you a walking grocery store?" - -Bob laughed. "Wasn't a bad idea, eh?" - -"You're right! Let's get to work." - -Bob soon had the rabbit skinned and dressed. Then he scraped aside a -pile of glowing coals. - -A sharpened stick was used as a spit, and this being laid across two -short logs, the rabbit began to broil. - -"I could eat almost anything," said Bob. - -"Just let me get a chance at it," observed Hackett. - -"Hope the other fellows are all right," said Bob, anxiously. - -"They have Yardsley with 'em. If anybody had to get lost, it was a good -thing we did," continued Hackett. "Dick and Sam--well, they're not up -in the woods game like we are. It kind of comes natural to me, and you -ain't bad at it, either." - -Bob laughed. "Thanks, Hacky, old man," he said. - -The snow sifted down from above, but not enough to cause any great -discomfort. Seated on a log, the boys began to grow cheerful again. -Their aching limbs had eased considerably, and but for the dismal -prospect of spending the night without shelter, neither would have -minded the experience. - -At length, the rabbit was cooked, or at least sufficiently cooked, for -they could wait no longer. - -"It's half burnt, scorched and raw in spots, but it tastes good just -the same," commented Bob. - -"You're right it does," replied Hackett. Then, after a pause, he added, -"Somers, I believe it's letting up a little." - -"It can't stop too soon for me. Hello--what's that sound?" - -A series of doleful barks rose faintly above the roar of the wind. - -"Wolves! I'll bet a hat on it!" cried Hackett, in a tone of alarm; -"and sounds like a regular pack of 'em." - -"I believe you're right." - -Straining their ears, the boys again heard the cries, now growing -louder, then lost in the moaning of the wind. - -"Wolves, sure enough, Somers," repeated Hackett excitedly. He seized -his gun, and peered anxiously around, while Bob began to feed the fire -until great tongues of flame shot upward. - -For some moments, there was no repetition of the cries, and both began -to hope that they might be unmolested. - -But suddenly a dismal medley of yelps and snarls, close at hand, filled -the air. Several shadowy forms darted into view, circled around, -approached, retreated, then, emboldened, came forward again, while the -boys, with their hearts thumping painfully, held their guns ready for -instant use. - -"We are in for a fight, that's sure," said Bob, in a low voice. "Don't -waste a shot." - -[Illustration: "DON'T WASTE A SHOT!"] - -The animals, probably half famished, circled nearer and nearer, -snapping and snarling, and occasionally uniting their voices in a -volume of howls which made the two boys shiver. Now their gleaming -teeth could be seen. Their jaws seemed to snap, as if in anticipation -of a feast. - -"More than a dozen of 'em, Somers!" exclaimed Hackett, in a strained, -tense voice. "Did you ever see such ugly beasts?" - -"Keep cool, and we'll be all right." - -Hackett started to add more fuel to the fire, then stopped short and -uttered an exclamation of dismay. He realized that their supply would -soon be exhausted. - -"Somers," he said, "Somers--what do you think of this? The fire won't -last much longer!" - -"And a fellow can't chop wood with those beasts around. They are -getting bolder every moment." - -All the fuel within reach was piled on the fire, and, keeping it -between themselves and the savage, hungry animals, the boys awaited the -outcome of the siege with nerves set at the keenest tension. - -The gray, gaunt creatures scurried around, sometimes approaching so -near that the two were on the point of firing, then, with dismal -snarls, retreating until their courage reasserted itself. - -"No use to shoot until we are certain," observed Bob. "If we happened -to wound one without disabling it, I'll bet the beast would pounce -right down on us." - -"With the rest following at its heels," added Hackett. - -Once or twice the slim boy raised his rifle, only to lower it. The -indistinct forms, darting hither and thither amidst the driving snow, -were difficult to aim at. - -Meanwhile, the fire began to die down. - -"We're in for it now," said Bob. "Look lively, and don't waste a shot." - -A few minutes passed. Then, like a flash, one of the wolves darted -toward them. - -Bob Somers, with arms that trembled for an instant, raised his gun. He -saw the wide-open, savage mouth, the glaring eyes--then he pulled the -trigger. - -A howl of agony followed the report. The animal rose on its hind legs -and pitched forward in the snow. - -"Hurrah! and with only one charge!" cried Bob, his eyes bright with -excitement. - -The loud report and flash of fire from the gun sent the other wolves -back a few paces, but it was only for a moment. - -"There's but one thing to be done, and that mighty quickly!" exclaimed -Bob. "Wonder we didn't think of it before." - -"What's that?" - -"Climb the cliff. Once out of their reach, it will be easy to pick them -off." - -"Guess you are right. But they won't give us much chance to get up. If -a fellow should slip--" Hackett shuddered. - -"I'll stand 'em off. When I fire, you start to climb." - -"Oh, no!" returned Hackett, quickly; "my repeating rifle is worth half -a dozen of your guns. Be ready to move fast. In a second you'll hear a -fierce racket. Here goes--one--two--three." - -Hackett fired, then quickly followed with two more shots. - -Bob Somers had slung his gun over his shoulder, and taking advantage -of the opportunity, grasped a projecting rock, and began to scale the -steep side of the cliff. Footholds were numerous, and, as little snow -had found lodgment, he managed to reach a ledge well out of reach of -their foes. - -Hackett's shots and the cries of their wounded companions had sent the -wolves quickly retreating, to spread out in a half-circle. - -"Now's your time, Hackett," yelled Bob. "Quick!" - -Hackett hastily turned, and began to scramble upward. - -As he did so, a gray form shot out from amidst its fellows and made a -dash straight for him. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - SUSPICIONS - - -"Whar' can the cap'n an' his mate hev got to?" cried Yardsley. - -For a moment he forgot all about the thieves, in his great anxiety -regarding the young hunters. - -"Powerful--powerful bad," he went on. "Wouldn't hev had this happen fur -no money." - -He raised his gun and fired in the air, Dick Travers following his -example. - -Shielding themselves as best they could against the violent wind and -blinding snow, they awaited a response. But none came. - -"Big surprise ter me," said Yardsley. "I don't see how no sich thing -could happen." - -"What in the world can have become of them?" cried Sam Randall, in the -utmost apprehension. "Great Scott! They will never be able to find -their way back." - -"This is awful," put in Dick, with a strong effort to make himself -heard. - -Yardsley stared fixedly in the direction from which they had come. - -"It's all my fault!" he exclaimed, regretfully. "Powerful wrong ter ask -you fellers ter come on sich a trip. An' I kep' straight ahead, never -lookin' back. Yardsley, you're a reg'lar dub." - -"The trail must be lost completely by this time," said Sam Randall, a -moment later. "You can't even see it right back of the sled." - -"I know this here place purty well," was Yardsley's response. "I -kin foller the route back all right. Thar's one thing," he added, -brightening up a bit. - -"What's that?" asked Sam. - -"The cap'n's got a good head, on good, square shoulders. He ain't no -fool. An' that long-legged chap is full of grit." - -"But this is an awful storm," said Sam Randall, and his moody tone -indicated how apprehensive he felt. - -Disconsolately, the trio pushed along, shouting and firing by turns. - -"There's a chance that they may have gone back to camp," said Dick -Travers, at length. - -"But we don't want to give up until everything is done to find them," -added Randall. - -"Right you are, mate. John Yardsley would give all his winter's work -ter see them chaps afore him." - -But, as time went on, the utter hopelessness of the search became -apparent. Buffeted and battered by the chilly blasts, scarcely able to -see for the flying snow and almost exhausted, the two boys bravely kept -up, until Yardsley, fearing that they might suffer ill effects from the -exposure, sorrowfully decided that it would be necessary to return. - -"It's no use--an' powerful sorry I am ter say it," he announced. "We'd -best git back ter camp, an' trust that the cap'n an' mate pull through -all right." - -"Do you think they found their way back to camp?" asked Sam, hopefully. - -"There's always a chance; an' if they didn't, the two will take keer of -themselves--depend upon it." - -Yardsley was far from feeling as sanguine as his words indicated, but -he strove to encourage the others, and possibly, in so doing, lightened -his own fears. - -Disconsolately, therefore, the search was abandoned. - -Sam and Dick followed the trapper closely. To them, the task of finding -the camp would have been hopeless, but Yardsley went straight ahead, -stopping only occasionally to look about him. - -"How do you know which way to go?" asked Sam, curiously. - -"Bless you, mates, a man can't live as I do, in the woods, an' lose his -bearin's. I've traveled hereabouts 'til I can find my way in the dark." - -"Wonder how Nat Wingate and the other fellows are faring?" said Dick. - -"The camp is kinder sheltered, but them fellers across the lake--" -Yardsley paused, and a strange expression came over his bronzed face. -"H'm--powerful singular, I call it." - -"What is?" asked Sam. - -The trapper nodded, as if in answer to some thought of his own. They -were standing by the side of a huge boulder, and partially sheltered -from the wind. - -"Well, mates, I don't like ter accuse no one, but ain't it powerful -suspicious that them chaps should hev called you over this mornin'?" - -As if half sorry that he had uttered his thoughts, the trapper stopped -short, and glanced questioningly at the others. - -"By George! It is rather funny!" cried Dick, impulsively. "And don't -you remember, Sam, Robson said the whole crowd was expected to come -over?" - -"And it might have been all a bluff, too, about the others going out -hunting." - -"An' him as they call Piper was a-wantin', so he said, ter buy furs -t'other day. Ridiculous figger, too. I don't like ter say nothin', but -it's powerful singular," and Yardsley nodded vigorously. "Can't say -I ever took to 'em, neither," he went on. "Oily kind of feller that -Piper, an' very techy." - -"And they knew just where your skins were kept?" - -"Sartin! As sure as you're a-standin' here, they did." - -"Wouldn't be surprised if they should turn out to be guilty," admitted -Dick. - -"Mind, I don't say it's them, but it looks powerful bad, an' I'm goin' -ter find out. John Yardsley ain't the man ter be done this way." - -"We must do some detective work," put in Sam. - -"If the cap'n was only with us. A bright feller, the cap'n--he'll come -out all right. The snow's growin' a bit less, mates." - -"So it is," said Dick. - -"Now if you fellers keep yer eyes open, ye may find out something." - -"You can count on us," returned Dick, to whom the prospect of detective -work was especially alluring. - -But little was said during the rest of the journey. - -"'Tain't fur now," remarked the trapper at length. He turned to the -right, and was soon standing before a sign-post similar to the one the -boys had seen near Lake Wolverine. - - Partridge Holler. - But it can't be heard. - Lake Wolverine one mile. - -"As I tole you afore, it's a little failin' I have," he chuckled. "You -may strike more of 'em around these parts." - -Yardsley soon relapsed into a moody silence. The fear that Bob Somers -and his companion might be in danger, and his loss drove all other -thoughts from his mind. - -At length, they toiled up another hill, with the snow falling thickly -about them, and the boys suddenly discovered by a familiar tree that -their camp was close at hand. - -"Hurrah!" cried Sam, and with renewed spirit he pushed along. - -Soon the two huts came into view. Then several shadowy figures uttered -loud cheers and came pressing forward. - -"Hello, there!" cried Nat Wingate; "what luck?" - -Then, as he was informed of the unaccountable disappearance of the two -boys, he stared blankly at Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton. "What! Hacky -and Bob Somers lost?" he exclaimed. "That's a nice fix to be in!" - -"We thought they might have found their way back," said Sam, -disconsolately. "This is a fierce storm for any one to be out in, eh, -Chub?" - -"Those chaps are pretty good at taking care of themselves," replied -Dave, reflectively. - -"But what will they do for a shelter to-night?" put in Tom Clifton, in -a frightened voice. "Cracky! What awful luck!" - -"The cap'n's got a good head, an' Hackett's full of grit. The wust of -it is, we can't do nothin'." - -"No use looking on the worst side," commented the poet laureate, in -positively cheerful tones. "Don't get scared until you have to. See -what we've done, fellows." He pointed toward the huts. - -"Cleared away a lot of snow, eh? That's great," commented Dick. "Lucky -that it's sheltered here, or we might have been snowed up pretty badly. -Some big drifts, as it is. Looks different, doesn't it?" - -"Whew, fellows, this wind is too much," said Dave; "it's the hut for -me." - -The boys all crowded inside, followed by the trapper. A lantern hung -from the roof, brightly illuminating the small interior, and making a -cheerful contrast to the growing darkness outside. - -"A purty snug little place, mates," observed Yardsley, seating himself -on an empty box. - -The light played fantastically over his rugged features, ruthlessly -bringing out the wrinkles and hollows formed by conflict with the -elements. His strong, bony hands clasped his knee, and, leaning back, -he gazed moodily at the floor, now and then half starting when a -particularly violent gust of wind shook the hut. - -"It will soon be as dark as pitch," declared Tom Clifton, pulling aside -the canvas flap and looking out. "Snow still coming down pretty lively, -too. We'll have another job clearing it away in the morning." - -"Where in the world can Hacky and Somers be, I wonder?" spoke up Nat. - -"Don't worry, mates. They will turn up to-morrow, sure," said Yardsley. -Then, to relieve his own feelings, he began to talk on other subjects. - -"I say, fellows," broke in Dick Travers, suddenly, "there was something -mighty suspicious about those fellows across the lake calling us over -this morning." - -"What do you mean?" asked the poet laureate, quickly. - -"It looks as though they wanted to have an eye on us. Queer, too, that -Robson should have been alone." - -Dave Brandon seemed somewhat startled, and reflected for a moment. "I -can't believe those chaps would do anything of that sort," he said, -with a decided shake of his head. "Story Robson told seemed straight to -me. Nice fellows, I think." - -"Best ter say nothin' more about it," observed the trapper. "Guess I -done wrong ter 'rouse yer s'picions." - -Nat Wingate leaned back and stuffed his hands in his pocket. "Did -Robson act as if he had a headache, Chub?" he inquired. - -"He didn't look very spry, that's certain." - -"An' I guess it was true 'nough 'bout them wolves," put in Yardsley, -and he contracted his brow until two deep lines appeared. - -"My idea, too," added Dave. - -"Oh, you are easy, Chub," said Nat, rather scornfully. "For my part, -I think those chaps took the furs, and we're going to find out before -very long." - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - - THE FAWN - - -Scrambling desperately, John Hackett strove to pull himself beyond the -reach of the wolf. - -Bob Somers, standing upon an insecure ledge above, and at imminent -risk of taking a tumble, fired point-blank. The animal, with a howl of -mingled fury and pain, stopped--then went limping away, while Hackett, -with another strenuous effort, managed to gain a position of safety. - -"Thanks, Somers, old man," he managed to exclaim. "He came pretty near -giving me a good snip. My eye! We'll attend to those ugly brutes now. -Just look at 'em." - -"We were lucky to get up here, eh?" - -"Yes, and that concert is going to stop--mighty quick, too." - -Hackett slipped a round of cartridges into his rifle, and taking a firm -stand, raised it to his shoulder. - -His aim was true. Without a cry, one of the beasts toppled over in a -heap. - -"Hurrah! Maybe 'Mushroom' could do better than that!" cried the slim -boy, exultingly. "Watch me again, Somers--wow!" Hackett, in his -eagerness, almost slipped from his position. - -"Gracious, Hacky--thought you were going down, sure." - -"It was a close call. Fine, to be plumped right in among 'em," and -Hackett gave a perceptible shiver. - -Awaiting favorable opportunities, both kept on firing, and with each -report, came yelps of rage and pain. The baffled animals scurried away, -then slowly returned to the base of the cliff, where they trotted -around, looking upward, their glistening teeth and red tongues giving -them a most ferocious aspect. - -"Only a few more left, now, Somers. Here goes another," and Hackett -proved his assertion by a skilful shot. The blood-curdling screech that -followed seemed to carry consternation into the hearts of the others. -Hastily falling back, they circled around for a moment, then, dismally -howling, leaped over the snow and disappeared from view behind the -veil of falling flakes. - -"My eye! That's great! We have done ourselves proud!" exclaimed -Hackett. "Five of 'em! What will old Yardsley say to this, eh, Somers?" - -"That we know how to look out for ourselves. Talk about being stiff and -cold--my position is so cramped--" - -"Let's get down, then." - -"That's what I'm going to do just as soon as we're sure those beasts -are not coming back." - -After a considerable wait, when there was nothing to indicate that -their savage foes were near, Bob Somers eased himself down, and, with -a sigh of relief, stretched his aching limbs. By swinging his arms -vigorously and dancing a jig, the circulation was quickly restored. -Hackett followed his example. - -"Gracious, what ugly looking beasts," exclaimed Bob as his eyes rested -on their late besiegers. - -"We'll take the tails along, to show the fellows," said Hackett. -"There's a bounty for 'em, too. I knew I could do the trick. Made some -pretty good shots, eh, Somers?" and Hackett smiled complacently. - -"Yes, you did," returned Bob, with a faint grin. "But better let's -pitch in, now, and get a pile of wood ready for the night. The wolves -may take it into their heads to come back." - -"To think of having to spend hours and hours in this gloomy place," -grumbled Hackett. "It's fierce luck--nothing to eat, either. Say, -we, too, have an account to settle with the fellows who stole old -Yardsley's furs. I'd like to run across 'em. Wonder if he had any luck?" - -"Not likely. The trail was 'most lost when we got separated." - -No sign of the remaining wolves being seen, they boldly set to work, -and in spite of their tired condition, kept at it until a great pile -of fuel was gathered. Then the bodies of the dead wolves were tossed -unceremoniously to one side. - -The smouldering fire soon quickened into life, and by this time, -darkness had settled over the scene, a pitchy darkness, which the fire -lighted up for a short distance with a fantastic glare. - -Conversation lagged. They gazed moodily at the crumbling logs sending -up showers of sparks, at the ever-changing forms, so suggestive to -imaginative minds of hobgoblins and elves, dancing and twisting into -every conceivable shape, but nothing could make them forget their -hunger. - -Time wearily dragged on--hours and hours passed--then tired nature -asserted itself. - -"No use of two keeping watch, Hacky. Let's take turns on guard, or if -you want to take a nap--" - -"I'm not any more tired than you are. I can stand about as much as any -fellow I know of." - -"Certainly you can," laughed Bob. "We can settle it by drawing lots. If -I win, you can bet I'll take a nap." - - * * * * * - -When the daylight began to show itself through a dull sky, patched with -blue, the snow had stopped falling. - -A flock of crows passed noisily overhead. Soon the frostwork in the -forest was sparkling like diamonds, as the sun burst through a rift in -the grayish clouds. - -Bob jumped to his feet. "Morning, and a fine one, too," he exclaimed. - -"You're right, Somers. Are you ready to skip?" - -"You bet! Say, but I'm sore and stiff; and I'll starve, too, if I don't -get something to eat pretty soon." - -Snow-shoes were strapped on, and after cutting off the wolves' tails, a -start was made. - -"Which direction do you think the camp is, Somers?" - -"About southeast. We ought not to have much trouble in striking Lake -Wolverine, with the sun to help us." - -"Guess you are right. It might be a good idea to climb a tree. I'll do -that on top of the next hill." - -Everywhere were evidences of the storm's ravages. Branches and limbs -lay on all sides and occasionally small trees were found lying -prostrate on the snow. - -Through a heavily timbered section the boys forced their way, often -confronted by huge snow-drifts. - -On reaching the summit of a high hill, Hackett looked about him. - -"There's a tree that will do, Somers," he said, pointing to one close -at hand. "When I get my snow-shoes off, give me a boost." - -In spite of little food and a very hard night, Hackett had not lost his -agility. From branch to branch he climbed aloft, until a dizzy height -was reached. - -"I can see the upper end of the lake, Somers," he called, "but it's a -good way off. We are headed all right, though," he added, beginning to -descend. - -"A couple of hours ought to see us at the camp," declared Hackett, when -he stood on the ground once more. - -"How far is the lake?" - -"About three miles. Let's hustle." - -Down the steep slope they went, and at the bottom found themselves in -a forest of evergreens. The air was crisp and invigorating and the -fragrant odor of the pines delightful. - -The ground was again rising gently. A few paces further, Bob Somers -suddenly seized Hackett by the arm. "Gracious alive--a deer," he -whispered. "Don't make a sound." - -"Where?" asked his companion, eagerly. - -"Straight ahead," said Bob. - -They had reached the top of a slight elevation. Below, with its back -turned toward them, was a deer browsing upon cedar boughs. - -"Sure enough! If this isn't the greatest piece of luck I ever heard of; -and the wind is blowing in the right direction, too." Hackett's voice -trembled with excitement. "Mind your eye, Somers," he continued, "and -we'll get it. Let's circle around, and--" he paused, for the deer swung -its head to one side, and both boys expected to see it dash off on the -instant. - -But, to their intense relief, the animal continued browsing, and, with -the utmost caution, they moved along, eagerly peering between the -masses of underbrush. - -"It's still there," said Hackett, in scarcely audible tones. "A minute -more, and I'm going to take a chance." - -"Don't utter even a whisper," interrupted Bob, warningly. - -In silence, the eager hunters, bending low, circled around. - -A moment later, coming in full view of the deer between wide openings -in the trees, Hackett raised his rifle, conquered the strange tremor -which had seized him, and fired. - -It was a thrilling moment. A wreath of bluish smoke slowly drifted -upward, then the excited boys saw the animal plunge forward, and sink -to its knees. - -A hearty shout came from Hackett. "Knew I couldn't miss!" he cried, -exultingly, as he dashed ahead. - -The deer recovered its feet, and floundered through the snow. But the -slim boy rapidly gained on the wounded animal, and, waiting until he -was within easy range, fired again. - -This time, the doe, struck in a vital part, dropped in her tracks and -rolled heavily in the snow. - -Hackett rushed forward in the greatest excitement. A cry of triumph -came from his lips. The only great achievement of the trip had been -his--already, he saw himself looked upon as a mighty hunter by the -Kingswood boys. - -But as he approached the body of the doe, a plaintive cry attracted his -attention, so soft and faint as to almost pass unheard. - -"What's that, I wonder?" muttered Hackett, in astonishment. - -Looking quickly around, he saw a pair of large, pleading eyes, gazing -into his own. Partially hidden by a mass of underbrush stood a young -fawn. - -The little creature seemed to be on the point of leaping off, but, as -Hackett remained perfectly still, it apparently took courage, then -gazed at the doe with such a mournful expression that the young hunter -felt touched. - -"Hang it all, Somers," he exclaimed, regretfully, "I wish I hadn't made -such a corking good shot. I do--and no mistake." - -"A fawn, by George! I thought I saw something moving along back of that -bush," cried Bob Somers. "Come here," he said, coaxingly, holding out -his hand. - -But the small creature leaped lightly aside. - -"My eye! I'll take him back with me," declared Hackett. "You bet I -will." - -"Catch him first," laughed Bob. - -"I think we can manage it. See, he hasn't gone far. Leave it to me, -Somers. It will be sporting up and down my father's lawn yet." - -With an assortment of strange sounds, Hackett stepped forward. But -as long as he was in motion the fawn kept moving away, showing no -disposition, however, to go very far from the slain doe. - -Hackett displayed a great deal of patience, and finally the fawn, -apparently realizing that no harm was intended, allowed him to approach. - -In the meantime, Bob Somers had made a noose out of a piece of cord, -and when the slim boy finally succeeded in coaxing the animal to his -side, they managed, by careful work, to slip it over the fawn's neck, -and it was then a prisoner. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - - BACK TO CAMP - - -"It's the fellows, as sure as you live!" cried Dick Travers. "Whoop! -Isn't that great, Chubby? Makes me feel like dancing for joy." - -The faint report of a gun came over the frosty air, following a signal -fired by Yardsley. - -"Must be the cap'n an' mate," commented the trapper, with hope in his -voice. - -"Cracky, I only hope we're not going to be disappointed," put in Sam -Randall, anxiously. "Shall we fire again?" - -"'Tain't no use now," declared Musgrove, decidedly. - -On reaching the top of a hill, the eager searchers were rewarded by -seeing two figures slowly moving along in the valley below. - -"Is it them?" asked Tim Sladder, earnestly. - -"I'm sure it is," declared Dick Travers; "I'd know Hackett's thin -figure a mile away." - -"I don't even mind losin' them furs--if that's the cap'n an' mate, safe -an' sound," exclaimed Yardsley, heartily. "Tell the truth, I ain't had -a minute's rest fur thinkin' about 'em." - -"Hi, hi--hey!" yelled Nat; "hello, Hacky--whoop!" and he waved his hand -frantically in the air. - -An answering call reached their ears. - -"My goodness, but I'm glad," cried Sam Randall, enthusiastically. "This -is the best moment of the trip." - -"I knew they would turn up all right, though," commented Dave Brandon. -But his shining eyes and tone indicated a feeling of the greatest -relief. "What is that they have with them--a dog, or what?" he asked -abruptly. - -"Most likely a 'What,'" grinned Nat. - -"Some four-legged critter, sure enough," put in Tim Sladder. - -"Bless you," began Yardsley--he shaded his eyes--"what can it be? -Youngsters," he added, in a surprised tone, "the cap'n an' mate's got a -fawn. Did you ever hear the beat of it? Really--if I ain't surprised!" - -"Christopher! They must be getting a menagerie together," observed Nat -Wingate, wonderingly. - -Swiftly the snow-shoes glided over the white surface of the slope, -Yardsley leading the way, and soon they were within easy call. - -A chorus of cheers floated over the air, and before the echoes had -ceased lusty shouts came from the others. - -"Ah, but it's good ter see 'em again," cried Yardsley. "An' they don't -look none the wuss fur it, neither." - -"Hurrah for the bounding brotherhood of deer catchers," yelled Nat, and -above the din which followed was heard Billy Musgrove's loud laugh. - -"Hello, fellows!" - -"Hello, Nat, old man!" - -Enthusiastic greetings, hand-shaking and exclamations followed. -Questions, sharp, quick and to the point, were hurled back and forth. -All spoke at once, and no one managed to get a clear idea of anything -until Yardsley waved his hand for silence. - -"Softly, youngsters," he exclaimed; "give 'em time." - -"It strikes me you're right," agreed Sam Randall. "Quit that racket, -fellows. What's that, Bob--wolves? Say--" - -"Wolves!" echoed Hackett. "Did we have a fight?--Well!" the slim boy -drew a long breath. - -The tumult threatened to break out again, but the pause was well -timed, and Hackett launched forth into a vivid description, which was -punctuated at telling points by a chorus of "ah's and oh's" from his -interested listeners. - -"Boys, I'm proud of yer," declared the trapper, beamingly, as he -extended his hand to each in turn. "Born hunters--both of yer. What -d'ye think of it?" and he turned toward Sladder and Musgrove. - -"Ain't bad, fur town fellers, but," and Musgrove grinned in his -impudent fashion, "me an' Tim wouldn't think nothing of it. No, sir! -Why--" - -"But do tell us about the fawn," interposed Dick Travers, impatiently, -as Hackett's eyes began to glare. - -During the reunion, the small animal had made frantic efforts to -escape. The sight of big, lumbering Bowser especially terrified it, -but the dog, slowly walking forth and back, kept at a considerable -distance, eying the newcomer askance, occasionally uttering a doleful -bark. - -"Brave dog of yours, Sladder," sneered Hackett. "Wonder it hasn't -keeled over. It can hardly stand up now, for fright." - -Tim grinned, then glanced, with a rather peculiar expression, at -Yardsley. "He ain't never been hisself since he heard them awful -screeches outside our shanty," he declared. "'Most had a spell then; -but you ain't got money enough ter buy him." - -"He's only good enough for the dog pound." - -"Oh, but the fawn--do tell us about the fawn," put in Tom Clifton. - -Hackett complied. - -"Somers will tell you what a corking good shot it was. I'd like to see -any one in this crowd beat it," he declared, decisively, as the story -was concluded. - -"Them fawns, if yer runs acrost 'em at the proper age, are easy tamed," -said John Yardsley. - -"What beautiful eyes," remarked Tom Clifton, admiringly. - -"And pretty head," added Dick. "What are you going to do with it, -'Hatchet'?" - -"It goes back to Kingswood, and will walk around my governor's lawn, -larger than life." - -"Are we going to stand here gabbing all day?" asked Bob, with a comical -grimace. "Talk about feeling hungry--and tired--and cold." - -"That's so! You sure had a fierce time of it!" exclaimed Yardsley, -apologetically. "Come with me, an' I'll make a spread fur the hull -crowd--that I will." - -This arrangement was gladly acceded to, especially as the last spread -had been one to be remembered. - -Every one was glad when the cabin came in view, and still more glad -when a fire was started. While Tom Clifton and Dick Travers assisted -the hunter, the rest discussed the various events which had befallen -them. - -"No, I ain't seen them fellers 'crost the lake," snapped Billy -Musgrove, in answer to a question. "Ain't pertic'lar 'bout it, neither. -No, sir; Piker an' Jobson got too fresh. Say, what d'ye think Jobson -says ter me?" A peculiarly injured expression crossed his face, and, -for a moment, a pair of small eyes blinked angrily. "He says, 'Muzzy, -yer got the biggest mouth I ever seen.' Honest, he did, Springate--them -was his words." - -"But you called him down all right, Billy," grinned Tim Sladder. - -"Sure I did! What's that, Springate--you think they stole Pardsley's -furs?" - -"I didn't say anything to you, Musgrove," said Nat, annoyed that an -unguarded remark had been overheard. - -"I hearn you, though, that I did. Say, you don't know nothing about it. -No, sir." Billy Musgrove leaned back on an empty soap box. "I ain't -a-sayin' I like 'em," he went on, looking down on the floor, and slowly -twirling his thumbs, "an' I don't know nothing about 'em, but--" - -"I reckon we'll never l'arn who robbed me," broke in Yardsley. - -"An' I don't keer," continued Billy Musgrove, calmly. - -"An' I was going ter say," interposed the trapper, "that now the cap'n -an' his mate's got back safely, I ain't a-kickin'." - -"See here, Wardsley, what makes you call Scummers 'cap'n'?" asked -Musgrove, with a grin and a wink. "D'ye think he's boss? If yer do, -ask that long-legged chap." - -"You make me think of a purp in a mud puddle--always stirring up -things," remarked Hackett, half angrily. "Don't get too gay. I won't -stand for it--no, sir. Ask me pal, Nat," and he mimicked Billy's voice -so well that the boys fairly exploded with laughter. - -"Want to go over with us to-morrow night, and see 'Piper' and the rest, -Sladder?" asked Nat, when quiet was restored. - -"What are you goin' fur?" - -"Nothing special. Just to see how they are making out," answered Nat, -evasively. - -"Sure thing, we'll go," interrupted Musgrove. "Wouldn't hev 'em think -they scared us none. To-morrow night, eh?--Suits me, all right." - -"Wonder what luck they've had, anyway?" observed Sladder. - -"Them chaps ain't no hunters. Ain't many hunters out here neither;" -and at this very obvious insinuation Billy winked several times, and -affected not to notice the dense silence which, for a moment, followed -his words. - -Appetizing odors soon filled the room, and the half-famished wanderers -could scarcely wait until the steaming viands were placed on the long -table near the window. - -The meal was thoroughly enjoyed, and at its completion the poet -laureate distinguished himself by promptly going to sleep. - -"Let him be, mates," observed Yardsley. "And who's a-goin' with me ter -fetch that there deer to camp?" he asked, a moment later. - -"I will," said Dick Travers. - -"Guess I'll go, too," added Randall. - -"We'd best be going soon," continued Yardsley, "or we'll find that the -varmints have made a meal of it." - -When Yardsley and the two Ramblers started off after the deer, the -others began to make their way toward the lake. - -As the afternoon advanced, the clouds which still dotted the sky began -to disappear, and before dark the last whitish patch had vanished -behind a hill. Finally a glimmering light began to show in the -northeast, and the moon rose against a steel blue sky sprinkled with -stars. - -Sam Randall and Dick Travers returned, and announced the success of -their trip. - -The rigor of a keen, cutting air was greatly lessened by a roaring -fire, and the boys managed to make themselves comfortable. - -Bob Somers and Hackett, however, thoroughly worn out, concluded to -retire early, and while the figures of Sladder, Musgrove and Bowser -were yet patches of dark against a snowy background, each was ready for -his bed of fir brush. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - - A QUARREL - - -"Here comes Sladder, Musgrove and the mighty Bowser," laughed Bob, when -supper was finished next evening. - -"There's a light in the cabin, so we might as well get ready," added -Sam Randall, rising to his feet. - -The Stony Creek hunters soon drew up alongside the blazing fire. - -"Evenin'! You fellers goin' over now? Piker's gang is there," said -Musgrove. "A bully night, too, fur skatin'," he added. - -The full moon gleamed brightly from a cloudless sky, sending the -shadows of the dark trees in a delicate tracery over the foreground. -The huts were edged with light, while beyond stretched a pale, ghostly -expanse of snow, broken here and there by dark patches of trees and -underbrush. Overhead, a few bright stars sparkled upon the field of -blue. - -"Big crowd of us, isn't there?" said Tom Clifton, with a glance over -his shoulder, as all started for the lake. - -"Sure," replied Sladder; "with Bowser, it makes ten. Guess there won't -be much room in that there cabin when all of us gits inside." - -"Race, Wackett?" grinned Musgrove, as the crisp whirr of the steel rang -out. - -"Do you think I want to break my neck? A fellow might run across -an air hole or thin spot somewhere. Daytime for me. And say, -Mushroom"--Hackett's voice betrayed a trace of impatience--"you won't -talk so much about racing after the next time." - -"Huh--what's the reason I won't?" - -"You'll find out. I'll have the Stony Creek championship dangling from -my belt before long, eh, Nat?" and Hackett playfully poked his chum in -the ribs. - -The starlike point of light in the cabin grew larger and brighter, and -finally the log structure could be faintly seen against the side of the -hill. - -"Hello--hi, hi!" yelled Hackett, and the chorus of shouts which -followed soon brought a response. - -The door was opened, sending a stream of light out upon the snow. Dark -forms crowded the entrance, and Piper's voice was heard, inviting them -to come in. - -The snow-drifts along the shore and around the cabin were particularly -heavy, but the boys quickly floundered through them. - -"I'm glad to see you," said Piper, heartily, as the group approached. -"Been wondering how you fared in the storm. Hello--you here?" - -His eye had rested on the forms of Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove, who -stood in the full glare of light. - -At this remark, the latter's face assumed its most impudent expression. -He folded his arms and surveyed the speaker an instant before replying, -"Certainly--an' why not?" - -"Oh, well--didn't expect you--that's all." - -Piper's voice grew sarcastic, his manner became frigid, while Robson, -standing just inside, gave a short laugh. "Anyway, we don't want that -Bowser in here," went on Piper. "A hundred pounds of dog would take up -too much room." - -"An' I suppose me an' me pal, Tim, ain't good 'nough ter come in, -neither--eh?" growled Musgrove, compressing his lips. - -"No use getting riled. Move lively, fellows--don't want to let in too -much cold air." - -For an instant the Stony Creek boys held back. Then Sladder whispered -in his chum's ear, and the two slowly walked inside. Bowser, left out -in the cold, set up a mournful howl and began scratching at the door. - -"Sit on anything you can find, fellows," said Piper, with a pleasant -smile. "It seems to me," he added, "that we ought to build an addition -to this shack. What's the matter with that brute?" - -"Don't you think a dog feels the cold jest like humans, Swiper?" -interposed Musgrove. - -"Seems to me it's more of a great big calf than a canine," laughed -Piper. "Pretty heavy storm we had, eh? It was a job clearing away some -of the snow-drifts. Seems to me I never worked so hard in my life. How -did you fellows make out?" - -"Well, Piper," replied Nat Wingate, sitting in an indolent fashion near -the stove, "there was excitement on our side of the lake, and plenty of -it, too." - -"Bob Somers and Hackett had an awful time," ventured Tom Clifton. -"Almost got chewed up by wolves." - -"By wolves?" echoed Heydon, in surprise. - -"Yes! We certainly had the fight of our lives--and no mistake," -answered Hackett. "You see, Piper, it was this way--" - -A particularly loud whine from the disconsolate Bowser interrupted him. - -"We'll have to let the poor brute in," remarked Rex Heydon. "If we -don't, the meeting will be disturbed too much." - -"Seems to me," put in Piper, reflectively, "that I wouldn't own a dog -like that." - -"Don't say nothin' agin Bowser," protested Tim Sladder, warmly. He -opened the door to admit the animal, which bounded in with a great -demonstration of joy. - -"Now spin your yarn," said Piper. - -Nat Wingate, quite anxious to see if the trio displayed any evidence of -guilt, quickly spoke up. "Yardsley had all his furs and skins stolen," -he exclaimed, abruptly, and pausing to note the effect of his words, he -glanced sharply at the three young men. - -They seemed profoundly astonished. - -"Had his furs stolen?" gasped Piper. "How--when?" - -Nat proceeded to tell them, and when he had finished Hackett began his -tale. - -"Well, you fellows certainly had a strenuous day, all right," commented -Robson with a long breath as he concluded. "Let's see--say, it happened -just about the time I sent up the smoke signals, eh?" - -Piper contracted his brow on hearing this, and stared reflectively at -the floor. "It seems to me," he began. - -"Can't you say nothin' else than 'it seems ter me'?" grinned Musgrove, -impudently. "That's the ninth time yer said it. I counted 'em." - -"Seems to me that you--" - -"Makes ten!" Billy shifted his position and chuckled audibly, while -Piper glared angrily for a moment, then resumed, "This is a pretty -serious business, boys. Have you seen any one around lately?" - -"No!" - -"And doesn't Yardsley have any suspicions?" - -An uncomfortable expression flitted across Nat Wingate's face, and -slight as it was, Piper's quick eye detected it. - -"Oh, ho!" put in the poet laureate, "it's all a mystery. Yardsley said -yesterday that he never expected to find out who took them." - -A sort of chuckle came from Billy Musgrove, which seemed to irritate -Piper considerably. Heydon, too, looked over with a surprised air, -remarking, "I'm sure I can't see what there is to amuse any one in an -affair like this." - -"I ain't said I was amused at the rob'ry," returned Musgrove with -another chuckle. - -"But at something--that's quite apparent," said Piper. For a moment -he remained thoughtful, then, as an idea suddenly entered his mind, -a slight flush crossed his face. "What is this, Wingate?" he asked, -rather sharply. "What did old Yardsley say? Come, out with it. No need -of any mystery." - -"Brandon just told you," answered Nat, evasively. - -"Oh, yes--but I'll be bound that wasn't all. Look at Musgrove--he can -scarcely keep his face straight." - -Silence followed this remark. It was broken by Rex Heydon, who -observed, "I guess we can see through a wall when there's a hole in it. -What are you afraid of?" - -"Afraid?" Nat Wingate mechanically repeated the word, then came to a -pause, looking considerably nonplussed. - -Piper turned toward the smallest member of the Rambler Club and held up -his finger. "Tom Clifton," he said, with a trace of anger in his voice, -"I want to know exactly what that old trapper had to say!" - -But Billy Musgrove interrupted. "What are you gittin' excited 'bout, -Sniper?" he asked, the grin leaving his face. "Why do you want ter know -what Pardsley says?" - -"I'm not talking to you," snapped Piper. - -"Come now--don't be scared, Tommy," he went on, encouragingly; "out -with it. Wingate knows, but won't tell. Kind of lost his nerve, -perhaps." - -"You must think I lose my nerve pretty easily," laughed Nat. - -"Well, it seems to me--that will do, Musgrove, if my English doesn't -happen to please your scholarly mind, I can't help it--that you ought -to be frank, Wingate. Your nature may be a little timid--some people -are that way--and--" - -"Can't say I like that," interrupted Nat, his eyes beginning to flash. -"A little timid, eh? I guess you don't know me very well yet, Piper." - -"Well, then, we'll test that a bit--of course no offense intended. Now -it seems to me--" - -A groan came from Musgrove. Piper cast an angry look in his direction, -and continued, "Now--just show me how much nerve you have. I can tell -that old Yardsley said something about us--don't deny it. Really -doesn't make any difference, but--" - -Nat Wingate half arose. He felt that all eyes were upon him and to -be even mildly accused of lack of courage made the hot blood mount -to his face. "Do you think I'd lose my nerve on your account?" he -exclaimed,--"not much!" - -"Come--come, fellows!" expostulated Dave Brandon, quietly; "there is no -need of any trouble." - -"The idea of him talkin' like that, when Springate's been insulted," -chuckled Musgrove, in a hoarse whisper. "This is as good as a circus. -But Sniper can't scare Springate none no, sir--not he." - -"Piper," spoke up Robson, at this juncture, "you made a mistake in -letting Muzz come in, after his impudence the other day." - -"My imperdence?" Billy rose excitedly. "My imperdence?" he repeated, -furiously. "If that don't beat all! I like that--of all the sassy -fellers I ever run acrost, Sniper, you're the wust." Musgrove leaned -forward--the light revealed a face purple with rage. "But yer can't -scare me, or me pal, Tim--no, sir!" - -"And I won't stand fur no sass, neither," asserted Sladder, taking a -stand by the side of his chum. "We ain't lookin' fur trouble, but when -it comes, we kin handle an awful lot." - -Piper glared for a moment at the two boys, then arose. "You will have -precious little opportunity for handling any around here," he observed, -"or for making any, either." - -"'Seems ter me,'" retorted Musgrove, also arising, "that it was you -what's been makin' a fuss. I never seen sich a crowd." - -Charlie Piper was thoroughly incensed. "Get out of this cabin, you -grinning jackanapes," he cried, wrathfully. Then, walking to the door, -he threw it open. "Take yourselves and that clumsy old brute out of -here before my temper gets the best of me." - -"Oh, we ain't pertic'lar anxious ter stay," sneered Musgrove, as he -spitefully kicked over the box on which he had been sitting and edged -away. "You're a nice one--a pertic'lar nice one--oh, yes! An' Springate -ain't the feller I think he is, if he lets hisself be insulted. -Imperdence, eh? Well, you know how ter hand it out, all right." - -"An' I ain't standing fur no more of it, neither," added Tim Sladder. -"Come on, Bowser!" And the Stony Creek boys stalked slowly and -defiantly toward the door. - -"Nice, pleasant evening," remarked Nat, dryly. - -"Mean anything by that?" queried Piper. - -"Come now, Charlie," interposed Heydon. "Those Stony Creek fellows have -kind of spoiled things. Let it drop." - -"If some one had had the courage to speak out in a manly fashion, this -trouble could all have been avoided," returned the other. "Don't blame -the whole thing on them." - -"Boys!" exclaimed Heydon, with a deprecatory gesture. "No use taking -that seriously. Call the thing ended. Won't you have a cup of coffee?" - -"I think not," answered Nat, coldly, as he arose from his seat. "Guess -I'll be going, too," he continued. "Hang it all--no matter what -Yardsley said, it's no affair of ours." - -"Might be better to change the subject now," said Fulmer Robson, with a -forced laugh, "and begin--" - -"I'll say good-night, fellows," continued Nat, as he took a step toward -the door. "Coming along, Hackett?" - -"Well, if you are in such a humor as that," snapped Piper, "I've -nothing further to say. No doubt that fellow Yardsley thinks we stole -his furs--I could read it in your face." - -"We're not responsible for another person's opinion," observed Hackett, -a little disappointed that the row had not assumed larger proportions. - -"Still I notice that no one has the sand to let me know what he said." -Piper spoke in a most sarcastic tone, and glanced from Hackett to -Wingate. - -Nat's brown eyes flashed. "You'll admit yourself, Piper," he blurted -out, "that it looks mighty singular. Just at the time we are sent for, -the furs happen to disappear. Anybody would be a fool not to--" - -"That will do," interrupted Piper, harshly. "The whole crowd of you -might as well get out. This isn't the end of the affair by a long shot!" - -Hackett opened the door. "And you'll find out that we have as much sand -as anybody," he growled. "Don't you forget it." - -"It needs to be proven," retorted Piper, angrily. "If you are going, -kindly shut the door. We don't care to be frozen out." - -"If you want proofs," snapped Hackett, "you'll get them fast enough. -This crowd doesn't take a back seat for anybody." - -"Very good--but just remember that we're in no mood to be trifled -with," was Piper's parting fling. - -Almost before they realized it, the boys found themselves standing -outside the cabin, wondering at the strange termination of their visit. - -Meanwhile Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove had not left the vicinity. -They considered themselves grievously insulted, and Bowser, too, had -been referred to in the most slurring manner. As the two conversed in -low tones, their anger grew, rather than lessened. - -In the full glare of moonlight, the Stony Creek boys stood, dark and -mysterious against a background of silvery white snow, now and then -turning toward the cabin to make a threatening gesture. Finally, -instead of re-crossing the lake, and moving as if some momentous scheme -was under way, they began to climb the hill back of the cabin. It was -steep and partially bare of trees. - -On reaching the top, Billy Musgrove chuckled--it was a particularly -mirthful chuckle, and seemed to indicate that his wrathful feelings had -been swallowed up in those of a more pleasant nature. Below, the cabin -appeared as a dark patch, while a glimmer of pale yellow light spread -over the snow from the window on the other side. - -"We jest hit the right scheme, Tim," exclaimed Musgrove, cautiously. -"'Bout here is the spot. We'll make a whopper, an' it oughter swoop -down like a streak o' lightnin'. That 'seems ter me' feller will find -out it ain't good ter insult us none." - -Tim Sladder grinned. "I can hardly wait," he said. "Here you, -Bowser--keep quiet. Guess it will surprise 'em some. Let's begin ter -scoop it up. Plenty of big drifts jest in the right place." - -"My, but Springate was mad with Sniper," chuckled Billy. "Hope they -ain't gone when this here punk'n begins a-rollin'." - -With an energy that would have done credit to a more worthy cause, the -Stony Creek boys began to get together a pile of snow. A big mass was -pounded and rolled together until it became firm and solid. - -They watched the white ball growing into formidable dimensions with -many stifled bursts of laughter, while old Bowser, taking a languid -interest in the proceedings, gazed curiously as it was rolled from -place to place gathering up more snow. - -"Hello--believe them chaps is a-comin' out now," observed Sladder. -"Ain't that Piper a-talkin' loud?" - -"Guess you're right, Tim," chuckled Musgrove, listening intently. -"Sounds like a scrap, don't it?" - -"Wouldn't worry me none, if it was. But don't let 'em see you, Billy." - -"This here huckleberry is 'most done an' ready ter roll. Git back a -bit, Tim. I can see 'em hangin' around the door. Say--there's Scummers -a-callin' us." - -"Let 'im call. We ain't got no time ter gab. Important business on -hand." Tim Sladder chuckled and peered cautiously over the edge of the -declivity. An exclamation of impatience escaped him, as he saw several -dusky figures wending their way toward the base of the hill. "By jingo, -they must have heard us," he exclaimed. "Believe they're a-comin' up, -too." - -Consternation seemed to seize Musgrove. "An' we jest ready ter start -the ball a-rollin'," he growled. "Quick, Tim--if they once gits up, -they'll stop us, maybe. Shove the punk'n over, an' scoot." - -The boys jumped toward the huge snowball. With an effort that taxed all -their strength, they managed to roll it toward a mass of underbrush, -then the two disappeared amidst the trees. - -The sound of voices from below grew louder, and Musgrove, with the -greatest caution, presently moved forward to a place where he could see -over the edge of the hill. - -"What are they a-doin'?" questioned Tim, eagerly. - -"Tryin' ter mind our business, fur sure--the hull crowd is a-comin' up." - -"Right this way?" asked Sladder, in alarm. - -"No! Kinder circlin' around. Yer can yell yer head off, Scummers, but -nobody ain't goin' ter answer." - -"Can't we roll it over now?" put in Sladder, eagerly. - -"Best wait." Billy drew back like a shot. "Thought sure they seed me -that time," he whispered. "Lay low--get down, you Bowser." - -Screening themselves behind a mass of underbrush, the boys kept their -eyes on the others, who, climbing the hill some distance off, were -occasionally lost to view behind the trees. - -Hoping that they would soon be discouraged and give up the search, -Sladder and Musgrove remained silent, but as the minutes flew by they -saw the Kingswood boys pushing steadily up the hill. - -"Ain't this the meanest luck?" growled Sladder, in scarcely audible -tones. "But they ain't a-goin' ter stop us--no, sir--they ain't. Wow! -They's a-comin' this way. Stir yourself, Billy!" - -"They must have heerd us, or they wouldn't have been nosin' around fur -fifteen minutes," returned Musgrove, disgustedly. - -Throwing aside all caution, the latter straightened up, and with -Sladder at his heels, boldly walked toward the huge snowball. - -"Crickets, Billy, this is 'most as heavy as lead," puffed the latter, -as he attempted to roll it. - -"It's a whopper, all right--quick--them fellers is a-gittin' close't." - -Putting their shoulders to the mass, they shoved it over to the brink -of the hill. - -Their presence had now been discovered, for Bowser, not understanding -the necessity for silence, uttered a long, doleful bark. - -"Get it headed straight, Tim," exclaimed Musgrove, breathing hard. -"Jest a leetle this way. Aim fur them twigs in front, an' it'll land -all right." - -"Them fellers can't stop us now," said Sladder, with a grin of delight. -"Everything ready, eh?