in rat living in the vicinity of
mountains and constructing their singular-looking huts with remarkable
skill, often building them to a height of six feet. Their fur is very
fine, and the hunters and trappers frequently take the animals for their
coats, although their diminutive size, when compared with the beaver,
otter, and other fur-bearing animals, prevents their being much in
demand.

The hunters, as perhaps it is proper to term them, were too anxious to
discover the canoe to pause long at any curiosity unless it was
something extraordinary. They carefully noted the distance they
journeyed, and when they judged they had gone about a mile, stepped into
the edge of the river and looked about them. But they saw nothing
answering to Ned Trimble's description of the hiding-place of the boat.

"Perhaps he was jesting," remarked Elwood.

"No; I think he is too kind-hearted for that. He may have been mistaken
as to whether it is precisely a mile or not."

"Whist! but it strikes me that the bushes are rather thick just ayonst
you."

Tim pointed to a spot a hundred rods away which had failed to arrest
their attention. There was nothing unusual, except mayhap that the
overhanging shrubbery was rather denser than usual; but it held out
hope, and the party hurried pell-mell to the spot.

There, sure enough, they descried the rock, and lifting the bushes,
caught sight of the small, delicate canoe concealed beneath. Elwood was
in the advance, and quickly pulled it forth with the wildest expressions
of delight.

"Isn't it splendid!" he fairly shouted. "And here is a long paddle. Our
work is now done."

"Do yees jist stand up in the same," said Tim, "and see what a beautiful
rest it gives to the faat."

The impulsive boy caught up the paddle, and rose to his feet; but it was
like unto him who first puts on skates. It flashed from beneath him, and
he was precipitated headlong into the water. The others, as a matter of
course, laughed.

"That was done on purpose," said Elwood as he clambered to his feet
again.

"I wished to give yees a little insthruction, and that was me first
lesson."

"Well, I learned considerable at any rate."

The canoe was caught, and the three carefully entered and seated
themselves. It was made of bark, bound together with cord and gum, and
would have held double their weight, being very light and buoyant.

A vast amount of sport was afforded the party in learning to navigate
the frail ves