ns, Gauls, and
Teutons also made pottery, but their attempts were of a cruder
sort. Dishes, vases, toys have been exhumed in their countries, all
displaying characteristic clay designs. But no country in the world
has ever equaled the pottery of the Greeks."

"Did the Greeks----" began Theo; but his father cut him short.

"See here, young man," he declared, drawing out his watch, "this is no
time of night for you to be setting forth on a history of Greek
pottery. You are going to bed."

[Illustration: "I HAD FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT BED"]

Theo rose with a laugh.

"I had forgotten all about bed," he said.

"That speaks pretty well for your charm as an historian, Croyden,"
observed Dr. Swift. "The boy could scarcely keep his eyes open at
dinner."

"Can't you tell me about Greek pottery some other time, sir?" asked
Theo.

"I'd be glad to, sonny," Mr. Croyden returned. "I never dreamed a boy
would be interested in such a dull subject."

"It isn't dull when you tell it," came naively from Theo.

"That is the biggest compliment I ever had in my life," exclaimed the
fisherman with pleasure. "You shall hear more of Greek pottery
to-morrow if by that time you still want to. Good-night. The most
beautiful thing I can wish you is that you dream of Greek vases all
night long."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER II

MR. CROYDEN KEEPS HIS PROMISE

When Theo awoke the next day the novelty of his surroundings drove
every thought of Greek pottery from his mind. As he peeped out of his
window he could see slanting rifts of early sunlight flecking with
gold the trunks of the great pines. From the chimney of the
cookhouse a spiral of blue smoke was ascending and as it rose it
carried into the air with it a pleasant odor of burning wood and
frying bacon.

Theo did not dally with his dressing, you may be sure; he was far too
hungry, and too eager to attack the program for the day.

"Put on thick boots, son," called Dr. Swift from his room. "The
weather is fine. It is an ideal morning to tramp across Owl's Nest
Carry and fish in the lake beyond there."

"What time is it, Father?" inquired Theo. "I forgot to wind my watch
last night."

"Six o'clock. We shall have a three mile walk, and plenty of time to
get in some fishing before the sun is high. Then we can paddle
up-stream to the camp at the farther end of Owl Lake and cook our
lunch. How does that plan please you?"

"Hurrah!" cried Theo. "Is there a camp like thi