ow, is John Newton. It may be assumed, and I 'reckon the chances
are all that way. He seems to be in hiding, just as we thought. This is
a friend who's warning him not to think of leaving his nest yet awhile.
The question is, what terrible thing has he done, and who's hunting for
him?"

"If you asked me," ventured Lub, composedly, "I'd say it was all as
plain as print. This man must be a counterfeit money-maker. The Secret
Service people are looking for him everywhere, because, like as not he's
big game. And you can see how this Rutgers, who is of course a chap of
the same kind, is telling him how hot the hunt is getting to be."

"It does look a little that way," admitted Phil; "there's only one thing
that bothers me."

"Go on and explain what you mean," urged Ethan.

"The last part of the message doesn't seem to go with that sort of an
explanation," said Phil.

"As how? Read it again, and let us see, Phil," Lub requested.

"'Too bad for both you can't compromise.' Now, the Government never
allows itself to enter into any bargain where a rascal can get off. He
may turn State's evidence against his pals, and in that way get lighter
punishment; but there can be no such a thing as compromising a felony
against the United States Government!"

"Phil, you're right about that, and I know it!" declared Lub,
ponderously.

"I'll keep this telegram, if you've no objection," Phil continued; "and
try to hit on some other sort of explanation later on. If we only had
the key, this mystery would all be simple enough, I'm thinking."

"Well, what matters most to us is that we've got the canoe, and can find
lots of uses for the same while we're up here at Lake Surprise,"
commented X-Ray.

It was decided a little later on, after the trout had been prepared,
that as the fish looked so inviting, they might as well start right in
by having a feast at noon.

"Well, anyway, it'll get us fixed for better things later on," sighed
Lub, as he contemplated the three that would fall to his portion, and
noted how small a mess that was going to be.

However, he did prove that he knew how to cook them splendidly. When
handed around they were well browned, and as sweet as could be. Every
one complimented Lub on his feat, and begged him to keep up the good
work, which he readily agreed to do, never once appearing to realize
that he was proving an "easy mark."

During the meal he was joked more or less about not having made a start
with hi