--one--two--three!" - -From the point where the two stood, there was a smooth, steep -declivity, then a nearly level stretch leading to the cabin. - -Chuckling loudly, the two boys gave the enormous ball a mighty shove. - -"Mind your eye when Swiper an' Jobson come out. Won't they be wild? Oh, -my, it's a-tearin' along, eh? Somethin' goin' ter bust, sure." - -Eagerly they kept their eyes on the ball, which gathered speed every -instant and was headed directly for the cabin. - -With an irresistible rush it reached the bottom of the hill, dashed -across the intervening stretch like a flash and brought up with a -frightful bang against the side of the cabin. An ominous crashing of -timbers followed, and gleams of light were seen issuing from the spot -where it had struck. Then silence reigned. - -It was but for an instant, however. With loud shouts of vengeance, -three young men, wildly excited, issued from the door and made a -bee-line for seven boys who had come to a stop at the summit of the -hill. - -Sladder, Musgrove and Bowser melted silently away into the sombre -depths of the woods. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - - SELF-DEFENSE - - -The seven Kingswood boys after leaving the cabin stood irresolutely for -a moment. - -"Talk about being disgusted," sniffed Nat Wingate. "Did you ever meet -such a queer chap as that Piper?" - -"Listen!" exclaimed Tom Clifton, raising his hand. "Didn't I hear a -voice?" - -After a short discussion, the group began to ascend the hill. They kept -a sharp look-out for the others, and once or twice shouted their names -loudly. - -Not being in a hurry and stopping at intervals to talk, the boys had -managed to use up the better part of a quarter of an hour when a bark -from Bowser indicated the position of Sladder and Musgrove. - -"Right over there, eh?" exclaimed Bob Somers. - -"I see 'em," cried Tom Clifton. "What in the world are they doing?" - -"Ha, ha!" laughed Hackett; "I told you so. If that isn't a dandy -snowball, and--" - -"They're going to send it where it will do the most harm, too, I'll -bet," chuckled Nat. - -"We ought to stop them," interposed Bob Somers, hastily. - -"Too late! They've done it," put in Dick Travers. "Whew! it's traveling -some, I can tell you." - -"Ah--ah--but that was a smack for you!" exclaimed Tom Clifton, -breathlessly, as the snowball struck the hut. "Will they--" - -His further speech was interrupted by the three hunters, who burst -furiously out of the door. - -Enraged beyond measure, and fully believing that the Kingswood boys -were responsible for the outrage, they charged toward them. - -"Guess we'd better make a break for it, too!" exclaimed Nat Wingate, -with a short laugh. "Christopher, I'll back Tommy against Musgrove any -time, after seeing this." - -Swiftly seven figures sped over the snow, while at a little distance -came Piper and his friends, uttering loud calls for them to stop and -take their medicine. - -"Nice, pleasant evening," observed Nat, for the second time. - -"Oh, ho," panted Dave, "society in the wilderness--social calls seem -somewhat dangerous." - -"Hello! Got discouraged pretty quick, eh?" put in Nat, looking over his -shoulder. - -The three young men had stopped, then began to retrace their steps. -Seeing this, the boys slowed up, and, breathing hard, reached the edge -of the lake. - -"They're coming out again, fellows," exclaimed Sam Randall hastily, -"and making this way, too." - -Hackett's face began to darken. "We're seven," he exclaimed, in an -angry tone. "Let's stand up to them." - -"Oh, ho--might be better to avoid trouble, if possible," put in Dave -Brandon. "Wait 'til they get in a more reasonable frame of mind." - -Swiftly the boys began to cut over the icy surface. The moon had risen -far above the hills, casting a silvery light over the broad, greenish -expanse of lake, and touching the snow-drifts with sharp, glinting -rays. - -Glancing over their shoulders, the boys saw the dark forms of the -pursuers coming steadily on. - -It was an exciting chase. Occasionally the skaters plunged and -floundered through snow-drifts, so as to keep a straight course for -their camp. Gradually the shore grew more distinct, the dark, grim -trees on the hilltop stood out clearly against the moonlit sky. Then -the huts, bathed in the soft light, came into view. - -"Great Scott!" panted Sam Randall. "Look, they have changed their -course." - -Puffing, and almost breathless from the wild race, the boys slackened -their speed, then stopped, to gaze after the forms of the hunters now -speeding down the lake. - -"What?--what do you think of that?" gasped Nat Wingate. - -"Looking for Sladder and Musgrove, perhaps," exclaimed Dick Travers, -breathing hard. - -"But you can just bet they will be coming back," put in Sam. "Let's get -over to the place and be ready for them." - -"It will take more than those chaps to drive us away, too," declared -Bob Somers; "eh, Chubby?" - -"Fellows," exclaimed the poet laureate, "what is the first law of -nature?" - -"Self-defense." - -"Right you are. Now--in order to avoid trouble, we have considerably -overheated ourselves, besides allowing an unjust suspicion to rest on -the whole crowd." - -"Well?" said Hackett, fiercely. - -"It isn't well. But we can make no more concessions to ill temper. -Hasty action must now meet with its proper reward." - -"Hear--hear--what's coming?" - -"Just this--let's make an enormous quantity of white pellets, otherwise -known as snowballs, and in case hostilities are resumed, use them with -promptness and dispatch." - -"You must be going to become a pedagogue, Chub," laughed Hackett. - -"We are losing valuable time by standing here gabbing," broke in Dick, -impatiently. "Come ahead." - -The remaining distance was quickly covered, and the boys, once more at -the huts, removed their skates, and prepared to follow Dave Brandon's -advice. - -In a short time, by hard work, the seven boys had collected great piles -of ammunition, and stood waiting. - -"I suppose those chaps think that any time they choose to come along -we'll run," observed Bob Somers. - -"Piper and the others are pretty strong fellows," said Tom Clifton. -"Did you ever notice what muscles Heydon has? I wouldn't like to get in -a scrap with him." - -This remark caused a hearty outburst of laughter, which considerably -nettled young Clifton's feelings. - -"Hi, hi--get out of that! Vamoose--skip!" - -These cries, uttered in very loud tones, suddenly startled the camp. -Tearing around the slope of the hill came three figures, with Piper -well in the lead. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - - SNOWBALLS - - -"What do you want?" yelled Bob Somers, holding up his hand to stay any -hasty action. - -"You'll find out quick enough," came an angry retort. "Something has -happened to Musgrove's hut." - -"Well, nothing is going to happen to ours." - -"In just about two minutes--" - -"Stay where you are, Piper," interrupted Hackett, fiercely. "We didn't -roll that snowball against your pile of logs." - -"Yes--better keep back!" warned Bob. - -The three dark figures continued to advance. - -Seven arms drew back and as many snowballs were sent spinning through -the air. - -The invaders, unprepared for so sudden a response, fell back in -confusion. - -"You'll pay dearly for this," yelled Piper. - -A second hail of missiles, sent with precision, whirled against them. -Then, before they could make a move, others landed with thuds and -thumps, until the young men were forced to beat a hurried retreat. - -Flying before the fusillade, Piper and his companions struck out for -the lake, with a shower of snowballs rattling about them. Their anger -and chagrin at finding themselves helpless before the machine-like -attacks of the boys was unbounded. - -"Oh, my, what a rout," puffed Nat, with a delighted grin. "Ha, ha! -Guess Piper must be about boiling over." - -"Hello! My gracious--what's that?" - -Dave Brandon, who had interrupted the speaker, pointed across the lake. - -A dull, fitful light had appeared, which gradually grew brighter, until -a tongue of flame shot upward. - -"Their cabin's afire," gasped Nat Wingate. "Gee! look at that!" - -Hackett gave a lusty shout. "Hello, you pill-throwers," he cried; -"look across the lake, and run for the fire company around the corner. -Whoop--your shanty's a goner!" - -Hostilities ceased on the instant. Piper and his companions gave one -shout, and then began a rapid flight toward their camp. - -"It's getting bigger and bigger," declared Travers, excitedly. - -"I'd bet on those chaps in a race, now, Hacky," said Sam Randall. -"Shall we go over and give them a hand?" - -With all speed, the boys strapped on their skates, and, fairly leaping -over the snow, made for the ice. - -"Cracky--look at it now!" observed Tom Clifton. "Aren't those flames -bright? Won't be anything but a pile of cinders when we get there." - -John Hackett quickly took the lead, his long legs fairly seeming to -fly, but Bob Somers pushed him closely. The flames grew brighter, and a -veil of smoke could be seen drifting slowly in front of the dark trees, -to rise like a blur against the clear, moonlit sky. - -"Nothing can save the old shanty now," cried Hackett. "My -eye--wow!--Say! We're sold--everybody sold! If this doesn't beat all!" - -In making a long détour, so as to avoid a field of snow, the other -side of the cabin came in view, disclosing an enormous bonfire, built -at a safe distance from the structure. The flames, leaping furiously -upward, cast a bright glare around. - -For a moment there was silence, then a roar of merriment broke forth. - -"Oh, my!" laughed Nat Wingate, holding his sides; "this is the richest -joke yet. It's Musgrove's work--ha, ha! That's the time he outdid old -Yardsley." - -"It's the biggest bonfire I ever saw," laughed Sam Randall. "Guess they -must have seen those chaps chasing us across the lake." - -A couple of dark figures were seen to emerge from a mass of trees to -their left, and strike out on the lake. - -"Sladder and Musgrove," asserted Bob Somers. "You can't mistake Muzzy -for any one else." In a few moments the two joined them. - -"Don't believe you'll find much left of your hut," said Tom Clifton. - -"No odds, sonny," replied Musgrove, calmly; "we didn't git the wust of -it by a long shot." - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII - - A CAVE AND A BEAR - - -Two days later, the boys, on a hunting expedition, in company with John -Yardsley, stood on a barren ridge and saw before them a succession of -rolling, snow-clad hills. Lake Wolverine had been left far behind, and -the region was wild and desolate. - -"A stormy time of it ye must hev had t'other night, cap'n," remarked -the trapper, reflectively. "Sorry now I spoke ag'in them fellers so -quick," he went on. "Suppose, if it hadn't been fur Musgrove actin' the -way he did, mebbe nothin' would hev happened, but, arter all, I really -done it--I'm sorry 'nough." - -"I never saw such a sensitive chap as Piper," said Bob. "He reminds me -of a firecracker." - -"D'ye think those young scamps damaged their cabin much?" - -"We didn't think it best to stay and find out," laughed Bob; "but I'll -bet one side was nearly caved in." - -"An' what did Piper an' his crowd do ter Musgrove's hut?" - -"Not much--Billy and Tim fixed it up pretty quickly." - -On reaching the base of the hill the march was continued along a -timbered valley. Here and there, shafts of sunlight, finding their way -between the trees, made the snow gleam with dazzling whiteness, while -the frostwork covering underbrush and boughs sparkled brightly. - -Snowbirds flitted about, and, as if rejoicing in the weather, the -redbirds uttered their cheerful notes, and occasionally darted like -a flash of flame against the darker background. Chattering squirrels -leaped lightly from branch to branch, and rabbits, disturbed by the -intrusion, quickly disappeared in the friendly shelter of tangled -thickets. - -"Hey! Where are you bound for, Hacky?" asked Nat, as the slim boy -ambled slowly ahead. - -"Just going to look around a bit. Say, Somers, want to come -along?--good!" - -"Don't stay long, cap'n," interposed Yardsley; "an' by the time yer git -back, we'll have a good blaze a-goin'." - -"Let's go around the point," suggested Hackett, with a move of his -hand, indicating a part of the hill which jutted out for a considerable -distance. - -Keeping a careful watch for game, the hunters glided ahead with long, -swinging strides, soon passing and skirting around the point. The rocks -rose rather abruptly for a short distance, then sloped upward in a -gentle curve. - -Bob, who was several yards distant from his companion, suddenly stopped -and gazed earnestly toward the rocks. Hackett, puzzled at his action, -followed suit, without seeing anything more than a mass of underbrush. - -"There's a cave over there," declared Bob. - -"I don't see anything." - -"You will from here." - -"Yes, it's a cave," said Hackett, a moment later, with great interest, -"and we ought to take a look inside." - -Spreading the bushes apart, Hackett boldly pushed inside. - -"Talk about blackness," came a muffled voice, as the twigs rustled back -in place. "Whew! a lump of pitch would make a light in here." - -"Better strike a match." - -A few moments passed, then Hackett followed his companion's advice, and -a feeble light flickered against the blackness. - -"How big is it?" began Bob, with his face close to the opening. "I--" - -But his further words were stopped by a loud yell. It came with such -abruptness, and expressed so much fright, that Bob Somers jumped -quickly backward, with an exclamation. - -Before he had time to frame a question, Hackett suddenly reappeared, -without his rifle. His eyes were wild and staring, and, almost hurling -himself through the opening, he sprawled in the snow. - -"What--what's the matter?" cried Bob, in alarm. - -The slim boy instantly picked himself up, and, with a terror-stricken -glance over his shoulder, yelled, hoarsely, "Mind your eye, Somers! -Lose yourself! It's big as a house, and comin' right out!" - -Blending in with his words came a deep, ominous growl. Then another, -rising in a sort of crescendo, while a pair of eyes suddenly flashed -against the blackness. Then a huge black bear, evidently furious at -having his domain invaded, lumbered forth, while the two boys, with -rapidly beating hearts, retreated. - -Out of the corner of his eye, Bob saw Hackett's long legs fairly flying -over the ground. But bruin was not particular as to whom he should -charge. Lunging forward, the animal, with a hoarse growl, made directly -for him. - -Though his nerves tingled with excitement, Bob Somers quickly recovered -his wits. As the bear rose on its hind legs, he fired point-blank. - -His bullet only rendered the beast still more furious. Dropping upon -all fours, and accompanying the act by another angry snarl, he charged -again, with such suddenness and speed, that Bob Somers had scarcely -time to dodge aside. Before he could make another move, the ponderous -beast again rose. - -For an instant it seemed as if nothing could save him. But Bob Somers, -despite the unsteady feeling which attacked his legs at this critical -moment, mastered himself, and fired again. - -Almost simultaneously with the sharp report of the rifle, bruin crashed -heavily to the ground and lay in a heap. His head sank low, and all the -dignity of his towering strength was gone. - -For an instant Bob Somers, scarcely realizing that the peril was over, -stood gazing at the animal, half expecting to see it arise and renew -the attack. Then, moving cautiously forward, he touched the motionless -form with the muzzle of his rifle, and his face flushed with triumph. - -"Hello--hello!" came a hail from the distance. It was Sam Randall's -voice, and looking up, they saw him waving his hand. - -"Come on over!" yelled Bob, anxious to show his prize. - -Sam, perceiving that something unusual had occurred, soon joined them. - -He opened his eyes wide with astonishment when he saw the great, dark -form stretched out in the snow. - -"Who shot him?" he exclaimed, excitedly. "You, Bob? Well, I was never -more surprised in my life!" - -"And won't I have a dandy souvenir of the trip, Sam!" exclaimed Bob, -gleefully. "Just look at that slick coat! I'll get Yardsley to skin -him--but come on--I want to see Chubby open his eyes." - -"What's the matter, cap'n?" exclaimed Yardsley, as the three appeared. -"You look kinder joyous!" - -"Had a little adventure over there, and shot a bear," said Bob, with -sparkling eyes. - -A variety of exclamations greeted his words. The speaker, with great -satisfaction, then told his story. - -"Jest listen ter him," exclaimed Yardsley, delighted. "Cap'n, I'm proud -of yer. A born hunter--an' never lost yer nerve, I'll be bound." - -Lunch was soon over, and the group of hunters hurried to the scene of -the encounter. - -"H'm--a regular monster," cried Tom Clifton with wide-open eyes, as -they approached. "Just look at those paws! One crack and it would have -been all over, eh?" - -"That it would," agreed Yardsley. - -"But how about the bear's skin?" asked Bob, eagerly. "I'd give anything -to take it home with me." - -"Make yer mind easy on that score, cap'n. I'll tend ter the hull thing -fur yer to-morrer. An' a bit of bear meat won't go bad, either. We'll -jest drag him back where he come from, block up the hole, an' yours -truly will fix the rest." - -In a short time, the party came in sight of a lake. The opposite shore, -fringed with a dark line of evergreens, became almost lost in a veil of -bluish haze which enveloped the distance, while against the sky rose a -line of low snow-clad hills. - -"That there we call Goose Lake," announced Yardsley, "an' it's a good -name, too, fur durin' the fall yer never seen so many of them birds in -yer life as comes 'round." - -"Many here now?" asked Hackett, eagerly. - -The trapper shook his head. "Yer kin see 'em, but they ain't plentiful." - -The lake was soon crossed, and on reaching the opposite shore they -found themselves in a pine forest, dark, sombre and silent. In about -twenty minutes the trapper held out his hand as a signal to halt. - -"We're right by the shore," he whispered, "an' the geese is somewhere -near." - -Silently, the group spread out, each one heading for the lake, which -could be seen between the trees. - -To the eager and expectant hunters, it seemed an age before they -reached the edge of the woods. Again Yardsley held up his hand. - -Upon a gravelly bank which a combination of circumstances had kept -partially free from snow was a flock of geese. - -As it was still too far off to make it worth while to risk a shot, the -hunters, scarcely breathing, crept slowly on. - -Finally Yardsley paused. He looked at the boys, nodded, and raised -his gun, the others instantly following suit. A roar, as the reports -blended in one tremendous volume of sound, fairly deafened them all; -the separated wreaths of smoke joined into a bluish cloud, while the -eager hunters dashed quickly forward. - -Swiftly flying against the clear blue sky, could be seen all of the -flock that had escaped the massacre, and there, on the ground, lay many -birds--ten in all. - -"This here is Goose Lake, an' them is geese," remarked Yardsley, dryly. - -A loud cheer followed his words. - -"Simply great, isn't it?" cried Nat, enthusiastically. - -"And all big fellows, too," commented Bob Somers, gleefully. "We'll -have a feast fit for a king." - -It was unanimously decided to return at once to camp. - -It was a long, toilsome tramp, and the sun hung low on the horizon when -Yardsley's log cabin at length came in view. - -"I am so glad," sighed Dave Brandon, wearily. "I can scarcely move." - -"What is that stuck on the door?" asked Bob Somers, as his eye caught -sight of a white patch showing out clearly against the logs. - -"It looks like a sheet of paper," asserted Nat Wingate. - -"Powerful strange," commented Yardsley. "Some chap must hev left his -visitin' card--an' it's tacked on, too." - -In a moment, the trapper tore the paper loose. - -As he turned it over, and glanced at a message written on the reverse -side, he gave an exclamation of astonishment. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII - - THE NOTE ON THE DOOR - - -"What is it?" questioned Bob Somers, with interest. - -"The most powerful strange thing I ever hearn tell of, cap'n." - -"Hurry up, and tell us," put in Nat, impatiently. - -"Cap'n, read it ter the lads." Yardsley extended the paper. - -Bob whistled. "This is the funniest thing yet," he exclaimed. "Listen: - -"'If you want to know where your furs are hidden, go to the place where -you found the sled. There is a gully about fifty feet to the north. It -is half full of snow, and a stick marks the spot. Dig--dig--and dig -some more. Yours, The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.'" - -"I don't understand this," said the trapper, blankly, scratching his -head. "It can't be that them furs weren't stole, arter all? Bless me, -what does it mean?" He stared in a bewildered manner at the others. - -"That this is a very funny region," mused the poet laureate. "It's -another one of those things that makes a fellow's head ache to think -about." - -But the trapper's hopeful expression soon vanished. He shook his head, -soberly. "No sich luck, mate," he said. "This here is jest the work--" - -"Of the Bounding Brotherhood of Brilliant Jokers," broke in Nat, with a -laugh. "Do you suppose that this is Musgrove's doings?" - -Hackett sniffed. He picked up the paper, which had fallen in the snow, -and held it under his chum's nose. "Look at that writing, and tell -me if you think either Sladder or Musgrove could have done it," he -said. And as a doubting look came over Nat Wingate's face, he added, -significantly, "How about the Piper gang? Perhaps they are trying to -get square with Yardsley for suspecting them, eh, Chubby?" - -"I feel myself drifting into deep thought, in spite of everything," -replied the stout boy, solemnly. "You may be right, Hackett. It does -look that way--just a hoax." - -"An' what's your opinion, cap'n?" - -"That you'd better do as this paper says." - -"Then I'll take yer advice. It can't do no harm." - -As no amount of discussion could solve the mystery, the subject was -finally changed. - -"Then we'll see you in the morning, eh?" asked Bob Somers, as they -trooped out. - -"Yer sartingly will--good-night!" - -The young hunters lost no time in reaching camp, and, tired from their -long tramp, immediately turned in. - -Early next morning, John Yardsley skated across Lake Wolverine, and -half an hour later the boys saw him returning, in company with Piper -and his friends. - -"Humph!" muttered Hackett, "here comes that nice crowd again." - -"Don't care, I'm sure," said Nat, with a rather peculiar glance toward -Piper. - -To their surprise, however, the hunters from across the lake greeted -them pleasantly. - -"Boys," said Robinson, with an embarrassed air, "too bad about that -little misunderstanding we had the other night. We were certain it was -you who rolled the snowball." - -"Why didn't you take a little time to find out?" interposed Nat -Wingate, curtly, with a flash of his brown eyes. - -"Oh, come now," put in Heydon, "no hard feelings. We're not any of us -perfect, you know." - -"Well," said Hackett, "what made you fellows change your minds, after -being so sure?" - -"The fact is," said Robson, with a sorry attempt to appear at his -ease, "we found a note under the door of the shack. It was written by -that precious young scamp, Musgrove, and he said that you fellows had -nothing to do with it." - -"How was the handwriting?" asked Bob Somers, quickly. - -"Villainous, the spelling remarkable, and the grammar on a par with -Musgrove's intellectual expression." - -"Then," said the poet laureate in a low tone to Bob Somers, "the -mystery deepens." - -"We came over yesterday to tell you about it," added Piper, "but no one -was here." - -"Wal, lads, as these young gentlemen think it might be a good plan ter -go an' dig fur them skins, I think we'd best be goin'," said Yardsley. - -Armed with two shovels, the party soon started off on their strange -expedition. - -"If it wasn't fine weather you wouldn't catch me on such a wild goose -chase as this," growled Hackett. "Look at Yardsley--by the way he's -getting along, you might think he had discovered a gold mine." - -Without hesitation, the trapper kept on, and finally, to the great -relief of his tired followers, slowed down considerably. - -"We're gittin' near there, mates," he announced. "Now you fellers -divide up, an' look fur the gully what the note speaks about." - -This suggestion was quickly acted upon, and in the course of a few -minutes a hail was heard from Sam Randall. - -"Look!" cried Sam, eagerly. He held up a paper. "I fished it off the -stick with a branch," he explained. - -"Another message?" asked Bob Somers. - -Sam laughed and proceeded to read the following: - -"'This is the place. Dig--dig--and dig some more. - -"'The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.'" - - * * * * * - -"Great wits, eh?" laughed Piper. "Give me a shovel; we'll soon find out -something." - -Heydon followed his example, and, with much vigor, the young men -attacked the work. Snow fairly flew off to the sides, while an eager -group crowded expectantly around. - -"Only a hoax!" groaned Yardsley, as the minutes flew by and nothing was -revealed. - -Heydon finally paused, a look of disgust came over his face, and he was -about to make some remark, when Robson's shovel struck a hard object. - -"Hello! What's this--a box?" he exclaimed. - -"Doesn't feel as if anything was in it," remarked Heydon, giving the -box a rude shove with his foot. - -"The mean rascal," groaned Yardsley. "All this tramp fur nothin'--jest -ter find an empty box--never was so riled in my life." - -A portion of the cover being loose, Robson ripped it off, and putting -his hand inside, drew out another paper. - -"Ah ha! Maybe this is a solution of the mystery!" he cried. But, as his -glance fell upon it, an impatient exclamation escaped him. "Of all the -foolish stuff, this is the worst. Listen! - - "'Go back where you came from,'" he read, "'and consider yourselves - being laughed at. Ha, ha! U. R. Easy. - - "'Yours--The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits!'" - -"What does this mean?" cried Piper, sternly, looking from one to -another. A queer light gleamed in his eye. - -"And we working like slaves," cried Robson, angrily. - -"See here, Yardsley, and you chaps," broke in Piper, now quite -convinced that they had been duped, "I have my opinion of a man of your -age who does such tricks!" - -Piper spoke in a loud and threatening manner, while Robson and Heydon -seemed no less angry than himself. - -"Softly," interrupted Yardsley. "Human natur' is queer--a bad case of -misunderstandin' t'other night, an' a powerful wuss one now. I have a -failin', I'll admit, but on my honor, Piper, this time the joke is on -me." - -His sincerity could not be doubted, and the three young men began to -feel that they had acted too hastily. - -"Well," said Piper, stiffly, "it looked mighty suspicious." - -"Like the other night," snapped Hackett. - -"Oh, come now," put in Bob Somers, "a wretched joke like this is enough -to put any one in a bad humor, but there's no use in quarreling." - -"That's right, Somers," observed Robson, thoughtfully, "and we can't -find out anything by talking here all day." - -"Jest so," sighed Yardsley. "We might as well git back." - -"We come out with great hopes," sighed Yardsley, as he pushed open the -cabin door. "Bless me, it was mean--give me the shovels, mates. I'll -put 'em in the storehouse." - -He opened the door which led to it, then the others heard a sharp -exclamation. - -"What's up now?" called Bob. - -Yardsley did not answer, but hurriedly crossing the room, opened the -outer door, admitting a flood of daylight. Then, almost speechless -with astonishment, he stood, staring about him with wide-open eyes, -while the others crowded in. - -"What is it?" cried Bob--he stopped short, with a gasp. - -There, neatly piled on shelves or stretched out on boards were the -trapper's furs, exactly as he had arranged them before. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX - - THE NEAR-BANDITS - - -Yardsley glanced from one to another with a helpless expression, then -stared at the bundles of furs as if doubting that he saw aright, while -a variety of exclamations came from the astonished boys. - -"Never was so beat in all my life," murmured the trapper, scratching -his head. "Honest, cap'n! Ter think of goin' off on a chase like that, -an' then findin' the hull shootin' match when we gits back." - -Piper surveyed the speaker with a peculiar expression. - -"And these are the furs and skins you claimed to have lost, Yardsley," -he said, with strong emphasis. - -"The identical ones, jist as they was afore." - -"And how do you account for their being back on the shelves again?" - -"Yer got me thar, Piper. Bless me--I don't know." - -"Perhaps you will tell us that some woodland fairy boldly entered -through a crack under the door, moved her little wand, and presto--the -furs sailed through the air and landed on the shelves again--is that -it?" asked Piper, with a sarcastic smile. - -"Never seen sich chaps as ye be," said Yardsley, impatiently. "How many -more times must I tell yer the joke's on me?" - -"It strikes me," put in Bob Somers, quietly, "that we can soon find out -how the cabin was visited." - -"Of course," laughed Dave, "they either came in through the doors or -window. Don't think we need consider the stovepipe." - -"Well, the door we came in by was pad-locked, I believe," said Piper, -stiffly. - -"Quite correct." - -"And the window is probably fastened." - -Piper led the way into the main room, and Dave tried the window. - -"Correct, again," he said. - -"How about the storehouse door, Yardsley?" asked Piper. - -[Illustration: "HOW ABOUT THE STOREHOUSE DOOR?"] - -"Wal," replied the trapper, with a faint grin, "we can't tell much from -that, mates. When them furs was taken out, the bolt was knocked -clean off. Then, not havin' nothin' of value left, I never fixed it." - -"Nothing forgotten," sneered Piper. - -"Hello, I believe there is another paper up there," broke in Dave -Brandon, abruptly. - -"Where, Chubby?" asked Dick. - -"Sticking out over that bundle!" - -The poet laureate spread the paper out, started to read, then suddenly -paused. - -"What's the matter?" asked Piper. He leaned over the stout boy's -shoulder. "H'm, I don't wonder you stopped," he added. "Here's what it -says, Heydon: - - "'We feel sorry for the poor chump who dug, dug, dug. Oh, say--was - it a hard job? Did your back ache? After this, consider yourself - easy. Sit down and think it over. - - "'The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.' - -"That settles it," sneered Piper, wrathfully. "But we don't need to sit -down and think it over. We'll stand up and think, and tell you what we -think--of you. In the first place, Yardsley, I didn't know you wrote -such a good hand.--My compliments." - -The trapper looked at the angry face of his visitor and had difficulty -in repressing a smile. "Young feller," he said, "I allow it all looks -kinder queer, an' mebbe I shouldn't blame ye, but I tell yer fur -the last time that this ain't none of my doin's, an' I want yer ter -believe--" - -A series of wild war-whoops suddenly interrupted him. Then, from behind -a clump of trees, to the astonishment of all, Musgrove, Sladder and -Bowser stepped slowly forth. - -The Stony Creek boys presented a strange and picturesque appearance. -Their cheeks were liberally daubed with red and white chalk; each wore -a thick bunch of goose feathers in his cap, and carried in his right -hand a club of tremendous size. - -"We're the Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits!" roared Sladder, swinging -his club vigorously. - -"An' ain't afear'd of nothin' that walks!" yelled Musgrove. "Ha, -ha--Pardsley won't never try no more funny tricks on us--ha, ha!" - -"Ye young scamps," cried Yardsley, but there was no anger in his voice. -His eyes beamed, and he chuckled, as the "Unterrified Band" defiantly -leaned on their clubs. "Wal--wal! Paid back in me own coin, eh? It -sartingly beats all! Them two chaps hev been clean too much fur us!" - -Fulmer Robson walked forward, extending his hand. "Yardsley," he said, -"please accept my apologies. Too bad that this row occurred. I hope you -have no hard feelings?" - -"Not I!" replied the trapper, heartily. - -"Ha, ha--look at Sniper an' Pardsley a-shakin' hands," cried Musgrove. -"Oh, ain't it a purty sight, Tim?--Hey--want us ter come over? No more -funny tricks, eh, Pardsley?" he asked suspiciously. - -"Nary a thing--my word on it. All bad feelin's declared off." - -The Stony Creek boys conferred together a moment, then, tightly -clutching their clubs, marched forward. - -But Yardsley's good-natured smile soon dissipated their fears. - -"What's that, Pardsley--who writ them notes?--Why, me pal, Tim -Sladder--he's a scholar, he is--yes, sir." - -"Took a prize at school," asserted Sladder, proudly. "Keep me dad's -books. I kin spell, too, all right, you bet." - -"You sartingly can," laughed Yardsley. "Now, boys, tell us how yer done -all these things, an' we'll call it square." - -Billy Musgrove laughed. "Well, Pardsley, I tole yer in the fust place -ter never try no more tricks on us." - -"But how my friend, the animalist, would laugh at the way yer paid me -back," said Yardsley, soothingly; "bless me, he would." - -"Wal, of course, we know'd all about yer havin' the furs," said -Musgrove, "an' watched our chance ter git 'em. Tim an' me pried open -the door, took the stuff, an' hid the hull business under a pile of -hemlock boughs. Then we covered it with snow." He pointed toward a -thick copse of woods only a short distance off. - -"Did yer ever hear the beat of it?" said the trapper. - -"Yer own fault, Yardsley. Tim an' me puts a big rock on a sled, an' -hikes away, an' if it hadn't been fur the storm yer'd have gone a sight -further than yer did, eh, Tim?" - -"Lucky for you we didn't know about it at the time," said Hackett. - -"Huh!" Billy straightened up. "An' what would you an' Scummers have -did, eh?" - -"Finish yer tale, lad," put in Yardsley. - -"Ain't much more ter say. Tim an' me didn't think the storm would turn -out so bad, Wackett--that's honest. Anyways, we ain't a-goin' ter stay -around these parts much longer, so Tim writ that note an' fixed it on -the door. We had lots of time ter put them furs back, Pardsley, an' -mebbe yer ain't been laughed at." - -"Wal," said Yardsley, "I'm powerful glad ter git them furs back, an' -jist as powerful glad that good feelin's been restored. Shake hands -with Piper, lads, an' we'll call everything all right. Let's bury the -hatchet. - -"Now, fellers," added Yardsley, "I'll expect the hull crowd of yer ter -come over here to-morrer night, an' pertake of the finest feast yer -ever hearn tell of." - -A unanimous chorus of assent immediately came from his hearers. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX - - BURYING THE HATCHET - - -Early on the following morning, the boys, accompanied by Yardsley, set -out with a couple of sleds to get Bob Somers' bear. - -The carcass was found undisturbed, and the trapper immediately set to -work to skin it, the "cap'n" assisting to the best of his ability. -Yardsley cut up the meat, which the boys then placed upon the sleds. - -The clouds were still edged with the tints of sunset when Piper and his -companions arrived, and shortly before dusk three dark figures were -seen slowly approaching, Bowser giving evidence of his presence by his -usual doleful bark. - -"Evenin', people!" greeted Billy Musgrove. "Hello, Wackett,--bear -meat? H'm, smells good, don't it? Me an' Tim hasn't eaten nothin' all -day--gittin' ready fur this." - -"An' yer done well," said Yardsley. "It's pitch in an' help yerself, -'til natur' cries enough." - -Nightfall came, and the fire sent up towering flames and showers of -sparks, illuminating the surroundings with a fitful glare. The feast -was ready. - -"An' ter think that Scummers shot a bear," remarked Musgrove, -reflectively, as he sliced off a huge piece of meat; "an' me an' Tim -ain't seen one for a year, 'most." - -At length the banquet was over; sighs of contentment came from many. - -"An occasion sich as this ain't never complete without a bit of -speech-makin'," suggested Yardsley, with a glance around. "Who wants -ter start the ball a-rollin'?" - -Dave Brandon slowly arose. - -"I feel uncommonly like taking a nap," he said, with a smile, "but I -suppose somebody must say a few words at such an auspicious time." - -"He knows some big ones, all right," came a hoarse whisper from -Musgrove. - -"I think," continued Dave, "our winter camp has been a great success. -Best of all, our friend, Nat Wingate, is now sound as a dollar. -Life in the open has taught us many lessons, among them habits of -self-reliance, and willingness to work. Oh, yes, I've watched you many -times, boys, and was pleased to note the energy of everybody except -yours truly. It's a good sign. We know that town boys can be hunters, -and trappers gentlemen, and that a dinner in the wilds can furnish more -enjoyment than one in the richest dining-room. I think I voice the -sentiments of all, when I say that we greatly appreciate the efforts of -our host, John Yardsley, and that we are thankful the bear furnished a -meal for us, and not Bob Somers for the bear." - -A burst of cheers arose, as the poet laureate, beaming good-naturedly, -sat down, and Musgrove was heard to remark, "There's a smart lad fur -yer, Tim--talks like one of the real speechers." - -"Our stout young friend has spoken words of wisdom," began Yardsley, -rising. "I must say I never enjoyed a winter like this in me life, an' -I hate ter think of yer leavin'. These here woods will sartingly seem -like a silent, dreary place, arter this. I can say, without meanin' -ter flatter no one, that I never come acrost a likelier crowd of young -chaps--success ter ye all!" - -The banquet was voted a grand success by everybody, and the moon had -risen high in the heavens before the visitors began their march to -camp. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI - - YARDSLEY'S LAST JOKE - - -In the latter part of March, the Kingswood high school had been -restored to its former condition, and on the Saturday before the -re-opening a great crowd of boys trooped through the building. - -In the assembly room they saw just above the platform, resting on a -bracket, a stuffed eagle, with wings outstretched in an attitude of -flight. Beneath was a card which stated that the donor was Thomas -Clifton, of Kingswood. It was a proud day for the young member of the -Rambler Club. - -Those who got a glimpse inside the president's office also saw a -beautiful silver gray fox over the bookcase, and the reputation of the -young hunters was now firmly established. - -John Hackett's fawn had arrived safely, and was enjoying life in -comfortable quarters. The huge bearskin had been converted into a rug -and adorned a room in Mr. Somers' house. - -One afternoon, just after school had begun, Bob Somers was seated in -his study, engaged on the very problem which had occupied his attention -on the night of the fire, when a domestic called him to the speaking -tube. - -"Mr. Griffin is in the drawing-room, and wishes to see you, Mr. -Robert," she said. - -"Mr. Griffin," repeated Bob; "guess he wants to see dad." - -But the girl was quite certain that she had made no mistake. - -"Well, tell him I'll be down," said Bob, in a puzzled tone. He closed -his book and descended to the drawing-room. - -As he entered, a tall, thin man with rugged, kindly features rose to -meet him. - -For an instant, Bob did not recognize his well-dressed visitor. Then, -like a flash, memory served him. Yet in this man, clean-shaven and -sprucely attired, there was little to suggest the trapper they had -known in the wilds. - -"Yardsley!" he gasped, in the greatest astonishment, wringing his -hand. "Why--how--it scarcely seems possible--and Maggie made such a -mistake--said Mr. Griffin wanted to see me." - -"She was quite correct," laughed the other--"J. Yardsley Griffin, at -your service." - -Bob stared at him in surprise. - -Mr. Griffin seemed to be considerably amused, and continued, slowly, -"You know I promised to call on you--and I make it a point to always -keep my word." - -Bob Somers' astonishment was growing. The trapper's manner of speech -had changed as much as his appearance. There was no suggestion of the -backwoods vernacular, and divining his thoughts, Mr. Griffin laughed. - -"I am fond of a practical joke, as you know," he said, with a twinkle -in his eye, "and I must confess that I practiced an innocent deception. -Let me add to my introduction--graduate of Harvard, 1885. I expect, -soon, to be a professor." - -"Professor Griffin!" gasped Bob. "Was I ever more surprised in my life?" - -The former trapper sank back in his chair. - -"Appearances are often deceptive," he said. "Clothes make the man, and -suitable surroundings will add to any illusion." - -"But haven't you lived a long time in the woods?" asked Bob. - -"Oh, yes! Off and on for years. You see," he continued, with a laugh, -"I am a zoölogist and naturalist who believes in studying nature at -first hand." - -"But didn't I hear you say once," asked Bob, "that you hadn't as much -book learning as you wanted?" - -"Exactly--and neither have I. There is such a vast amount of knowledge -to be gained, that even the most learned are sometimes discouraged." - -"And how in the world did you manage to keep up that backwoods talk, -even when the furs were taken?" asked Bob. - -"Well, the illusion pleased me, and, as I felt sure of seeing you some -time in town, I kept it up, picturing in my mind your surprise. I must -say, though, on the occasion when you and Hackett were lost, only my -strong conviction that you would come out right enabled me to keep it -up." - -"Will wonders never cease?" - -Professor Griffin laughed again and continued, "Well, my friend the -'animalist' has offered me a professorship in the college of which he -is president, and I have accepted it." - -"What will my father say to this, after all my talk about the trapper?" -said Bob. "It is certainly a good joke on us," and he smiled. - -"I hope to meet him," observed Professor Griffin, politely. - -"You certainly shall. Can't you stay to dinner this evening? Please say -yes!" And Professor Griffin accepted the invitation. - -It was a merry dinner party that evening. Mr. and Mrs. Somers were -delighted to meet the man who had helped to make the boys' outing a -pleasant and interesting one, and all had many a hearty laugh, as they -talked over the haps and mishaps of the Rambler Club's Winter Camp. - - - Other books in this series are: - THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT - THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS - THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S WINTER -CAMP *** - -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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Crispin Sheppard</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Rambler Club's Winter Camp</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: W. Crispin Sheppard</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: April 6, 2022 [eBook #67787]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S WINTER CAMP ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter x-ebookmaker-drop"> - <img src="images/illusc.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>The Rambler Club's<br /> -Winter Camp</h1> - -<h2>BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD</h2> - -<p>AUTHOR OF<br /> -"THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT"<br /> -"THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS" -ETC.</p> - -<p>THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -MCMX</p> - -<p>COPYRIGHT 1910 BY<br /> -THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="frontis"> - <img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt=""/> - <div class="caption"> - <p>"WE CAN'T GET THERE TOO SOON!"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>Introduction</h2> - - -<p>"The Rambler Club's Winter Camp," though a story complete in itself, -deals with the further adventures of the jolly club whose acquaintance -we made in "The Rambler Club Afloat."</p> - -<p>Although Nat Wingate has not always acted a good part toward Bob Somers -and his friends, they are generous enough to forget past differences.</p> - -<p>An enforced vacation, due to the burning of the Kingswood high school, -gives the five boys an opportunity to accompany Nat and his friend, -John Hackett, on a winter camping trip.</p> - -<p>Life in the wilds, amidst snow and ice, has its discomforts and -dangers, as well as charms, and many trying and exciting experiences -fall to their lot; and these they meet with a cheerful, courageous -spirit.</p> - -<p>But this is not all; a series of happenings puzzle the boys, their -wonder and curiosity increasing, as one strange incident follows -another, until the mystery is eventually solved.</p> - -<p>Their life in camp has done them a world of good; and they return home -full of pleasant and lasting remembrances. Some of the further outdoor -experiences of the same boys may be found in "The Rambler Club in the -Mountains" and "The Rambler Club on Circle T Ranch."</p> - -<p class="ph1"><span class="smcap">W. Crispin Sheppard.</span></p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Contents</h2> - -<table summary="Contents"> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I"> I.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Fire-Bell</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II"> II.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Bucket Brigade</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III"> III.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Off to the Woods</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"> IV.</a></td><td align="left">"<span class="smcap">Undeniable Fact</span>"</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V"> V.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Road of Ice</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"> VI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Making Camp</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"> VII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The First Hunt</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"> VIII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Guardians</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"> IX.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A New Sport</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X"> X.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Skating Match</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"> XI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Night Alarm</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"> XII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Wildcat</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"> XIII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">On the Trail</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"> XIV.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Hunter and Trapper</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"> XV.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Practical Joke</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"> XVI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Yardsley's Traps</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"> XVII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Smoke Signals</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"> XVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Who Took the Furs?</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"> XIX.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lost in the Snow</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX"> XX.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Wolves!</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"> XXI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Suspicions</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"> XXII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Fawn</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"> XXIII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Back to Camp</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"> XXIV.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Quarrel</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"> XXV.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Self-Defense</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"> XXVI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Snowballs</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII"> XXVII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Cave and a Bear</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII"> XXVIII.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Note on the Door</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX"> XXIX.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Near-Bandits</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX"> XXX.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Burying the Hatchet</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI"> XXXI.</a></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Yardsley's Last Joke</span></td></tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Illustrations</h2> - -<table summary="illustrations"> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#frontis">"<span class="smcap">We Can't Get There too Soon</span>"</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#illus1"><span class="smcap">"Hello!" Exclaimed One of the Strangers</span></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#illus2"><span class="smcap">With Guns Tightly Clasped, They Started</span></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#illus3"><span class="smcap">Don't Waste a Shot</span></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#illus4"><span class="smcap">How About the Storehouse Door?</span></a></td></tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>The Rambler Club's Winter Camp</h2> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> - -<h3>THE FIRE-BELL</h3> - - -<p>Bob Somers, in his room on the upper floor of Pembroke Hall, was busily -engaged in working out an algebraic equation. The cozy little study -adjoined his bedroom, and was situated almost underneath a tower which -rose above the surrounding trees. On the walls several engravings and -photographs were tastefully hung, while close to the desk before which -Bob was seated stood a table covered with the various odds and ends -which boys are apt to possess.</p> - -<p>It was one of those cold, keen winter nights when the comforts of a -warm and cozy room seem especially attractive. The weather was clear, -but the streets were white with snow, and a slight breeze made the -tree-tops sigh and murmur.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Bob Somers raised his eyes from the paper before him and -listened intently.</p> - -<p>The booming of a bell came over the frosty air, now very faint, then -rising clearly, as the sound of the breeze sank to a low, droning -whisper.</p> - -<p>"My gracious!" cried Bob. "The fire-bell!"</p> - -<p>For a second time, the ominous notes pealed forth, two coming close -together, then, after a brief pause, seven in succession.</p> - -<p>"Box twenty-seven! I wonder where it is."</p> - -<p>The fire-alarm was seldom heard in the quiet little town of Kingswood, -and the sound made his pulse quicken.