," laughed Phil. "You
can see where his teeth cut into the green corn, and the memory of that
one taste will make him ready to take chances again."

He dropped the half ear of corn on the ground as he spoke.

"You mean that the poor old chap isn't going to be cheated out of his
fine treat, eh, Phil?"

"He deserves something," was the reply, "because I reckon he's given me
a cracking good picture. I want him to know I appreciate his pull at my
latch string."

This closed the incident, but on the way back Ethan continued to ask
numerous questions. These the other always answered to the best of his
ability, for it was his desire to interest Ethan more and more.

And Phil felt satisfied when, just before they arrived at the cabin
Ethan gave expression to an admission:

"Well, I'm ready to own up, Phil, that if for any reason I couldn't have
a gun, or use one because the law was on all game, I _might_ take some
stock in hunting by flashlight, and with a camera."

"And the knowledge you have, Ethan, of wild animals' ways would make you
a master hand at the game, if ever you bothered taking it up."

"Think so?" remarked the other, naturally pleased at this sort of
appreciation on Phil's part.

"I'm sure of it," he was told.

Nothing more was said at the time. Phil felt positive, however, that he
could count on Ethan's cooeperation so long as they remained at Birch
Bark Lodge.

It was not long before they all sought their bunks.

The night passed without any alarm. Lub had assured his comrades they
need have no fear of any unwelcome guest dropping down the chimney
again. He had insured against such an event happening; and apparently
felt the utmost confidence in his own invention, for he seemed to drop
asleep almost as soon as he settled down in his blanket.

Again in the morning they enjoyed their plunge in the lake, although Lub
had to be strongly urged before he consented to join them.

When he mentioned trout he was gently but firmly told that it was folly
to whip a willing horse.

"Don't let's have fish every meal," urged X-Ray Tyson, "or we'll all be
sprouting gills and dorsal fins and scales. Once a day after this ought
to satisfy the trout hunger. Now it seems to me that's a bully good fire
for camp flapjacks."

"Just what it is," agreed Ethan with enthusiasm.

"That suits me all right," Phil agreed, "and we all know the kind you
can make, Lub. If you want any help, call on me."

"Oh! it's only a