o hand sleds, to
which were strapped their provisions, guns, and various needed
supplies.

By sundown they reached one of the eastern arms of Moosehead Lake, and
built a-temporary lean-to among the rocks and trees. They were now in
the actual wilderness, miles and miles from civilization.

CHAPTER III.

A DOUBLE PERIL.

After supper that evening a light snow began to fall, but it ceased at
midnight. The increased cold wakened Brick, and while he was searching
for an extra blanket he heard a long, wailing cry outside.

The youth was scared almost stupid for a moment. Then he tremblingly lit
a lantern, and roused his companions.

The boys peeped through the crevices of the lean-to, but they could see
nothing. Twice they heard the dismal sound. It was certainly coming
nearer. They seized their guns, and huddled close together.

"What do you suppose it is?" whispered Brick.

"A catamount," replied Jerry, "or Indian Devil, as some call them."

"That's right," added Hamp. "It's going to attack us, too."

"Then be ready to shoot," warned Jerry. "I'll give the word when the
time comes."

The brute now seemed to have stopped, though the blood-curdling wail
echoed several times on the frosty air.

"I saw a catamount in Central Park once," whispered Brick. "It was an
awful-looking creature."

Just then the unseen prowler wailed again. The boys peered anxiously at
the snowy open space before the lean-to.

"No wonder the brute is bold," exclaimed Hamp. "There's nothing left of
the fire but a couple of hot embers."

"We must build it up right away," declared Jerry. "Come on, you fellows.
We'll stick together."

"But won't the catamount jump at us?" asked Brick.

"Not while we have the lantern," assured Jerry. "All wild animals are
afraid of fire."

The boys ventured out of the lean-to. They timidly advanced to the
fireplace, which was in the center of the glade.

"Where's the wood you brought at bedtime?" asked Jerry. "I don't see
it."

"I--I forgot all about it," admitted Hamp. "I was too sleepy to think.
I'm awfully sorry."

"Being sorry won't help us now," said Jerry, grimly. "There's not even a
stick."

There was silence for a moment. The boys expected nothing less than to
be pounced upon by the hungry beast.

"I believe the catamount has sneaked off," declared Hamp. "Give me the
lantern, and I'll get some wood. It's my fault that we