[Illustration: FILLED WITH MAD RAGE, HE WAS GALLOPING STRAIGHT TOWARD THEM!--_Frontispiece_. --_Page 66_]

THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME

OR

Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness

BY

CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN

AUTHOR OF "THE OUTDOOR CHUMS, ""THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE, " ETC. 

_ILLUSTRATED_

NEW YORKGROSSET & DUNLAPPUBLISHERS

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS SERIES

 BY CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS Or The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE Or Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE FOREST Or Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE GULF Or Rescuing the Lost Balloonists

 THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME Or Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness

 _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price, per volume, 50 cents postpaid. _

 GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS NEW YORK

 COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY GROSSET & DUNLAP _The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_

 CONTENTS

 CHAPTER PAGE I GLORIOUS NEWS 1 II THE MOTORCYCLE THIEVES 14 III HOMEWARD BOUND BY MOONLIGHT 22 IV STARTING HANK RIGHT 31 V WESTWARD BOUND 40 VI AT THE VALLEY RANCH 49 VII THE GRIZZLY AT BAY 60 VIII BLUFF MISSES SOMETHING 67 IX FRANK HAS HIS TURN 76 X THE YOUNG HUNTER AND THE ELK 87 XI THE ELK AND THE YOUNG HUNTER 96 XII HARD LUCK 105 XIII AN INVADER IN CAMP 116 XIV THE COWBOY GUIDE 125 XV IN THE RAPIDS 134 XVI THE NEW CAMP 143 XVII AT THE CAMPFIRE OF THE CREES 153 XVIII AN INVITATION TO COME OUT 162 XIX A STRANGE DISCLOSURE 173 XX "WE MUST CUT AND RUN FOR IT!" 182 XXI NEVER GIVE UP 191 XXII THE WAR OF THE ELEMENTS 198 XXIII THE STAMPEDE 206 XXIV A MYSTERY SOLVED 215 XXV HOME AGAIN--CONCLUSION 225

THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME

CHAPTER I

GLORIOUS NEWS

"Hello, there, _Red Rover_! Come alongside!"

"What's the row, fellows? This dandy breeze is too good to be wastedloafing. "

"Frank's coming in the _Jupiter_, and coming like a streak!"

"Yes, and more than that, Bluff, he waves his hat as though he had greatnews!"

Will Milton and Jerry Wallington sat in the double canoe, that withflapping sails pointed its stem into the wind; while their chum, RichardMasters, known among all his schoolmates as Bluff, manipulated thedainty fifteen-foot cedar craft in which he had been speeding over thesurface of Camalot Lake. 

Another midget boat, constructed on the same lines as that in whichBluff was seated, came flying down before the wind, and presentlybrought up alongside the other craft. 

It contained a single young fellow, upon whose frank and open facerested a broad smile that seemed to prophesy pleasing news. 

"What makes you look so happy, Frank? Evidently you've heard that yourexamination papers were up to the standard, and it's college next yearfor yours, " remarked Bluff with eagerness, and, it must be confessed, atinge of envy in his quivering voice. 

"Right for you! But that is only the beginning of my news!" cried FrankLangdon as he reached out and caught Jerry by the arm. 

"Am I in it?" demanded that worthy, seeming to catch his breath. 

"Well, I should say you were, and with even better honors than poor me. Now, the rest of you fellows, don't look that way. It's all right, Itell you, " went on the bearer of news, trying to control his own voice, but succeeding only a little better than Jerry. 

"Say! do you mean it? Did Bluff and I get through, after all?" exclaimedWill. 

Frank nodded his head enthusiastically. 

"Careful, now, you wild Indians! Just remember that you're in canoesthat can be upset easily, and unless you want a ducking out in themiddle of the lake, restrain your enthusiasm a bit, please. It isn't theeasiest thing in the world, climbing over the stern of a canoe with allyour clothes on, " he warned them. 

"But is it really true?" pleaded Will. "Have I crawled through decently?Well, I'm glad; not only because it will keep four chums together awhile longer, in college, but my mother has set her heart on this thing. Yes, I'm mighty well pleased. "

Will's mother was a rich widow, and as he had only a twin sister, Violet, for whom Frank entertained a pronounced liking, the two weremore than ordinarily dear to Mrs. Milton. 

"Well, fellows, let's give one mighty cheer because of our goodfortune, " said Jerry, his face beaming with delight; for the chums werevery fond of each other, and had a single one been left behind on thefollowing year, when the college term opened, there would have been manya keen regret. 

"Hip, hip, hurrah! Hurrah! hurrah! Tiger!"

No doubt, many persons ashore, who heard that lusty shout come ringingover the clear water of the beautiful little lake on which the town ofCenterville was located, wondered what the burst of enthusiasm meant. 

But then they knew these four boys were built along the right lines, and that while they loved the whole outdoors, with its attendantexciting times, never had they been known to indulge in mean pranks. 

After the cheer had died away there was a shaking of hands all around. 

"Fellows, it begins to look as though our great trip to the Gulf ofMexico last winter might not be our last grand outing, after all. Youknow what our parents promised us if we went through all right?"

"Hear! hear! Frank has the floor!" cried Jerry. 

"We were to have our choice of an extended tour through Yellowstone Parkto California, and return by way of the Canadian Rockies; or a grandhunt in the wilderness, wherever we chose to take it. That was the idea, wasn't it?" went on the happy occupant of the _Jupiter_. 

"Talk to me about your personally conducted tours all you please, nothing appeals to me like a real old hunt in the Great West, " saidJerry ecstatically. "Haven't I just longed for a chance to look at a bigelk in his native wilds, for years? And the thought of a grizzly bearsends a thrill of pleasure through me. "

"And as for me, haven't I lain awake nights without number thinkingabout what bliss it would be to actually snap off a few pictures ofthose same animals right where they live? How tame to go to a menagerieand get a photo of a poor old bear behind the bars, when a fellow has achance to take him in the open!"

Of course it was Will who made this remark. He was the officialphotographer of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club, as our four boy friendscalled themselves, and his ambition to secure striking scenes, with wildgame in the center of the stage, had already led him into quite a fewscrapes, just as it would again when the opportunity presented itself. 

"But what I have told you isn't quite all, " remarked Frank presently, when the chatter of voices allowed him a chance to get in a few wordsedgewise. 

"What else have you got up your sleeve?" demanded Bluff. 

"Yes, confess everything, and perhaps we'll forgive you, " came fromWill. 

"Well, I've had a letter. " And Frank held something up. 

"From that old side partner of Jesse Wilcox, the trapper whose camp weused to visit during our fall hunt?" cried Jerry. 

Frank nodded his head. 

"And what does he say? Hurry up, and tell. Can't you see that Bluff, here, will be overboard? He's leaning so far over the side that thewater is ready to pour in over the gunwale. Will Martin Mabie take usout?" asked Jerry. 

"He says he will be glad to do so, for old friendship's sake. I'm towire when to expect us, and leave the rest to him, " Frank explained. 

"I hope he has told you what we are to fetch along. We've done somehunting, fellows, in our time, but that sort of thing, with big game inprospect, calls for heavier gear. None of your repeating shotguns needapply this trip, Bluff, you understand?"

Jerry could never become wholly reconciled to the modern gun Bluffowned. He professed to be such a clean sportsman that he always believedin giving the game a chance, and declared it to be next door to murderto have six shots in hand when hunting birds. With big game, it was allright, because then a fellow's life might often be in danger. 

"Oh, Martin Mabie has written quite a long letter. He seems to be aneducated man, and not at all the brand we figured out from hearing Jessetalk about him. Boys, we can now lay our plans, and make a start insideof a week, " declared Frank. 

"Isn't it just great? Did ever a set of grads get such a chance for funas this?"

"I don't believe they ever did, or ever will, Bluff. And our folks havebeen mighty good to give us this glorious opportunity to enjoy an outingsuch as we've hankered after for a year, remember that, fellows, "remarked Frank seriously. 

"You can just wager that I make it a point to let the pater know mysentiments. He's the best dad going, and I mean to make him proud of mesome day. But tell us more about it, Frank. Where is Martin Mabie tomeet us, and what does he tell us to fetch along?"

"I'm not going to say another word, Jerry, until we get to theclubhouse, when every one of you can have a chance to read his letter, "remarked Frank as he prepared to cast off and throw his sails to thebreeze again. 

"A week, did you say? Oh! what a long time to wait!" groaned Bluff. 

"Still, there are lots of things to be done. I think it may be necessaryfor one of us to run down to the city to lay in some things in the wayof ammunition, and a few articles of clothing for mountain wear. "

"Then we'll appoint you as a committee of one to see to such traps, Frank, " called Jerry as the other shot away with the wind, his canoegliding over the little wavelets like a phantom craft. 

Frank smiled. It was certainly nice to know that his chums felt suchsincere confidence in him at all times. There was nothing he would notdo to give them pleasure. 

So the three cedar boats were soon heading for the clubhouse, and whilethey are thus employed it might be well for us to understand just whothese chums were, and what they had been doing in the past to make themsuch firm friends. 

Frank was from Maine, but his father, a banker, had come to Centervillea few years back; and among all the boys attending the Academy Frank hadsoon picked out as his especial friends these three, Will Milton, JerryWallingford and Bluff Masters. 

After the Rod, Gun and Camera Club had been formed they had taken theirfirst outing, using their motorcycles to reach the woods beyond the headof the lake. What befell them on this occasion has been told in thefirst volume of this series, called "The Outdoor Chums; or, The FirstTour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club. "

Later on, a storm having done considerable damage at the school, theywere given an unexpected fall vacation, and the chums decided to spendit on Wildcat Island, situated at the foot of the lake. There wereseveral strange things connected with this island, such as a mysteriouswild man who had been seen there; and besides, it was shunned because ofthe fierce bobcats that had possession. How our boys camped on thisisland, and what wonderful adventures they met with there, can belearned by reading the second volume, entitled "The Outdoor Chums on theLake; or, Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island. "

When the Easter holidays came around they had laid out another charmingcampaign. This was nothing more nor less than an expedition to OakRidge, that lay some ten miles back from the lake, amid the SunsetMountains. Report had it that there was a real ghost to be seen there, and the boys were bent on discovering the truth of this weird story. Itcan be easily understood that they must have had a glorious time on thattrip, viewed from the standpoint of an eager, adventure-loving boy. Butthe story is set down in full in the third volume, and you can read itfor yourselves in "The Outdoor Chums in the Forest; or, Laying the Ghostof Oak Ridge. "

No further long jaunts came the way of the quartet during the schoolterm, up to the Christmas holidays, when they received permission toundertake a trip to the Sunny South. Just how this came about, and whatwonders they saw and experienced on a Florida river, as well as uponthe great Mexican Gulf, have been told in the fourth book of the series, called "The Outdoor Chums on the Gulf; or, Rescuing the LostBalloonists. "

And now it seemed as though, less than six months later, they were readyto embark on what promised to be the most exciting trip of all, a visitto the wilderness of the great Northwest, in search of big game. 

Reaching the clubhouse, they quickly stowed their boats away. From thistime on there would probably be scant time for aquatic sports. Thetremendous undertaking they had in view would, very likely, occupy alltheir spare moments. 

"Now let's have that letter, Frank. We want to con it so that every wordwill be photographed on our brains from this time on. Didn't old Jessesay that Martin Mabie was a big stockman now, and had really quit beinga guide and hunter? Then it's mighty kind of him to undertake to convoya raft of tenderfeet into the wilderness. Money didn't enter into it, that's sure, " said Bluff. 

"He mentions having had a long letter from Jesse, " remarked Frank. 

"That settles it, then. Our good old friend has been telling himeverything we ever did, and got him interested. We must make it a pointto run up and see Jesse before we go, and thank him. "

"You're right about that, Jerry, " said Frank warmly. "I was thinking thesame, myself. But here's the letter. Read it for yourselves. "

Various were the comments after this had been done. 

"Talk to me about your good fellows! That Martin Mabie stands in a classof his own, " observed Jerry. "Think of him offering to take us into themountains for weeks, and see that we have the time of our lives! And hewarns us not to mention the word money to him unless we want to break upthe game. I sure am anxious to shake hands with that same friend of oldJesse. "

"I move we start up there right now and see Jesse. The day is fine, andwhen can we spare the time better?" suggested Will, who secretly wantedjust another chance to try a snapshot of the queer cabin which thetrapper occupied. 

"Second the motion!" cried Bluff eagerly. 

"I'm some cramped, myself, from sitting so long in that canoe. Perhaps arun on our motorcycles might give me relief. So I say go, " came fromJerry. 

Frank himself believed it would be a good idea. He knew that once theystarted making preparations for their Western trip nothing was apt totear them away. 

"All right, boys. It's going to be a full moon to-night. Suppose we stopover and have a parting supper with Jesse? He'd be dreadfully tickled atthe notion. Tell your folks at home, and meet me at the Forks in notmore than half an hour. "

Frank hustled the others out of the boathouse, locked the door, and thenthe four chums hastened to their various homes. 

Ere the half hour was up they came together at the forks of the road, just out of Centerville. Frank was first on hand, as usual, but evenlaggard Will showed up on time, camera and all. 

In single file, and with a little space separating them, they startedoff, the motors soon popping merrily as the boys entered into the spiritof the occasion. 

The air was fresh as they sped along the dusty road. The leader was everready to signal a slow-down in case they met a farmer with a load ofhay, going to market, or any other vehicle. This was rendered necessarybecause the cloud of dust might blind the eyes of those who came after, and a collision be the result. 

In this fashion they arrived at the lumber camp, which was deserted atthis time of year. From there on the pace had to be slowed down, for theroad was only used by logging teams, and hardly suitable formotorcycles. 

They were plugging along, each keeping his eyes open for obstacles aptto present themselves, such as roots cropping up above the surface, whenthe leader gave a sudden toot upon the little horn attached to hismachine that warned the others a stop was imperative. 

CHAPTER II

THE MOTORCYCLE THIEVES

"What's gone wrong, Frank?" demanded Bluff, dropping off his seat. 

"In luck again, for I'd have banged up against that big root if Frankhadn't given the signal just then, " chuckled Will, holding up hismachine. 

"A puncture, Frank?" demanded Jerry, who had been in the rear. 

"Not at all. I thought I heard some one shouting. Perhaps I wasmistaken, for with a lot of motors popping away it's hard to be sure. Still, we can stop for a minute and listen, " remarked Frank seriously. 

"Shouting--for help?" repeated Will, looking around nervously. 

"That's queer, " cried Bluff, "that we seldom go out anywhere but whatsomebody calls on us for assistance. Think of it! There was the townbully, Andy Lasher, who was caught under that falling tree in the storm, and rescued by Jerry. "

"That's a fact; and then there was Jed, the bound boy, you remember, fellows, " went on Will eagerly. 

"Not to mention the saving of the aeronaut from the burning hotel byFrank, here; and last, but not least, our giving that little Joe theglad hand down South, " observed Jerry, joining in with enthusiasm. 

"Yes, but there are a few rescues you seem to forget, Jerry. How aboutthat time when the wild dogs had you chasing around the tree?" askedBluff, grinning. 

"Oh, that isn't in the same class. You forget that I got out of thatscrape by my own exertions, " replied the other. 

"But there was another time when we hauled you out of a hollow tree inwhich you found yourself caged. You didn't crawl out of there alone andunaided, if I remember right, " persisted Will. 

"Some things are better buried in oblivion. You and your camera want toremind a fellow constantly of events that ought to be forgotten. ButFrank, that must have been an owl you heard. I haven't caught any callfor help yet. "

"Perhaps we'd better go on, then. Look out how you mount here, for it'sa hard proposition, Jerry, with these roots and stones. "

Frank had just started to move forward with his own motorcycle, whenall of them heard a sound issuing from the woods alongside the "tote"road. 

"Help! help!"

They looked at each other. 

"Somebody's in trouble there. Who can it be?" said Frank as he leanedhis machine up against a tree, as though eager to hasten to theassistance of the one who had cried out. 

"No hunters around at this time of year, " remarked Will as he followedsuit. 

"And the loggers have been gone some months, " went on Bluff. 

"Tell me about that, now! It wasn't a child's voice, or I might think akid had got lost up here. Perhaps some man has cut himself badly withhis ax, " suggested Jerry. 

"Or dropped down into some old abandoned mine shaft, " spoke up Frank, with a wink toward Will; for one of the chums had gone through with justsuch an experience during one of their outings, and had to be rescued. 

"Shall we all go?" demanded Bluff, given to caution. 

"Why not? Nothing can happen to our machines here. For one, I decline tostay out of the rescuing party. Besides, perhaps I may get a chance tosnap off a lovely picture of the Good Samaritans at work. "

Will had hastily unfastened his camera, and held it in his hands as hespoke. 

"All right, then. Come on, boys!"

With these words, Frank led the way into the woods. 

"Sure the sound came from this direction?" asked Bluff. 

"That was my impression. What do you say, Jerry?" and Frank turned tothe chum on whose knowledge of woodcraft he felt he could rely. 

"Straight in there. You're heading all right, Frank, " he replied. 

"How far did it seem to be?" went on the leader. 

"That is hard to say. The man may have been weakened from loss of blood. If he was shouting, then it may have been several hundred yards, perhapsa quarter of a mile off; but I think we'll come across him closer thanthat. "

"I agree with you, Jerry, " said Frank, stopping short. 

"What did you hear?" demanded the other, for Frank had bent his head, and seemed to be listening over his shoulder. 

"I don't know. Perhaps it was a bush springing back into place after ourpassage. But suppose we shout occasionally? It may encourage the poorfellow, and besides, guide us to where he lies, " returned Frank, oncemore pushing on. 

Accordingly they lifted up their voices and gave a series of calls. 

"Why doesn't he answer us?" asked Will, astonished when only the echoescame back from the surrounding forest. 

Frank stopped in his tracks. 

"Can he have fainted from loss of blood?" said Bluff, still having inmind a picture of a woodsman who had severed an artery by a misblow ofhis ax. 

"There's Frank listening again, and he seems to be paying more attentionto our rear than ahead, " remarked Will, puzzled. 

"I bet you he thinks somebody is playing us for a lot of fools; thatthere isn't any one hurt, or in need of help at all. What's that?"

The distinct and well-known "popping" of a motor was heard. 

"It's a trick, fellows! Somebody is meddling with our machines! Back tothe road!" shouted Jerry, turning and plunging through the under-brushrecklessly. 

A wild scramble followed. The four chums were so excited, and filledwith a determination to stop the unknown miscreants from making waywith their machines, that they gave little heed to their steps. Theconsequence was that more than once a collision with a tree ensued, andvarious bumps afterward gave mute evidence as to the reckless manner oftheir chase. 

"There's two of 'em!" shrieked Will from the rear, as he caught thesound of a second series of erratic poppings. 

Evidently those who were meddling with the motorcycles did not have athorough knowledge of how to work the same, for the sounds wouldsuddenly cease and then start up again. 

"Oh! don't I wish they'd just take headers over some nice fat root!"gasped the perspiring Will, still hugging his precious camera to hisheart as he followed in Frank's wake. 

The latter had made for the road in as direct a line as possible. Progress was bound to be slow through the dense undergrowth, and thesooner they struck the open the quicker they could hope to gain on thethieves. 

In this fashion they came upon the road at last. Of course, their eyesimmediately turned down its sinuous way to the quarter whence theexcitable popping sounds still continued to come. 

The sight that met their eyes amazed them. All of the chums hadnaturally expected that they would discover some mischievous schoolcompanions, who, seeing them coming, had hatched up this little gamewith the intention of playing a practical joke. 

Nothing of the kind. On the contrary, they saw two of the motorcyclesbobbing along in the most erratic manner possible, moving from one sideof the rough road to the other, and mounted on the same were a couple ofroughly dressed men, either tramps, or journeymen on the road lookingfor a job. 

"Tell me about that, will you!" gasped Jerry. 

"Why, the blooming idiots mean to steal our machines!" cried Bluff. 

"Oh! what luck that I thought to take my camera with me!" came fromWill. 

Frank only made one remark, but it was characteristic of the boy:

"After them, fellows!"

Then began a mad chase. Had the road been half-way decent, the boyswould have had no chance of overtaking the thieves; but those exposedroots, while not bothersome to the lumbermen, proved extremely so to themen who were trying to make off with the motorcycles. 

They dared not put on great speed. More than this, much of their timewas taken up with dodging the stones and other things that threatened tobring sudden disaster upon them. 

Hence it was that the boys, having considerable sprinting ability, began to rapidly overhaul the fleeing rascals. The two men dared notcast a single glance behind, and consequently the only means they had ofknowing how close their pursuers might be would lie in any shouts givenby Frank and his chums. 

As he ran, the leading boy cast an occasional look alongside the path. He was in search of a good stout cudgel. Knowing that the chances werethe affair would presently come to a face-to-face issue between the twoparties, he wished to be prepared as well as possible. 

"Bully stunt!" exclaimed Jerry as he followed suit. 

They were now drawing close upon the fugitives, who were having anerve-racking time dodging those numerous roots. 

Knowing that the angry owners of the wheels must be close upon them, themen endeavored to increase their speed, with disastrous results. 

"Wow!" shouted Jerry, as he saw one of the riders suddenly shoot out ofhis saddle and take a header, to be followed by his companion a secondlater. 

CHAPTER III

HOMEWARD BOUND, BY MOONLIGHT

"Jump 'em!" shouted Frank as he threw himself upon the first fellow, floundering in the road. 

"I'm on!" echoed Jerry, suiting the action to the words by propellinghimself straight at the second motorcycle thief. 

This fellow happened to have come through his fall without getting hurt. The consequence was, he felt disposed to put up a much better fight thanhis confused companion, upon whose prostrate form Frank had straddled. 

He rolled over once or twice with remarkable agility, causing Jerry tomiss his guess when he thought to drop on him. Then, scrambling to hisknees, the man, who turned out to be a rough-looking chap, indeed, pulled something out of his pocket, which he aimed at the two boys aboutto pounce upon him. 

"Keep back, you!" he roared, his mouth being half filled with dirt afterhe had plowed up the earth of the roadway with his face. 

"He's got a pistol!" shrieked Will, who was fingering his cameranervously from a point somewhat in the rear; and they immediately heardthe little suggestive click that announced the pressure of a finger onthe trigger. 

Bluff was the quick-witted one on this occasion. He had his stickupraised at the time, ready to strike. Instead, he sent it from himsuddenly with all his power, and as the cudgel was no light one, when itstruck the extended arm of the kneeling thief the shock was so greatthat the shining object he had been gripping was hurled about five feetaway. 

