We'll have to go over and talk to the guides some time," said Bob.
"They seem to have a lot to tell each other."

"Yes, they are talkative to-night. Generally they have not much to say
unless you get them telling some of their experiences," said Mr.
Anderson.

"What do you say to a taste of portaging to-morrow?" asked Mr. Waterman
of the boys.

"That's fine," said Bob, answering for the others. "Where shall we go?"

"We'll go up north to a little lake where the water always seems a
little warmer than it is here, probably because it's shallower. We'll
catch some fish, climb a mountain and have a good swim."

"That 'listens' fine," said Pud.

"We'll take a lunch along and make a day of it," said Mr. Anderson. "For
one, I'm going to turn in, as I have been up since four o'clock this
morning, and I'm dead for sleep."

"That's a good idea," said Mr. Waterman.

In a short time, the boys were sound asleep and only the glowing coals
told the starry sky that there human beings were to be found.

CHAPTER IV

ACROSS THE PORTAGE

Six o'clock the next morning found every one up and ready for a dip. Mr.
Anderson, having heard of the fact that Pud was bound to have his
morning dip no matter how cold the water, thought to have some sport
with him.

"Pud, have you seen our famous shower bath?" asked Mr. Anderson quietly.

"No. Where is it?" said Pud.

"It's just up this little stream. It's a little cold for me, but they
tell me that you like cold water in the morning."

"Oh, yes," said Bill, "Pud has to have his cold shower every morning,
winter or summer."

"Lead us to it," said Bob.

Mr. Anderson then led the boys up a path which finally came out right
under a fifteen-foot waterfall. It certainly looked like a natural
shower bath, for the water was broken in its fall by the jutting rocks.
Bill put his hand into the water and pulled it back with a jerk.

"Some cold," said he.

Bob did the same.

"Me for the lake. That's too cold for my blood," was Bob's remark.

It was certainly up to Pud. He tried the water and could hardly restrain
himself from pulling back.

"Fine, fine," said Pud, as he pushed under the down-rushing water and
stood there for a minute. He came out almost breathless because of the
contraction of his muscles by the cold water.

"Won't you indulge?" asked Mr. Anderson, turning to Bill and Bob.

"No, thank you," said Bill. "To tell the truth, I really prefer the
lake."

"Well, I