natural—I could even see Professor Hopkins."

"Hurrah! Taste this," broke in Sam Randall. "Here is something fit for a king. Quick, boys, get out the bread and other stuff, while I season this stew."

In a few minutes, five hungry boys were eating ravenously, and soon not a morsel of food remained. The ex-cook was kindly allowed to assist in the clearing-up process, then the sharp prow of the "Rambler" began pushing its way out into the stream. Not a sign of the Trailers, as they dubbed the Nimrods, could be seen, and their feelings were like those expressed by the poet when he said, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast."

"Perhaps they won't bother us any more," observed Tom Clifton; "that little collision this morning seems to have had a salutary effect."

"Better wait until we get around the next bend," laughed Dave.

The "Rambler," with all power turned on, churned the water into foam, and the young travelers were treated to a succession of enchanting views, hills, dales and patches of woods. The sun's rays, tempered by a gentle breeze, were most pleasant, and, altogether, the boys were in high spirits.

Several hours passed, and it became a question as to where they were to camp for the night.

Finally Bob held up his hand. "Stop her," he said. "Here's a sort of a clearing looks good to me." The bow was turned in shore, and the boys decided to land. They found some difficulty in tying up the boat for the night. Care was also necessary in order that the propeller should not become entangled with the reeds and thick growth which extended along the shore. But at length the "Rambler" was drawn up in safety, whereupon the boys, delighted at the prospect of spending the night under the great canopy of stars, leaped ashore.

Bob Somers, besides some experience in camping out, had learned many points from "Old Bill" Agnew, a former lumberman who lived at Kingswood. He was therefore not altogether a novice.

The first thing they did was to carry every needful article ashore. In camp life system is of the greatest value.

Although they had no intention of remaining more than one night, each boy was allotted a special task, in order to avoid confusion.

The site chosen was on a slight elevation, and in the open, as mosquitoes and other insects were less likely to trouble them.

 Prev. P 41/167 next