moke was there. All
three covered up their heads and were soon asleep. It got real cold in
the middle of the night and the gnats became too torpid to move. The
boys slept like logs for they were tired. It could not have been more
than four o'clock when the cheery voice of Mr. Waterman was heard
calling them up.

"Out of your blankets, boys. We're going all the way to Lac Parent
before breakfast and that will take some hiking."

In a few minutes, the camp was a scene of the greatest activity. The
guides filled large dunnage bags with the provisions that had been
brought in. This was soon done and the boys had also packed their
blankets in their bags.

"Is everything ready?" asked Mr. Waterman.

"I think so," said Mr. Anderson. "You boys will have about all you can
handle to carry in your dunnage bags. We'll manage the rest all right, I
guess."

The guides led off after loading themselves with two large bags. Each of
them carried at least one hundred and fifty pounds. The Indian seemed to
handle his load with the greatest ease. He looked back and helped the
boys adjust their bags more comfortably, or so that they would carry
more easily. They had gone only a half mile when they came to a small
lake. It was only a quarter mile across it, but the guides had canoes
there. The loads were soon in the boats and they got the other side
very quickly. Then to the surprise of the boys, the Indian and Mr.
Waterman got the packs on their backs and then, lifting the canoes, they
got them over their shoulders and away they went.

"Gee whizz!" said Bill. "I thought you two had a big load on before but
you walk away with those canoes with ease."

"There's a great knack in carrying canoes," said Mr. Waterman.

"That's all right," said Pud. "But those two men must have at least two
hundred pounds on their backs and they are going right along."

"I'll admit," said Mr. Anderson, "that they have a larger load than
usual, but they are not going far and we'll relieve them on the next
portage."

The way led up across a ridge. Part of it was rather steep and the boys
found themselves panting as they got to the top and began the descent to
the next little lake beyond. They found Mr. Waterman and Pierre already
there and with the canoes in the water.

"That was some pull," said Mr. Waterman. "Pierre is in better condition
than I am. He doesn't seem to mind it a bit, but I found that a little
heavy before breakfast."

"We'll help wit