back the things he
stole."

"I'll remember what you say," was the answer, and then the young
moving-picture actor walked away, and soon disappeared around a bend of
the road.

"It is very strange that they should have come here," remarked Caspar
Potts, when he and Dave re-entered the cottage to get the box of books.

"I should say it was!" answered our hero. "I don't understand it at all.
I believe Link Merwell is up to another one of his tricks. I'm going to
keep my eyes open for him."

When Dave returned home he told the others there of having met Link
Merwell and Ward Porton. Mr. Wadsworth was, of course, particularly
interested in Merwell, and he at once telephoned to the authorities to
be on the lookout for that individual. But Link Merwell had probably
taken warning, and did not show himself again. Nor, for the time being,
did Dave see anything further of Ward Porton.

On Friday Belle Endicott, Laura's friend from the West, arrived, and was
followed on Saturday morning by Roger and Phil. Ben brought word that he
had written to Luke Watson and Shadow Hamilton, and that those two
former pupils of Oak Hall had also signified their willingness to
accompany the party to Mirror Lake.

"And say, Dave, what do you think!" cried Ben. "This place that we are
to go to at Mirror Lake is known as Bear Camp. They tell me the bears
just love that vicinity."

"Bear Camp!" shrieked Jessie, who was present. "Oh, Ben, you are
fooling!"

"Not a bit of it, Jessie. My father got a letter from Tad Rason, an old
hunter and guide who lives in the vicinity of Mirror Lake. He says that
that place has been known as Bear Camp for years. He told about
shooting a big black bear there only a year or so ago."

"O dear, if there are bears up there I don't know that I want to go!"
said Laura. "Just think of having a big bear chase you!"

"Oh, you mustn't mind that, Laura!" cried Dave, gaily. "Just think of
the nice hug he could give you," and then he dodged, as Laura threw a
fancy pillow at him.

"I think those bears will spoil everything," came from Jessie, her face
clouding. "I didn't know any wild animals were left in the Adirondacks."

"Bear Camp," mused Laura. "What a queer name that is!"

"I think it's a fine name," answered Ben. "It suits me, anyway."

The boys were glad to see Belle Endicott, who was a large, well-built
girl, with a bright, breezy, western air about her. Belle had much to
tell concerning matters at Star Ra