rike.

Paul succeeded in landing his fish, which proved to be a fair-sized
specimen. Then Mr. Gordon tried again. In a short time he had a strike,
and with a quick motion of the wrist succeeded in fastening the barb of
the hook in the jaw of the fish.

"It's a dandy too, sir!" exclaimed Paul, as he saw a flash of rainbow
colors, when the big trout jumped wildly into the air, trying to break
loose by falling on the line; "keep a tight pull on him, sir, and if he
drags too hard let him have just a little more line. Oh! but he's a
beauty."

So coaching Mr. Gordon by degrees, he finally got the landing net ready;
and after the prize had been played until almost exhausted it was lifted
upon the raft with one swift and accurate movement.

After that the fishing seemed to slacken. Though the lake was
undoubtedly just teeming with fish, still they had their times for
feeding, and between these nothing could induce them to take hold.

Later in the day there were swimming tests started, and Mr. Gordon, who
was at home in this sport, showed the boys many tricks whereby their
prowess in the water might be doubled.

Paul had dressed, having cut his foot a trifle while walking on the
rocks. He and the scoutmaster, were standing there talking, Mr. Gordon
still had on his swimming trunks.

"I was just thinking, Paul," he remarked, "what a queer lake this is.
Have you noticed that it seems to have no visible outlet? Possibly some
of its waters manage to get to the Bushkill because there are several
streams running in; but where does it flow out?"

"Why, yes," returned Paul, "I did notice that. I suppose there must be
an outlet in the bottom of the lake somewhere."

"Just what I had concluded; and it would stand to reason that such a
hole might be somewhere near here. I'm a little anxious, because I've
had an experience myself with such a sucker-hole, and came near losing
my life in one. I managed to get hold of rocks on the bottom, and clawed
my way outside the terrible suction that was drawing me steadily in
toward the centre."

"Why, I noticed a peculiar swirl down just below where the boys are
swimming now. There, Andy Flinn has dived right into the spot! Oh! I
hope nothing will happen to Andy, sir. Perhaps you'd better call them
out, right away!"

Mr. Gordon uttered an exclamation of alarm. He turned his head and
seemed to be looking for something. Then Paul saw him snatch up a rope
that was coiled, and hanging from th