me, when he
was rested, in putting on clean clothes and in washing out those
which were soiled.

"After this I am going to be careful where I walk," he said, while he
was eating his breakfast.

"It puts me in mind of the time you and I got in the snow hole, last
winter," said Whopper, referring to an incident related in detail in
"_Guns and Snowshoes_."

"Yes, and I was just as lucky to get out," answered Giant.

After an hour's rest, and a good breakfast, Giant declared himself as
strong as ever. The tent was packed, and soon the young hunters were
on their way from Hooper's Pond.

"I hope we don't make any more false turns," observed Snap, as they
rowed and poled their way along. "I am getting a bit anxious to see
Lake Narsac."

So were the others, and that noon they allowed themselves only half
an hour for lunch. During that time some of the boys went fishing
in the stream and were lucky enough to catch some trout and several
suckers. Once Whopper got a strong pull, but it only proved to be a
mud turtle, much to his disgust.

"Thought I had a ten-pound fish," he said.

The middle of the afternoon found them on a clear, deep stream, which
broadened out constantly as they advanced. This made them certain
that they were nearing Lake Narsac, and they were correspondingly
elated. At one point in the stream they came to a beautiful island,
with elderberry bushes lining the shore and a patch of trees in the
center. As they drew closer they saw several rabbits and squirrels,
but did not get a chance to shoot the game.

"If we run short of food we can come here," observed Snap. "That
game can't get away from the island."

"Shall we stop off now?" asked Whopper. "We'll be sure to get
something."

"No! no! Let us go on!" cried Giant. "We want to make Lake Narsac
by to-night, if we can possibly do it."

The others agreed with Giant, and they kept on until the long shadows
over the mountain to the westward told them that night was again
approaching.

"Looks as if we'd have to camp in the woods along this river," said
the doctor's son.

"Oh, let us keep on until it is really dark," replied Giant.

"I'd like to see Lake Narsac, I must confess," answered Snap. "But
even if we get there inside of the next hour we won't be able to
see much."

Nevertheless, they kept on, until it was really dark. Then, by
mutual consent, they drew up to the bank of the stream, leaped from
the boat and stretched thei