about the queer hermit, as well as about the mystery and the deserted mansion, as soon as he could. And his chums felt the same way. "Well, anyhow, we're here!" exclaimed Sammy, a little later, while they sat about a campfire in front of the cabin, and ate the meal which Mr. Jessup got ready. "We're here, and we're going to have some fun!" "That's what we are!" cried Frank. "What can we do first?" "Well, I'm going to do a little hunting for rabbits this afternoon," said Mr. Jessup. "You boys can come along, if you like." "Fine!" cried Sammy. "I wish we had guns and could hunt," said Sammy. "You're a bit too young for firearms," said the hunter. "Later on, when you grow up, you can have 'em, and I'll show you how to shoot." With this the boys had to be content, though it must be confessed they looked on with eager and envious eyes while Mr. Jessup got his gun ready for the little expedition. Maybe, the dog, as soon as he saw the preparations, frisked about in delight. He barked, and ran to and fro from the cabin, as if asking everyone to hurry. "All right, old fellow," said Mr. Jessup, soothingly. "We'll soon be with you." [Pg 74] [Pg 74] Pine Island, as I have said, was a large one in the midst of Rainbow Lake. Years before, many years, when only the Indians roved about that part of the country, it had been part of the main land, so scientists said. They had located a reef in the lake, and their explanation was, that, through the raising of the waters of the lake, the point of land became surrounded by water, and was made into an island. It had happened suddenly, and many large, wild animals, as well as some smaller ones, had been trapped there. In time the wild animals, such as deer and bears, had been killed off, and were never replenished. But the small game, such as rabbits, squirrels, opossums and raccoons, were still rather plentiful. The island was protected by game laws, now, so that the supply was not killed off. Then, too, there was some valuable timber on the island, and
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