Part 5 (2/2)

But there was much to do before the meal could be prepared, and no time asted First the traps were carried into the cabin, and arranged in place Then all three of the boys set to work on the deer, and partially skinned it They cut off a nu the carcass to the lower li store of fuel, and built a roaring fire, while Hain of the lake, and brought a pail of water Half an hour later, when the hungry and tired lads sat around the blazing logs appeasing their appetites with crisp venison, and fried potatoes, and crackers, and stea coffee, they felt that their happiness was complete It was past ten o'clock when they crawled into the shanty, and buried thehs and wars smoldered and crackled, and the far-away beasts of the forest wailed to the rising moon

CHAPTER V

THE FACE IN THE TREES

The night passed without alar the cold was more intense than ever, and the sky was still overcast with sullen-looking clouds

During the forenoon the boys put a few extra touches to the cabin, and gathered enough fuel to last for several days After dinner Brick and Haht a nued into the woods He returned with a brace of spruce partridges

Toward evening the wind shi+fted to the east, and it grew even colder

The boys put an extra layer of boughs on the cabin floor, and got all their blankets out The only comfortable part was around the fire

Just before supper a bird flew out of the forest and over the ca headland Jerry snatched his gun, and hurried after it across the ice

When he reached the spot he saw so that drove the bird entirely from his mind Nearly a mile down the lake two black specks were visible They wereslowly toward the western shore

Jerry su your field-glasses, Brick,” he added

When the boys arrived, Jerry pointed out the far-away objects Brick had the glasses--a long-range pair purchased at Bangor Each took a turn at thes are only men,” said Brick, in a tone of relief ”I was afraid they ild anihborhood,” replied Jerry ”They ain't dressed like trappers or hunters They have guns, though, and there's a hand-sled trailing behind them”

”I e could make out their faces,” said Hamp ”They've come across the lake, just as we did”

”Perhaps they are following us,” suggested Brick, uneasily

”Hardly,” replied Jerry ”Where are they now, Ha the bank Now they've disappeared in the woods”

And Halasses, and restored them to Brick

After some futile discussion of the mystery, the boys went back to camp

It was natural that they should feel a little curious and alarmed

Ruffianly characters are often encountered in the Maine wilderness

When supper was over the boys cheered up They washed the dishes, and then built a roaring fire of great logs directly in front of the cabin

With blankets wrapped about their shoulders they sat beside the flames