rt," said Bill. "I have nearly two dozen fine trout. I
hope to be able to cast well before long and then I'll do better."

"How did you get along, Pud?" asked Bob.

"Oh, pretty well. It took me some time to get the knack of it, but Joe
at last said that I was improving. I knew I was, because after a while
he stopped dodging every time I cast."

The boys got out of the canoes and made for their tents.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute," said Mr. Anderson. "We all clean our own
fish at this camp, so come along."

The boys followed him, and under his direction they soon got so they
could clean a trout in no time at all. They then made for their tents,
got stripped and had a good swim.

Mr. Waterman and Mr. Anderson watched the boys from the shore.

"Well, it's fine to have the boys with us again, isn't it?" said Mr.
Waterman.

"You bet," said Mr. Anderson. "They are a fine trio. I only hope that
those who come later will be as agreeable."

"I like that Bob Hunt," said Mr. Waterman. "He's very keen. He took to
casting in no time. He'll be an expert in a month."

"Williams is a fine boy and Pud is awkward, but I'm no judge of
character if he isn't as big-hearted as they make them," said Mr.
Anderson.

"He's a card. It certainly was funny to see him casting. Every time he
cast Joe would duck, and at last he caught himself in the back so hard
that he tipped over the canoe."

"Is that so?" said Mr. Anderson.

Mr. Waterman then had to tell him about the upset and they laughed
heartily.

"He's a good swimmer, so there wasn't any danger," said Mr. Waterman in
conclusion.

"He's good and strong and should make a good man for the carries,"
remarked Mr. Anderson, as he noted Pud's bulky form as he came out of
the water.

"Yes, some good portaging will take off about ten pounds of fat and make
him as hard as nails," said Mr. Waterman.

"What's that you say?" asked Pud, as he turned towards them.

"I was just saying," said Mr. Waterman, "that some good portaging would
take ten pounds or so off you and make you as hard as nails."

"Lead me to it. I'm game," replied Pud. "I came up here not only to
learn how to fish, but mainly to get hardened up for football in the
fall."

"Don't worry then," said Mr. Anderson. "Anybody that charges you next
October will think that he has run into a stone wall."

"How long before dinner?" asked Pud, as he looked longingly across the
little stream where Jean was busily engaged ar