Jerry instantly took occasion to possess himself of the same. The manwas nursing his wounded arm and muttering to himself, his face screwedup with pain. 

"Talk to me about your quick work! What could beat that, fellows?" criedJerry as he stood over the grunting and disgusted rascal who hadattempted to hold them off. 

"What had we better do with 'em?" asked Bluff, frowning at the severalscratches upon his machine caused by the accident. 

"Any damage done?" asked Frank. 

"Well, this man here has a sore arm, I guess; and the one you're sittingon looks as if his face might be a map, from the scratches, " repliedJerry. 

"Oh! I mean the machines, " laughed Frank. 

"Nothing serious here. How about yours, Will?" answered Bluff. 

"Mine seems to be all right. They weren't going fast enough to cause areal wreck. A little paint will fix it up, " was the answer Will made. 

"Do you know either of these fellows?" went on Frank. 

The boys took a better look at the men. 

"Why, the one with the scratched face is Hank Brady, I'm sure. He usedto live in Centerville. The other is a stranger to me, " remarked Bluff. 

"Well, I've seen him before. He was working in the office of the townpaper as a tramp compositor a week ago. I suppose he got uneasy, andwanted to be on the move again, and seeing a fine chance for hooking acouple of motorcycles, they yielded to temptation. If we took them backthey'd be locked up for this little job, " observed Frank sternly. 

"I hope you won't do anything of the kind, kids, " said the fellow whosearm had been stung by Bluff's stick. "We only wanted to have a lark withyou. Sure you don't think we'd be fools enough to run away with suchvaluable things as them motorcycles, when the telephone would get us atthe next town? It was done for fun, but I reckon we paid the piper, allright, " and he scowled at Bluff as he spoke, nursing his arm as thoughit were still painful. 

Frank laughed. He was not of a vindictive nature. Besides, it did seemas though the two fellows had been punished enough already. 

"No matter, it was a mean trick, and you deserve all you got. Get up, Hank. You took a lovely cropper that time. Where did you learn how torun a motorcycle?" he asked, helping the prisoner to his feet. 

"I was a chauffeur a little time back. Sure we never thought to run offwith the gas-wheels. Saw you comin' along, and Flimsy said it would be agood joke to make you fellers think somebody was sick in the woods. Then, when we seen you all go by, I said to him, 'Let's run a couple ofthem machines down the road a bit, just to tease the boys. ' Flimsy herode one once in his travels, and so we jumped on. The rest is history, and I got the map that goes along with it, on me face. "

"What say, boys? Shall we let it pass?" asked Frank, winking at hischums. 

Jerry, for reply, started to fire the revolver he held, until theentire six shots had been discharged. 

"Here! Take your gun, mister, and next time don't be so quick to pull iton a stranger. Think what would happen to you if you'd fired and hit oneof us? Some time you may even be glad that Bluff, here, was so quickwith his stick. "

He handed the empty weapon over to the tramp printer, who let his headfall, as though really ashamed of his action. 

The boys started back to where the other machines had been left, whilethe two men slunk into the shelter of the woods, to patch up their hurtsas best they might. 

"Say! that was a queer ending to a rescue, wasn't it?" asked Bluff. 

"I only hope my picture comes out all right. It ought to show Franksitting on top of Hank, while Bluff and Jerry surround the other tramp, who is on his knees, aiming his old gun. Then my machine is lying there. Fellows, what need of words to explain what happened?" chuckled thegratified Will. 

Whenever he succeeded in securing a coveted picture the ardentphotographer was the happiest boy in the county. His pleasure caused himto fairly bubble over with good nature. 

"Tell me about that, will you!" said Jerry, pretending to scorn such anexhibition of joy over so trivial a matter. "Why, you'd think the chaphad knocked over some big game, to hear him chatter. "

"And so he had, " declared Frank quickly, "according to his light. All ofus are not made alike, Jerry. One man's food is poison to another. Youand I are fond of fishing and shooting, but Will is more of an artist. He delights in stalking the timid deer in the close season, and shootinghim with his camera. Lots of people believe his way of securing pleasurebeats ours all hollow. "

"Anyhow, it doesn't thin out the game, " asserted Will stoutly. 

Jerry stopped short to turn a look of pity on his comrade. 

"Think how hungry we'd all go out in camp if we depended on your blessedold box for supper, " he suggested witheringly. 

"All very true, " remarked Frank as they reached the other motorcycles, and prepared to continue their interrupted journey to the camp of thetrapper; "which is proof of what I say, that many men, many minds. There's room for all kinds in a party. "

"Yes; and nobody likes to look over my prints more than Jerry, " grumbledWill, feeling quite offended. 

"Don't pay any attention to him. He doesn't mean anything by it. Youknow how he likes to joke every one. Now, we're off again, boys. "

Once more they made their way along the rough road. The sight of thosetwo unfortunates sprawling upon the ground was a lesson, warning theriders against trying for speed under such conditions, so they madehaste slowly. 

Upon arriving at the cabin home of the trapper they surprised him verymuch; and when Jesse Wilcox learned the object of their visit he wasmore pleased than ever. 

They spent some hours with him, and even assisted in getting the eveningmeal. From their long experience now the boys had become quiteproficient in this line, and were able to show old Jesse quite a fewtricks that delighted him. 

With the campfire blazing merrily, they ate supper alongside his roughcabin home. Of course, they fairly deluged him with questions about thehabits of the big game of the West, which he answered to the best of hisability. 

"Wait till we get out with Martin Mabie, fellows. He's on the ground, and can set us straight. Jesse has been trapping these little animalsaround here so long now he's a back number, " joked Jerry, at which thetrapper laughed, for he was very fond of these four lads, and nothingthey said annoyed him. 

As they had planned, the run home was made by moonlight. Thisnecessitated that they walk with their machines until the good road wasgained, below the lumber camp. 

"I wonder whether those two tramps hit the high places, and got out ofthis neighborhood for keeps?" Bluff was saying, after they had mountedand were bowling along merrily toward town. 

"The chances are that way. That tramp printer must be a bad sort ofchap, it seems to me, and if Hank keeps along in his society I can seehis finish, " answered Jerry over his shoulder. 

They had not made more than a mile when once more Frank gave a quicktoot of his horn that brought the little procession up in a hurry. 

"What ails us now?" demanded Bluff. 

"Frank's bending over something in the road, as sure as you live!"called Will. 

"Tell me about that, will you! Seems as if our lively times haven'tstopped yet. It never rains but it pours, fellows. Hi! Frank, what's thematter? Say! Would you believe it? There's a man lying in the road!"

Jerry made haste to push his heavy motorcycle forward so as to reach theside of his kneeling chum. 

"It's Hank Brady, boys, and he seems to be in a bad way. Something hashappened to him since we saw him last, " said Frank, looking up. 

"Goodness gracious! Is he dead?" gasped Will, his eyes dilating inhorror. 

"I don't know yet, but I'm going to find out, " replied Frank, bendingover so that he could press his ear upon the breast of the man in theroad. 

"And that tramp printer, where's he at?" asked Jerry suggestively. "Tellme that, will you?"

CHAPTER IV

STARTING HANK RIGHT

"He's alive, all right!" was the announcement of Frank presently. 

"I hear water close by. Hold on, and I'll get some, " said Will hurryingaway. 

Even Jerry was desirous of helping as best he could. He took hold withFrank, and the insensible Hank was carried alongside the road, to wheresome grass grew, and offered a softer resting place. 

Had it been a friend who was thus in need of succor, they could hardlyhave shown more energy in attending to his wants. 

"He's coming to, " said Bluff after Frank had sprinkled the scratchedface with some of the cold water. 

There was a deep sigh, then Frank saw that the fellow's eyes had opened, and were surveying him with a troubled stare. 

"Feeling better, Hank?" he asked quietly. 

"Oh, I'm all right, I reckon. What brought you fellows here? Where amI, anyhow? Did I just drop off that motorcycle? No. I remember, now. Flimsy took the last cent I had while I lay in the road. The meanestskunk I ever met up with. If ever he crosses my path again I'll get evenwith the cur, " he growled, sitting up and holding a hand to his head. 

"What happened to you, Hank? Why were you lying in the road? Did youhave a fight with that tramp printer?" asked Frank, suspecting thetruth. 

"Yes. I told him I was sick of keeping with him. He's a bad one, andsome fine day he'll land in the stone jug. He scared me the way hetalked. I started to tramp back home, and he kept nagging me all the wayhere. In the end he made me so mad I just tackled him. That was what hewanted. Why, he put me to sleep the easiest way you ever saw. I justremember him fumbling in my pockets before he hoofed it. "

"Well, it was a lucky thing for you, Hank, after all. If you'd kept withthat rascal you'd soon have been just like him. Did you say you meant togo back home now?"

"That's what I meant to do, but he's fixed it so I can't, " muttered theother, grinding his teeth in fury. 

"How's that?" pursued Frank, believing there must be a story back ofhis words. 

"He took the ten dollars I stole from my dad. I won't never dare facehim and say I lost it. I thought I could put it back in the bureaudrawer, and he'd never know. I'll have to foller that Flimsy, and makehim give it back. "

"You can't do that for he'd only laugh at you, and perhaps beat youagain. "

"The thief ought to be arrested, " grumbled Bluff indignantly. 

"That would blow the whole thing, you see, and dad he'd know I grabbedit. I'm gettin' all I ought to have, I reckon. P'raps I might earn thatten some way, and hand it over. If I could only get another job aschauffeur it'd be all right, " Hank Brady was mumbling to himselfdejectedly. 

"Perhaps you can, " said Frank quickly. "I remember, now, that our manhad to go away suddenly the day before yesterday. Look here, Hank! Doyou really mean to do the right thing now? Have you had your lessonpounded into you?"

"I sure have. Never again for me, I give you my word. I guess my folkshas been worried some on my account, but they don't need to any more. I've reformed, I have. I'm goin' to walk a straight line after this. "

The fellow spoke as though he meant it, and Frank believed he coulddetect the ring of sincerity in his voice. 

"All right. Shake hands on that, Hank. Don't you forget it, that you'llfind plenty of fellows willing to give you a lift, just as quickly assome others want to give you a drag down. It all depends on where theother chap is standing himself. You come and see me to-morrow, sometime. I'm Frank Langdon, and my father is the president of the FirstNational Bank. "

"This is mighty white of you, fellers, " muttered the other, apparentlyashamed. 

"You can never pay it back to us, Hank, but some time pass it along;hold out a helping hand to some other poor chap in trouble. I guess ifyou know how to run a car decently you will get the job, if I speak tomy dad. Now, another thing--that ten dollars you wanted to put back, wasit in one bill?"

"Two fives, " replied Hank, catching his breath. 

"Then perhaps we can fix it up. I've got one here. Jerry, can you helpme out?" asked Frank, who believed in doing the whole thing, once hestarted. 

"Just happen to have it, by good luck, " replied the other cheerfully. 

"Say! that's too much, fellers--an' after I played that mean trick, too!"

"Don't worry about that. I'm not giving you this, Hank, only loaning itto you. You can pay it back out of your first month's salary. Here youare, and don't think for a minute that you're getting the best of allthis. We're enjoying it, in our own way, more than you ever can. See youto-morrow, then. Good-night, Hank!"

They left the fellow standing there, quite dumb. He had tried to answerthem as they rode off, but not a sound could he utter. 

"Talk to me about the queer things that crop up with us, will you!"laughed Jerry as he kept close at Frank's heels. "Did you ever reallyhear the equal of that, now?"

"Oh, it's an old story. The only decent thing about it is the fact thatof his own free will Hank was breaking away from his evil associationsand heading back home, when he met with this last trouble. I say, Bluff!"

"Hello, Frank! What is it?" came from the rear, where the partyaddressed was following in the wake of his chums. 

"How about Hank? Do you know if he ever played chauffeur half-waydecent? I'd hate to risk the pater's neck with a greenhorn. "

"Come to think of it, he used to run old Cragin's car for quite sometime. Had an accident, and was discharged; but some people said Hankwasn't to blame; that it came about because the old man was too stingyto buy the right kind of tires, and always picked up job lots. "

"Glad to hear it. He won't have that fault to find with the governor. Well, here we separate, fellows. To-morrow morning, at the boathouse, about eight, to lay our plans and arrange for the trip to the city. "

With a cheery good-night the chums separated, and each headed for hishome. 

In the morning they once more came together, and for some hours therewas an earnest talk, during which many ideas were put forward, and ordergradually took the place of chaos. 

A knock at the door took Frank thither, for he suspected who the visitormight prove to be, as he had left word at home to send Hank Brady there, if he called. Hank was now decently dressed, and his face did not lookso very bad, though it bore a number of scratches. 

"All right, Hank. I'm going with you to the bank. My father knows allabout it, for I thought it best to start square, so that you need notfear about his finding out anything about your past, " he said, shakinghands with the other. 

"And he don't give me the shake on that account?" asked Hank eagerly. 

"Of course he doesn't. He even said that what we did was right, and thathe could look back to a day in his boyhood when a kind word started himalong the straight and narrow path. My dad's the right sort, Hank. Servehim decently, and you'll never want a better friend. But at the sametime he hates deceit, and will not put up with a sneak. You've got thechance of your life to make good. "

"And I'm going to make good, all right, or bust tryin'. I'll never getover the white way you fellers acted with me, never, if I live a hundredyears!" said Hank in a broken voice. 

Frank took him over to the bank, where Mr. Langdon was favorablyimpressed with his looks, and engaged him, after he had learned what heknew about the running of a car. Hank had worked in a garage for a year, and this knowledge was invaluable to him in his business as a chauffeur. 

That afternoon Frank and Bluff started for the city, with a list ofthings they believed should be purchased before they went forth upontheir journey. Bluff had in mind a wonderful hunting-knife, with anivory handle, a picture of which he had seen in the catalogue of asporting goods house, and he was secretly determined to possess such amagnificent tool. 

"The time might come when a fellow would have only his trusty bladebetween himself and death, and then you just bet he wants a good one. Think of a big grizzly trying to hug you! Where would your little knifebe, then? You'd soon wish you had that Cuban machete that hangs on thewall of your father's den, Frank, " he said, when the other expostulatedwith him about purchasing such a murderous-looking weapon. 

And Bluff did buy it, too. All the way home he kept tabs on thatpackage, and often, when Frank was not looking, he would go throughcertain gestures with it gripped in his hand, as though practicingagainst that day when the aforesaid grizzly and he would have theirlittle heated argument for supremacy. 

Jerry, too, either felt shocked at the enormous size of the wonderfulhunting-knife, or else pretended to be. He shrugged his shoulders inthat scornful way he had, and turned his back on the prize Bluff haddrawn. 

"What else could you expect of a man who goes after quail with a Gatlinggun? Why, the poor innocent grizzly will faint dead away at sight ofthat cavalry sword. It gives me a cold chill just to look at it, " heobserved. 

Bluff only laughed. 

"Rank envy eating up your soul, that's all, my boy. Wait till you see mein action with that razor-edged tool. I'll have you all turning greenwith envy yet, " he said, fondling the ivory-handled weapon ere he thrustit back into its sheath. 

The days dragged along. Will counted them, and each night heaved a sighof relief that they were a notch nearer the time of departure. Finallythe last night arrived, and their coming tour was to be marked by alittle gathering at the home of Frank, which was intended to be in theway of a send-off. 

CHAPTER V

WESTWARD BOUND

There were just eight people gathered together that evening to have agood time. Besides Nellie Langdon, of course, Will's twin sister, Violet, graced the occasion with her presence; then there came MameCrosby, the vivacious girl with the auburn locks, who was so fond ofteasing Jerry; and last, but not least, pretty Susie Prescott, a dainty, prim little blonde, whom Will considered a bundle of sweetness. 

What a splendid time this congenial little company had! For many a daythe memory of it would follow the four chums while far away. 

All of the "material of war, " as Mame called it, had been brought toFrank's house, so that it might be packed in one big trunk. Thus theboys would be bothered with only a suitcase and a gun apiece in the longjourney across the continent. 

The girls insisted upon being shown the wonderful aggregation ofclothing and weapons. It was to them very much like a shoppingexpedition, and many were the exclamations of awe and curiosity as theylooked upon the exhibition. 

Bluff, of course, was very proud of that wonderful hunting-knife of his. He even smiled to see the perceptible shudder with which Nellie surveyedhim as he cut imaginary circles in the air with the keen-edged weapon. 

"Oh! I hope you won't have to use it very often, Bluff! It makes meshiver just to think of you meeting one of those fierce grizzly bears, such as I have seen in the menagerie, " she said confidentially to him. 

"But you wouldn't have me leave this jewel at home, would you, Nellie?"he asked in dismay. 

"Oh, no! Not for the world!--since you say that perhaps your very lifemay depend on having it; but please, Bluff, be very careful. You mightcut yourself by accident, you know, and then--well, your mother andfather would grieve so much if anything happened to you. "

"Well, would you care?" asked Bluff boldly. 

Nellie gave him an arch look and ran down-stairs, as she said that shewas needed just then to superintend the placing of the refreshments onthe table. Bluff laid the wonderful hunting-knife, sheath and all, backon the stand where his things were gathered, and smiled as if pleased. He had occasion, later on, to recall each little incident of thatevening, when worrying his mind over a most mysterious thing thatpuzzled him. 

The little company separated about eleven, for the boys expected toleave home long ere noon on the following day, and had a strenuousjourney before them. 

After an early breakfast they gathered at Frank's, where the lastpacking was done in hot haste, as the time was short. So it happenedthat none of them had more than a confused idea of what was done duringthat last hour, save that, some way or other, their things were crammedinto the big trunk. 

"We should have taken two, hang it!" grunted Bluff as he tugged at themetal catches, while a couple of his mates sat on top to induce the lidto come down. 

"There! It's all right now!" cried Will, as the click of the catchannounced the desired union. 

So the trunk was snatched up by the waiting men and carried off, to betaken to the station. Frank and his chums quickly followed. Quite agathering of relatives and friends were on hand to see them off. 

Frank was taking a last look into the automobile, to make sure nothinghad been forgotten, when Hank Brady, who seemed to be making good withhis job, plucked at his sleeve. 

"Hello! Came near forgetting to say good-by to you, Hank! Hope you geton fine and dandy while I'm gone, " said the boy, holding out his hand. 

"Thank you, Mr. Frank; but I only wanted to say a few words to you abouta brother of mine who is out there somewhere, we believe. Now, I knowthe Northwest is a big place, and you might as well think of lookin' fora needle in a haystack as for a certain feller there; but accidents dohappen, and by some sorter luck you might just happen to run acrossTeddy, " said Hank quickly, and with a wistful look on his face that heldFrank's attention. 

"And if I do, what then?" he asked softly. 

"Tell him his mother's still a-grievin' after him. You see, he is herbaby, though a big feller for his age, which is seventeen about. He leftus in a huff two years back. We heard in an indirect way several times, but never straight. She worries when she thinks nobody is a-lookin'. IfTeddy would only write to her I think she'd be kinder reconciled, " wenton Hank, heaving a deep sigh. 

"All right. If by any good luck I happen to run across your brother, youcan depend on it I'll do my best to make him write. But how am I toknow him among the thousands of people I meet?" remarked Frank as he wasabout to turn away. 

"Well, he has--"

Just then some one pounced on Frank, and dragged him off, so that henever really knew how he was to recognize this wandering brother of HankBrady in case he should meet him. 

The train was almost due, and general good-bys were quickly said. Such achattering as ensued, which kept up until the four chums climbed intothe car that was to take them to the nearest city, where they wouldboard the through train for the Northwest. 

After the last glimpse of their loved ones had been lost by a suddenbend in the road, they settled down to making themselves comfortable. Itwas expected that they would make connection in St. Paul with thewestern through train bound for Seattle. Then would begin the grandestride on the whole American continent, over boundless plains, and finallyup into the majestic mountains. 

Day and night they would be carried swiftly onward across the many milesof entrancing scenery. Wonderful sights would fall to their portion. 

St. Paul was reached in due season, and once more they started forth, this time headed west, with the hunting-land beckoning them on. 

"Tell me about this, will you!" remarked Jerry, after they had crossedthe broad prairies and were climbing the tremendous heights that lielike a barrier between the center of the continent and the PacificSlope. "How much more of it do we have before us, Frank? I'm getting sofilled with wonder and awe that my tongue is getting into a rut withsaying 'Ah!' so much. "

"Less than a day will see us through now. Once we get over this rangethere lies a long valley, and in that is where Martin Mabie has hisranch. "

"Then we'll do our hunting along the sides of the mountains?" suggestedWill, who had used up nearly half his supply of films already, takingviews of the wonderful things they saw on the trip. 

"That's my impression, from what he wrote, " replied Frank. 

"And he also said game was fairly plentiful, if I remember aright, "remarked Jerry. 

"Well, he did say that they had been so busy of late on the ranch thatno one had had time for hunting, and consequently the game had not beenbothered very much; which, I suppose, amounts to the same thing. "

"H'm! I hope he won't be so rushed with work that he can't take the timeto go with us. Half of the fun would be lost if Mr. Mabie couldn't bealong; for Jesse says he is the most entertaining man alive, " gruntedBluff. 

"Oh, you forget that he said by the time we got there the work wouldslacken up, and he promised himself a vacation, just to renew his oldpleasure of camping out in the wilderness, away from all mankind, "laughed Frank. 

"That relieves my mind some, " declared Bluff, brightening up. 

"You're getting tired of all this travel, that's what ails you, " saidJerry. 

"No; it isn't that, " remarked Frank. "Bluff has confessed to me that forthe life of him he can't remember putting that beautiful hunting-knifein the trunk along with his other traps; and if he left _that_ behind, half his pleasure would be lost. Now you know what's the matter. "

"Not that I wish it to be so, but if such should prove to be the case, there'll be one delighted grizzly bear out in these same mountains--thechap Bluff calculated on carving with that big sticker, " remarked Jerryjocosely. 

But Bluff would not even smile. Truth to tell, he was counting thehours until he could open that trunk and relieve his distressed mind. 

"Did you ever see a wilder bit of country?" said Frank, peering out intothe gathering dusk, and trying to imagine those wooded hillsidespopulated with elk and buffaloes, and all the big game of the past, whena white man was never known west of the Great Lakes. 

"Well, to tell the truth, I was thinking of that account I read in thepaper we bought, about the work of a sheriff's posse in this region, chasing the bad men who held up a railroad train not a hundred milesaway from here. It wouldn't be a pleasant experience for us to meetwith, eh, fellows?" asked Will, who was known to have a timid streak inhis make-up. 

