ping flames were sending long streamers of
light into the thicket on either side and over the glistening
waters of Moose river. The circle of illumination extended for
some distance on every side, except at the back of the tents, where
the level ground lay in shadows.

As the boys listened, the soft sound of a moccasined foot came to
their ears. It seemed only a yard away, and yet it was not in
sight. George dashed to the back of the tents, followed by a sharp
cry of alarm.

CHAPTER III

THE CABIN IN THE SWAMP

When George reached the rear of the tent he saw a crouching figure
there. A hole had been cut in the cloth, and the fellow was gazing
into the tent. He was dressed in woodsman's attire, leather jacket
and leggins and fur cap. The gold rings in his ears quivered and
glistened as the light of the fire struck them.

As George rounded the tent the spy turned and ran for the forest.
Without a thought as to the ultimate result, George followed along
behind. For some distance the lad kept pace with the mysterious
visitor, but, of course, it was impossible for him to do so for any
great length of time, as the fugitive was well versed in woodcraft,
while George was not.

After a time George lost sight of the fellow entirely, but could
still keep track of him by the noise he made in passing through the
thicket. It was quite evident that the intruder now believed that
pursuit, had entirely ceased, for he made his way more leisurely
through the swampy growth, and seemed to pay no attention whatever
to the sounds of his passage.

Using great caution, the boy finally gained the hummock and stood
looking at the dark bulk of a log cabin which stood in the center.
He listened for a long time but all was silent inside. Presently
he circled the place and came to a small opening which was more
like a loop-hole than a window. There was a glass pane here, and
through it he saw that there was a fire on the inside.

By this time the lad was shivering with cold, not having taken the
time to provide himself with heavy clothing before leaving the camp
in pursuit of the spy. As he glanced through the glazed opening he
saw a great fire of logs blazing in a rudely made fireplace at one
end of the room. He moved on until he found a door.

"Perhaps the owner of this log mansion will think I'm pretty prompt
in returning his call," the lad mused as he knocked softly at the
door. "But, all the same, I'm going to giv