s to continue the conversation, but only receiving
responsive grunts, turned to a discussion of the flag and other scout
problems, while Indian Jake was absorbed in his own thoughts.
Presently he rose and proceeded to unroll his bed.

"Plenty of room in the tent," Doctor Joe invited. "Better come in with
us, Jake."

"Goin' early. Sleep here," he declined, as he spread a caribou skin
upon the ground to protect himself from the damp earth. Then he
produced a Hudson's Bay Company blanket, once white but now of
uncertain shade, and rolling himself in the blanket, with his feet
toward the fire, was soon snoring peacefully.

"We won't trouble to douse the fire," Doctor Joe suggested presently.
"He wants to sleep by it, and he'll look after it. Let's turn in."

And with the front of the tent open that they might enjoy the air and
profit by the firelight, they were soon snug in their sleeping-bags
and as sound asleep as Indian Jake.

"High-o!"

The three boys sat up. It was broad daylight, and Doctor Joe, on his
hands and knees, was looking out of the tent.

"Our visitor has gone, and there's little wonder, for we've been
sleeping like bears and it's broad daylight. Hurry, lads, or the
sun'll be well up before we get away."

The boys sprang up and were soon dressed. The fire had burned low,
indicating that Indian Jake had been gone for a considerable time. A
fat goose was hanging from the limb of a tree. Fastened to it was a
piece of birch bark, and scribbled upon the birch bark with a piece of
charcoal from the fire, these words:

"cerprize fur the lads bekos they likes Goos."

Another surprise awaited them. When they lifted the lid of the large
cooking kettle they found it nearly full of boiled goose.

"That's the way o' Indian Jake!" Andy exclaimed. "He's always plannin'
fine surprises for folks."

"It's surely a fine surprise," said Doctor Joe. "Breakfast all ready
but the tea, and a goose for to-night."

Every one hurried, but the sun was well up when they put out the fire
and hoisted sail. There was little wind, however, and the light
breeze soon dropped to a dead calm. Doctor Joe unshipped the rudder
and began sculling, while the boys laboured at the long oars. At
length the tide began running in, and progress was so slow that it was
decided to go ashore and await a turn of the tide or a breeze.

"Lem Horn lives just back o' that island," said David, indicating a
small wooded island. "We might stop and