water, the squirrel was seen to stop;
and for a moment we lost sight of him, where he was hidden behind one of
the broad pieces of bark. We thought he had taken shelter there,
intending to rest himself. Presently, however, we saw the bark moving
backwards and forwards; and from what we could see of the little animal,
it was evident he was trying with all his might to detach it from the
tree. Occasionally he ran out from the crevice--scratched the bark
outside with teeth and claws--and then hurriedly disappeared again.

"These strange manoeuvres were kept up for several minutes, while we all
remained upon the shore, watching with curiosity for the result.

"At length, we saw the piece of bark move rapidly outward from the
trunk, and hang down suspended only by a few fibres. These were soon
gnawed by the teeth of the squirrel, and the broad scale fell into the
water. It had hardly touched the surface, when the animal ran nimbly
down, and leaped upon it! There was no current at the spot where the
bark fell into the water; and we were in doubt whether it would carry
him out from among the trees; but we were soon convinced that our
squirrel knew what he was about. As soon as he had fairly balanced
himself upon his tiny craft, he hoisted his broad bushy tail high up in
the air, by way of a sail; and, the next moment, we saw that the breeze
catching upon it wafted the little mariner slowly, but surely, outward!
In a few seconds he had cleared the trees; and the wind soon brought him
within the influence of the current, which caused his bark to float
downward after his companions.

"These had well-nigh reached the breastwork of the dam; and Harry wished
very much to intercept them as they got to land. This wish, however,
was overruled by his mother, who very justly declared that the little
creatures deserved to escape, after having so well amused us by their
ingenuity.

"In a short time, they all leaped ashore, and went scampering off among
the trees in search of a dinner--for by this time, no doubt, they were
sufficiently hungry."

CHAPTER TWENTY.

A HOUSE BUILT WITHOUT A NAIL.

"Next day Cudjo and I went on with our housebuilding. This day was
appropriated to roofing it. We first laid a row of the clap-boards,
projecting considerably over the eaves--so as to cast the water far out.
These we secured near their lower ends by a long straight pole, which
traversed the roof horizontally from gable to gable,