</p> - -<p>He hastily opened a door and made his way to an iron staircase which -led to the tower. Up two steps at a time he bounded, until a small -square room was reached. It had windows on all sides and commanded an -extensive view of the surrounding country.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers peered eagerly out at the icy winter scene. The limits of -the snow-covered grounds of Pembroke Hall were defined by a row of -electric lights on the highway. Beyond, several residences appeared -faintly against the sky, but nearly all else was lost in gloom. Myriads -of stars shone brilliantly.</p> - -<p>A faint, hazy patch, as of smoke illuminated by an electric light, -appeared above a dark line of trees.</p> - -<p>"That must be the fire," murmured Bob, in some excitement. "Great -Cæsar! It's near the schoolhouse."</p> - -<p>Dashing down-stairs, he quickly donned his overcoat and hat.</p> - -<p>"Fo' goodness' sakes, what am de matter?" inquired Peter Lexington, the -colored boy, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"There's a fire, Peter! Can't stop to talk now."</p> - -<p>"Fo' de lub of goodness! a fire?"</p> - -<p>The surprising intelligence seemed to deprive Peter of all movement, -and before he could utter another word, Bob was off.</p> - -<p>In a moment, he had passed between the tall gate-posts at the entrance.</p> - -<p>The air was sharp and keen. Great banks of snow, heaped up along the -sides of the street, shone brightly in the glare of electric lights.</p> - -<p>As Bob Somers neared the scene, he learned to his astonishment that the -high school was on fire.</p> - -<p>Kingswood, a wealthy community, had an excellent fire department. It -was equipped with a ladder truck and an automobile fire-engine, the -motor of which also operated the pumps.</p> - -<p>The high school stood back from the street, surrounded by spacious -grounds. In the centre of the three-story stone building rose a cupola -of attractive design. About a hundred feet distant, the road was -bridged over a large pond.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers, breathing hard after his run, mingled with the excited -groups in front of the school.</p> - -<p>A cloud of whitish smoke partially obscured the building, its heaviest -portion being toward the western end.</p> - -<p>"It's getting away from them, sure," said a man close by. "If they -don't hustle along that steamer from Rockville pretty soon the place is -a goner."</p> - -<p>Breaks in the curling wreaths of smoke revealed a ladder leaning -against the wall and a line of hose entering the window above it. -The shouts of the volunteers rose above the continuous roar of the -Kingswood engine and the excited murmur of the crowd.</p> - -<p>"That man is right," thought Bob, with a tremor of excitement; "I only -wish something more could be done."</p> - -<p>From the midst of the crowd, at a point some distance away, rose a -peculiar shout, somewhat like the hooting of an owl.</p> - -<p>Instantly Bob Somers threw back his head, and made a similar sound. -This was a special signal often used by the Ramblers to call each other.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Dave Brandon!" cried Bob, lustily.</p> - -<p>"Hello yourself!"</p> - -<p>In a moment the stout boy hurried forward.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it awful, Bob, to see the old school going up like this?" he -said.</p> - -<p>"How did it start, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"Guess no one knows. Let's find the other fellows. Give a whoop, Bob!"</p> - -<p>"Hello, Sam Randall!"</p> - -<p>"Hello, Dick!"</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi, Tom Clifton!"</p> - -<p>In a few minutes, the Ramblers had managed to locate each other.</p> - -<p>"Maybe we can save something yet," cried Bob. "Let's go into the -grounds."</p> - -<p>There was no railing, consequently they had free access, and the frozen -crust presently began to crack sharply beneath their feet.</p> - -<p>"Professor Hopkins is over there!" exclaimed Bob Somers. "He just came -out of the door."</p> - -<p>Bob darted between the groups of people, with the others close at his -heels.</p> - -<p>"Professor Hopkins!" he cried.</p> - -<p>The principal, enveloped in a long coat, seemed almost overcome with -emotion. He was staggering along under a load of books.</p> - -<p>"Somers!" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir! We're going to try and save something!"</p> - -<p>"I am ruined!" gasped Professor Hopkins, apparently not hearing his -words. "The fire is steadily gaining—my office is doomed."</p> - -<p>"Come on, fellows!" shouted Bob.</p> - -<p>The moment he reached the doorway, Professors Hughes and Ivins came -out, each carrying an armful of books.</p> - -<p>"Don't go in there!" shouted the former, warningly; "you'll be stifled."</p> - -<p>"If the Rockville engine was only here, Professor Hopkins' office might -be saved," exclaimed Professor Ivins.</p> - -<p>"Boys!" cried Dave Brandon; "I've got an idea. We'll form a chain and -get water from the pond."</p> - -<p>"Splendid, Chubby! You've struck it!" broke in Bob, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>"There are plenty of people around who ought to help us," added Dick -Travers; "it must be a double line—one to pass back the empty buckets."</p> - -<p>The students turned toward the crowd.</p> - -<p>"Who wants to join a bucket brigade?" yelled Dave Brandon.</p> - -<p>"I do!" shouted one.</p> - -<p>"Count me in," added another.</p> - -<p>The crowd, as if ashamed of its former inactivity, became animated with -life. Strangely enough, it had not occurred to any one before that some -use might be made of the pond.</p> - -<p>Dick Travers, Sam Randall and Tom Clifton, accompanied by several -others, started off in search of buckets. An axe was procured—then the -frozen surface of Deal's pond began to resound to the sturdy blows of -the volunteers.</p> - -<p>In the meantime Bob Somers and Dave Brandon had entered the building. -Choking and sputtering, they reached the main corridor and saw bright -tongues of flame mingling with the smoke.</p> - -<p>From the floor above came excited shouts and the sound of axes chopping -through rafters and beams.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers and Dave Brandon did not care to tarry long. Their eyes -ached and choking sensations gripped their throats.</p> - -<p>"Unless the fellows hurry up, it will be too late," gasped Dave, as the -two made their way out and stood upon the steps.</p> - -<p>"Let's make a dash for the president's room, and get out some of his -things," cried Bob Somers. "Come on, Dave Brandon!"</p> - -<p>Both boys again disappeared in the smoke-laden atmosphere.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> - -<h3>THE BUCKET BRIGADE</h3> - - -<p>It was a rather perilous undertaking. Professors Hughes and Ivins, both -elderly men, did not dare to again brave the danger.</p> - -<p>"Come back, boys—come back!" called Professor Hughes, distractedly.</p> - -<p>But Bob Somers and Dave Brandon were already groping their way toward -the president's office, which was situated to the left of the entrance. -They knew that it contained some of the most prized possessions of -Professor Hopkins. Besides books and scientific instruments there were -rare collections of butterflies and other insects.</p> - -<p>The Ramblers knew where the cases were kept, and their efforts to reach -them proved successful. A few moments more and they were staggering -toward the entrance heavily laden.</p> - -<p>"Bravo, boys!" cried the professor of mathematics, seizing the precious -trays.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah for the bucket brigade!" shouted Bob Somers. "Here comes the -water."</p> - -<p>Two lines of men and boys, reaching from the schoolhouse steps to the -pond, were ready and eager for work. In a moment the first bucket had -arrived. Bob Somers seized it and rushed inside.</p> - -<p>The buckets began to follow each other in rapid succession, and the -volunteers, in relays, fought the flames with determined efforts.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon continued to work in the president's office, and as fast -as articles were brought out other students carried them to the home of -Professor Hughes, almost opposite the school. At length they had the -satisfaction of taking over the last tray.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the clang of a distant bell came over the air.</p> - -<p>"The Rockville engine!" cried Bob.</p> - -<p>In a few moments it rumbled over the bridge, leaving a trail of embers, -which the breeze caught up and danced merrily along the snow-covered -street.</p> - -<p>Then the tender, with loudly clanging bell, passed between the crowds -which had hastily parted to the right and left.</p> - -<p>Bob and his companions felt that their services were no longer needed, -so they threw aside their buckets and walked across the street to the -engine.</p> - -<p>It had taken a position beneath an electric lamp, its polished surfaces -glistening brightly. Several firemen were already attaching the -suction hose. Another was piling on fuel and the peculiar smell of -soft coal smoke mingled with the pungent odor of burning wood from the -schoolhouse. A hissing sound showed that the steam had reached a high -pressure. It was an interesting moment to the boys.</p> - -<p>"Come on with the water!" shouted a voice. Instantly the engineer -turned the valve, and a loud puffing began, while a shower of sparks -shot upward through the smoky air.</p> - -<p>By this time, the fire had worked its way through the central portion -of the school and found a vent in the cupola. The windows had been -broken by the heat and long streamers of flame pierced the whirling -smoke.</p> - -<p>An extension ladder was placed against the eaves and a number of -firemen ascended to the roof, where, almost hidden by the smoke, they -dropped a rope and began hauling up another line of hose.</p> - -<p>But the fire in the cupola was rapidly increasing. The flames having -united into a solid body leaped furiously upward, presenting the -appearance of a gigantic torch surmounted by a column of smoke and -burning brands.</p> - -<p>Within a few minutes, the scene had wonderfully changed. The entire -mass of smoke seemed to be drawn upward by the rush of air, and -mingling with that from the cupola, stood out with a deep, sullen red -from a background of starlit sky.</p> - -<p>The electric lights began to look pale and ghostlike, and a ruddy -glare suffused the landscape, while myriads of embers drifted slowly -earthward.</p> - -<p>"My eye, that certainly is a pretty sight, eh, Somers?"</p> - -<p>A very tall, thin youth standing close by uttered this exclamation.</p> - -<p>"Hello, John Hackett!"</p> - -<p>"Hello! Say, you fellows look like a minstrel show! What's happened?"</p> - -<p>"Didn't you see us hauling out stuff from the president's room, and -helping to carry water?"</p> - -<p>"My eye! Were you in that—and Chubby, too?"</p> - -<p>"Of course," replied the stout boy. "Look, fellows, there goes the -water."</p> - -<p>A swish and a hiss sounded, as a heavy stream suddenly poured upon the -cupola. The flames slowly began to die down, and a great cheer arose -from the crowd.</p> - -<p>"Must be an awful mess inside," observed Hackett, meditatively. "Isn't -it too bad?"</p> - -<p>"Yes! and it knocks us out of study for about two months," replied Dave -Brandon.</p> - -<p>"Maybe they will get a hall somewhere," suggested Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Oh, look!" cried Bob, suddenly.</p> - -<p>As he spoke, the half-burned timbers of the cupola collapsed and -fell with a muffled roar. Then a huge puff of smoke rolled upward, -accompanied by a fitful glare of red, while the voices of the crowd -swelled into an excited murmur.</p> - -<p>The firemen on the roof struggled forward, turned the stream down into -the opening, and the last glimmer of light began to slowly fade.</p> - -<p>There was much excitement in the crowd, as this seemed to be the -critical moment. The Rockville engine fairly roared and shook.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet it's under control," said Bob, at length.</p> - -<p>"Yes, they've got it now, that's sure," exclaimed Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"Thanks to the Rockville fire company," added Sam.</p> - -<p>"Hope you're not going home yet," said Hackett. "I wouldn't mind -staying out all night."</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't catch me doing it," declared Tommy Clifton decidedly.</p> - -<p>"If the moon was up, I'd like to go skating," added Hackett, -boastfully, "and I wouldn't sleep all day to-morrow, either."</p> - -<p>"I know what you mean," said Dave, with a good-natured grin, "and I -suppose I ought to feel pretty badly about it."</p> - -<p>"I advise you to stop writing poetry," continued Hackett; "then you -won't need so much sleep."</p> - -<p>"But then I don't write the kind that puts others to sleep," laughed -Brandon, "and that ought to make the matter square."</p> - -<p>"In that case, you are forgiven," exclaimed Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>"How is Nat Wingate, 'Hatchet'?" asked Bob Somers, at this juncture.</p> - -<p>"The doctor says he will have to keep out in the open air as much as -possible," replied Hackett. "His lungs seem to be a little weak. Nat -thinks of going to some lumber camp—and, by jingo—"</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?"</p> - -<p>"An idea just struck me," answered Hackett, "and a fine one, too."</p> - -<p>"Let's hear it."</p> - -<p>"Well, if the school is put out of commission for a month or two, I -might manage to go with him."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't it be a great idea for the whole of us to go?" spoke up Bob -Somers, turning to the others.</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk," exclaimed John Hackett, enthusiastically. "We -could camp in the wilds—hunt, fish and have no end of sport."</p> - -<p>"It would be mighty cold out there in the woods," ventured Tom -Clifton, the smallest member of the party, "and the snow is ever so -deep. Whew! There's twelve o'clock striking."</p> - -<p>"Let it strike! Say, fellows, what do you think of this scheme?"</p> - -<p>"Simply great! But it all depends upon whether they can find a place -for the school," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"There isn't a hall large enough in this little town—you know that. -Might use a barn, though," grinned Hackett. "Fine to see Professor -Hopkins standing on a bale of hay and conducting the opening exercises."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'd like to go—but, and it's a great big but," sighed Dick -Travers, "my dad might not look upon it the way I do."</p> - -<p>"My fix, too," added Tom.</p> - -<p>"Guess we could arrange that all right," said Bob, hopefully. "I think -my father will agree to it."</p> - -<p>"Anyway, we'll have to talk over this again," exclaimed Hackett. "Nat -would certainly be glad if you fellows could go. How about meeting in -your barn, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"Come over day after to-morrow, and bring Nat with you," replied Bob.</p> - -<p>"You can just bet I will," said Hackett. "My eye! How I hope we can -arrange it!"</p> - -<p>The Rockville steamer was still sending up a stream of sparks, but the -excitement was now entirely over. The boys accordingly took leave of -each other, and set out for home.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> - -<h3>OFF TO THE WOODS</h3> - - -<p>Early next morning the grounds about the high school were crowded with -students. The building presented a sorry appearance, with its broken -windows and smoke-begrimed walls. An odor of half-burned, water-soaked -wood came from within.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers produced a copy of the Kingswood "Times," and passed it -around. The paper stated that the fire had been caused by an overheated -furnace, and that the damage would amount to over five thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>Professor Hopkins approached a group, among whom were Dave Brandon and -several other members of the Rambler Club.</p> - -<p>"Isn't this an unfortunate occurrence, boys?" he said; "I can scarcely -believe that we all assembled here for study only yesterday morning. I -want to thank you for your work last night."</p> - -<p>"I'm very glad that we were able to do some good," said Dave. "How -long do you think it will take to repair the damage, professor?"</p> - -<p>"Months," replied the president, with something like a groan. "And I -doubt whether we shall be able to find any place to hold the exercises."</p> - -<p>Then, with a bow, he turned, and walked slowly away.</p> - -<p>Soon after this, the group broke up, and, at an appointed hour next -day, met in the hay-loft of Mr. Somers' barn.</p> - -<p>Peter Lexington's ebony-hued countenance wore a broad grin, as the boys -began to come in. Hackett and Nat Wingate arrived last.</p> - -<p>Nat seemed to have lost some of the dashing air which formerly -characterized him. His face was pale and drawn, while his movements -lacked their accustomed energy.</p> - -<p>"Fellows, this is a great scheme you've gotten up," he exclaimed, -enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>"Yes! My father says it's all right," declared Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"And they haven't been able to find a hall large enough," added -Hackett, with a grin. "Professor Ivins told me so this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"Anything else?" queried Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he said that classes could not be resumed for about two months. -How about you, Dick Travers and Tom Clifton? Think you'll be able to -go?"</p> - -<p>Both boys cast grateful looks toward Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"It's all right, Hacky," said Travers, gleefully. "When Bob told my -father about the trip, and how much Mr. Somers would be pleased for the -whole crowd to go, he consented."</p> - -<p>"The same here," put in Tom Clifton, with a glowing face.</p> - -<p>"And you, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon laughed. "I managed it easily," he said. "My folks have an -idea that I don't exercise enough, and they think a trip of this kind -will be just the thing."</p> - -<p>"So it will be," said Nat. "You're beginning to look like a fat boy in -a five cent show."</p> - -<p>"Do you think there will be much work to do?" asked Dave, with -pretended alarm.</p> - -<p>"Well, rather—chopping wood, building camps, tramping twenty miles on -hunting trips—oh, I guess you'll find enough to keep you busy."</p> - -<p>"I 'clar' to goodness, boys, yo'll be froze," said Peter Lexington.</p> - -<p>"A little snow and ice doesn't scare us, Peter," rejoined Bob, -smilingly.</p> - -<p>"Talk about hunting," put in Hackett, bringing a stick up to the level -of his shoulder and squinting one eye along it. "I can hardly wait. -Just let me get a crack at something—the bigger the better."</p> - -<p>"That's the ticket," chimed in Nat. "It will beat a summer trip all -hollow. Say, fellows, what will we need?"</p> - -<p>"Help, befoah de voyage am over," interrupted Peter, with a loud -chuckle.</p> - -<p>"Now don't begin any croaking, Peter, or you'll scare our little friend -from going."</p> - -<p>"Indeed he won't do anything of the kind," retorted Tom Clifton, -indignantly.</p> - -<p>"We'll need lots of stuff," said Sam Randall; "tea, coffee, sugar, -spices, flour, canned goods, potatoes, beans, molasses, bacon, -blankets, skates, and snow-shoes."</p> - -<p>"We can pack the whole business on a couple of sleds," observed Dick -Travers; "and send them by freight to some station near the backwoods. -Got your map, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"Sure."</p> - -<p>In a short time, seven boys were bending over a map which Bob had -spread out on a bale of hay.</p> - -<p>"Stony Creek—that looks like a good place to start from," said Bob, -indicating a point with his forefinger.</p> - -<p>"From there, we might hire a sleigh to take us to Mapleton," put in -Dave Brandon, with a yawn.</p> - -<p>"A good idea," said Bob. "The whole thing is settled, fellows. Now when -shall we start?"</p> - -<p>"The sooner, the better," declared John Hackett. "Who's going to buy -the grub and other stuff?"</p> - -<p>"Draw lots," suggested Dave Brandon, lazily.</p> - -<p>"Skip around, Peter, and find a piece of paper," said Bob. "We want to -fix this thing up right away."</p> - -<p>"I can see my finish," groaned Dick Travers, comically.</p> - -<p>The stable boy soon procured a piece of brown paper, which he tore in -seven pieces. These were numbered consecutively and dropped in his cap.</p> - -<p>"Shake 'em up, Peter," said Bob. "Fellows, the two who draw numbers -three and five can consider that they have a job ahead of them."</p> - -<p>The grinning Peter vigorously stirred up the bits of paper, then held -his cap high over his head.</p> - -<p>There was an interval of silence, after which seven boys eagerly -glanced at the papers they had drawn.</p> - -<p>"Stung!" groaned Sam Randall, with a comical grimace.</p> - -<p>"Same here! I told you how it would be," added Travers.</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha!" laughed Peter Lexington. "You fellahs certainly done got -left—ha, ha!"</p> - -<p>"Somebody make out a list," said Dick, with a sigh of resignation, "and -we'll attend to it."</p> - -<p>Bob Somers got to work. In addition to the articles mentioned by Sam -Randall, he added a few simple remedies, such as they had taken on -their previous trip.</p> - -<p>"Now, you unfortunate chaps—hustle," said John Hackett, with a broad -grin. "Don't hang around here. Wow! I'm thinking that by the time we -get through, there'll be a few less deer and wildcats to roam around, -eh, Nat?"</p> - -<p>And the prospect of thinning out the animal kingdom made Hackett -execute a few fancy steps around the hay-loft, much to the amusement of -Peter Lexington.</p> - -<p>Sam Randall and Dick Travers set about their allotted tasks with -vigor. Before night, everything needful, including three sleds, had -been purchased, and was ready for shipment to Stony Creek, the nearest -railroad station to the village of Mapleton.</p> - -<p>Some portions of the state of Wisconsin are wild and desolate, and the -boys had selected a region where there was every likelihood of finding -game in abundance.</p> - -<p>Thus, two days after their meeting in the barn, on a cold, clear day in -the early part of January, seven boys, attired in suitable fashion to -withstand the rigorous climate, met at the Kingswood railroad station. -They presented a very formidable appearance, Bob Somers and John -Hackett carrying repeating rifles and the others shotguns.</p> - -<p>"Did you get our stuff off to Stony Creek all right, Steve?" inquired -Nat Wingate of the ticket agent.</p> - -<p>"Sure thing! Where are you fellows bound for now?"</p> - -<p>"To the woods," replied John Hackett; "and we are going to do some tall -shooting."</p> - -<p>"You will, at any rate," said the agent, with a grin, as he surveyed -Hackett's long figure. "When a wildcat comes over to say how-de-do, -them legs of yourn ought to be mighty useful. Here comes number ten, -right on the minute."</p> - -<p>A whistle sounded, the train rounded a curve, and, in a few minutes -more, the boys had clambered aboard.</p> - -<p>"If anybody had told me about this last week, I wouldn't have believed -it," said Sam, in great glee, settling himself comfortably in a seat. -"Eh, Dave?"</p> - -<p>The stout boy nodded, and closed his eyes.</p> - -<p>"I'm going to make up now for all that hard work I did at the fire," he -said with a laugh.</p> - -<p>The train sped on, past snow-covered fields and rolling hills, over -trestles, allowing momentary glimpses of ice-bound creeks, or ravines, -purple and gray in the morning shadows.</p> - -<p>At various towns, the train came to a halt. Several were manufacturing -centres, where smoke rose lazily from chimneys, and jets of steam -rivaled in their whiteness the dazzling snow. But the distances between -these stopping places grew longer and longer, and when, at length, the -conductor called out, "Stony Creek," the last town had been left miles -behind.</p> - -<p>"Wake up, Chubby!" cried Bob, giving the stout boy a vigorous shove. -"Here's where we get off."</p> - -<p>Dave stretched, yawned and rose to his feet just as the cars came to a -stop.</p> - -<p>"It doesn't look as if we were anywhere," he said.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to get up a searching party and try to find the town," said -Nat.</p> - -<p>When the boys stood on the platform and gazed after the fast receding -train, they felt that they were already on the edge of the wilderness.</p> - -<p>Beyond the small ticket office was a freight house, while a lone -residence, with a veranda at the side, stood opposite the station. A -road skirted the railway tracks, and from this two others branched off, -winding their way between broad fields, patched here and there with -dark, gaunt trees.</p> - -<p>"Looks like the arctic regions," said Nat.</p> - -<p>"And feels like it, too," observed Tommy Clifton, pulling his coat -collar closer around his neck. "Guess only birds live here."</p> - -<p>"We'll have to rout somebody out and see about our stuff," said -Hackett. "Hello, here he comes now."</p> - -<p>A rather tall, spare man with a red, scraggly beard emerged from the -ticket office and lazily ambled toward them.</p> - -<p>"How d'y do, boys!" he said, with a broad grin. "Be you looking for -anybody who lives hereabouts?"</p> - -<p>"Is that the town, Jack?" asked Nat Wingate, pointing to the house -opposite.</p> - -<p>"Well! The idea! How did you guess my name?" exclaimed the -station-master, with a look of pleased surprise. "Reckon I never seen -you before, neither."</p> - -<p>"We're the bounding brotherhood of brilliant guessers," grinned Nat. -"Now, Jack, a few words with you; we want to know if you have a lot of -boxes and sleds for us."</p> - -<p>This rapid flow of words quite bewildered the old man. He scratched his -head. Then an idea seemed to dawn upon him.</p> - -<p>"Be them yourn?" he said. "A hull lot of stuff, an' sleds, too?"</p> - -<p>"Now you're talking, Jack, old boy," said Hackett. "Trot out your -papers, Somers, and show him."</p> - -<p>"They're all in the freight house. You boys a-going ter stay in town -fer a spell, I reckon, ain't yer?"</p> - -<p>"Where is it?" asked Nat.</p> - -<p>"Where?"</p> - -<p>The station-master paused. A look of aggrieved surprise came over his -rugged, honest face.</p> - -<p>"Where?" he repeated, reproachfully. "'Tain't fur." He waved his arm in -a wide circle. "Over there. Bless me—the idea! Sich a question."</p> - -<p>"Can we get something to eat around here?" asked Dave Brandon. "I'm -almost starved."</p> - -<p>"Over to Hiram Sladder's, I reckon. 'Tain't more'n one o'clock, now. -Going to stay in town long?"</p> - -<p>"We'll keep right on to Mapleton," volunteered Nat. "How do we get -there?"</p> - -<p>"To Mapleton, eh? Well, there's two ways I know of, jest two of 'em."</p> - -<p>"How?" asked Nat.</p> - -<p>"One of 'em's walking, and the other's riding," replied "Jack," -laconically.</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha! Bully for you," roared Hackett. "Wow—that's a good one. -'Jack,' you're all right."</p> - -<p>The station-master grinned, and looked at the boys with a mildly -indulgent air.</p> - -<p>"You certainly ain't a-going camping out, air you?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Of course we are," answered Bob. "But for that, we wouldn't be -carrying around these guns."</p> - -<p>"Jack" shook his head.</p> - -<p>"A risky business—a purty risky business fur boys, I call it. Why, -there's wolves—"</p> - -<p>"And there's a gun all ready for 'em," interrupted John Hackett, -holding up his rifle.</p> - -<p>"An' wildcats."</p> - -<p>"Well, we have some more guns."</p> - -<p>"An'—an'—well, I call it a purty risky business. However, 'tain't -none of my affair. Yonder right hand road takes yer to Sladder's."</p> - -<p>"Come on, fellows," said Dave; "I'm hungry as a bear."</p> - -<p>The stout boy jumped off the platform and began striding across the -road. They toiled up a gentle incline, trudging in the middle of the -highway. Once at the top, they saw a long descent. A flagpole was -visible, rising above the crest of another hill.</p> - -<p>"Where there's a flagpole, there's a house," observed Hackett.</p> - -<p>His long steps soon put him in the lead.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I say, hold on, 'Hatchet,'" puffed little Tommy Clifton; "this -isn't a race."</p> - -<p>"You want to hurry and grow a bit, Tommy," laughed John.</p> - -<p>At length they began the ascent of the hill. The ruts in the road made -walking difficult, and all breathed a sigh of relief when they reached -the top. As they did so, the peaked roof of a building came into view, -rising higher and higher until the entire structure was visible. It -proved to be a long, two-story building, painted a dingy gray.</p> - -<p>But what interested the boys most of all was an inscription across the -front that read:</p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>Roadside House<br /> -Hiram Sladder, Proprietor<br /> -Accommodation for man and beast</i></p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Now for something to eat!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> - -<h3>"UNDENIABLE FACT"</h3> - - -<p>Before the boys could reach the entrance, the door was opened. A very -big man, with a very red complexion and prominent features, stood -surveying the group, his face wreathed in smiles.</p> - -<p>"Good-afternoon, young gentlemen!" he exclaimed, in a hearty voice. -"Step right in—a warm room and nice, comfortable chairs ready for you."</p> - -<p>"Can we get something to eat now?" asked Dave, with a touch of -apprehension in his voice.</p> - -<p>"All you want, sir—an undeniable fact," replied the hotel keeper; "of -the best, too—nice, hot coffee, roast beef, potatoes,—an' what would -you say to a few buckwheat cakes, with maple syrup?"</p> - -<p>"Um—um—ah—but don't say a few," remarked Dave.</p> - -<p>"An undeniable fact that they are just the thing for a cold day like -this. Put your guns in the corner, boys. Mom!"</p> - -<p>Mr. Hiram Sladder's stentorian voice soon brought a response. A -pleasant-looking woman bustled into the room.</p> - -<p>"What's this, Hiram, a meeting?" she asked, looking at the boys with a -smile.</p> - -<p>"Undeniable fact that it looks like it," said Mr. Sladder. "But these -young gentlemen want something to eat, and want it quick. Is Tim -around?"</p> - -<p>"No, Hiram. He just went off with Billy Musgrove."</p> - -<p>"Too bad! But never mind. Get out the best you have in the house."</p> - -<p>The boys drew up chairs around the bright stove, and settled down to -solid comfort, while Hiram Sladder perched himself on a stool of rather -ancient appearance.</p> - -<p>"Strangers around these parts?" he remarked, affably, his eyes roving -from one to another.</p> - -<p>"You've struck it," said Hackett; "we've been trying to find out ever -since we got here where the town is."</p> - -<p>"And why they call it Stony Creek," added Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Well, just beyond the hill is as purty a little town as you want to -see," confided the hotel keeper; "and it's an undeniable fact that -the stoniest creek you ever laid your eyes upon flows close't to Bill -Manley's blacksmith shop. Going to stay here long, young gentlemen?"</p> - -<p>"No, we're off on a hunting trip," said Hackett, carelessly; "after big -game."</p> - -<p>"Sho! Know much about gunning?" asked Mr. Sladder, incautiously.</p> - -<p>"Do we know much about gunning?" echoed John, with withering sarcasm. -"Well, say—I've had a few tilts with wildcats, myself, and I'm here -yet."</p> - -<p>"Um—you can't always tell by looks," said Mr. Sladder, anxious to -appease the tall youth's ire. "My son Tim—too bad he ain't here—is -a born hunter. The way that boy can shoot and trap! Why, it's an -undeniable fact that there ain't nobody in town can beat him. If the -young gentlemen want a few good points where to go fur game—"</p> - -<p>"Yes—that's the idea!" cried Bob, enthusiastically, drawing forth his -map.</p> - -<p>Hiram Sladder spread it out on a near-by table.</p> - -<p>Surrounded by all save Dave Brandon, he placed a very broad finger on a -spot indicating the position of Mapleton, then slowly passed it along -the course of a river, and finally stopped at a lake.</p> - -<p>Then he said: "Thereabouts! No better place in the state of Wisconsin."</p> - -<p>"Plenty of wildcats, and wolves, I hope," said Hackett, with a sly -glance toward Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Why bless you, you may get more'n you bargain for," replied the hotel -keeper. "Now in my younger days—"</p> - -<p>"Hiram, it's ready! An' I guess the boys is too," interrupted Mrs. -Sladder, at this interesting point.</p> - -<p>The dining-room of the Roadside House was large and comfortable, and -a bountiful meal had been prepared. From the kitchen came a delicious -odor of buckwheat cakes, which caused a look of great satisfaction to -come over Dave Brandon's face.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sladder regarded the remarkable manner in which the viands -disappeared as a tribute to her culinary skill, and surveyed the boys -with a benevolent smile.</p> - -<p>"It's an undeniable fact that the walking ain't just what it might be," -said Mr. Sladder, who had entered the room. "Now, I've a sleigh—"</p> - -<p>"Just the idea," broke in Sam Randall, enthusiastically. "Eh, fellows?"</p> - -<p>"Then I'll have it ready for you in a jiffy. I take it that you want to -leave pretty soon. Mapleton's a good fifteen miles."</p> - -<p>The boys finished their meal, and sat around the table engaged in -conversation until word was brought that the sleigh was ready. A moment -later, the jingling of bells was heard, and it drew up to the front -door.</p> - -<p>"I'll be mighty glad to see you again, boys, any time," said Hiram -Sladder, as the fellows clambered in.</p> - -<p>"Get up, you Prince! Hi, hi, you Bobby!" yelled the driver, cracking -his whip, and the sleigh began to glide over the snow-covered ground.</p> - -<p>Upon reaching the freight house at the Stony Creek railroad station, -"Jack" assisted the boys in loading the various boxes and packages -upon the sleigh. Some of their supplies had to be tied upon the sleds, -which, in turn, were secured in such a fashion as to trail at the rear.</p> - -<p>"Hope yer found the town," remarked the station-master, dryly; "never -had sich a question asked me before."</p> - -<p>The boys laughed, and waved their hands, as the sleigh began to draw -away from the platform.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah! Now for the wilderness!" cried Sam Randall, enthusiastically. -"We can't get there too soon."</p> - -<p>The driver again cracked his long, snake-like whip, and the -sleigh-bells jingled merrily.</p> - -<p>Up and down hill, between dark, sombre woods, over bridges which -spanned frozen streams, then past bleak, barren stretches of fields, -dazzlingly white, they went, until the sun had disappeared beneath the -horizon, and a yellow glow suffused the west.</p> - -<p>"'Tain't fur now," volunteered the driver—he pointed with his -whip—"jest over that there hill. Drat that bay—the pesky brute's -a-stumbling—whoa, Prince—yes, jest over that next hill."</p> - -<p>"And it's an 'undeniable fact' that I'll be glad to get there," laughed -Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>In the course of about fifteen minutes a house was passed, then -another, and finally they saw a frame building somewhat larger than -those around it.</p> - -<p>"The hotel," said the driver.</p> - -<p>This information was scarcely necessary, as a large sign in front -announced to all that the Backwoods Hotel provided the best of -accommodations for travelers.</p> - -<p>"Hunting parties sometimes stop at Silas Riggs'—he's the boss," -explained the driver. "A fust-rate fellow he is too."</p> - -<p>He drew up to the entrance, and the boys jumped out, a trifle stiff -after their long ride.</p> - -<p>Silas Riggs was "right glad" to see them. His son, a sturdy young -specimen of humanity, ambled forward and surveyed them with a frank, -good-natured stare.</p> - -<p>Arrangements were quickly made for rooms and supper.</p> - -<p>Silas Riggs was a jolly old fellow, and told jolly stories—which was -better, and the evening passed very quickly indeed. The boys were -reluctant to leave the nice, cheerful stove and pleasant room. The -wind had sprung up, and, as it moaned and sighed around the corner of -the "Backwoods Hotel," sending the old sign creaking forth and back, to -mingle its dismal sound with the soughing of the tree-tops, it made the -comfortable interior seem all the more agreeable.</p> - -<p>But the boys were anxious to get up early next morning, so they bade -Silas Riggs and several of the guests a cheery good-night and repaired -to their rooms.</p> - -<p>Immediately after breakfast, boxes and packages were opened.</p> - -<p>"We ought to be well fixed, with all that stuff," observed Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"Rubber blankets enough to start a store," put in Sam.</p> - -<p>"An' you'll need 'em," drawled Silas, Junior. "Cold—h'm; an' jest wait -till a blizzard gets a-going. An'—an'—but I don't want to scare you -fellers none."</p> - -<p>"Don't stop on our account, Silas, old boy," laughed Nat; "we're ready -for anything that comes along."</p> - -<p>Axes, hatchets, hunting-knives, guns and snow-shoes, besides -provisions, were securely strapped to the sleds, and, at length, they -were ready to leave.</p> - -<p>"Old" Silas gave them minute directions as to the best route to take, -and other bits of helpful advice.</p> - -<p>"On the eastern side of the lake, near the south end, you'll find a -cabin," he said. "'Tain't much to look at, but if nobody ain't thar, it -may save yer the trouble of building a camp.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, boys," he added, grasping the hand of each in turn; "an' -don't forgit to drop in an' see 'Old' Silas when ye come back."</p> - -<p>The air was clear and crisp, and the wind had greatly moderated. Before -them was a short stretch of open country, and beyond, glistening in the -early morning light, rose the rounded tops of several hills.</p> - -<p>Dick Travers, Sam Randall and Tom Clifton took the first turn with the -sleds.</p> - -<p>"How long is it going to take us to reach Lake Wolverine, Bob?" asked -Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"If we don't get tangled up in the woods, we ought to get there some -time this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"This snow makes hard walking," grumbled Dave. "Say, boys, I've got an -idea. I think we're a lot of duffers. What are snow-shoes made for, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, what are they made for, indeed?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going to put mine on, anyway," said Dave.</p> - -<p>"And so am I," added Hackett.</p> - -<p>Seven pairs of the long shoes were extracted from the piles on the -sleds, and the boys began to strap them on.</p> - -<p>"Oh, but it feels funny," said Tom Clifton, as he stood upright. "Wow! -Don't think I can manage to walk with them."</p> - -<p>"Strike out, like a little man," said Hackett. "Here goes!"</p> - -<p>He started off with great confidence, but the end of his shoe caught -on the almost concealed edge of a stump, sending the long-legged youth -floundering in the snow.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi! You struck something sure, 'Hatchet,'" exclaimed Tom, -mischievously.</p> - -<p>Hackett's face was very red, indeed, when he picked himself up.</p> - -<p>"Talk about mean luck," he growled. "Quit your laughing, Tommy Clifton. -Just watch me, I'll do better this time."</p> - -<p>Hackett took the lead. Right after him came Dave Brandon, while Bob -Somers and Nat Wingate trailed in the rear, all moving in an awkward -fashion. But at length they mastered the new form of locomotion -sufficiently well to make good progress.</p> - -<p>"My eye! look at that whopping big long-ears over there," cried -Hackett; "if I'd only had my gun in hand," he added, regretfully, as -the bunny disappeared.</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"We are hunters brave and bold,</div> - <div class="verse">And fear not wind or cold—</div> - <div class="verse">When seeking game.</div> - <div class="verse">Big birds look out, and small ones fly away;</div> - <div class="verse">Wise bears and wolves won't join the fray—</div> - <div class="verse">For Hacky's after game."</div> -</div></div> - -<p>Nat improvised these lines, his old-time spirit reasserting itself.</p> - -<p>"Rah, rah—yi, yi—bing, bang, boom!" joined in Hackett, lustily. "And -I'm going to get some game, too. Don't you forget it."</p> - -<p>Soon a stretch of pine woods was reached. It grew thicker and thicker, -until the blue sky was almost shut from view. Underbrush and trailing -vines were in profusion.</p> - -<p>The wind had piled up great drifts of snow, and occasionally the heavy -sleds had to be dragged around a fallen tree.</p> - -<p>From a dense thicket came the harsh, rasping cry of the blue jay, while -a noisy flock of crows flitted among the trees.</p> - -<p>In places, the snow was covered with the tracks of animals and birds.</p> - -<p>"There have been dozens of rabbits around here," asserted Bob. "And -look—sure as I live—the trail of a fox."</p> - -<p>"A fox?" echoed the others. "How do you know?"</p> - -<p>"Because the footprints are almost in a straight line, and you can see -the marks of the claws in front."</p> - -<p>"My eye! I only wish I could get a shot at him," burst out Hackett, -looking eagerly around, as if he expected to see a dozen foxes running -to cover.</p> - -<p>"Thought nothing would satisfy you but a wildcat or deer, Hacky," -laughed Nat.</p> - -<p>"A fox will do for a starter. After that, Tommy Clifton must help me -rout out a big, black bear from his cave," grinned John.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I say, fellows," broke in Dick Travers, "somebody take this sled; -I'm fagged out."</p> - -<p>"So am I," puffed Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"And it's the same here," added Sam.</p> - -<p>The three boys were relieved.</p> - -<p>Maple and hickory trees were now interspersed with the dark hemlocks -and cedars, and the patches of sky between the trees grew larger. The -woods were rapidly becoming more open.</p> - -<p>"We ought to come to the river pretty soon, Somers," observed Hackett, -as they paused on a ridge which overlooked a steep descent.</p> - -<p>"Unless we do, it may mean that—"</p> - -<p>The rest of the sentence was interrupted in a most startling fashion.</p> - -<p>The snow upon which they were standing suddenly gave way beneath -their weight. With cries of dismay, Bob Somers, John Hackett and Dick -Travers wildly grasped at the empty air. Then, before their astonished -companions could make a move to aid them, they shot downward, -accompanied by an avalanche of snow.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> - -<h3>THE ROAD OF ICE</h3> - - -<p>The surface was smooth and icy, and the efforts of the boys to stay -their progress were in vain. Huge masses of snow swept with them down -the hill. Bob Somers felt the cold air rush past his face. He had a -confused vision of bushes flying swiftly by, then he shot over the edge -of a hillock, and dropped with a thud upon the other side.</p> - -<p>Breathless and excited, he made another effort to stop his downward -plunge. For a moment, it was partially checked, but the tumbling snow -almost instantly tore him away from his hold.</p> - -<p>Long John Hackett and Dick Travers were considerably in advance. Their -startled cries had been silenced, and like Bob Somers, they were -helpless upon the smooth, slippery surface of the hill.</p> - -<p>A long line of bushes stretched across just below.</p> - -<p>John Hackett escaped them by a few feet, but Dick Travers crashed into -their midst and came to an abrupt halt.</p> - -<p>A moment later, Bob brought up against him with an impact that made -both wince.</p> - -<p>"I say, Dick, are you hurt?" he gasped, excitedly, as soon as he could -find his voice.</p> - -<p>"Whew, I'm too dizzy to know. You nearly knocked the last bit of breath -out of me. My face is scratched to pieces."</p> - -<p>"And—wow—how my ear stings. I'm sore all over."</p> - -<p>"But we are mighty lucky to get off so easily," said Dick. "I wonder -how old Hacky has fared."</p> - -<p>"I hope he's all right. Say, my head spins like a top. Here come the -rest of the fellows. I'll bet they are scared."</p> - -<p>Both boys rose slowly and painfully to their feet. They were much -jarred and bruised, but, fortunately, no serious damage had resulted.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Hacky!" yelled Bob.</p> - -<p>An answering hail came from below.</p> - -<p>"He must be all right," said Dick, joyfully. "There he is—away down at -the bottom of the hill."</p> - -<p>"Are you hurt, fellows?" came a cry.</p> - -<p>The other boys were making their way down the smooth, treacherous -surface as fast as they dared.</p> - -<p>"Not a bit of it!" yelled Bob. "Let's see about Hackett."</p> - -<p>Without waiting for the others, he started down the incline, this time -in an orderly fashion. Dick Travers followed him.</p> - -<p>They found the tall boy busily engaged in brushing the snow off his -clothes.</p> - -<p>"Are you hurt, Hacky?" inquired Dick, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"If my arm doesn't turn black and blue, I'm mistaken," growled John. -"I got about eighty-seven jolts on the back of my neck, forty on the -shoulders, and nearly broke my leg, besides. You fellows all right? -That's good. What dunces we were to stand on such a bank. Anyway, I -found out something."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you see there's a little creek close here? And it goes in our -direction, too—eh, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"You're right," returned Bob, with a glance in the direction -indicated. "Skating will be good for a change."</p> - -<p>The rest of the boys now came up and were delighted to see that their -friends were safe and sound.</p> - -<p>"I move that we have something to eat," said Dave.</p> - -<p>His proposition met with general favor, and three of the boys went -after the sleds. In due course, they returned, and did full justice to -the lunch which Silas Riggs had put up. It was rather cold fare, but -all decided that it was better to push on as fast as possible.</p> - -<p>"Somebody may be using that house 'Old' Silas spoke about," said Nat; -"and, in that case, we'll have to build a camp."</p> - -<p>In a short time the march was resumed.</p> - -<p>The creek was found to be narrow and winding, but the wind had blown -its surface comparatively free from snow.</p> - -<p>"Now we'll make some speed," said Sam, as he unstrapped his snow-shoes. -"Look out for air holes and thin places, fellows."</p> - -<p>The crisp whirr of seven pairs of skates was soon ringing out, and the -three victims of the snowslide almost forgot their aches and pains in -the enjoyment of the sport.</p> - -<p>"Great, isn't it?" grinned Hackett, cutting a letter S. "Anybody want -to race?"</p> - -<p>"Not to-day, my boy," said Bob. "Guess you've got us there."</p> - -<p>Grim, dark trees hung over the watercourse, their interlacing branches -covered with snow. Occasionally, boughs, still full of dull yellow -leaves—like a touch of autumn in the bleak winter landscape, added -brightness to the scene.</p> - -<p>"Must be lots of minks, otter and beavers along these banks," declared -Bob. "They live in just this kind of place."</p> - -<p>"We'll make old Sladder open his eyes when we get back with a load of -skins," exclaimed John Hackett. "The cheek of him to ask if we knew -anything about hunting. Bang! I can hardly wait."</p> - -<p>"The wildcats are going to catch it, fellows," drawled Tommy Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Right you are, little boy," grinned Hackett. "And don't forget that -bear you're going to help me find."</p> - -<p>Nat began to show signs of fatigue, and soon a halt was made.</p> - -<p>"Maybe we had better not try to reach the lake to-night," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Oh, pshaw! I can stand it, Somers," returned Nat. "A few minutes' rest -will fix me up all right."</p> - -<p>Suddenly a shout from Hackett, who had gone on ahead, attracted their -attention. He had disappeared around a bend, but now came skating back.</p> - -<p>"The river's just ahead, fellows," he cried. "Anything the matter, Nat?"</p> - -<p>"No, I feel first-rate," returned Nat, rising to his feet. "Fellows, I -believe this trip will fix me up all right."</p> - -<p>"Of course it will," said Hackett, enthusiastically. "Say—we ought to -reach Lake Wolverine pretty soon, now."</p> - -<p>"I hope so—I'm half frozen," put in Tom Clifton; "a big fire and some -hot coffee—"</p> - -<p>"Um—um!" interrupted Dave Brandon; "and a pan of nice bacon, and baked -potatoes, eh?"</p> - -<p>"I can't listen to such talk and sit still," laughed Nat. "I believe -it's getting colder," he added. "We'll feel it more on the river, too."</p> - -<p>The mouth of the creek was soon reached, and with long, steady strides, -the boys pushed on. Occasionally they insisted upon stopping to give -Nat a rest, and it was not until after two o'clock that the sight of a -broad expanse, gleaming in the sunlight straight ahead, brought forth a -rousing cheer.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Bob Somers, "Lake Wolverine."</p> - -<p>"Now for the cabin that old Riggs told us about," cried Nat.</p> - -<p>They redoubled their exertions, skating close to the eastern shore. -All were delighted with the surroundings of the lake. There was a -picturesque combination of rugged hills and valleys, and they felt that -in such a wild country plenty of game must be found.</p> - -<p>"There's the cabin—straight ahead," cried Bob. "Look, Chubby, right in -front of those firs!"</p> - -<p>"You are right, Bob! And it's a sight I'm glad to see. Hurry up."</p> - -<p>The stout boy and John Hackett started ahead in a lively fashion.</p> - -<p>"Go it, Chubby!" yelled Bob. "Show him what you are made of!"</p> - -<p>Dave needed no bidding. Bending forward, he skimmed swiftly over the -ice, and when they came opposite the cabin Hackett led by only a few -feet.</p> - -<p>"Whew!" puffed Dave. "It warms a fellow up a bit. That's a pretty -solid-looking house, 'Hatchet.'"</p> - -<p>The cabin was built of logs and stood some distance from the edge of -the lake, and near the base of a steep hill. It was partly surrounded -by a group of tall cedars.</p> - -<p>Dave and Hackett crossed the intervening patch of snow, their skates -crunching through the hard crust. The latter tried the door, while Dave -peered in through a window.</p> - -<p>He uttered an exclamation of disappointment.</p> - -<p>"Somebody is living here," he said. "There's a lot of dishes and stuff -on a table. It means that we'll have to build a camp, after all."</p> - -<p>"And it would have been such a bully place to stay," said Hackett, -giving the door a spiteful kick.</p> - -<p>"Well, there's no help for it," put in Bob, who had come up. "You can -see the snow is freshly trampled."</p> - -<p>"Wonder who they can be."</p> - -<p>"Most likely hunters."</p> - -<p>"Well, what are we going to do?" asked Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>"Why, cross the lake, of course—if Nat doesn't mind."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm not tired out yet, Somers," protested Nat. "Certainly we'll -get over on the other side, and have a camp to ourselves, eh, Hacky?"</p> - -<p>"Right you are! Face about—forward march!"</p> - -<p>"It's time you exercised your muscle again on one of these sleds, -Hackett," complained Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I forgot! Really, my little tired-out friend, I forgot," grinned -Hackett, seizing the rope.</p> - -<p>"I don't call this any picnic," observed Sam, as they headed for the -opposite shore.</p> - -<p>"Nor I, either," said Tom. "We get the full force of the wind—cracky, -my feet are getting like lumps of ice."</p> - -<p>In spite of their hard traveling, the boys kept up a good pace, and -soon the opposite shore began to assume definite form. It was hilly and -well wooded.