troduced myself. I hope you will overlook
my carelessness. My name is Silas Raikes, and I hail from Portland,
Maine. I am camping a mile or two from here with a friend. His name is
Joe Bogle, and he belongs in Augusta. We are out on a little prospecting
expedition."

The boys nodded.

"Some hours ago we were attacked by wolves, but managed to drive them
off. When we heard shots a little later, we knew that there must be
other campers near by, and that they were in peril. So I left Joe to
guard camp, and came to your assistance. But, as it so happened, the
tables were turned, and I was the one to need help. My rifle was
useless from a fall in the snow, and the catamount very nearly captured
me."

"Then we are square all round," said Brick, laughingly. "We're much
obliged to you for your good intentions, all the same. If you had come a
little sooner, you would have seen some lively times."

He went on to describe in a graphic manner the thrilling events of the
night. Mr. Raikes took a keen interest in the tale, and overwhelmed the
boys with praise.

"I should be glad to know such brave lads more intimately," he said.
"Let me see. Have I forgotten your names already?"

"I guess you never knew them," replied Hamp, with outspoken candor. "My
name is Foster, and over there is Jerry Brenton. We are both from
Bangor. This fellow is Brick Larkins, and he lives in New York."

"Jim Larkins," corrected Brick, with a roguish look at Hamp.

"Larkins, Larkins," repeated Mr. Raikes, as he thoughtfully rubbed his
forehead. "Where have I heard that name? Ah, yes. Surely you are no
relative of John Larkins, the wealthy contractor of Lexington avenue,
New York?"

"His son, that's all," replied Brick. "Do you know him?"

"I have met him in a business way. And so you are his son? Well, I am
glad to make your acquaintance. Your object is hunting, I presume?"

"We started out with that intention," replied Brick, "but so far the
wolves and the catamounts and the deer have been hunting us."

The boys laughed, and Mr. Raikes joined in heartily. He took a cigar
from Ins pocket and lighted it with a glowing ember.

CHAPTER IX.

THE GREAT STORM.

Mr. Raikes proved to be a very affable and genial sort of a man. He
chatted with the boys for some time, and asked them a great deal about
their plans.

Not once, however, did he refer to the business that had brought hims