st as we've all done one of those jack-o'-lanterns in
the marsh. When the fever is on him he can't think of anything else.
That match on the links is, in his mind, the greatest event under the
sun. We've all been there, boys, remember."

"But where did he come from, do you think?" asked Will.

"There's a village, I recollect, over the hills that way," Frank
explained; "and it's just barely possible his folks live there. Being
off the railroad, you see they have to make a little journey of some
miles every time they want to go to the city. We may run on to the
broken-down buggy further on."

"He's still running right along," remarked Jerry.

"And hasn't bothered to look back once," added Will, as though he
could not understand why the other should so easily forget about the
service they had done him.

"Well, looking back caused him his other stumble, and it's taught him
a lesson, I reckon," laughed Frank, always ready to offer excuses for
others' failings, but never for his own.

"We might as well be going on our way then, boys," suggested Bluff, as
he gave his knapsack a fling that caused it to land squarely on his
back.

The others picked up their scanty possessions for, as has been said
before, the main part of their belongings had been sent on in advance
by the stage.

"For one," observed Will with a little sigh, "I own up I'll be glad
when we get to the lake. Seems to me this bag keeps on growing heavier
all the time; and yet when I started out this morning I thought it as
light as a feather."

"It's always that way," he was told by Frank, consolingly; "even your
feet often begin to drag as though weighted down with lead, when once
you find yourself growing tired. But, Will, say the word and I'll tote
your bag for you."

"Not much you will, Frank! though it's certainly kind of you to offer
to do it. I'd be a nice Outdoor Chum, wouldn't I now, if I let some
other fellow shoulder my burdens? If I were sick or lame it might be a
different thing; but that doesn't happen to fit the case now. I'll get
along all right, so don't worry."

Accordingly they pushed on up the road, and presently arrived at the
crest of the ridge. The trees prevented an extended view, however,
much to the disappointment of Will, who wanted to make use of his
camera.

They saw no signs of the wrecked vehicle mentioned by the young
college chap who had given them his name as Gilbert Dennison, and
hence concluded it must be further