maple saplings he
had cut, he placed them crosswise beneath the stretcher, and stationed
a scout at each end. When all was ready, the captain rolled himself
upon the rude contrivance which had been made, and told the boys to go
ahead. At once the eight scouts stooped and without any difficulty
lifted him from the ground. They were delighted to find that not a
sleeve ripped, and not a belt gave way.

It was decided that they should follow the brook down-stream for a
distance until they came to the old winter-road. By doing this they
would escape the thick woods, as well as the climb up the steep bank.
It was a rough trip, and the captain was jolted a great deal.

"Don't make me sea-sick," he warned, when he swayed more than usual.
"Ugh!" he groaned, as one of the boys slipped upon a rock, and dropped
the end of his pole. "I've been over many rough seas in my life, but
nothin' to equal this. Steady, there," he cried, as the swaying motion
increased. "Ah, that's better," he encouraged, when they at length
reached the winter-road.

The scouts enjoyed the captain's remarks. He cheered them when they
did well, and made them rest occasionally. But it was a heavy load
they were bearing, and right glad were they when at last they reached
the Anchorage, and handed over their charge to Mrs. Britt.

That afternoon Phil's father took his horses and went with the scouts
to bring in the bear. Several able-bodied men accompanied them, for
news had spread from house to house of what had taken place up the
brook. It was almost sundown, when they returned, and quite a crowd of
neighbours were gathered around the captain's house to see the bear
which Rod had shot.

The scouts were delighted with their adventure, and each considered
himself a hero when he met other boys in the parish. Whyn was greatly
excited over the whole affair, and had to hear every detail from the
captain himself. Her eyes sparkled with pleasure when she learned of
the brave part Rod had taken. She was wise enough, however, not to
praise Rod when the rest of the scouts were present, for she knew that
they would be jealous. But when he was alone with her one afternoon,
she told him just what she thought.

"I think you did great," she exclaimed, after they had talked for
awhile about the bear.

"Oh, I didn't do much," was the reply.

"Yes, you did. If it hadn't been for you, the bear would have killed
the captain. He told me so himself."

"W