destination.

How cool seemed the placid mirror of the lake, with its surface
unruffled, or practically so! How inviting the mossy greensward! How
grateful the dense shade! How cooling to parched lips the cool fluid
bubbling from its spring or fountain! To complete enjoyment of this last
named there was but one drawback. We had forgotten to bring any drinking
cups.

Master Horrigan contrived to fashion his hat into some manner of
drinking receptacle, and after some passing reluctance I was induced to
slake my thirst with the aid of this; but I am sure I should never care
to drink regularly from a boy's hat.

Our thirst being sated, the lads manifested an inclination to remove
their garments and dash headlong into the waters of the lake; but I said
them nay.

"All things in order," quoth I, "and one thing at a time, if you please,
my young comrades. First, we must, as the cant word goes, pitch our camp
and prepare our temporary habitations; then shall we partake of suitable
midday refreshment. After which, following a period devoted by me to
helpful discourse and the exercise of the digestive processes on the
part of all present, we may safely consider the advisability of
disporting ourselves in yon convenient sheet or pool of water; but, in
view of our arduous march just completed, I feel that we should be amply
justified in reclining on the greensward for a brief passage of time."

So saying, I set the example by throwing myself in a prone attitude on
the turf; but not for long did I remain thus. Considering its mossy
appearance, the earth seemed unduly hard and strangely unsuited to serve
as a cushion for the recumbent human form. In addition, there was an
amazing prevalence of insect life, all of it characterised by a restless
and constant activity.

Ofttimes have I read verses by our most inspired poets telling of the
delights of lying prostrate within the leafy fastnesses of the forest
deep, but I am forced to believe these poets were elsewhere when engaged
in inditing their immortal lines. On suitable occasions I have myself
indulged in poesy; but I am quite certain I could not court the muse
while ants were crawling on my limbs and even invading my garments, as
in the present instance. Earwigs were also remarked.

So, rising, I cautioned my followers to withdraw themselves to a safe
distance; and then, with the aid of the woodsman's axe--borrowed from
our worthy hardware merchant, Mr. J. T. Harkness, to w