ices off that ham,
and slap it in the frying pan. Kind of wish now, myself, I'd cooked a
teenty bit more. Just feel as if a few more mouthfuls would finish me."

The others looked at each other and roared; for certainly Nick had
devoured as much as any two of them; and seeing that Jimmie was a good
feeder that was surely "going some," as George put it.

It felt so "comfy," Nick remarked, sitting there by the fire, that none
of them seemed very anxious to go aboard and seek their beds. The sky
was still clouded over, and the moon, now in its first quarter, hidden
from view; which prospect of rain kept them from thinking of passing
the night ashore, as they might have done had the heavens been clear.

Finally, however, Nick himself began to yawn in a manner that told how
heavy his eyes were getting in the heat of the fire.

"I just hate to crawl in there, fellows," he grunted, as he slowly
arose to his knees, for it was always an effort for the fat boy to get
up, after sitting. "Makes me feel just like I'm in a coffin, to lie in
such narrow quarters. Why, I tell you, the skin's clean off my hips
and shoulders with rubbing against the sides of the boat. I'm going to
be a physical wreck yet, that's what."

"Well, if you get used to it now, you needn't worry when the time comes
to leave this old world," was all the satisfaction George gave him.

Jack lay there smiling, as he watched the fat boy heave, and finally
plant one foot on the ground preparatory to getting up. He was never
tired studying Nick, for he had an idea the other was not altogether so
stupid as he seemed; but that he carried on at times just to tease
George.

And as Jack continued to watch, he saw Nick give a sudden start, while
his hands shut in a nervous way. At the time he was apparently looking
beyond the fire, and toward the neighboring woods; for they were
camping in what seemed to be a lonely place, possibly miles from any
human habitation.

Apparently Nick had seen something, or he would not have given that
start. Jack immediately sat up and took notice.

"What's the matter, Buster?" as asked, quickly; and both the others,
hearing what he said, also started up.

The fat boy turned his head around. Signs of great excitement could be
seen in the working of his facial muscles, as well as in his staring
eyes.

"Good gracious!" he exclaimed, "it's a bear, fellows, as sure as you
live!"

"What?" ejaculated Jack, as he made a dive f