, as the cord tightened, and then very slowly the umbrella began,
parachute-like, to rise in the air, higher and higher, as it was hauled
up hand over hand till the spike touched the lower twigs of the
horizontal oak bough.

The next moment it was being retained in its novel place by Will making
fast the line, winding it in and out between two dead branches; and then
the boy quietly urged himself back to where Josh was chuckling softly as
he peered down. For he was having a good view of that which had been
hidden from Will, but which it was his turn now to share; and, judging
from his features, he did enjoy it much.

But it was only the face and upper portion of a big, muscular,
tweed-clothed man, lying back with his hands under his head, eyes closed
fast, and mouth wide open, fast asleep.

He was a sturdy-looking fellow, with a big brown beard and moustache;
but the boys did not stop to look, only began to retrace their steps so
as to get down upon a level with the shelf upon which the sleeper lay.

"Capital!" whispered Josh. "What will he say?"

"Don't know; don't care!" was the reply.

"We'd better get away, hadn't we?"

"No-o-oo! We must stop. I wouldn't be away on any account."

"But then he'll know we did it, and get in a rage."

"Pst! Be quiet."

Will hurriedly led the way till they reached a clump of bushes where
they could squat down with a good view of the sleeper, who remained
perfectly still.

Josh looked up at the umbrella, which looked as if the oak tree had
bloomed out into one huge white flower. Pointing up with one hand, he
covered his face with the other to stifle a laugh, and Will uttered a
warning.

"Hist!"

Just at that moment, heard above the murmur of the machinery in the
mill, and the wash and splash of the water, there arose the peculiar
strident buzz of a large bluebottle, busily on the lookout for a
suitable spot on which to lay eggs.

Evidently it scented the artist, and began darting to and fro over his
open mouth.

In an instant there was an angry ejaculation, one hand was set at
liberty, and several blows were struck at the obnoxious fly, which,
finding the place dangerous, darted off, and the artist went loudly to
sleep again. The boys exchanged glances, and Josh stole out one hand,
pulled a hart's-tongue fern up by the roots, and, with admirable aim,
pitched it so that it fell right on the sleeper's chest.

The artist sat up suddenly, staring about him, while