the minks was over a foot in length, not counting the bushy
tail. They were of a soft brown shade, with a ridge of black on the back
and patches of white below. Each was quite plump, and gave forth a
peculiar strong odor.

The boys were greatly delighted, and viewed the game with much
satisfaction. They placed the minks over their shoulders, and then
continued the hunt, presently stirring up half a dozen rabbits.

"I guess we had better be starting for the cabin," announced Jack
presently.

"How about going to that other cabin at the south end of the island?"
queried Fred.

"Oh, let's give that up!" cried Randy. "I feel like getting back to
where we have all our things."

The others were inclined to do this, and, somewhat against his will,
Fred agreed to return to the north end of Snowshoe Island. Not without
some difficulty, they made their way back to the lake shore, and there
put on their skates once again and started.

The young hunters had expected to see Uncle Barney awaiting them on
their return, and they were a bit surprised when the old lumberman did
not show himself.

"He must be putting in a full day sizing up that lumber he spoke about,"
observed Jack, as he gazed at his watch. "It's nearly six o'clock."

"He can't see much in this darkness," observed Randy.

The boys entered their cabin, and after resting a bit proceeded to cook
supper. They expected every moment to hear a shout from Uncle Barney,
but none came, and at last they sat down to the meal alone.

"I don't like this much," was Jack's comment, when another hour had
passed, and the old lumberman had failed to show himself. "If he was
going to stay away like this he should have left some word."

"Let's take a look around his cabin," suggested Fred.

This was done, but it shed no light on the unusual occurrence. The boys
sat down and tried to amuse themselves as best they could, but, as
another hour went by, their anxiety increased.

"Something is wrong, I feel certain," announced Jack at last.

"Maybe while he was out in the woods he fell down over some rocks,"
suggested Andy.

"He's a pretty old man to be climbing around in dangerous places," added
his twin.

When the time came to go to bed, none of the boys felt like retiring. A
lantern was lit and hung up on a flagpole which stood between the two
cabins. This was a signal which had been agreed upon when the Rovers had
first come to Snowshoe Island.

"There! Now if he can see