se Nature presented, since they joined the
scout organization. Nor did they need any,--they were all fine and rosy,
with perfect complexions and good health.

"My Indian, Yhon, is going in a canoe with the cooking outfit and other
necessities for so large a party. He is a splendid guide, you know, and
knows the country like a book."

"What can we do about our pets?" Betty asked, concernedly.

"Oh, Jake will go with us, of course, and Julia and Anty will have to
depend on Gilly's man for meals. They will learn to appreciate us if we
are absent a few days," replied Julie, audaciously.

"When did you plan to start?" now asked the Captain.

"Day after to-morrow, as early in the morning as we can. That gives you
all day to-morrow to get ready and come up to the bungalow for supper at
night. Yhon will be ready with the canoes at dawn in the morning, and we
start from our boathouse. The canoe-wagon is coming here to-day to carry
your three canoes over to First Lake so as to be in good shape for the
trip. Yhon will overhaul them all, and look after any caulking or
repairs."

"Dear me, I can't wait for the time to come!" exclaimed several of the
scouts.

"And if you become seasick on the voyage, you'll be just as anxious to
get back," laughed Mr. Gilroy, causing the girls to giggle in chorus at
his ridiculous speech.

So on the morning mentioned, a merry crowd of girls and boys followed
the Captain and Mr. Gilroy to the boathouse on the lake. Yhon was
waiting with everything ready, but it was still dim and misty over the
water, as the daylight was not yet strong.

Jake instantly jumped into Yhon's canoe as if he knew it paid to be near
the larder. Mr. Gilroy arranged the party so that one lightweight member
was in each canoe with one of the heavier girls, and one of the boys. He
took charge of another canoe with two girls in it, while the Captain
managed still another one with two in it. Thus they started in a line,
Yhon leading.

As they moved noiselessly out from the shadow of the overhanging rocks
and foliage, the dew sparkled like silver drops on all the leaves; every
now and then a hungry fish would leap up to bite the paddles, and then
whisk its tail angrily as it flashed away again.

The newly awakened sun had not yet risen high enough to cast its rays
upon the lake, and the mountain that threw somber shadows over the face
of the lake, still hid the shining of the orb of day. The expectancy and
hush that alw