fancy I can hear the squirrels laughing, and the little chippies
singing for joy," declared Jerry. "Now they'll have a chance to live.
What's hard on you, Bluff, is just happiness to them."

"You always did envy me the possession of that gun, and I know it, in
spite of your sneers. You just thought I'd beat you out in making a
record. Wait! I'm going to get that cracker-jack gun back again, some
fine day," remarked Bluff, grimly.

And Frank, seeing that look of determination on his face, knew he meant
it.

CHAPTER VII

THE SHACK OF THE MUSKRAT TRAPPER

"Wake up, everybody!"

Bang! bang! bang! went the big spoon on the frying pan Frank held.

As the others came crawling out of the tents they sniffed the air.

"Say, that bacon smells prime!" declared Will, smacking his lips.

"Hope you didn't forget about that mess of hominy I spoke about last
night, Toby. Hominy's my great stand-by for breakfast. All right, I see
it on the fire. Give me just five minutes. If it wasn't for that gun--"

"Talk about your Ambrosia, that Java sure has it knocked clean out,"
broke in Jerry. "Me for a quick-dressing act and then grub!"

Uncle Toby grinned, for he knew what appetites boys are apt to develop
when in the woods, and, of course, he had made allowances.

They were soon gathered around the table and busy.

"What's the programme for to-day?" asked Frank, when the edge of their
appetites had been taken away.

"First thing of all I want some snapshots of the camp in the morning sun.
You can see that's the best time to get a good view. Now, just sit still,
fellows, and let me do my little trick," said Will.

They assumed grotesque positions, but the photographer refused to
stand for that.

"What d'ye think I want, a collection of freaks broken loose from the
lunatic asylum? Here, you, Will, be dishing out some more bacon on to
your plate; Frank, take up the coffee-pot and be helping Bluff. Uncle
Toby, just look pleasant."

"Pretend you found my gun, and I was giving you half a dollar, Uncle
Toby," remarked Bluff, quickly.

"Always thinking of that cheap, clap-trap affair," growled Jerry.
"Goodness knows if we'll hear anything else from him all the time we're
in camp. I declare I've half a notion--"

"To do what?" asked Frank, looking at him suspiciously.

Jerry only smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Now, hold your positions, fellows. Frank, lean a little forward, so your
face stands out better; there,