ere by road, and a good bit further by the
creek."

The boys gasped with amazement. It was hard to realize that they had
strayed so far out of their way.

"I'm afraid our companions will be greatly worried," said Ned. "That's
all I'm thinking about."

"A little worry won't hurt 'em," asserted Mr. Plunkett cheerfully.
"It'll do 'em good, and make them more glad to see you in the morning."

This bit of philosophy had its effect on the boys, and the last trace
of anxiety vanished when their host conducted them to the room they were
to occupy. It was the typical country "spare bed-chamber." Home spun
carpet covered the floor, and on the walls were cardboard mottoes in
walnut frames, a sampler yellow with age, and portraits of George and
Martha Washington. The bed was a huge four poster, and stood so high
that the boys had to give a spring in order to climb in.

They fell asleep almost instantly, and found it difficult to get up in
the morning when the farmer banged on the door with his heavy fist.

Mrs. Plunkett had a delicious breakfast ready when the boys came down
stairs, and after they had eaten their fill the farmer carefully
instructed them how to reach their camp--or rather how to reach a
certain point on the creek which was less than a quarter of a mile above
the rapids.

The boys had read the character of their hosts sufficiently well to know
that it would be regarded as an insult if they should offer them money.
So they thanked them profusely for their generous treatment, and said
"good-by," promising to stop if they ever chanced to be in that vicinity
again.

After a good sleep and a good breakfast the five mile walk was a trifle
to the boys. They had no difficulty in following the directions, and
about half past ten o'clock they turned aside from the road and entered
a piece of woods.

Ten minutes later they stood on the bank of the creek, listening to the
familiar sound of the rapids below them. The steep hill began at this
point, making it impossible to follow the shore, so they began the
ascent and reached the crest after a pretty stiff climb. The camp was
now directly opposite, though entirely concealed by the huge shellbark
trees.

"Let's give them the yell," said Ned. He placed his hand to his mouth
and uttered a regular Indian war whoop that woke the echoes for a long
distance. Clay did the same, and they both stopped to listen.

A minute went by in silence, and then another. No glad shout o