ccidental meeting with his benefactors
his fortunes had begun to assume a less gloomy aspect.

Once, as he was about snuggling down under the extra blanket which had
been assigned to him he rested his head upon his hand, his elbow being
on the ground, and surveyed the two sleeping lads, for the firelight
crept through the opening of the tent, and revealed the interior.

It was difficult for him to believe that he had only known these good
fellows a comparatively few hours; so strong a hold had they taken upon
his heart that it seemed as though he must have met them in his dreams,
for they appeared to be occupying a space in his affections that was
theirs by right.

So the morning found them.

When Cuthbert awoke he discovered that the new addition to the exploring
party was already busily employed in getting things ready for breakfast;
whereupon there arose a friendly argument as to whose duty it was to
hustle things for the morning meal.

This was finally settled by arranging matters so that the three of them
could take turns about in the daily duties; and Owen chose to begin
then.

The others were not adverse to letting him have a whack at the culinary
department, for they had been going together for a long time now, and
both had about exhausted their repertoire in the line of cookery, so
that a change would really be a delightful diversion; for almost every
camper has his favorite dishes upon which he prides himself, and when
two such come together there is always more or less of a friendly
rivalry to see which can outdo the other.

By degrees such a party comes to recognize the particularly strong
points of each member, so that in the end they make a fine team, every
one being a star in his favorite line.

Breakfast was eaten with more or less good natured chaff, such as boys
will always indulge in, and older campers as well; for when in the woods
it seems as if being brought close back to Nature makes children of us
all, showing that it is only the care and worry of a strenuous battle
for wealth or power that forces men to appear aged and serious.

After that came a portage, for the canoes and all the camp duffle had to
be transported above the rapids.

Eli now seemed to notice for the first time that their new friend had
virtually nothing but his boat and paddle, and loudly he bewailed the
wretched misfortune that had caused everything to be swallowed up in the
hungry maw of the swift rapids.

At thi