y a half a dozen potatoes here. You
might boil some oatmeal, though."

"We must get along with what we have," replied Ned. "This afternoon some
of us must make a foraging expedition. We can't be very far from a
farmhouse."

The fire was soon blazing merrily, and just as Ned placed the coffee pot
on the bars, a cheery whistle rang through the woods, and Clay appeared
at the head of the pool.

"See what you lazy fellows have missed," he exclaimed, holding up a
string of speckled brook trout. "I caught all those in the last two
hours, and tramped more than a mile up stream to get them."

The boys were delighted at this unexpected addition to their dinner, and
the spotted beauties were soon ready for the frying pan. Hunger made a
piquant sauce, and the crackers, meat and fish vanished in short order.

"I intend to let you fellows wash the dishes this time," said Ned, when
the meal was concluded. "I'm going after supplies. We certainly need
them badly enough. Did you see any signs of a farmhouse when you were up
the stream, Clay?"

"No indeed. The woods are thick in every direction, and I have no doubt
they stretch clear to the mountains. It's awfully wild and lonesome
along the stream."

"No use in trying that direction then," replied Ned. "I think I'll go
down the creek in my canoe."

"Let me go with you," said Randy. "You may have a big load to carry back
you know."

Ned hesitated an instant, and then gave his consent. He really preferred
to be alone, but he saw that Randy was very sorry for his recent ill
conduct, and wanted to make what amends he could.

Clay loaned Randy his canoe, and promised to repair the Water Sprite
during the latter's absence. Then the foraging expedition paddled out
into the creek, equipped with tin pails and canvas sacks.

Clay and Nugget were at no loss to find occupation. It required a good
half hour to wash and dry the dishes, and after that a big stack of
firewood was piled up. Then the Water Sprite was placed across two logs,
and Clay proceeded to make the needed repairs. Having screwed the keel
firmly in place, he thrust cotton under its whole length with his knife
blade, and then put on a plentiful coating of white lead.

"There!" he exclaimed, as he surveyed his own work with satisfaction.
"That canoe won't leak a drop in the morning. I say, Nugget, let's go
fishing a little while. It's only five o'clock, and the boys won't be
back for an hour or two yet."

Nothing coul