'll beat you to it," said Bob, and off they dashed down the
path. In a moment Mr. Anderson and Pud heard them splash as they plunged
into the lake.

"That's some cold shower," said Pud.

"I thought that you would like it," said Mr. Anderson seriously.

Pud looked at him said nothing as they went down the path. As they came
out at the lake, Mr. Waterman said,

"Pierre objects to our using the stream for bathing purposes, as we use
it for our drinking and cooking."

"I didn't think of that," said Mr. Anderson.

"Neither did I until he spoke to me about it," said Mr. Waterman.

"That's too bad," said Pud. "I thought I was going to have a real cold
shower every morning."

He said it so seriously that neither Mr. Waterman nor Mr. Anderson knew
whether he really meant it or not. To Bob later, Pud stated that the
intervention of Pierre was providential for he had never been under such
a real icy shower before.

After their swim they all sat down to breakfast and enjoyed every bit of
it. After breakfast they spent some time cleaning up the camp. They got
everything ship-shape in their tents first and then they cleared up a
part of the beach. The boys enjoyed this as the experience of wielding
an axe was new to then. They also had cause for wonder at the way in
which their two leaders used the axes. They went at things very
strenuously and seemed to be able to hit just where they wished. Bob
commented on their skill, but they both stated that they were mere
beginners in comparison with the guides.

About nine o'clock Mr. Waterman called a halt, and they got ready for
their little journey. They took along just a loaf of bread and a small
tin in which butter, salt and pepper were packed. The boys took along
their rods and Mr. Waterman carried a small rifle. In explanation of the
latter he said that they might have a shot at a duck or a partridge.
They took two canoes. Bob went with Mr. Waterman, while Pud and Bill
carried Mr. Anderson as a passenger. To their surprise, Mr. Waterman led
the way just around the bend and then to the opposite shore. The boys
had not noticed a path, but on landing they could see a trail leading
off along a little stream that emptied into the lake at this place. On
landing, Mr. Waterman fixed the paddles in the right way, took up the
canoe and was off. Bob carried his gun, and he had all he could do to
keep up with his leader. Mr. Anderson also wished to make the first
portage, but Pud preva