"Talk to me about your croakers!" jeered Jerry. "Will, here, is enoughto freeze the marrow in one's bones. There isn't one chance in athousand that such an adventure will come our way, and he knows it. "

"Goodness! What a jar! The engineer must have thrown the air brakes onthen in a big hurry! We're coming to a sudden stop, too! Oh! I wonder ifanything can have happened? Are we going to have an accident, fellows?"cried Will. 

With much creaking of the wheels the heavy train came to a stop, and atthe same moment the four chums, listening with considerableapprehension, caught the sound of many loud and excited voices justoutside the car. 

CHAPTER VI

AT THE VALLEY RANCH

"Listen!" exclaimed Frank, holding up his hand. 

"Talk to me about your Tower of Babel! It wasn't in the same class asthat row. Twenty men trying to talk all at once!" growled Jerry, starting up. 

"Oh! Where are you going?" asked Will. 

"Outside, to find out what the trouble is, " replied the other. 

"But you may get hurt if those bad men start to shooting up the train, "expostulated the official photographer anxiously. 

Jerry gave a hoarse laugh. 

"Tell me about that, will you! He actually believes we are going to beput through a course of 'stand and deliver' by the merry gentlemen ofthe road. Why, bless you, my boy, didn't you hear one man say somethingabout a trestle burning just ahead? It spells delay for us, but that'sthe worst of the whole affair. "

"Then I'm going out, too, " declared Will, with sudden zeal, as hesnatched up his camera and threw the strap over his shoulder. 

He scented a chance for a striking picture, and to obtain that Willwould have risked even a possible encounter with train robbers. 

Frank and Bluff would not be left behind, and quickly the entire quartethad reached the platform. They found that the stop was at a littlecountry station. A signal had suddenly flashed before the eyes of theengineer, telling him he must not think of running past, which accountedfor the quick work of the compressed-air brakes. 

No need to tell what was wrong. Up the track a quarter of a mile couldbe seen a fire, and one glance was enough to tell the chums that, justas Jerry had said, a trestle of some sort seemed to be burning. 

Loud shouts attested to the fact that every available man was hurryingto the scene, in the hope of saving the trestle before it was so fargone that nothing could be done. 

"Come on, fellows! Our train must stay where it is until this thing isdone burning, one way or the other. Perhaps we can help put the fire outwith buckets. "

That was the first thought Frank had, to be of some assistance. 

The four of them ran with the rest of the passengers. Such a spectaclecould not be witnessed every day, and every one was desirous of gettingcloser to the scene of action. 

"How did it catch?" asked Frank of a railroad man who was hustlingabout, handing buckets to a line of men extending down to the water ofthe creek far below. 

"Don't know. Perhaps from sparks left by the six-seventeen freight. Lenda hand here, lads; we need all the help we can get, " replied the other. 

"Sure! That's what we came for. Get along, boys, and pass thesebuckets!" cried Jerry, suiting the action to the words. 

Once the string of buckets got to going, and the contents began to becast upon the creeping flames, there sprang up a hope that the trestlemight be saved. 

Seeing this, the workers redoubled their efforts, and faster rose thefull buckets, the empties going down at the same rate. It is reallyastonishing what a large amount of water can be carried by such anendless chain. 

"Hurrah! We're besting it, lads! Keep it up!" shouted the agent, whowas the man Frank had first addressed. 

Will had not joined the relay. There seemed to be plenty of recruitswithout him, and, truth to tell, he was bent on getting a picture of thescene. Doubtless many present were startled by a sudden brilliantillumination as he set off his flashlight cartridge; but those who werein ignorance as to what it meant were soon set wise by others. 

Once they began to get the upper hand of the fire it became easy. Fortunately, there was not a breath of wind at the time. Had it beenotherwise, no efforts on their part could have saved the trestle. 

"I should think they would have them all of steel!" gasped Bluff, as helabored away, passing endless buckets up and down. 

"Most of them are, I understand, but in this case, you see, it is a longstretch, and perhaps it wasn't thought necessary, " replied Frank. 

"We're going to save it, all right; but I wonder if our train dare passover? It seems to me the fire must have weakened the structure more orless, " remarked Jerry. 

"Oh, well, they'll find some means of strengthening it in that case. I'monly worrying about the delay. Mr. Mabie will have to wait so long. "

"But, Frank, they must wire the news, and he will know the reason forour hold-up, " said Will quickly, and the others all agreed that thismust be so. 

Less than an hour later the last spark had been extinguished. Then menclimbed all over the trestle to ascertain just how much it had beenweakened by the fire. 

There was a difference of opinion among them, some declaring that it wasas good as ever, and the others shaking their heads solemnly, as theyprophesied all manner of dire things if the through train, with itsheavy sleepers, attempted to go over. 

While some gangs of men were hastily bracing up a weak spot with whatmaterial lay close at hand, kept for an emergency of this sort, afreight train that happened to be on a siding at the station, was pushedout on the trestle to discover how the situation stood. 

The chums watched operations with their hearts in their mouths, figuratively speaking; but no catastrophe followed, and it began toappear that, after all, the express might pass over in safety. 

Another trial was given, this time with the heavy freight engineattached to some of the largest flats, laden with steel beams. Thetrestle bore the strain handsomely. 

"That settles it, fellows. Back to our car for us. We're going across!"sang out Jerry as he turned and made off down the track. 

"How long were we here?" asked Bluff, sighing, and they knew he wasthinking again of the weary hours that must elapse ere he could openthat big trunk in order to ascertain whether his fears in connectionwith that beloved hunting-knife had any foundation or not. 

"Three hours, about. Give them another half hour to get moving, andthere you are. Hark! The engineer has started to whistle. That is totell the passengers a start is intended; and here they come, rushingpell-mell, fearful of getting left. " And Frank laughed at the energydisplayed by some of those who had been aboard. 

It was a critical time when the train slowly pushed out upon the longtrestle. Everybody doubtless held their breath, and doubtless many aheart throbbed with suspense. 

"It's all right, boys! We're safely over!" exclaimed Jerry, as, lookingout of the open window, he could see that they had passed the criticalstage. 

"Oh! I'm so glad! I don't know when I've felt such a flutter about myheart. But, anyway, I secured a cracking good snapshot of that burningbridge. Every time we look at it we can remember our hold-up, " observedWill, sighing with relief. 

It was now about ten o'clock at night, and on account of the delay, travel was more or less congested along the line. 

Frank, upon making inquiries, learned that they would not arrive attheir destination until about daybreak, and so he and his chums went totheir berths to secure what sleep was possible. 

Frank had them up in good time, and long before dawn they were fullydressed, awaiting the arrival of the train at the valley station withimpatience. 

"Another hour now, and then I shall know, " Bluff was saying to himself. 

"Thank goodness!" exclaimed Jerry, who happened to overhear him. "Andfor the peace of the party, I do hope the first thing you see when youopen your bag will be that awful sword. "

"We're stopping, fellows!" cried Will, trembling with eagerness. 

Five minutes later they jumped down from the train. 

"Hello, boys! Glad to see you! Better late than never!" said a heartyvoice, and then they found themselves shaking hands with a big man, whose gray-bearded face seemed to be a picture of good nature. 

Of course, this was Mr. Mabie, the ranchman. He saw to it that their bigtrunk was dropped off the baggage car, to be seized by a couple ofcowboys and hustled on to the back of a long buckboard wagon, drawn by acouple of skittish horses. 

Then they were off, not five minutes after the train had pulled out. 

"Here, Reddy, " said Mr. Mabie to the young driver, "let me make youacquainted with some good fellows about your own age, " and he introducedthem one after another. 

Frank saw that the cowboy was well named, for he had quite a fierythatch; but his freckled face seemed one of the sort that invitedconfidence, and Frank believed he would like the other right well. Ofcourse, Reddy was attired as all well-ordered cowboys should be. Willwas secretly wild for a chance to introduce him in some picture. 

"It will give such a pleasing variety to our book of views, for wehaven't got a single cowboy in between the covers, " he said in an asideto Frank. 

They followed up the valley for over an hour. The ranch was milesremoved from the railway, and surrounded by the wildest scenery theboys could remember having looked upon, and that was saying a good deal, after such a journey. 

Martin Mabie was a widower, without any family. Still, he had a numberof women folks on the place, a sister keeping house for him, with aChinese cook to attend to the kitchen part of the establishment. 

"Ain't this immense?" remarked Bluff, as he waited impatiently for themen to carry the big trunk indoors, so that he could satisfy his soulabout the one object that had been worrying him ever since leavingCenterville. 

Somehow or other they seemed slow about doing this. The horses had to beattended to first of all. Then there seemed to be some sort ofexcitement in the neighborhood of the corral, for the boys noticed amounted cowboy come dashing up and jump from his steed, which wasblowing hard, as if from a rapid dash. 

He wondered if this sort of thing was of daily occurrence on the bigranch, which took in the whole valley for miles, and extended even upalong the sides of the mountains on either hand. 

"What ails the fellow, I wonder?" observed Jerry, who, it seems, hadalso noticed the rush of the newcomer. 

"From the way he bolted into the office where Mr. Mabie went, I imaginehe must have brought important news of some sort, " remarked Frank. 

"Perhaps our very introduction to the Big M Ranch is going to be in awhirl of excitement, fellows. I've noticed that somehow we seem to stirup things wherever we go; not that we mean to have things happen, butthey just pick out such a time to play hob, " said Jerry, shaking hishead as if thoroughly convinced. 

"Here comes Mr. Mabie, hurrying this way!" declared Bluff, beginning toforget his other anxiety for the time being in this new mystery. 

"And there goes the cowboy back to the horse corral. He's shoutingsomething, too, and as sure as you live every man is jumping to get ahorse handy between his legs. Look at them slapping saddles on! Why, they'll be off like the wind! Boys, something is up! I know it!"

Frank and his chums saw several cowboys dash away as though possessed, shouting, and waving their hats in a reckless manner, as if about tocharge an enemy who had designs on the cattle of the ranch. 

"Whatever can it mean?" said Will again. 

"For the life of me I can't imagine, " returned Frank, sorely puzzled. 

"But we'll soon know, fellows, for here comes Mr. Mabie, and he'sswinging his hat as though just as excited as the balance of the crowd. Whatever it is, he means to tell us!" cried Jerry, his eyes glowing withthe nerve-racking anxiety. 

CHAPTER VII

THE GRIZZLY AT BAY

"Boys, do you want to see some fun?" called the ranchman as he came up. 

"Always ready for that sort of thing, sir. What's going on?" askedFrank. 

"An old friend of ours, whom we call 'Mountain Charlie, ' has brokenbounds at last, and is even now trying to drag one of my best yearlingsoff to the mountain canyon where he has his den, " replied the other. 

"Mountain Charlie?" repeated Frank, mystified. 

"And has a den in the mountains, too! What sort of a beast is that? Orcan it be a wild man?" asked Bluff. 

The ranchman laughed heartily. 

"I forgot you were tenderfeet, boys. We call a grizzly by that name outhere. This fellow we have known for some time. Hunting him has neverproven a profitable business, and, as a rule, he has never before comeso far out in the open; but hunger tempted the old chap, and the man whogalloped in told me he was even then dragging the yearling he had killedin the direction of the hills. "

"Oh! if we could only get there in time to see them shoot him!"exclaimed Will, hitching his camera a little closer to his body. 

"That's just what you're going to see. I sent word that he was not to behurt until we arrived. Horses are being hitched up for us all. I supposeyou can ride, boys?" inquired the owner of the ranch. 

"To a certain extent, though I suppose your cowboys will think us prettypunky at it, " answered Jerry. 

"But we mean to learn everything we can while here, " piped up Bluffearnestly. 

"Good for you! These horses are only old plugs, however, so there's nofear of them running away with you; and here they come. "

Several cowboys came toward them, each leading a number of horses. Frankthought that for "old plugs, " the four intended for himself and chumspossessed considerable of the fire that had animated them in otheryears. 

"Up you go, boys. Take your pick. Then we're off. "

Each seized upon the nearest animal, and, making use of the stirrup, threw himself into the saddle. As Jerry had said, all of them hadfrequently ridden at home, and indeed considered that they knew as muchabout a saddle as the average boy of the East; but that amounted to verylittle out here, where every one almost lived upon the back of abroncho. 

"Wow! But this is going some!" said Jerry as the whole group dashedmadly up the valley. 

"I only hope I don't lose my camera in the rush, " came from Will, whowas having troubles of his own in the rear. 

"Look ahead, fellows! You can see what's going on, now!" called Frank, who kept alongside the ranchman in the lead. 

"Why, there's the bear, as sure as you live!" Bluff gasped. 

"But what's he trying to do? First he rushes one way, and then turnsaround to make a bolt at the other side. He must be getting rattled. "

"Don't you see, Jerry, they've got him lassoed? He wants to tackle anyone of those three cowboys, but he just can't, with as many ropespulling him in three directions. "

"Talk to me about that, will you, Frank!" cried Jerry. "I never expectedto see a grizzly bear held up in a rope like a steer. Look at the gamelittle ponies on their haunches, and holding like fun. They seemsomewhat scared, too, pard. Between you and me, I don't blame 'em a bit. I'd hate to think that big beast was aiming to get a grip on me. "

It was just as Jerry said. The cowboys had headed the grizzly off sothat he was unable to gain the safety of the wild mountain gorges. Doubtless he had been loth to leave his prey at the approach of theriders, and this had contributed to his final undoing. 

One after another three of them had dropped their ropes over the head ofthe grizzly as he reared himself on his hind legs. The lariats stretchedlike piano wires under the strain, and as the cowboys had taken uppositions in a sort of triangle they could keep the bear from making anysort of rush. 

"Watch and see the fun, " said Mr. Mabie, who had made sure to fetch hisrifle along when coming from the ranch house; but he did not seem in anyhurry to utilize the same. 

Will, of course, immediately made good use of his camera. 

Meanwhile, wilder grew the exertions of the trapped grizzly. He wassnarling with rage. The foam gathered about his mouth, and Frankshuddered as he saw the cruel teeth, not to speak of the long, deadlyand poisonous claws. 

"Hey, Bluff! If you only had that gentle little knife of yours handy, now would be a fine chance to rush in and have a tussle with that meekgrizzly! You know you told us all just how you meant to slay thejabbercock with one straight blow. "

Bluff did not make any verbal reply to this unkind thrust on the part ofJerry, but Frank, looking at him, saw that his face was deadly pale, andthat he was staring at the terrible monster with whom the recklesscowboys were playing as a cat does with a mouse. He knew Bluff wasfeeling a chill at the thought of such a tragedy happening as his havingan encounter with a beast like that. 

"What if the ropes should break?" asked Frank as the captive made a moreferocious rush than usual, and the pony on the other side was draggedseveral feet. 

"Then there would be somewhat of a mix-up, and a case of every man forhimself. They'd expect me to show that I hadn't altogether forgotten mycraft in connection with handling a rifle. Once I used to be a crackshot, but lack of experience plays hob with a man's nerves, " repliedMr. Mabie, as he sat upon his steed and played with the repeating riflehe held. 

"I see you are enjoying the situation, boys. Would one of you like towind him up?" and the ranchman turned to Frank. 

"I don't believe I would, sir, " laughed that worthy. 

"How about you, Jerry?"

"I've often dreamed of shooting such game, but excuse me, Mr. Mabie, itwould be too much like the butcher business to please me, " observed theother. 

At this the stockman laughed. 

"Oh, I can understand that principle of honor in a true sportsman, mylad, and I must say it does you credit; but when you come to knowgrizzlies better, and appreciate their terrible strength, you'll agreewith the rest of us that a man has to forget such things when he gets achance to puncture the hide of so fierce a monster as this old rogue. Hecould kill a horse with a single blow, or tear one into shreds withthose claws. If I can get my mount to go a little closer, I'll try towind him up with a single ball, but it's difficult to shoot from theback of a nervous pony. "

He began to speak to his steed, which was striking the turf with itshoofs, and champing at the bit, as if terrified at such close proximityto, an animal so greatly to be dreaded. 

Then suddenly there was a wild shout from the cowboys, and Frank, looking, saw one of them whirling his horse in wild flight, and dashingtoward the group. He seemed to guess instinctively what hadhappened--the rope of the opposite rider must have broken under thetremendous strain. This really left the grizzly free, and, filled withmad rage, he was galloping straight toward them!

CHAPTER VIII

BLUFF MISSES SOMETHING

"Look out there!" shouted one of the cowboys. 

"Run, boys!" exclaimed Frank as he started to turn his pony around so asto get beyond reach of the rapidly advancing bear. 

He had just succeeded in doing this, and even started to gallop away, when he saw a sight that almost froze the blood in his veins. 

Jerry had, of course, intended doing a similar vamoosing stunt. Ithappened, however, that his horse was more frightened than those of theothers. When he jerked at the bridle the beast whirled with such avicious fling that the boy, totally unprepared for such a move, andunable to get the grip with his knees that a cowboy always secures, wenttoppling over his head. 

Frank, looking over his shoulder as he was borne rapidly away by his ownalarmed steed, saw Jerry scramble to his knees. At any rate, he thoughtwith relief, the other had escaped a broken neck in his ugly tumble. 

Still, with that enraged grizzly bearing swiftly down upon him, inspite of the one rope that still held taut, the position of poor Jerrywas not the most pleasant in the world. 

Frank's first and only inspiration was to turn his horse around and rushback to the assistance of his chum. It never occurred to him that beingwithout his own rifle, he would only be adding to the trouble byoffering Bruin a double sacrifice. 

His pony, however, offered serious objections to facing that roaringhurricane of a beast. Despite Frank's most strenuous efforts, he couldonly twist the animal's head around, but not a step would the frightenedbeast approach. Dancing there, he snorted his distrust and alarm. 

But Frank plucked up new hope. He at the same time saw something elsethat gave another aspect to the case. Jerry was not to be left alone tohis fate. 

"Hurrah for Mr. Mabie!"

In his excitement Frank let out this shout. It was caused by seeing theranchman leap from the back of his own horse and rapidly run back towardthe spot where Jerry crouched, apparently too winded to get to his feetand try flight. 

Now Mr. Mabie had reached the boy, and the barrier of his heavyrepeating rifle would be between Jerry and the grizzly. Frank expectedto see the stockman drop on one knee and take aim at the bear, now veryclose to the two dismounted ones. Nothing of the kind occurred. On thecontrary, he saw Mr. Mabie thrust the rifle into the hands of the boy, who seemed to seize it eagerly. 

Jerry had declined to shoot the grizzly when the beast was held by acordon of riatas. The conditions were now considerably altered, for thehuge animal was rapidly bearing down upon him, with the fire ofdestruction in his small, blazing eyes. It was a case of bringing hisadvance to a speedy stop, or suffering the consequences. 

Frank's heart thrilled with pride as he saw his chum throw the rifle upto his shoulder and glance along the glistening barrel. Mr. Mabie hadshown wonderful confidence in the boy's nerve to thus place the solutionof the problem in Jerry's hands. 

Holding his breath, as he still tugged at the mouth of his refractorymount, Frank saw the smoke shoot out from the muzzle of the gun as thereport sounded. 

"Whoop! He's down!" shrieked a cowboy curveting near by. 

"Take care! He's coming again, Jerry!" shouted Frank. 

The bear had rolled over at the shot, but being one of the toughestanimals in the world, he had immediately gained his feet again, and wasonce more advancing. 

But Jerry knew what to do, even though he had never met quarry of thiscaliber before. He pumped another cartridge into the chamber, deliberately took aim, with apparently little show of excitement, andfired again. 

Once more the grizzly stumbled and fell. When he tried to get up againhe did not seem equal to the effort. 

Mr. Mabie was shaking the hand of the young Nimrod with greatenthusiasm. Perhaps he had purposely tried the nerve of Jerry, to findout what manner of boys these were, of whom old Jesse Wilcox spoke sowell. 

Now that the monster was dead, the ponies consented to draw somewhatcloser; but the boys had to dismount, and hand over their steeds to acowman when they wished to reach the spot where the victim of the huntlay. 

Will, with his camera, was, of course, in evidence. 

"I wouldn't have missed that for a cookie!" he declared. "And if thatfrightened horse had only allowed me to take a crack at the time the oldhermit toppled over, I'd be ever so much happier. "

Frank, remembering how the other had been forced to clasp his armsaround the neck of his frantic steed at the time, smiled at theimpossibility of such a thing coming about. 

"Give us a grip of your paw, old fellow!" cried Bluff, rushing up, brimming over with enthusiasm and admiration. "I'll sure never forgetthat sight! And he did the Rod, Gun and Camera Club proud when he usedyour weapon, didn't he, Mr. Mabie?"

"I knew he would, " was the quiet remark of the stockman; and Frankunderstood that the other had been forming a favorable opinion of thechums from the minute he saw them come off the train. 

"Would you like that skin to remember the event by, Jerry?" Mr. Mabieasked, a little later, while they were watching the cowboys remove thehide. 

"It would give my mother a cold chill to see it, if she ever heard thestory; but then we have a clubroom over our boathouse, and I guess itwould look nice there. So, since you are so kind as to offer it, I'llsay yes, Mr. Mabie. "

"Well, I should remark that we'd never forgive you if you let thatchance slip. It looks as though our big-game trip might pan outsomething worth while, after all, " observed Bluff. 

"You do everything on a big scale out here in the Northwest, sir. Thefields of wheat are tremendous, the distances immense, the mountainshigher than any in the East, by long odds; and the game the biggest inthe whole country, " remarked Frank. 

"And in this bracing air we hope to raise the finest crop of boys in theworld. But let's return to the house, lads. It's time we had a bite, forI'm sure your appetites must be sharpened by this little adventure. "

The ranchman cast many a secret admiring glance toward Jerry as theyrode home. He fell back with Frank on purpose to speak his mind, whilethe other three galloped on ahead, laughing and shouting, as boys off ona vacation always do. 

"I like that chap, Jerry, " he remarked earnestly. "He's a lad after myown heart. What he said about not wanting to shoot defenceless game gaveme a wrench, for we cherish notions along that same line up here in thewilderness. Of course, the grizzly, as I said, does not come under thatlaw, for he's too terrible a customer to be given much rope. "

"Sometimes he takes his own rope, " laughed Frank, secretly delighted tohear this honest praise of his chum. 

"Which is quite true for you, Frank. That cowboy will not soon get overthe humiliation of having his lariat give way. He feels very sore aboutit now, " remarked the stockman, casting a side look toward where acouple of his herders were wrangling over something as they brought upthe rear. 

