he cars and got into a
refrigerator car by mistake. The car was packed with ice and wasn't
opened for forty-eight hours after it started. The poor tramp was
about half dead when they got him out."

Early on the following Friday morning, Shep and Snap went out
on a hunt, leaving Whopper and Giant to look after the camp and
fish, if they felt like putting out any lines. It was a bright,
breezy day and all of the boys were in the best of humor.

"We may not be back until late," said Snap, as he and Shep moved
away. "So don't worry if you don't see us."

"All right---we'll save you some supper," answered Whopper.

Snap and Shep had decided to try their luck in the woods to the
north of Firefly Lake, taking to an old deer trail that Jed Sanborn
had pointed out to them. They were after any game that might appear,
but did not look for anything big, for the older hunter had informed
them that it would be next to impossible to spot any deer until the
snow was on the ground.

Each youth carried his shotgun and his gamebag, containing his
dinner, and also a good supply of ammunition.

The boys walked a good half mile before they saw any indications
of game. Then Snap called a halt and pointed to a little clearing.
Looking through some brushwood, Shep made out half a dozen wild
turkeys, feeding peacefully.

"We ought to get at least two of them," whispered Snap. "All ready?"

"Yes."

"Then fire when I tell you."

They came a little closer, and both boys took careful aim. At
the word the two shotguns rang out, and to the delight of the
two young hunters down came three of the wild turkeys. The rest
flew away among the trees and were lost to sight immediately.

"That's a haul!" cried Shep, and ran forward.

"Look out!" screamed Snap, an instant later. "One of 'em is coming
for you!"

His warning proved true, and before Snap could retreat the wounded
wild turkey had flown directly into his face and was cracking the
boy with its strong wings.

"Get away! Oh, dear!" sang out poor Shep, and tried to beat the
wounded creature off, but the wild turkey was full of fight and
renewed the attack with vigor.

"I'll fix him! Down with your hands!" ejaculated Snap, and, rushing
in, he hit the turkey with the stock of his gun. The creature
fell to the ground and before it could arise Snap had his foot
on it; and then the little battle came to an end, and soon all
three of the wild turkeys were dead.

"Well, that