led rein to discuss the problem, when Dean saw a thin
wreath of smoke rising among the trees near at hand. As no forester ever
permits the sight of smoke to go uninvestigated for fear of forest
fires, he jumped off of his horse and rushed into the woods. After a
short time he returned with our friend the hunter and an Indian.

"'The men say we can't get over to-day--we'll have to wait about until
the water recedes somewhat,' Dean explained.

"'Can't we cross where you did last night?' I asked.

"'Not to-day--the water has risen much higher since then and it would be
taking too much of a chance to risk it. We'll stay here until it is
safe,' said Dean, as he led his horse into the woods toward the
Indian's temporary camp.

"I followed the three men and wondered how the Indian ever got the name
of Mike. Later I heard that his own name was so hard to pronounce that
everyone who knew him abbreviated it to 'Mike'.

"Well, we camped and hunted and fished there with the two elderly men
for a week before we could go on, but it was a week of rare sport, for
the hunter and trapper were experts, and they had many exciting stories
to tell of narrow escapes from wild animals and other adventures.

"Dean and I finally arrived at the lumber camp where the men had
decided to send out a scout to trail Dean, who they feared was lost, or
injured somewhere on the way. So, they were greatly relieved to see us
ride along the river-road that led into the camp which consisted of a
small group of huts."

"Daddum, that story wasn't as good as most of yours are," criticised
Don.

"Perhaps not, my son," laughed Mr. Starr, "for I see we are nearing our
destination and I only planned to keep up the tale long enough to keep
you from thinking of your tired selves."

"Get there in about seven minutes, sir," announced the old conductor as
he shuffled through the car.

"Hurrah!" cried Don, jumping upon the seat to get his baggage.

"Why, I can't see any town!" exclaimed Dot, looking out of the car
window.

"Don't bother about the town, Dot, but take your hat and jacket out of
the rack," advised Lavinia, who was busy trying to gather together the
various belongings of the family.

"Babs! Wake up, little sister," called Mrs. Starr as she gently shook
the sleepy little girl.

"Is 't mornin'?" yawned the baby.

Everybody laughed so that Babs soon sat up and looked about in
surprise.

"Oh, see out there--the funny place!" exclaimed Dot.