W. Crispin Sheppard

“ Each breath of air brought with it some woodland odor—of fragrant pine or dogwood and many other plants.
"Grand," sighed Dave, peering dreamily through half-closed eyelids.
"Worth all our trouble," said Bob. "But say, Jim, will you be able to find that dugout?"
"I'd be a silly chump if I couldn't," answered Havens. "Tramped these mountains too many times to lose my bearings."
"But suppose some one is living there?"
"Build a lean-to; or I know a cave where we might put up for a few days."
"Rent high?" asked Dick.
"No, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had a bear for a landlord." ”

“ Dick Travers was delighted at the prospect, and the others were no less pleased.
After supper, sitting before a pleasant fire, Hank Merwin, who had taken a great fancy to the boys, related many thrilling incidents in his life as a trapper. The moon rose above the belt of timber, enveloping the landscape in its pale greenish light; the whispering breeze brought with it many strange sounds from the forest, and, as the fire crackled and glowed, sending up showers of dancing sparks, the boys were more and more charmed with life in the open. ”

“ The sapling was still bending, but with the grip of despair he clung to it, fearing each instant to hear the fatal snap.
"Help! Bob, Dave!" he gasped again. "Help!"
Then his dangling feet bumped against the face of the cliff and struck a projection. Daring to look down again, he saw a ledge about a foot wide, and hope sprang within him.
A crashing through the underbrush sounded from above and three pale faces were gazing into his own.
"We'll save you," cried Dave Brandon. "Courage, old man!"
"Hurry," gasped Dick. Drops of perspiration stood out on his forehead, but Dave's voice cheered him. ”

“ A magnificent panorama was before them—of valley and rugged mountains, of dark timber and rocks, all in sunshine save where the shadow of some floating cloud dotted the landscape.
The sun was now hanging just above a high peak, and within a short time the shade would creep through the valley, the rosy glow fade from the opposite mountains and the dense forests become sombre and gloomy.
Dave Brandon thought of this, and proposed returning, but the others were anxious to reach the highest point.
"Come on, Chubby," protested Bob. "Don't talk that way until we have balanced ourselves on the peak." ”

“ Fenton soon after took his departure.
"A nice chap, that," observed Dave, as his slight figure grew small in the distance.
"Awful glad we got acquainted so soon," said Tom. "Somehow or other, he doesn't seem like a stranger. A smart fellow, too."
"He's in good company, then, Tom," was Dick Travers' rejoinder.
That evening, the Ramblers sat on the wide veranda, enjoying the pleasant air.
The moon was mirrored in shining streaks on the breeze-swept waters of the lake, and its light played hide-and-seek on the mountain crags beyond. ”

“ By this time, the sunlight was slanting across the tops of the mountains.
Sam Randall seated himself on a rock, the picture of gloom and dejection.
"Now what's what?" he asked.
"We can't climb the cliff," answered Dave. "Do you think——" He hesitated.
"Think what, Chubby?"
"That it would be too risky to swim for the other shore?"
Bob and Sam looked at the current and listened to the roar of the cataract. The thought of again trusting themselves to the mercy of such waters made them shiver. ”

“ Straight ahead, rising against the golden sky, was a snow-capped summit, purple and hazy, while nearer at hand were red-brown cliffs, with the higher walls still touched by a glow of sunlight.
"No words are strong enough for this scenery," declared the "poet." "Hank Merwin certainly knows where to hang out."
"There isn't a prettier place around," asserted Jim Havens. "And talk about game—it's chuck full—bears and deer. But Hank can tell you all about that."
"Beats any place I ever saw," said Bob, enthusiastically. "Now, fellows, we'll have to desert this good old craft." ”

“ The timber line was left behind. There was nothing now but stunted vegetation, barren rocks, and, above them, perpetual snow.
"And this," observed Havens, waving his hand, "is the home of the big horn and mountain goat. Is it getting too steep for you?" He dislodged a rock, which rattled noisily down the incline.
"It's dangerous; besides, we can't see," grumbled the "poet." "In a few minutes, it will be like trying to climb up the side of a cathedral." ”