"I'm so glad you gave Jerry that chance. He's the most enthusiasticsportsman I ever met, and so honorable in his dealings with the wearersof fin, fur and feather. No danger of the woods ever being depopulatedwhile he's around, " Frank said, with his customary generous view ofanything that concerned his chums. 

"It was what you may call an inspiration. My first idea, of course, wasto cover the boy and face the bear. I did not doubt my own ability todown him, but somehow I was tempted to take chances with the lad. I'mglad now I did it. He stood the racket like a veteran. I'd be a happyman if I'd only been left a boy like your chum for my own. "

The ranchman spurred on ahead at this, and Frank made no effort toovertake him, for he felt sure he had seen tears glistening in theother's eyes, and could appreciate his feelings, for the stockman's onlychild, a boy, at that, lay with the mother in the ranch cemetery. 

Breakfast was ready for them, and what a glorious meal the boys made!Just as Mr. Mabie had said, they proved as hungry as wolves. That clearmountain air seemed to tone them up after their long railway journey, and Frank laughingly declared their host had better send away for a newstock of provisions if he expected to keep them satisfied. 

Bluff was the first to leave the table. Frank had seen him eatinghurriedly toward the close of the meal. He knew without being told whatailed his comrade. 

"He'll never be happy until he gets it, fellows!" sang out Jerry, who, of course, had also noticed the hurried departure of the anxious one. 

They could hear Bluff tossing things around hurriedly in the other room, where they expected to bunk, and to which the big trunk had been finallycarried. 

Ten minutes later, Frank, remembering that a great silence had fallenover the neighboring apartment, stole softly to the door and looked in. He saw a picture of abject dejection there--Bluff sitting on the floor, in the midst of piles of garments, clothes bags, and all manner ofthings, frowning and shaking his head, as if he had lost his lastfriend. 

"What's the matter?" demanded Frank, drawing nearer. 

"Matter enough, " answered the disconsolate one, sighing heavily. "Why, after all my trouble and everything, I've gone and left that knife athome, and now my whole trip is going to be spoiled for me. I just seemedto feel that something was bound to happen to upset my calculations. Imight as well go back, that's what, " said Bluff, gritting his teeth inhis spasm of disgust. 

CHAPTER IX

FRANK HAS HIS TURN

"Oh, humbug! There are other knives, " remarked Frank cheerily. 

"Not like that one, " said Bluff dismally. 

"No doubt Mr. Mabie will lend you a good one while you're here. "

"Yes, he's awfully kind, but it wouldn't be that knife, " groaned thebereaved Bluff. 

"When do you remember seeing it last?" demanded Frank, as a suspiciondarted into his brain that was connected with Jerry. 

On one of their former camping trips Jerry had professed to entertain adecided antipathy toward a repeating shotgun of modern make that Bluffhad bought. He declared that it was a shame for one who called himself asportsman to handle so destructive a weapon. When a chance came, he hidthe gun in a box that held some of their superfluous things. Later, upontrying to find it, in order to give it back, he learned that it wasmissing, and Bluff had to go without his gun until the hunt was nearlyover, when it was discovered in the woods, where the thief had droppedit. 

Frank wondered if Jerry was concerned in the mysterious vanishing of thewonderful hunting-knife. He had laughed at its tremendous proportionsand ornate handle. Still, it did not seem reasonable to believe thatJerry would be guilty of a second trick along those same lines. 

"I was trying to remember. You know we were showing our things to thegirls?"

"Yes, I believe we were, " smiled Frank; for he could still see Bluffflourishing his precious knife, sheath and all, for the entertainment ofNellie. 

"Well, I can't remember for the life of me seeing it again after that. You know we packed in a big hurry in the morning. I may have laid itaside, intending that it would go in on top, and then overlooked it. Such a fool play, too, when that was the prize of the whole collection!"groaned Bluff. 

"And you've looked over the whole outfit here, have you?" Frankcontinued, surveying the piled-up mess of stuff. 

"Yes; three separate times. Oh, there's no getting around it, I've madea goose of myself, and you know how I wanted to use that trusty bladeso much. Of course, I won't think of moping in my tent. I'll borrow aknife, and perhaps it will do me good service; but nothing can ever takethe place of that beautiful piece of steel. "

"Well, let's get these things in something like order before the boyscome in. Sort out what belongs to you, and chuck the balance of yourextra clothes in your own bag, for I see that you've had most of themout"

"Yes. I even wondered if I could have stuck that knife in among my othershirts and underclothes, but it isn't there. I'll have to stand it, butyou fellows will never know what a loss this is to me. Coming all thisdistance, too, just to get a chance to use it on an elk, or somethingworth while. "

Frank thought that if Bluff had his way his mates would at least neverhave a chance to forget about his great loss, for he was apt to remindthem of it every little while. 

Will now came bustling in, anxious to ascertain if his little developingoutfit came through safely, together with his packages of hypo and othernecessities. 

It was decided to put in that day around the ranch seeing how Mr. Mabieran his business. Then on the following morning a party of themintended to set out for a camp in the mountains, where game wouldlikely be found. 

"We'll occupy three camps I have in view. From the first we can go tothe second by taking several bullboats that will be waiting for us, andshooting the rapids in the river. That would be an experience you boysmight enjoy, " remarked the stockman as they rode around the valley toget a comprehensive grasp upon the way in which this enterprisingsettler carried on a big cattle ranch. 

Reddy seemed to have been picked out by the owner to keep with them. Frank was glad of this, for somehow he had come to entertain a fancy forthe smiling young cowboy. 

"Rapids, did you say?" exclaimed Jerry, his face lighting up withrapture. "Why, that would tickle us from the ground up. I've alwayswanted to run through some little Niagara. Frank, here, has done it upin Maine, so he tells us. I hope what you have will beat his experienceall hollow. "

"Well, they are some rapids, I understand, " replied the other, smiling. 

"And if I could only be on the shore, to see you shoot down, it wouldafford me the greatest pleasure in the world. Not that I don't want togo through, too, but my first duty is toward securing all thesewonderful events in an imperishable way by taking a picture. Somescoffers may doubt a story, but pictures never lie. "

"That shows your innocence, Will, " remarked Jerry. "Why, I've seenfellows standing beside the fish they caught, which I knew myself to beonly ten inches long, and yet the cunning photographer had arranged itso that it looked all of two feet. "

"I'm surprised that you, with all your experience, shouldn't know that, "said Frank, pretending to frown. 

"You mistook my meaning, that's all. What I intended to say was that_my_ pictures would never lie, " affirmed Will sturdily. 

"Hear! hear! Somebody rub him on the back, please! But joking aside, Will, I'm ready to back you up on that score. The only fault I find withyou is your ambition to take a fellow in every pickle he happens to dropinto, " and Jerry made a wry face as he remembered a number of scenes inwhich he had figured, that were wont to excite his chums to uproariouslaughter at such times as they looked at the faithful reproductions intheir album at the clubhouse. 

In this pleasant way the day passed, and evening found them eager tocomplete their preparations for the morrow. Mr. Mabie answered everyquestion fired at him by the anxious young sportsmen, especially Bluff, who wanted to know everything connected with the game they expected tohunt. 

"He's trying to forget his great disappointment, " said Frank as he andJerry watched the other plying Mr. Mabie with these queries; for Bluffwas the son of a lawyer, and would never take things for granted. 

"What's that?" asked Jerry, for no one had been told about the loss thathad come to Bluff. 

"Can't find that knife of his anywhere, it seems, and believes he musthave left it behind. He was looking mighty blue when I found him in theroom, with all our stuff tumbled, pell-mell, out of the trunk. "

Frank eyed his chum as he spoke. Jerry turned a little red. 

"Not guilty, Frank! I give you my word I never touched the measly oldknife. I'm sorry for him, too, for he seemed so bent on doing greatstunts with it. I'll take a look myself, " he said hastily, and yetmeeting his chum's gaze in such a straightforward fashion that Franknever doubted his word for an instant. 

"No use doing that. He rooted the whole outfit over. The knife is gone, and that's sure! I've been thinking some about it. "

"And had a bright idea, I warrant. What's your solution of themystery?"

"Why, you see, Jerry, I can clearly recollect Nellie's startled lookwhen Bluff showed her that terribly large knife. She's afraid of suchthings. I'm sure she must have worried some about it, and I wasthinking--"

"What?"

"That perhaps she may have considered it prudent to hide it away so thathe couldn't find it again. I believe she would in my case, anyhow. Itwould be just like Nellie. "

"Oh, well, it doesn't matter much, only Bluff is such a fellow to hangon a thing he'll never give us any peace about it. Have you asked Will?"said Jerry. 

"No. I will, though; but I don't think he would bother his head about adozen knives. If it were a camera, now, or a rapid-action rectilinearlens, you could depend on him to take notice. "

Frank was as good as his word. Will denied having touched the article inquestion, and said he was sorry to hear Bluff would be deprived of apleasure. 

And so for the time being the mystery remained such, with Bluffoccasionally digging into that trunk in a vain search, and alwayssighing mournfully because he failed to bring the lost treasure tolight. 

The boys bunked in one big room. It was very much like a picnic forthem, and would often bring back pleasant memories whenever they lookedat the rather clever view Will managed to get of the interior, with hischums and himself lolling there. 

In the morning there was pretty much of a bustle around the ranch house. 

"Ready, boys?" called Mr. Mabie, as he appeared with his gun strappedacross his back, as the easiest way of carrying it. 

A chorus of affirmatives greeted his question. 

"Then mount, and we'll be off. They've gone on ahead last night with thetents and foodstuff, so that we'll find things in pretty much shipshapewhen we get on the ground. "

"Say, they do things right out in this big country, eh?" said Bluff toFrank as the two of them galloped off in company. 

The morning was fair and the air sharp enough to be bracing. 

"Never saw anything to equal the atmosphere here, " remarked Frank astheir host came alongside. "There seems to be a tonic in it that even wedo not have up in Maine or the Adirondacks. It makes you feel likeshouting all the time. "

"Everybody says the same when they first come. Presently you will growaccustomed to its invigorating tone, and quiet down. It is caused by thedry air. We are a long way from the Atlantic, and these mighty mountainsto the west act as a buffer to the moisture-laden air from the Pacific. "

Crossing the valley, they were soon penetrating among the foothills atthe base of the great uplifts, the tops of which bore eternal snow. 

Wilder grew the scenery as they penetrated deeper into the wilderness. Frank and his chums were almost awed by the grandeur of theirsurroundings. At the same time, Jerry kept an eager eye on the watch forsigns of game. The sportsman spirit was strong in his nature, andgenerally forged to the front. 

It was Frank, however, who first chanced to spy something that excitedhis attention. 

"What is that moving up yonder, Mr. Mabie? There! Look! I declare if itdidn't jump straight across from that high rock to the other! Is that aRocky Mountain sheep, sir?" he asked. 

"Just what it is, my lad; and if you feel inclined, there is a chancefor you to get a shot at it, " came the quick reply. 

"I would like it, first rate, " declared Frank, immediately changing hisrifle from his back to his hands. 

"All right, then. Listen, and I'll tell you how it may be done. We'llrest our horses right here, for the last climb over this rough ridge tothe bank of the swift river lying between. You drop down here and makeyour way along until you can get a chance to shoot. It will be a longshot, remember, so make allowances; and the wind is with you, notagainst you. "

"I'll try my best, sir, " said Frank, slipping off his horse. 

"Be very careful as you crawl along, for a slip might cost you yourlife, " were the last words he heard the stockman say as he began todescend the little declivity in order to make his way along its base, soas to remain concealed from the quarry. 

Frank was careful as well as quick in his movements. Again and again hepeeped out to see what the mountain sheep was doing. So far as he couldlearn, the animal seemed to be centering its attention on the caravanthat had halted. Three times it moved its position, and once he was justin time to see it make a most dazzling leap, which he hoped Will mighthave caught with his quick-action lens. 

Finally, having gained a place where he had a fine view of the animalstanding there across the gorge, Frank sank down so as to get a goodaim. Not quite satisfied, he crawled forward a little further, and thenproceeded to put his fortune to the test. 

Never had he calculated more exactly just how he should aim in order tobring the success he craved. When he pressed the trigger he was thrilledto see the mountain sheep give a wild spring into the air and then fallover the edge of the platform. This time its spring lacked the buoyancyof life, and Frank knew that his bullet had reached its billet. 

But he had no time to exult, for as he moved he felt the ground slippingfrom under him, and realized that nothing could interpose to prevent hisfalling into the deep gorge!

CHAPTER X

THE YOUNG HUNTER AND THE ELK

There are times when one acts from instinct alone. Frank had no time tothink, when he felt himself going down with some loose earth and stonesinto the wide canyon. He simply threw his rifle back of him, so that hemight save it from falling, and at the same time have the free use ofboth hands. 

He fell a dozen feet or so, along with the loose soil and rocks he hadcaused to give way under his weight. Then, by some happy accident, hisoutstretched hands closed upon a bush that was growing from the roughface of the wall, and to this he clung with desperation. 

It threatened to come loose with each movement he made, and yet he wasbound to find some niche for his dangling feet, so as to relieve thebush from a part of his weight. 

He had heard the loud outcries of his friends, and knew they must behastening to his relief. 

If he could only hold on for five minutes all might be well. 

Below lay quite an abyss, and a fall was apt to bruise him very much, even if he were fortunate enough not to have any bones broken. It was, therefore, with considerable gratitude that he discovered he could dighis toes into crevices in the rock, and thus hang on. 

Jerry afterward declared that Frank presented all the appearance of afly plastered against a wall; but it might have been noticed that he wasthe first one to reach the edge of the platform and breathe encouragingwords to his endangered chum. 

Mr. Mabie knew what would be needed before he made the first movement. 

"Bring your rope, Reddy!" he shouted, and the agile cowboy had obeyed. 

This was quickly lowered until the noose dangled below Frank. 

"Use one foot to draw it in, my boy. We want you to get both legs insidethe loop, and then gradually let us draw it up under your arms. It's allright. We're going to have you out of that, so don't worry!" called theranchman. 

"You can depend on it, Frank isn't frightened. If that bush threatens togo, get a quick grip of the rope! Do you understand, Frank?" calledJerry. 

A quick nod of the head told that the one below realized he was as goodas drawn up already. One foot was cautiously withdrawn from its supportand the loop caught; then the second also passed inside the circle;after which a tightening of the lariat brought it up to where Mr. Mabiewanted to have it. 

"Now here you come, my boy!" he called cheerily. 

Frank let go his frenzied clutch, and swung into space; but willinghands quickly drew him up until he stood with his chums. 

"Did I get him?" was the first question he asked, at which the stockmanlaughed heartily and patted him on the back. 

"Spoken like a true sportsman, I declare! How about it, Reddy?" he said. 

"There's his game, sir, lying just at the foot of that old slide. It wasas neat a shot as I ever saw, " declared the young cowboy, pointing. 

"Which is the truth, old fellow!" exclaimed Jerry, seizing Frank's handand wringing it warmly, without a touch of jealousy, even though his ownlaurels as the admitted best shot of the club seemed in jeopardy. 

"But what a pity we can't get it! I hate to think of killing game andleaving it for the wolves, " said Frank. 

"Oh, that's soon remedied. Reddy will promise to land that sheep herefor you in double-quick order, eh?"

Reddy was already fastening one end of his lariat to a projecting stonethat resembled a saddle-horn. This done, he tried it, to make sure thatit would hold. Then he tossed the balance of the rope, loop and all, over the edge. 

"Does it reach down?" asked Mr. Mabie. 

"Just gets there, and no more, " replied Will, craning his neck to see. 

Reddy flung himself over in what struck Will as a most reckless fashion;but he discovered in time that these free riders of the ranches doeverything in that nervous manner. It is a country where men quicklylearn that often their lives depend on their ability to act promptly andlike a flash. 

"He's down already, " announced Will, half a minute later. 

And it was not ten minutes before they saw the cowboy coming back again. He had Frank's first mountain sheep upon his back, and though the waywas rough he jumped from stone to stone with surprising agility for onewho spent so much time in the saddle. 

In due time the journey was resumed. 

"How much further do we go?" asked Will, as he followed behind theguide, Reddy. 

"Here's the top of the ridge. Now you can see the other valley, and thenoise you hear is made by a cataract in the river. We camp just belowthat. Fishing is good there, and I guess you'll like it, " was the reply. 

They soon headed down, and the end of their day's work seemed close athand. It can be easily assumed that none of the boys were sorry. Quiteunused to riding, they began to feel the effects already. 

"I'm glad it's a camp after this. I've sure got a cramp in my legs thatit'll take a long time to get out, " grunted Bluff. 

"Rome wasn't built in a day, son. Each time you ride you'll notice thatcramp less and less, until after a month you will be entirely free fromit. But here we are at our journey's end, and I, for one, don't feelsorry, because for ten minutes I've been scenting that coffee. The boyshave seen us coming, and started to have dinner cooked. "

It proved to be just as Mr. Mabie said. A most appetizing camp dinnerwas ready for them when they arrived. Perhaps Jerry and Frank may havethought it did not fully come up to some similar feasts they had helpedprepare in the woods, but of course they never hinted at such a thing;for those cowboys, while the most accommodating of fellows, were alsothin-skinned in some respects. 

Will was fairly delighted at the romantic looks of the camp, back ofwhich the waterfall came tumbling down. He could hardly wait to eat hisdinner before he set to work to secure a _fac-simile_ of the picture, with the party gathered around the fire, and the three tents making apleasing contrast to the dark green of the piñon trees. 

Most of the party were contented to remain quiet during the balance ofthe day, but Bluff developed an unusually ambitious spirit for action. Truth to tell, he secretly considered that his chums were having morethan their share of good luck in making a record at bagging game, andthought it time he started in. 

Mr. Mabie had made him accept the use of a spare hunting-knife. It was ashort, though serviceable weapon, and had doubtless done splendidexecution in days gone by. Bluff used to take it out when he thought noone was looking, run his finger over the keen edge, gaze sadly at thedim blade, and shake his head. He could not get the memory of that othergrand specimen of the cutler's skill out of his mind, and his soul wasfilled with bitterness because of its strange absence. 

"Look out for wolves!" called Reddy, but Bluff only waved his hand inderision as he walked away down the valley. 

Of course, he knew that the stockmen were more or less troubled withthese hungry marauders in the winter time, and often had to organizegrand hunts in order to keep their number down; but it hardly seemedreasonable to expect trouble from such a source in the summer season. 

Elk and moose had not as yet come under the protection of the game laws, so that they were at liberty to shoot what they pleased. As a rule, however, Mr. Mabie did not believe in hunting such animals save in thefall of the year. 

Bluff had asked numerous questions before leaving camp, so that he knewsomething about the lay of the land in the vicinity. He had started outwith all due regard to the way the wind was blowing, so as not to alarmany quarry that might be sniffing up the breeze. 

Climbing among the rocks, and passing through dense patches of timber, he kept on the alert for signs of game. Now, Bluff did not make anypretence at being a skilful sportsman. In fact, until a year or so backhe had been the bungler of the party when it came to a knowledge ofwoodcraft; but since then he had studied up on various subjects, and wasnow anxious to air his knowledge. 

When he caught sight of a large animal with towering antlers, feeding ina little glade, he knew it must, of necessity, be an elk, for a moosewas built along different lines entirely. 

It might have amused Jerry to see the way in which Bluff crawled closerand closer to the expected quarry. No doubt he did make some ridiculousefforts, which were not at all according to the usual rules of the game. However, as Bluff would say, the proof of the pudding lies in the eatingof it, and he certainly did manage to creep up quite close to thefeeding elk. 

Thinking he was now near enough, and that the animal was beginning toact uneasily, Bluff stretched himself out, balanced his gun on a stone, took a long aim, and then pulled the trigger. 

The elk certainly dropped, at which the young hunter gave a bellow ofdelight. That was where he made a foolish blunder, for believing thathis bullet had done for the game, Bluff started recklessly forward, benton bleeding the same, and only regretting the fact that he could notinitiate his precious new blade. 

To his astonishment, the wounded elk scrambled to its feet, and insteadof bounding away it shook its antlers in an angry fashion and startedstraight toward the young hunter!

CHAPTER XI

THE ELK AND THE YOUNG HUNTER

"Hey! Hold on, there! That isn't in the game!"

The elk did not seem to care whether it were so or not, but came rushingstraight on. Like many another, more experienced in the ways of thewoods than himself, Bluff almost forgot that he had other charges in hisgun. He was so amazed to see the animal he had fully believed to be deadshow such surprising signs of life, that he stood there for a fewprecious seconds, gaping as if in a dream. 

Then he made a wild spring to one side and gained the shelter of a tree. 

"Oh! What a socker!" he exclaimed, as the enraged and bleeding animalcame full tilt against the trunk of the tree. 

Before he could say more, or try to form any plan of action, he foundhimself obliged to spin around that same trunk with all the rapidity hecould command, for the elk was apparently determined to overtake him, and those towering antlers seemed pointed with spikes, in the eyes ofthe startled lad as he strained every effort to keep beyond their reach. 

Bluff was really alarmed by this time. He knew that any unfortunate slipon his part would precipitate a tragedy. 

"I laughed at Jerry and the wild dogs that chased him around and around, but never again for me!" he gasped, as he kept up the weary circle, hugging the trunk as closely as possible. 

This, however, caused him to remember that on the other occasion hischum had finally managed to gain the victory through his own gun, andBluff suddenly came to a knowledge of the fact that he did have a gungripped in his hand, and which also contained five more shots. 

"Hold on! Give me a breathing spell, hang you! I'll fix you yet!" hemanaged to exclaim, though he would better have husbanded his breath tobetter purpose. 

The elk was not a bit accommodating. Perhaps the animal understood thatso long as it kept Bluff in rapid motion the human enemy could not finda chance to use that fire-stick again, that shot out such burningmissiles. At any rate, it persevered, and poor Bluff's tongue fairlyhung out with fatigue. 

In desperation, he was about to turn around, trusting to luck to get ina shot that would put an end to this awful chase in a circle, when theelk tripped and fell. 

"Now!" gasped Bluff. 

You would have thought he must have leveled his gun and fired. Jerryor Frank would, in all probability, have done that very thing. ButBluff seemed to go back to the first law of Nature, which isself-preservation. 

He dropped his gun, and seizing a limb that happened to be within reach, climbed into the tree with the agility of a monkey. Fear spurred him onto do his best work just then. 

"Don't you wish you could?" he shouted derisively down at the elk, whichwas jumping up, and making all manner of threatening movements with itsantlered head, much after the fashion of an enraged goat, Bluff thought. 

