ddy.

"I kind of thought they had," nodded the stockman, who could easily see
that it was not the work of an experienced hand.

Bluff failed to catch the twinkle of humor in the other's eyes.

"Yes, and I could have made even a better job if I'd had the knife along
I foolishly went and left at home," he remarked disconsolately, whereat
Jerry, Will and Frank exchanged looks, and shrugged their shoulders, but
said nothing; for in a case of that kind words are useless.

They were all very enthusiastic that night over the feast. The cook had
dutifully pounded the steaks before placing the same on the fire, so
that if they seemed tough it was not his fault.

The meat, however, was sweet and tasty; and besides, with hunger serving
as the best-known sauce, who could complain?

Bluff kept on the lookout for the mate of his panther, but if the old
fellow was prowling around he had more discretion than to show himself
while these hunters were near by.

With the morning the camp was to be abandoned. Tents came down while
they were eating breakfast, and everything was packed away in as small a
compass as possible, for carrying on the backs of the pack horses, which
were brought in from the pen, or corral, where they had been kept all
this while, in charge of a guard.

The three bullboats awaited the adventurous ones. These were of the type
much used in this far region of the Northwest, being fashioned of tough
hides of bulls, and impervious to water.

Besides their guns, which were strapped to their backs, the voyagers
carried little or nothing. In case of an upset they did not stand to
worry over anything except saving their own lives.

So they quitted the camp under the cataract, where they had spent
several very enjoyable days.

[Illustration: IMMEDIATELY THE TWO ADVENTUROUS CRUISERS WERE IN THE
RAPIDS.--_Page 141_.
_The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_.]

Swiftly they descended the stream for several miles. Then, according to
agreement, they hauled in at the head of the rapids for a little rest
and consultation before making the riffle.

Will had declared his intention of going down the shore and taking up
his position about midway of the drop, so as to snap off the two
descending bullboats as they came flying along in the midst of the
churning water. Afterward he and Mr. Mabie would enter the last boat and
make the plunge.

When he was ready, with his camera focused, he waved his arm as a
signal. Immediate