him from giving way.

The last of the provisions were eaten for dinner.

A halt of half an hour was indulged in, and then he trudged forward
once more, traveling a trifle more easily since one of his hands was
now free.

It was late in the afternoon when he finally arrived within sight of
the encampment; but there were no signs of Jim.

Before reaching the shanty he shouted loudly, receiving no reply, save
the mocking echoes.

Now he ran the short distance remaining, and looked around eagerly.

Everything was apparently as he had left them. The notice was still
fastened to the trunk of the tree.

The store of provisions was untouched, and he went to the water's edge.

The boat had not been launched, and this in itself was sufficient to
show the small guide had not returned.

It was time he arrived, even supposing he remained over night at his
home, as had been intimated, and the only reason for delay which he
could imagine was that the young gentleman's parents refused to let him
continue the hunting trip.

If that had been the case it seemed strange he did not come back to let
Jet know he could no longer act as guide and assistant detective.

Thoroughly disheartened Jet threw himself on the ground near the front
of the shanty, trying to decide what he could do; when the sound as of
some person forcing his way through the underbrush caused a look of joy
to come over his face.

An instant later it was replaced by one of disappointment.

Instead of seeing Jim as he had hoped, a very disreputable-looking
stranger came from the direction of the upper carry, approaching Jet
with a careless "Howdy?"

"Good afternoon," Jet responded.

"Out here on a fishin' trip, eh?"

"Yes, something of that sort."

"Been 'round long?"

"A few days."

"I reckon you don't want to hire a good guide, who can beat any one in
this section cooking, eh?"

"No, and I haven't got the money if I did want to."

"I'd go mighty cheap seein's how business is dull."

Jet shook his head.

"Well, there's no harm done. I don't reckon you'd kick agin givin' a
feller a bite, eh?"

"Help yourself; the provisions are under the boat."

The stranger proceeded to overhaul the outfit in the most
matter-of-fact way possible, even grumbling because certain articles he
evidently expected were not to be found.

"How would it do, if I got up a dinner for both of us?" he finally
asked.

"All right, go ahead."

It made very little di