He was safe enough, but somehow Bluff did not like the idea of having towait in the tree until his chums, drawn by his calls, came to therescue. Why, he would never hear the end of the thing! It was toohorrible to contemplate, and in some fashion he must secure possessionof his gun to end the career of that pugnacious old bull elk. 

 [Illustration: "DON'T YOU WISH YOU COULD?" HE SHOUTED DERISIVELY DOWN AT THE ELK. --_Page 98_. _The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_. ]

Bluff had read more or less about the strange adventures that befallhunters of big game. He also remembered how one man had fished for hisgun, and successfully, under similar conditions. 

Having no cord in his pocket, he deliberately tore his handkerchief intostrips and knotted them together. When this failed to reach the ground, he fastened it to the end of a long and stout "sucker, " or sprout, whichhe cut from the body of the tree. 

A running loop was made at the other end, for he could see that his gunlay in such a position that the barrel was tilted. 

Bluff then began to angle. Many times he came near accomplishing hispurpose, when something occurred to break up his plans. 

"I'll never give up, " he declared, when the elk moved forward, as ifsuspecting something, and endeavored to catch the dangling noose in itsantlers, which Bluff would not have happen for anything. 

"If I was trying to catch you, I'd want something stronger than thisrag. Now please wander away again, and let me have another try, " hesaid; and then, as the animal did walk off a dozen paces, as ifencouraging him to descend, he courteously added, "Thank you. "

A minute later he was thrilled to find that his erratic loop hadactually dropped over the end of the gun barrel. A quick jerk at theproper instant tightened the clutch, and after that it was the easiestthing in the world to pull the weapon up within reach of his tremblinghands. 

"Now, we'll see if you're going to have the laugh on me, you old scamp!Hi! Hold on, there! Who said you could walk away? Come back here, andhave it out! I dare you!"

The elk, as if suspecting that all was not well, had indeed started tomove off. But when Bluff made a great feint of coming down, he succeededin exciting the animal's anger again, and caution was flung to thewinds. 

Bluff watched for his chance, and when it came he made sure work of itby sending a bullet through the heart of the fighting elk. 

Even then he waited a little while. 

"Going to try getting up again? This time I'm ready for you, oldfellow!" he said to the fallen beast; but presently it became patent, even to his inexperienced eyes, that the elk had breathed its last. 

"Now, if Will were only here, " Bluff remarked enviously, as he put onefoot on his prize and tried to look very unconcerned, as if knockingdown such big game might be a matter of almost daily occurrence withhim. 

Not knowing how to go about cutting the elk up, Bluff headed back towardthe camp. Before leaving the spot he thought to bleed the quarry, aftera fashion, for he understood that such a thing was always done to makethe meat taste better. 

Half an hour later he showed up in the camp. It was next to impossibleto get lost in that valley, which might account for Bluff finding hisway back with comparative ease. 

Jerry was lounging alongside one of the tents, engaged in getting hisfishing tackle in order, for a try in the pool below the falls. 

"Shall we send the horses out to tote it in?" he asked, after the usualfashion of greeting greenhorns when they come back from a huntapparently unattended by success. 

"Did you hear me shoot?" asked Bluff carelessly. 

"Why, yes, twice; and some time apart. What was it--a crow or ajack-rabbit?"

Bluff only smiled as Mr. Mabie came out of the tent and glanced at him. 

"What would you say that was, sir?" he asked, thrusting something infront of the old stockman. 

Starting back, Mr. Mabie looked hastily at the hairy object. 

"An elk's tail, as sure as you live!" he remarked, his face relaxing ina smile. 

"What's that?" roared Jerry, springing to his feet. 

"Oh, you needn't get excited about it. Do you see the dull spots on myknife? Well, I bled my game, all right, just as I wanted to do with thatbully good blade that was left behind; and if Reddy will only go backwith me, we can bring the old fellow in on a horse, " said Bluff coolly. 

"Count me in on that!" exclaimed Will, rushing out of his impromptudark-room, and waving the bottle in which he was making a solution ofhypo. 

"I think I'll go along, too, " remarked Frank, appearing from some otherplace. 

When the party started forth presently, there were six of them with thehorse--the chums, Reddy, and Mr. Mabie himself. 

"I am beginning to believe you boys will corral everything in sight ifyou keep on the way you've started. A grizzly, a sheep, and now an elk;and only thirty hours with me! H'm! Perhaps I may not be able to showyou as much about big-game hunting as I expected, " said the stockman, who seemed vastly amused at the energy shown by his young guests at theranch. 

"Oh, we can pull a trigger, all right, sir, but there are a thousandthings we want to know about these natives that books never teach. I'mlike a sponge, and can keep on soaking up information all the time, "laughed Frank. 

Incautiously, Bluff let fall certain words that gave Jerry a clue as tothe true situation. 

"A tree! Shot him downward from a tree, eh? Now, since you've so franklyconfessed that much, why not tell the whole blooming story, Bluff?" hecried. 

"There isn't much to it. I saw the elk. Then I shot him, and he fellover. After that the elk saw me. He chased me about a tree. I rememberedhow fast Jerry said he ran around when those wild dogs were after him, and I wanted to go him just one better. Then I found a chance to climbwhen the wounded elk stumbled. After that I made a rope out of myhandkerchief and fished with a loop until I caught the barrel of my gun. That's all. "

"A whole history in a nutshell. But we must be getting near the place, according to what you said at the start. There are the three oaksgrowing in a clump. Now where's your dead elk?"

As Frank spoke he turned to Bluff. That individual was staring around inevident bewilderment. 

"It was sure here I met him. There's the little glade, and this big treeis the one I climbed up into. I saw him lying there. I _know_ he wasdead when I bled him. But I must be blind, for the elk certainly is nothere now. Oh! Did he come to life again, and run away?" said poor Bluff, in despair, looking at the tail, which he had thrust into his belt. 

CHAPTER XII

HARD LUCK

"Talk to me about your dreamers!" muttered Jerry, shrugging hisshoulders. 

"But I tell you it was so!" asserted Bluff, firing up. 

"The boy is right, " said Mr. Mabie, as he stepped forward and fastenedhis eyes upon the ground. 

Frank saw immediately what the stockman had in mind. These thingsmentioned by Bluff could never have happened without leaving sometangible traces behind. Where a big elk had been slain there must besigns of the blood that had flowed. 

"Look here, and see for yourself, Jerry. " And Mr. Mabie pointed to theground at his feet. 

"There's some marks of hoofs around, I admit, and they seem to circleabout the tree, just as Bluff says; and--yes, that's blood on theground, as sure as you live! I guess I'm on the wrong track. He didhave a merry circus. He did shoot an elk, but where has the bloomingthing gone?" exclaimed the scoffer. 

"That's just what I'm going to find out through Reddy, here. He has somelocal reputation as a tracker. Put your nose down to it, and let us knowwhat happened, Reddy. "

In accordance with the request of the ranchman, the cowboy threw himselfupon his hands and knees. 

"Indians!" he announced, before they had taken half a dozen breaths. 

"What?" cried Bluff, staring hard. 

"Cree Indians been here. I can see the print of their moccasins plain asday; and here's where they dragged the elk along, heading toward theriver!"

Reddy seemed to have not the slightest trouble in reading the signs, andyet to the boys there was not the faintest vestige of marks. Presently, however, Frank was able to make out the print of a foot in the soil, andhe noted that the one who made it wore no heels. His footwear must bemoccasins. 

"H'm!" remarked Mr. Mabie. "Just what I suspected. The thieving Creeshave robbed our young friend of his prize. Too bad! But there are moreelk around, Bluff, and I hope you'll have other chances. "

"But that one chased me so hard I wanted revenge. I calculated on eatinga bit of his flank for my dinner. What's the matter with our followingup the scamps, and making them give up some of my game, anyhow?"demanded the disappointed hunter. 

"Impossible just now. The river is close by, and they undoubtedly hadboats in which they fled, carrying off your elk. By this time they'veshot the rapids, and must be miles below. Possibly we may run across therascals later, when we also go down the river, " replied Mr. Mabie. 

Reddy had gone off, his head bent low, and they understood that he wasfollowing the trail, much as a hound would have done, with this onedifference, that whereas a dog pursues by scent alone, the cowboy had todepend on his eyes. 

"But if game is so plentiful, why should these Crees want to steal myelk?" pursued Bluff, who could not be easily satisfied. 

"That bothers me to answer. Perhaps they happened to be out ofammunition. There are several other explanations, but in my opinion themost probable is the natural meanness of certain dusky bucks; just asyour able tramp refuses to do a lick of work, while he'll walk twentymiles for nothing, " smiled the other. 

"There comes Reddy back. Perhaps he knows more about it now, " saidFrank, who was decidedly interested in the enigma. 

They waited until the cowboy joined the circle about the tree. 

"Boats, Reddy?" asked Mr. Mabie. 

"Three. Must have carried around the falls without our knowing it. Hungabout here, waiting to steal something from our camp. Had a snare setfor jack-rabbits. Saw some torn skins in the camp, " was what the cowboyreplied, in his jerky way. 

"Oh! Then I guess they must have been here before we came, and all yousay makes me believe I was right. They have no arms, or else theirpowder and shot have run out; and for some reason they are afraid tomeet whites. Well, the elk's gone, and we can't mend that. Let's returnto camp. You have the tail to show for your little adventure, my lad. "

"Yes, sir; and the memory of it all, which will haunt me for a good longtime, " said Bluff, with a shake of his head, as he contemplated thehistoric tree around which he had done a little Marathon. 

"But I mean to get a picture of this tree, anyhow, just to remind Bluffhow valuable a good pair of sprinting legs may be sometimes, " laughedWill. 

And he did, with Bluff standing alongside; for once the officialphotographer demanded a pose, he was bound to get it, or throw up hisjob, for such was the law of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club. 

Then they retraced their steps to the camp, Frank more than usuallythoughtful, for anything in the shape of a mystery always set him topuzzling, and he more than once wondered whether they would ever learnjust why those Crees stole the elk Bluff had downed after so muchtrouble. 

"How many did there seem to be?" he asked Reddy, a little later. 

"You mean of the thieving reds? I counted nine in all, four bucks, twosquaws and three pappooses, " replied the other. 

"But if I understand rightly, these Indians never take their familieswhen they go on the war-path. Is that so, Reddy?" Frank asked quickly. 

"Say, get that notion out of your head right away. They ain't no Creeslookin' for trouble these days. My idea is just this: This is a familytravelin' acrost country, for some reason or other. P'raps they gotkicked out of their pesky old village. I've knowed such things tohappen. Then they run short of meat, and didn't have guns or powder. Under such conditions any redman would steal. "

"Well, who could blame them, with women and children to feed? I guessyou hit the nail on the head that time, Reddy. Glad to think that way, too. We can spare the elk, and it will spur Bluff on to other huntingdeeds. He's had a taste now, and the fever will work on him. "

Meanwhile, Jerry had started his fishing below the cataract. There wereplaces just at the end of the foam-splashed outlet of the big pool wherethey had seen noble trout jumping, and it was here he dropped his flies. 

After trying them a short time, and ascertaining that the trout paidlittle attention to the feathery lure, practical Jerry actuallydescended to the plebian angleworm, though he blushed when Frank cameover to watch him. 

"Got to have some for supper, you know, " he remarked. "Now, if I wasonly doing this thing for the sport, nothing could tempt me to use livebait. I'm at it in the strict commercial sense this time. "

"I understand; and Jerry, let me tell you, the sportsman who, whentrout-hungry, refuses to go back to first principles, and use grubs andworms after the fish refuse the fly, is to be pitied, that's all, "laughed Frank. 

"Hey! That's a dandy, all right! See him jump, will you? Wow! He's allof two pounds, and as strong as an ox! I hope the leader holds. It'sbeen frayed some by rubbing over rocks in the past. Please pick up thatlanding-net and attend to the beauty, if I can coax him close enough, Frank. "

Frank landed not only that beauty, but several more, ere he wandered offto do something else. Jerry kept on fishing until he could not getanother bite, by which time he had quite a nice string of the speckledbeauties. 

"Perhaps enough for a decent meal; though if Bluff develops his usualappetite, the rest of us would go hungry. I wonder if a fellow mightn'thave some luck up above the falls? Guess I'll make a shift to try, " hesaid to himself. 

The last view he had of the camp showed him Reddy amusing Bluff bymaking flying tosses of his rope and lassoing all sorts of objects, fromthe hat on the head of the admiring witness, to something tossed up inthe air. 

Jerry labored up the hillside until he finally came to where he couldlook down at the water as it shot over the edge. It fell with a greatdeal of noise, striking the rocks below in many places with terrificforce. 

"Ugh! It would just about bang a fellow to pieces to drop over there, "he remarked, commencing to move upstream, looking for a promising placeto begin his fishing operations. 

Presently he discovered a log that jutted out over the swift current. From this outlook he believed he could allow his bait to float down intoan eddy that looked as though it might be the home of a big hermittrout. 

Jerry tested the log as he cautiously advanced. He realized that he wastaking some chances in creeping out to its furthest end, but so far ashe could ascertain it seemed to be firm enough. 

Straddling the log, he started to get his baited hook in motion. Thewriggling worms sank a little in the swirl. At first, he was unable tojust master the difficult problem of how to influence the bait to floatinto the eddy. Twice he failed to accomplish this, but studying therushing stream a little, he fancied that by a certain throw in the starthe could gain his end. 

Sure enough, it worked, and like a charm. The baited hook was drawn backinto the foam-flecked eddy, and he saw it vanish from view. Then came amost tremendous jerk, that almost caused him to lose his balance andthe log to quiver, with sickening possibilities. 

But Jerry glued his legs against the sides, just as he had been told todo with a refractory pony, and managed to recover his balance. The troutwas a gamey one, and the swiftness of the current made the task ofsecuring him doubly hard. 

"I'll work, all right, for everything I hook here, " panted Jerry, afterten minutes had passed, and he tossed his exhausted prize over to thebank. 

But he would not give up. Where one such fine, fat fellow held out therewas certainly a chance for more, so he continued his fishing. 

Unknown to him, Will had also wandered up that steep hillside, searchingfor a new view of the wonderful cataract. Pushing through the densethickets, he chanced to catch a glimpse of the lone fisherman. 

"Now, that's what I call a picturesque sight! Look at the chap perchedout on the very end of that log, with the water rushing below like amill-race! Here's where I get you, my duck. Fancy to what ends afisherman will go in order to enjoy his favorite sport. "

Will seemed to forget entirely that he was willing to undertake just aslong a pilgrimage and buck up against as difficult problems simply toget one snapshot that appealed to his soul. 

"There! He's got another fish on! My! How it pulls! I wouldn't be out onthat log, doing such a job, for anything. But I just bet Jerry is ashappy as a clam. He sets his teeth, and holds on as if he had a whale, and perhaps it is a big un! I must get him again in that position. Why, although he don't know it, he's just giving me the best thing of theday!"

Will rapidly adjusted his camera, and looked down to see that he had theproper focus before snapping the shutter. The light was good up there, and he believed he must have the greatest success with such a picture asthat. Besides, it had the genuine article of life in it, which he alwayssought in taking his views. 

Then he pressed his finger, in the belief that he was about to snatch asnapshot bound to give the four chums the keenest satisfaction in daysto come. 

"Oh!"

The startled exclamation broke involuntarily from the lips of Will evenat the very second he took his picture, and he let his beloved camerafall to the ground, at the risk of doing it some material damage. 

It was not this seeming mishap that had brought the startled cry fromhis lips, but the crash of sundering wood, and the sudden disappearanceof the lone fisherman below the rim of the river bank; for the log hadfinally betrayed Jerry, and dropped him into that swirling, maddeningcurrent above the high falls!

CHAPTER XIII

AN INVADER IN CAMP

Will dashed madly toward the river bank. It happened that he wassomewhat below the point where Jerry's mishap had come about. Hence, hewas able to reach the edge of the stream in a dozen seconds. 

Even that short time had been enough to sweep the imperiled lad past theplace. Will was thrilled with horror to see his chum in the midst of thechurning current, trying to cling to a slippery rock, from whichinsecure hold he was being gradually but surely sucked by the fiercepower exerted by the rushing stream. 

Never had the roar of the falls sounded more terrible to poor Will thanwhen he saw Jerry suspended, as it were, above the great drop. Once helost his hold, he must be swept irresistibly over the edge, down tothose cruel rocks below. 

Will would have foolishly attempted to reach his chum had he chanced tobe opposite the place where Jerry hung on with the desperation ofdespair. As it was, he could do nothing, which was just as well, forthere must only have been two of them given over to the river once heventured into that mill-race. 

"Help! Oh, help!" he shrieked. 

The roar of the cataract must have muffled his call, so that it mightjust as well have been a whisper. 

Just as Will was about to give up in despair, and count Jerry as good aslost, he made a sudden discovery. Another figure had appeared on thebank, and just at a point opposite the rock to which Jerry clung. 

"Reddy! Save him! save him!" cried Will, wringing his hands. 

Then he became mute with suspense. The cowboy did not recklessly rushinto the boiling flood, for he knew only too well that such a coursecould not help the imperiled one. Instead, Will saw him whirling hisrope about his head with lightning-like haste. 

His heart in his eyes, Will continued to stare, holding his very breath. He saw the coils of rope fly out just as when Reddy was giving hisexhibition in camp. Not far did they have to speed, for Jerry was closeto the shore. 

"Oh! what luck! He's done it! He's done it! Jerry has the rope now, andhe is coming in, hand over hand! Bully! bully! bully!"

Will was so excited that he fairly danced up and down as he shoutedthese words aloud. Then, bethinking himself of what a magnificentpicture he was losing, he took several steps in the direction of thespot where his camera lay. Stopping hastily, as his affection for hischum more than counterbalanced his love for an effective scene, heturned around and hurried to join the others. 

Jerry was ashore, and wringing the hand of Reddy, when Will arrived. 

Regardless of the rescued boy's wet clothes, Will threw his arms aroundhim. 

"Oh! you gave me such a fright, Jerry! I'm quivering all over! How luckyReddy happened to be here, and with his rope, too!" After saying whichhe turned his attention to the smiling cowboy, and squeezed his handardently. 

"I sure beat my record that time, boys. I've roped some queer things, but never a feller that was going whoopin' over a falls. Don't know whyI slung the old lariat over my arm when I started up here to see whatluck Jerry had. Mighty glad now I did, though. It'd been purty hard toget him out with only a stick to stretch over. "

Reddy was extremely modest, and only too willingly agreed not to say aword about the mishap and rescue to any of the others; and Will was alsobound to secrecy by Jerry. 

Back in the woods they made a fire, where Jerry succeeded in drying hisclothes. 

"Anyhow, I saved that fish, " he announced, with a satisfied shake of thehead. 

Will looked at the cowboy inquiringly. 

"Sure thing he did. When he came ashore he had that line fast in hishand, and pulled the trout in before he'd even shake. He's a real sport, all right, " said Reddy, with admiration in his manner. 

"It seems as though these things are born in one. Now, I'd have droppedmy rod the very first thing, and howled for help, " remarked Will. 

"How about your camera?" asked Jerry wickedly. 

"H'm! That's a different thing. But when I saw you go in I did let thatfall. Luckily, no damage was done. My heart would be broken if theblessed little black box got out of shape. But I've one picture of youon that log, " announced Will. 

"And that will be enough to give me a clammy feeling every time I lookat it, " nodded Jerry, who was in secret more shaken by his recentterrible experience than he cared to show. 

They went down a little later, Jerry carrying his two dearly-earnedtrout. And when the others praised the fisherman that evening at supperfor supplying their camp table, they little dreamed how near theirhard-working chum had come to disaster in his efforts to land theenticing finny beauties of the river. 

Besides the trout, they enjoyed mutton that night, for Frank's mountainsheep was brought into use. Perhaps it was tough, perhaps the flavor didnot strike the boys quite as favorably as some mutton they had eaten athome, but such trifles could not dampen their enthusiasm a particle, andthey voted the meal a grand success all around. 

Seated about the blaze afterward, they chatted until late. Bluff wasinclined to be a bit moody, and sat by himself, listening to all thatwas said, but taking no share in the conversation. 

Frank noticed that he seemed to fondle his rifle more than usual, and hebelieved the other must be thinking of the elk he had shot, but whichhad been stolen by those wandering thieves of Crees. 

"He's still worrying about that butcher knife of his, " whispered Jerry, nudging Frank as he spoke. "I wonder will the fellow ever forget it?"

"Now, I was watching him, and, to tell the truth, I fancy Bluff hasbecome aroused to the delight of bringing down big game. That elk was arevelation to him. See how he listens while Billy is telling of thepanther tracks he saw not a great way off. I wouldn't put it past Bluffto aspire to knocking over a panther if the chance ever came his way. 

"Huh! I hope he is lucky enough to get a fatal shot in, then; for one ofthose gentry is apt to maul a fellow good and hard if only wounded. Billy has been telling of some fierce times he's had with the beasts. His arms are all scarred up from deep cuts made by the claws of apanther years ago, " remarked Jerry. 

"Whew! Hear what he says? will you?" remarked Frank. 

"Why, yes, kid, " observed the old cowboy, in answer to a question Bluffhad put, "sometimes I've knowed 'em to jump into a camp and snatch themeat right from under the nose of a feller. Let a painter git good an'hungry, an' he ain't afraid of anythin' but fire. Then, ag'in, I'veknowed 'em to act as cowardly as coyotes. I kinder reckon the season hasconsiderable to do with their actin'. "

"But that was only one man. The beast wouldn't dare jump in a camp likethis, no matter how hungry he might be?" continued Bluff, who seemedstrangely interested in the subject, Frank thought. 

The old cowpuncher laughed as though amused. 

"That's somethin' I'd hate to commit myself on, younker. All I say is apainter ain't to be depended on. He might prove a coward, like somecats, and again you'd be fair astonished at his darin'. Long ago I madeup my mind never to give him more of a chance than I could help. It'swar to the knife between me and any such prowlin' critter. I can't gitmy gun workin' too quick to please me when I sees the yaller eyes of apainter hoverin' round my camp. "

"Are their eyes always yellow?" asked Bluff eagerly. 

"I reckons they are, kid; leastways all that I ever see was marked thatway, " replied the cowboy, reaching out for a brand with which to lightthe cigarette he had been rolling between his fingers, just as Reddy wasalso doing at the time. 

"Like those yonder, do you mean?" said Bluff, pointing behind Billy, toa point where the dense thicket came close to the border of the camp. 

Every eye was instantly turned in that direction. Frank himself wasthrilled when he discovered that there were twin glowing eyes amongthose bushes, eyes that had all the attributes of the cat tribe. 

Various exclamations arose from the group. 