“ Bravely the buck met the advance, but the powerful paws of the panther soon brought him to his knees.
"That's the end of him," whispered Bob. "Christopher! No, he's up again. Look at that!"
"Wish he'd send the old monster over the cliff," said Dick, breathlessly. "He's doing wonders."
With a desperate effort, the goat rose on its hind legs, and shook off his antagonist. Backing away, the animal approached the edge of the precipice.
"Wow!" gasped Dick, "he'll be over in a minute."
"The brave old buck deserves to live, after putting up such a game fight," declared Dave. ”

“ You, Havens? Now give us a line drive like Dave's, and we won't find any fault with you."
Havens prided himself upon being a heavy hitter. He swung his bat far around and after missing two good balls landed on the third. Grimshaw dodged. Dugan, at second base, made a wild grab for the sphere, tripped and tumbled head foremost into the grass. Then, as it neared the limits of the grounds, two fielders came together with a crash. Havens ran for all he was worth, did not stop to look around and was home long before the ball had been recovered.
"Good work, old man," cried the delighted Sam Randall. ”

“ Bob Somers brought out his field-glass. "By Jove, isn't it wonderful how they keep their footing?" he cried. "Look, Dave!"
The powerful glass brought the animals close into view, and the "poet" gazed long and earnestly. He could see them bunch their four feet together, poise for an instant, then leap gracefully and land on the steepest rocks.
"That's a great sight, Bob," he said, at length.
"Big horns generally keep above the timber line," explained Havens. "They go in bands of about fifty. Some of the old stagers are whoppers."
"Wish I could get a snap-shot of 'em," sighed Dick. ”

“ When at length the tired boys reached the hilltop, a beautiful view repaid them. Patches of blue sky appeared between dazzling white clouds and straight ahead rose the frowning walls of Crescent and Round Mountains, with the gorge of Canyon River at the base of the former. ”

“ It's a dandy night—not too much breeze. It will be lots of fun, cruising around. Come ahead."
"I'm not so anxious, Sam. It's blacker than a stack of black cats out there. I'd rather stay on the porch."
"Oh, pshaw, Tommy! Be a sport. With a lantern to keep us company, there's nothing to be afraid of."
"Oh, suffering catfish! Who said anything about being afraid, Sam Randall?" exclaimed Tom, flaring up. "Sure we'll go." He settled his cap firmly on his head, and then, with another glance at the distant beacon, rose to his feet.
In a few minutes the Ramblers were at the wharf. ”

“ A harsh scream suddenly startled the boys, and, as they looked overhead, a bird with great, spreading wings soared above the tree tops.
"A bald eagle," said Havens. "We might have plugged the old robber."
"Why do you call him a robber?" asked Dick.
"Because he doesn't mind stealing. The old codger will watch a hawk catch a fish, bird or small animal, then sweep down, and the meal changes hands."
"Or changes claws," smiled Dave.
"That's it. He's a sneaking rascal. Always watching his chance to let other birds work for him. There he is now!" ”

“ The raft had been built on a shelving bank, and after a hard tussle was set afloat.
"All aboard the 'Mayflower'!" yelled Bob. He stood, paddle in hand, with Havens at his side.
"Let 'er go, cap'n!" cried Dave. "All overboard at the next rock. Hurrah! We're off, and still on!"
The clumsy pile of logs swung slowly out, then caught by the swift current, began its voyage down-stream.
With but little effort the boys kept it well out from the shore, and the motion was delightful.
"Whoop la! This is dandy," cried Dick, in great glee. "It beats walking all hollow, eh?" ”

“ With hands that trembled in spite of himself, Dick Travers sighted the camera, and just as the grizzly was again making a catch, its click sounded sharply.
Success emboldened them to wait and try to get another. The bear continued his feasting, and all was silent. At least the boys were sure they were acting with commendable caution. Whether they were mistaken in this, or whether something else attracted the animal's attention, they never knew, but Dick Travers, about to take another look through the camera, drew back as if he had been shot. ”

