g else, from magic haunches of
venison, which appear when you wave your hand, to Little Brass
Gods, which grin down from the wall one second and vanish in smoke
the next!"

"Aw, come on to bed!" cried George.

"I'm going to sit up and get breakfast!" declared Tommy. "Sandy's
got a grouch on, and there's nothing on earth so good for a grouch
as a slice of broiled venison."

Tommy dressed himself and chased outdoors in order to bring in the
meat supply. He returned without it. The venison was gone!

CHAPTER XV

A HUNTING EXPEDITION

The boys remained at the cabin all the next day stirring out only
for wood and game. Without going, more than a dozen yards from the
habitation, the boys shot three rabbits and half a dozen squirrels.

These were taken about noon, and the boys immediately began the
preparation of a stew. There were a few potatoes left, and these
they pared and sliced into the savory dish when it was nearing
completion.

They expected, every one of them, to receive another visit from the
mysterious persons who had appeared at the cabin on the previous
night, yet they did not talk of what was in their thoughts. They
discussed the sad plight of Antoine, wandering about in the forest
with a broken wrist, and wondered if the cached provisions were
still intact.

The following night was a quiet one. Snow fell heavily, and the
small streams of that section took on icy blankets.

When they awoke the following morning, the sun was shining
brightly, and there were many signs of a pleasant week.

"After breakfast," Tommy declared, as he sent his plate over for
the third helping of the rejuvenated stew, I'm going out and get a
specimen of every wild animal in the woods. Then I'm going to put
them all into this stew!"

"You might put a wolverine into it!" suggested Thede.

"Are they good to eat?" demanded Tommy.

"They're good to eat game out of the traps, I understand," replied
the boy. "Or, just for a change," Thede continued, "how'd you like
an owl in your stew? I guess that wouldn't put you wise or
anything!"

"You seem to know quite a lot about this country," Will suggested.

"Poor Pierre taught me quite a lot during our rambles," Thede
answered sorrowfully.

"Then perhaps you'd better come along with Tommy and me and show us
where to get these different kinds of animals the kid wants to put
into his stew. That will help some."

After breakfast the three boys started out with