"By gum! It's a painter, sure as you live!" said Billy calmly. 

"Never heard of one so bold!" whispered Reddy hoarsely, feeling for theweapon he usually carried attached to his belt. 

"Everybody sit quiet, and see what he means to do. He won't attack us, but it may be you'll see him make a jump for the balance of that sheepover yonder. The scent of the game has aroused his hunger. Look at himraise his head to see!"

Mr. Mabie spoke these words in a low but tense tone. He was more or lessexcited by the strange actions of the prowling panther. 

"I reckon it's a mother, with hungry cubs near by. She's just bound toget some grub for the kits, men or no men. Now, if you lie low, andwatch, I reckon you'll see something you never expected to see in yourborn days. "

Billy sat there motionless. Only Frank saw the movement of Bluff when heraised his rifle, and while he would have warned his chum against thefolly of firing, before he could frame words to carry his meaning, thequick report came, causing a sensation among those around the fire. 

The crouching beast, infuriated by receiving a sudden, painful wound, launched straight out, and landed in the midst of the campers!

CHAPTER XIV

THE COWBOY GUIDE

Everybody was in motion at once. 

Some went over backward, regardless of appearances; others rolled aside, bent upon placing some little distance between themselves and theinvader. Bluff was trying to work the mechanism of his gun in order tosecure a second shot, but as so often happens when the hunter isexcited, he failed to accomplish what should have been an easy change. 

The maddened panther had crouched again after landing close to the fire. Perhaps what acted more than anything else to keep the beast fromleaping once more was the uncertainty of choosing among so many which heshould attack. If he only knew from whence had come that sting which hadgiven him such sudden agony there would have been no hesitation at all. 

One, however, did not join in the almost universal retreat. This man wasReddy. He had been leaning forward at the time, as stated, about topick up a brand with which to light his cigarette. Some impulse urgedhim to seize a flaming, heavy stick that stuck out of the fire, and makea frantic attack upon the crouching panther. 

Frank never forgot that spectacle. The panther, with ears flattenedback, and fangs exposed, snarled and carried on just like a big housecat when assailed by a small but saucy dog, striking out from time totime, as though trying to reach the arm that wielded the cudgel. 

The flaming brand caused too much fear to allow of an attack. Still, theugly beast would not give way, and leap out of its perilous position. 

"Where's my gun?" At least three different shouts arose. 

"Get out of range there, kid!" bellowed Billy, who had drawn a heavyrevolver, and, on hands and knees, sought to get a line on the commonenemy. 

"But that's my panther!" cried the voice of Bluff. 

Frank saw him once more bring his rifle up to his shoulder. Althoughhardly in a position to see what was going on, Will seemed to befumbling with something in a desperate fashion. The fellow, as usual, was thinking only of what a grand thing it would be if he could onlyget that scene for posterity to gaze upon. 

"I hope Bluff aims straight!" Frank was saying to himself, for he knewthere was more or less danger of the bullet doing some damage to one ofthe campers who might happen to be on the other side, partly screened bythe brush. 

The crash of the gun followed. 

"Wow!" shouted Reddy, falling back as the panther tumbled over in hisdirection, for he knew what damage those poisonous claws might do in thedying agony of the beast. 

Then the rest of the scattered company appeared. Some crawled out fromthe brush, others arose from flattening themselves on the ground, whilestill another group made their exit from under the canvas of the tentclose by. 

The beast was writhing in its last hold on life. 

"That's my panther, I told you!" said Bluff, jumping to his feet, andstill holding on to his gun. 

He was as white as a ghost, but a fire shone in his eyes telling of thespirit that had finally been aroused there. Jerry would soon have tolook to his laurels now. 

Mr. Mabie laughed as he patted Bluff on the back. 

"I reckon it is, youngster; but you took big chances that time. I'dadvise you to slow up a bit in the future, when shooting in the dark. That impetuous nature will sure get you into more than one scrape, otherwise, " he said soberly. 

Bluff hung his head. He knew now that he had been too hasty, when therewere so many older campaigners than himself around; but the loss of thatelk had rankled in his heart, so that he could not resist the suddentemptation to redeem his reputation. 

Jerry, for once, had nothing to say, at least to the successful one. Hebent over the dead panther, and examined it with curiosity. Will wasloudly lamenting the fact that once again he had found himself left inthe lurch. 

"You fellows move too fast, " he declared. "Now, if Bluff hadn't put inhis oar, I was just about ready to shoot off a flashlight picture. Justthink what it would mean to see Reddy, here, banging that big cat overthe head with his torch! Oh! it's just too mean for any use! Everythinggoes wrong just when I'm going to squeeze my bulb, and get the bestpicture there ever was! Even a rotten old log has to go and break offshort--"

"Hey, Will! Let up on that whining, won't you?" cried Jerry, just then, fearful lest his secret was about to come out. 

Frank looked suspiciously at both his chums. Perhaps he may haveentertained a dim thought that there was something between them thatthey did not want known; but other things soon put this out of his mindfor the time being. 

"We must keep an eye out the rest of the time we're here, " said Billy, after the company had settled down again around the fire. 

"Why?" asked Bluff, looking up from admiring the sleek fur of his prize. 

"The brutes often hunt in couples, you know. This was the mother, justas I had an ijee, and she's got half-grown cubs around somewhere. If themate's near by he may give us a call sooner or later. "

Bluff's hand had stolen out toward his gun at these words. 

"Here! No more of that, my lad!" said Mr. Mabie. "You've had your fling, and come out of it mighty lucky. Don't try it again while I'm around, please. If any more uninvited visitors drop in, you leave them to therest of us. "

But there was no further alarm. During the night some of them declaredthey heard strange cries off in the woods, which Mr. Mabie said musthave been the whining of the panther cubs, looking in vain for theirmother. 

Frank was distressed. 

"I hope they're really big enough to forage for themselves. If there'sanything I dislike it's to shoot bird or beast that has young dependingupon it. Perhaps the old male may look after them, " he suggested. 

"Well, " smiled Mr. Mabie, "I hardly think that will prove to be thecase; at least they don't, as a rule. But I've got an idea the cubs areof a good size, and can find some means of subsisting. For my part, Iwouldn't care if every panther in the Northwest were rubbed out. I've nolove for the sly beasts. They've robbed me of more than one fine calf, Ican tell you. "

After breakfast a hunt was organized. 

"We ought to get an elk before leaving up here, " said the stockman asthey prepared to go forth again in a squad; "and as this will be ourlast day in camp by the falls, we must look sharp. "

"Then we make tracks to-morrow?" asked Frank. 

"Hardly that, since we go by water. You've seen the three bullboatsyonder. We send our tents and all other things around with the horses, while we shoot the rapids, and enjoy the most exhilarating boat ride youever dreamed of. Just wait and see, boys. It will be something worthwhile. "

After all, the stockman was unable to start out with them. He wassubject to attacks of rheumatism, due to his age, and many exposures inthe past. When one of these came on Mr. Mabie was unable to walk anydistance, and, unfortunately, he experienced such an attack thatmorning. 

"Sorry, boys, but it can't be helped. Reddy, here, will have to take myplace. You don't need me, that's plain. Only don't be too reckless, now. That's the fault with most youngsters, " and he shook his head at Bluff, who turned fiery red as his eyes fell upon the panther, which Billy wasskinning at that moment. 

Of course, Reddy was to act as guide to the party. He had been aroundthe vicinity a number of times. Besides, he knew the habits of the elk, which used this valley for their feeding grounds, and if any one couldlead them to success in their hunt it was the young cowboy. 

Frank used to look at Reddy, and wonder if he had ever seen him before;but as that was out of the question, he came to the belief that it wassimply a matter of resemblance. 

"Look there!" exclaimed the guide, before they had gone two hundredsteps from the camp, and pointing as he spoke. 

"What was it?" asked Jerry eagerly. 

"I saw a gray critter slinking away into that thicket!"

"The panther's mate!" cried Bluff excitedly, as he fingered his gun. 

"I reckon it was; but we ain't lost no panther, and anyhow, this is ahunt for elk meat. Come along, boys, " remarked Reddy hastily. 

They tramped for half an hour steadily, going far beyond where Bluff hadhad his strange adventure with the wounded elk. Will trailed along inthe rear, holding on to his beloved camera. The woods looked as thoughthe recent dry weather had seared the leaves more or less, but theylacked the splendid gorgeous tints of autumn. 

More than once the others had to wait for the straggler, or else call tohim. He grew so interested in his surroundings, especially when tryingto get a view that particularly appealed to his fancy, that he was aptto forget their mission entirely. 

Once he aroused himself to the fact that he could no longer see hiscomrades, or catch a sound of their voices. This disagreeable ideacaused him to hurry, and no doubt he became less cautious in navigatingsome of the various narrow paths, for before he realized that he hadstarted a small avalanche, he was caught up in its gathering swoop, andfound himself being carried swiftly down a rather steep declivity, unable to stay his rush. 

CHAPTER XV

IN THE RAPIDS

"Give him another call, Frank!"

"That fellow beats all creation for lagging! I believe he'd rather snapoff his old camera than eat, any day. If he doesn't look out, thatpanther may get--Glory to goodness! What's that, Reddy?" cried Jerry. 

"Sounds like a bit of an avalanche, though this here is a queer time ofyear for that. Generally comes, you know, in snow time, or when therains arrive, " was the cowboy's ready answer. 

"But--Will--he may have started it, and gone down into one of thesebeastly holes!" observed Bluff uneasily. 

"Let's go back, fellows, and make sure, " remarked Frank instantly. 

They retraced their steps, Reddy leading the way, and every one on thelookout for any signs of an unusual happening. 

"There's where it fell, and it looks like quite a lot of stuff had gonedown the slope, " said their guide presently. 

"Hello, Will! Will!" shouted Frank. 

"Well, I'm waiting for you, " said a quiet voice close at hand. 

"Where in the world are you, pard?" burst out Jerry. 

"Oh, here, " came the reply. 

"Ginger! I believe he's down the bank!" cried Bluff. 

"Just what he is! Come here, fellows! Did you ever see anything to beatthat? Talk to me about your lucky dogs! Here's one that takes the cakeevery time!" sang out Jerry, as he thrust his head out beyond the edgeof the platform where the slope began. 

"Oh, I don't know. There have been cases where people have been savedfrom all sorts of disasters by the fortunate presence of a rope. Chuckus a loop, Reddy, will you, please?" said Will, and Jerry became as dumbas an oyster. 

No wonder Frank laughed, even while he watched the cowboy dropping hislariat down as the other so coolly requested. Will had slid some twentyfeet down the steep bank, along with the loose surface stuff, whichgathered force as it proceeded. Then a projecting stone had caught thebag of his coat, and he was supported in this fashion by the stoutfabric. 

"What are you trying to do down there? Expect to cut me out of my job asthe cliff climber of the party?" asked Frank jokingly. 

"Not so that you'd notice. Thought I might get a better view down alonghere. But first of all, save my precious camera, before I consent tocome up, " answered Will, and he insisted upon fastening the same to thedangling rope. 

Bluff saw his chance to get back at his chum for more than one indignityalong the same line that he had suffered in the past, so he called out:

"Here, you! Just hold your horses! I'm going over yonder and strike youoff as you hang there. It will do to amuse the girls when we get home. We don't often have a chance to bring the photographer into thesepictures. Now, here you are. Look pleasant! There! That job's done! Nowyank him up, fellows, and don't be too easy with him. He deserves a gooddigging for scaring us so. "

But Will had suffered no material harm from his little slide. 

"Glad I stopped part way, " he observed, looking down, "for it's quitesome distance to the bottom, and then those rocks would have bruised memore than a little. Yes, I agree with Bluff, there; it's better to beborn lucky than rich. "

After that they saw to it that Will did not lag behind. He was not to betrusted any more than could be helped. 

Reddy was as good as his word. He eventually brought them within sightof several feeding elk. They carried out his further directions to theletter, and were thus enabled to approach within easy gunshot of theunsuspicious animals. 

A program had been arranged, and every one knew just what part in it hewas expected to play. Consequently, there was no confusion. Frank, Jerryand Bluff had their chance to aim. To each was assigned a differentquarry, though after the first shot they were to fire as they pleased. 

"Ready?" whispered the master of ceremonies, after Will had performedhis little, necessary operation with his camera that would produce happyresults. 

"Yes, " said Frank. 

"Ditto!" from Jerry. 

"Same here, " came from Bluff. 

"Then go!"

There followed a crash of firearms. Instantly confusion broke out amongthe little herd of feeding elk. One was down, another went limping off, to fall as Frank sent in a second hasty shot; while the balance fairlyflew off in their fright. 

"Hurrah!" shouted the hunters, as they saw that they had met withsplendid success, since two of the big animals had fallen to their guns. 

Bluff looked grimly disappointed. 

"I hit my buck, for I saw him go down on his knees, " he assertedmoodily. 

"Oh, that ain't anything. An elk often runs off with several bad wounds. I only hope he don't die in the woods somewhere, " said Reddy, examiningthe tracks of those that had escaped. 

"Will it pay us to follow them up and see if Bluff's buck fell?" askedFrank, more to please his chum than because they needed the game. 

"Nope. The buck runs like he wasn't even hurt much. No ketchin' up withthem fellers after that riot call. We'd best pay attention to what we'vegot, and return to camp, " replied the guide; and Bluff shrugged hisshoulders, saying:

"But I hit him, anyhow, I'll tell you that, fellows. "

Frank found that all Reddy meant to do was to hang the two elk up, afterthey had cut some choice portions for immediate use. The other cowboyswould come with the horses, on their way down the river, on the morrow, and secure the game. 

"We got fooled out of elk steaks once and don't mean to again, I tellyou, " said Jerry, as he shouldered his portion of the load. 

So they returned to camp. 

"What's this?" said Mr. Mabie as they came filing in. "Back already, andonly out two hours? Got some meat, too, I see. That's good. Suchappetites as you boys are developing threaten to eat us out of house andhome soon, unless we eke out with game. Who cut up the elk?"

"The boys all took a hand. They wanted to learn, " smiled Reddy. 

"I kind of thought they had, " nodded the stockman, who could easily seethat it was not the work of an experienced hand. 

Bluff failed to catch the twinkle of humor in the other's eyes. 

"Yes, and I could have made even a better job if I'd had the knife alongI foolishly went and left at home, " he remarked disconsolately, whereatJerry, Will and Frank exchanged looks, and shrugged their shoulders, butsaid nothing; for in a case of that kind words are useless. 

They were all very enthusiastic that night over the feast. The cook haddutifully pounded the steaks before placing the same on the fire, sothat if they seemed tough it was not his fault. 

The meat, however, was sweet and tasty; and besides, with hunger servingas the best-known sauce, who could complain?

Bluff kept on the lookout for the mate of his panther, but if the oldfellow was prowling around he had more discretion than to show himselfwhile these hunters were near by. 

With the morning the camp was to be abandoned. Tents came down whilethey were eating breakfast, and everything was packed away in as small acompass as possible, for carrying on the backs of the pack horses, whichwere brought in from the pen, or corral, where they had been kept allthis while, in charge of a guard. 

The three bullboats awaited the adventurous ones. These were of the typemuch used in this far region of the Northwest, being fashioned of toughhides of bulls, and impervious to water. 

Besides their guns, which were strapped to their backs, the voyagerscarried little or nothing. In case of an upset they did not stand toworry over anything except saving their own lives. 

So they quitted the camp under the cataract, where they had spentseveral very enjoyable days. 

 [Illustration: IMMEDIATELY THE TWO ADVENTUROUS CRUISERS WERE IN THE RAPIDS. --_Page 141_. _The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_. ]

Swiftly they descended the stream for several miles. Then, according toagreement, they hauled in at the head of the rapids for a little restand consultation before making the riffle. 

Will had declared his intention of going down the shore and taking uphis position about midway of the drop, so as to snap off the twodescending bullboats as they came flying along in the midst of thechurning water. Afterward he and Mr. Mabie would enter the last boat andmake the plunge. 

When he was ready, with his camera focused, he waved his arm as asignal. Immediately one of the boats started forth, containing Bluff andReddy. When they got fully into the swirl the second craft appeared insight. 

Jerry sat in the bow of this, and Frank in the stern, the moreresponsible position. Immediately the two adventurous cruisers were inthe rapids, and shooting down with incredible swiftness. 

The leading boat managed to pull through all right, for Reddy knew theroute; but disaster awaited that containing the two chums. Whether theystruck a half-submerged rock, and were capsized, or made amiscalculation, and found themselves seized by the cross-current, no oneever knew. 

"Look out!" shouted Jerry, and the next instant both he and Frank wereoverboard, and trying to keep away from the threatening snags while theywent whirling down the rapids. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE NEW CAMP

"Well, how did you like it, Jerry?"

"Talk to me about your shooting the whirlpool at Niagara in a barrel!That was bad enough for me! I swallowed enough water to float a ship!And here we are yet, each perched on a measly old slippery rock, in themiddle of the rapids. Say! tell me about that, will you, Frank? How arewe going to get ashore?"

The situation was comical as well as tragical. Just as Jerry said, eachof the late inmates of the overturned bullboat, after being buffetedabout furiously for several minutes, had succeeded in wildly scramblingon to an exposed rock. 

There in midstream they sat, dripping wet, and with the foaming watersurrounding them on all sides. In spite of his recent scare, Frank couldnot help laughing. 

"What ails you? Perhaps you think I look funny?" exclaimed Jerry, whohad received a few bruises, and was not feeling quite as cheerful asusual. 

"Well, if you could only see yourself just now, you couldn't helplaughing. Do you know you just put me in mind of that little god of goodluck, Billikin!" called Frank, and in spite of his soreness Jerry had togrin in sympathy. 

"Well, all right, then; there are two of us, and I guess you look assilly as I do. But there's that fellow, Will, getting his work in, asusual. A nice pair of geese we'll look like in his book of martyrs. "

"Oh, that doesn't bother me one little bit just now. All I'm thinkingabout is how under the sun we're going to get out of this pickle, " saidFrank, sweeping his hand around, as if to call attention to the angrywater that leaped and boiled in a frenzy of eagerness to get at itsexpected victims. 

"Can't swim to the shore, that's sure. I suppose we'll just have to slipin again and make another turn of it. Thank goodness! the bottom of theold rapids is in sight, and as Bluff and Reddy have picked up our boatand the paddle, they could turn their hands at life saving when we camebobbing along. "

"Hold on! Don't be rash, Jerry!" called Frank. 

"Well, have you got anything better to say about it--any bright schemeto propose that offers to soften the blow?" demanded the other, pausingin his movement toward slipping off his unstable seat. 

"I've just thought of something, " answered Frank. 

"Good for you, then. I guess I'm too badly rattled just now, for once, to do much thinking. What's the game, Frank?"

"Why not let Reddy and his reliable old rope come into play again?"

"Say! we'll have to beg or buy that clothesline from Reddy when we goaway from here, and hang it up in our clubroom, as the most valuableasset we have. Without it what would become of us, eh? Talk about yourtrained nurses! That fellow is a whole hospital to the tenderfoot crowd. Call to him, please, and enlist his sympathy in the noble cause ofyanking us in out of the wet. "

So Frank did shout to the cowboy, who, having beached the two boatsbelow the rapids, was hurrying up the shore. Mr. Mabie, too, had joinedWill, so that presently the entire balance of the little party hadgathered opposite. 

Reddy entered into the game with spirit. He seemed to believe that thesetragic occurrences must have just happened to give him a chance to showhis skill in launching his rope. 

"Jerry first, please!" called Frank. 

"And why? Is it because I'm more valuable, or better-looking?" demandedJerry. 

"Oh, perhaps I want the pleasure of seeing how you look as you flounderthrough the rapids; and then, again, I may pick up a few points as tohow _not_ to do it. "

"Tell me about that, will you! Some people have all the nerve!" shoutedJerry, for the rushing water made so much noise that an ordinary callcould not have been heard. 

Nevertheless, he accepted the flying noose that came shooting straighttoward him, placed it under his arms, made sure that his gun was stillfast to his back, and then fearlessly dropped off his perch. 

There was considerable floundering on the part of the swimmer, muchstraining among the others who manipulated the rope, after which Jerrywas assisted up the bank. His first act, after coughing up a lot ofwater, was to shake his fist at the grinning Frank, and then call out:

"Now you come on, and see how you like it!"

Frank did not wait upon the order of his going. As soon as he had therope secured under his arms he slipped down into the foamy water, andbegan to buffet the current like a water spaniel. 

After an exciting experience he, too, was drawn ashore, really none theworse for his adventure. 

"Shake hands, Frank. You did nobly. I might have laughed, only I didn'tseem to have breath enough, " said Jerry, but the look in his eyes toldhow he had enjoyed seeing his chum passing through the same experience. 

A fire was made, so that the soaked ones might dry off. Meanwhile, Mr. Mabie and Will succeeded in successfully shooting the rapids, though thelatter was wise enough to leave his precious camera in the care ofBluff. 

As noon found them still there, they took a "snack" before resuming thewater journey. Below the fierce rapids the current was still swift, butthere were places where the stream widened, and here the scenery wasvery fine, although the leaves looked more or less parched on account ofthe scarcity of rain during the summer that was passing. 

An hour later, and they saw signs of smoke below. 

"The boys have arrived ahead of us, " said Mr. Mabie, pointing to thewreaths that ascended above the trees. 

"All on account of our mishap. We lost three hours that way, " remarkedFrank, who felt a little provoked over the accident, since he aspiredto be a capable canoeman at all times. 

"Those things will happen to the best of guides at times, " consoled thestockman. "I've often been in the drink myself. There are somecross-currents in our rapids, that one can only learn by experience. Irather expected you would go over, and instructed Reddy to be on thewatch below. "

"I wager I wouldn't get caught in that same way again, sir, " assertedFrank. 

"And I'm sure you wouldn't, lad. Experience is the best teacher, and ifwe didn't have some of these bad turns we'd grow too confident. "

The camp was soon looking quite cozy again, when the tents had beenplaced and everything made snug. 

"I'm going to like this place almost as well as the one under thecascade, " remarked Will, who had been rather skeptical all along. 

So the first evening came along, and supper was the same hearty, enjoyable meal they had always found it. The camp appetites workedovertime, the coffee tasted splendid, the elk steaks were just what eachone had been hungering for, and as the cook supplemented these with aheaping platter of flapjacks the contentment of the four chums seemedcomplete. 

"How long do we stay here, Mr. Mabie?" asked Bluff, never hesitatingwhen in search of information. 

