d a number of young
trees, and, under Jerry's supervision, the lean-to rapidly assumed
shape. Nails were freely used to strengthen it. Soft pine boughs were
laid a foot deep on the floor, and an extra covering of the same
material was put on the roof.

It was dark long before the task was finished, but the boys worked on by
lantern light. The exercise made them feel quite warm. It was a proud
and happy moment when their labor was done.

The cabin proved snug, and comfortable beyond their expectations. It had
a small doorway, that could be closed by buttoning a strip of canvas
over it, and the roof sloped at just the right angle.

"We couldn't have more solid comfort if we were at home," declared
Jerry. "Not a drop of water can get at us."

"And we've got protection from the wind on three sides," added Hamp.
"I feel like going to bed right now."

"Not before supper?" exclaimed Brick, in a tone of such earnest alarm
that his companions laughed merrily.

But there was much to do before the meal could be prepared, and no time
was wasted. First the traps were carried into the cabin, and arranged in
place. Then all three of the boys set to work on the deer, and partially
skinned it. They cut off a number of tender steaks, and hung the carcass
to the lower limbs of a stout pine tree.

Brick and Jerry gathered a big store of fuel, and built a roaring fire,
while Hamp chopped a hole through the ice on the margin of the lake, and
brought a pail of water. Half an hour later, when the hungry and tired
lads sat around the blazing logs appeasing their appetites with crisp
venison, and fried potatoes, and crackers, and steaming coffee, they
felt that their happiness was complete. It was past ten o'clock when
they crawled into the shanty, and buried themselves between soft boughs
and warm blankets. Outside, the logs smoldered and crackled, and the
far-away beasts of the forest wailed to the rising moon.

CHAPTER V.

THE FACE IN THE TREES.

The night passed without alarm. In the morning the cold was more intense
than ever, and the sky was still overcast with sullen-looking clouds.

During the forenoon the boys put a few extra touches to the cabin, and
gathered enough fuel to last for several days. After dinner Brick and
Hamp chopped holes through the ice, and caught a number of fat
pickerel. Jerry took his gun, and trudged into the woods. He returned
with a bra