d also
began to boil water for some hot chocolate, which they had decided to
have, along with some smoked beef and cheese sandwiches and some
doughnuts that had been brought along.

Soon the boys were seated around the big square table the living room
contained enjoying themselves to their hearts' content. The steaming
chocolate and the things to eat put them in the best possible humor, and
their troubles with Bill Glutts and Gabe Werner, and also with the
wildcat and on the road, were, for the time being, forgotten. Outside
the wind was rising, making a mournful sound as it swept through the
cedars and the other trees in that vicinity. But inside the fire
crackled merrily and the heat of the fitful flames as they roared up the
chimney filled the lads with satisfaction.

"We sure had a tough time getting here," declared Randy, "but it was
worth it."

"Isn't this just peachy!" cried his twin, as, with a final doughnut in
hand, he sank deep in a rocking chair at one side of the fireplace.
"This suits me right down to the tips of my toes."

"I should think it would suit anybody," declared Spouter. "Why, this
whole surroundings has the most artistic setting I ever beheld. Just
think of this rustic bungalow nestling away in the midst of this
gigantic forest, and think of this deep-throated fireplace with the
flames soaring upward, casting their flickering shadows hither and
thither over the bright faces--"

"Of six well fed and sleepy young fellows who ought to be in bed this
minute," broke in Jack. "I move we adjourn for the night and let Spouter
finish his oration in the morning."

"That's it! Always cutting me short when I have some beautiful
sentiments to express," grumbled the would-be orator. "Never mind, I'll
get square with you some day."

"Never mind, Spout. Don't take it too hard," broke in Andy. "Remember
that even slipping down on a banana peel is a good deal of a skin game."

"To bed it is," announced Gif. "Unless, of course, Andy and Fred want to
remain up to wash the dishes."

"Nothing doing," yawned Fred. "I could go to sleep sitting in this
chair. I'll wash the dishes to-morrow morning before breakfast."

It was decided that the twins should occupy one of the rooms with a
double bed. Gif and Spouter took the other double bed, and Fred and Jack
went into one of the rooms containing two single beds.

"We'll keep the fourth room for possible visitors," announced Gif. "You
know, Glutts and Werner m