"Possibly a week or so. Then back to the ranch, and a new line ofexperiences. This terribly dry weather is making me anxious, for therange is drying up, and we shall be hard set to find pasture for thecattle soon, unless rain comes along. "

"Do you have such a dry spell in summer often up here?" asked Frank. 

"Never saw the equal of this since I settled in the valley, many yearsago. Now, down in Ohio, where I originally came from, they have drouthseven in May, at times, and I've seen things go to the dogs more thanonce, gardens dried up, and even a forest fire in July, but never uphere, " replied the stockman. 

"The woods look as though it wouldn't take a great deal to set themgoing, " declared Frank. "One of the men threw a match down to-day, afterlighting his cigarette, and it seemed like magic the way the fireflashed up. He had to be quick to jump on it before the breeze carriedit along. "

Mr. Mabie frowned. 

"I won't ask you which man it was, Frank; but I must warn them again tobe more than ordinarily careful about throwing matches around andleaving a fire burning anywhere in the woods. Many a grand forest hasbeen ruined by such carelessness, " he said. 

"How does that happen, sir?" inquired Bluff. 

"It is easy. The careless hunter or trapper leaves his dying fire whenhe breaks camp. Then up comes a sudden wind and some of the red cindersare blown into the dead leaves or punk grass. Fanned by the breeze, theybecome a roaring flame in a minute, and the mischief is done. Becareful, boys, please. "

"We certainly will, sir, " replied Frank sincerely. "Not to speak of thedamage done, it must be mighty unpleasant to be caught in a forest fire. I've read of such things, but never hankered for a personal experience. "

On the following day they started to look into the possibilities for biggame around the new camp. 

"Reddy, here, says he knows of a bear den that we ought to visit sometime later. While at it, you boys must see all there is going in the wayof sport, for you may never come out this way again, though I hope thatwill not be the case. To-day, however, we will take things a bit easy, "remarked the ranchman. 

Although the stockman did not speak any plainer, Frank knew just whathe meant. 

"He thinks we must be feeling the effects of our little excitementyesterday, Jerry, and that the soreness in our muscles will take ourambition away for to-day, " he said aside to his chum. 

"Tell me about that, will you! To prove that we're tougher than Mr. Mabie thinks, let's you and I engineer a little hunt of our own?"proposed the other quickly. 

Accordingly, they started out, going down the valley. 

"The walk will do us good, anyhow, " declared Frank, "even if we don'trun across any big game. "

"I was asking Mr. Mabie about moose, and he said that occasionally oneis seen in this region, though generally they hang out further east. I've always wanted to get a moose, but was never able to be up in thewoods where they are found, when the law was off. How about you, Frank?Ever shoot at one?"

"Never had that luck, though I've seen many in the summer time, inMaine. Somehow, it seems to go against the grain doing this hunting atsuch a queer time. I guess it won't be long before they have as strictlaws up here as we have to protect such game as deer and elk. "

"How about panthers and grizzlies?" asked Jerry. 

"They don't want to protect those fellows. You've got a right to knockone over, or a wolf, any time you want, if he doesn't get you first, "laughed Frank. 

An hour later they separated, Frank to look along one ridge, while Jerryhad taken a notion to see what the other might have in the shape ofgame. 

Frank spent quite a long time scouring the woods that covered the sideof the valley. He had not put up anything worth while, and was eventhinking about heading back to the place where he had agreed to meet hischum, when a distressing little accident occurred. 

Just as he was hurrying down a steep bank his foot caught in a vine, andhe was hurled forward with such violence that his head, coming incontact with the hard ground, received such a blow that he was renderedunconscious. 

Frank never knew just how long he remained insensible. It might havebeen only a few minutes, or perhaps half an hour slipped by while he laythere. When he finally opened his eyes he looked up into a dusky face, and realized that it belonged to an Indian!

CHAPTER XVII

AT THE CAMPFIRE OF THE CREES

Frank was not at all alarmed. In the first place, he had been assured byMr. Mabie that these Crees were not inclined to be hostile. Then, again, he saw that it was no fierce face of a warrior that bent over him, butthe pitying one of a child. 

"Hello! Who are you?" he asked, a little weakly, for his head was stillswimming more or less from his shock. 

"Little Mink, " came the reply, though the boy apparently had to nervehimself to keep from running away. 

"And you found me knocked out, did you? What are you doing here, LittleMink?" Frank sat up as he spoke, though he realized that he would beunsteady on his feet when he tried to stand. 

"Teepee down by river, not far off. Little Mink have snare for rabbit. Him go see if ketch one, find paleface here. Think dead, then him openeyes. Good!"

Frank was amused at the air of the little fellow. He knew somethingabout the ways of civilized Indians, having been among them in Maine, hence he could see that this boy was endeavoring to ape the manners ofhis elders. 

"Would you help me get down to your camp, Little Mink? I feel weak aftermy tumble, and my own camp is far away, " he said. 

Now, Frank knew very well that a loud shout would, in all probability, have fetched Jerry to the spot. He had an object in making this appealto the Indian lad, and watched his dusky face closely as the otherconsidered the proposal. 

Perhaps Frank, fearing a refusal, may have put on more agony than thestate of his feelings really warranted. At any rate, he succeeded inswerving the boy from a condition of caution to that of sympathy. 

"Little Mink help. Him lead paleface to teepee, " he said, and the lookthat accompanied the words told Frank as plainly as words could havedone that the boy was trusting in his honor not to betray them. 

Accordingly, he hung on to the lad, and in this fashion they went forhalf a mile or so, when the river was reached. Presently Frankdiscovered signs of a camp not far in the distance. A little pale smokewas rising over the thicket, and he also saw a conical skin teepee, while on the shore were three bullboats. 

As Little Mink came into camp, assisting the white hunter, severalsquaws began an excited jabber that brought out a couple of bucks. 

"A hungry-looking lot all around, " was the mental comment of the younghunter. 

He had seen that Little Mink did not look as though he had enjoyed abountiful share of food lately, and the rest of the party were certainlyno better off. 

One of the bucks was an old man, yet he seemed to have a certain dignityabout him. Frank's curiosity was now greater than ever. He made up hismind that there was something singular about this party of Crees whoseemed to be wandering in the wilderness without guns, or any means forobtaining food, and, if possible, he meant to discover what the secretcould be. 

The old Indian approached, looking suspiciously at him. Frank put outhis hand at once in a cordial manner. 

"How!" he said, smiling in his engaging manner. 

The other at once fell under the charm of Frank's smile. 

"White boy much hurt?" he asked, looking at the dirt and blood onFrank's left hand, where he had cut himself slightly. 

"No. I had a bad fall, and feel weak. Little Mink found me lying there, and let me come with him to your camp. I have friends above, a huntingparty under the charge of Mr. Mabie, the stockman. "

He saw the old fellow move uneasily at mention of the name. 

"Shoot elk?" asked the other, nodding. 

"Yes, sometimes, with gun, " and Frank purposely held up his repeatingrifle. 

He saw the black eyes glitter enviously at sight of it, which made hiscuriosity only the stronger. 

"Bad! bad!" muttered the Indian, though he did not explain what hemeant; but Frank believed he must be thinking of the theft of the elksome days previous. 

"You no guns here?" he asked, and the old Indian shook his head sadly, though a look of sudden anger also flitted across his strong face. 

"Nothing, only hatchet and one knife. Take all else away when send usout from village. No care if squaw and pappoose die from hunger. Bad!bad! But some day p'raps Running Elk go back and make change. Wait!wait! No sleep on trail!"

Already was Frank beginning to see behind the mystery. For some causethis old brave and his immediate family had been chased out of the Creevillage, many miles to the northwest. Deprived of weapons, they had beenstarted on the river in the bullboats, to meet what fate had in storefor them. 

No wonder, then, that coming unexpectedly on the dead elk Bluff hadshot, they had stolen it, for hunger stalked in their miserable camp, and the pappooses cried for the food the braves could not supply. 

The only thing that still puzzled Frank was why they had not appealed tosome of the whites. But there must be some good reason, he argued, forthis. Perhaps it was only the natural pride an Indian feels, and whichprevents him from admitting to the palefaces that he is helpless tosupply the wants of his people. 

"Name Frank, " he said, touching his breast "What call you?"

"Running Elk, chief among Crees. Long he lead them in the hunt and inbattle. But a serpent come among my people and poison all againstRunning Elk. Now they think the half-breed Pierre La Motte best man tofollow. Him talk, talk, all time, and warriors dream. Some day they wakeup and know him for bad man. Then p'raps they ask Running Elk come backagain. Wait, see!"

That was the Indian idea of patience. Frank could understand it all now. Plainly, a smart half-breed had managed to hypnotize the braves in theCree village, and influence them to turn against their own chief. Whenhe and his family resisted they were ignominiously exiled, and sentforth to face the world without means for providing food for the squawsand pappooses. 

Somehow, Frank felt a strong sense of sympathy for the old exiled chief. 

"You see the rancher, Mr. Mabie. I think he can do something for you, "he said. 

"I know him. He no like Running Elk and the Crees. Once they take somecattle that stampede and wander far away. Never forget or forgive thatwrong. Better not see rancher. Go on down river soon, sell few pelts, and buy gun. Mebbe all right. "

"No! no! Don't be in a hurry. I'm sure Mr. Mabie won't hold that oldgrudge against you now, and he's a good man. He will give you gun andpowder. Wait and see. "

Half an hour later, as he was sitting there, with a rude bandage aroundhis throbbing head, and talking with Little Mink, who had taken a greatfancy for the paleface hunter who owned the beautiful gun, Frank hearda startled exclamation from the border of the thicket near by. 

"Hello, there, Jerry! Come in and get acquainted!" he cried out, as hiseyes fell upon the astonished face of his chum thrust from the scrub. 

"Talk to me about surprises! What could equal this? Here, after gettingthe scare of my life, thinking my chum had been carried off by theredskins, I find him hobnobbing with them in their camp. Sure they ain'tdangerous, Frank?" asked Jerry, advancing cautiously, with his gun heldready. 

"As mild as an old lady's cup of tea. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Sit down, andI'll tell you all about them, " said Frank. 

"First, I want to know are you hurt much? I happened on where you fell, and just imagine my alarm when I saw the print of little moccasins. Why, I was sure some frisky red had knocked you over the head with a warclub, and then toted you off to be burned at the stake. I followed as well asI could, bent on rescuing you at the peril of my life, to meet up with areception like this. "

Frank was compelled to laugh at the look of evident disgust that cameover the countenance of his comrade. 

But when Jerry had heard all his chum knew concerning the little bandof wandering Crees, his generous heart was stirred at the thought oftheir wrongs. 

"That greedy half-breed ought to be made to walk the plank, that's what!Just to think of the nerve of him chasing the genuine dyed-in-the-woolchief out into the cold and taking his place! Why, he's a usurper, that's the truth! And look here, Frank, didn't you hear what Mr. Mabiesaid about a fellow named Pierre La Motte?"

"I must have been away at the time. What did he say?" asked Frankeagerly. 

"Why, there was a detachment of the sheriff's posse at the ranch housejust before we came, looking for that same fellow. Seems that he'swanted badly for something or other. "

"Hurrah! That's just what I was hoping would happen. We can put themwise about Pierre, and they'll go after him. Then, perhaps, as oldRunning Elk says, when the man with the smooth tongue has gone awayforever, the Crees will send and beg their chief to return, and forgivethe past. It's all right! I'll bring him here to see you. "

But Running Elk had already learned that another stranger was in camp, and even then he was approaching, looking considerably embarrassed, forhe feared it might be Mr. Mabie himself. 

However, he was soon set at his ease. What Frank had to say about thebad half-breed also gave him new pleasure. 

"Not wait long now, " he said, nodding his head sagely, while his beadyeyes fairly glittered with satisfaction, as in imagination he saw hishated foe being taken away from the Cree village by the much-fearedsheriff's posse. 

CHAPTER XVIII

AN INVITATION TO COME OUT

"About time those boys were showing up, eh, Bluff?"

"There they come now, Mr. Mabie, and--Jerusalem!"

"What ails you now?" asked the stockman, coming out of the tent. 

"They've got an old Indian in tow, as sure as you live!" cried Bluff. 

"Where is he? I've just been wanting to get an Indian picture the worstway. Show him to me, please!" And Will came crawling hastily forth, ofcourse clutching his beloved camera in his hand. 

"H'm! I guess I know that old buck. It's Running Elk, the chief of theCrees. Something must have happened out of the usual order, " said theranchman. 

When he learned what Frank had to say Mr. Mabie proved himself just sucha man as the others had believed him to be. He advanced to the Indian, who was standing there in stoical silence, with his blanket thrown overhis shoulder, and held out his hand. 

"I'm glad to meet you again, Running Elk, and sorry to hear about yourtrouble. But it will soon be all right. I'll see to it that theauthorities learn about Pierre, and they'll get him before long. In themeantime, I'm going to give you a letter to my foreman. You take yourlittle party to the ranch, and they'll see to it that you have plenty toeat until I come back home, " he said. 

The chief shook his head sadly. 

"Bad! bad! Young braves no think when kill runaway steers. Never morecan happen after this. Send skins to pay when get um. Glad get meat forsquaw and pappoose. "

That was the extent of his remarks. 

"I guess Injuns ain't got much of a supply of words, " remarked Willaside to Bluff. 

"But he means all right. I like the old chap's looks. Come along, Frank, and tell us all about it. You look like you've been in a fight. Say! thereds didn't tackle you, did they?" exclaimed Bluff. 

"One did; a little chap about hip-high. Ho was out trying to snare ajack-rabbit, when he found me. I'd taken a header down over a root, andwas lying in a state where I didn't care whether school kept or not. Heled me to their camp, and Jerry found me there later. That's all of itin a nutshell. Now I'm going to have Mr. Mabie wrap up my hand and takea look at my head, for it still rings. "

After an examination, the ranchman declared that there was nothingserious the matter. 

"It may take a few days for that lump to subside, and these cuts toheal, but you came out of it better than an old fellow like me couldhave done, " he said, and Frank felt relieved. 

"What are you going to do with Running Elk?" he asked. 

"Send him back to his people with some food. Then he will carry thisletter to my foreman, who will look after the party until we get back. After that I'll see to it that Pierre is taken care of and the chiefrecalled to his own. "

"I knew you would. I told the old fellow that, but he was sore afraidthat you could never forgive what his young braves had done a year ortwo ago. "

The old Cree chief soon departed, with a grin on his face, and his armsfull of bundles. He might have been proud, but there were hungry mouthsto feed, and for their sakes he must forget that he should die soonerthan beg favors. 

Frank felt rather stiff and sore on the following day. He was satisfiedto hang about camp, and let his chums do the hunting, for once. 

Jerry could not be restrained, for his sporting blood demanded that hekeep going all the while. Will was just as eager to do his style ofshooting, and even wandered down the river to get a view of the Creeteepee before the family of Running Elk broke camp. 

Bluff took a notion to try fishing, and with considerable success. Laterin the day Frank also wet a line, and between them they managed tosecure a decent mess of fat trout for the whole party. 

When Jerry came in he reported that he had had a shot at an elk, butfailed to stop his flight. He also declared that he had seen what hebelieved to be a wolf skulking through the timber. 

"Oh, I don't doubt it, " said the old stockman, when Frank lookedquestioningly at him. "The pesky critters like to hang around here, looking for a nice calf that happens to stray away from its mammy'sside. Winter and summer, it's all the same to them, so long as we don'tget after the pack too hot. Never lose a chance to knock over a wolf, myboy. "

"I never mean to, " said Jerry, holding up a piece of gray fur. 

"That's wolf, all right; and look here, what did you do to him?"demanded Mr. Mabie. 

"I was very kind to the scamp, and hung him up in a tree, where the restof his tribe couldn't get at him to tear his hide to pieces. You see, Ihad a notion that I'd like to have that skin for a rug, and that lateron, perhaps, one of the boys might go out with me and remove it muchbetter than I could, " grinned Jerry. 

"Thank you, my lad. I feel that you've done me a favor. Every wolf thatgoes across the Great Divide means more calves to grow up; and you shallhave your rug, I pledge you my word. "

Mr. Mabie shook the hand of the successful wolf hunter with emphasis, showing that he felt deeply on the subject. 

Just as he expected, Frank was still rather sore on the following day. He let the others do the hunting that morning, Will tagging behind thebunch with his ready camera. 

They came in at noon, having covered some new ground, and brought thebest part of an elk with them. Mr. Mabie laughed, and wished it mighthave been an antelope instead. He was not partial to elk meat, which wasperhaps natural in a stockman, who could kill young beef whenever thespirit moved. 

"How about that bear den, Reddy?" asked Jerry, as they lounged about thecamp in the early afternoon. 

"Any time you say the word. I was only waitin' till Frank felt himselfagain, " was the other's reply. 

"Oh, don't let my condition keep you from that little entertainment. Besides, I feel much better now. Perhaps a little excitement might putme in just the right kind of trim, " declared that individual promptly. 

"Hear! hear!" exclaimed Bluff, making a pretense of clapping his hands. 

"Talk to me about your dyed-in-the-wool sportsman! Frank, here, couldgive any fellow points, " declared Jerry. 

"I understand the principle he works on. It's the same as what they callhomoepathy, that 'like cures like. ' I've seen a man, when struck by arattler, chase the reptile, kill him, and apply his crushed body to thewound, in the belief that one poison would counteract the other, " saidthe stockman. 

"Did it succeed?" asked Jerry, eager for information along these lines. 

"Well, " said Mr. Mabie, "the poor chap died, I'm sorry to say. Inanother case, the fellow insisted on filling himself up with whiskey. Helived through it, too, which proved the rule, though I believe there arebetter things to save a man than liquor. But Frank has the right idea. The excitement of the chase will cause him to forget, and take some ofthe stiffness out of his joints. "

"Then we go this afternoon?" queried Reddy anxiously. 

"Whenever you're ready, " answered Frank. 

They set out within half an hour. Of course, the whole four chumsinsisted on being in the party. Besides, there were the guide, Mr. Mabieand Billy. Each of the cowboys carried his rope, for of late it hadseemed as though a lariat might be a very necessary accompaniment tothese side hunts. 

They headed in a quarter where, as yet, none of the boys had been. Thisled them directly into the thickets that lay at the base of the mountainbarrier, stretching away up against the blue heavens. 

None of the chums had forgotten the fierce appearance of the grizzlythat had fallen before the rifle which Jerry wielded so cleverly. 

"Remember, lads, " said Mr. Mabie, as they trailed along through rockygulches, "every Mountain Charlie isn't going to keel over as easily asthe one Jerry got. He was lucky to send his lead to a vital point. I'veseen veteran hunters shoot a bear a dozen times, and then have to finishhim with a knife. "

"I've always read that they can stand a tremendous amount of shootingwithout caving under, " admitted Frank. 

"And it isn't considered at all disgraceful, when stirring such aterrible monster out of his den, for the hunters to post themselves intrees near by. While at first blush such a procedure might seem silly orcowardly to you, take an old hunter's advice, and give the rascal nomore chance than you can help. Even then I've known him to shake afellow out of a small tree, and only for the assistance of the others hemust have killed the youngster. "

"A grizzly can't climb a tree, then, sir?" questioned Will uneasily. 

"Not ordinarily. He might manage to swarm up if the trunk was inclinedabout forty-five degrees. Select straight ones, and of some size; thenyou're safe. "

"Thank you, Mr. Mabie. I'll follow your advice. You see, I'm only thephotographer of the club, and they could hardly afford to lose me, "remarked Will, thinking some sort of an apology might be necessary forhis seeming timidity. 

But the others did not laugh. They knew their chum too well for that. Hehad proven more than once that when it came to a pinch he could conquerhis natural weakness, and show the right spirit of bravery, especiallyif it were one of his comrades who was in peril. 

"Well, " remarked Reddy a short time later, "we're close to the placenow. "

"I imagined as much, " said Mr. Mabie, with a significant look around. 

"You mean that this is an ideal spot for a grizzly to have his den?"asked Jerry. 

"Fine. Look at the tumbled-down rocks, making many a cave that affordsshelter from the elements, winter and summer. Then, of course, the oldrascal has a nice short cut through some canyon to the open country. Heuses that when he feels sharp set for veal. Oh, yes, I've no doubt he'sbeen the cause of many a calf disappearing from the herd, " said thestockman between his teeth. 

"I don't wonder, then, you are so keen at wanting to get rid of all suchneighbors as grizzlies, panthers and wolves. They make an expensiveboarding-house, " laughed Bluff. 

"They take their toll right along. This region would be a paradise fora stockman only for that. The grass is heavy, and while the winters aresevere, we know how to carry our stock over; but we can never calculateour profits, because of the losses on account of hungry wild beasts. "

"Then I'm glad we came here to get our taste of big-game shooting, forit will not only be fun for us, but a benefit to civilization, " remarkedBluff, who, being in training to succeed his lawyer father, often likedto indulge in imposing sentences. 

"Now look over yonder to where that cleft yawns, " said Reddy at thisjuncture. 

"I see it; and is that the den?" asked Jerry. 

"Sure as you live. You fellows be choosing your trees, and let me take apeek. "

"He isn't going in, I hope!" exclaimed Will as the cowboy moved away. 

"Well, hardly. Reddy doesn't want to commit suicide just yet. He's onlygoing to make sure the old chap is at home, then he'll make preparationsto smoke him out. "

As Mr. Mabie said, Reddy was soon back, and from his actions it waspositive the bear was at home. He began collecting dry wood and allmanner of material calculated to make a big smoke. The boys knewsomething about such a scheme themselves, and were deeply interested. 

Mr. Mabie insisted that each one seek an asylum in the branches of atree that commanded the black cleft. Presently, Reddy had his pile ofwood and brush ready, and he put a match to it, after which he beat ahasty retreat, climbing into the tree with Frank. 

"Listen!" he said presently. 

Frank could hear a sound like sneezing. This was followed by ascrambling noise that arose above the crackling of the fire. Then came aterrific roar, succeeded by a sudden scattering of the brands, and theenraged grizzly rushed into the open!

CHAPTER XIX

A STRANGE DISCLOSURE

"Hello, there, Charlie! How's your health?"

Reddy swung himself down from the limb on which he had been perched, andkicked out with his feet in such a way that he attracted the attentionof the beast. 

"He's coming! Look out, Frank!" shouted Will, who, secure in his perch, had, of course, been manipulating his camera with burning zeal. 

Bang!

It was Bluff who had fired, but if he hit the great beast at all, thelatter minded the wound no more than he would a flea bite. 

Jerry also took a turn as the grizzly passed the tree in which he washidden. 

"I hit him!" he whooped as the grizzly gave a snap backward at hisflank. 

