red fox,
that had crossed their path and shot down a hole in the ground. They
were so long reaching the dam that they thought they must have been
misdirected. They were about to return, when Paul suddenly said, "Hark!
I think I hear water!" They listened intently for a few seconds. A
sound again came through the woods. They struck out a little to the
right and were soon at the long-sought, dam. It was a body of water
about one hundred yards wide and five hundred yards long. Enormous pine
stumps protruded through the surface. There was a miserable looking
saw-mill situated at the lower end. Two men were employed in drawing out
logs and ripping them up into boards. Paul tittered a joyful cry as
he perceived that the water was both clear and deep. Hastily he divested
himself of his clothing and "Stockie" slowly followed his example. As
they stood naked on the bank, before their plunge, a snake shot out
almost from under then feet, and swam gracefully over the surface to a
stump a little distance off. That was enough for "Stockie," who resumed
his clothes. Paul did not like the idea of snakes in the water, still
he had traveled far for a swim and he was resolved to have it and so he
plunged headlong in. Round and round among the stumps he swam. He saw
several snakes and also a number of water lizards. After his bath, Paul
and "Stockie" went down to the mill and had some talk with the men
engaged there. The latter assured them that the snakes and water lizards
were perfectly harmless. This restored "Stockie's" courage. He agreed
to try the water before leaving, provided Paul would go in with him.
The two chums had a long, delightful swim and finally, as sunset
approached, they suddenly thought that they might be needed at the
college. It was dark when they got back. They both received a severe
lecture for their long absence. Bruce's dam was several times revisited
and always with great enjoyment. At last vacation was over and these
pleasant pilgrimages came to an end. Paul kept the promise made to his
mother. During study time he applied himself with all his energies to
the task before him and so rapidly increased his store of knowledge;
but, he was also learning many things outside the school room. The
loneliness and surroundings of the college increased the natural
wildness of his nature. When recreation time approached, Paul would
pass the sign to the ever ready "Stockie." Then he