ry, keeping a straight face.

"A day or so! Listen to him say that without a show of feeling! Why,
long before that time elapsed I'd grow so weak from fatigue that I'd
have to be strapped to my limb to keep from falling into the treacherous
water," stammered Will.

"And what of me?" burst out Bluff. "I'd waste away to a mere shadow from
hunger. Sooner than submit to that, I'd try swimming ashore."

"Do you think the water will get any higher? Could it possibly overwhelm
us in this tree? We could climb up twenty feet if necessary."

"Well, I hardly think that emergency is going to arise, Will; not at
this time, at least. To tell the truth, the water is already receding,"
announced Frank, taking pity on Jerry's victims, both of whom looked
worried.

"Oh! do you really think so?" cried Will. "Then Jerry is only up to some
of his old foolishness. Yes, I can see that it does not quite come up to
the wet mark on the trunk of the tree. Then perhaps we won't have to
stay up here all night."

"Well, I guess not. I expect that in less than twenty minutes we'll be
once more afoot, and on our way to camp. This must have been a genuine
cloudburst, and they tell me those sort of things, while severe at the
time, are quickly over."

"Bully for you, Frank! You always look on the bright side of things,
while Jerry tries to dash a fellow's spirits. Things have come out
pretty well, after all. We've had some strange experiences, come through
them all in decent shape, and to cap the whole thing I've captured some
dandy views. I can hardly wait to develop them."

"Go ahead, then. Plenty of water at hand for washing off the hypo,"
suggested Jerry wickedly.

By the time the twenty minutes had expired the water had subsided so far
that the imprisoned chums were able to lower themselves from the tree
and once more resume their journey.

Of course, they were an uncomfortable lot, being soaked to the skin,
and, as Will declared, looking like a lot of hoboes. Brisk exertion kept
them from feeling cold, however; but they were one and all delighted to
set eyes on the familiar tents of the home camp.

Their welcome was a warm one, for Mr. Mabie had been more or less
worried concerning them, owing to the forest fire and the fierce
cloudburst.

"We hoped you were safe, and tried to believe it, boys; but at the same
time, even a veteran hunter in these parts might have been caught
napping, and I tell you we're mighty glad to see you back