</p> - -<p>"We had better divide up in two parties," suggested Bob; "we ought to -strike a place quicker that way."</p> - -<p>"All right," said Dick. "Come on, Bob and Chubby; let's see what we can -find."</p> - -<p>Skates were quickly removed, the sleds drawn up on shore and the two -parties set out.</p> - -<p>Bob, Dick Travers and Dave Brandon kept in a southerly direction, while -the others pushed north.</p> - -<p>"Any number of good places around here," exclaimed the stout boy, after -a short search. "There's one, right by that clump of pines."</p> - -<p>"Hello—hello!" came a faint hail from the distance.</p> - -<p>"It's Hackett," said Dave, as they turned and saw a dark figure on the -edge of the lake waving his arms.</p> - -<p>"They must have found a good place."</p> - -<p>"Hello!" yelled the distant figure again. "Dandy place."</p> - -<p>This was all they could make out, but it was enough.</p> - -<p>The three boys hurried forward.</p> - -<p>In the course of a few minutes, hauling the sleds after them, they -rejoined the others.</p> - -<p>"We'll show you a dandy place," cried Nat; "the finest you ever saw."</p> - -<p>He led them around a wooded ridge, where they found, between this and -another ridge, a bowl-shaped valley. On one side, the hill sloped -gently down to the shore of the lake.</p> - -<p>"Isn't this a place for you, though?" asked Nat.</p> - -<p>"You were lucky to come across it," declared Bob; "and it's sheltered -from the northwest wind."</p> - -<p>"Plenty of trees—maples and spruce—just the thing for our camp."</p> - -<p>"And no fear of a snowslide," put in Dave; "the hill isn't steep enough -for that. There's only one thing—"</p> - -<p>"What is that, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"A thaw might make it unpleasant."</p> - -<p>"Oh, pshaw!" said Hackett. "Why, it's getting colder—twice as cold -every other minute. Let's fall to, fellows, and build a fire."</p> - -<p>Several of the boys unpacked a box of provisions, while Sam Randall, -Tom Clifton and Dick Travers began to collect fire-wood. Armed with -hatchets, they quickly got enough to start a blaze.</p> - -<p>As the flames began to roar and crackle, more wood was piled on, and -the hungry and tired boys gathered around to warm their benumbed hands -and feet.</p> - -<p>"I'm going to have a cup of coffee," said Dave.</p> - -<p>"That's the idea, Chubby."</p> - -<p>"And why not roast some potatoes?"</p> - -<p>"And what's the matter with a bit of bacon?"</p> - -<p>"Right you are, boys! Let's get to work," said Bob.</p> - -<p>Hunger spurred them on. In a few minutes, potatoes were roasting, and -bacon hissing and sizzling before the fire.</p> - -<p>Hackett went off with an axe, chopped a hole through the ice and dipped -up enough water for the coffee.</p> - -<p>When the meal was ready, the boys eagerly helped themselves, then took -places around the cheerful fire and were content.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> - -<h3>MAKING CAMP</h3> - - -<p>"We have a big job ahead of us," declared Bob Somers, when every scrap -of food had vanished.</p> - -<p>"I believe it," said Dave, with half closed eyes.</p> - -<p>"The huts ought to be built before dark; it means a hustle."</p> - -<p>"Build 'em, then, an'—" the stout boy was nodding.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi! Hey, bing, bang, boom—rah—rah! No sleeping yet, Chubby. Wake -up!"</p> - -<p>"Let a fellow alone, can't you? Build em—stop!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, we will leave you alone! Oh, yes—and two huts to build."</p> - -<p>"Only five minutes," pleaded Dave. "I feel uncommonly sleepy. I do, -indeed! Let up, won't you?"</p> - -<p>"Very sorry, old boy," said Bob; "but we are going to clear away the -fire and build it in another place. Better wake up and help in this -job, or we may have a pretty rough night of it."</p> - -<p>With a very great effort, Dave Brandon arose.</p> - -<p>"What do you want me to do?" he asked, with a prodigious yawn.</p> - -<p>"Get the fire shoved over to this place I have marked," said Bob, -indicating a spot about ten feet distant. "Just as soon as the ground -is thawed, we'll have to dig four holes for the corner posts."</p> - -<p>"Just think, we've got two of these old dens to build," grumbled John -Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Oh, never mind," said Nat. "I'm going to help, and we'll consider that -it's a fine evening of sport."</p> - -<p>Encouraged by these words, the tired boys set to work.</p> - -<p>"In the first place, we'll need a lot of slender maples for the sides -and roof," said Bob; "and any quantity of fir brush."</p> - -<p>"I'm going to select trees for the posts," declared Sam Randall. "These -huts are going to be built in a hurry, I can tell you that."</p> - -<p>In a few moments, the sound of the young woodsmen's sturdy blows were -being carried over the frosty air. As fast as the trees were felled, -Tom Clifton trimmed off the branches. Then Dick Travers and Sam Randall -began to gather the fir brush until an enormous pile was ready for use.</p> - -<p>All hands worked steadily, in spite of their fatigue.</p> - -<p>"On a camping trip, a fellow can't expect to stop just because he's -tired," declared Bob; "he must be willing to work hard and run up -against all kind of snags."</p> - -<p>"You bet!" agreed Sam; "and getting half frozen, on a winter trip, and -half starved besides."</p> - -<p>"Guess we've got enough work to last till midnight," observed Dave -Brandon, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"Is that ground getting thawed out?" inquired Bob.</p> - -<p>"It's ready for anybody except the poet laureate to begin digging," -laughed the other. "Start right in, Sam Randall, or it will get frozen -up again."</p> - -<p>"It's not going to be an easy job," said Bob. "We'll all take turns."</p> - -<p>"And we don't want the huts to get bowled over by the first puff of -wind," added Tommy Clifton.</p> - -<p>"That's so, little one," said John Hackett, patronizingly; "I'll bet we -strike some of the worst gales that were ever heard of. It's getting -pretty brisk now, and we may be out in it until about three o'clock -to-morrow morning. Give me a spade, and I'll show you something fast in -the way of digging."</p> - -<p>Hackett found that he was going to have a hard task to live up to his -boast, but he stuck bravely at it, assisted by Bob Somers and Sam -Randall.</p> - -<p>"What comes next, Bob?" asked Tommy Clifton.</p> - -<p>"I'll show you. First, I want four stout poles for the corners."</p> - -<p>Bob Somers selected the heaviest maples, which had been cut to a -suitable length. They were solid and heavy, and required the combined -strength of several boys to lift into place.</p> - -<p>"Ram them down as hard as possible," said Bob. "Then fill up the hole -and bank them all around. Wet the earth as you pack it in. When it -gets hard, it ought to hold like a vise."</p> - -<p>"Well, it's going to hold that one, I can tell you," declared Sam -Randall, as they lifted the first pole, and brought it down with a bang.</p> - -<p>Hackett began to throw in the earth. "But it's fierce work, though," he -grumbled; "and a lot more to do."</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "Stick it out, Hacky," he said; "you'll forget all about -the backache by this time next week."</p> - -<p>"It would be better to leave the other hut until to-morrow," suggested -Nat. "We can all crowd into one—it's only for a night, you know."</p> - -<p>"I guess that's the best plan."</p> - -<p>"Won't it be awful cold in there, Bob?" asked Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Not when it's banked up with snow. The hardest part of the work is yet -to come."</p> - -<p>"You mean putting on the fir brush," spoke up Tom Clifton. "Oh, that's -easy enough."</p> - -<p>"Time to talk about that when the framework is up," said John Hackett, -with a laugh. "Don't make a mistake and put the brush on first."</p> - -<p>When the four posts had been planted, the rear ones being higher, so -as to give the roof a slope, others were placed across the tops and -securely fastened. This was done by means of nails and ropes.</p> - -<p>"So much for that," said Bob, in a tone of satisfaction. "Now, a lot -of poles must be placed about a foot apart all around the sides and on -the roof. Pitch in, fellows—stick 'em up, and be sure to leave space -enough for a door."</p> - -<p>When the framework was completed, Bob and his assistants surveyed their -handiwork with pride.</p> - -<p>"Fir brush lies pretty flat," said Bob, at length. "Begin at the -bottom, boys, and weave it between the poles. Then push it down as -tight as possible."</p> - -<p>"Correct," said Hackett. "Go up front."</p> - -<p>The boys worked rapidly, packing the brush so closely that not a -crevice was visible. It required patience, but the knowledge that -it would be their only shelter for the night spurred them on. When -the four walls were completed, they presented quite a substantial -appearance.</p> - -<p>"Looks great," commented Bob. "We'll have a fine camp. Better get some -more brush; it takes a lot of it."</p> - -<p>Dick Travers and Tom Clifton volunteered for the task, and work was -resumed. Sam Randall and Hackett began to brace the sides with stout -poles, and when this was done, they proceeded to bank the snow all -around, beating it down with the backs of their shovels until it formed -a compact mass.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers and Nat, who insisted on helping, got on the roof, while -Dave Brandon kept them well supplied with fir brush. The two worked -with great care, beginning at the front, and being sure that each lot -they put on overlapped that which was underneath.</p> - -<p>"It will be a good, tight roof, Nat," remarked Bob, with satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"And the snow around the sides ought to make it warm as toast."</p> - -<p>"Rather have this than a ready made cabin any day—or night, either," -grinned Nat. "There, Somers—when we make the roof a bit snug where it -joins the wall, our work is done."</p> - -<p>"And a good job, too," commented Dave Brandon from below.</p> - -<p>All now began to assist in piling up the snow, notwithstanding the -gathering gloom. But the twilight, ere long, had almost given way to -darkness. The opposite shore of the lake was lost to view, while toward -the west a sombre hillside rose against a greenish gray sky.</p> - -<p>"Too dark to see," sang out Dick Travers, finally.</p> - -<p>"We'll have supper, and put on a few finishing touches by firelight," -said Bob.</p> - -<p>"That's where you're right—no more work for me, until I get something -to eat," added Dave. "It's another 'undeniable fact.'"</p> - -<p>Fuel was heaped upon the fire, and cooking begun. Higher and higher -rose the flames, lighting up in a fantastic fashion the group of boys, -the snowy landscape and queer-looking hut in the foreground. Shadows -danced and chased each other over the ground, light gleamed for an -instant on distant objects, then vanished to sparkle again elsewhere.</p> - -<p>Refreshed by supper, the boys piled several logs on the fire and -resumed work, adding whatever they thought necessary to make their -dwelling secure and tight. The door was closed by strips of heavy -canvas.</p> - -<p>"This is a neat job, Hacky," said Nat. "Don't know just what kind of -architecture you'd call it—never saw anything quite so queer-looking -in my life—but I'll bet it is going to be comfortable, and that's all -we want."</p> - -<p>It was not until after nine o'clock that the weary workers ceased their -labors. But, despite aching arms and tired backs, each regarded the -odd-shaped structure with much satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"It would take one of Silas Riggs' blizzards to blow it over," remarked -Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>"And two of them to wake me up, to-night," yawned Dave.</p> - -<p>"Let's throw a bit of brush inside, spread out blankets and turn in," -said John Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Tired out, Hacky?" laughed Nat.</p> - -<p>"Of course not—nowhere near it. I'll bet I could give any fellow -in the crowd fifty feet start and beat him across the lake," and -Hackett's eyes sparkled with indignation at the thought of his -endurance having been questioned.</p> - -<p>The boys hung a lantern from the ceiling, and as the light revealed the -cozy interior, broke into a hearty cheer.</p> - -<p>"Not many could beat this job," declared Bob Somers; "eh, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"Say—but I am tired," was Dave's response. "Good thing we have -sleeping-bags and plenty of blankets. Going to be a tight squeeze, -though," he added.</p> - -<p>"You take one-half of the hut, and the rest of us the other," said Bob, -humorously. "Here's my place, right where I'm standing."</p> - -<p>Rubber blankets were spread over the fragrant fir brush, the -sleeping-bags were put on those, and one by one, the boys lay down. -Soon there was silence, save for the fire, the glowing embers of which -occasionally cracked with a sharp report.</p> - -<p>But it was not for long. Bob sat up.</p> - -<p>"Wow—say, fellows, I'm nearly frozen. Got a trunk load of blankets on, -too."</p> - -<p>"And I can't sleep for the cold, either," groaned Dave.</p> - -<p>"It feels like the arctic regions," said Tom Clifton, in muffled tones. -"My feet are like lumps of ice."</p> - -<p>"And I'm nearly frozen," growled Hackett. "How about you, Nat?"</p> - -<p>"Feel like a snow man—and that's no joke."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps we'll get warm in a few minutes. Let's try it again," put in -Sam.</p> - -<p>The boys lay very still, and silence again reigned.</p> - -<p>"Fellows, it's no use." Dave leaned on his elbow. "I—I can't sleep." -His teeth were chattering.</p> - -<p>"Nor I."</p> - -<p>"What are we going to do? We haven't any more blankets."</p> - -<p>"Yes—what are we going to do?"</p> - -<p>Little Tom Clifton's voice was so despairing that the other boys broke -into a hearty laugh.</p> - -<p>"I think I know what's the matter," said Bob, suddenly. "We're a lot of -dunces."</p> - -<p>"Why—how?"</p> - -<p>"The cold strikes up from the ground. No matter how much stuff we pile -on top of us, we couldn't get warm. The brush beds ought to be about -three times as thick."</p> - -<p>"I believe you are right. I do hate to think of getting -up—still—guess there's no help for it," and Dave, with many groans -and sighs, eased himself to his feet, the others following.</p> - -<p>The air outside was sharp and piercing, the stars shone with great -brilliancy, and the landscape wore a dreary, desolate appearance.</p> - -<p>With chattering teeth, the boys approached the big pile of fir brush -which had been left over, and began to gather it up. Trip after trip -they made, working swiftly, and occasionally stopping to swing their -arms.</p> - -<p>"That ought to do," said Bob, when the floor had been covered to a -depth of a foot and a half.</p> - -<p>"It will have to do."</p> - -<p>"Will I ever be warm again?" sighed Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>They resumed their places, and again there was silence.</p> - -<p>This time, their repose was not broken until the cheerful rays of the -morning sun flooded the landscape.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> - -<h3>THE FIRST HUNT</h3> - - -<p>"Hi—hi—hey! It's half-past nine; wake up! Hi—hi!"</p> - -<p>Bob Somers uttered these words in a manner which made his companions -hastily sit up.</p> - -<p>"What's the use of making such an awful racket, Bob? I feel uncommonly -sleepy," and the stout boy immediately sank back and closed his eyes.</p> - -<p>Little Tom Clifton, however, hastily jumped to his feet.</p> - -<p>"Had a dandy night, after all," he said, cheerfully. "Whew, but it's -cold," he added, drawing back the canvas flap and peering out. "Those -chaps are still asleep."</p> - -<p>"Let's stir around and get the fire going, anyway," said Bob. "I'm more -than ready for breakfast."</p> - -<p>The fire-wood was almost expended, so the two boys got vigorously to -work. The sound of their hatchets soon aroused the other occupants of -the hut, who had gone to sleep again.</p> - -<p>"Hello," said Nat. "I thought it was still last night."</p> - -<p>"You mean to-morrow morning," put in Hackett. "My eye, it's nearly ten -o'clock. Make that fire howl—will you, Somers? I hate to think of -getting up."</p> - -<p>"So do I," grinned Nat.</p> - -<p>"You fellows talk so much I can't sleep," grumbled Dave.</p> - -<p>"It's ten o'clock! Did you catch that?—t-e-n o'clock!"</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't care if it was twelve," and Dave snuggled under the covers -again.</p> - -<p>In a short time, all but the stout boy had gathered around the fire, -and it was not until another half hour had passed that he appeared, -blinking and yawning.</p> - -<p>"Thought you fellows might eat all the breakfast," he said.</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry we didn't—so as to teach you a lesson," returned Bob.</p> - -<p>When the meal was over, all hands set to work on the second hut, and -when lunch time arrived, it was well under way.</p> - -<p>In the early afternoon, Bob Somers, accompanied by Sam and Dick, set -off. They ascended the hill, which was thickly wooded, making their way -around the underbrush and huge snow-drifts.</p> - -<p>At the top, they paused to look around. A succession of rolling hills -stretched off to the limits of view. In the grip of the snow king, the -country looked barren and wild. Here and there a tree higher than its -neighbors outlined its black, gaunt limbs against the sky.</p> - -<p>"Looks kind of desolate, eh?" remarked Bob, as they began descending a -gentle incline.</p> - -<p>"Don't make much noise, fellows," he cautioned, "or we'll scare the -rabbits away."</p> - -<p>"We ought to strike bigger game than that," said Sam; "and there's a -hawk on the hunt for something, too."</p> - -<p>He waved his hand toward a bird soaring far above.</p> - -<p>Soon the base of the hill was reached, and they kept on through a -thickly timbered valley.</p> - -<p>"Rabbit tracks everywhere, yet we haven't had a glimpse of one," said -Bob.</p> - -<p>"It only needs a little patience. A good hunter always has that."</p> - -<p>"Hello, there goes a rabbit!" sang out Dick, suddenly.</p> - -<p>From behind a mass of bushes the animal leaped, then over a fallen tree -to an open stretch, across which it dashed.</p> - -<p>Dick quickly raised his gun. A sharp report rang out, and the rabbit -fell in its tracks.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Dick. "Not bad for the first crack."</p> - -<p>Bang—bang!</p> - -<p>Bob Somers and Sam Randall had fired almost simultaneously.</p> - -<p>Another long-eared bunny fell a victim to their aim, while a third -dashed off and disappeared in the bushes.</p> - -<p>"And whopping big fellows, too," said Dick, enthusiastically, as he -picked one up and held it aloft. "'Hatchet' brags so much about his -shooting. He'll find that he isn't the only one."</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour more found the boys again ascending. Here and -there, the ground was strewn with boulders of enormous size. Above -them the rugged line of the hill was silhouetted against the clear blue -sky.</p> - -<p>As they toiled slowly up, a most unexpected and astonishing sight -suddenly met the boys' gaze. It set their nerves tingling with -excitement.</p> - -<p>Not a hundred feet distant, at the top of the hill, there appeared a -magnificent buck. For an instant, his dark, graceful form and spreading -antlers were clearly defined. His head swung quickly around, then he -wheeled about, and vanished on the other side before the surprised -hunters could make a move.</p> - -<p>"Did you ever see such a beauty?" exclaimed Dick, in great excitement.</p> - -<p>"Let's make a sprint for it."</p> - -<p>"If we could only get a shot at him," said Sam, longingly.</p> - -<p>In headlong pursuit, at a speed which would have seemed impossible a -few moments before, they dashed up the slope. Strategy, for the moment, -was forgotten.</p> - -<p>Breathing hard, the boys reached the place where the buck had been.</p> - -<p>"Look at his tracks, fellows!" cried Bob. "He went off right toward -those woods."</p> - -<p>"We may get a shot at him yet."</p> - -<p>"Don't believe there's any chance of it."</p> - -<p>"Come on, anyway!" exclaimed Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>The boys had no difficulty in following the tracks, but the sad -realization that their efforts would lead to nothing soon forced itself -upon them.</p> - -<p>"I can't keep up this gait," gasped Sam, his tones evincing the -greatest disappointment.</p> - -<p>"Neither can I," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"It's a little worse than missing a train," added Dick, dolefully.</p> - -<p>"I should say so. Shall we keep up the chase?"</p> - -<p>"If he has taken to the open, we might get a sight of him," replied -Bob; "that is in the distance."</p> - -<p>So the boys pushed on, the trail leading in and out among the trees. -The woods grew more dense, and as there were no signs of its coming to -an end, a halt was soon made.</p> - -<p>"Have to leave it for another time, fellows," said Bob. "Wait until we -get to hunting in earnest."</p> - -<p>"A good rabbit stew just now would be better than a wild buck chase," -grinned Sam, who had recovered from his disappointment. "Let's hurry -back and start some cooking."</p> - -<p>They had wandered further from camp than any had imagined, and all -three were thoroughly tired and cold when the gray expanse of lake -appeared in view. It was reached at a point much above their camping -ground, and a long, weary walk ensued. The wind, too, had sprung up and -blew in their faces with unpleasant force.</p> - -<p>At length the boys rounded a hill and came in view of the camp.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" said Bob. "It's deserted—fellows must be off on a hunt."</p> - -<p>"Guess they're not very far away," put in Sam, as he slung his game-bag -down in front of the hut.</p> - -<p>"Say—somebody has been amusing himself," remarked Sam Randall, rather -abruptly, pointing toward the base of the hill.</p> - -<p>On the perfectly smooth blanket of snow, the boys saw a number of -markings of such odd forms as to suggest Egyptian hieroglyphics.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps Nat made them," observed Bob, breaking into a laugh.</p> - -<p>The group walked toward the queer characters.</p> - -<p>"Whoever did these must have puzzled his head trying to think up funny -shapes," put in Sam, with a grin. "We'll find out who's responsible -when the fellows get back."</p> - -<p>The Ramblers had supper under way, when voices and the sound of feet -crunching over the snow announced the return of the others.</p> - -<p>"Any luck?" queried Bob. "We got a couple of rabbits."</p> - -<p>"And I dropped a partridge," said Hackett, proudly exhibiting the bird. -"A mighty hard shot it was, too."</p> - -<p>"What did you get, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"Cold hands, cold feet, and an awful appetite."</p> - -<p>"Hello, who's been scratching up the snow?" exclaimed Nat. "Did you do -that, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"No! We thought it was your work, Nat."</p> - -<p>Nat grinned. "Don't try to tell me anything like that," he said. "They -weren't there when we left camp."</p> - -<p>"That's a sure thing," broke in Tom Clifton, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Honest, Bob—none of us were near that snow."</p> - -<p>"Well, we didn't do it either;" and Bob spoke in such a tone as to -leave no doubt of his sincerity.</p> - -<p>"Who did it, then?"</p> - -<p>There was an interval of silence, which John Hackett broke by -remarking, "Those people across the lake may have come over and finding -no one here thought they would amuse themselves a bit."</p> - -<p>This seemed a perfectly reasonable solution of the matter, so the boys -dismissed it from further consideration.</p> - -<p>Twilight came, then night enveloped the scene. A moderate breeze fanned -the fire, until huge, leaping tongues of flame sent out a glow of heat.</p> - -<p>But even under these conditions it was not easy to keep warm. The -boys stood with their backs to the fire, then faced it, then turned -sideways, but always with that uncomfortable feeling of being roasted -on one side, and, oh, so cold on the other.</p> - -<p>"Never thought I had a chance to get that bird," Hackett was saying. -"It was making a bee-line for the woods—you know how fast they -fly—well, I just raised my gun, and—"</p> - -<p>He was interrupted in a most startling fashion.</p> - -<p>A snowball—nothing more or less than a nice, round snowball—made in -the most approved schoolboy fashion, suddenly flew from out of the -darkness and fell in their midst. It struck the ground and broke into a -dozen fragments.</p> - -<p>Then came another—and another. The coffee-pot, struck squarely in the -centre, toppled over into the fire and poured forth its lamentations in -a great cloud of hissing steam, while the boys looked at each other in -the greatest wonder.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> - -<h3>THE GUARDIANS</h3> - - -<p>"Why, what, which—" cried Hackett, looking wildly in the direction -from which the missiles came. "Must be those fellows again."</p> - -<p>"We'll show them they can't frighten us!" burst out Bob.</p> - -<p>Just as he spoke, a ball of the feathery particles sizzled through the -air, struck him forcibly on the shoulder, and splattered in his face.</p> - -<p>"Just a bit of a lark, I guess!" cried Bob, "but it shouldn't be so -one-sided. Come on, fellows!"</p> - -<p>With one accord, they dashed through the snow, which, though the night -was dark, could be plainly seen. In a moment, they reached the base of -the hill, and rounded the other side.</p> - -<p>Nothing there—but a wild expanse of nature, melting into gloom, gaunt -trees and underbrush—nothing but night and an icy wind sighing -through the tree-tops and making the bushes shiver and rattle.</p> - -<p>"My eye! This is funny," cried Hackett, scratching his head.</p> - -<p>"Christopher! It's the strangest yet," panted Nat. "Where did he get -to—or where did they get to?"</p> - -<p>"That's what we would like to know," said little Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"An axiom," observed Dave, "is a self-evident fact."</p> - -<p>"Did an axiom make the snowballs, fire 'em over, and plunk Somers in -the face?" grinned Hackett.</p> - -<p>"No, but somebody did, which is the axiom I mean."</p> - -<p>"Hi—hi!" yelled Hackett. "Come out and show yourself—come up and -toast yourself. You must be nearly frozen out there!"</p> - -<p>Nothing but silence followed the echo of Hackett's voice.</p> - -<p>"This certainly is funny," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"That's what we all said before, my boy," observed Dick. "It must be -those campers on the other side, as Hackett says."</p> - -<p>"Well, they have cleared out, and we might as well get back to the -fire," said Nat.</p> - -<p>"Must be a lot of jokers around these parts," ventured Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Now they have had their fun, why don't they come out, and show -themselves?" added Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>There was no answer to this—and for obvious reasons.</p> - -<p>So they tramped toward the fire, which flashed between the trees like -a beacon, discussing the singular affair, with the rather unpleasant -feeling that any minute a snowball might land upon the back of -somebody's neck.</p> - -<p>Logs were piled on the blaze, and the unfortunate coffee-pot refilled.</p> - -<p>Very wisely, after some discussion, the boys decided to let time solve -the mystery, so they told stories and kept on trying to warm the side -which was always cold.</p> - -<p>Occasionally from the woods came the hoot of an owl, or over the lake -the weird cry of a loon.</p> - -<p>Hackett was kindly allowed to finish the story of his prowess, after -which, whether the result of his tale or not, there was an amazing -amount of yawning and stretching.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho, even if it is only half-past eight, I'm going to turn in," -announced Dave. "Good-night, fellows."</p> - -<p>"Think I will, too," declared Sam.</p> - -<p>"We can get up early and put in a good day to-morrow," added Nat.</p> - -<p>"And get a shot at something worth while," commented Hackett. "Just let -some of you fellows feel what buck fever is like."</p> - -<p>"What is it like, 'Hatchet'?" asked Tom.</p> - -<p>"Who said I ever had it? I'll take my chances with the next one—and -don't you forget it."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever see a deer outside of a wire fence?"</p> - -<p>"My eye! But you do ask a lot of silly questions. Just let me draw a -bead on one, eh, Nat?"</p> - -<p>"That's right, Hacky," grinned Nat, as he started for the hut.</p> - -<p>It did not take the rest of the fellows long to follow his example. -Within a few minutes, the fire was deserted, and each had retired to -his bed of fir brush.</p> - -<p>It seemed to little Tom Clifton that he had been asleep but an instant, -when he was awakened by the sound of voices and the tread of feet. The -boy felt a strange sort of thrill run through him. With beating heart, -he listened intently.</p> - -<p>"Maybe somebody is going to play another joke on us," he thought. Then -another idea suggested itself, which gave him an unpleasant start. -"Perhaps the newcomers had a more serious object in view."</p> - -<p>But while he was speculating on the possibilities, a sound close to the -hut made him sit upright. An animal was plainly sniffing around.</p> - -<p>The next instant, Tom was terrified to see the canvas flap pushed back, -and a huge head thrust inside. To his excited imagination, it looked -more like a bear than anything else, and, with a startled cry, he threw -off the blankets and rose tremblingly to his feet.</p> - -<p>Bob and Dave Brandon started up just as a deep bay from the huge animal -seemed to make the very interior shake.</p> - -<p>"Great Cæsar!"</p> - -<p>"By Jingo, what's this?"</p> - -<p>The two boys were on their feet in an instant, while the animal, with -another tremendous bay, hastily withdrew its head.</p> - -<p>"It's only a dog!" cried Bob, beginning to laugh.</p> - -<p>Before the camp-fire, which, piled high with fuel, was springing into -life again, stood two dark figures, who viewed with unconcern the -precipitous exit of seven boys from two huts.</p> - -<p>The big animal had rushed to one side, where its eyes shone like two -orbs of green light from the darkness.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" exclaimed one of the strangers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="illus1"> - <img src="images/illus1.jpg" alt=""/> - <div class="caption"> - <p>"HELLO!" EXCLAIMED ONE OF THE STRANGERS</p> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>"Hello!" cried Bob.</p> - -<p>There was a hearty, boyish ring about the voice of the newcomer that -dispelled all fears from Tom Clifton's mind.</p> - -<p>The fire blazed up, revealing plainly the faces and figures of the -visitors. The one who had spoken was a bit taller than his companion, -with wide, strong shoulders, brown, curly hair, a pleasant face and -very red complexion. The other was short and stocky, with a mouth that -approached astonishingly close to his ears, a decidedly stubby nose, -and cheeks big and round.</p> - -<p>It was an odd face—an amazingly impudent face, that surveyed the boys -with a comical grin, and one that seemed to invite antagonism. His -voice, too, which the boys presently heard, was loud and boisterous.</p> - -<p>"Why, these must be the lads your dad told us about, Tim," he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Hackett's face darkened.</p> - -<p>"Look here!" he exclaimed, abruptly, "didn't you chaps fire a lot of -snowballs at us a while ago?"</p> - -<p>"Fire a lot of snowballs at you?" repeated the newcomers, looking from -one to the other in apparent surprise. "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Just what I said."</p> - -<p>"No! Of course not—just got here," spoke up the taller boy, -unceremoniously piling wood on the blaze. "Hi—get away, Bowser—lie -down." Then he added, "My name's Sladder—Tim Sladder, and this is my -friend, Billy Musgrove."</p> - -<p>"Sladder—Sladder," repeated Hackett. "Sounds kind of familiar. Ah, -yes, I remember. Why—say—you must be the son of Hiram Sladder, of the -Roadside House."</p> - -<p>"You've guessed it," grinned Billy Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Well, how on earth, or how on snow, did you manage to find us?" asked -Nat Wingate, with interest.</p> - -<p>Musgrove laughed. It was a particularly loud and irritating laugh. He -threw back his head and laughed again, although none of the boys could -quite understand what there was to excite his merriment.</p> - -<p>"It was this way," he began.</p> - -<p>"Hold on, Billy; I'll tell it," broke in Tim Sladder. "Get out, Bowser. -You see, pop told me all about your coming to the hotel, an' he says—"</p> - -<p>Another laugh came from Billy Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"An' he says, 'I told 'em whereabouts to go—Lake Wolverine. But them -fellers, says I, ain't no hunters. If they don't get chewed up by -wolves or wildcats, or get froze, or lost in the woods, or if something -don't happen to 'em, I miss my guess, an'—'"</p> - -<p>"I call that pretty cool," interrupted Hackett, in fierce tones.</p> - -<p>Tim Sladder went on, "You must be the long-legged feller pop spoke -about. He—"</p> - -<p>"Is it cold up there?" blurted out Musgrove, with another laugh.</p> - -<p>"See here—" began Hackett, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Now, Billy Musgrove an' me's been a-wantin' to take a trip for a long -time," resumed Tim Sladder, "so I says to mom, 'Why can't we go out -huntin' an' trappin', an' sort of keep an eye on 'em?' an' she says, -'Just the thing an'—'"</p> - -<p>"My eye!" put in Hackett, angrily, "I like that—I do, indeed. What do -you think we are, anyway—a lot of two-year-olds?"</p> - -<p>Musgrove laughed, while Tim Sladder surveyed the speaker for some -moments in mild astonishment.</p> - -<p>"I'm only tellin' you how we happened to come along," he continued. -"Billy Musgrove an' me's got a bully camp up the lake a bit. We seen -the light of your fire—get away, Bowser—an' didn't know but what it -might be you fellows. So we walked over."</p> - -<p>"And you've got the job of looking out for us, eh, Tim?" laughed Nat. -"And that big four-legged brute is going to help?"</p> - -<p>"Bowser's a corking good dog—he is."</p> - -<p>The owner patted the head of the great hound. "Mild, when he knows -you—have to be a little careful, at first. Lie down, Bowser. Say, are -you coming over to see our camp to-morrow?"</p> - -<p>"If you do," chimed in Musgrove, "we'll show you some real sport."</p> - -<p>"What kind?" asked Hackett, with a show of interest.</p> - -<p>"Come over an' see! Say, can you fellers skate?"</p> - -<p>Hackett grinned.</p> - -<p>"If there is anybody around here who can beat me, I'd like to see him."</p> - -<p>Musgrove's loud laugh again rang out.</p> - -<p>"As good at that as bowling over wildcats, eh? Ha, ha! Tim's dad says -as how you could fix 'em. Well—I'll race you. Say, what's your name?"</p> - -<p>The light playing on Musgrove's face displayed a grin of enormous -dimensions.</p> - -<p>The boys tittered, that is, all except the tall youth, who scowled -ominously. He was quite unable to fathom Billy Musgrove's manner, or to -determine whether his dignity was being assailed or not.</p> - -<p>"John Hackett," answered the owner of that name, after a short pause.</p> - -<p>Then the other Kingswood boys introduced themselves.</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm glad we found you," said Tim Sladder, cheerfully. "I told -mom we would. Guess we'll hike back to camp now. Don't forget to look -us up to-morrow—so long, fellows! Come on, Bowser."</p> - -<p>Both shouldered their guns and started off, at intervals Musgrove's -laugh ringing out.</p> - -<p>"Mighty funny fellows, I call 'em," said Nat. "Isn't it odd that we -should meet that great hunter, Tim Sladder? And it's an 'undeniable -fact' that Billy Musgrove is a cool one. Hasn't he the biggest mouth -you ever saw?"</p> - -<p>"He needs to be taken down a peg or two," growled Hackett. "Little, -sawed-off turnip thinks he can skate, eh? I'll show him. The nerve of -the chap—'Say what's your name?' I had a mind to flop him in the snow."</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho!" laughed Dave; "to flop one of our guardians in the snow, -that's too much. I'm going to turn in."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> - -<h3>A NEW SPORT</h3> - - -<p>Next morning a dull, leaden canopy of cloud stretched across the entire -heavens. The leafless branches cracked and snapped in an icy blast that -made the boys shiver and shake until a roaring fire had been kindled.</p> - -<p>Shortly after breakfast they put on their skates and started off. The -crisp whirr of the steel floated off on the breeze, as, with Hackett in -the lead, they glided swiftly over the ice.</p> - -<p>"Smoke coming from the cabin over the way, fellows," cried Bob.</p> - -<p>"Those jokers must be home, then," remarked Nat. "When we come back, -let's drop over and ask 'em about those snowballs—just for fun."</p> - -<p>"Sure we will," agreed Hackett; "and about those marks on the snow, -too."</p> - -<p>In order to escape the icy blasts out in the middle of the lake the -boys followed the numerous bays and indentations along the shore. In -a few minutes they rounded a point and came in sight of a camp. It was -built against the base of a steep hill which was practically bare of -trees.</p> - -<p>Before a great fire Tim Sladder, Billy Musgrove and Bowser were -sitting, the two former with their faces turned toward the lake.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi!" yelled Billy Musgrove, wildly waving his arms.</p> - -<p>The skaters swung in to the shore, and walked over the crust of snow to -the fire.</p> - -<p>"Glad to see you," greeted Tim Sladder, heartily. "Lie down, Bowser! -He's all right, fellers, don't be afraid. Have to be a little careful -with him at first, that's all. What do you think of our camp—slick, -eh?"</p> - -<p>"Bully!" responded Sam Randall. His eyes had taken in a hut of -substantial dimensions, built on the same principle as their own.</p> - -<p>All crowded around the cheerful fire, Tom Clifton keeping on the -opposite side from the redoubtable Bowser.</p> - -<p>But the big dog seemed to be in a very friendly humor. He ambled lazily -from one to the other, looking up into their faces with a peculiarly -mild and benign expression.</p> - -<p>"Say, Tackett," observed Billy Musgrove, with his ever-present grin, -"I—"</p> - -<p>"My name is Hackett—John Hackett."</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's all the same. Didn't you say that you wanted to see some -sport, eh? Well, me and Tim can show you some."</p> - -<p>"That's what we want to see."</p> - -<p>Musgrove laughed. He pointed to the steep hill back of the hut, then at -several strips of wood lying close to the fire. They were about seven -feet in length, four inches wide and at one end curved up to a sharp -point. In the centre of each was a loop.</p> - -<p>"Do you know what them things is, Wackett?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"They are called skees, I think," answered Hackett, stiffly.</p> - -<p>"That's right," said Musgrove, with a gratified look. "My uncle's a -Swede," he went on, "an' over in his country them things is used a lot. -Talk about scooting—just watch Tim an' me."</p> - -<p>"Going to coast down that hill on those things?" inquired Tom Clifton, -in surprise. "It's risky! You might break your neck."</p> - -<p>Musgrove's only answer was a loud laugh. He picked up his pair of -skees, Tim Sladder following suit.</p> - -<p>"Stay here, Bowser!" commanded the latter, shaking his finger in the -big dog's face. "Lie down!"</p> - -<p>"Don't need to budge from the fire, Wackett," remarked Musgrove. "You -can see the whole shooting match from here. Come on, Tim. Is that -skating going to be done this morning, Wackett?"</p> - -<p>"Whenever you like, Billy Mushroom," returned Hackett, with a steely -glare in his eye.</p> - -<p>The two boys began slowly climbing up the hill. It was admirably suited -to their purpose, being steep and covered with a smooth coating of snow -and ice. At the base, it rounded gently upward to a hillock, while the -level stretch before it was only here and there covered with underbrush.</p> - -<p>"I've often read about that sport," commented Dave Brandon. "Over in -Sweden, they take some daring jumps with those things."</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't catch me trying it," put in Tom Clifton, nervously.</p> - -<p>Hackett sniffed. "It's easy," he asserted. "Must be, if a fellow with a -face like Musgrove's can do it. What's the matter with that brute?"</p> - -<p>Bowser, who had been intently gazing after his master's form, uttered a -series of dismal cries, rising in a sort of crescendo, until the last -note was of such a mournful and peculiar loudness that Tom Clifton was -positively alarmed.</p> - -<p>"Maybe he's going mad," he suggested, brilliantly, edging away.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon laughed. "Tim Sladder has been trying to fool us," he -declared. "The dog's as tame as a kitten, and, besides, is nearly as -old as the hills—here, you Bowser—come here!"</p> - -<p>The big animal obeyed. He fell at the feet of the stout boy and looked -plaintively at him. Dave seized his jaws, and opened them wide; not a -tooth was visible.</p> - -<p>"What did I tell you?" he laughed.</p> - -<p>"That settles it, to my mind," said Hackett. "I'll bet those chaps are -the ones who threw the snowballs."</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi!" yelled Musgrove, from the top of the hill. "Hi, hi! Here I -go!"</p> - -<p>The boys saw that he had fastened a skee to each foot, and, with a long -balance pole in his hand, stood ready to make the descent.</p> - -<p>For a moment, he almost disappeared over the crest of the hill. Then -the boys saw him moving forward, and the next instant, with arms -outstretched, he shot down over the icy surface of the declivity at -terrific speed.</p> - -<p>"My eye!" cried Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Christopher!" chimed in Nat, while various exclamations came from the -others.</p> - -<p>Musgrove seemed to fairly fly, gathering speed as he passed down the -long slope. Breathlessly, the boys watched him skimming nearer and -nearer. Like a flash, he mounted the small hillock at the base of the -hill—the onlookers saw him shoot off in the air for a distance of -fully fifteen feet, then strike the level stretch and skim over its -surface at lightning speed.</p> - -<p>"Here I come!" yelled Tim Sladder. "Whoop—look out!"</p> - -<p>With the swiftness of flight, he flashed down the hill, struck the -mound, and went speeding after his companion.</p> - -<p>"My eye! That's what I call sport!" exclaimed John Hackett, -enthusiastically. "I'd like to take a fling at that myself."</p> - -<p>"Better not, 'Hatchet.' Maybe it isn't as easy as it looks," spoke up -Dick.</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't catch me doing it," added Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"Why not try it on a hill that isn't so steep?" asked Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>John Hackett glanced from one to the other with a look of supreme scorn.</p> - -<p>"Listen to 'em talking like a lot of scared cats," he sniffed. "Where's -your sand, Somers? Do you suppose I'd let little 'Mushroom' think he -has me bluffed? Well, I guess not!"</p> - -<p>Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove, with flushed faces and sparkling eyes, -now approached.</p> - -<p>"Hey, what do you fellers think of that?" demanded the latter. "Ain't -it bully sport, eh?"</p> - -<p>A chorus of enthusiastic responses showed the boys from Stony Creek -what their visitors thought of skeeing.</p> - -<p>"Say, 'Mushroom,' just lend me those skees, will you?" asked Hackett, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>"What?"—Billy Musgrove's pudgy face began to expand into a broader -smile—"what?" he repeated. Then he drew back his head, and laughed -heartily in his own peculiar fashion.</p> - -<p>"Well," snapped the thin boy, "what is there so funny about it?"</p> - -<p>"Why—say—if you lose your balance, Sackett, you'll find out—eh, Tim?"</p> - -<p>"It's kinder risky fer a feller what ain't never tried it," admitted -Sladder.</p> - -<p>"It's easy enough," insisted Hackett, half angrily, the opposition -having aroused all his combative spirit. "Anybody can do it. Slip off -those boards, 'Mushroom,' and hand 'em over."</p> - -<p>"Huh!" exclaimed Musgrove. "If you take a header, don't blame me. -'Tain't nothing, eh?" and with a much injured expression, he passed -over the skees.</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha!" laughed Hackett. "After I start the ball rolling, the rest of -you fellows will want to take a crack at it, too. Just watch me slide. -Your turn next, Tommy Clifton."</p> - -<p>And with these words, the tall youth started confidently up the hill.</p> - -<p>"He's a sassy feller, but he's game, all right," grunted Musgrove, -admiringly.</p> - -<p>With a wild yell that would have done credit to an Indian, Hackett -called attention to the fact that he was ready to make the descent.</p> - -<p>"Hacky's all right!" laughed Nat. "Here he comes!"</p> - -<p>With the speed of the wind, slim John Hackett came skimming down the -incline. Half bent over, and balancing himself with the pole, he -approached the hillock.</p> - -<p>Eagerly the boys watched him.</p> - -<p>"Going like an express train!" said Tom Clifton, breathlessly. "Ah—"</p> - -<p>A half suppressed cheer came from the boys. Hackett rose from the -hillock, and shot forward. It was a tremendous dash through space and -the group almost held their breath.</p> - -<p>Then a cry of dismay was heard.</p> - -<p>Hackett, as he alighted on the level stretch, lost his balance, his -feet flew from under him—wildly he swung his arms.</p> - -<p>A cry of alarm, swelling into a confused medley of sound, came from the -watchers. They saw Hackett lurch on his side, and, lying prostrate, go -spinning along on the ice and snow.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> - -<h3>A SKATING MATCH</h3> - - -<p>"I'm afraid he's badly hurt," wailed Tom Clifton, in the greatest -alarm. "I told him not to do it."</p> - -<p>"Come on, fellows!" cried Bob Somers, and with the others close at his -heels, he dashed forward.</p> - -<p>Hackett lay motionless on the snow.</p> - -<p>It was with the greatest misgivings that the boys rushed up to him.</p> - -<p>"Hacky, I say, Hacky—are you hurt?" panted Nat, anxiously.</p> - -<p>Hackett raised himself on his elbow and looked around with a bewildered -stare.</p> - -<p>"Are you hurt, Hacky?" repeated Nat, as all surrounded the prostrate -boy.</p> - -<p>"Hurt!" echoed Hackett, with a glare in his eye. "Of course I'm hurt. -Do you suppose I could scoop up about eighty-five feet of snow with my -back and not get bumped to pieces? And something gave me a fearful -clip on the back of the head, too. I tell you, I saw a lot of stars!"</p> - -<p>"But you're not hurt much?" cried Bob Somers, with a feeling of great -relief.</p> - -<p>"How do you know I ain't hurt much, Somers?" snapped Hackett. "You -can't feel the pain in my back, can you?—or the slam I got on the -neck?—or the bump over my left ear? My eye! I'd like to meet the man -that invented this game. Take those sticks, 'Mushroom,' and start a -fire with 'em."</p> - -<p>Hackett shook his fist toward the skees, then painfully leaned over and -began to unfasten them.</p> - -<p>"It was a fierce slide you got—that's sure," commented Musgrove, in a -greatly relieved tone. "Your own fault, though, Tackett. I told you—"</p> - -<p>"If it hadn't been that my foot struck a rock, I'd have gone through -all right. Don't stand around looking at me as if I was a prize pig in -a show. Give me your hand, Nat!"</p> - -<p>It soon became apparent that Hackett's temper had sustained the most -serious damage. But this was more easily repaired than broken bones or -strained tendons, and the boys were correspondingly thankful.</p> - -<p>But Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove had a pleasant surprise in store, -which went far toward restoring his temper, and make him forget his -aches and pains.</p> - -<p>Musgrove went to the back of the hut and reappeared with an enormous -wild goose.</p> - -<p>"Got 'im yesterday!" he exclaimed. "Ain't he a whopper?"</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked Hackett, eagerly. "My eye! I want to get a crack at one -myself."</p> - -<p>"You'll have plenty of chances, right along the lake. If you fellers -want to stop, we'll brile it, eh?"</p> - -<p>"You couldn't drive me away, after getting a sight of that," grinned -Nat. "Hurry it up, Billy. I can hardly wait."</p> - -<p>Sladder and Musgrove worked with commendable speed, and within a few -minutes the goose was broiling over the fire.</p> - -<p>It took a long time to cook, but the boys were well repaid for their -wait, especially as roast potatoes were included in the meal.</p> - -<p>"Say, Sladder," remarked Nat Wingate, at length, balancing a tin dipper -of coffee in one hand and a goose leg in the other, "what did you mean -by making us think that your dog is fierce?"</p> - -<p>Sladder grinned. "So you found out?" he said. "Well, Musgrove an' me -thought it was a good joke, 'cause Bowser's the tamest dog I ever saw."</p> - -<p>"And it was you who threw a lot of snowballs at our -camp—honest—wasn't it?"</p> - -<p>"No such thing!" protested Tim Sladder, warmly. "Eh, Billy?"</p> - -<p>"Own up to it now."</p> - -<p>"Certainly we won't! I tell you it wasn't us!" Musgrove managed to say, -between huge mouthfuls.</p> - -<p>"What has that got to do with a skating match?" demanded Hackett. "Eh, -'Mushroom'?"</p> - -<p>"Huh! d'ye mean to say that you feel like skating after sich a tumble -as you had?" demanded Musgrove, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"A little thing like that doesn't bother me," said Hackett, -reflectively, rubbing his left shoulder. "Who wants to go in the match?"</p> - -<p>"I will," said Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"Count me in, too," added Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"And me, too," said Randall.</p> - -<p>"How about you, Chubby?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Count me out of it," replied Dave, promptly.</p> - -<p>"For the championship of Lake Wolverine let it be," grinned John -Hackett. "Where'll we begin?"</p> - -<p>"From here—to the end of the lake, in your direction," answered -Musgrove, promptly.</p> - -<p>"Good! In about an hour we'll start."</p> - -<p>Sitting around the fire was so pleasant that the hour lengthened into -two.</p> - -<p>Finally Hackett jumped to his feet. "My eye!" he exclaimed; "it's -getting late. Come ahead, 'Mushroom'—clap on your skates."</p> - -<p>Billy Musgrove winked. It was an expressive wink, and seemed to be a -fitting counterpart to his expansive grin.</p> - -<p>"All right, Wackett," he said. "I'm ready—for the championship of Lake -Wolverine," and his speech ended with a loud laugh.</p> - -<p>"He won't smile so much after the race," whispered Hackett to Nat -Wingate. "This is where he gets taken down the first peg."</p> - -<p>"You can do it, Hacky, if any one can," returned Nat, in equally -cautious tones. "Make him think he's standing still."</p> - -<p>Bob Somers presently scratched a long line on the ice, and five -contestants eagerly toed the mark.</p> - -<p>"Bully sport—skatin'," grinned Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Only your legs ain't very long," chuckled Hackett.</p> - -<p>"They don't have to grow none, to beat some fellers."</p> - -<p>"One—two—three!" cried Nat,—"go!"</p> - -<p>Like a flash, the boys were off.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi, Billy!" yelled Tim Sladder; "go it! hi, hi!"</p> - -<p>"Keep it up, Hacky—you've got 'em left at the post!" shouted Nat.</p> - -<p>Three of the party kept neck and neck—Bob Somers, Hackett and -Musgrove, while Dick Travers and Sam Randall fell to the rear.