nty, haven't we?" Norah said. "Just look what a splendid
pile of fish!"

"They take a bit of beating, don't they?" said Jim. "That's right, Wal,
pull him up!" as Wally hauled in another fine fish. "We couldn't carry
more if we had 'em."

"Then it's a good thing my bait's gone, too!" laughed Norah, winding up.
"Haven't we had a most lovely time!"

Jim produced a roll of canvas which turned out to be two sugar bags, and
in these carefully bestowed the fish, sousing the whole thoroughly in
the water. The boys gathered up the lines and tackle and "planted" the
rods conveniently behind a log, "to be ready for next time," they said.

"Well, we've had splendid sport, thanks to you, sir," Jim said, turning
to the Hermit, who stood looking on at the preparations, a benevolent
person, "something between Father Christmas and Robinson Crusoe," as
Norah whispered to Harry. "We certainly wouldn't have got on half as
well if we'd stayed where we were."

"Oh, I don't know," the Hermit answered. "Yours is a good place--I've
often caught plenty of fish there--only not to be relied on as this pool
is. I've really never known this particular spot fail--the fish seem to
live in it all the year round. However, I'm glad you've had decent
luck--it's not a bit jolly to go home empty-handed, I know. And now,
what's the next thing to be done? The afternoon's getting on--don't you
think it's time you came to pay me a visit at the camp?"

"Oh, yes, please!" Norah cried.

Jim hesitated.

"We'd like awfully to see your camp, if--if it's not any bother to you,"
he said.

"Not the least in the world," the Hermit said. "Only I can't offer you
any refreshment. I've nothing but cold 'possum and tea, and the
'possum's an acquired taste, I'm afraid. I've no milk for the tea, and
no damper, either!"

"By George!" said Jim remorsefully. "Why, we ate all your damper at
lunch!"

"I can easily manufacture another," the Hermit said, laughing. "I'm
used to the process. Only I don't suppose I could get it done soon
enough for afternoon tea."

"We've loads of tucker," Jim said. "Far more than we're likely to eat.
Milk, too. We meant to boil the billy again before we start for home."

"I'll tell you what," Norah said, struck by a brilliant idea. "Let's
coo-ee for Billy, and when he comes send him back for our things. Then
if--if Mr. Hermit likes, we could have tea at his camp."

"Why, that's a splendid notion," the Hermit cried. "I'm delighted that