any time you want to," said Jimmy. "Even if I didn't
win, I'd have a lot of fun trying. I never really got enough pie at one
time yet, and that would be the chance of a lifetime."

At first the boys were more than half joking, but after they had been at
the camp a few days and had begun to get acquainted, they let drop hints
regarding Jimmy's prowess that aroused the interest of the lumbermen. He
was covertly watched at meal times, and as the bracing woodland air and
long hikes combined to give an added edge to his appetite, his ability
began to command attention. There were several among the woodsmen who
had a reputation for large capacity, but it was soon evident that Jimmy
was not to be easily outdistanced in his own particular department.

At length interest became so keen that it was decided to stage a real
old-fashioned pie-eating contest, to determine whether the champions of
the camp were to be outdistanced by a visitor from the city. The cook
was approached, and agreed to make all the pies that, in all human
probability, would be needed.

"Jimmy, you're in for it now!" exclaimed Herb, dancing ecstatically
about his plump friend. "Here's your chance to make good on all the
claims we've ever advanced for you. You're up against a strong field,
but my confidence in you is unshaken."

"It simply isn't possible that our own Jimmy could lose," grinned Bob.
"I've seen him wade into pies before this, and I know what he can do."

"I appreciate your confidence, believe me," said Jimmy. "But I don't
care much whether I win or not. I know I'll get enough pie for once in
my life, and that's the main thing."

The time for the contest was set for the following evening, the third of
their stay. Five lumbermen had been put forward to uphold the reputation
of the camp, and they and Jimmy ate no supper that night, waiting until
the others had finished. Then the board was cleared, and the cook and
his helper entered, bringing in several dozen big pies of all varieties.
One of these was placed before each of the contestants, and they could
help themselves to as many more as their capacity would admit.

The cook, as having the best knowledge of matters culinary, was
appointed judge, and was provided with a pad and pencil to check up each
contestant. A time limit of two hours was set, the one having consumed
the greatest amount of pie in that time to be declared the winner.

The cook gave the signal to start, and the contest wa