</p> - -<p>All had expected to see slim John Hackett quickly take the lead, but, -to their surprise, both Somers and Musgrove at once set such a pace -that the tall youth was compelled to exert himself to a far greater -degree than he cared to at that stage of the proceedings.</p> - -<p>From an unexpectedly one-sided affair, the race developed into an -exciting contest.</p> - -<p>The non-contestants trailed along in the rear, at a pretty fast clip.</p> - -<p>"You're winning, hands down, Hacky!" yelled Nat.</p> - -<p>"Keep it up, Bob Somers!" shouted Tom Clifton, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi!" cried Tim Sladder. "Go it, Billy—go it!"</p> - -<p>Musgrove was going it. His short legs moved with wonderful rapidity. -Leaning well forward, he kept up a steady rhythmic movement, -occasionally spurting in a manner which showed that he had himself well -under control.</p> - -<p>Hackett, guarding his strength and wind, saw, first with astonishment, -then dismay, that Billy Musgrove refused to be shaken off. He was, -before very long, breathing hard; his eyes gleamed with determination; -off in the distance he saw the end of the lake rounding in a -semicircle—the goal.</p> - -<p>The moment for the final spurt had arrived; he was ready to bend all -his energies in a last desperate effort to draw away from the grinning -face beside him, when a strange sound reached his ears.</p> - -<p>It was a curious, crackling noise, which increased in intensity. Then -a clear, sharp report like a pistol-shot suddenly reverberated across -the lake. Instantly a dark line flashed over the surface of the ice -directly in the path of the skaters.</p> - -<p>As occasionally happens, the ice had been under a tension, which -finally became so great as to cause it to crack, leaving a bare space -perhaps five or six inches wide.</p> - -<p>The unexpected incident caused the boys to check their momentum, but -there was not sufficient time to stop, and Musgrove's skate, striking -the edge of the crack, almost sent him headlong. It was only by a -powerful effort that he managed to save himself.</p> - -<p>Hackett and Somers, who had jumped the crack safely, turned their heads -to see how Musgrove had fared—then, puffing and blowing, came to a -stop.</p> - -<p>"Fierce luck!" panted Musgrove. "Was just going to spurt, too. I had -your measure, Tackett."</p> - -<p>"Spurt?" sniffed Hackett. "Much good that would have done. You would -have been beaten so badly on the last stretch that—"</p> - -<p>"Huh! I would, hey? You never saw the day when you could beat me, -Crackett!"</p> - -<p>"You'll have to grow about a foot, 'Mud-bank,' before you're in my -class," retorted Hackett, angrily.</p> - -<p>"No use scrapping about it, boys," said Bob Somers. "Plenty of time to -settle the championship of Lake Wolverine."</p> - -<p>"There ain't no one in Stony Creek can beat me," asserted Musgrove, -positively; "ask Tim Sladder."</p> - -<p>"Well, there's one here who can."</p> - -<p>"'Tain't so! An' Scummers was right up with us, too."</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho, fellows," drawled Dave Brandon; "what's the matter with you? -The lake is still here, and to-morrow's coming. You can try it again, -and maybe I'll go in for the championship myself."</p> - -<p>This idea made the expansive grin reappear on Musgrove's face, and, -with a survey of the poet laureate's generous proportions, he broke -into his usual laugh.</p> - -<p>"Let's get over to camp, fellows, and see if any one has been up to -more funny tricks," suggested Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"That's the idea," approved Dave. "It's too late, now, to go over and -see those fellows across the lake. Besides, I'm half frozen."</p> - -<p>When the party reached the huts, they found everything as it had been -left.</p> - -<p>"You fellows had better grub with us to-night," said Nat Wingate, -addressing Sladder and Musgrove. "How will that do?"</p> - -<p>"Bully!" replied the two in unison.</p> - -<p>The canopy of cloud still hung over the landscape, and strong gusts of -wind made the biting cold seem all the more intense.</p> - -<p>"Wow! This is the worst yet," growled Dave. "Wouldn't care to have -stayed out on the lake any longer."</p> - -<p>"It will get a great deal wuss than this," put in Tim Sladder, -cheerfully, "but I don't keer as long as there ain't no blizzard."</p> - -<p>"Suppose one will be due pretty soon, eh?" remarked Sam Randall, with -a critical glance at the lowering sky. "Bother the wind! Listen to it -howling among those trees."</p> - -<p>Between dancing, swinging their arms and crowding around the blazing -fire, the boys managed to keep fairly comfortable.</p> - -<p>Twilight began to blot out the distance and, at length, night enveloped -the scene—a sullen, gloomy night—one of the blackest they had ever -seen. The towering flames threw a wider circle of light than usual, and -the near-by trees stood out weirdly against the background.</p> - -<p>"Think I know where there's a b'ar hole," remarked Tim Sladder, in a -casual way, as he began to eat with much eagerness a plate of rabbit -stew. "Me an' Billy seen it yesterday mornin'."</p> - -<p>"My eye! That's what I like to hear," said Hackett, enthusiastically. -"Anybody can crack a six ounce rabbit. I'm for heavy-weight game."</p> - -<p>"And I'm for eating all kinds," put in Dave Brandon, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"If we don't bring down a deer or two, I'll be disappointed," added Bob.</p> - -<p>"I've bagged 'em," began Billy Musgrove, as he leaned over and helped -himself to another plate of stew, "an' 'tain't so easy as you think, -Plummers. No, sir; I remember once, me an' my dad, an' say—talk about -shootin', there ain't none can beat him—well, we spotted a herd of -deer in the distance, an', as luck would have it, the wind was just -right."</p> - -<p>Musgrove paused, and seeing that his hearers were displaying a proper -amount of interest, was about to continue, when, with startling -abruptness, a series of the most discordant, rasping cries came from -the depths of the woods.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> - -<h3>A NIGHT ALARM</h3> - - -<p>"What in the world is that?" cried Tommy Clifton, aghast.</p> - -<p>"Christopher!" exclaimed Nat. "Is it a wildcat?"</p> - -<p>"A wolf, perhaps!" chimed in Sam Randall, excitedly, straining his eyes -to pierce the gloom.</p> - -<p>The boys were thoroughly startled, but in a moment each had seized his -gun, and stood ready for any emergency.</p> - -<p>The cries continued—a steady succession of blood-curdling sounds which -made the group of boys look at each other in wonder and alarm.</p> - -<p>Bowser began to whine, and utter short, doleful barks; then threw -himself on the ground, apparently in great fear.</p> - -<p>"Never heard no four-legged critter make sich sounds as them," said Tim -Sladder, in awed tones.</p> - -<p>"An' it certainly isn't no humans," broke in Musgrove, in a voice that -he vainly tried to control.</p> - -<p>The cries ceased as suddenly as they had begun.</p> - -<p>"My eye! It couldn't have been a wildcat," declared John Hackett.</p> - -<p>"And it certainly wasn't a wolf," cried Bob.</p> - -<p>"Then what was it?" demanded Nat.</p> - -<p>"Never in my born days did I hear anything like it. It was awful!" -gasped Sladder. "Listen! Is there anything skulking 'round over there?"</p> - -<p>With trembling hands, Musgrove lighted a pine-knot, and, advancing -toward the thicket, held it high above his head. The other boys -followed closely.</p> - -<p>A flaring circle of light slowly danced along over the snow. Bright -beams glanced from tree to tree, queer-shaped shadows flitted about, -but the hissing, sputtering flames revealed nothing but gaunt trees and -underbrush.</p> - -<p>"This is the strangest thing yet," declared Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"What kind of a place have we struck, I wonder?" put in Dick Travers. -"First we are snowballed by somebody who isn't anybody, and now we get -the life scared out of us by an animal that isn't an animal. What do -you think about it, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>Dave considered. "To tell the truth, Dick, I don't know what to think," -he answered, slowly.</p> - -<p>"I don't like this—don't, for a fact," declared Musgrove. "I ain't -afraid of no animals, or humans either. But take my word on it, there's -something funny going on around this place."</p> - -<p>All breathed easier as time went on, and there came no repetition of -the cries.</p> - -<p>The boys had all returned to the camp-fire, but Bob at length -exclaimed, "Who has the sand to go out with me and take another look -around?—H'm," he added, as he glanced in the direction of the lake and -waved his hand toward a starlike point which glimmered faintly in the -distance, "there's a light in the cabin."</p> - -<p>"So there is!" cried Sam, with interest. "But say—come on—let's -scurry around a bit."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="illus2"> - <img src="images/illus2.jpg" alt=""/> - <div class="caption"> - <p>WITH THEIR GUNS TIGHTLY CLASPED THEY STARTED</p> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>Bob, Hackett and Sam procured lanterns. Then, with their guns tightly -clasped, they started out. Near the lake, the gusts of wind tore -against them with unpleasant violence. Bending over, to escape its full -force, they strained their eyes and ears to catch a glimpse or sound of -the strange visitor, but their efforts were not rewarded.</p> - -<p>"It's back to the fire for me," puffed Sam, at length. "Whew! This cold -is awful."</p> - -<p>"Hey, did you see anything?" asked Musgrove, eagerly, as they emerged -from the darkness.</p> - -<p>"Not a thing, 'Mushroom,'" responded Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho!" said Dave, yawning; "then there's no use making our heads -ache about it—I won't, for one."</p> - -<p>When the time came for Sladder and Musgrove to leave, they seemed to be -in anything but a comfortable frame of mind. Many a nervous glance the -two cast toward the outer darkness. But there was no help for it.</p> - -<p>"Take one of our lanterns, Sladder," said Bob Somers. "We will get it -to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"And don't be chewed up by that wandering screecher," called out Nat, -with a grin, as they started off.</p> - -<p>The boys sat around for a short time, then turned in. On soft bough -beds, buried under piles of warm blankets, they were speedily lulled to -sleep by the wind which swept around the huts.</p> - -<p>After breakfast next morning a great supply of fuel was gathered.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" exclaimed Bob. "Here come some fellows across the lake. Three -of 'em," he added. "Bet they are from that cabin."</p> - -<p>"Let 'em come," said Hackett. "Guess we can stand it."</p> - -<p>The skaters were making good speed, and in a short time their forms -grew clear and distinct against the gray background of ice. The boys -saw that they were young men, probably about the age of twenty-one.</p> - -<p>"Aren't they dressed in rough clothes, though?" said Sam.</p> - -<p>"And with beards growing to beat the band," added Hackett.</p> - -<p>"A fierce-looking lot—that's sure," exclaimed Nat.</p> - -<p>Nevertheless, as the three drew up to the camp, our friends saw that -their faces were not unprepossessing.</p> - -<p>"Hello!—Hello!" they exclaimed, almost in one breath, nodding to the -boys in a friendly way.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" responded the young hunters, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"We are occupying that cabin across the lake," began one of the youths -who appeared to be the elder, "and have several times noticed your -camp-fire. So we thought that being so close together it might be well -to form a society for mutual protection."</p> - -<p>"For mutual protection?" echoed Hackett, in a questioning tone.</p> - -<p>"Exactly!" returned the other, with a smile. "Now, I don't know what -experience in hunting you may have had, but this time of year, wolves -are apt to be on the rampage, and when a howling pack of 'em gets after -you—well, a fellow generally wishes he was somewhere else."</p> - -<p>"Do you think they are likely to come around here?" put in Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"They may. Then, in camp life, certain emergencies are liable to arise, -when assistance is needed. But I forgot"—the speaker paused, then -added, with a short laugh—"before I go any further, we had better -introduce ourselves. My name is Charlie Piper."</p> - -<p>"Mine is Rex Heydon," put in one of the others.</p> - -<p>"And mine is Fulmer Robson," added the third.</p> - -<p>The boys, in turn, quickly introduced themselves.</p> - -<p>Presently the speaker continued, "We came out on a hunting trip, and -stumbled across the cabin. Do you intend to stay here long?"</p> - -<p>"Two or three weeks, at least," replied Bob.</p> - -<p>"Good! Well, as I was saying, it might not be a bad plan to arrange a -code of signals."</p> - -<p>"A fine idea," commented Bob Somers. "It might come in very handy, -indeed."</p> - -<p>"We could use smoke signals," went on Piper. "You know how to make -them?"</p> - -<p>"How?" asked little Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"A couple of fellows hold a blanket over the fire—then withdraw it -quickly, and repeat. The smoke, of course, rises in detached clouds."</p> - -<p>"Sure—we know all about that," interrupted John Hackett, loftily; "and -firing off guns, too—two shots close together, then a single one."</p> - -<p>"That's it," said Piper. "Of course we may never need anything of the -sort—yet it's well to be prepared."</p> - -<p>"Suppose we come to an understanding about the signals," suggested -Heydon.</p> - -<p>"We shall be glad to," assented Bob.</p> - -<p>"Well, in case you need assistance of any kind, send up three clouds of -smoke, and fire off a gun. You'll find us hiking over here in a hurry."</p> - -<p>"And, of course, if the signal comes from our side, we shall expect you -to cross the lake in jig time," added Fulmer Robson.</p> - -<p>"You can depend upon us," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Well, that point is settled. This locality seems to be a favorite -place for hunters, and we're glad of it. A couple of young fellows have -a camp near by."</p> - -<p>"Yes—their names are Sladder and Musgrove," explained Bob.</p> - -<p>"H'm, as I said, it's good to have company, providing we don't take -each other for deer or other animals," laughed Piper. "A good, solid -pair of shelters you have there, boys."</p> - -<p>"Oh, this isn't our first camping trip," said Hackett. "We know a thing -or two about it."</p> - -<p>"I see that you do."</p> - -<p>"Say!" remarked Nat Wingate, rather abruptly. "Didn't you fellows play -a little joke on us the other night?"</p> - -<p>"How?" asked Piper, in puzzled tones.</p> - -<p>"Why—fire a lot of snowballs. One of them knocked over the coffee-pot -and another washed Bob Somers' face."</p> - -<p>"Why, no! I assure you we didn't do it," said Rex Heydon, quickly. "No, -sir—it may have been those two boys."</p> - -<p>"Was an animal of some kind prowling around on your side of the lake -last night?" broke in Hackett. "We heard the most awful lot of wild -screeching you can imagine. It scared some of these little chaps pretty -badly."</p> - -<p>"Speak for yourself, 'Hatchet,'" said Tom Clifton, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Thought I heard wolves in the distance," answered Piper, "but wasn't -sure. Nothing close to camp, though, was there, Robson?"</p> - -<p>"Not a thing," was the answer.</p> - -<p>The visitors stayed for some time, then, after cordially inviting the -boys to come over and see them, shouldered their guns and began the -return trip.</p> - -<p>"Nice fellows," commented Tom Clifton, "and a good idea of theirs about -signals."</p> - -<p>"Everybody seems to think we need help," observed Bob, good-humoredly. -"Between guardians and smoke signals we ought to be all right. Who -wants to go after fish, fellows?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I do," said Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>Provided with a couple of spears and an axe, besides their guns, the -boys made their way toward the lake, and followed the shore to the -south. At length, reaching a point where a number of scraggly willows -leaned over the frozen surface, Bob stopped.</p> - -<p>It was a dreary, barren spot. A fallen bough of yellow leaves rustled -musically in the wind and the trees sighed and shivered. A few tufts -of forlorn, withered grass still lingered, as a reminder of the season -past.</p> - -<p>"Looks like a good place, Sam," he said.</p> - -<p>"You try here, and I'll go along a bit further," was the answer.</p> - -<p>Bob soon chopped a square hole in the ice, then handed the axe to Sam, -who proceeded on his way.</p> - -<p>With spear poised for action, Bob waited. It was cold work, and he -began to wish that he had gone shooting, instead. Then, quick as a -flash, his spear descended through the hole.</p> - -<p>"Missed!" he muttered, regretfully, drawing it back by means of the -attached rope.</p> - -<p>Some time elapsed before another chance presented itself. When, at -length, a shadowy form flitted by, Bob again took aim, and sent the -spear through the opening.</p> - -<p>"But I got one that time," he thought, pulling in the rope. "Great -luck—a good-sized pickerel!" he exclaimed, as the prize came in view. -"A few more like this will do."</p> - -<p>He detached the fish, laid it to one side and was about to continue his -occupation when a hail came from Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>Turning quickly, he saw the boy wildly gesticulating.</p> - -<p>"Wild geese!" came a faint cry.</p> - -<p>"By George, he's right!" exclaimed Bob, in excitement, "and what's -better, they are coming this way."</p> - -<p>In their peculiar V-shaped formation and flying low, a flock of geese -were speeding in an easterly direction.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers' interest in spearing fish suddenly vanished. Quickly -seizing his gun, he made a dash across the ice, and raised it just as -the leader veered sharply toward the right. Two reports rang out in -quick succession. Each charge found a victim. Two birds came tumbling -down, while the others, with cries of alarm, flew swiftly away and were -out of range of Sam Randall's gun.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Two of 'em—not bad—and big, plump fellows, too."</p> - -<p>"That's great, Bob!" exclaimed Sam, as he came up. "Only wish I'd had a -chance, too; but never mind—better luck next day."</p> - -<p>"Won't 'Hatchet' wish he had been here?" laughed Bob, as he slung the -geese over his shoulder. "Got any fish, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"No!"</p> - -<p>"Well, I beat you by one."</p> - -<p>"Guess I'll try again."</p> - -<p>"All right, Sam. We'll keep it up for a while."</p> - -<p>The boys then separated.</p> - -<p>After reloading his gun, Bob picked up the spear and resumed his place -by the side of the hole.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the comparative shelter of his position, he soon began -to suffer from the intense cold.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi, hi, Sam!" he yelled. "Do you want to go back?"</p> - -<p>"I'll be right with you," came the reply.</p> - -<p>Sam Randall soon came up, much disgusted at his poor luck.</p> - -<p>"Not a thing the whole morning," he grumbled. "Say, Bob, when are we -going off on that great hunt for deer—to-morrow, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Of course!"</p> - -<p>"Good! And I'll get something, if it's only a squirrel."</p> - -<p>When the boys reached camp, they found all hands, including Sladder and -Musgrove, around the fire.</p> - -<p>"My eye, Somers! That's what I call a good sight!" exclaimed Hackett. -"How did it happen? Did they fly down and say, 'Here I am—bang away,' -or did you go after 'em with a pinch of salt?"</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "You're not the only crack shot here, 'Hatchet,'" he said. -"What's the matter, Musgrove? You look sleepy."</p> - -<p>"An' who wouldn't be sleepy?" responded Billy, with a terrific yawn. -"Sich a night as me an' Tim put in."</p> - -<p>"What was the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Matter—say—" Musgrove lowered his voice, and his tone became -strained. "Why, we hadn't no more'n turned in, when Bowser began to -act queer—cry an' whine—an' of a sudden he flops down. Skeered?—I -never seen nothing like it—no, sir. Then them there cries started -again—wuss than ever, eh, Tim?"</p> - -<p>At the recollection, Musgrove's ruddy face seemed to turn a shade -paler, while a frightened expression came into his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Wuss than ever? I should say so!" echoed Tim. "I've knocked around in -the woods for a long time, but I never heard nothing like it before."</p> - -<p>"'Tain't natural, I tell you," said Musgrove. "Neither me or Tim slep' -a wink all night."</p> - -<p>"It's some kind of a prowling beast, Musgrove," put in Nat. "If we once -get a crack at him, there won't be much more howling done."</p> - -<p>"That's right, Nat," said John Hackett, "and I only hope we get a -chance to-night."</p> - -<p>After lunch, the boys in several parties started out on a tour of -exploration.</p> - -<p>Bob, Sam Randall and Dick Travers discovered a creek, and in the course -of their wanderings came across the trail of a fox. The boys had -decided to put in the whole of the next day on a trip in quest of big -game.</p> - -<p>"Every time I think of that buck, I want to start right off," declared -Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"So do I," exclaimed Sam. "If we brought one down, it would cause a -sensation all right."</p> - -<p>Late in the afternoon the camp was reached.</p> - -<p>It was soon discovered that Hackett had again made several remarkable -shots. Three rabbits lay on the snow, while an owl fastened to a stick -stood in front of the hut.</p> - -<p>"There's an ex-screecher that's going to be stuffed," announced -Hackett, proudly. "Banged him just as he was getting to cover. If that -queer animal comes sneaking around again, it'll be another job for a -taxidermist."</p> - -<p>All hands retired early.</p> - -<p>The gray light of morn had just begun to show in the eastern sky when -John Hackett awakened with a dreadful start, and looked wildly around.</p> - -<p>The blood-curdling cries of the mysterious animal were again sounding, -and now apparently close at hand. Hackett felt a cold perspiration -standing out upon his face. For an instant, too terrified to move, -he listened intently, while the harsh, rasping cries poured out in a -steady volume.</p> - -<p>Then the spell was broken.</p> - -<p>"Nat—wake up!" he cried. "Nat!" and leaning over, he vigorously shook -the sleeping boy.</p> - -<p>"Why—what's—the—" gasped Nat. Then his blinking eyes opened wide. -With a startled exclamation, he sat up, and, at the same moment, Sam -Randall and Dick Travers were aroused.</p> - -<p>In confusion and terror, the boys reached for their guns, every instant -expecting to hear the tread of their foe outside.</p> - -<p>"Christopher! It's most on top of us, Hacky," yelled Nat, excitedly. -"Quick!"</p> - -<p>With a hand that trembled in spite of himself, Hackett drew back the -canvas flap. No sooner had he peered through the opening than a wild -cry escaped his lips.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> - -<h3>THE WILDCAT</h3> - - -<p>Within a few feet of the hut, motionless upon a fallen tree, stood an -enormous wildcat. Its large yellow eyes were glaring steadily toward -them, and, as if transfixed by sight of the group of pale faces which -suddenly appeared, it made not the slightest move.</p> - -<p>"Look at those blazing eyes!" cried Sam.</p> - -<p>"It's going to spring—watch out, fellows!" shouted Hackett.</p> - -<p>"I knew a wildcat was making those awful cries," chattered Dick.</p> - -<p>Hackett, with a look of determination, raised his gun, Nat following -suit.</p> - -<p>The cries had ceased. As if in sullen defiance, the animal glared -toward the hut.</p> - -<p>"By Jingo, I never saw anything stand so still," exclaimed Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>Hackett's arms trembled in his eagerness and excitement, as he pulled -the trigger. Two deafening reports blended into one.</p> - -<p>Without a cry, the wildcat toppled off the tree trunk, and fell with -a thud in the snow, where it lay motionless and stretched out in a -strangely stiff position.</p> - -<p>With loud shouts of exultation, Hackett and Nat Wingate leaped forward. -Clutching his still smoking gun by the barrel, the former swung it with -telling force on the animal's head.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah, hurrah!" he cried. "I've settled him. Don't be scared, Somers -and the rest—wow—"</p> - -<p>Hackett suddenly paused, the light of excitement faded from his eyes -and he began to stare. A dreadful suspicion that everything wasn't as -it should be had entered his head.</p> - -<p>Nat, too, was staring, and so were all the others.</p> - -<p>The wildcat had a most unusual appearance. Its head was flattened to a -most extraordinary degree by Hackett's blow, and its four legs stuck up -in the air, stiff and straight, like pokers.</p> - -<p>A discovery was made—an amazing discovery—the wildcat was stuffed. -One yellow glass eye had dropped out and lay upon the snow.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of silence. Then Hackett, with an angry exclamation, -delivered an energetic kick, which lifted the stuffed animal in the air -and sent it tumbling to the ground several feet away. As it fell, a -long rent appeared, from which flew an abundant supply of pine-needles.</p> - -<p>A storm of merriment burst forth. The boys danced around, holding their -sides, while Hackett, his color rising, glared from one to the other -with an expression of the greatest disgust.</p> - -<p>"Oh, this is the richest joke I ever heard of," shouted Nat Wingate. -"Hacky settled him with that crack on the head. 'Look out, he's going -to spring.' Oh, those 'blazing eyes.'" Almost convulsed with laughter, -the ex-leader of the Nimrods sent the stuffed specimen once again -flying through the air.</p> - -<p>Then followed a scene suggestive of the football field. Between rushes -could be seen glimpses of a sadly kicked and battered object rising and -falling and hurtling back and forth.</p> - -<p>"Twenty-five doctors wouldn't have done me as much good as this," -declared Nat. "Cheer up, Hacky—you look so sad."</p> - -<p>"Never mind what I look like," returned Hackett, fiercely. "Stop your -giggling, Tommy Clifton. I owe you one, and—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho!" exclaimed Dave Brandon. "Such is life in the wilderness. -There's somebody around here with a sense of humor."</p> - -<p>"It would have turned to sadness, if I'd met him," said John Hackett. -"I believe it's those fellows across the lake. Smoke signals—all in my -eye—they just came over to see the lay of the camp."</p> - -<p>"How about Sladder and Musgrove?" asked Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"They haven't brains enough."</p> - -<p>"And those awful cries?"</p> - -<p>"Well, what do you suppose I know about 'em, Travers?" snapped John -Hackett. "I wouldn't mind if they were to start up right now."</p> - -<p>"Are we going to try and find out where this beast came from?" inquired -Bob.</p> - -<p>Hackett glanced toward the strange-looking wildcat with a savage scowl.</p> - -<p>"Well, I should say so!" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho, why not look for tracks, fellows?" proposed Dave Brandon. "The -only thing I'm mad about is getting awakened so early in the morning," -he went on. "Some one is having great fun at our expense, and if we -work quietly there's a chance of finding out who it is."</p> - -<p>"Not much use of looking for tracks," growled Hackett. "The snow's been -trampled too much for that. Wish I'd caught that fellow in the act."</p> - -<p>"This looks like a print made by a snow-shoe!" exclaimed Bob, suddenly.</p> - -<p>"That's just what it is," agreed Dave Brandon, leaning over and -examining an impression which Somers pointed out.</p> - -<p>"And here's another," put in Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>In the course of a quarter of an hour distinct tracks were discovered -leading around the base of the hill. The boys followed these gleefully -for a short distance, then the trail was lost. It was some time, -however, before they became discouraged and abandoned the search.</p> - -<p>"Wish we could find out who has been playing all these tricks," said -Nat, reflectively.</p> - -<p>"We're going to—and that pretty soon."</p> - -<p>"How shall we do it, Hacky?"</p> - -<p>"Leave it to me. Nobody is going to make an easy mark of John Hackett."</p> - -<p>During breakfast, the boys continued to discuss the mysterious affair, -the majority agreeing that Hackett was right.</p> - -<p>"Stuffed wildcats and funny screeches won't prevent me from going on -that hunting trip to-day," declared Bob, "and right after breakfast, -too."</p> - -<p>"When you get back, we may have a little game to show you ourselves," -remarked Hackett, dryly.</p> - -<p>It had been agreed by the boys that it was better to divide into two -parties, as so many tramping together would be apt to scare off game.</p> - -<p>In a short time Bob Somers, Sam Randall and Dick Travers had strapped -on their snow-shoes and were ready. Each was plentifully supplied with -ammunition and had a substantial lunch reposing in the bottom of his -game-bag.</p> - -<p>They followed the course of the creek, discovered the day before. Its -banks were lined with underbrush and overhanging trees, while huge -drifts of snow glistened in the early morning light. Finally the creek -became so winding that it was abandoned, and the boys began to climb -the steep sides of a pine-clad hill.</p> - -<p>"Here's where we begin to blaze a trail," said Bob, as he took a small -hatchet from his belt.</p> - -<p>The top of the ridge was soon reached. Beyond extended a picturesque -valley, on the far side of which rose a steep, rugged hill, partly bare -of timber. The weather still continued threatening.</p> - -<p>"Look there!" cried Dick, abruptly, in his excitement almost shouting -the words.</p> - -<p>The boys quickly turned. A couple of grayish animals had darted from -behind a mass of underbrush.</p> - -<p>"Foxes!" exclaimed Bob, excitedly.</p> - -<p>In an instant, three reports reverberated from the opposite hills. The -foremost fox leaped high in the air and fell motionless in the snow, -while the other, with a flying leap, cleared a bush and disappeared -from view.</p> - -<p>"We got one, anyway!" cried Bob, exultantly. "Make sure he's finished, -fellows," he added, as they ran toward their prize; "a fox can give a -pretty nasty bite."</p> - -<p>"This fellow never will!" exclaimed Dick. "What a beauty—a silver gray -fox, too; that kind is rare."</p> - -<p>"Guess we all shot at the same one," commented Bob. "Like 'Hatchet's' -owl, this fellow ought to be stuffed," he added, meditatively.</p> - -<p>"That's the idea," agreed Dick, enthusiastically. "We'll only need a -couple more to go around."</p> - -<p>"It's pretty heavy. How shall we carry it?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p>"Easy enough. Cut a sapling, tie the fox to it, let one end drag in the -snow and the other rest on your shoulder. Taking turns, it ought not to -be hard work."</p> - -<p>Bob quickly felled a sapling and trimmed off the branches. Then he -tied the fox's legs in pairs, pushed the pole between and fastened the -body with a short piece of rope in such a manner as to prevent it from -slipping down.</p> - -<p>"Capital, Bob!" observed Dick. "But say—suppose we don't get any -others—whose fox is this?"</p> - -<p>"The only fair way is to divide it into thirds," laughed Sam. "I'll -take the head."</p> - -<p>"My scheme is better than that."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Present the fox to Professor Hopkins. He will be delighted."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's the idea!" said Dick. "Well, I agree to it. How about you, -Sam?"</p> - -<p>"It's the best way to settle the matter."</p> - -<p>The ground now sloped down to a dark, gloomy ravine, with steep, -slippery sides.</p> - -<p>"A pretty deep gully, eh, fellows?" remarked Bob.</p> - -<p>"How are we going to get across, I wonder?" spoke up Sam.</p> - -<p>"There may be a place a bit further along."</p> - -<p>"Hello, here's just the thing!" exclaimed Dick, a few moments later. "A -piece of luck, I call it."</p> - -<p>He pointed toward a tree straight ahead, which a storm had evidently -sent crashing earthward. It formed a natural bridge across the chasm.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't be better," observed Bob. "We'll get over in a jiffy."</p> - -<p>Dick Travers unstrapped his snow-shoes and tossed them over to the -opposite side.</p> - -<p>"Here goes number one," he said, with a grin.</p> - -<p>Carefully, Dick began making his way across.</p> - -<p>But a few feet separated him from the brink, when an ominous cracking -sound rose sharply on the air. The tree began to sag in an alarming -manner.</p> - -<p>With an exclamation of dismay, Dick let his gun drop, then, as he felt -the support slipping from under him, gave a flying leap.</p> - -<p>As he did so, the trunk, split in twain, crashed to the bottom of the -gully. Dick's startled companions saw him frantically grasp hold of a -low-hanging branch which projected over the brink of the chasm. Bending -beneath his weight, it held him suspended in mid-air.</p> - -<p>"Great Cæsar!" cried Sam. "If that breaks, he'll get an ugly tumble."</p> - -<p>"Hang on tight!" yelled Bob, encouragingly.</p> - -<p>But Dick's strong hands were holding with a firm grasp, and after the -first moment of fear had passed, he glanced at the bottom of the -gully, and, with a long breath, started to swing himself hand over hand -to safety.</p> - -<p>The strain proved to be too much for the elastic branch. It began to -bend, carrying the dangling boy in a graceful curve downward. Presently -it snapped, with a resounding crack, and Dick found himself crashing -through the twigs and branches of the prostrate tree.</p> - -<p>The fall was but short, and being thus broken resulted in no harm. Dick -immediately extricated himself.</p> - -<p>"All right, Dick?" called Bob, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Sound as a dollar. That tree must have lain there for ages—it's -nothing but punk."</p> - -<p>The bank was too steep to admit of climbing it, so Dick, after a -moment's consideration, picked up his gun and began walking slowly -along the bottom of the gully.</p> - -<p>It was a most unpleasant necessity. Huge snow-drifts barred his way, -and occasionally he floundered along almost waist-deep. However, the -gully soon widened out and its sides became less steep.</p> - -<p>A short distance further found the boys at a place where all were able -to reach the far side of the ravine. They were then obliged to go back -for Dick Travers' snow-shoes. After a brief halt for lunch, the three -young hunters continued their march.</p> - -<p>"Guess we won't get a shot at any deer to-day," remarked Bob.</p> - -<p>"We haven't seen any of those wolves that Piper spoke about either," -said Dick.</p> - -<p>"No—and I'm too hungry to care anything about them now," observed Sam. -"How many miles do you suppose we have come, anyway?"</p> - -<p>"More than I care to think about. We'll have to turn back pretty soon, -or it may mean a nice, cold night out in the woods."</p> - -<p>In a short time they emerged from amidst the timber and stood on the -brink of a steep hill, which rounded somewhat like the sides of a huge -amphitheatre.</p> - -<p>"Hello, here's a lake!" exclaimed Bob, as he saw an expanse of ice far -below.</p> - -<p>"Don't I wish it was Lake Wolverine?" sighed Sam.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps we have made a big circle," said Dick, hopefully.</p> - -<p>"It might be," admitted Bob. "But there are a good many lakes in this -part of the country. Anyway, let's take a look at it."</p> - -<p>They began to descend the slope of the hill, when an object to the left -and some distance off attracted Bob's attention.</p> - -<p>He drew forth his field-glass and took a long look.</p> - -<p>"By jingo, if that doesn't look like a sign-board, I'm mistaken," he -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"A sign-board out in this wilderness?" said Sam, incredulously.</p> - -<p>"That's what I said, Sam; see for yourself."</p> - -<p>"If it isn't one, it's the nearest thing to it I ever saw," admitted -Sam, after a moment's survey. "It won't take long to find out."</p> - -<p>"As sure as I live, it's a sign," exclaimed Dick, as they approached -the object.</p> - -<p>Upon the top of a stout upright, a crosspiece had been nailed. On the -latter, in rude, black letters, was painted this surprising notice:</p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>LAKE WOLVERINE</i></p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>Coasting, skating or falling down this hill more than forty miles an -hour prohibited.</i></p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>Picnic parties must keep off the grass.</i></p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>No dogs allowed to run at large—wolves take notice.</i></p> - -<p>"By all that's wonderful, we're right at our lake," cried Bob, -joyously. "Isn't that great?"</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" added Sam. "We did circle around, after all."</p> - -<p>"Think of that tramp we're saved," put in Dick, with shining eyes.</p> - -<p>The strange wording of the sign-post was, for a moment, forgotten in -the joy of their discovery. Then Bob began to laugh.</p> - -<p>"This must be jokers' paradise," he exclaimed. "Nice country for a -picnic, eh?"</p> - -<p>"The man who wrote that is certainly a backwoods wit," grinned Sam. -"Say," he continued, abruptly, "I wonder if he's the fellow who has -been playing all those jokes on us."</p> - -<p>The boys skirted along the edge of the hill until a favorable place for -descending was found. Light-hearted at their unexpected good fortune, -rapid progress was made and within a few minutes the lake was reached.</p> - -<p>"We never saw this spot before, fellows," observed Bob, with a glance -around.</p> - -<p>"That's another 'undeniable fact,'" replied Sam, as he started off, -with long, swinging strides.</p> - -<p>In half an hour, the scenery again became familiar, and the sight of -the cabin across the lake cheered them on.</p> - -<p>"Splendid luck, I call it," panted Dick. "Thought we had miles and -miles to go, and here's the camp—just back of that ridge."</p> - -<p>"Hope the fellows have got something started," said Bob. "Hurrah," he -cried, as the point was rounded, "the whole gang seems to be on deck, -and there's a jolly big fire to warm a fellow up."</p> - -<p>"Hello—hello!" hailed the others, when they caught a glimpse of the -returning hunters.</p> - -<p>"Christopher—a fox!" exclaimed Nat Wingate, as they came up.</p> - -<p>"Bully for you, fellows," said Hackett, approvingly. "We got a few -things, too," and he pointed to several rabbits and a brace of -squirrels which lay on the snow.</p> - -<p>"Another funny thing has happened, Bob," put in Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>For an answer, Tom walked over and picked up a sheet of common brown -paper which rested near the huts. On it was a rude drawing.</p> - -<p>"When we got back, this was standing alongside of Hackett's owl."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> - -<h3>ON THE TRAIL</h3> - - -<p>The three boys examined the paper with interest. It was about a foot -square, and the lines had evidently been made with charcoal. This is -the way it looked:</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="cryptogram"> - <img src="images/cryptogram.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>"A cryptogram!" exclaimed Bob.</p> - -<p>"I wonder who left it?" added Dick.</p> - -<p>"And what it means?" said Randall.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, if we work it out, it may tell us where to find our -mysterious visitor," went on Bob Somers. "These things are getting more -and more interesting."</p> - -<p>"That was my idea!" exclaimed Nat Wingate.</p> - -<p>"Maybe it's just a bit of foolishness," put in Tom.</p> - -<p>"No, I think it has a meaning. This figure at the bottom may be one of -our huts."</p> - -<p>"And those funny-looking spots above?"</p> - -<p>"They look like trees to me; eh, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>The poet laureate lazily inclined his head.</p> - -<p>"What's that queer-shaped thing to the left?"</p> - -<p>"Don't know—got any ideas, 'Hatchet'?"</p> - -<p>"Guess somebody has taken the crowd for a lot of chumps, and thinks -they will be dunces enough to go off on a wild goose chase. It's only -those duffers across the lake—but they can't fool me."</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "We'll study it out a bit, anyway. If we only knew in what -direction to start, it wouldn't take long to find out something."</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon leaned over and scanned the mysterious paper carefully.</p> - -<p>"Looks easy to me," he drawled. "That's the door, eh?—well, from the -back of the hut we must go off at an angle for a half mile. Then, if -three trees in a row are found, I guess we'll be all right."</p> - -<p>"A large head on large shoulders," grinned Nat.</p> - -<p>"But say, fellows," observed Bob Somers, with a sudden thought, "of -course you looked for tracks? I suppose the visitor wore snow-shoes, -though, and sometimes they don't make much of a mark."</p> - -<p>"We started right in to hunt for them," replied Dave Brandon. "Had a -little better luck than this morning, but the tracks led to the lake -and ended. We walked around a bit, didn't see anything, then gave it -up."</p> - -<p>"How do you know they weren't made by some of us?"</p> - -<p>"Because none of the fellows have been off that way." Dave pointed out -the direction.</p> - -<p>"Guess you are right!"</p> - -<p>"Well, there's no way of telling which way he went after reaching -the lake. So we must try to follow the thing up from this mysterious -drawing."</p> - -<p>"All right, Chubby, we will."</p> - -<p>"Makes a fellow feel kind of creepy when he thinks that some one was -prowling around the camp early this morning," observed Tom Clifton. -"If we only had a dog—"</p> - -<p>"But not of the Bowser kind," laughed Bob. "I wish we could find out -what it was that made those funny screeches," he added, reflectively.</p> - -<p>"The mystery may be solved before our trip is over," said Dave Brandon, -with a yawn. "I won't let it bother me."</p> - -<p>"But we don't want to get chewed all to bits," broke in Tom Clifton, -nervously. "Whew—hope we don't hear those awful yells again to-night."</p> - -<p>When the boys finally turned in, more than one lay awake for some time, -listening in nervous apprehension for any indications of the strange -beast.</p> - -<p>After breakfast next morning, Sladder and Musgrove put in an appearance.</p> - -<p>The stuffed wildcat had been propped up in front of Bob Somers' hut, -and, with its flattened head and glass eyes, wore a most ludicrous -expression.</p> - -<p>The Stony Creek boys looked at it in dumb amazement, and listened with -open mouths as Nat Wingate, with many exaggerations, told about their -early morning scare.</p> - -<p>"Huh! Ain't that fierce?" exclaimed Musgrove. "Never heard nothing -to beat it. Nobody wouldn't play no such game on me twicet. Was you -skeered, Plackett?"</p> - -<p>"Scared nothing!" returned John, with a flash in his eyes. "Say—my -name is Hackett—H-a-c-k-e-t-t! How many more times must I tell you?"</p> - -<p>"I ain't no good on rememberin' names. But this beats me—it does—you -heard that critter again?" and Musgrove gave a perceptible shiver.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers presently produced the rude scrawl and placed it before the -visitors.</p> - -<p>"Can you make anything out of that?" he asked, after explaining how it -had come into their possession.</p> - -<p>"Don't look like nothing to me," replied Tim Sladder, shaking his head.</p> - -<p>"Search me," added Musgrove, with an equally puzzled expression.</p> - -<p>In a few words, Bob gave their views on the subject.</p> - -<p>When he had finished, both Sladder and Musgrove seemed to be greatly -impressed.</p> - -<p>All the members of the Rambler Club strapped on their snow-shoes, and -at the last moment Hackett and Nat Wingate decided to accompany them.</p> - -<p>Starting in a northwesterly direction, they began ascending the thickly -timbered hill back of the huts. Down on the other side and over another -ridge they went, until at length a third elevation rose above them.</p> - -<p>"Must have gone a half mile already," said Hackett.</p> - -<p>"We may see something from the top of this hill," replied Bob, "unless -our reading of the thing was all wrong."</p> - -<p>When, after another hard climb, the summit was reached, all looked -eagerly around.</p> - -<p>Below stretched a valley, hills enclosing it on three sides.</p> - -<p>"Well, what did I tell you?" exclaimed Hackett, triumphantly, after an -interval of silence. "If anybody can spot something, now's the time to -speak up and earn a vote of thanks."</p> - -<p>The silence continued.</p> - -<p>"Joke number nineteen," went on Hackett, presently. "When it gets to -be about two hundred and six, I hope you fellows will take a grand -tumble. It's awful to see a crowd so easy."</p> - -<p>"Suppose we try to estimate the right distance, before we do anything -else," said Dave Brandon.</p> - -<p>"Say—did anybody bring a tape measure?" remarked Hackett.</p> - -<p>The boys took no notice of this speech, but began to compare notes -regarding the distance covered. After some little discussion and -strolling about from place to place, it was agreed that they were about -half a mile from camp.</p> - -<p>"The best plan, now, is to walk around in a circle," said Bob. "No use -to be easy, as Hackett says, and give the thing up."</p> - -<p>"All right—here we go," said Musgrove. "Come back, there, Bowser, an' -don't get too frisky."</p> - -<p>The group now started off at right angles to their former course.</p> - -<p>"Keep your eyes open, fellows," said Hackett, grandly, "or you may miss -gittin' fooled."</p> - -<p>Musgrove gave the speaker a queer look, and his eyes snapped furtively. -"Wackett," he said, "I'd be glad if it was you what got fooled on -this. 'My eye' so I would."</p> - -<p>A rather discouraging tramp followed. It was at length seen that the -course they were taking would soon lead them out upon the lake.</p> - -<p>"What are you stopping for?" cried Hackett, as the others came to a -halt. "Keep right on—maybe it's in the next state."</p> - -<p>The boys laughed, and, a few moments later, were retracing their steps. -They reached and passed the place at the summit of the hill, always -endeavoring to maintain as closely as possible the half mile distance -from their camp.</p> - -<p>"Look at that whopping big boulder down there!" exclaimed Dick Travers, -at length.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet that's the very thing marked on the paper," interposed Sam.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" broke in Bob. "Don't you see three trees nearly in a row over -there?"</p> - -<p>"My eye, Scummers is right," declared Musgrove, peering earnestly in -the direction indicated.</p> - -<p>The boys were still on the edge of the valley, the boulder and three -trees being several hundred yards down the slope.</p> - -<p>Hackett did not make any funny remarks at this juncture.</p> - -<p>"What number joke is this?" asked Musgrove, with a laugh, as the party -began to make their way cautiously downward over the snow-covered -ground. "'My eye!' Them is the trees."</p> - -<p>Before long the boys approached three huge pines, which were standing -almost in a row.</p> - -<p>"We ought to find out something now," observed Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>They struck off along the valley, moving rapidly over the snow in the -direction indicated by the cryptogram.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" exclaimed Sam, suddenly. "Smoke—rising above that copse of -trees—see it?"</p> - -<p>"Right you are," returned Bob. "What do you think, now, 'Hatchet'?"</p> - -<p>"Tell you later," grinned John, not in the least abashed.</p> - -<p>Between the trees, a glimpse of a cabin was caught, and when the boys -reached a clearing, they saw before them a substantial log structure, -with a single window. From a stovepipe issued a whirling column of -smoke.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "We didn't get left after all."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, the door of the cabin was thrown open, and a tall, -wiry-looking man, with a tawny moustache and stubby beard, appeared on -the threshold.</p> - -<p>"Powerful glad to see you, boys!" he exclaimed, heartily. "Honest -Injun, though—never thought you know'd enough or would take the -trouble ter git here. I'm John Yardsley, hunter an' trapper, at your -service."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> - -<h3>HUNTER AND TRAPPER</h3> - - -<p>The boys surveyed the speaker for a moment with great interest. His -appearance was rugged and honest, and a kindly light beamed from a -pair of keen, gray eyes. Open air life had bronzed his skin until it -was almost as brown as an Indian's. He stooped slightly, but all his -movements showed that a life amid danger had made him exceedingly -active and alert.</p> - -<p>"I'm John Yardsley, at your service," he repeated, "an' powerful glad -ter see yer. Step inter my office," and he waved his hand toward the -door.</p> - -<p>"Well, Yardsley, we're glad to meet you, too," said Nat, with his -old-time, easy familiarity. "We're the Bounding Brotherhood of -Hunters—members, warble out your names."</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha!" laughed John Yardsley. "Bounding Brotherhood, ha, ha! Did you -do some bounding yisterday mornin'?"</p> - -<p>He broke into a short laugh, and pushed the door open to its fullest -extent, while the boys crowded in.</p> - -<p>At one end of the interior, they saw a big stove, and near the window a -long table. A bunk occupied one corner, while several rude stools were -scattered around.</p> - -<p>But what interested the visitors most of all were a number of stuffed -animals and birds which rested on various shelves. Each was in a -natural position and looked quite life-like with its yellow glass eyes.</p> - -<p>"This your work, Yardsley?" asked Nat, forgetting, for the moment, that -he had intended to hurl forth a lot of questions.</p> - -<p>"Everything mine," answered the trapper, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"And look at that moose's head over the door," said Bob, pointing to -one with enormous antlers.</p> - -<p>"Brung him down myself," said the trapper, "and after as pretty a -tussle as you'd want ter see. That was long ago. And here's something -else, young fellers."</p> - -<p>He pointed to a corner of the room. The boys crowded over and saw a -number of clay modelings of animals, which made them open their eyes -in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"My eye! A wildcat," cried John Hackett, "and natural as can be."</p> - -<p>"A wolf, too," said Bob. "That certainly is great."</p> - -<p>"Christopher, I wish I could do work like this," put in Nat Wingate.</p> - -<p>The trapper smiled at their enthusiasm. "Why shouldn't I be able to -make 'em?" he asked. "Ain't I seen them critters for years an' years? -Ain't I shot 'em—an' trapped 'em? I ain't got none too much book -learnin', mebbe, an' who has?" he went on, "but I can tell you a few -things 'bout the woods, an' the wild critters in 'em. Know the things -about yer, that's what I calls eddication."</p> - -<p>The trapper spoke earnestly and continued to enlarge upon a theme which -was evidently a favorite one with him. At length, however, he paused, -and asked the boys to tell him how they had managed to read his message.</p> - -<p>Bob complied with the request, explaining the matter briefly but -clearly.