Toby would
remember something he had noticed as he made his way to or from the
river, that he must describe in order to arouse Jack's interest, and
cause him to decide on a trip across country soon.

They sat up fairly late, for there was a peculiar fascination about the
crackling campfire that held them spellbound. They clasped their hands
about their knees, and stared into the glowing heart of the fire, as
though capable of seeing all manner of fantastic figures dancing there
like madcap sprites. It was the old, old story that never dies out, the
spirit of devotion that mankind pays to the element which he had
compelled to serve him so well in a thousand different ways, but
principally to cook his food, and warm his chilled body.

Finally Toby admitted that his eyes were closing in spite of himself,
and Steve on hearing that frank confession commenced to yawn at a
terrific rate; so Jack said for one he meant to creep between his
blankets and get some sleep.

All seemed well as they retired within the tent where, by the light of
the lantern, they could finish their disrobing, and don their warm
flannel winter pajamas, which, at Jack's suggestion, they had fetched
along with them, because he knew how chilly the nights become in camp
even during the "good old summer-time."

After all Toby had his fears for nothing, because he was not aroused by
any mysterious explosion. If anything of the sort happened he certainly
failed to hear it, and slept through the night.

When morning arrived they were on the job again, as Steve termed it;
that is, taking their waking-up exercises in front of the tent by doing
a number of gymnastic feats, and then after dressing proceeding with
breakfast.

"So far we've been favored with good weather," remarked Steve, as they
sat on the logs, and enjoyed the meal thus prepared. "Not a drop of
rain, and while fairly hot nothing unseasonable, to make us sizzle along
toward three in the afternoon. But seems to me there's a change due
before long. I don't quite like the looks of the sun this morning; and
it came up glowing red in the bargain."

"So it did, Steve," assented Toby, "and they say that's a good sign of
stormy weather. Well, all we can do is take things as they come, the bad
with the good. When fellows camp out for two weeks they ought to go
prepared for wet as well as dry weather. I've fetched along my
rain-coat, and the rubber cap that keeps your neck dry in the toughest
of a d