ted up the lake on a ten days'
outing.

They were in Harry's largest row-boat, the one that had a sail, and
carried with them a tent and a good stock of ammunition. Jerry and Harry
were armed with guns, and Blumpo carried his "hoss pistol" and a rusty
spear.

They were bound for Hermit Island, a wild but beautiful patch of land
situated almost at the end of Otasco Lake. The island was so called
because it was said by some that the place was inhabited by an old hermit
who lived in a cave and never showed himself to visitors.

Some did not believe this story, for try as hard as they could, they had
never been able to locate the strange creature, who was said to have a
white beard to his waist, and white hair equally long.

The day that the trio started away was a fine one, and the boys were in
excellent spirits.

"I trust we have no more squalls," remarked Harry, as they glided along,
the sail set and the oars out.

"No storm to-day," returned Jerry. "We are going to have at least three or
four days of fine weather."

"Say, I wondah if I could shoot a bar wid dis yere gun," put in Blumpo, as
he held up his pistol.

"You might if you threw the pistol at the bear when you pulled the
trigger," laughed Jerry. "Sure as you are born, Blumpo, that pistol will
go to pieces if you try to fire it."

"Den I'll fire it dis way," replied the homeless youth, and swung the
weapon as if to heave it away.

An hour passed, during which the boys laid their plans for a camp and
talked over what they would do.

"I hope we have good hunting and fishing," said Jerry.

"So do I," returned Harry. "And I likewise hope we find the hermit, if
there really is such a creature."

"Maybe he won't want us on his island," put in Blumpo. "He may be an ugly
feller."

"We'll risk it, Blumpo."

"I ain't in fer stirrin' up no hornets' nest," went on the homeless youth.
"I jess like ter lay around an' take it easy under de trees--a-listening
to--"

"'The tumble bugs tumbling around,' as the song says," laughed Jerry.
"Blumpo, you must get more ambition in you. Come, row up lively. It's a
good long distance to the island, and we must make it before sundown."

All three braced up, and the big boat went forward at an increased rate of
speed.

"Hullo!" cried Harry, presently. "Jerry, doesn't that look like Si Peters'
yacht?"

And Harry pointed over to the west shore of the lake, where a craft had
just emerged from behind a small headland.