</p> - -<p>At his conclusion, the trapper nodded approvingly, and was about to -make some remark, when Billy Musgrove suddenly blurted out, in his -loud, impudent voice, "See here, old sport, you was the feller what put -a stuffed cat in front of them chaps' huts, eh?"</p> - -<p>John Yardsley began to smile.</p> - -<p>"I've got one failin'," he admitted, "an' I can't help it."</p> - -<p>"An' you fired snowballs at 'em?"</p> - -<p>Yardsley chuckled.</p> - -<p>"Well, see here!" Musgrove's face assumed an angry expression. "I don't -like them jokes—no, sir—it's good that you didn't try 'em on me an' -Tim Sladder—'cause we don't stand for nothing like that. No, sir!"</p> - -<p>This very frank statement seemed to amuse the trapper hugely. He broke -into a laugh. Then turning toward the others, he said, "I seen you -fellers several times, I guess, when you didn't think no one was near. -I can't help jokin'. I hope you don't take no offense, but I says to -myself, 'A few little tricks an' them fellers will pack up an' git back -to their own little firesides.'"</p> - -<p>"Humph! You didn't think we had much sand, did you?" sniffed John -Hackett.</p> - -<p>"A feller without it ain't got no business out in the woods. I was only -a-testin' of you."</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you didn't do none of it on us," remarked Musgrove. "No, -sir!—Lay down, Bowser."</p> - -<p>"There's another thing we'd like to know," broke in Tom Clifton, rather -timidly. "Have you heard any strange cries lately? Some animal was -prowling around our camp, and—"</p> - -<p>"Strange cries?" echoed the trapper. "What were they like?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, awful—I can't describe 'em."</p> - -<p>"Wust you ever listened to," observed Tim Sladder. "We heard 'em at our -camp, too."</p> - -<p>"An' it didn't sound like no animal, or humans, either," added Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Ah, ha! This is interesting."</p> - -<p>Yardsley seemed to reflect.</p> - -<p>"We heard the beast twice," said Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Well, now," continued Yardsley, "kinder think I did hear something -like that. Strange critter it must have been—jest wait a second."</p> - -<p>He opened a door and walked into an adjoining room. Then the boys heard -a peculiar click.</p> - -<p>Just as the trapper emerged, with a broad smile on his face, a terrible -series of wild, weird screeches, exactly like those they had heard -before, filled the cabin.</p> - -<p>His visitors jumped to their feet in astonishment, while the effect -upon Bowser was magical. Whining and whimpering, the big dog flopped -heavily upon the floor at his master's feet and looked intently into -his face.</p> - -<p>"Was it something like that?" asked Yardsley, innocently.</p> - -<p>Sladder and Musgrove, with wildly staring eyes, looked toward the room -as if fascinated, but upon all the others the truth instantly dawned, -and they received it with varied feelings.</p> - -<p>"A phonograph!" cried Bob.</p> - -<p>"My eye! A—a—phonograph!" echoed Hackett.</p> - -<p>Then Nat Wingate began to laugh, and all at once the absurdity of the -whole thing appealed irresistibly to most of the boys, and a wild burst -of merriment rang out.</p> - -<p>Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove remained ominously silent. There was a -steely glitter in the latter's little blinking eyes, which seemed to -say,—"Look out!"</p> - -<p>"I'm powerful glad you fellers ain't took no offense," grinned John -Yardsley. "I notice I come nigh to killin' that dorg. I met one of them -scientific fellers oncet. You know the kind what can tell how many -hairs a squirrel's got in its tail? He was an animalist; mebbe that -ain't the word, but he know'd everything. He stayed out in the woods a -spell with me, one winter; bunked right in here; an' he kinder took a -fancy to yours truly.</p> - -<p>"Well, I happened to run acrost him in town the next summer. -'Yardsley,' says he, 'you did play some awful jokes on me, out in the -woods—it's a wonder my hair ain't gray.' An' he says, 'Yardsley, I've -been having a lot of records took of different animals' voices. I want -to give you one of a laughing hyena—it reminds me so much of you!'"</p> - -<p>A titter went around the room.</p> - -<p>The trapper continued, "'It would make me feel better, Yardsley,' he -says, 'if you would take it an' kinder test it on some one out in the -woods. I don't like ter feel I was the only one.'"</p> - -<p>"An' that's jest what you done, eh, Pardsley?" broke in Musgrove, -shaking his head vigorously. "An' me an' Tim didn't sleep a wink all -night—an' all fer that, eh? An' Bowser most took a spell. Well, I like -it; yes, sir, I do—for a fact." And Musgrove's expression indicated a -state of feeling exactly the reverse of his words.</p> - -<p>"I'm powerful glad ter hear you say that," remarked the trapper, with a -sly wink at the others. "That's the way ter take them things, an'—"</p> - -<p>"But don't never try no more, Bardsley," interrupted Musgrove, -fiercely. "We won't stand fer it. No, sir, not me,—nor Tim, neither. -No more jokin'—mind yer."</p> - -<p>"All right!" responded Yardsley, with pretended meekness. "I like -ter hear a feller speak right out in meetin'. And by the way," he -continued, "do you know them fellers 'crost the lake?"</p> - -<p>"They came over to see us once," replied Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"Wal, I don't know nothing about 'em. They was nosing around yesterday -morning, kinder curious like, an' askin' if I had many furs—but I -ain' tellin' my affairs ter strangers nohow."</p> - -<p>"Been hunting and trapping long?" asked Nat.</p> - -<p>"Wal, I guess! I come from down East, an' been at it off an' on for -quite a spell."</p> - -<p>"How do you like it out here?" asked Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Powerful well, my slim young friend. Say, with them legs you oughter -be a good runner."</p> - -<p>"Maybe he's a good runner, but he can't skate with me," interposed -Musgrove. "No, sir, I—"</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Yardsley, with an amused glance at the other's -short stature. "He can't! Why—say, I don't believe—no offense, mind -yer—that you could run with any feller in this crowd."</p> - -<p>Billy Musgrove's face flushed—his little eyes blinked angrily.</p> - -<p>"You talk like an idjit, Pardsley," he exclaimed. "I didn't say I could -run, but I ain't skeered to try—no, sir—I ain't."</p> - -<p>"Why not get up a little race? Them two," indicating Sladder and -Musgrove, "can try it first between 'em."</p> - -<p>"I don't mind," said Tim Sladder; "eh, Billy?"</p> - -<p>"Suits me," grinned Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Might work up a little appetite fer lunch by having that race now," -suggested the trapper, with a rather quizzical look. "What say? Or if -Musgrove's kinder skeered, mebbe—"</p> - -<p>"Skeered? I'll show you I ain't skeered, Bardsley. No, sir! Come on!" -and Billy Musgrove strode toward the door.</p> - -<p>"Good! That's the way ter feel about it. We'll hev a little fun."</p> - -<p>Just beyond the cabin was a clear patch of level ground.</p> - -<p>"A good place for our games," remarked Yardsley, rubbing his hands -together. "See that there tree over there? Round it and back. Here's a -line ter start from."</p> - -<p>Grinning broadly, Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove took their places, an -expressive wink from the latter indicating his confidence.</p> - -<p>"All ready! One—two—three—go!"</p> - -<p>At the word, the Stony Creek boys were off. Musgrove, with all the vim -and determination at his command, struggled through the snow, and -despite Sladder's most desperate efforts, his longer legs seemed to -give him but little advantage.</p> - -<p>"Go it, Sladder!" yelled Hackett. "Hi, hi! He'll never make it."</p> - -<p>"That he won't!" grinned the trapper.</p> - -<p>And now the two dark figures were approaching the turning-point.</p> - -<p>"Keep it up, Tim!" encouraged Hackett, at the top of his voice.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the spectators were treated to a most unusual sight.</p> - -<p>Both boys were seen to lurch forward, two wild yells floated over the -air—then the contestants, frantically waving their arms, plunged head -first into a great pit filled to the brim with snow.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> - -<h3>A PRACTICAL JOKE</h3> - - -<p>This catastrophe was witnessed with much astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Great Cæsar—look at that!" cried Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"My eye! Did you ever see such a tumble?" exclaimed Hackett.</p> - -<p>Then, as Sladder and Musgrove, almost up to their necks in the white -mass, floundered and kicked to regain an upright position, Hackett, Nat -Wingate and several of the others burst forth into the most uproarious -peals of laughter.</p> - -<p>"Bring a derrick," roared Nat. "Stand up straight, Musgrove. Don't you -know enough not to dive on land?"</p> - -<p>"He thought he was in a swimming race!" cried Hackett.</p> - -<p>"'Tain't right ter plague a feller that way," reproved Yardsley, -mildly. "Powerful singular I didn't happen ter mention that pit, ain't -it? I guess the race is over."</p> - -<p>"Lay on your back, and you won't sink any further, Mushroom," shouted -Hackett.</p> - -<p>To all these remarks Sladder and Musgrove paid no attention. They were -too busy extricating themselves from their unpleasant predicament. -Bowser had ambled to the edge of the pit, and, evidently realizing that -something was amiss, barked dolefully.</p> - -<p>At length, after having slipped and fallen several times, the two boys -managed to reach solid ground. They brushed their clothes and came -slowly back.</p> - -<p>The others had expected to see Musgrove explode with wrath, but besides -a queer expression in his small, blinking eyes, his pudgy face gave no -evidence of anger.</p> - -<p>"Got ahead of us that time, Pardsley," he observed. "I ain't saying -what I think of nobody—no, sir—don't want to start a free fight, -but say"—Billy Musgrove paused, the queer look in his eyes deepened, -"there's goin' ter be some fun 'round these diggin's 'fore I -leave—an' don't you forgit it."</p> - -<p>"Powerful glad ter hear that," declared the trapper. "You kinder -tempted me, the way you talked, a spell back. It's a failin' I've got. -Now I want all hands ter grub with me."</p> - -<p>The boys were soon compelled to acknowledge that John Yardsley was -certainly a good cook. Baked beans, roasted potatoes, and venison steak -done to a crisp turn were set before them, besides steaming coffee and -hard-tack. At the last, to their great satisfaction, came buckwheat -cakes and maple syrup.</p> - -<p>Under the cheering influence of the fire and a company of lively boys, -John Yardsley began to grow confidential. He freely admitted his -superiority in skill over the majority of hunters and trappers.</p> - -<p>"I study it, an' make a business of it,—that is I do for the present," -he said, rubbing his hands together and tilting back in his chair, "an' -I ain't done bad this season."</p> - -<p>"Got lots of furs and skins, Spardsley?" inquired Musgrove, taking time -enough to look up from his plate.</p> - -<p>"Mebbe—mebbe not."</p> - -<p>"Ain't that jest what you said?"</p> - -<p>"You're a keen youngster, ain't yer?"</p> - -<p>"I'm smarter than some people."</p> - -<p>"Powerful glad ter hear it. One of these days I'll take ye boys around -when I visit my traps,—only one at a time, mind ye. A hull lot might -scare the critters away fur a month. Who wants ter go?"</p> - -<p>"I do," said Bob, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Being as it's you who spoke fust, you're number one," returned the -trapper, nodding toward him.</p> - -<p>"Good! You'll find me ready any time."</p> - -<p>After the meal, Yardsley exhibited a number of beaver, otter and mink -skins stretched out tightly on boards to dry. He also called attention -to a curious piece of furniture standing in one corner. A section of a -tree had been hollowed out, and the interior fitted with a number of -shelves, which contained various objects collected in the woods. There -were butterflies, moths and dragon flies, besides a number of minerals -and stones.</p> - -<p>"As I said afore," remarked the trapper, seating himself, "I ain't -got as much book learnin' as I'd like," he smiled curiously, "but -ask me somethin' about trees, or birds, or animals, an' well—mebbe -I could make some of your dandified professors look cheap, if they -was here. Eddication, I call it, is l'arnin' about the things 'round -you—varmints and sich like—an' my friend, the animalist, said so, -too."</p> - -<p>"There's one thing you can do, all right, Bardsley," interrupted -Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Talk a fierce streak—I never heard nothing like it."</p> - -<p>Yardsley laughed good-naturedly. "It's another failin', mebbe," he -admitted. "Now I'm goin' ter spin some yarns."</p> - -<p>These proved so interesting, that it was not until the late afternoon -that the boys took their leave.</p> - -<p>"An' look here, Jardsley," remarked Musgrove, at parting, "don't try no -funny tricks now. We won't stand for none—no, sir—not me—nor Tim, -neither."</p> - -<p>"You certainly bit easily on one joke, Mushroom," remarked Hackett, -when Yardsley's hut was lost to view behind the trees.</p> - -<p>"Huh! You needn't talk! I never slammed no glass-eyed cat!" retorted -Billy, and for the rest of the way there was no further conversation -between the two.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> - -<h3>YARDSLEY'S TRAPS</h3> - - -<p>A week passed without special incident.</p> - -<p>Piper, Robson and Heydon also made the acquaintance of the trapper, and -all the hunters spent an evening in the cabin across the lake.</p> - -<p>It became known that Yardsley had a fine collection of furs, which he -intended to take to town very shortly. This fact had been ascertained -by Charlie Piper, who, for purposes of speculation, wished to purchase -a number of skins. But the price offered was too low to suit the -trapper.</p> - -<p>At the appointed time, Bob Somers tapped on the cabin door.</p> - -<p>"Glad ter see you, cap'n!" exclaimed the woodsman, heartily, holding -out his strong, sinewy hand. "In two shakes of a lamb's tail, I'll be -ready."</p> - -<p>"Think we'll have snow before long?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>Yardsley glanced out of the window at a sullen, lowering sky. -"Snow—an' plenty of it," he announced. "An' lucky if it ain't a -blizzard. Never seen one out here—eh, cap'n?—No?—Wal, a fair-sized -northwester oughter satisfy yer fur a while—talk about wind and -snow—it's fierce, an' no mistake."</p> - -<p>"We might get snowed up."</p> - -<p>"'Tain't at all unlikely."</p> - -<p>Yardsley now rapidly led the way toward the creek which Bob and his -companions had previously followed. Once there, he moved with more -caution.</p> - -<p>"Ter be a good trapper, a man has ter be powerful particular," he -said. "Wild critters is certainly knowin'. Yer got ter understand 'em, -an' l'arn their ways. I've got traps out fur minks, beavers, otter, -muskrats an' foxes."</p> - -<p>"Which are the hardest to catch?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Otter, p'r'aps! Minks is easier, bein' as they're sich hungry beasts, -an' will take a chance when others might git scared off. Be careful, -cap'n, we're comin' ter a trap, now."</p> - -<p>At a convenient place, Yardsley led the way up the bank, avoiding with -great skill the various obstacles with which the ground was strewn. -Still keeping near the watercourse, they soon reached a confused heap -of branches and logs.</p> - -<p>"Right on that big log, cap'n."</p> - -<p>"I don't see anything but a lot of twigs and bushes," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"It's there, all right," chuckled Yardsley. "But it has ter be kep' out -of sight. Wait here, cap'n."</p> - -<p>The trapper went cautiously forward, stepping around the log, from the -top of which the snow had been partly blown away.</p> - -<p>"Nary a thing," he announced, after a moment's inspection.</p> - -<p>"Better luck at the next one, perhaps," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"I ain't a-worryin'—we'll git back on the ice."</p> - -<p>They followed the winding stream for some distance, when Yardsley again -slackened his pace.</p> - -<p>"Easy, cap'n!" he exclaimed. "'Round here is regular otterville. See -that there hole in the ice? Well, the critters has used it ter come -out on shore. So I sinks my trap, an'—"</p> - -<p>"And what?"</p> - -<p>"Wal—I'll show yer in a minute—if I've struck luck."</p> - -<p>From back of a mass of underbrush close by, Yardsley pulled a stout -stick curved at the end. This he pushed through the hole in the ice, -and a grunt of satisfaction escaped his lips.</p> - -<p>With a couple of vigorous pulls, he brought to the surface a fine large -otter.</p> - -<p>"How's that fur one?" he remarked, as he disengaged the animal from the -trap and laid it in the ice.</p> - -<p>"It's a whopper," said Bob, enthusiastically, "and what a beautiful -bluish gray coat. Don't they kill lots of fish, John?"</p> - -<p>"A powerful number, cap'n. An' brings 'em ashore ter eat. The little -rascal is awful wasteful, too, sometimes leavin' 'em 'most untouched."</p> - -<p>The trapper rebaited the trap, which was attached by means of a chain -to a stone, and lowered both in the water again.</p> - -<p>"Where are we going now?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Follow the stream fur a piece. I've got more traps along here."</p> - -<p>John Yardsley returned the stick to its hiding-place, then, as they -started off, began to talk about the habits of the various animals.</p> - -<p>"Powerful knowin' critters," he observed. "Take beavers, which lives -along rivers an' ponds, for instance. A hull lot of these critters will -git together an' build houses of mud, stones an' sticks. Their teeth -are very hard and sharp, an' they don't have much trouble cuttin' all -the wood they want. Then, if the water ain't right, they dam it up with -the same stuff as the huts is made of."</p> - -<p>"Isn't the entrance under water?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Allus! So that other critters can't git at 'em. In the spring, they -come out, an' ramble off; an' mebbe it's autumn before they says ter -each other, 'It's time ter git back ter them huts of ourn an' fix 'em -up fur the winter.'"</p> - -<p>"Muskrats build places pretty much the same, only smaller," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but martens lives in the deepest parts of the woods, while -fishers an' minks hang out along streams an' marshes. I've seen a -fisher a-sittin' on a stone, lookin' in the water, an' waitin' fur his -dinner ter pass by. All of a sudden, he went ker flump—there was a -splash—an' yer can bet he got his fish."</p> - -<p>After a short pause, Yardsley continued, "But here we are, cap'n, at -another trap."</p> - -<p>This proved to be along the bank, and cleverly concealed in the midst -of a tangled growth. But although it had been sprung the animal had -managed to get away.</p> - -<p>The next one, however, held captive a good-sized mink.</p> - -<p>"Not so bad, an' we may get some more yet," commented Yardsley. "I'm -powerful afear'd we're goin' ter have some pretty tough weather," he -added, with a look at the sullen sky.</p> - -<p>"I say, John," asked Bob, with a sudden thought, "didn't you put up a -sign over by Lake Wolverine?"</p> - -<p>Yardsley grinned. "Jokin' is a little failin' I have, as I told you -afore," he said. "You'll run acrost several of 'em 'round these parts. -I'm powerful glad, cap'n, that you fellers didn't git mad."</p> - -<p>"I thought Sladder and Musgrove would be wild when they got dumped into -that pit," remarked Bob.</p> - -<p>The trapper laughed as he recalled the scene. "If them kids hadn't been -so sassy, I wouldn't have done it," he said. "I thought one of 'em -needed a lesson, anyway."</p> - -<p>"Here's the snow!" cried Bob, at length.</p> - -<p>"Slow—very slow—an' sure," added the trapper.</p> - -<p>They had reached the gloomy depths of a dense wood. Here and there were -great boulders of odd shapes, and their rugged appearance added to the -desolation of the scene.</p> - -<p>As they passed one of these, a long, low growl suddenly caused them to -turn. But a few paces distant stood a huge wildcat. Its paws rested on -a partly devoured rabbit, and, angry at being disturbed, the animal -crouched low, while its long tail moved slowly forth and back.</p> - -<p>With flattened ears and glaring eyes, it presented a terrifying sight, -and, thoroughly startled, Bob Somers involuntarily stepped backward.</p> - -<p>"Leave it to me!" yelled Yardsley.</p> - -<p>But as he spoke, the dull, tawny-colored animal, with a snarl, sprang -directly toward Bob Somers.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> - -<h3>SMOKE SIGNALS</h3> - - -<p>"Oh, ho, what are we going to do, fellows?" asked Dave Brandon, lazily, -to Dick Travers and Tom Clifton, as they sat warming themselves before -a cheerful fire.</p> - -<p>"I don't think we ought to stray very far from camp," said Tom Clifton. -"Looks as if there was going to be a big snow-storm."</p> - -<p>"An 'undeniable fact,'" put in Dick, with a grin.</p> - -<p>"And if it's anything like the kind that Riggs, Junior, spoke about, -Tom is right," said Dave. "For my part, I'd sooner sit by a nice, big -fire, anyway, than trot around over a lot of barren hills."</p> - -<p>"You don't have to tell us that, Chubby," laughed Dick.</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not." The stout boy yawned and shifted his position -slightly. "I haven't been able to write a single bit since I came out -here," he grumbled, more to himself than to the others.</p> - -<p>"Why not?" asked Tom.</p> - -<p>"Too cold—and, whenever I begin, Billy Musgrove's face seems to bob -right up in front of me."</p> - -<p>"What has that to do with it?"</p> - -<p>"See here, Dick Travers," observed Dave, with mock severity, "could any -one have an inspiration and think of Billy Musgrove's face at the same -time?"</p> - -<p>Dick grinned. "It kind of takes the poetry out of the scene," he -suggested.</p> - -<p>"Exactly. Hello—"</p> - -<p>"Looks like smoke signals across the way. Wonder if anything's up?"</p> - -<p>The three boys stared intently toward the cabin, a mere brownish spot -against the background of trees.</p> - -<p>Sure enough. A cloud of grayish smoke, in a rather solid mass, rose -lazily in the air, light against the firs and dark as it emerged into -the expanse of sky above.</p> - -<p>"There goes another!" exclaimed Tom, in some excitement.</p> - -<p>"Sure as you live, it's a signal," put in Dick, as a third slowly -appeared. "Guess we'll have to skip over. Something may have happened."</p> - -<p>"Certainly we will," grumbled Dave. "And just as I thought of getting a -nice rest by the fire. Hello—gun signals, too," he added, as a faint -report came from the distance.</p> - -<p>"Hurry up, fellows! Strap on your skates!" cried Dick, excitedly. "We -must see about this. Somebody hurt, do you think?"</p> - -<p>"It isn't far across, and we'll soon know," replied Dave.</p> - -<p>Down to the lake the trio quickly made their way, and then, with long, -swinging strides, began to skim swiftly over the frozen surface. As -they approached the cabin, many eager looks were cast toward it.</p> - -<p>"There's somebody at the door now," panted Dave Brandon.</p> - -<p>A dark figure had appeared, and an instant later a hail reached their -ears, which was answered by a lusty chorus from the skaters.</p> - -<p>"I hope I haven't put you fellows to any inconvenience, or given you a -scare," said Fulmer Robson, as the trio breathlessly approached.</p> - -<p>"Nothing has happened, I hope?" panted Tom.</p> - -<p>"No—nothing serious. But come inside, boys, and I'll tell you all -about it."</p> - -<p>The interior of the cabin had been made comfortable and cozy. In one -corner was a stove, while several rude seats were distributed around. -Against one wall stood a long table.</p> - -<p>"Make yourselves comfortable," said Robson, drawing a stool alongside -the stove, which was sending forth a pleasant heat. "I would have come -over to your camp," he added, "but I have a bad headache. What I wanted -you for is this. There's a pack of wolves around the neighborhood, and -I thought you ought to know it."</p> - -<p>"Wolves?" echoed Tom Clifton, paling a trifle.</p> - -<p>"Yes! We had a sight of them yesterday afternoon—not far from -here, too. A pack of the brutes were after a deer. Heydon and I had -reached the top of a hill when we discovered them, and, as we had a -field-glass, we saw the whole thing."</p> - -<p>"What happened?" asked Tom, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"It looked as if the wolves had chased the deer for a long distance, -for he seemed 'most played out. Three of the brutes flung themselves -upon him at once, and—well, you can guess the rest."</p> - -<p>"How far away was this?" asked Dave.</p> - -<p>"Not more than two miles."</p> - -<p>"We are certainly much obliged to you," put in Dick Travers. "It -wouldn't do to be unprepared, if they happen to come along."</p> - -<p>"I should say not. Wolves are bad customers at this time of the year. I -suppose," added Robson, with a smile, "you thought something terrible -had happened?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, we did," admitted Dick. "Where are the other fellows—how did you -manage to make that signal alone?"</p> - -<p>"They just left, a short time ago," answered Robson. "The weather looks -pretty threatening, doesn't it? Well, we concluded that it would be -best to get in as much game as possible."</p> - -<p>"Do you think it's going to be as bad as all that?" asked Tom Clifton, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>"It's hard to say; after all, it may be nothing worse than an ordinary -snow-storm. But we got caught once, and don't propose to let such a -thing happen again. I expected the whole crowd of you," he added, with -a questioning glance.</p> - -<p>Dave explained the situation.</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's it," remarked Robson, reflectively. "On your way back, you -might tell Sladder and Musgrove about the wolves. And by the way," he -added, "I haven't much use for those fellows. Frankly, I don't like -either."</p> - -<p>"They always treated us well," replied Dave, evasively.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't want you to say anything against 'em," laughed Robson, -"but Billy Musgrove by all odds is the most impudent chap I ever ran -across. We had a scrap the other day—he kept calling me 'Bobson,' and -Piper, 'Swiper.' We got kind of sore, and Billy then fired off, sassing -all three of us right and left."</p> - -<p>"Musgrove never gets names straight," observed Dick, with a grin.</p> - -<p>"It's beginning to snow," broke in Tom, "and the wind is coming up, -too."</p> - -<p>The sky was unusually dark and threatening; it seemed almost like -approaching twilight.</p> - -<p>An anxious expression came into Dick Travers' face, and Tom, too, -surveyed the scene apprehensively, but the poet laureate's round -features seemed only to reflect content, as he resumed his place before -the fire.</p> - -<p>"I'll bet it will be a howler," said Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"And that we get snowed up for a week," grumbled Dick.</p> - -<p>"Why not add a visit or two from wolves, while you are about it?" put -in Robson, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Nothing like looking at things all around," yawned Dave. "I feel -uncommonly sleepy."</p> - -<p>"You'd better have lunch with me," proposed Robson. "It will make my -head feel better. Only wish the rest of your crowd was here," he added. -"Fall to, boys, and give me a hand."</p> - -<p>At length, however, the thought that the other boys might have returned -induced the three members of the Rambler Club to bring their visit to a -close.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho, I'm afraid we'll have to go, fellows," said Dave Brandon, with -a grimace. "Just think of having to face that wind."</p> - -<p>"Sorry you have to leave," observed Robson.</p> - -<p>"Not half so sorry as we are," drawled Dave, with a dubious look -outside.</p> - -<p>Once out upon the lake, a succession of furious gusts swept toward -them, accompanied by whirling clouds of fine, needle-like particles. -Presently, they were in the thick of it, and found themselves, for the -moment, compelled to turn their backs to the storm.</p> - -<p>"Whew! This is certainly fierce," panted Dick. "We ought to get there -pretty soon, however."</p> - -<p>The storm did not increase, as the boys' fears led them to expect. -Instead, the fall of snow soon began to lessen, and only where there -happened to be irregularities in the ice did the flakes find a -resting-place.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah, I see the shore," burst forth Dick, at length. "Let's make a -spurt."</p> - -<p>This the trio proceeded to do, and they were soon tramping over the -snow toward the camp.</p> - -<p>Startling news awaited them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> - -<h3>WHO TOOK THE FURS?</h3> - - -<p>Taken altogether by surprise, Bob Somers was, for an instant, almost -incapable of motion. He saw the long, lithe body spring forward -and heard the harsh, rasping snarl. Then, with a strong effort, he -recovered his wits—like a flash his rifle was raised and fired.</p> - -<p>Blending with the report came a terrific cry of fury and pain.</p> - -<p>But the wildcat was only wounded. In his haste and alarm, Bob had not -been able to reach a vital spot. The animal fell, but almost instantly -rose.</p> - -<p>"Give me a chance!" yelled Yardsley. "Skip around that there rock, an' -I'll finish 'im."</p> - -<p>But before the boy could comply, the wildcat, with an infuriated -screech, sprang forward again.</p> - -<p>Taking his gun by the barrel, Bob Somers swung it with all his -strength. The animal, dealt a glancing blow, was checked—just long -enough for Bob to dart around the rock. Almost at his heels came the -snarling wildcat.</p> - -<p>In and out among the trees the two went, while Yardsley followed, -unable to shoot for fear of hitting his companion.</p> - -<p>With a glance over his shoulder, Bob once more jumped aside, and again -his gun rose and fell.</p> - -<p>John Yardsley, leaping over the snow, reached the spot where the -wildcat, scarcely stunned by Bob Somers' last blow, was preparing to -make another spring.</p> - -<p>"I've got 'im!" he cried.</p> - -<p>A sharp report rang out. Rising to his haunches, in a last desperate -effort, the wildcat lurched over, and fell at full length motionless in -the snow.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Bob. "Thanks, John," and he clasped the hunter's big -hand. "Ugh I Thought he had me." He shivered, as his eyes rested upon -the savage head and dangerous-looking claws.</p> - -<p>"Powerful bad critters when they get their dander up," commented -Yardsley, giving the beast a shove with his toe. "What's ter be did -with the varmint?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you want it?" Bob's voice still trembled with excitement.</p> - -<p>"I reckon not."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll have him stuffed," said Bob. "Won't that be great? Only wish -I'd got him myself," he added, half regretfully.</p> - -<p>"You orter be glad he didn't get you," observed the trapper, dryly. -"Now, I'll make a drag. Twenty-five or thirty pounds of cat meat would -be a little too much ter carry."</p> - -<p>Yardsley strode forward, and selecting an ash of suitable thickness—of -course it was a mere sapling—quickly felled and trimmed it. Then he -cut it into two pieces of equal length.</p> - -<p>"Pitch in an' get me some short bits fur the cross-bars, cap'n," he -said, handing Bob the hatchet. "We'll have it fixed in a minute."</p> - -<p>As soon as Bob Somers had complied with his request, the trapper laid -the two pieces of ash parallel on the ground, then three cross-bars -were quickly fastened in place.</p> - -<p>"Want anything better than that?" he demanded, with a grin. "I'll jest -cut them 'ere ends, so's ter make 'em lift off the snow like runners."</p> - -<p>"Have you a rope to pull it with?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Catch John Yardsley a-comin' out unprepared? I reckon not. Guess we'd -better hit the trail fur camp," he added.</p> - -<p>The wildcat, otter and other game were securely attached to the drag, -which was not difficult to pull over the snow-crusted ground.</p> - -<p>After making a long circuit, the winding stream was again reached, and, -at length, the cabin in the valley came into view.</p> - -<p>"Reckon you air powerful glad ter git back, cap'n?" observed the -trapper. "I'll fix the skin of that there critter, an'—"</p> - -<p>Yardsley suddenly paused, and gazed intently toward the cabin, while a -puzzled, alarmed expression passed over his rugged features.</p> - -<p>"I'm sartin sure—" he began.</p> - -<p>"Sure of what?" asked Bob, surprised at his companion's manner.</p> - -<p>"That I shut the door of that storehouse. Sure as guns is guns, I did, -an'—"</p> - -<p>Yardsley did not finish the sentence, but fairly tore over the snow, -while Bob, leaving the sled, followed close at his heels.</p> - -<p>At one end of the log house a small addition had been built for the -purpose of storing furs and skins. There was an entrance on the -outside, and it was this which now stood slightly open.</p> - -<p>"As sure as guns is guns," repeated the woodsman, excitedly, "I shut -that 'ere door, an' shut it tight."</p> - -<p>He hastily entered the storehouse, and at a glance his worst fears were -realized.</p> - -<p>"Gone—every blessed one!" he groaned. "Not a thing left!"</p> - -<p>"Robbed?" gasped Bob Somers. "How many did you have?"</p> - -<p>"A powerful number, cap'n."</p> - -<p>Yardsley stood perfectly still and gazed around with a dazed air.</p> - -<p>"Every blessed one," he repeated. "An' I was 'most ready ter take 'em -ter town." His arms dropped to his side, and he looked toward Bob -Somers in the utmost dejection.</p> - -<p>"Well, we can't do any good standing here," cried Bob. "Let's -investigate and get after 'em."</p> - -<p>"That's the idea!" exclaimed Yardsley, his look of dismay giving place -to one of intense anger.</p> - -<p>"Jest let me come up with them rascals, that's all." He made an -expressive motion, then darted outside, his eyes roving over the ground.</p> - -<p>"Carted 'em away on a big sled," he exclaimed. "See, cap'n—tracks as -plain as the nose on yer face. An' the rascals was on snow-shoes."</p> - -<p>"I'll skip over to camp and get some of the fellows!" cried Bob. "Then -the whole crowd can follow."</p> - -<p>"Good, cap'n, an' John Yardsley won't forgit it. By the time yer gits -back I'll hev a bite ter eat. With a storm a-comin', an' no tellin' -what may be afore us, 'twouldn't do by no means ter go off on an empty -stummick."</p> - -<p>But Bob Somers had not waited to hear his last words. Although the -morning's tramp had been a rather long one, he moved over the ground at -a rapid rate, and, panting from his exertions, at length reached the -camp just as the others came in.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Somers, you look scared—any fierce rabbits get -after you?" asked Nat Wingate, winking at Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Yardsley's been robbed of his furs," said Bob. "Not one of 'em left!"</p> - -<p>"Robbed?" echoed Nat, in astonishment. "How—when?"</p> - -<p>"Whew! That's mighty funny!" exclaimed Sam Randall. "Robbed? I can -hardly believe it."</p> - -<p>"It's true!—Who wants to come along and help us trail the thieves?"</p> - -<p>"Well now!" Hackett paused and a fierce expression came into his eyes. -"After amusing himself at our expense, he's got a fine nerve to ask us -to help him—still," he went on, "speak your little piece, Somers, and -we'll decide."</p> - -<p>This Bob did, briefly, and at its conclusion Hackett again spoke up. "I -feel sorry for the old man," he announced. "I'll go. There's a chance -for some excitement, too."</p> - -<p>"So will I," added Sam Randall, eagerly. "Here come Chubby and the -rest. Won't they be surprised?"</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon and his companions were seen making their way toward the -camp.</p> - -<p>As they came up, Hackett shouted out the news.</p> - -<p>Dick Travers gave a whistle of astonishment, while Tom, believing that -some joke was intended, began to laugh.</p> - -<p>But Bob Somers quickly told his story again, and the astonished boys -were given a chance to decide what they wanted to do. The question was -almost immediately settled.</p> - -<p>In brief, Nat Wingate, Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton concluded that -their services were not required. The others hastily prepared to -take their departure. Bob, who had already been helping himself -to everything eatable in sight, drank a cup of coffee which had -fortunately been left over, filled his pockets with crackers, and -followed the already retreating forms of Hackett, Randall and Travers.</p> - -<p>"Come on!" cried the slim boy. "The snow isn't falling half as fast as -it was."</p> - -<p>The three who stood by the fire gazed after them in a disconsolate -fashion.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what is going to happen now?" said Nat Wingate, as the four -figures were lost to view.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> - -<h3>LOST IN THE SNOW</h3> - - -<p>Bob and his companions found the hunter pacing up and down the cabin in -a state of great agitation.</p> - -<p>"I was jest about gittin' off," he exclaimed. "Thought you'd never -come. Them rascals will give us the slip yit."</p> - -<p>"Who could have robbed you, Yardsley?" demanded Hackett. "It's pretty -tough luck, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Bless you—yes! When I seed that door open, I know'd something had -happened. An' I could hev sold them skins ter Piper, too. Never heard -the beat of it."</p> - -<p>"Have you seen any suspicious characters around?"</p> - -<p>"Nary one!"</p> - -<p>"It's mighty queer that somebody should happen along just while you -were out. They must have been watching the place pretty closely, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Most likely!"</p> - -<p>"My eye! There's the wildcat. Why, it's a whopper, Somers—"</p> - -<p>"Come on, cap'n an' mates," interrupted Yardsley, impatiently. "Let's -be off!"</p> - -<p>In a few minutes, the party, with the trapper in the lead, were swiftly -following the trail which led across the valley.</p> - -<p>"Them tracks is purty fresh," said Yardsley, "an' we oughter gain on -'em fast. Every blessed pack of furs gone."</p> - -<p>"You haven't lost 'em altogether yet," put in Hackett. "If this -snow-storm doesn't turn into a blizzard, there's a chance of getting -the whole bunch back."</p> - -<p>"A blizzard's jest what I am afear'd of," commented the other. "It's -blowin' purty fresh now."</p> - -<p>Up-hill and down, scarcely slackening their pace, they kept along, the -tracks of the sled being plainly visible. They were sunk to an unusual -depth, showing how heavily it had been laden.</p> - -<p>The snow was again coming down thicker, and in that steady fashion -which indicated a deep fall. In through a dense pine woods the trail -led, then turned abruptly toward the lake.</p> - -<p>"The rascals will give us a purty chase," grumbled Yardsley. "Gittin' -tired, boys?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know about the others, but I'm not," replied Hackett. "I can -give you ten feet start, and catch up, any time."</p> - -<p>"Good for you," and Yardsley, bending forward, increased his pace.</p> - -<p>Everybody had expected that the tracks would lead directly to Lake -Wolverine, but this did not prove to be the case. About a quarter of -a mile from the shore, they veered off sharply in a northwesterly -direction, and, unfortunately, this made traveling all the more -difficult.</p> - -<p>Whirling clouds of snow dashed in their faces and gusts of wind bore -down upon them, but none uttered a word of complaint, as they plunged -doggedly along, straining eyes and ears to catch any signs of the -thieves.</p> - -<p>"It's turnin' inter a reg'lar blizzard," groaned Yardsley. "Them tracks -is gittin' lost a'ready."</p> - -<p>"Keep it up," urged Bob.</p> - -<p>"Don't fear, cap'n. You'll never ketch me a-givin' up while thar's the -slightest chance."</p> - -<p>"If it would only hold up for a few minutes, even," panted Dick -Travers, as they paused for a moment in a deep ravine.</p> - -<p>"It's going to be worse before it's better, Dick," said Hackett. "Whew! -Listen to the wind in those trees."</p> - -<p>"And we can't see very far ahead, now," broke in Sam. "It's getting -thicker every minute."</p> - -<p>"That it is, mate. Never calc'lated it would be ragin' like this so -soon," and there was a tone in the trapper's voice which seemed to -indicate that he had begun to have little hope of success.</p> - -<p>On the crest of another hill, they could scarcely stand against the -terrific blasts which swept along, carrying with them clouds of -feathery particles. It was bitterly cold and the darkness unusual, even -for a heavy winter storm. The valley was entirely lost to view.</p> - -<p>Enveloped in the whirling masses, the boys followed the trapper, whose -form loomed up dimly in front. Now and then, he stooped to examine the -trail, and occasionally encouraged them to renewed exertions, but the -disheartening fact that the deep impressions must be speedily lost was -apparent to all.</p> - -<p>Faint as his hope was, however, Yardsley kept swinging along. -Sure-footed, and accustomed to the woods, he got around the underbrush -and fallen limbs in a manner that the others could not imitate.</p> - -<p>Half blinded by the flakes, battered by the violent wind, they -struggled along. Several times the wind veered sharply around and the -boys no longer had an accurate idea of their direction. Every minute -found them facing more discouraging conditions. Branches and twigs -frequently came rattling about them and their progress was greatly -impeded. Thus the pursuit continued for a long time.</p> - -<p>Yardsley at length redoubled his efforts, pushing steadily forward, -with great strides, so as to take advantage of the few minutes which -remained before the trail would be entirely obliterated.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Dick Travers pointed ahead, and uttered an exclamation.</p> - -<p>Scarcely visible through the driving snow was an object which had -neither the shape of a rock, stump, nor anything usually seen in the -woods.</p> - -<p>"The sled!—I'll bet it's the sled!" roared Dick.</p> - -<p>"That's what I think," shouted Sam. "They've had to abandon it."</p> - -<p>Close at his heels, the two boys pressed.</p> - -<p>Sure enough, there was a sled—but empty.</p> - -<p>"They had time ter git away with the stuff, after all," groaned -Yardsley. "Nary a thing—all gone."</p> - -<p>"Do you think they could have hidden it somewhere?" yelled Dick. Then, -without waiting for an answer, he turned quickly around.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" he exclaimed. "Where are Bob Somers and John Hackett? I -thought they were right back of us."</p> - -<p>"So did I," put in Sam.</p> - -<p>"Great Scott! Whar' did they git ter?" roared Yardsley, with a look of -apprehension on his bronzed face.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi—hello, cap'n!" he yelled at the top of his voice.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi, hey, hey!" chorused the others.</p> - -<p>But no sounds came back to them.</p> - -<p>Again they shouted, their united voices rising above the roar of the -winds. Still there was no response.</p> - -<p>Yardsley did not attempt to conceal his anxiety. "Lost!" he exclaimed; -"an' in this blizzard!"</p> - -<p>"Lost!" echoed Sam Randall and Dick Travers, as they looked at each -other in alarm.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> - -<h3>WOLVES!</h3> - - -<p>John Hackett's snow-shoe had caught upon a projecting log, and sent -him sprawling. In his descent, his head brought up sharply against a -low-hanging branch, and for a moment he lay stunned.</p> - -<p>"Great Cæsar!" cried Bob. He stooped over and placed his hand upon -Hackett's shoulder. "Hurt, Hacky?" he asked, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"I hit my head an awful whack," replied Hackett, faintly.</p> - -<p>Aided by his companion, he slowly rose to a sitting posture, but -the blow had dazed him to such an extent that he remained almost -motionless, while Bob Somers rubbed his forehead with snow.</p> - -<p>"Feeling better now?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—a little. My eye! I saw about fifty-six stars. It took all the -strength out of me. Is there any mark, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"A red spot—that's all."</p> - -<p>"Wonder it didn't make a dent an inch deep."</p> - -<p>Hackett accepted Bob's hand, struggled to his feet, and leaned heavily -against a tree.</p> - -<p>"I'm awfully sorry, Hacky," said Bob, compassionately.</p> - -<p>"I'll have to take a few minutes' rest. Where are the other fellows, -Somers?"</p> - -<p>"They can't be far ahead."</p> - -<p>"Better be going now, or we may get separated," said Hackett, -presently. "Can you see the tracks still?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but they are very faint."</p> - -<p>Hackett rubbed his forehead. "I'm getting all right, now; sail ahead."</p> - -<p>"Bother the snow," said Bob. "It's so thick a fellow can't see more -than a few feet."</p> - -<p>"My eye! I don't like this," declared Hackett, nervously; "Yardsley is -the only one who can find his way back to camp in this storm."</p> - -<p>"And I can scarcely make out the trail any more."</p> - -<p>A few rods further, and Bob stopped short. Then he walked back slowly, -with his eyes fixed upon the surface of the snow.</p> - -<p>"Have you lost it?" queried Hackett, bending over.</p> - -<p>"No—thought I had. It's pretty faint, though. Come on."</p> - -<p>Slowly they pushed ahead, now losing the trail, then finding it again. -Drifts had settled over it in places, while generally it was becoming -so faint as to be almost obliterated.</p> - -<p>"I say, Somers," shouted Hackett, at length, as he turned his back to -an unusually fierce blast, "unless some one has taken the trouble to -look back, it means that we are left away behind."</p> - -<p>"That's so! Yardsley was going at a pretty fast clip, while we've just -poked along."</p> - -<p>Hackett's face began to wear an angry expression. "Did you ever hear -of such fierce luck?" he shouted, scarcely able to make himself heard -above the roar of the storm.</p> - -<p>"What chumps we were not to yell for them in the first place."</p> - -<p>Hackett started ahead, shouting with all the strength of his lungs. -"Hello, Sam—hello!" he called.</p> - -<p>"No answer, eh?" said Bob. "Whew! This is a nice fix to be in. We'd -better fire our guns."</p> - -<p>Two reports rang out in quick succession.</p> - -<p>"They ought to hear that," exclaimed Bob.</p> - -<p>Straining their ears, the boys listened intently, but there was no -sound of an answering shot.</p> - -<p>"Try it again," suggested Hackett, with an anxious look.</p> - -<p>Quickly reloading, Bob Somers and Hackett repeated their signal, but -with no better success.</p> - -<p>This was due to a combination of unfortunate circumstances. Not only -was the storm raging with a violence which greatly lessened the range -of the sound, but the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. Then, -too, the trapper and the boys accompanying him had found it necessary -to keep their ears well protected. Under these circumstances, it is not -surprising that the shots passed unheard.</p> - -<p>"Now we're in a pretty mess!" exclaimed Hackett, blankly. "Lost, as -sure as guns. And the storm is getting worse all the time."</p> - -<p>The possible seriousness of their situation came upon the boys with -full force, and they looked at each other in dismay.</p> - -<p>"We can tell what direction to go by the wind," said Bob, presently.</p> - -<p>But this proved to be impossible. Due partially to the formation of -the land, which was hilly and rugged, they were surrounded by so many -eddying swirls that the wind afforded almost no guide.</p> - -<p>In silence, with all senses alert, they kept on, amidst a thick group -of evergreens, whose rich green boughs drooped beneath the weight of -snow.</p> - -<p>"No use," panted Hackett, at length. "Not a ghost of a show, Somers. -Let's try and make a break for camp."</p> - -<p>"Which way do you think it is?"</p> - -<p>"Don't know, I'm sure. Bad as finding a pin in a ton of snow. But we -have to keep on moving, and might as well go in the direction it seems -to be."</p> - -<p>But the boys' ideas on this important point did not agree, and both -finally concluded that at the very first sheltered place it would be -wiser to call a halt.</p> - -<p>"My eye!" cried Hackett, suddenly. "What's that?" He stopped short and -grasped his companion by the arm.</p> - -<p>Above the roar of the wind came a crashing sound, which grew louder and -louder.</p> - -<p>"Look!" shouted Bob, pointing toward the right.</p> - -<p>Dimly, through the driving snow, they saw a pine crashing downward. -Gathering speed, it snapped off limbs and branches from the surrounding -trees, and struck the ground about twenty feet away with a sullen thud. -Several rabbits suddenly appeared, leaping wildly over the snow.</p> - -<p>Almost mechanically, Bob Somers raised his gun, and taking quick aim, -fired both barrels. At the second report, one of the animals fell back -in the snow.</p> - -<p>"Glad I borrowed Tom Clifton's gun," said Bob. "With a rifle might have -missed him." Then he added, as he walked over and picked up the rabbit, -"It's blowing hard to carry down a tree like that."</p> - -<p>"Another danger we have to look out for," yelled Hackett. "My eye! -Suppose we had been in the way!"</p> - -<p>Bob glanced apprehensively at the swaying trees, from which now and -then a branch would snap off, to come hurtling through the air.</p> - -<p>"I'm nearly frozen," growled Hackett, "and can hardly see." He -struggled slowly ahead, occasionally forced to turn his back to the icy -blasts. "We are in a bad fix, Somers," he went on. "What are we going -to do?"</p> - -<p>"Keep a stiff upper lip. It might be a great deal worse."</p> - -<p>"I don't see it. Just as likely, we are going directly away from camp, -and we can't stay out all night."</p> - -<p>The boys slowed up and looked anxiously around, in an effort to make -out their surroundings.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to trust to luck, Somers, and keep moving," said Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Right you are!" replied Bob, with an effort at cheerfulness. "Don't -get scared, and—"</p> - -<p>"Who said I was scared?" cried Hackett, bristling up.</p> - -<p>The thought of his courage being questioned seemed to put new life into -him, and he moved ahead again with more spirit.</p> - -<p>Before them was a level stretch, which they soon discovered was -bordered by rugged hills. Here the full force of the storm was escaped, -and, at length, to their great joy, beneath a sullen, beetling cliff, -a spot was found partially free from snow and sheltered from the wind. -Strewn about, not far from the nearest snow-drifts, were numerous limbs -and branches carried there by the heavy gusts.</p> - -<p>"My eye! But this is a find!" cried Hackett. "It's great to get away -from that wind. If we can only start a fire—got any matches, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"Of course!" replied Bob, in a tone of great relief. "Whew! I don't -believe I could have stood it out there much longer."</p> - -<p>He shook the snow from his clothing and swung his arms. Then after -a moment's rest, took out his hatchet and began chopping away on a -branch. Hackett, too, set to work, and within a quarter of an hour, a -fire was started.</p> - -<p>Beyond the shelter of the crag, the blizzard continued with unabated -force. The wind howled and whistled, while scarcely anything could be -seen through the mass of falling flakes.</p> - -<p>"We certainly were lucky to get such a place as this, Hacky," commented -Bob.