that we alone have the proper authority
to live here. But suppose the men are not honest? Or rough characters?"

"It will depend on how many there are of them," responded Dan, with one
of his broad grins.

"Why?" challenged Dick. "If we had to fight for the right to live in
this cabin, how many do you think we could thrash?"

"Oh, I guess it won't come to that," remarked Tom Reade coolly.

"And I hope it won't come to that, or anything like it," Dick replied.

"But just the same, you're going to be scared until you find out? Is
that it?" laughed Harry Hazelton.

Dick flushed, but he answered honestly:

"Until something happens I can't tell whether I'm going to be scared or
not. Anyway, perhaps I won't show the greatest amount of fright that is
displayed around here."

"Now, you're answered, Harry," muttered Dave in a low voice, his eyes
flashing. "No fellow in this crowd has any right to doubt that Dick
Prescott is all there with the grit when it's called for."

"Can't a fellow joke?" asked Hazelton.

"But, while all this talk is going on," chattered Dan, "I'm not growing
any warmer."

"All lend a hand, and we'll get the fireplace cleaned out and the fire
going," urged Dick.

After that they made matters fly. The old ashes and hot embers were
taken outside and spread. Logs were laid and coal oil spread over them.
A match was touched, flames leaped up in response to the heavy draft of
the broad chimney, and the interior of the old cabin seemed ablaze.

"My, but that's going to be plenty hot, and some more," chuckled Dan.

"Who'll chop the ice at the spring and get two buckets of water?" called
Dick.

"I will," Harry answered, and departed, Greg going along to help him. In
a short time Dick had water boiling in a kettle that hung over the fire.

"I don't suppose anyone cares for coffee?" proposed Dick, glancing about
him.

In a very short time the beverage was ready.

"Aren't we going to have something to eat, too?" Dan wanted to know, as
the young campers gathered at the table.

"What's the use of spoiling our supper, which is only a couple of hours
or so away?" asked Dave sensibly.

Though the coffee was weak, it was hot. The youngsters soon began to
warm up, and all became cheery.

"Oh, but this life is going to be great!" sighed Greg exultantly. "Say,
fellows, I'm glad I thought of this way of putting in a vacation. Won't
the other fellows in town be crazy when they hear what a great time
w