where the shore
was lined with a beautiful forest, and, as the sun began to set over
the treetops, all came out on the deck to enjoy the scene.

"If it wasn't for the troubles we have encountered, this would be an
ideal trip," said Dora, as she stood by Dick's side.

"Let us forget the troubles, Dora," said the youth softly, and gave
her hand a little squeeze. "I am so glad you are with us. If you
weren't, I think it would be rather lonely for me."

"Oh, Dick, you mustn't talk so," cried the girl, and blushed. But
she was pleased, nevertheless.

Just where the forest ended there was a point of land stretching out
into the river, and there it was decided to tie up for the night. An
early supper was had, and then about half of the party went ashore--Dick
and Dora to take a stroll in the moonlight, and Tom, Sam and some of
the others to do a little exploring.

"The forest looks a little bit spooky," said Fred, as they walked along.

"Spooky?" came scornfully from Songbird Powell. "Why, it's grand--fairly
breathing the essence of poetry," and then he continued:

"Down in the depths of a forest grand,
Where many a hoary tree doth stand,
And many a little babbling brook
Gives music to each shady nook,
'Tis there I love a walk to take--"

"And step upon a rattlesnake." finished Tom. "Better keep your eyes
open, Songbird, or the rattlers will be after you. They love music
and poetry, you know."

"Rattlesnakes! Horrible!" shuddered Songbird. "That's enough to drive
the poetry out of a fellow for a week."

"Do you think there are any rattlers here?" asked Sam.

"I ton't vos afraid of raddlesnakes alretty," put in Hans. "I vos
know a fine vay to kill dem," and his mild eyes began to twinkle.

"What's the way, Hans?" asked Tom.

"First, you got some poison in a pottle."

"Yes."

"Den you go py der voots till you come py Mr. Raddlesnake."

"All right, proceed."

"Den you got dot Mr. Raddlesnake py der neck, oben his mouth und put
der boison on der insides. In an hour, Mr. Raddlesnake vos so dead
like nefer vos alretty."

"Sold! That's the time Hans caught you, Tom!" exclaimed Sam, and set
up a roar.

"Yah, I vos chust vaiting to cotch you, Tom," and now the German
youth joined in the hilarity.

"All right, that's one on me," said Tom. "My move next," he added,
but under his breath.

"There's a rattlesnake now!" yelled Fred a moment later, and all gave
a jump, Hans as lively as the rest. But it