</p> - -<p>"And to crack that rabbit, too," said Hackett. "If we only had a little -salt and pepper—"</p> - -<p>"What do you say to this?" And Bob triumphantly brought forth a small -can of each.</p> - -<p>"My eye! Are you a walking grocery store?"</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "Wasn't a bad idea, eh?"</p> - -<p>"You're right! Let's get to work."</p> - -<p>Bob soon had the rabbit skinned and dressed. Then he scraped aside a -pile of glowing coals.</p> - -<p>A sharpened stick was used as a spit, and this being laid across two -short logs, the rabbit began to broil.</p> - -<p>"I could eat almost anything," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Just let me get a chance at it," observed Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Hope the other fellows are all right," said Bob, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"They have Yardsley with 'em. If anybody had to get lost, it was a good -thing we did," continued Hackett. "Dick and Sam—well, they're not up -in the woods game like we are. It kind of comes natural to me, and you -ain't bad at it, either."</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "Thanks, Hacky, old man," he said.</p> - -<p>The snow sifted down from above, but not enough to cause any great -discomfort. Seated on a log, the boys began to grow cheerful again. -Their aching limbs had eased considerably, and but for the dismal -prospect of spending the night without shelter, neither would have -minded the experience.</p> - -<p>At length, the rabbit was cooked, or at least sufficiently cooked, for -they could wait no longer.</p> - -<p>"It's half burnt, scorched and raw in spots, but it tastes good just -the same," commented Bob.</p> - -<p>"You're right it does," replied Hackett. Then, after a pause, he added, -"Somers, I believe it's letting up a little."</p> - -<p>"It can't stop too soon for me. Hello—what's that sound?"</p> - -<p>A series of doleful barks rose faintly above the roar of the wind.</p> - -<p>"Wolves! I'll bet a hat on it!" cried Hackett, in a tone of alarm; -"and sounds like a regular pack of 'em."</p> - -<p>"I believe you're right."</p> - -<p>Straining their ears, the boys again heard the cries, now growing -louder, then lost in the moaning of the wind.</p> - -<p>"Wolves, sure enough, Somers," repeated Hackett excitedly. He seized -his gun, and peered anxiously around, while Bob began to feed the fire -until great tongues of flame shot upward.</p> - -<p>For some moments, there was no repetition of the cries, and both began -to hope that they might be unmolested.</p> - -<p>But suddenly a dismal medley of yelps and snarls, close at hand, filled -the air. Several shadowy forms darted into view, circled around, -approached, retreated, then, emboldened, came forward again, while the -boys, with their hearts thumping painfully, held their guns ready for -instant use.</p> - -<p>"We are in for a fight, that's sure," said Bob, in a low voice. "Don't -waste a shot."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="illus3"> - <img src="images/illus3.jpg" alt=""/> - <div class="caption"> - <p>"DON'T WASTE A SHOT!"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>The animals, probably half famished, circled nearer and nearer, -snapping and snarling, and occasionally uniting their voices in a -volume of howls which made the two boys shiver. Now their gleaming -teeth could be seen. Their jaws seemed to snap, as if in anticipation -of a feast.</p> - -<p>"More than a dozen of 'em, Somers!" exclaimed Hackett, in a strained, -tense voice. "Did you ever see such ugly beasts?"</p> - -<p>"Keep cool, and we'll be all right."</p> - -<p>Hackett started to add more fuel to the fire, then stopped short and -uttered an exclamation of dismay. He realized that their supply would -soon be exhausted.</p> - -<p>"Somers," he said, "Somers—what do you think of this? The fire won't -last much longer!"</p> - -<p>"And a fellow can't chop wood with those beasts around. They are -getting bolder every moment."</p> - -<p>All the fuel within reach was piled on the fire, and, keeping it -between themselves and the savage, hungry animals, the boys awaited the -outcome of the siege with nerves set at the keenest tension.</p> - -<p>The gray, gaunt creatures scurried around, sometimes approaching so -near that the two were on the point of firing, then, with dismal -snarls, retreating until their courage reasserted itself.</p> - -<p>"No use to shoot until we are certain," observed Bob. "If we happened -to wound one without disabling it, I'll bet the beast would pounce -right down on us."</p> - -<p>"With the rest following at its heels," added Hackett.</p> - -<p>Once or twice the slim boy raised his rifle, only to lower it. The -indistinct forms, darting hither and thither amidst the driving snow, -were difficult to aim at.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the fire began to die down.</p> - -<p>"We're in for it now," said Bob. "Look lively, and don't waste a shot."</p> - -<p>A few minutes passed. Then, like a flash, one of the wolves darted -toward them.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers, with arms that trembled for an instant, raised his gun. He -saw the wide-open, savage mouth, the glaring eyes—then he pulled the -trigger.</p> - -<p>A howl of agony followed the report. The animal rose on its hind legs -and pitched forward in the snow.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah! and with only one charge!" cried Bob, his eyes bright with -excitement.</p> - -<p>The loud report and flash of fire from the gun sent the other wolves -back a few paces, but it was only for a moment.</p> - -<p>"There's but one thing to be done, and that mighty quickly!" exclaimed -Bob. "Wonder we didn't think of it before."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Climb the cliff. Once out of their reach, it will be easy to pick them -off."</p> - -<p>"Guess you are right. But they won't give us much chance to get up. If -a fellow should slip—" Hackett shuddered.</p> - -<p>"I'll stand 'em off. When I fire, you start to climb."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no!" returned Hackett, quickly; "my repeating rifle is worth half -a dozen of your guns. Be ready to move fast. In a second you'll hear a -fierce racket. Here goes—one—two—three."</p> - -<p>Hackett fired, then quickly followed with two more shots.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers had slung his gun over his shoulder, and taking advantage -of the opportunity, grasped a projecting rock, and began to scale the -steep side of the cliff. Footholds were numerous, and, as little snow -had found lodgment, he managed to reach a ledge well out of reach of -their foes.</p> - -<p>Hackett's shots and the cries of their wounded companions had sent the -wolves quickly retreating, to spread out in a half-circle.</p> - -<p>"Now's your time, Hackett," yelled Bob. "Quick!"</p> - -<p>Hackett hastily turned, and began to scramble upward.</p> - -<p>As he did so, a gray form shot out from amidst its fellows and made a -dash straight for him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> - -<h3>SUSPICIONS</h3> - - -<p>"Whar' can the cap'n an' his mate hev got to?" cried Yardsley.</p> - -<p>For a moment he forgot all about the thieves, in his great anxiety -regarding the young hunters.</p> - -<p>"Powerful—powerful bad," he went on. "Wouldn't hev had this happen fur -no money."</p> - -<p>He raised his gun and fired in the air, Dick Travers following his -example.</p> - -<p>Shielding themselves as best they could against the violent wind and -blinding snow, they awaited a response. But none came.</p> - -<p>"Big surprise ter me," said Yardsley. "I don't see how no sich thing -could happen."</p> - -<p>"What in the world can have become of them?" cried Sam Randall, in the -utmost apprehension. "Great Scott! They will never be able to find -their way back."</p> - -<p>"This is awful," put in Dick, with a strong effort to make himself -heard.</p> - -<p>Yardsley stared fixedly in the direction from which they had come.</p> - -<p>"It's all my fault!" he exclaimed, regretfully. "Powerful wrong ter ask -you fellers ter come on sich a trip. An' I kep' straight ahead, never -lookin' back. Yardsley, you're a reg'lar dub."</p> - -<p>"The trail must be lost completely by this time," said Sam Randall, a -moment later. "You can't even see it right back of the sled."</p> - -<p>"I know this here place purty well," was Yardsley's response. "I -kin foller the route back all right. Thar's one thing," he added, -brightening up a bit.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p>"The cap'n's got a good head, on good, square shoulders. He ain't no -fool. An' that long-legged chap is full of grit."</p> - -<p>"But this is an awful storm," said Sam Randall, and his moody tone -indicated how apprehensive he felt.</p> - -<p>Disconsolately, the trio pushed along, shouting and firing by turns.</p> - -<p>"There's a chance that they may have gone back to camp," said Dick -Travers, at length.</p> - -<p>"But we don't want to give up until everything is done to find them," -added Randall.</p> - -<p>"Right you are, mate. John Yardsley would give all his winter's work -ter see them chaps afore him."</p> - -<p>But, as time went on, the utter hopelessness of the search became -apparent. Buffeted and battered by the chilly blasts, scarcely able to -see for the flying snow and almost exhausted, the two boys bravely kept -up, until Yardsley, fearing that they might suffer ill effects from the -exposure, sorrowfully decided that it would be necessary to return.</p> - -<p>"It's no use—an' powerful sorry I am ter say it," he announced. "We'd -best git back ter camp, an' trust that the cap'n an' mate pull through -all right."</p> - -<p>"Do you think they found their way back to camp?" asked Sam, hopefully.</p> - -<p>"There's always a chance; an' if they didn't, the two will take keer of -themselves—depend upon it."</p> - -<p>Yardsley was far from feeling as sanguine as his words indicated, but -he strove to encourage the others, and possibly, in so doing, lightened -his own fears.</p> - -<p>Disconsolately, therefore, the search was abandoned.</p> - -<p>Sam and Dick followed the trapper closely. To them, the task of finding -the camp would have been hopeless, but Yardsley went straight ahead, -stopping only occasionally to look about him.</p> - -<p>"How do you know which way to go?" asked Sam, curiously.</p> - -<p>"Bless you, mates, a man can't live as I do, in the woods, an' lose his -bearin's. I've traveled hereabouts 'til I can find my way in the dark."</p> - -<p>"Wonder how Nat Wingate and the other fellows are faring?" said Dick.</p> - -<p>"The camp is kinder sheltered, but them fellers across the lake—" -Yardsley paused, and a strange expression came over his bronzed face. -"H'm—powerful singular, I call it."</p> - -<p>"What is?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p>The trapper nodded, as if in answer to some thought of his own. They -were standing by the side of a huge boulder, and partially sheltered -from the wind.</p> - -<p>"Well, mates, I don't like ter accuse no one, but ain't it powerful -suspicious that them chaps should hev called you over this mornin'?"</p> - -<p>As if half sorry that he had uttered his thoughts, the trapper stopped -short, and glanced questioningly at the others.</p> - -<p>"By George! It is rather funny!" cried Dick, impulsively. "And don't -you remember, Sam, Robson said the whole crowd was expected to come -over?"</p> - -<p>"And it might have been all a bluff, too, about the others going out -hunting."</p> - -<p>"An' him as they call Piper was a-wantin', so he said, ter buy furs -t'other day. Ridiculous figger, too. I don't like ter say nothin', but -it's powerful singular," and Yardsley nodded vigorously. "Can't say -I ever took to 'em, neither," he went on. "Oily kind of feller that -Piper, an' very techy."</p> - -<p>"And they knew just where your skins were kept?"</p> - -<p>"Sartin! As sure as you're a-standin' here, they did."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't be surprised if they should turn out to be guilty," admitted -Dick.</p> - -<p>"Mind, I don't say it's them, but it looks powerful bad, an' I'm goin' -ter find out. John Yardsley ain't the man ter be done this way."</p> - -<p>"We must do some detective work," put in Sam.</p> - -<p>"If the cap'n was only with us. A bright feller, the cap'n—he'll come -out all right. The snow's growin' a bit less, mates."</p> - -<p>"So it is," said Dick.</p> - -<p>"Now if you fellers keep yer eyes open, ye may find out something."</p> - -<p>"You can count on us," returned Dick, to whom the prospect of detective -work was especially alluring.</p> - -<p>But little was said during the rest of the journey.</p> - -<p>"'Tain't fur now," remarked the trapper at length. He turned to the -right, and was soon standing before a sign-post similar to the one the -boys had seen near Lake Wolverine.</p> - -<p class="ph2"><i>Partridge Holler.<br /> -But it can't be heard.<br /> -Lake Wolverine one mile.</i></p> - -<p>"As I tole you afore, it's a little failin' I have," he chuckled. "You -may strike more of 'em around these parts."</p> - -<p>Yardsley soon relapsed into a moody silence. The fear that Bob Somers -and his companion might be in danger, and his loss drove all other -thoughts from his mind.</p> - -<p>At length, they toiled up another hill, with the snow falling thickly -about them, and the boys suddenly discovered by a familiar tree that -their camp was close at hand.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" cried Sam, and with renewed spirit he pushed along.</p> - -<p>Soon the two huts came into view. Then several shadowy figures uttered -loud cheers and came pressing forward.</p> - -<p>"Hello, there!" cried Nat Wingate; "what luck?"</p> - -<p>Then, as he was informed of the unaccountable disappearance of the two -boys, he stared blankly at Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton. "What! Hacky -and Bob Somers lost?" he exclaimed. "That's a nice fix to be in!"</p> - -<p>"We thought they might have found their way back," said Sam, -disconsolately. "This is a fierce storm for any one to be out in, eh, -Chub?"</p> - -<p>"Those chaps are pretty good at taking care of themselves," replied -Dave, reflectively.</p> - -<p>"But what will they do for a shelter to-night?" put in Tom Clifton, in -a frightened voice. "Cracky! What awful luck!"</p> - -<p>"The cap'n's got a good head, an' Hackett's full of grit. The wust of -it is, we can't do nothin'."</p> - -<p>"No use looking on the worst side," commented the poet laureate, in -positively cheerful tones. "Don't get scared until you have to. See -what we've done, fellows." He pointed toward the huts.</p> - -<p>"Cleared away a lot of snow, eh? That's great," commented Dick. "Lucky -that it's sheltered here, or we might have been snowed up pretty badly. -Some big drifts, as it is. Looks different, doesn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Whew, fellows, this wind is too much," said Dave; "it's the hut for -me."</p> - -<p>The boys all crowded inside, followed by the trapper. A lantern hung -from the roof, brightly illuminating the small interior, and making a -cheerful contrast to the growing darkness outside.</p> - -<p>"A purty snug little place, mates," observed Yardsley, seating himself -on an empty box.</p> - -<p>The light played fantastically over his rugged features, ruthlessly -bringing out the wrinkles and hollows formed by conflict with the -elements. His strong, bony hands clasped his knee, and, leaning back, -he gazed moodily at the floor, now and then half starting when a -particularly violent gust of wind shook the hut.</p> - -<p>"It will soon be as dark as pitch," declared Tom Clifton, pulling aside -the canvas flap and looking out. "Snow still coming down pretty lively, -too. We'll have another job clearing it away in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Where in the world can Hacky and Somers be, I wonder?" spoke up Nat.</p> - -<p>"Don't worry, mates. They will turn up to-morrow, sure," said Yardsley. -Then, to relieve his own feelings, he began to talk on other subjects.</p> - -<p>"I say, fellows," broke in Dick Travers, suddenly, "there was something -mighty suspicious about those fellows across the lake calling us over -this morning."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked the poet laureate, quickly.</p> - -<p>"It looks as though they wanted to have an eye on us. Queer, too, that -Robson should have been alone."</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon seemed somewhat startled, and reflected for a moment. "I -can't believe those chaps would do anything of that sort," he said, -with a decided shake of his head. "Story Robson told seemed straight to -me. Nice fellows, I think."</p> - -<p>"Best ter say nothin' more about it," observed the trapper. "Guess I -done wrong ter 'rouse yer s'picions."</p> - -<p>Nat Wingate leaned back and stuffed his hands in his pocket. "Did -Robson act as if he had a headache, Chub?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"He didn't look very spry, that's certain."</p> - -<p>"An' I guess it was true 'nough 'bout them wolves," put in Yardsley, -and he contracted his brow until two deep lines appeared.</p> - -<p>"My idea, too," added Dave.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are easy, Chub," said Nat, rather scornfully. "For my part, -I think those chaps took the furs, and we're going to find out before -very long."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> - -<h3>THE FAWN</h3> - - -<p>Scrambling desperately, John Hackett strove to pull himself beyond the -reach of the wolf.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers, standing upon an insecure ledge above, and at imminent -risk of taking a tumble, fired point-blank. The animal, with a howl of -mingled fury and pain, stopped—then went limping away, while Hackett, -with another strenuous effort, managed to gain a position of safety.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Somers, old man," he managed to exclaim. "He came pretty near -giving me a good snip. My eye! We'll attend to those ugly brutes now. -Just look at 'em."</p> - -<p>"We were lucky to get up here, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and that concert is going to stop—mighty quick, too."</p> - -<p>Hackett slipped a round of cartridges into his rifle, and taking a firm -stand, raised it to his shoulder.</p> - -<p>His aim was true. Without a cry, one of the beasts toppled over in a -heap.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah! Maybe 'Mushroom' could do better than that!" cried the slim -boy, exultingly. "Watch me again, Somers—wow!" Hackett, in his -eagerness, almost slipped from his position.</p> - -<p>"Gracious, Hacky—thought you were going down, sure."</p> - -<p>"It was a close call. Fine, to be plumped right in among 'em," and -Hackett gave a perceptible shiver.</p> - -<p>Awaiting favorable opportunities, both kept on firing, and with each -report, came yelps of rage and pain. The baffled animals scurried away, -then slowly returned to the base of the cliff, where they trotted -around, looking upward, their glistening teeth and red tongues giving -them a most ferocious aspect.</p> - -<p>"Only a few more left, now, Somers. Here goes another," and Hackett -proved his assertion by a skilful shot. The blood-curdling screech that -followed seemed to carry consternation into the hearts of the others. -Hastily falling back, they circled around for a moment, then, dismally -howling, leaped over the snow and disappeared from view behind the -veil of falling flakes.</p> - -<p>"My eye! That's great! We have done ourselves proud!" exclaimed -Hackett. "Five of 'em! What will old Yardsley say to this, eh, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"That we know how to look out for ourselves. Talk about being stiff and -cold—my position is so cramped—"</p> - -<p>"Let's get down, then."</p> - -<p>"That's what I'm going to do just as soon as we're sure those beasts -are not coming back."</p> - -<p>After a considerable wait, when there was nothing to indicate that -their savage foes were near, Bob Somers eased himself down, and, with -a sigh of relief, stretched his aching limbs. By swinging his arms -vigorously and dancing a jig, the circulation was quickly restored. -Hackett followed his example.</p> - -<p>"Gracious, what ugly looking beasts," exclaimed Bob as his eyes rested -on their late besiegers.</p> - -<p>"We'll take the tails along, to show the fellows," said Hackett. -"There's a bounty for 'em, too. I knew I could do the trick. Made some -pretty good shots, eh, Somers?" and Hackett smiled complacently.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you did," returned Bob, with a faint grin. "But better let's -pitch in, now, and get a pile of wood ready for the night. The wolves -may take it into their heads to come back."</p> - -<p>"To think of having to spend hours and hours in this gloomy place," -grumbled Hackett. "It's fierce luck—nothing to eat, either. Say, -we, too, have an account to settle with the fellows who stole old -Yardsley's furs. I'd like to run across 'em. Wonder if he had any luck?"</p> - -<p>"Not likely. The trail was 'most lost when we got separated."</p> - -<p>No sign of the remaining wolves being seen, they boldly set to work, -and in spite of their tired condition, kept at it until a great pile -of fuel was gathered. Then the bodies of the dead wolves were tossed -unceremoniously to one side.</p> - -<p>The smouldering fire soon quickened into life, and by this time, -darkness had settled over the scene, a pitchy darkness, which the fire -lighted up for a short distance with a fantastic glare.</p> - -<p>Conversation lagged. They gazed moodily at the crumbling logs sending -up showers of sparks, at the ever-changing forms, so suggestive to -imaginative minds of hobgoblins and elves, dancing and twisting into -every conceivable shape, but nothing could make them forget their -hunger.</p> - -<p>Time wearily dragged on—hours and hours passed—then tired nature -asserted itself.</p> - -<p>"No use of two keeping watch, Hacky. Let's take turns on guard, or if -you want to take a nap—"</p> - -<p>"I'm not any more tired than you are. I can stand about as much as any -fellow I know of."</p> - -<p>"Certainly you can," laughed Bob. "We can settle it by drawing lots. If -I win, you can bet I'll take a nap."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>When the daylight began to show itself through a dull sky, patched with -blue, the snow had stopped falling.</p> - -<p>A flock of crows passed noisily overhead. Soon the frostwork in the -forest was sparkling like diamonds, as the sun burst through a rift in -the grayish clouds.</p> - -<p>Bob jumped to his feet. "Morning, and a fine one, too," he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"You're right, Somers. Are you ready to skip?"</p> - -<p>"You bet! Say, but I'm sore and stiff; and I'll starve, too, if I don't -get something to eat pretty soon."</p> - -<p>Snow-shoes were strapped on, and after cutting off the wolves' tails, a -start was made.</p> - -<p>"Which direction do you think the camp is, Somers?"</p> - -<p>"About southeast. We ought not to have much trouble in striking Lake -Wolverine, with the sun to help us."</p> - -<p>"Guess you are right. It might be a good idea to climb a tree. I'll do -that on top of the next hill."</p> - -<p>Everywhere were evidences of the storm's ravages. Branches and limbs -lay on all sides and occasionally small trees were found lying -prostrate on the snow.</p> - -<p>Through a heavily timbered section the boys forced their way, often -confronted by huge snow-drifts.</p> - -<p>On reaching the summit of a high hill, Hackett looked about him.</p> - -<p>"There's a tree that will do, Somers," he said, pointing to one close -at hand. "When I get my snow-shoes off, give me a boost."</p> - -<p>In spite of little food and a very hard night, Hackett had not lost his -agility. From branch to branch he climbed aloft, until a dizzy height -was reached.</p> - -<p>"I can see the upper end of the lake, Somers," he called, "but it's a -good way off. We are headed all right, though," he added, beginning to -descend.</p> - -<p>"A couple of hours ought to see us at the camp," declared Hackett, when -he stood on the ground once more.</p> - -<p>"How far is the lake?"</p> - -<p>"About three miles. Let's hustle."</p> - -<p>Down the steep slope they went, and at the bottom found themselves in -a forest of evergreens. The air was crisp and invigorating and the -fragrant odor of the pines delightful.</p> - -<p>The ground was again rising gently. A few paces further, Bob Somers -suddenly seized Hackett by the arm. "Gracious alive—a deer," he -whispered. "Don't make a sound."</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked his companion, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Straight ahead," said Bob.</p> - -<p>They had reached the top of a slight elevation. Below, with its back -turned toward them, was a deer browsing upon cedar boughs.</p> - -<p>"Sure enough! If this isn't the greatest piece of luck I ever heard of; -and the wind is blowing in the right direction, too." Hackett's voice -trembled with excitement. "Mind your eye, Somers," he continued, "and -we'll get it. Let's circle around, and—" he paused, for the deer swung -its head to one side, and both boys expected to see it dash off on the -instant.</p> - -<p>But, to their intense relief, the animal continued browsing, and, with -the utmost caution, they moved along, eagerly peering between the -masses of underbrush.</p> - -<p>"It's still there," said Hackett, in scarcely audible tones. "A minute -more, and I'm going to take a chance."</p> - -<p>"Don't utter even a whisper," interrupted Bob, warningly.</p> - -<p>In silence, the eager hunters, bending low, circled around.</p> - -<p>A moment later, coming in full view of the deer between wide openings -in the trees, Hackett raised his rifle, conquered the strange tremor -which had seized him, and fired.</p> - -<p>It was a thrilling moment. A wreath of bluish smoke slowly drifted -upward, then the excited boys saw the animal plunge forward, and sink -to its knees.</p> - -<p>A hearty shout came from Hackett. "Knew I couldn't miss!" he cried, -exultingly, as he dashed ahead.</p> - -<p>The deer recovered its feet, and floundered through the snow. But the -slim boy rapidly gained on the wounded animal, and, waiting until he -was within easy range, fired again.</p> - -<p>This time, the doe, struck in a vital part, dropped in her tracks and -rolled heavily in the snow.</p> - -<p>Hackett rushed forward in the greatest excitement. A cry of triumph -came from his lips. The only great achievement of the trip had been -his—already, he saw himself looked upon as a mighty hunter by the -Kingswood boys.</p> - -<p>But as he approached the body of the doe, a plaintive cry attracted his -attention, so soft and faint as to almost pass unheard.</p> - -<p>"What's that, I wonder?" muttered Hackett, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>Looking quickly around, he saw a pair of large, pleading eyes, gazing -into his own. Partially hidden by a mass of underbrush stood a young -fawn.</p> - -<p>The little creature seemed to be on the point of leaping off, but, as -Hackett remained perfectly still, it apparently took courage, then -gazed at the doe with such a mournful expression that the young hunter -felt touched.</p> - -<p>"Hang it all, Somers," he exclaimed, regretfully, "I wish I hadn't made -such a corking good shot. I do—and no mistake."</p> - -<p>"A fawn, by George! I thought I saw something moving along back of that -bush," cried Bob Somers. "Come here," he said, coaxingly, holding out -his hand.</p> - -<p>But the small creature leaped lightly aside.</p> - -<p>"My eye! I'll take him back with me," declared Hackett. "You bet I -will."</p> - -<p>"Catch him first," laughed Bob.</p> - -<p>"I think we can manage it. See, he hasn't gone far. Leave it to me, -Somers. It will be sporting up and down my father's lawn yet."</p> - -<p>With an assortment of strange sounds, Hackett stepped forward. But -as long as he was in motion the fawn kept moving away, showing no -disposition, however, to go very far from the slain doe.</p> - -<p>Hackett displayed a great deal of patience, and finally the fawn, -apparently realizing that no harm was intended, allowed him to approach.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, Bob Somers had made a noose out of a piece of cord, -and when the slim boy finally succeeded in coaxing the animal to his -side, they managed, by careful work, to slip it over the fawn's neck, -and it was then a prisoner.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> - -<h3>BACK TO CAMP</h3> - - -<p>"It's the fellows, as sure as you live!" cried Dick Travers. "Whoop! -Isn't that great, Chubby? Makes me feel like dancing for joy."</p> - -<p>The faint report of a gun came over the frosty air, following a signal -fired by Yardsley.</p> - -<p>"Must be the cap'n an' mate," commented the trapper, with hope in his -voice.</p> - -<p>"Cracky, I only hope we're not going to be disappointed," put in Sam -Randall, anxiously. "Shall we fire again?"</p> - -<p>"'Tain't no use now," declared Musgrove, decidedly.</p> - -<p>On reaching the top of a hill, the eager searchers were rewarded by -seeing two figures slowly moving along in the valley below.</p> - -<p>"Is it them?" asked Tim Sladder, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"I'm sure it is," declared Dick Travers; "I'd know Hackett's thin -figure a mile away."</p> - -<p>"I don't even mind losin' them furs—if that's the cap'n an' mate, safe -an' sound," exclaimed Yardsley, heartily. "Tell the truth, I ain't had -a minute's rest fur thinkin' about 'em."</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi—hey!" yelled Nat; "hello, Hacky—whoop!" and he waved his hand -frantically in the air.</p> - -<p>An answering call reached their ears.</p> - -<p>"My goodness, but I'm glad," cried Sam Randall, enthusiastically. "This -is the best moment of the trip."</p> - -<p>"I knew they would turn up all right, though," commented Dave Brandon. -But his shining eyes and tone indicated a feeling of the greatest -relief. "What is that they have with them—a dog, or what?" he asked -abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Most likely a 'What,'" grinned Nat.</p> - -<p>"Some four-legged critter, sure enough," put in Tim Sladder.</p> - -<p>"Bless you," began Yardsley—he shaded his eyes—"what can it be? -Youngsters," he added, in a surprised tone, "the cap'n an' mate's got a -fawn. Did you ever hear the beat of it? Really—if I ain't surprised!"</p> - -<p>"Christopher! They must be getting a menagerie together," observed Nat -Wingate, wonderingly.</p> - -<p>Swiftly the snow-shoes glided over the white surface of the slope, -Yardsley leading the way, and soon they were within easy call.</p> - -<p>A chorus of cheers floated over the air, and before the echoes had -ceased lusty shouts came from the others.</p> - -<p>"Ah, but it's good ter see 'em again," cried Yardsley. "An' they don't -look none the wuss fur it, neither."</p> - -<p>"Hurrah for the bounding brotherhood of deer catchers," yelled Nat, and -above the din which followed was heard Billy Musgrove's loud laugh.</p> - -<p>"Hello, fellows!"</p> - -<p>"Hello, Nat, old man!"</p> - -<p>Enthusiastic greetings, hand-shaking and exclamations followed. -Questions, sharp, quick and to the point, were hurled back and forth. -All spoke at once, and no one managed to get a clear idea of anything -until Yardsley waved his hand for silence.</p> - -<p>"Softly, youngsters," he exclaimed; "give 'em time."</p> - -<p>"It strikes me you're right," agreed Sam Randall. "Quit that racket, -fellows. What's that, Bob—wolves? Say—"</p> - -<p>"Wolves!" echoed Hackett. "Did we have a fight?—Well!" the slim boy -drew a long breath.</p> - -<p>The tumult threatened to break out again, but the pause was well -timed, and Hackett launched forth into a vivid description, which was -punctuated at telling points by a chorus of "ah's and oh's" from his -interested listeners.</p> - -<p>"Boys, I'm proud of yer," declared the trapper, beamingly, as he -extended his hand to each in turn. "Born hunters—both of yer. What -d'ye think of it?" and he turned toward Sladder and Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Ain't bad, fur town fellers, but," and Musgrove grinned in his -impudent fashion, "me an' Tim wouldn't think nothing of it. No, sir! -Why—"</p> - -<p>"But do tell us about the fawn," interposed Dick Travers, impatiently, -as Hackett's eyes began to glare.</p> - -<p>During the reunion, the small animal had made frantic efforts to -escape. The sight of big, lumbering Bowser especially terrified it, -but the dog, slowly walking forth and back, kept at a considerable -distance, eying the newcomer askance, occasionally uttering a doleful -bark.</p> - -<p>"Brave dog of yours, Sladder," sneered Hackett. "Wonder it hasn't -keeled over. It can hardly stand up now, for fright."</p> - -<p>Tim grinned, then glanced, with a rather peculiar expression, at -Yardsley. "He ain't never been hisself since he heard them awful -screeches outside our shanty," he declared. "'Most had a spell then; -but you ain't got money enough ter buy him."</p> - -<p>"He's only good enough for the dog pound."</p> - -<p>"Oh, but the fawn—do tell us about the fawn," put in Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>Hackett complied.</p> - -<p>"Somers will tell you what a corking good shot it was. I'd like to see -any one in this crowd beat it," he declared, decisively, as the story -was concluded.</p> - -<p>"Them fawns, if yer runs acrost 'em at the proper age, are easy tamed," -said John Yardsley.</p> - -<p>"What beautiful eyes," remarked Tom Clifton, admiringly.</p> - -<p>"And pretty head," added Dick. "What are you going to do with it, -'Hatchet'?"</p> - -<p>"It goes back to Kingswood, and will walk around my governor's lawn, -larger than life."</p> - -<p>"Are we going to stand here gabbing all day?" asked Bob, with a comical -grimace. "Talk about feeling hungry—and tired—and cold."</p> - -<p>"That's so! You sure had a fierce time of it!" exclaimed Yardsley, -apologetically. "Come with me, an' I'll make a spread fur the hull -crowd—that I will."</p> - -<p>This arrangement was gladly acceded to, especially as the last spread -had been one to be remembered.</p> - -<p>Every one was glad when the cabin came in view, and still more glad -when a fire was started. While Tom Clifton and Dick Travers assisted -the hunter, the rest discussed the various events which had befallen -them.</p> - -<p>"No, I ain't seen them fellers 'crost the lake," snapped Billy -Musgrove, in answer to a question. "Ain't pertic'lar 'bout it, neither. -No, sir; Piker an' Jobson got too fresh. Say, what d'ye think Jobson -says ter me?" A peculiarly injured expression crossed his face, and, -for a moment, a pair of small eyes blinked angrily. "He says, 'Muzzy, -yer got the biggest mouth I ever seen.' Honest, he did, Springate—them -was his words."</p> - -<p>"But you called him down all right, Billy," grinned Tim Sladder.</p> - -<p>"Sure I did! What's that, Springate—you think they stole Pardsley's -furs?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't say anything to you, Musgrove," said Nat, annoyed that an -unguarded remark had been overheard.</p> - -<p>"I hearn you, though, that I did. Say, you don't know nothing about it. -No, sir." Billy Musgrove leaned back on an empty soap box. "I ain't -a-sayin' I like 'em," he went on, looking down on the floor, and slowly -twirling his thumbs, "an' I don't know nothing about 'em, but—"</p> - -<p>"I reckon we'll never l'arn who robbed me," broke in Yardsley.</p> - -<p>"An' I don't keer," continued Billy Musgrove, calmly.</p> - -<p>"An' I was going ter say," interposed the trapper, "that now the cap'n -an' his mate's got back safely, I ain't a-kickin'."</p> - -<p>"See here, Wardsley, what makes you call Scummers 'cap'n'?" asked -Musgrove, with a grin and a wink. "D'ye think he's boss? If yer do, -ask that long-legged chap."</p> - -<p>"You make me think of a purp in a mud puddle—always stirring up -things," remarked Hackett, half angrily. "Don't get too gay. I won't -stand for it—no, sir. Ask me pal, Nat," and he mimicked Billy's voice -so well that the boys fairly exploded with laughter.</p> - -<p>"Want to go over with us to-morrow night, and see 'Piper' and the rest, -Sladder?" asked Nat, when quiet was restored.</p> - -<p>"What are you goin' fur?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing special. Just to see how they are making out," answered Nat, -evasively.</p> - -<p>"Sure thing, we'll go," interrupted Musgrove. "Wouldn't hev 'em think -they scared us none. To-morrow night, eh?—Suits me, all right."</p> - -<p>"Wonder what luck they've had, anyway?" observed Sladder.</p> - -<p>"Them chaps ain't no hunters. Ain't many hunters out here neither;" -and at this very obvious insinuation Billy winked several times, and -affected not to notice the dense silence which, for a moment, followed -his words.</p> - -<p>Appetizing odors soon filled the room, and the half-famished wanderers -could scarcely wait until the steaming viands were placed on the long -table near the window.</p> - -<p>The meal was thoroughly enjoyed, and at its completion the poet -laureate distinguished himself by promptly going to sleep.</p> - -<p>"Let him be, mates," observed Yardsley. "And who's a-goin' with me ter -fetch that there deer to camp?" he asked, a moment later.</p> - -<p>"I will," said Dick Travers.</p> - -<p>"Guess I'll go, too," added Randall.</p> - -<p>"We'd best be going soon," continued Yardsley, "or we'll find that the -varmints have made a meal of it."</p> - -<p>When Yardsley and the two Ramblers started off after the deer, the -others began to make their way toward the lake.</p> - -<p>As the afternoon advanced, the clouds which still dotted the sky began -to disappear, and before dark the last whitish patch had vanished -behind a hill. Finally a glimmering light began to show in the -northeast, and the moon rose against a steel blue sky sprinkled with -stars.</p> - -<p>Sam Randall and Dick Travers returned, and announced the success of -their trip.</p> - -<p>The rigor of a keen, cutting air was greatly lessened by a roaring -fire, and the boys managed to make themselves comfortable.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers and Hackett, however, thoroughly worn out, concluded to -retire early, and while the figures of Sladder, Musgrove and Bowser -were yet patches of dark against a snowy background, each was ready for -his bed of fir brush.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> - -<h3>A QUARREL</h3> - - -<p>"Here comes Sladder, Musgrove and the mighty Bowser," laughed Bob, when -supper was finished next evening.</p> - -<p>"There's a light in the cabin, so we might as well get ready," added -Sam Randall, rising to his feet.</p> - -<p>The Stony Creek hunters soon drew up alongside the blazing fire.</p> - -<p>"Evenin'! You fellers goin' over now? Piker's gang is there," said -Musgrove. "A bully night, too, fur skatin'," he added.</p> - -<p>The full moon gleamed brightly from a cloudless sky, sending the -shadows of the dark trees in a delicate tracery over the foreground. -The huts were edged with light, while beyond stretched a pale, ghostly -expanse of snow, broken here and there by dark patches of trees and -underbrush. Overhead, a few bright stars sparkled upon the field of -blue.</p> - -<p>"Big crowd of us, isn't there?" said Tom Clifton, with a glance over -his shoulder, as all started for the lake.</p> - -<p>"Sure," replied Sladder; "with Bowser, it makes ten. Guess there won't -be much room in that there cabin when all of us gits inside."</p> - -<p>"Race, Wackett?" grinned Musgrove, as the crisp whirr of the steel rang -out.</p> - -<p>"Do you think I want to break my neck? A fellow might run across -an air hole or thin spot somewhere. Daytime for me. And say, -Mushroom"—Hackett's voice betrayed a trace of impatience—"you won't -talk so much about racing after the next time."</p> - -<p>"Huh—what's the reason I won't?"</p> - -<p>"You'll find out. I'll have the Stony Creek championship dangling from -my belt before long, eh, Nat?" and Hackett playfully poked his chum in -the ribs.</p> - -<p>The starlike point of light in the cabin grew larger and brighter, and -finally the log structure could be faintly seen against the side of the -hill.</p> - -<p>"Hello—hi, hi!" yelled Hackett, and the chorus of shouts which -followed soon brought a response.</p> - -<p>The door was opened, sending a stream of light out upon the snow. Dark -forms crowded the entrance, and Piper's voice was heard, inviting them -to come in.</p> - -<p>The snow-drifts along the shore and around the cabin were particularly -heavy, but the boys quickly floundered through them.</p> - -<p>"I'm glad to see you," said Piper, heartily, as the group approached. -"Been wondering how you fared in the storm. Hello—you here?"</p> - -<p>His eye had rested on the forms of Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove, who -stood in the full glare of light.</p> - -<p>At this remark, the latter's face assumed its most impudent expression. -He folded his arms and surveyed the speaker an instant before replying, -"Certainly—an' why not?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, well—didn't expect you—that's all."</p> - -<p>Piper's voice grew sarcastic, his manner became frigid, while Robson, -standing just inside, gave a short laugh. "Anyway, we don't want that -Bowser in here," went on Piper. "A hundred pounds of dog would take up -too much room."</p> - -<p>"An' I suppose me an' me pal, Tim, ain't good 'nough ter come in, -neither—eh?" growled Musgrove, compressing his lips.</p> - -<p>"No use getting riled. Move lively, fellows—don't want to let in too -much cold air."</p> - -<p>For an instant the Stony Creek boys held back. Then Sladder whispered -in his chum's ear, and the two slowly walked inside. Bowser, left out -in the cold, set up a mournful howl and began scratching at the door.</p> - -<p>"Sit on anything you can find, fellows," said Piper, with a pleasant -smile. "It seems to me," he added, "that we ought to build an addition -to this shack. What's the matter with that brute?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you think a dog feels the cold jest like humans, Swiper?" -interposed Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Seems to me it's more of a great big calf than a canine," laughed -Piper. "Pretty heavy storm we had, eh? It was a job clearing away some -of the snow-drifts. Seems to me I never worked so hard in my life. How -did you fellows make out?"</p> - -<p>"Well, Piper," replied Nat Wingate, sitting in an indolent fashion near -the stove, "there was excitement on our side of the lake, and plenty of -it, too."</p> - -<p>"Bob Somers and Hackett had an awful time," ventured Tom Clifton. -"Almost got chewed up by wolves."</p> - -<p>"By wolves?" echoed Heydon, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes! We certainly had the fight of our lives—and no mistake," -answered Hackett. "You see, Piper, it was this way—"</p> - -<p>A particularly loud whine from the disconsolate Bowser interrupted him.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to let the poor brute in," remarked Rex Heydon. "If we -don't, the meeting will be disturbed too much."</p> - -<p>"Seems to me," put in Piper, reflectively, "that I wouldn't own a dog -like that."</p> - -<p>"Don't say nothin' agin Bowser," protested Tim Sladder, warmly. He -opened the door to admit the animal, which bounded in with a great -demonstration of joy.</p> - -<p>"Now spin your yarn," said Piper.</p> - -<p>Nat Wingate, quite anxious to see if the trio displayed any evidence of -guilt, quickly spoke up. "Yardsley had all his furs and skins stolen," -he exclaimed, abruptly, and pausing to note the effect of his words, he -glanced sharply at the three young men.</p> - -<p>They seemed profoundly astonished.</p> - -<p>"Had his furs stolen?" gasped Piper. "How—when?"</p> - -<p>Nat proceeded to tell them, and when he had finished Hackett began his -tale.</p> - -<p>"Well, you fellows certainly had a strenuous day, all right," commented -Robson with a long breath as he concluded. "Let's see—say, it happened -just about the time I sent up the smoke signals, eh?"</p> - -<p>Piper contracted his brow on hearing this, and stared reflectively at -the floor. "It seems to me," he began.</p> - -<p>"Can't you say nothin' else than 'it seems ter me'?" grinned Musgrove, -impudently. "That's the ninth time yer said it. I counted 'em."</p> - -<p>"Seems to me that you—"</p> - -<p>"Makes ten!" Billy shifted his position and chuckled audibly, while -Piper glared angrily for a moment, then resumed, "This is a pretty -serious business, boys. Have you seen any one around lately?"</p> - -<p>"No!"</p> - -<p>"And doesn't Yardsley have any suspicions?"</p> - -<p>An uncomfortable expression flitted across Nat Wingate's face, and -slight as it was, Piper's quick eye detected it.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho!" put in the poet laureate, "it's all a mystery. Yardsley said -yesterday that he never expected to find out who took them."</p> - -<p>A sort of chuckle came from Billy Musgrove, which seemed to irritate -Piper considerably. Heydon, too, looked over with a surprised air, -remarking, "I'm sure I can't see what there is to amuse any one in an -affair like this."</p> - -<p>"I ain't said I was amused at the rob'ry," returned Musgrove with -another chuckle.</p> - -<p>"But at something—that's quite apparent," said Piper. For a moment -he remained thoughtful, then, as an idea suddenly entered his mind, -a slight flush crossed his face. "What is this, Wingate?" he asked, -rather sharply. "What did old Yardsley say? Come, out with it. No need -of any mystery."</p> - -<p>"Brandon just told you," answered Nat, evasively.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes—but I'll be bound that wasn't all. Look at Musgrove—he can -scarcely keep his face straight."</p> - -<p>Silence followed this remark. It was broken by Rex Heydon, who -observed, "I guess we can see through a wall when there's a hole in it. -What are you afraid of?"</p> - -<p>"Afraid?" Nat Wingate mechanically repeated the word, then came to a -pause, looking considerably nonplussed.</p> - -<p>Piper turned toward the smallest member of the Rambler Club and held up -his finger. "Tom Clifton," he said, with a trace of anger in his voice, -"I want to know exactly what that old trapper had to say!"</p> - -<p>But Billy Musgrove interrupted. "What are you gittin' excited 'bout, -Sniper?" he asked, the grin leaving his face. "Why do you want ter know -what Pardsley says?"</p> - -<p>"I'm not talking to you," snapped Piper.</p> - -<p>"Come now—don't be scared, Tommy," he went on, encouragingly; "out -with it. Wingate knows, but won't tell. Kind of lost his nerve, -perhaps."</p> - -<p>"You must think I lose my nerve pretty easily," laughed Nat.</p> - -<p>"Well, it seems to me—that will do, Musgrove, if my English doesn't -happen to please your scholarly mind, I can't help it—that you ought -to be frank, Wingate. Your nature may be a little timid—some people -are that way—and—"</p> - -<p>"Can't say I like that," interrupted Nat, his eyes beginning to flash. -"A little timid, eh? I guess you don't know me very well yet, Piper."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, we'll test that a bit—of course no offense intended. Now -it seems to me—"</p> - -<p>A groan came from Musgrove. Piper cast an angry look in his direction, -and continued, "Now—just show me how much nerve you have. I can tell -that old Yardsley said something about us—don't deny it. Really -doesn't make any difference, but—"</p> - -<p>Nat Wingate half arose. He felt that all eyes were upon him and to -be even mildly accused of lack of courage made the hot blood mount -to his face. "Do you think I'd lose my nerve on your account?" he -exclaimed,—"not much!"</p> - -<p>"Come—come, fellows!" expostulated Dave Brandon, quietly; "there is no -need of any trouble."</p> - -<p>"The idea of him talkin' like that, when Springate's been insulted," -chuckled Musgrove, in a hoarse whisper. "This is as good as a circus. -But Sniper can't scare Springate none no, sir—not he."</p> - -<p>"Piper," spoke up Robson, at this juncture, "you made a mistake in -letting Muzz come in, after his impudence the other day."</p> - -<p>"My imperdence?" Billy rose excitedly. "My imperdence?" he repeated, -furiously. "If that don't beat all! I like that—of all the sassy -fellers I ever run acrost, Sniper, you're the wust." Musgrove leaned -forward—the light revealed a face purple with rage. "But yer can't -scare me, or me pal, Tim—no, sir!"</p> - -<p>"And I won't stand fur no sass, neither," asserted Sladder, taking a -stand by the side of his chum. "We ain't lookin' fur trouble, but when -it comes, we kin handle an awful lot."</p> - -<p>Piper glared for a moment at the two boys, then arose. "You will have -precious little opportunity for handling any around here," he observed, -"or for making any, either."</p> - -<p>"'Seems ter me,'" retorted Musgrove, also arising, "that it was you -what's been makin' a fuss. I never seen sich a crowd."</p> - -<p>Charlie Piper was thoroughly incensed. "Get out of this cabin, you -grinning jackanapes," he cried, wrathfully. Then, walking to the door, -he threw it open. "Take yourselves and that clumsy old brute out of -here before my temper gets the best of me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, we ain't pertic'lar anxious ter stay," sneered Musgrove, as he -spitefully kicked over the box on which he had been sitting and edged -away. "You're a nice one—a pertic'lar nice one—oh, yes! An' Springate -ain't the feller I think he is, if he lets hisself be insulted. -Imperdence, eh? Well, you know how ter hand it out, all right."</p> - -<p>"An' I ain't standing fur no more of it, neither," added Tim Sladder. -"Come on, Bowser!" And the Stony Creek boys stalked slowly and -defiantly toward the door.</p> - -<p>"Nice, pleasant evening," remarked Nat, dryly.</p> - -<p>"Mean anything by that?" queried Piper.</p> - -<p>"Come now, Charlie," interposed Heydon. "Those Stony Creek fellows have -kind of spoiled things. Let it drop."</p> - -<p>"If some one had had the courage to speak out in a manly fashion, this -trouble could all have been avoided," returned the other. "Don't blame -the whole thing on them."</p> - -<p>"Boys!" exclaimed Heydon, with a deprecatory gesture. "No use taking -that seriously. Call the thing ended. Won't you have a cup of coffee?"</p> - -<p>"I think not," answered Nat, coldly, as he arose from his seat. "Guess -I'll be going, too," he continued. "Hang it all—no matter what -Yardsley said, it's no affair of ours."</p> - -<p>"Might be better to change the subject now," said Fulmer Robson, with a -forced laugh, "and begin—"</p> - -<p>"I'll say good-night, fellows," continued Nat, as he took a step toward -the door. "Coming along, Hackett?"</p> - -<p>"Well, if you are in such a humor as that," snapped Piper, "I've -nothing further to say. No doubt that fellow Yardsley thinks we stole -his furs—I could read it in your face."</p> - -<p>"We're not responsible for another person's opinion," observed Hackett, -a little disappointed that the row had not assumed larger proportions.</p> - -<p>"Still I notice that no one has the sand to let me know what he said." -Piper spoke in a most sarcastic tone, and glanced from Hackett to -Wingate.</p> - -<p>Nat's brown eyes flashed. "You'll admit yourself, Piper," he blurted -out, "that it looks mighty singular. Just at the time we are sent for, -the furs happen to disappear. Anybody would be a fool not to—"</p> - -<p>"That will do," interrupted Piper, harshly. "The whole crowd of you -might as well get out. This isn't the end of the affair by a long shot!"</p> - -<p>Hackett opened the door. "And you'll find out that we have as much sand -as anybody," he growled. "Don't you forget it."</p> - -<p>"It needs to be proven," retorted Piper, angrily. "If you are going, -kindly shut the door. We don't care to be frozen out."</p> - -<p>"If you want proofs," snapped Hackett, "you'll get them fast enough. -This crowd doesn't take a back seat for anybody."</p> - -<p>"Very good—but just remember that we're in no mood to be trifled -with," was Piper's parting fling.</p> - -<p>Almost before they realized it, the boys found themselves standing -outside the cabin, wondering at the strange termination of their visit.