od what it signified.

"Another time you can come, Will," he explained. "Just now we don't
even know whether there really is a house inside of five miles. It's
only hearsay with us, you remember. If we should manage to get
friendly with Aaron, why, we'll be apt to wander up there many times,
and you may come across your chance before a great while."

With that, Will had to rest content. In fact, he had another little
plan of his own in mind, which he meant to work out on the following
day. Frank suspected as much, though he really hoped it would not be
of the same risky nature as getting the snapshots of the ospreys.

In the morning the two who had planned to follow up the stream and
learn if it passed through the estate of Aaron Dennison waved their
hands to Jerry and Will, after which they started along the shore.

After they reached the creek at the point where it emptied into the
bay, they turned their backs on the big water, and plunged into the
thick growth.

"How about this thing, Frank; do you really and truly mean this
expedition to be a foraging one, with fresh eggs and butter in view;
or is it that you just hope to get in touch with old Aaron Dennison,
and see what a genuine hermit looks like?"

Bluff put this direct question after they had been making their way
along the tortuous bank of the winding creek for nearly half an hour.
Such difficulties as crossed their path had been easily overcome, for
both boys were pretty good woodsmen, and accustomed to getting around
in the wilderness.

"Take my word for it," he was assured by his chum, "I'm out for the
grub above all things; though of course I admit to having a little
curiosity about this mysterious Mr. Dennison. I've heard a lot of
queer things about his doings. He has a pretty fine place away up
here, but keeps it surrounded by a high fence, and they even say it
has a strand or two of terrible barbed wire on top of the fence, to
discourage any one from climbing over."

"Gee whiz! I hope he doesn't own a pack of wolf dogs that would make a
jump for stray boys that chanced to get in the grounds."

"I asked particularly about that," said Frank, who somehow seemed to
think of nearly everything, "and no one could remember ever seeing any
around. So just as like as not the old man doesn't fancy dogs."

"Yes, there are people who shiver every time they meet a collie or a
mastiff," admitted Bluff, "though for my part I've always liked all
breeds. I be