of the pool, and the result was such a crop of voracious
appetites that Randy predicted another foraging expedition before the
day was over.

After breakfast Ned sat down on a stone, and spreading a lengthy paper
on his knees, began to study it intently.

"What have you there?" asked Randy.

"A map of the Cumberland Valley," replied Ned. "Do you know, we almost
forgot about our mail arrangements? It's a good thing I remembered it
this morning. If this stream we are camping on now is Otter Run--and
according to the-map it is--then West Hill is only half a dozen miles
due east of us.

"That is the first place we were to expect letters, and we won't get any
nearer to it than we are now. I think I'll walk over. You may go with
me, Clay, if you like. The distance is too much for Nugget, and it's
Randy's turn to stay in camp."

No objection was made to this arrangement, and all hurriedly produced
paper and pencils and sat down on the grass to write letters home.

"I'm asking for a cake," said Randy. "Where shall I have it sent?"

"Carlisle," answered Ned. "We will be there next week. Tell them to make
it a big one."

"And not to forget to put icing on it," added Clay.

"Oh, that goes without telling," said Randy laughingly. "They know what
I like."

In half an hour all the letters were sealed and addressed. Then Ned and
Clay brushed off their clothes and put on neckties, greatly to Randy's
amusement.

"What are you laughing at?" exclaimed Ned. "Don't you know that we may
be invited out to dinner at West Hill? I wish I had a dress suit with
me."

"What a pity you haven't," said Randy mockingly. "Nugget will lend you
his yachting cap."

"Of course I will," said Nugget in all seriousness. "Say, Ned," he
whispered, coming up close, "I--I have a white shirt in my bag and a
dotted vest. I thought they might come in handy. You are quite welcome
to them, you know, if--"

Nugget's indiscreet confession went no further. Ned rolled on the
ground, choking with laughter. He actually couldn't help it.

Clay and Randy had heard every word, and poor Nugget was finally obliged
to take refuge in the tent.

"This won't do," said Ned, struggling to keep a sober face. "We must be
off. I hope you won't get in any fresh scrapes while we are away, Randy.
You had better stay about camp. You may look for us back some time this
afternoon--not later than four o'clock."

"Oh, I won't have time to get in mischief," laughed Randy. "