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Tim Sladder and Billy Musgrove had not left the vicinity. -They considered themselves grievously insulted, and Bowser, too, had -been referred to in the most slurring manner. As the two conversed in -low tones, their anger grew, rather than lessened.</p> - -<p>In the full glare of moonlight, the Stony Creek boys stood, dark and -mysterious against a background of silvery white snow, now and then -turning toward the cabin to make a threatening gesture. Finally, -instead of re-crossing the lake, and moving as if some momentous scheme -was under way, they began to climb the hill back of the cabin. It was -steep and partially bare of trees.</p> - -<p>On reaching the top, Billy Musgrove chuckled—it was a particularly -mirthful chuckle, and seemed to indicate that his wrathful feelings had -been swallowed up in those of a more pleasant nature. Below, the cabin -appeared as a dark patch, while a glimmer of pale yellow light spread -over the snow from the window on the other side.</p> - -<p>"We jest hit the right scheme, Tim," exclaimed Musgrove, cautiously. -"'Bout here is the spot. We'll make a whopper, an' it oughter swoop -down like a streak o' lightnin'. That 'seems ter me' feller will find -out it ain't good ter insult us none."</p> - -<p>Tim Sladder grinned. "I can hardly wait," he said. "Here you, -Bowser—keep quiet. Guess it will surprise 'em some. Let's begin ter -scoop it up. Plenty of big drifts jest in the right place."</p> - -<p>"My, but Springate was mad with Sniper," chuckled Billy. "Hope they -ain't gone when this here punk'n begins a-rollin'."</p> - -<p>With an energy that would have done credit to a more worthy cause, the -Stony Creek boys began to get together a pile of snow. A big mass was -pounded and rolled together until it became firm and solid.</p> - -<p>They watched the white ball growing into formidable dimensions with -many stifled bursts of laughter, while old Bowser, taking a languid -interest in the proceedings, gazed curiously as it was rolled from -place to place gathering up more snow.</p> - -<p>"Hello—believe them chaps is a-comin' out now," observed Sladder. -"Ain't that Piper a-talkin' loud?"</p> - -<p>"Guess you're right, Tim," chuckled Musgrove, listening intently. -"Sounds like a scrap, don't it?"</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't worry me none, if it was. But don't let 'em see you, Billy."</p> - -<p>"This here huckleberry is 'most done an' ready ter roll. Git back a -bit, Tim. I can see 'em hangin' around the door. Say—there's Scummers -a-callin' us."</p> - -<p>"Let 'im call. We ain't got no time ter gab. Important business on -hand." Tim Sladder chuckled and peered cautiously over the edge of the -declivity. An exclamation of impatience escaped him, as he saw several -dusky figures wending their way toward the base of the hill. "By jingo, -they must have heard us," he exclaimed. "Believe they're a-comin' up, -too."</p> - -<p>Consternation seemed to seize Musgrove. "An' we jest ready ter start -the ball a-rollin'," he growled. "Quick, Tim—if they once gits up, -they'll stop us, maybe. Shove the punk'n over, an' scoot."</p> - -<p>The boys jumped toward the huge snowball. With an effort that taxed all -their strength, they managed to roll it toward a mass of underbrush, -then the two disappeared amidst the trees.</p> - -<p>The sound of voices from below grew louder, and Musgrove, with the -greatest caution, presently moved forward to a place where he could see -over the edge of the hill.</p> - -<p>"What are they a-doin'?" questioned Tim, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Tryin' ter mind our business, fur sure—the hull crowd is a-comin' up."</p> - -<p>"Right this way?" asked Sladder, in alarm.</p> - -<p>"No! Kinder circlin' around. Yer can yell yer head off, Scummers, but -nobody ain't goin' ter answer."</p> - -<p>"Can't we roll it over now?" put in Sladder, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Best wait." Billy drew back like a shot. "Thought sure they seed me -that time," he whispered. "Lay low—get down, you Bowser."</p> - -<p>Screening themselves behind a mass of underbrush, the boys kept their -eyes on the others, who, climbing the hill some distance off, were -occasionally lost to view behind the trees.</p> - -<p>Hoping that they would soon be discouraged and give up the search, -Sladder and Musgrove remained silent, but as the minutes flew by they -saw the Kingswood boys pushing steadily up the hill.</p> - -<p>"Ain't this the meanest luck?" growled Sladder, in scarcely audible -tones. "But they ain't a-goin' ter stop us—no, sir—they ain't. Wow! -They's a-comin' this way. Stir yourself, Billy!"</p> - -<p>"They must have heerd us, or they wouldn't have been nosin' around fur -fifteen minutes," returned Musgrove, disgustedly.</p> - -<p>Throwing aside all caution, the latter straightened up, and with -Sladder at his heels, boldly walked toward the huge snowball.</p> - -<p>"Crickets, Billy, this is 'most as heavy as lead," puffed the latter, -as he attempted to roll it.</p> - -<p>"It's a whopper, all right—quick—them fellers is a-gittin' close't."</p> - -<p>Putting their shoulders to the mass, they shoved it over to the brink -of the hill.</p> - -<p>Their presence had now been discovered, for Bowser, not understanding -the necessity for silence, uttered a long, doleful bark.</p> - -<p>"Get it headed straight, Tim," exclaimed Musgrove, breathing hard. -"Jest a leetle this way. Aim fur them twigs in front, an' it'll land -all right."</p> - -<p>"Them fellers can't stop us now," said Sladder, with a grin of delight. -"Everything ready, eh?—one—two—three!"</p> - -<p>From the point where the two stood, there was a smooth, steep -declivity, then a nearly level stretch leading to the cabin.</p> - -<p>Chuckling loudly, the two boys gave the enormous ball a mighty shove.</p> - -<p>"Mind your eye when Swiper an' Jobson come out. Won't they be wild? Oh, -my, it's a-tearin' along, eh? Somethin' goin' ter bust, sure."</p> - -<p>Eagerly they kept their eyes on the ball, which gathered speed every -instant and was headed directly for the cabin.</p> - -<p>With an irresistible rush it reached the bottom of the hill, dashed -across the intervening stretch like a flash and brought up with a -frightful bang against the side of the cabin. An ominous crashing of -timbers followed, and gleams of light were seen issuing from the spot -where it had struck. Then silence reigned.</p> - -<p>It was but for an instant, however. With loud shouts of vengeance, -three young men, wildly excited, issued from the door and made a -bee-line for seven boys who had come to a stop at the summit of the -hill.</p> - -<p>Sladder, Musgrove and Bowser melted silently away into the sombre -depths of the woods.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2> - -<h3>SELF-DEFENSE</h3> - - -<p>The seven Kingswood boys after leaving the cabin stood irresolutely for -a moment.</p> - -<p>"Talk about being disgusted," sniffed Nat Wingate. "Did you ever meet -such a queer chap as that Piper?"</p> - -<p>"Listen!" exclaimed Tom Clifton, raising his hand. "Didn't I hear a -voice?"</p> - -<p>After a short discussion, the group began to ascend the hill. They kept -a sharp look-out for the others, and once or twice shouted their names -loudly.</p> - -<p>Not being in a hurry and stopping at intervals to talk, the boys had -managed to use up the better part of a quarter of an hour when a bark -from Bowser indicated the position of Sladder and Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"Right over there, eh?" exclaimed Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"I see 'em," cried Tom Clifton. "What in the world are they doing?"</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha!" laughed Hackett; "I told you so. If that isn't a dandy -snowball, and—"</p> - -<p>"They're going to send it where it will do the most harm, too, I'll -bet," chuckled Nat.</p> - -<p>"We ought to stop them," interposed Bob Somers, hastily.</p> - -<p>"Too late! They've done it," put in Dick Travers. "Whew! it's traveling -some, I can tell you."</p> - -<p>"Ah—ah—but that was a smack for you!" exclaimed Tom Clifton, -breathlessly, as the snowball struck the hut. "Will they—"</p> - -<p>His further speech was interrupted by the three hunters, who burst -furiously out of the door.</p> - -<p>Enraged beyond measure, and fully believing that the Kingswood boys -were responsible for the outrage, they charged toward them.</p> - -<p>"Guess we'd better make a break for it, too!" exclaimed Nat Wingate, -with a short laugh. "Christopher, I'll back Tommy against Musgrove any -time, after seeing this."</p> - -<p>Swiftly seven figures sped over the snow, while at a little distance -came Piper and his friends, uttering loud calls for them to stop and -take their medicine.</p> - -<p>"Nice, pleasant evening," observed Nat, for the second time.</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho," panted Dave, "society in the wilderness—social calls seem -somewhat dangerous."</p> - -<p>"Hello! Got discouraged pretty quick, eh?" put in Nat, looking over his -shoulder.</p> - -<p>The three young men had stopped, then began to retrace their steps. -Seeing this, the boys slowed up, and, breathing hard, reached the edge -of the lake.</p> - -<p>"They're coming out again, fellows," exclaimed Sam Randall hastily, -"and making this way, too."</p> - -<p>Hackett's face began to darken. "We're seven," he exclaimed, in an -angry tone. "Let's stand up to them."</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho—might be better to avoid trouble, if possible," put in Dave -Brandon. "Wait 'til they get in a more reasonable frame of mind."</p> - -<p>Swiftly the boys began to cut over the icy surface. The moon had risen -far above the hills, casting a silvery light over the broad, greenish -expanse of lake, and touching the snow-drifts with sharp, glinting -rays.</p> - -<p>Glancing over their shoulders, the boys saw the dark forms of the -pursuers coming steadily on.</p> - -<p>It was an exciting chase. Occasionally the skaters plunged and -floundered through snow-drifts, so as to keep a straight course for -their camp. Gradually the shore grew more distinct, the dark, grim -trees on the hilltop stood out clearly against the moonlit sky. Then -the huts, bathed in the soft light, came into view.</p> - -<p>"Great Scott!" panted Sam Randall. "Look, they have changed their -course."</p> - -<p>Puffing, and almost breathless from the wild race, the boys slackened -their speed, then stopped, to gaze after the forms of the hunters now -speeding down the lake.</p> - -<p>"What?—what do you think of that?" gasped Nat Wingate.</p> - -<p>"Looking for Sladder and Musgrove, perhaps," exclaimed Dick Travers, -breathing hard.</p> - -<p>"But you can just bet they will be coming back," put in Sam. "Let's get -over to the place and be ready for them."</p> - -<p>"It will take more than those chaps to drive us away, too," declared -Bob Somers; "eh, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"Fellows," exclaimed the poet laureate, "what is the first law of -nature?"</p> - -<p>"Self-defense."</p> - -<p>"Right you are. Now—in order to avoid trouble, we have considerably -overheated ourselves, besides allowing an unjust suspicion to rest on -the whole crowd."</p> - -<p>"Well?" said Hackett, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"It isn't well. But we can make no more concessions to ill temper. -Hasty action must now meet with its proper reward."</p> - -<p>"Hear—hear—what's coming?"</p> - -<p>"Just this—let's make an enormous quantity of white pellets, otherwise -known as snowballs, and in case hostilities are resumed, use them with -promptness and dispatch."</p> - -<p>"You must be going to become a pedagogue, Chub," laughed Hackett.</p> - -<p>"We are losing valuable time by standing here gabbing," broke in Dick, -impatiently. "Come ahead."</p> - -<p>The remaining distance was quickly covered, and the boys, once more at -the huts, removed their skates, and prepared to follow Dave Brandon's -advice.</p> - -<p>In a short time, by hard work, the seven boys had collected great piles -of ammunition, and stood waiting.</p> - -<p>"I suppose those chaps think that any time they choose to come along -we'll run," observed Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>"Piper and the others are pretty strong fellows," said Tom Clifton. -"Did you ever notice what muscles Heydon has? I wouldn't like to get in -a scrap with him."</p> - -<p>This remark caused a hearty outburst of laughter, which considerably -nettled young Clifton's feelings.</p> - -<p>"Hi, hi—get out of that! Vamoose—skip!"</p> - -<p>These cries, uttered in very loud tones, suddenly startled the camp. -Tearing around the slope of the hill came three figures, with Piper -well in the lead.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> - -<h3>SNOWBALLS</h3> - - -<p>"What do you want?" yelled Bob Somers, holding up his hand to stay any -hasty action.</p> - -<p>"You'll find out quick enough," came an angry retort. "Something has -happened to Musgrove's hut."</p> - -<p>"Well, nothing is going to happen to ours."</p> - -<p>"In just about two minutes—"</p> - -<p>"Stay where you are, Piper," interrupted Hackett, fiercely. "We didn't -roll that snowball against your pile of logs."</p> - -<p>"Yes—better keep back!" warned Bob.</p> - -<p>The three dark figures continued to advance.</p> - -<p>Seven arms drew back and as many snowballs were sent spinning through -the air.</p> - -<p>The invaders, unprepared for so sudden a response, fell back in -confusion.</p> - -<p>"You'll pay dearly for this," yelled Piper.</p> - -<p>A second hail of missiles, sent with precision, whirled against them. -Then, before they could make a move, others landed with thuds and -thumps, until the young men were forced to beat a hurried retreat.</p> - -<p>Flying before the fusillade, Piper and his companions struck out for -the lake, with a shower of snowballs rattling about them. Their anger -and chagrin at finding themselves helpless before the machine-like -attacks of the boys was unbounded.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my, what a rout," puffed Nat, with a delighted grin. "Ha, ha! -Guess Piper must be about boiling over."</p> - -<p>"Hello! My gracious—what's that?"</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon, who had interrupted the speaker, pointed across the lake.</p> - -<p>A dull, fitful light had appeared, which gradually grew brighter, until -a tongue of flame shot upward.</p> - -<p>"Their cabin's afire," gasped Nat Wingate. "Gee! look at that!"</p> - -<p>Hackett gave a lusty shout. "Hello, you pill-throwers," he cried; -"look across the lake, and run for the fire company around the corner. -Whoop—your shanty's a goner!"</p> - -<p>Hostilities ceased on the instant. Piper and his companions gave one -shout, and then began a rapid flight toward their camp.</p> - -<p>"It's getting bigger and bigger," declared Travers, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"I'd bet on those chaps in a race, now, Hacky," said Sam Randall. -"Shall we go over and give them a hand?"</p> - -<p>With all speed, the boys strapped on their skates, and, fairly leaping -over the snow, made for the ice.</p> - -<p>"Cracky—look at it now!" observed Tom Clifton. "Aren't those flames -bright? Won't be anything but a pile of cinders when we get there."</p> - -<p>John Hackett quickly took the lead, his long legs fairly seeming to -fly, but Bob Somers pushed him closely. The flames grew brighter, and a -veil of smoke could be seen drifting slowly in front of the dark trees, -to rise like a blur against the clear, moonlit sky.</p> - -<p>"Nothing can save the old shanty now," cried Hackett. "My -eye—wow!—Say! We're sold—everybody sold! If this doesn't beat all!"</p> - -<p>In making a long détour, so as to avoid a field of snow, the other -side of the cabin came in view, disclosing an enormous bonfire, built -at a safe distance from the structure. The flames, leaping furiously -upward, cast a bright glare around.</p> - -<p>For a moment there was silence, then a roar of merriment broke forth.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my!" laughed Nat Wingate, holding his sides; "this is the richest -joke yet. It's Musgrove's work—ha, ha! That's the time he outdid old -Yardsley."</p> - -<p>"It's the biggest bonfire I ever saw," laughed Sam Randall. "Guess they -must have seen those chaps chasing us across the lake."</p> - -<p>A couple of dark figures were seen to emerge from a mass of trees to -their left, and strike out on the lake.</p> - -<p>"Sladder and Musgrove," asserted Bob Somers. "You can't mistake Muzzy -for any one else." In a few moments the two joined them.</p> - -<p>"Don't believe you'll find much left of your hut," said Tom Clifton.</p> - -<p>"No odds, sonny," replied Musgrove, calmly; "we didn't git the wust of -it by a long shot."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> - -<h3>A CAVE AND A BEAR</h3> - - -<p>Two days later, the boys, on a hunting expedition, in company with John -Yardsley, stood on a barren ridge and saw before them a succession of -rolling, snow-clad hills. Lake Wolverine had been left far behind, and -the region was wild and desolate.</p> - -<p>"A stormy time of it ye must hev had t'other night, cap'n," remarked -the trapper, reflectively. "Sorry now I spoke ag'in them fellers so -quick," he went on. "Suppose, if it hadn't been fur Musgrove actin' the -way he did, mebbe nothin' would hev happened, but, arter all, I really -done it—I'm sorry 'nough."</p> - -<p>"I never saw such a sensitive chap as Piper," said Bob. "He reminds me -of a firecracker."</p> - -<p>"D'ye think those young scamps damaged their cabin much?"</p> - -<p>"We didn't think it best to stay and find out," laughed Bob; "but I'll -bet one side was nearly caved in."</p> - -<p>"An' what did Piper an' his crowd do ter Musgrove's hut?"</p> - -<p>"Not much—Billy and Tim fixed it up pretty quickly."</p> - -<p>On reaching the base of the hill the march was continued along a -timbered valley. Here and there, shafts of sunlight, finding their way -between the trees, made the snow gleam with dazzling whiteness, while -the frostwork covering underbrush and boughs sparkled brightly.</p> - -<p>Snowbirds flitted about, and, as if rejoicing in the weather, the -redbirds uttered their cheerful notes, and occasionally darted like -a flash of flame against the darker background. Chattering squirrels -leaped lightly from branch to branch, and rabbits, disturbed by the -intrusion, quickly disappeared in the friendly shelter of tangled -thickets.</p> - -<p>"Hey! Where are you bound for, Hacky?" asked Nat, as the slim boy -ambled slowly ahead.</p> - -<p>"Just going to look around a bit. Say, Somers, want to come -along?—good!"</p> - -<p>"Don't stay long, cap'n," interposed Yardsley; "an' by the time yer git -back, we'll have a good blaze a-goin'."</p> - -<p>"Let's go around the point," suggested Hackett, with a move of his -hand, indicating a part of the hill which jutted out for a considerable -distance.</p> - -<p>Keeping a careful watch for game, the hunters glided ahead with long, -swinging strides, soon passing and skirting around the point. The rocks -rose rather abruptly for a short distance, then sloped upward in a -gentle curve.</p> - -<p>Bob, who was several yards distant from his companion, suddenly stopped -and gazed earnestly toward the rocks. Hackett, puzzled at his action, -followed suit, without seeing anything more than a mass of underbrush.</p> - -<p>"There's a cave over there," declared Bob.</p> - -<p>"I don't see anything."</p> - -<p>"You will from here."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it's a cave," said Hackett, a moment later, with great interest, -"and we ought to take a look inside."</p> - -<p>Spreading the bushes apart, Hackett boldly pushed inside.</p> - -<p>"Talk about blackness," came a muffled voice, as the twigs rustled back -in place. "Whew! a lump of pitch would make a light in here."</p> - -<p>"Better strike a match."</p> - -<p>A few moments passed, then Hackett followed his companion's advice, and -a feeble light flickered against the blackness.</p> - -<p>"How big is it?" began Bob, with his face close to the opening. "I—"</p> - -<p>But his further words were stopped by a loud yell. It came with such -abruptness, and expressed so much fright, that Bob Somers jumped -quickly backward, with an exclamation.</p> - -<p>Before he had time to frame a question, Hackett suddenly reappeared, -without his rifle. His eyes were wild and staring, and, almost hurling -himself through the opening, he sprawled in the snow.</p> - -<p>"What—what's the matter?" cried Bob, in alarm.</p> - -<p>The slim boy instantly picked himself up, and, with a terror-stricken -glance over his shoulder, yelled, hoarsely, "Mind your eye, Somers! -Lose yourself! It's big as a house, and comin' right out!"</p> - -<p>Blending in with his words came a deep, ominous growl. Then another, -rising in a sort of crescendo, while a pair of eyes suddenly flashed -against the blackness. Then a huge black bear, evidently furious at -having his domain invaded, lumbered forth, while the two boys, with -rapidly beating hearts, retreated.</p> - -<p>Out of the corner of his eye, Bob saw Hackett's long legs fairly flying -over the ground. But bruin was not particular as to whom he should -charge. Lunging forward, the animal, with a hoarse growl, made directly -for him.</p> - -<p>Though his nerves tingled with excitement, Bob Somers quickly recovered -his wits. As the bear rose on its hind legs, he fired point-blank.</p> - -<p>His bullet only rendered the beast still more furious. Dropping upon -all fours, and accompanying the act by another angry snarl, he charged -again, with such suddenness and speed, that Bob Somers had scarcely -time to dodge aside. Before he could make another move, the ponderous -beast again rose.</p> - -<p>For an instant it seemed as if nothing could save him. But Bob Somers, -despite the unsteady feeling which attacked his legs at this critical -moment, mastered himself, and fired again.</p> - -<p>Almost simultaneously with the sharp report of the rifle, bruin crashed -heavily to the ground and lay in a heap. His head sank low, and all the -dignity of his towering strength was gone.</p> - -<p>For an instant Bob Somers, scarcely realizing that the peril was over, -stood gazing at the animal, half expecting to see it arise and renew -the attack. Then, moving cautiously forward, he touched the motionless -form with the muzzle of his rifle, and his face flushed with triumph.</p> - -<p>"Hello—hello!" came a hail from the distance. It was Sam Randall's -voice, and looking up, they saw him waving his hand.</p> - -<p>"Come on over!" yelled Bob, anxious to show his prize.</p> - -<p>Sam, perceiving that something unusual had occurred, soon joined them.</p> - -<p>He opened his eyes wide with astonishment when he saw the great, dark -form stretched out in the snow.</p> - -<p>"Who shot him?" he exclaimed, excitedly. "You, Bob? Well, I was never -more surprised in my life!"</p> - -<p>"And won't I have a dandy souvenir of the trip, Sam!" exclaimed Bob, -gleefully. "Just look at that slick coat! I'll get Yardsley to skin -him—but come on—I want to see Chubby open his eyes."</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, cap'n?" exclaimed Yardsley, as the three appeared. -"You look kinder joyous!"</p> - -<p>"Had a little adventure over there, and shot a bear," said Bob, with -sparkling eyes.</p> - -<p>A variety of exclamations greeted his words. The speaker, with great -satisfaction, then told his story.</p> - -<p>"Jest listen ter him," exclaimed Yardsley, delighted. "Cap'n, I'm proud -of yer. A born hunter—an' never lost yer nerve, I'll be bound."</p> - -<p>Lunch was soon over, and the group of hunters hurried to the scene of -the encounter.</p> - -<p>"H'm—a regular monster," cried Tom Clifton with wide-open eyes, as -they approached. "Just look at those paws! One crack and it would have -been all over, eh?"</p> - -<p>"That it would," agreed Yardsley.</p> - -<p>"But how about the bear's skin?" asked Bob, eagerly. "I'd give anything -to take it home with me."</p> - -<p>"Make yer mind easy on that score, cap'n. I'll tend ter the hull thing -fur yer to-morrer. An' a bit of bear meat won't go bad, either. We'll -jest drag him back where he come from, block up the hole, an' yours -truly will fix the rest."</p> - -<p>In a short time, the party came in sight of a lake. The opposite shore, -fringed with a dark line of evergreens, became almost lost in a veil of -bluish haze which enveloped the distance, while against the sky rose a -line of low snow-clad hills.</p> - -<p>"That there we call Goose Lake," announced Yardsley, "an' it's a good -name, too, fur durin' the fall yer never seen so many of them birds in -yer life as comes 'round."</p> - -<p>"Many here now?" asked Hackett, eagerly.</p> - -<p>The trapper shook his head. "Yer kin see 'em, but they ain't plentiful."</p> - -<p>The lake was soon crossed, and on reaching the opposite shore they -found themselves in a pine forest, dark, sombre and silent. In about -twenty minutes the trapper held out his hand as a signal to halt.</p> - -<p>"We're right by the shore," he whispered, "an' the geese is somewhere -near."</p> - -<p>Silently, the group spread out, each one heading for the lake, which -could be seen between the trees.</p> - -<p>To the eager and expectant hunters, it seemed an age before they -reached the edge of the woods. Again Yardsley held up his hand.</p> - -<p>Upon a gravelly bank which a combination of circumstances had kept -partially free from snow was a flock of geese.</p> - -<p>As it was still too far off to make it worth while to risk a shot, the -hunters, scarcely breathing, crept slowly on.</p> - -<p>Finally Yardsley paused. He looked at the boys, nodded, and raised -his gun, the others instantly following suit. A roar, as the reports -blended in one tremendous volume of sound, fairly deafened them all; -the separated wreaths of smoke joined into a bluish cloud, while the -eager hunters dashed quickly forward.</p> - -<p>Swiftly flying against the clear blue sky, could be seen all of the -flock that had escaped the massacre, and there, on the ground, lay many -birds—ten in all.</p> - -<p>"This here is Goose Lake, an' them is geese," remarked Yardsley, dryly.</p> - -<p>A loud cheer followed his words.</p> - -<p>"Simply great, isn't it?" cried Nat, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>"And all big fellows, too," commented Bob Somers, gleefully. "We'll -have a feast fit for a king."</p> - -<p>It was unanimously decided to return at once to camp.</p> - -<p>It was a long, toilsome tramp, and the sun hung low on the horizon when -Yardsley's log cabin at length came in view.</p> - -<p>"I am so glad," sighed Dave Brandon, wearily. "I can scarcely move."</p> - -<p>"What is that stuck on the door?" asked Bob Somers, as his eye caught -sight of a white patch showing out clearly against the logs.</p> - -<p>"It looks like a sheet of paper," asserted Nat Wingate.</p> - -<p>"Powerful strange," commented Yardsley. "Some chap must hev left his -visitin' card—an' it's tacked on, too."</p> - -<p>In a moment, the trapper tore the paper loose.</p> - -<p>As he turned it over, and glanced at a message written on the reverse -side, he gave an exclamation of astonishment.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> - -<h3>THE NOTE ON THE DOOR</h3> - - -<p>"What is it?" questioned Bob Somers, with interest.</p> - -<p>"The most powerful strange thing I ever hearn tell of, cap'n."</p> - -<p>"Hurry up, and tell us," put in Nat, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"Cap'n, read it ter the lads." Yardsley extended the paper.</p> - -<p>Bob whistled. "This is the funniest thing yet," he exclaimed. "Listen:</p> - -<p>"'If you want to know where your furs are hidden, go to the place where -you found the sled. There is a gully about fifty feet to the north. It -is half full of snow, and a stick marks the spot. Dig—dig—and dig -some more. Yours, The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.'"</p> - -<p>"I don't understand this," said the trapper, blankly, scratching his -head. "It can't be that them furs weren't stole, arter all? Bless me, -what does it mean?" He stared in a bewildered manner at the others.</p> - -<p>"That this is a very funny region," mused the poet laureate. "It's -another one of those things that makes a fellow's head ache to think -about."</p> - -<p>But the trapper's hopeful expression soon vanished. He shook his head, -soberly. "No sich luck, mate," he said. "This here is jest the work—"</p> - -<p>"Of the Bounding Brotherhood of Brilliant Jokers," broke in Nat, with a -laugh. "Do you suppose that this is Musgrove's doings?"</p> - -<p>Hackett sniffed. He picked up the paper, which had fallen in the snow, -and held it under his chum's nose. "Look at that writing, and tell -me if you think either Sladder or Musgrove could have done it," he -said. And as a doubting look came over Nat Wingate's face, he added, -significantly, "How about the Piper gang? Perhaps they are trying to -get square with Yardsley for suspecting them, eh, Chubby?"</p> - -<p>"I feel myself drifting into deep thought, in spite of everything," -replied the stout boy, solemnly. "You may be right, Hackett. It does -look that way—just a hoax."</p> - -<p>"An' what's your opinion, cap'n?"</p> - -<p>"That you'd better do as this paper says."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll take yer advice. It can't do no harm."</p> - -<p>As no amount of discussion could solve the mystery, the subject was -finally changed.</p> - -<p>"Then we'll see you in the morning, eh?" asked Bob Somers, as they -trooped out.</p> - -<p>"Yer sartingly will—good-night!"</p> - -<p>The young hunters lost no time in reaching camp, and, tired from their -long tramp, immediately turned in.</p> - -<p>Early next morning, John Yardsley skated across Lake Wolverine, and -half an hour later the boys saw him returning, in company with Piper -and his friends.</p> - -<p>"Humph!" muttered Hackett, "here comes that nice crowd again."</p> - -<p>"Don't care, I'm sure," said Nat, with a rather peculiar glance toward -Piper.</p> - -<p>To their surprise, however, the hunters from across the lake greeted -them pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"Boys," said Robinson, with an embarrassed air, "too bad about that -little misunderstanding we had the other night. We were certain it was -you who rolled the snowball."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you take a little time to find out?" interposed Nat -Wingate, curtly, with a flash of his brown eyes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, come now," put in Heydon, "no hard feelings. We're not any of us -perfect, you know."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Hackett, "what made you fellows change your minds, after -being so sure?"</p> - -<p>"The fact is," said Robson, with a sorry attempt to appear at his -ease, "we found a note under the door of the shack. It was written by -that precious young scamp, Musgrove, and he said that you fellows had -nothing to do with it."</p> - -<p>"How was the handwriting?" asked Bob Somers, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Villainous, the spelling remarkable, and the grammar on a par with -Musgrove's intellectual expression."</p> - -<p>"Then," said the poet laureate in a low tone to Bob Somers, "the -mystery deepens."</p> - -<p>"We came over yesterday to tell you about it," added Piper, "but no one -was here."</p> - -<p>"Wal, lads, as these young gentlemen think it might be a good plan ter -go an' dig fur them skins, I think we'd best be goin'," said Yardsley.</p> - -<p>Armed with two shovels, the party soon started off on their strange -expedition.</p> - -<p>"If it wasn't fine weather you wouldn't catch me on such a wild goose -chase as this," growled Hackett. "Look at Yardsley—by the way he's -getting along, you might think he had discovered a gold mine."</p> - -<p>Without hesitation, the trapper kept on, and finally, to the great -relief of his tired followers, slowed down considerably.</p> - -<p>"We're gittin' near there, mates," he announced. "Now you fellers -divide up, an' look fur the gully what the note speaks about."</p> - -<p>This suggestion was quickly acted upon, and in the course of a few -minutes a hail was heard from Sam Randall.</p> - -<p>"Look!" cried Sam, eagerly. He held up a paper. "I fished it off the -stick with a branch," he explained.</p> - -<p>"Another message?" asked Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>Sam laughed and proceeded to read the following:</p> - -<p>"'This is the place. Dig—dig—and dig some more.</p> - -<p>"'The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.'"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Great wits, eh?" laughed Piper. "Give me a shovel; we'll soon find out -something."</p> - -<p>Heydon followed his example, and, with much vigor, the young men -attacked the work. Snow fairly flew off to the sides, while an eager -group crowded expectantly around.</p> - -<p>"Only a hoax!" groaned Yardsley, as the minutes flew by and nothing was -revealed.</p> - -<p>Heydon finally paused, a look of disgust came over his face, and he was -about to make some remark, when Robson's shovel struck a hard object.</p> - -<p>"Hello! What's this—a box?" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Doesn't feel as if anything was in it," remarked Heydon, giving the -box a rude shove with his foot.</p> - -<p>"The mean rascal," groaned Yardsley. "All this tramp fur nothin'—jest -ter find an empty box—never was so riled in my life."</p> - -<p>A portion of the cover being loose, Robson ripped it off, and putting -his hand inside, drew out another paper.</p> - -<p>"Ah ha! Maybe this is a solution of the mystery!" he cried. But, as his -glance fell upon it, an impatient exclamation escaped him. "Of all the -foolish stuff, this is the worst. Listen!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>"'Go back where you came from,'" he read, "'and consider yourselves -being laughed at. Ha, ha! U. R. Easy.</p> - -<p class="ph1">"'Yours—The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits!'"</p></div> - -<p>"What does this mean?" cried Piper, sternly, looking from one to -another. A queer light gleamed in his eye.</p> - -<p>"And we working like slaves," cried Robson, angrily.</p> - -<p>"See here, Yardsley, and you chaps," broke in Piper, now quite -convinced that they had been duped, "I have my opinion of a man of your -age who does such tricks!"</p> - -<p>Piper spoke in a loud and threatening manner, while Robson and Heydon -seemed no less angry than himself.</p> - -<p>"Softly," interrupted Yardsley. "Human natur' is queer—a bad case of -misunderstandin' t'other night, an' a powerful wuss one now. I have a -failin', I'll admit, but on my honor, Piper, this time the joke is on -me."</p> - -<p>His sincerity could not be doubted, and the three young men began to -feel that they had acted too hastily.</p> - -<p>"Well," said Piper, stiffly, "it looked mighty suspicious."</p> - -<p>"Like the other night," snapped Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Oh, come now," put in Bob Somers, "a wretched joke like this is enough -to put any one in a bad humor, but there's no use in quarreling."</p> - -<p>"That's right, Somers," observed Robson, thoughtfully, "and we can't -find out anything by talking here all day."</p> - -<p>"Jest so," sighed Yardsley. "We might as well git back."</p> - -<p>"We come out with great hopes," sighed Yardsley, as he pushed open the -cabin door. "Bless me, it was mean—give me the shovels, mates. I'll -put 'em in the storehouse."</p> - -<p>He opened the door which led to it, then the others heard a sharp -exclamation.</p> - -<p>"What's up now?" called Bob.</p> - -<p>Yardsley did not answer, but hurriedly crossing the room, opened the -outer door, admitting a flood of daylight. Then, almost speechless -with astonishment, he stood, staring about him with wide-open eyes, -while the others crowded in.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" cried Bob—he stopped short, with a gasp.</p> - -<p>There, neatly piled on shelves or stretched out on boards were the -trapper's furs, exactly as he had arranged them before.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> - -<h3>THE NEAR-BANDITS</h3> - - -<p>Yardsley glanced from one to another with a helpless expression, then -stared at the bundles of furs as if doubting that he saw aright, while -a variety of exclamations came from the astonished boys.</p> - -<p>"Never was so beat in all my life," murmured the trapper, scratching -his head. "Honest, cap'n! Ter think of goin' off on a chase like that, -an' then findin' the hull shootin' match when we gits back."</p> - -<p>Piper surveyed the speaker with a peculiar expression.</p> - -<p>"And these are the furs and skins you claimed to have lost, Yardsley," -he said, with strong emphasis.</p> - -<p>"The identical ones, jist as they was afore."</p> - -<p>"And how do you account for their being back on the shelves again?"</p> - -<p>"Yer got me thar, Piper. Bless me—I don't know."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you will tell us that some woodland fairy boldly entered -through a crack under the door, moved her little wand, and presto—the -furs sailed through the air and landed on the shelves again—is that -it?" asked Piper, with a sarcastic smile.</p> - -<p>"Never seen sich chaps as ye be," said Yardsley, impatiently. "How many -more times must I tell yer the joke's on me?"</p> - -<p>"It strikes me," put in Bob Somers, quietly, "that we can soon find out -how the cabin was visited."</p> - -<p>"Of course," laughed Dave, "they either came in through the doors or -window. Don't think we need consider the stovepipe."</p> - -<p>"Well, the door we came in by was pad-locked, I believe," said Piper, -stiffly.</p> - -<p>"Quite correct."</p> - -<p>"And the window is probably fastened."</p> - -<p>Piper led the way into the main room, and Dave tried the window.</p> - -<p>"Correct, again," he said.</p> - -<p>"How about the storehouse door, Yardsley?" asked Piper.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" id="illus4"> - <img src="images/illus4.jpg" alt=""/> - <div class="caption"> - <p>"HOW ABOUT THE STOREHOUSE DOOR?"</p> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>"Wal," replied the trapper, with a faint grin, "we can't tell much from -that, mates. When them furs was taken out, the bolt was knocked -clean off. Then, not havin' nothin' of value left, I never fixed it."</p> - -<p>"Nothing forgotten," sneered Piper.</p> - -<p>"Hello, I believe there is another paper up there," broke in Dave -Brandon, abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Where, Chubby?" asked Dick.</p> - -<p>"Sticking out over that bundle!"</p> - -<p>The poet laureate spread the paper out, started to read, then suddenly -paused.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" asked Piper. He leaned over the stout boy's -shoulder. "H'm, I don't wonder you stopped," he added. "Here's what it -says, Heydon:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>"'We feel sorry for the poor chump who dug, dug, dug. Oh, say—was it -a hard job? Did your back ache? After this, consider yourself easy. -Sit down and think it over.</p> - -<p class="ph1">"'The Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits.'</p></div> - -<p>"That settles it," sneered Piper, wrathfully. "But we don't need to sit -down and think it over. We'll stand up and think, and tell you what we -think—of you. In the first place, Yardsley, I didn't know you wrote -such a good hand.—My compliments."</p> - -<p>The trapper looked at the angry face of his visitor and had difficulty -in repressing a smile. "Young feller," he said, "I allow it all looks -kinder queer, an' mebbe I shouldn't blame ye, but I tell yer fur -the last time that this ain't none of my doin's, an' I want yer ter -believe—"</p> - -<p>A series of wild war-whoops suddenly interrupted him. Then, from behind -a clump of trees, to the astonishment of all, Musgrove, Sladder and -Bowser stepped slowly forth.</p> - -<p>The Stony Creek boys presented a strange and picturesque appearance. -Their cheeks were liberally daubed with red and white chalk; each wore -a thick bunch of goose feathers in his cap, and carried in his right -hand a club of tremendous size.</p> - -<p>"We're the Unterrified Band of Near-Bandits!" roared Sladder, swinging -his club vigorously.</p> - -<p>"An' ain't afear'd of nothin' that walks!" yelled Musgrove. "Ha, -ha—Pardsley won't never try no more funny tricks on us—ha, ha!"</p> - -<p>"Ye young scamps," cried Yardsley, but there was no anger in his voice. -His eyes beamed, and he chuckled, as the "Unterrified Band" defiantly -leaned on their clubs. "Wal—wal! Paid back in me own coin, eh? It -sartingly beats all! Them two chaps hev been clean too much fur us!"</p> - -<p>Fulmer Robson walked forward, extending his hand. "Yardsley," he said, -"please accept my apologies. Too bad that this row occurred. I hope you -have no hard feelings?"</p> - -<p>"Not I!" replied the trapper, heartily.</p> - -<p>"Ha, ha—look at Sniper an' Pardsley a-shakin' hands," cried Musgrove. -"Oh, ain't it a purty sight, Tim?—Hey—want us ter come over? No more -funny tricks, eh, Pardsley?" he asked suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"Nary a thing—my word on it. All bad feelin's declared off."</p> - -<p>The Stony Creek boys conferred together a moment, then, tightly -clutching their clubs, marched forward.</p> - -<p>But Yardsley's good-natured smile soon dissipated their fears.</p> - -<p>"What's that, Pardsley—who writ them notes?—Why, me pal, Tim -Sladder—he's a scholar, he is—yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Took a prize at school," asserted Sladder, proudly. "Keep me dad's -books. I kin spell, too, all right, you bet."</p> - -<p>"You sartingly can," laughed Yardsley. "Now, boys, tell us how yer done -all these things, an' we'll call it square."</p> - -<p>Billy Musgrove laughed. "Well, Pardsley, I tole yer in the fust place -ter never try no more tricks on us."</p> - -<p>"But how my friend, the animalist, would laugh at the way yer paid me -back," said Yardsley, soothingly; "bless me, he would."</p> - -<p>"Wal, of course, we know'd all about yer havin' the furs," said -Musgrove, "an' watched our chance ter git 'em. Tim an' me pried open -the door, took the stuff, an' hid the hull business under a pile of -hemlock boughs. Then we covered it with snow." He pointed toward a -thick copse of woods only a short distance off.</p> - -<p>"Did yer ever hear the beat of it?" said the trapper.</p> - -<p>"Yer own fault, Yardsley. Tim an' me puts a big rock on a sled, an' -hikes away, an' if it hadn't been fur the storm yer'd have gone a sight -further than yer did, eh, Tim?"</p> - -<p>"Lucky for you we didn't know about it at the time," said Hackett.</p> - -<p>"Huh!" Billy straightened up. "An' what would you an' Scummers have -did, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Finish yer tale, lad," put in Yardsley.</p> - -<p>"Ain't much more ter say. Tim an' me didn't think the storm would turn -out so bad, Wackett—that's honest. Anyways, we ain't a-goin' ter stay -around these parts much longer, so Tim writ that note an' fixed it on -the door. We had lots of time ter put them furs back, Pardsley, an' -mebbe yer ain't been laughed at."</p> - -<p>"Wal," said Yardsley, "I'm powerful glad ter git them furs back, an' -jist as powerful glad that good feelin's been restored. Shake hands -with Piper, lads, an' we'll call everything all right. Let's bury the -hatchet.</p> - -<p>"Now, fellers," added Yardsley, "I'll expect the hull crowd of yer ter -come over here to-morrer night, an' pertake of the finest feast yer -ever hearn tell of."</p> - -<p>A unanimous chorus of assent immediately came from his hearers.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX</h2> - -<h3>BURYING THE HATCHET</h3> - - -<p>Early on the following morning, the boys, accompanied by Yardsley, set -out with a couple of sleds to get Bob Somers' bear.</p> - -<p>The carcass was found undisturbed, and the trapper immediately set to -work to skin it, the "cap'n" assisting to the best of his ability. -Yardsley cut up the meat, which the boys then placed upon the sleds.</p> - -<p>The clouds were still edged with the tints of sunset when Piper and his -companions arrived, and shortly before dusk three dark figures were -seen slowly approaching, Bowser giving evidence of his presence by his -usual doleful bark.</p> - -<p>"Evenin', people!" greeted Billy Musgrove. "Hello, Wackett,—bear -meat? H'm, smells good, don't it? Me an' Tim hasn't eaten nothin' all -day—gittin' ready fur this."</p> - -<p>"An' yer done well," said Yardsley. "It's pitch in an' help yerself, -'til natur' cries enough."</p> - -<p>Nightfall came, and the fire sent up towering flames and showers of -sparks, illuminating the surroundings with a fitful glare. The feast -was ready.</p> - -<p>"An' ter think that Scummers shot a bear," remarked Musgrove, -reflectively, as he sliced off a huge piece of meat; "an' me an' Tim -ain't seen one for a year, 'most."</p> - -<p>At length the banquet was over; sighs of contentment came from many.</p> - -<p>"An occasion sich as this ain't never complete without a bit of -speech-makin'," suggested Yardsley, with a glance around. "Who wants -ter start the ball a-rollin'?"</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon slowly arose.</p> - -<p>"I feel uncommonly like taking a nap," he said, with a smile, "but I -suppose somebody must say a few words at such an auspicious time."</p> - -<p>"He knows some big ones, all right," came a hoarse whisper from -Musgrove.</p> - -<p>"I think," continued Dave, "our winter camp has been a great success. -Best of all, our friend, Nat Wingate, is now sound as a dollar. -Life in the open has taught us many lessons, among them habits of -self-reliance, and willingness to work. Oh, yes, I've watched you many -times, boys, and was pleased to note the energy of everybody except -yours truly. It's a good sign. We know that town boys can be hunters, -and trappers gentlemen, and that a dinner in the wilds can furnish more -enjoyment than one in the richest dining-room. I think I voice the -sentiments of all, when I say that we greatly appreciate the efforts of -our host, John Yardsley, and that we are thankful the bear furnished a -meal for us, and not Bob Somers for the bear."</p> - -<p>A burst of cheers arose, as the poet laureate, beaming good-naturedly, -sat down, and Musgrove was heard to remark, "There's a smart lad fur -yer, Tim—talks like one of the real speechers."</p> - -<p>"Our stout young friend has spoken words of wisdom," began Yardsley, -rising. "I must say I never enjoyed a winter like this in me life, an' -I hate ter think of yer leavin'. These here woods will sartingly seem -like a silent, dreary place, arter this. I can say, without meanin' -ter flatter no one, that I never come acrost a likelier crowd of young -chaps—success ter ye all!"</p> - -<p>The banquet was voted a grand success by everybody, and the moon had -risen high in the heavens before the visitors began their march to -camp.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI</h2> - -<h3>YARDSLEY'S LAST JOKE</h3> - - -<p>In the latter part of March, the Kingswood high school had been -restored to its former condition, and on the Saturday before the -re-opening a great crowd of boys trooped through the building.</p> - -<p>In the assembly room they saw just above the platform, resting on a -bracket, a stuffed eagle, with wings outstretched in an attitude of -flight. Beneath was a card which stated that the donor was Thomas -Clifton, of Kingswood. It was a proud day for the young member of the -Rambler Club.</p> - -<p>Those who got a glimpse inside the president's office also saw a -beautiful silver gray fox over the bookcase, and the reputation of the -young hunters was now firmly established.</p> - -<p>John Hackett's fawn had arrived safely, and was enjoying life in -comfortable quarters. The huge bearskin had been converted into a rug -and adorned a room in Mr. Somers' house.</p> - -<p>One afternoon, just after school had begun, Bob Somers was seated in -his study, engaged on the very problem which had occupied his attention -on the night of the fire, when a domestic called him to the speaking -tube.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Griffin is in the drawing-room, and wishes to see you, Mr. -Robert," she said.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Griffin," repeated Bob; "guess he wants to see dad."</p> - -<p>But the girl was quite certain that she had made no mistake.</p> - -<p>"Well, tell him I'll be down," said Bob, in a puzzled tone. He closed -his book and descended to the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>As he entered, a tall, thin man with rugged, kindly features rose to -meet him.</p> - -<p>For an instant, Bob did not recognize his well-dressed visitor. Then, -like a flash, memory served him. Yet in this man, clean-shaven and -sprucely attired, there was little to suggest the trapper they had -known in the wilds.</p> - -<p>"Yardsley!" he gasped, in the greatest astonishment, wringing his -hand. "Why—how—it scarcely seems possible—and Maggie made such a -mistake—said Mr. Griffin wanted to see me."</p> - -<p>"She was quite correct," laughed the other—"J. Yardsley Griffin, at -your service."</p> - -<p>Bob stared at him in surprise.</p> - -<p>Mr. Griffin seemed to be considerably amused, and continued, slowly, -"You know I promised to call on you—and I make it a point to always -keep my word."</p> - -<p>Bob Somers' astonishment was growing. The trapper's manner of speech -had changed as much as his appearance. There was no suggestion of the -backwoods vernacular, and divining his thoughts, Mr. Griffin laughed.</p> - -<p>"I am fond of a practical joke, as you know," he said, with a twinkle -in his eye, "and I must confess that I practiced an innocent deception. -Let me add to my introduction—graduate of Harvard, 1885. I expect, -soon, to be a professor."</p> - -<p>"Professor Griffin!" gasped Bob. "Was I ever more surprised in my life?"</p> - -<p>The former trapper sank back in his chair.</p> - -<p>"Appearances are often deceptive," he said. "Clothes make the man, and -suitable surroundings will add to any illusion."</p> - -<p>"But haven't you lived a long time in the woods?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes! Off and on for years. You see," he continued, with a laugh, -"I am a zoölogist and naturalist who believes in studying nature at -first hand."</p> - -<p>"But didn't I hear you say once," asked Bob, "that you hadn't as much -book learning as you wanted?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly—and neither have I. There is such a vast amount of knowledge -to be gained, that even the most learned are sometimes discouraged."</p> - -<p>"And how in the world did you manage to keep up that backwoods talk, -even when the furs were taken?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Well, the illusion pleased me, and, as I felt sure of seeing you some -time in town, I kept it up, picturing in my mind your surprise. I must -say, though, on the occasion when you and Hackett were lost, only my -strong conviction that you would come out right enabled me to keep it -up."</p> - -<p>"Will wonders never cease?"</p> - -<p>Professor Griffin laughed again and continued, "Well, my friend the -'animalist' has offered me a professorship in the college of which he -is president, and I have accepted it."</p> - -<p>"What will my father say to this, after all my talk about the trapper?" -said Bob. "It is certainly a good joke on us," and he smiled.</p> - -<p>"I hope to meet him," observed Professor Griffin, politely.</p> - -<p>"You certainly shall. Can't you stay to dinner this evening? Please say -yes!" And Professor Griffin accepted the invitation.</p> - -<p>It was a merry dinner party that evening. Mr. and Mrs. Somers were -delighted to meet the man who had helped to make the boys' outing a -pleasant and interesting one, and all had many a hearty laugh, as they -talked over the haps and mishaps of the Rambler Club's Winter Camp.</p> - - -<p class="ph2">Other books in this series are:<br /> -<span class="smcap">The Rambler Club Afloat</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">The Rambler Club in the Mountains</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">The Rambler Club On Circle T Ranch</span></p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S WINTER CAMP ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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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