, I should guess," he declared
when discussing the weather with his comrades.

Bluff had of late shown a disposition to prove himself somewhat of a
weather prophet. He studied the various conditions of the sky, noted
the mottled clouds that people used to say denoted rain, consulted
calendars he had brought along that explained the phases of the moon,
and every little while solemnly announced that according to all the
signs such and such a condition of weather was going to follow.

It was on the second morning that Bluff outlined his plan. Waiting
until they had all eaten the excellent breakfast which he himself had
prepared, and until he had reason to believe Frank must be in an
especially good humor, Bluff spoke up.

"Frank, why not all of us go up to that rock ledge to-day before the
weather takes a turn for the worse? How about it, Jerry; are you game
for a tramp?"

"Every time," came the immediate response; "and as you say, if we're
going to have a look in at that queer section of the country, to-day's
as good a time as any."

To the delight of both boys, Frank offered no objection. In fact, he
himself felt rather inclined to do a little more exploring, for the
country in that region interested him deeply. And so presently the
four left their cabin camp to plunge into the woods.

CHAPTER XVI

SHOWING BLUFF AND JERRY

It pleased Frank to set out in almost a direct line for the rocky
ledges. He wanted to cover once more the ground which he and Will had
passed over on their way to camp.

"In the first place," he explained to the others when they remarked on
this fact, "there were several interesting sights that Will said he
wanted to snap off; and his supply of film had run short the other
day. Then we know this route, and can point out a lot of things.
Besides, it's a short way to the place, which is a good excuse for
taking it."

In due time they reached the rocks, and both Bluff and Jerry must
creep under the friendly ledge, to see for themselves what sort of
shelter their chums had found from the storm.

"Couldn't be beaten, and that's a fact, Frank!" was Jerry's final
verdict, after he had remained under the rock for a time.

"And in such a terrible electric storm," added Bluff, sagely, "I
don't know of a better place to take refuge than under a shelf of
rock. There's no danger of being struck by the lightning, and only a
slim chance of an avalanche tumbling down on top of you."

"All bo