always held on that day, said he:

"Boys, you remember that we are going on an exploring trip this week. So
get ready. You will have to carry everything with you, so take those
things that are absolutely necessary. In addition, remember that each of
you boys is expected to carry his share of the grub for the week."

The boys began to plan and they went to their blankets filled with the
idea of taking a real trip under old-time voyageur conditions.

"Supposing it rains?" suggested Pud.

"Well, what of it?" replied Bob. "Do you think that we're sugar and that
a little rain will hurt us?"

"Don't worry very much," said Mr. Waterman. "If we have any really bad
weather you will be surprised how quickly the guides will make a wood
hut out of birch bark, and a few supports quickly cut in the woods."

Very early the next morning they were astir. Bob had to give many
suggestions to Pud and Bill, too, but at last they had their duffle all
ready so that by means of tump lines they could not only bear their own
blankets and sleeping bags, but also their share of the week's supplies.

"We are going north," said Mr. Waterman.

"Let's go to the spy's cabin," said Pud.

"Ah, do," chimed in Bill. "You see, Pud and I had no part in that
adventure."

"Very well," said Mr. Waterman, "it won't be a bad thing for us to go
there and see how much of the place the Government agents have left."

"Have the police been there?" asked Bob.

"You can bet they've been there," said Mr. Waterman. "A party left
Escoumains the very day we were there."

They were a picturesque party as they set out. Pierre was the only one
left behind. Jean, Jack and Joe were there; Joe with his little pointed
hat, mackinaw and shoe pack, looking all the world like the pictures of
the old voyageurs that one sees in the illustrations of the early French
occupation of Canada. With the three guides, Mr. Waterman, Mr. Anderson,
and the three boys, there were eight in the party. Mr. Waterman led the
way, taking Bob in his canoe. Jack had Pud with him, Jean was paired
with Bill, while Mr. Anderson and Joe brought up the "honorable rear,"
as they say in Japan. In their blue shirts, khaki trousers, bandanna
handkerchiefs around their necks and shoe packs, they looked ready to
tackle a journey to James Bay. In fact, Jean and Joe had both made the
trip to James Bay and back, over the Great Divide almost due north of
Tadousac, going first up the St. John River from Chic