te in the year to do
much in the way of tracking, but Ralph knew several places along a
nearby stream where he had often caught mink that were using the
burrows; and he was anxious to show his friend certain things in
connection with the habits of the sleek animals, the skins of which
were always in such good demand for furs.

They had a joyous time together, because both were animated by the
same sort of desire to know all that could be learned of wild animal
life. Hugh's scout education had given him a pretty good insight
into these things; but he knew the relative value of book learning
and practical experience, and never let an opportunity to see for
himself slip past.

At no time did they wander far afield. And as certain signals had
been arranged with Bud, whereby he could summon them to his assistance
in case there was any symptom of impending trouble, there did not seem
to be any need of worry.

Once in so often they would walk back to the near vicinity of the
shack; and on discovering Bud there, busily engaged in mending his
disabled aeroplane model, they considered that they could saunter
off again to investigate further into the secrets of wood and swamp,
the latter now half frozen over in the cold late November atmosphere.

That was a day Hugh Hardin would long remember. He picked up a stack
of practical information on topics that had always interested him
greatly. Ralph was the best kind of a chum with whom to be wandering
through the forest. He knew many things in connection with these
subjects and was always ready to impart information to others, as
well as to demonstrate what he was discussing.

At noontime they cooked dinner. Bud was not nearly through his
repairs, though he declared that he was making satisfactory progress
and would have the model in as good shape as ever long before
evening set in.

"To-morrow we'll have another and convincing test!" he declared
positively, with something of the air of a conqueror about him. Hugh
noticed this with a smile, though he thought there was some excuse
for Bud's displaying a disposition to "crow."

All of the boys showed that they had their appetites along with them
on this trip, to judge by the rapid way in which the great heap of
splendid flapjacks made by Ralph disappeared, until only the empty
platter remained. But then, they were up here to enjoy themselves,
and what better way could they find of doing this than by feasting
on real cam