“ It was about noon when they finally scrambled over a ledge of rocks and reached a clear, swift-flowing stream.
"Oh, ho, how glad I am to get down with arms and legs safe and sound," sighed Dave.
"This stream leads to the lake where Hank Merwin has his cabin," announced Jim Havens.
"That's what I call a bit of good news," said Bob. "Let's have a bite to eat—that is if Chubby is willing."
"Willing?" groaned Dave, as he lolled at full length. "I couldn't go a step further without something to strengthen me. If there was only a store around where a fellow could get a plate of ice cream, eh? ”

“ CHAPTER IV THE ISLAND CAMP
"Havens, Sanders and 'Little Bill' Dugan," added Fenton, quietly, as a hail came from the shore.
"A jolly good place for a camp," observed Bob.
"But no game around worth shooting at," objected Sam. "Hello, look at that sign they've got."
On a strip of canvas, stretching from one tree to another, was painted in rude black letters, "Idleman's Club."
"Hello there, Fenton," came from the shore; "what crowd is that you've got?"
"Wait and see, Havens," replied Howard, smilingly. ”

“ Dave got out his paint box and, seated Turk fashion before a canvas, began to squint dreadfully.
"Hey there, who are you making faces at?" asked Dick.
"Oh, of course you don't understand," said Dave Brandon, loftily. "That's to shut out the detail. All artists do it. You ought to see Professor Mead when he paints."
"Glad I don't have to, if he puts on such a face as that."
"It's worse."
"It couldn't be. Hello, what's up?"
Havens was heard to shout—then a second cry came from the woods.
"More bears, I wonder?" exclaimed Bob.
"Sounds as if he was running like sixty," cried Dick. "Here he comes. ”

“ Dave Brandon was presently heard to murmur, "H'm—that last one hit the only dry spot left."
In the dim light, the crags of Promontory Island looked gigantic and the dark line of firs on Hemlock blended mysteriously into the distance.
"I 'most wish we hadn't come," declared Tom Clifton, nervously. "Wow! I thought she was going over that time sure."
"Wind enough to blow a fellow's head off," grumbled Dick. "It's worse than I thought."
"And listen to that water gurgling," observed Fenton. "Keep your eyes open for the 'Dauntless.'"
"Likely to meet her in the passageway," said Havens, grimly. ”

“ Fenton gazed after him admiringly, as he rode around in a wide circle, then skilfully drew his spirited steed alongside.
"You're a crackerjack, Sam," he exclaimed. "But I'll stick to electric cars and trains."
"Oh, dese city fellers," chuckled Sam Bins.
"Here—I'll take a turn, too," put in Tom Clifton.
The smallest member of the Rambler Club also managed Buttercup with ease. Proudly, he put the horse through its paces, and, flushed with triumph, called out, as he rode up, "How's that for riding?"
"You country chaps can beat us out in some things, that's sure," laughed Fenton, good-naturedly. ”

“ Hemlock and Promontory Islands soon loomed up clearly, the latter grim and majestic in the gray light.
"Great sport, this," cried Dave. "We're gaining fast, Bob. Mind yourself, Sam. This boat's a bit too narrow for stormy weather. There goes the 'Spray' into the passageway."
As the wind blew stronger and the angry, hissing water broke against the boat with great force, Tom Clifton's fears increased. He kept looking at the shore, and each time the "Speedy" heeled far over felt a shiver run through him. ”

“ Bob Somers held out his hand.
"I'll bet you're Howard Fenton," he said, warmly.
"You've struck it," laughed the other, accepting the proffered hand and giving it a hearty shake. "And mighty glad I am, too, that you chaps have arrived," he went on, totally ignoring the presence of many interested listeners.
"My uncle spoke to me about you," said Bob. "Fellows, this is Howard Fenton."
"Feels good to meet some one," laughed Dave. "Takes off some of the strangeness of landing in a strange place. How do you like it out here?" ”

“ When the timber line was reached, Havens' trail was soon found, and the four plunged into the thick pine forest.
"It's going to be blacker than pitch," remarked Dave, cheerily.
"Who cares?" said Bob. "We won't get lost—that's sure."
"And I wouldn't mind if we did," put in Dick, gloomily. "I can't get over that camera."
"Brighten up, old man—the worst is always ahead of us," laughed Dave. ”