fter leaving Wolf Bight, a
beautiful sheet of placid water opened before them in a far-reaching
vista to the northwest. On either side of the narrow lake rose
towering cliffs of granite, their dark faces lighted at intervals by
brooklets tumbling in cascades from the heights above. A loon laughed
weirdly in the distance, and from the hills above a wolf sounded a
dismal howl. It was a scene of rugged, primeval grandeur, and Shad,
taken completely by surprise, caught his breath.

"'Tis Lake Wanakapow," explained Ed. "There'll be no more trackin' or
portagin'. 'Twill be straight sailin' an' paddlin' from this on. Th'
first tilt o' th' Big Hill trail's handy, an' if th' wind holds fair
we'll reach un by th' end o' th' week, whatever."

For the first time since their departure the voyageurs were enabled to
don dry clothing, with the assurance that they could remain dry and
comfortable throughout the day. The evenings were becoming frosty and
exhilarating. The black flies and mosquitoes had ceased to annoy. Wild
geese and ducks upon the waters, and flocks of ptarmigans along the
shores, gave promise of an abundance and variety of food.

With the changed conditions, in marked contrast to the toil and
hardships of the preceding weeks, Shad's desire to remain throughout
the winter grew. The lure of the wilderness had its power upon him.

The first tilt of the Big Hill trail was reached on Saturday, as Ed
had predicted. Here camp was pitched, the boat finally unloaded, and
preparation made for Dick and Bill to begin their return voyage on
Monday morning.

When supper was eaten and they were gathered about the evening
camp-fire in blissful relaxation, silently watching the aurora
borealis work its wild wonders in the sky, Shad suddenly asked:

"Are you certain, Bob, I'd not be a burden to you if I remained here
all winter, You know, I'm a tenderfoot in the woods."

"Oh, no!" Bob assured enthusiastically. "You'd be no burden! An' when
your feet gets tender you can bide in th' tilt an' rest un."

"I don't mean that my feet are tender in that way," laughed Shad, "but
I'm a novice in woodcraft and I've never done any trapping. You'd have
to teach me a great deal about these things, and I don't want to stay
if I'll hinder your work in the least."

"Oh, you'd never be hinderin' th' work! An' you'd be a wonderful lot
o' company, whatever! I hopes you'll stay, Shad!"

"Thank you, Bob. I'll stay. It will put me back a whole year