e far end. This was a long trail over a low divide and Mr. Waterman
did not seem to want to start on it.

"I don't want to set out on this trail because it is about five miles
long and we could not get home to-night. Anyway, I have a hunch that
this fellow has piked off to the north. It's the easiest thing in the
world to cover up a trail. Let's go around this north end of the lake
again."

They did so but without any success.

"I guess we're stumped," said Bob.

"Not on your life," replied Mr. Waterman. "That hunch of mine grows more
insistent every minute. I tell you what I'll do. Let me out here. I'll
tramp around this north shore and if he has any hidden trail, I'll
probably cross it sooner or later."

Bob paddled to the shore of the lake and Mr. Waterman got out. Bob then
paddled slowly along the shore. He expecting to keep in touch with Mr.
Waterman by the noise he would make as he broke through the bushes. But
not so. Mr. Waterman had been schooled for many years by the Indians and
he had many of their accomplishments. One of these was his ability to
move through the woods with very little noise. The consequence was that
the leafy background of the little lake swallowed up Mr. Waterman and
not a sound was heard. The stillness seemed oppressive to Bob as he
slowly paddled to the other end of the lake. He had been there some time
when he was startled by hearing Mr. Waterman say in his usual calm
tones,

"I've found it. My hunch was working properly."

"Let's follow it right away," said Bob eagerly.

"No," was the reply. "It will keep. We have just time to get back to
camp for a late supper. I'll take Pierre and Jack to-morrow and we'll
ferret out this matter."

"Can't I go along too?" asked Bob.

"No, I think that it would be best for just the three of us to go,"
replied Mr. Waterman.

"I hope you change your mind about that," said Bob. "I really think that
I might be of some use. I hardly like to ask you to remember that I was
the first to notice his tracks on the portage."

"You're too modest, Bob," replied Mr. Waterman. "You certainly have
sharp eyes and know how to use them. I'll think it over and if possible
I'll take you with me. I am afraid that there may be some trouble and,
of course, I don't want to have anything happen to you."

"I'm part Irish," said Bob.

"What's that?" asked Mr. Waterman.

"I said that I was part Irish and you know that a real Irishman always
likes to be along when