d as ice.

"A cracking good spot for a camp," was the verdict of the experienced
Frank, as he allowed his eyes to rove about, and take in the
surroundings.

Jerry beamed with pleasure.

"Knew you couldn't help liking it, for it seemed to cover all the
necessities of the case, as far as I know them," declared Jerry, whose
knowledge was founded pretty much on theory based on extensive reading
rather than a practical experience such as Frank had passed through.

"This little knoll will serve to shed water when it rains, as it's sure
to do some time or other; it always does when you camp; and the water is
just far enough away to keep the spring from being polluted by any refuse
from the fire. Yes, and the trees around here have not been touched by
lumbermen, so that the whole aspect is restful to the eye. I like it,
Jerry; it's a regular jim-dandy place."

"Hunk, I say!" declared Bluff, after his usual explosive fashion; but if
his manner was crude, he generally hit the nail on the head, and no one
could mistake his feelings in the matter.

He immediately squatted down and began to take his gun out of its case,
an operation Jerry eyed with alarm.

"Say, look here, what are you going to do with that machine, eh? Are
you so wild to get at the slaughter that you can't wait a decent length
of time, and give the poor birds and beasts a chance to know we're here
for a long stay? For goodness' sake, show some sportsman spirit,
Bluff," he exploded.

The other looked up with an injured expression.

"Why," said he, "I'm only thinking of those three desperate characters
rushing our camp, and I wanted to let them see we are able to look out
for ourselves, that's what."

"Oh! if that's the case, hold up that tool, and I bet they light out
faster than they come--who wouldn't, I'd just like to know, when--"

"Hey, Jerry, can the wagon get in here?" asked Will, knowing what the
dispute would lead to if allowed to go on any further.

"Why, yes, I think so, if Toby knows how to manage right; you see he can
turn to the right, cross behind that thicket, and bring up here;
certainly the wagon can haul up here--if it ever gets to this point
safe," replied the other.

"You and I will look out for that, and when we ride back to convoy it
here, depend on it, we'll have our guns ready to make a good showing,"
remarked Frank. "I don't think those three fellows will dare attack us,
especially when they see Erastus. They know him all ri