But the enticement offered by Reddy's swinging form proved too much forthe enraged animal. Doubtless he imagined that all his troubles camefrom that biped or monkey hanging up yonder, just within reach of hisclaws if he arose on his hind legs. Hence his eagerness to make theattempt. 

"Pull up, quick!" exclaimed Frank as the grizzly rushed under the treeand immediately started to rear up. 

The daring cowboy had held out until the very last second, meaning thatnothing should balk his design of enticing the enemy under their refuge, where Frank could get in his work. 

Afterward Frank understood his motive. Reddy was especially fond of him, though he also liked all of the other chums. He believed that Jerry hadsecured enough honors in being given the chance to knock over the otherbear, and it was his desire to see Frank even up the score. 

Just in the nick of time the cowboy swung his legs up around the limb. The horrible claws of the grizzly swept through the air not a foot belowwhere he had hung. Frank shuddered at the consequences had anythinghappened to bring Reddy within reach of such a powerful beast. 

"Now get him, Frank!" gasped the one who hung on with arms and legs. 

Neither Bluff nor Jerry thought to shoot a second time. They seemed tounderstand that the game had passed them by, and that it was Frank'sturn. 

When he saw the right chance the young sportsman pulled the trigger. Hehad not made any mistake in judging just where he should aim, for withthe report of his rifle the grizzly floundered, and fell over. 

"Wow! That did the business!" shouted Jerry. 

"Hold on, boys! Don't get down yet!" called Mr. Mabie hastily, as hethought he detected a disposition on the part of either Bluff or Jerryto drop from their secure perches to the ground. 

It was well they refrained, for already the monster was once more on hisfeet, and, roaring with fury, endeavoring to reach the enemies who clungthere so tantalizingly, just beyond his extended claws. 

"Give him another!" cried Reddy promptly. 

Frank did; and wishing to end the beast as quickly as possible, he aimedto send the lead straight to the heart. But he was compelled to useevery bullet in his six-shot repeater before the giant received hisquietus, and rolled over, to rise no more. 

Frank had a queer feeling as he dropped to the ground and stood over hisbig game. Deep down in his heart he envied his chum, because Jerry hadbeen able to kill _his_ grizzly while the beast was charging him. 

"It may be all right, " he said to Mr. Mabie, "and it's a good thing toget rid of these savage animals in any old way, but I hope I don't takepart in another affair like this. He had no chance, poor old chap. "

The old rancher looked admiringly at the boy. 

"Those sentiments do you proud, lad, and I appreciate them, too; butbusiness, in my line, must go ahead of sentiment, and this old Charliewas doing me a bad turn. My herds will rest easier now that he is gone, "he said feelingly. 

Leaving Billy and Reddy to secure the hide of the second grizzly, theothers returned to camp. Restless Jerry tried the fishing again, and asbefore, success came his way. 

"I'd give something to have my little _Red Rover_ here, in that swiftwater, " sighed Bluff, as he and Frank sat on the edge of the bluff, listening to the rush of the river while it sped on its way to the lowercountry. 

"Well, a canoe might be fine for shooting downstream, but I don'tbelieve you'd find it as safe in the rapids as those hide boats. Therocks can't smash in their sides, like cedar or canvas craft. Better todo as the natives do, I find, whenever I go anywhere. They know byexperience what's best, " returned Frank wisely. 

"Look there! A cowboy coming like the wind up the river, waving his hatover his head! Say! d'ye suppose anything's gone wrong at the ranch, andwe'll have to cut our hunt short?" exclaimed Bluff anxiously. 

"Oh, I guess not. You see, those fellows are built that way. They nevercan do anything without excitement. See! He's holding up something thatlooks like a mail pouch, " said Frank composedly. 

"Why, of course that's it! I heard Mr. Mabie say he expected mailto-day, and, for one, I'll be mighty glad to hear from the folks, "sighed Bluff. 

"What? Not getting homesick already, I hope?" smiled his chum. 

"Certainly not, only a fellow naturally likes to hear from his mom anddad when he's away so far, " declared Bluff stoutly. 

"Yes, and also from some other fellow's sister, in the bargain. Nellienever finds time to write to me when I'm away, leaving all that to theold folks; but I notice that you always manage to get a letter in herhandwriting. "

"Well, I made her solemnly promise to write every other day, you see, "explained Bluff, while he suddenly became red in the face, hurrying offto get his mail. 

There were letters for all the boys. Jerry was called in from hisentrancing sport to receive his share, and Frank noticed that he, too, had a sweet-looking missive in a schoolgirl hand. Of course, it must befrom Mame Crosby, for Jerry and she were great friends. 

"Here's something enclosed in my letter, and directed to Mr. FrankLangdon. Does anybody know a fellow by that name?" asked Will, holdingup a delicate envelope that seemed to exhale a fragrance all its own. 

"And sealed, too! What a breach of etiquette!" jeered Jerry. 

"Now, _will_ you be good?" observed Bluff, glad of a chance to returnthe favor. 

"That's all right. Possibly Violet wants to make some inquiriesconcerning her twin brother, how he behaves, and if he has developed anyrash spirit calculated to get him into trouble. I remember telling herthat if she felt anxious just to drop me a line, and I'd answer. "

Frank unblushingly took the envelope from the extended fingers of Will. 

"Open it!" commanded Bluff. 

"You'll have to excuse me, fellows. That wouldn't be hardly fair to mycorrespondent, you know. She expects me to keep her secrets. " And Frankcoolly sauntered off as he spoke. 

Nor did he ever take them into his confidence with regard to what thecontents of that scented missive might be. Even Will was not told. However, like most brothers, it can be said that he did not seem overlyanxious to learn. He had, perhaps, secrets of his own. 

Once again they were seated around the campfire. Supper had been, asusual, a great success, and while the older members of the party smoked, our boys amused themselves in various ways. 

Will was, of course, busy with his photographic outfit. His fielddark-room was a success, and he developed his films, and did all otherthings necessary, with little or no trouble. Indeed, he had an apparatuswhereby he could carry on this operation successfully even in thedaytime; but he usually worked at night, because there was nothing elsegoing on then. 

The others had fallen into a conversation connected with their homelife. Reddy hovered near, listening, and Frank wondered why that wistfullook had come into the eyes of the young cowboy. Possibly he had a homesomewhere--perhaps memories of a mother or father had crowded into hismind while the boys were talking of the sacred ties that bound them toCenterville. 

Frank had always believed there must be something of a history attachedto Reddy's past. He had even hoped that some time the other might takesuch a liking to him as to speak of his own folks. His manner gave Frankthe impression that the dashing cowboy might have had a new longingspring up in his breast since their coming to the ranch, a desire toonce again visit the scenes of his boyhood. 

So, as they talked, referring to many of the events of the past, nameswere often mentioned, and as a thought came to him, Frank happened tosay:

"I wonder how Hank Brady is getting on with father's new car?"

He saw the cowboy start and turn white. 

"Who's Hank Brady?" he asked, his voice trembling. 

"A fellow we met under strange circumstances. Hank was on the road tothe bad, but he got his eyes open just in time. Now he's our chauffeur, and we think he's going to make good, " replied Frank, watching the otherwith sudden interest. 

"Huh! Did you ever hear anything about his family?" asked Reddy, tryingto act in a natural manner, but hardly succeeding very well. 

"Yes. He's got a father and mother who were mighty anxious about him. "

"And there's that good-for-nothing brother Ted he told you to keep youreye out for up here!" broke in Bluff. 

"Yes; how about that, Frank? Have you ever asked about him?" exclaimedJerry. 

"No; but perhaps I'd better begin now. How about it, Reddy?" questionedFrank. 

"You needn't go any further, for I can tell you all about that scalawag. If you had asked Mr. Mabie, he'd have told you my name was Ted Brady, "was the astonishing reply. 

CHAPTER XX

"WE MUST CUT AND RUN FOR IT!"

It was surprising to see the effect of the cowboy's announcement. 

Frank was in some measure prepared for it. He had entertained a suddensuspicion as he noticed the emotion of the other. But his chums seemedalmost thunderstruck. 

"Tell me about that, will you!" said Jerry, feebly waving his hands. 

"Did you ever hear of such luck?" ejaculated Will. 

"Beats a story all hollow. Here's the prodigal son found at last, eatinghis dinner with the--" began Bluff, when Jerry pounced on him. 

"Don't you dare finish that, on your life! Of course, you can callyourself swine, if you please, but I object. But is it really true, Reddy? Are you Hank's long lost brother?" he asked, turning to theother. 

"I certainly am, although I ought to be ashamed of the way I've treatedmy folks. All for a measly little matter, too. My eyes have been openin'lately, and I was mighty near headin' Eastways before you came, " saidthe cowboy, hanging his head. 

"Then perhaps you'll go back with us, and surprise the folks?" suggestedFrank eagerly. 

"Well, now, I'd like to do that same, if so be you fellows mean it. Yousee, my folks ain't always lived in Centerville. I thought that lots ofthings you talked about seemed kinder familiar to me, for I was broughtup in that part of the State. Yes, I'll go home, and try and make up forwhat I done to hurt the old folks. Somehow, just the idea of it makes mefeel better. "

He eagerly questioned the boys about his people. Of course, they did nothave much news to tell him. Hank was only a year or so older than hisbrother, and the absent one was very much interested in hearing how theyhad met him, and what awakened Hank to a consciousness of the terriblemistake he was making in associating with unscrupulous men. 

After that Reddy assumed a new place with the boys. He seemed to becloser to them than ever, and Frank no longer wondered why the other'ssunburned face had seemed partly familiar to him when he first met him. 

"You and Hank are very much alike, " he said, later on, to Reddy. 

"They used to say that at home. I was just big enough to be accused ofmany of Hank's tricks, and once I got a lickin' he deserved. "

"And another thing, " laughed Frank, "I know now what he was about totell me at the time I was dragged away by my folks. I was asking him howI could ever recognize you, in case we met, and he put up his hand tohis head, but I never heard the rest of it. "

"Why, of course, he was going to tell you that I had a mop of beautifulred hair, and that Teddy went with Reddy. I guess you'd have known me ifyou'd heard that, " was the good-natured remark of the found one. 

On the following day the four outdoor chums determined to set out in abunch to have a grand hunt, following the dense woods far down thevalley. The last words of the old stockman were a caution in connectionwith the dry grass. 

"Be careful about a fire, lads. If you make one, be sure the last sparkis out before you leave it. A forest fire would play the mischief justnow, with everything so dry. But somehow, I've got hopes that the rainis coming soon, " and he looked into the west, as though the fewlow-down clouds gave him encouragement. 

When noon came the boys had put up a couple of elk, but at such adistance that no one but Bluff fired, and he because he knew no better. 

"Do you think I wounded him?" he had the nerve to ask, whereat Jerrylooked at Frank and just smiled broadly. 

"Anyhow, they ran off faster after I fired, " asserted Bluff confidently. 

"I should think anything would, " was all Jerry said, and if there wasmalice in the remark Bluff did not know it in his innocence. 

While they sat down to eat the lunch they had carried along Frank calledattention to the fact that the wind had risen. 

"Perhaps Mr. Mabie was right, after all, and there is a rainstorm comingbefore long, " suggested Will. 

"Then I hope it'll have the decency to hold off until we get home, " saidBluff. 

"Oh, a little wetting wouldn't hurt us. We're not made of sugar or salt. But perhaps we'd better not go any further. We've come a long way sincebreakfast. This valley seems to have no end, and it broadens out downhere, too. "

"Yes; and, Frank, have you noticed how thick the trees grow, too? Why, in some places a fat man would have trouble getting through between thetrunks, " said Jerry. 

"What ails Frank? He seems to be sniffing the air like a hound, " askedWill. 

"Oh, he always declared he had a fine scent, and I've noticed that heknows when dinner is ready, ahead of the rest of us, " remarked Jerry. 

Frank laughed good-naturedly. 

"To tell the truth, I was wondering, fellows, whether we could be nearanother camp, " he remarked. 

"Did you hear anybody shout?" asked Will. 

"No; but when there came a sudden shift to the wind I thought I got ascent of fire. No, it wasn't cooking, this time, Jerry, so don't getready to accuse me of that weakness again; just something burning. "

"Say! you don't think it could be the woods afire, do you?"

"Talk to me about your ghost-seers, will you! Will, here, can jump on totrouble quicker than any fellow I know. Why, if the woods were on fire, don't you think we'd have found that fact out before now, Mr. FaintHeart? I guess such a thing couldn't happen without a heap of smoke thatwould look like a pall, and appal us, in the bargain. "

"Well, all I can say is, I'm not hankering after any forest fireexperience after what Mr. Mabie told us about those friends of his whowere nearly burned to death seven years ago; and that was a prairiefire, too, " observed Will, continuing to cast anxious glances around. 

"Amen to that, " remarked Bluff. 

"Why, you must think I'm just wild to try my legs, with a healthy blazejumping after me; but I'm not, all the same. Come along, Lazy-bones!We're going to have the delightful pleasure of covering those ten milesback again, " and Jerry pulled Will to his feet. 

"Ten miles!" groaned the other dismally, making a pretense of hobbling, as if his muscles had given out. "How in the world can I ever do it?"

"Well, sing out when you want to stop. We'll hang you up in a tree, safeand sound, just as I did that wolf I got; and later on one of the boyscan come for you with a horse, " was Jerry's cheerful remark. 

"Oh, I'd hate to put you to any additional trouble, so I'll try my bestto limp along, " replied Will, who, of course, was only shamming, in thathe was not half so tired as he tried to make out. 

So they turned their faces toward the home camp, and started trudgingalong, now and then calling to one another as something caught theirfancy. 

Will had had little opportunity to make use of his picture-takingmachine this trip. His stock of films was beginning to run low, and onlyspecial subjects must claim his attention from now on. Besides, he hadseveral views of the great woods, and the light was so poor under thetrees that it required a time exposure to bring out the details. 

"I think it's a mean shame none of you fellows think enough of me to getup some sort of excitement, in order to let me snap you off, " he wassaying as he tramped along. 

"Tell me about that, will you! The chap really thinks that it's our dutyto do all sorts of remarkable stunts, in order that he may have thepleasure of snapping us off in ridiculous positions!"

"Hear! hear! That was the finest speech I ever knew Jerry to put up. Asa rule, he leaves the heavy talk to me, and is satisfied to just gruntout his ideas. But look here, Frank, I believe you were right, " saidBluff, stopping to elevate his nose in a significant fashion. 

"Oh! dear me! Do you smell smoke, too?" demanded Will. 

"Why, so do I, now that you mention it. And say! just cast your eyesback of us, fellows! Don't it seem as though there was more or lesssmoke in the woods over yonder?" asked Jerry. 

The four boys now showed sudden animation. 

"Hark to the wind, too! It's beginning to make a sound up there in thetree-tops. Which way is it coming, Frank?" asked Will. 

Frank's face began to assume a serious look. The wind was fairly growingstronger with every passing minute. If the woods should be afire, thiswould whip the flames furiously, and send them speeding along at adangerous pace. 

"It begins to look bad for us, boys, " he remarked. 

"What! Do you really mean it, or are you just trying to play a joke?"

"You know me better than that, Will. There is certainly a brush fireback there. Some camper has left his fire, and the rising wind hascarried it into the dead leaves, " said Frank soberly, surveying hissurroundings. 

"Could we push forward and put it out before it does any damage?" askedBluff. 

"I'm afraid it's too late for that now. See there! The smoke is gettingthicker and thicker all the time. Boys, we might as well look the matterstraight in the face. "

"What do you mean, Frank?" asked Will in a trembling voice. 

"We must cut and run for it, that's all, for the fire is comingswiftly!"

CHAPTER XXI

NEVER GIVE UP

At first, the boys made light of the flight. All of them were prettyfair runners, and although the weather was warm for such exertion, theydid some clever work. 

"It's getting worse back there!" said Will, who brought up the rear. 

Frank had known this for several minutes, and was correspondinglyworried. 

The wind had risen to such an extent that it rushed through thetree-tops like an express train, making a doleful sound. Nor was thisall, for they could plainly hear a crackling from the rear that wasgradually becoming a subdued roar. 

"Oh! I saw the fire then!" called Will a minute or two later. 

Looking over their shoulders as they ran, all of them had glimpses ofthe flames leaping hungrily upward. What Mr. Mabie had feared all alonghad actually come to pass. All of them were glad, however, that it hadnot been through any fault of theirs, since they had built no fire thatday. 

"Frank, it's catching up with us! Whatever shall we do?" panted Bluff, close beside the one he addressed. 

Frank had been considering this same question. He at first thought theymight outrun the fire, but now he changed his mind. The woods were sodense, and the vegetation so thick, that whenever they tried to makefast time they kept tripping over trailing vines, or else banging upagainst the trunks of the forest monarchs, sometimes damaging theirnoses by the contact. 

"What was he telling us about fighting fire with fire?" asked Jerry, whowas by this time feeling not quite so jaunty as usual, but ready toseize upon any opening that promised safety. 

"That was out on the prairie. I don't think the scheme would work herein the woods. It would take too long for the second blaze to get astart, and we'd be caught between the two fires, " was Frank's reply. 

"But we must do something pretty soon!" cried Will. 

 [Illustration: "FRANK, IT'S CATCHING UP WITH US!"--_Page 192_. _The Outdoor Chums After Big Game_. ]

Indeed, it would appear so. They were now enveloped in a pall ofsmoke, that, entering their eyes, made them smart fiercely. Not onlythat, but the fire could be seen in a dozen places behind them, leapingup into the trees as the dried foliage offered such a splendid torch, and the wind urged the conflagration along. 

"Will's right. The old thing's running us neck and crop. I believe it'sgaining on us right along!" exclaimed Bluff. 

"Look for a hollow tree!" cried Jerry. 

"Humbug! Just because you once got in one during a storm you think ahollow tree can be used for nearly anything. Why, we'd be smothered in ajiffy, even if we didn't get burned to a crisp! Say something else!"shouted Bluff. 

"What is it, Frank--you know?" demanded Will, who, in this time of need, somehow turned to the one whose cool head had many times managed toextricate them from some impending danger. 

"We've just _got_ to head another way, and try and get out of the pathof the fire, if we can. Besides, the river lies to the left, " heanswered, as cheerily as he could. 

"The river! Hurrah!" shrieked Will in sudden elation, for the verythought of water was a blessed relief when threatened by fire. 

"We can duck under, and save our bacon!" cried Jerry. 

"There you go, confessing to the swine again, " declared Bluff. 

But in spite of their light words the boys were by this time thoroughlyalarmed. The appearance of the burning woods in their immediate rear wasappalling, to say the least. High sprang the flames, and their cracklingcould now be plainly heard. Indeed, the sound began to assume theproportions of a continuous roar, such as a long freight train mightmake in passing over a trestle and down a grade. 

Now that they were running almost sidewise to the advancing fire, itapproached much faster than before. 

"I felt a spark on my face, fellows!"

Frank was not at all surprised to hear Will say this, for he, too, hadexperienced the same thing not half a minute before. He had notmentioned the fact, for fear of alarming his chums still more. 

"Keep on, fellows!" was all he said, for he needed every bit of breathhe could muster. 

Desperately they tried to increase their pace, but found it hard workwith so many obstacles confronting them. Will tumbled more than any ofthe others, somehow or other. Perhaps it was because he was carrying hiscamera so carefully, and thinking more about it than his own person. 

Finally Frank missed him entirely. 

"Where's Will gone?" he demanded. 

The others, turning, were horrified to find their chum missing. 

"Keep right on, you fellows! Don't you dare stop, or follow me! I'll getWill! The river's close by!" he called out, and then turned around, retracing his steps directly toward the advancing fire. 

Never had Will seemed so precious in the sight of the boy who thusplaced his own life in jeopardy in order to save that of his chum. Inimagination Frank pictured his agony of mind if he had to tell Violetthat her twin brother had perished miserably in a forest fire, while heescaped. 

"Will! Will!" he was shouting frantically, as loud as he could, and thiswas not anything to boast of, for the smoke choked him, and he couldhardly keep from coughing almost constantly. 

"Hi! Here I am! Lost like the babes in the woods!" sang out a voice. 

Frank pounced on his friend, who, with smarting eyes, was fairlystaggering about, hardly knowing which way he was trying to go, havingbecome more or less rattled by the impending peril and the state of hisown feelings. 

"Run for all you're worth, Will!" he said, as he clutched the sleeve ofthe other almost fiercely, for they had little chance of eluding thosehungry flames now. 

Together they rushed along, Frank's eyes doing double duty, for Willseemed by this time half blind, and the one free hand was constantlyrubbing his smarting orbs. 

"A little further, and we're safe!" he kept calling in the ear of hisnearly exhausted chum. 

The heat was beginning to be terrific now. Blazing branches flew throughthe air, and set trees on fire all around them. 

"It's like the fiery furnace!" Will said three times running, and Frankreally began to fear his companion's mind was getting unsettled from thefright of their desperate condition. 

Oh! if the river would only show up ahead! No doubt the others had, erenow, gained the glorious haven, and were settled up to their necks inthe water, ready to defy the power of the opposing element. But it wasan open question whether the halting pair could ever make the shelter ofthe friendly stream. 

"Let me go, Frank! You can make it alone!" pleaded Will. 

"Shut up! Keep on running! I tell you we're going to get there, anddon't you think for a minute we ain't!" replied Frank furiously, as hepulled Will along. 

CHAPTER XXII

THE WAR OF THE ELEMENTS

"This way, Frank! Turn a little to the left!"

"That's Jerry shouting! Do you hear him, Will? Keep up your heart! We'regoing to cheat the old fire yet!" cried Frank. 

His companion seemed to pluck a little new spirit from the encouragingshout, and his lagging feet began to show more animation. In this waythey hurried out of the already burning forest, and found themselves onthe brink of the swift current of the valley stream. 

"Jump in! The water's fine!" shouted Jerry, who, with Bluff, hadsubmerged himself up to his shoulders. 

"But my camera! I can't ruin it in the water!" shouted the obstinateWill, as he looked eagerly around for some place to conceal the objectwhich he held in so much reverence. 

"Under those rocks! We chucked our guns there!" called Bluff, pointingout the spot, in his eagerness to help matters along. 

Will hastened to thrust the beloved camera into the cavity that laybeneath the rocks, and Frank, nothing loth, also pushed his rifle intothe same place. Then it was ludicrous to see how quickly they made aplunge into the river. 

Their immersion did not come a minute too soon. Frank knew that Will'sgarments were on fire in several places, and did not doubt but that hisown must be in the same condition, for the sparks were raining allaround them. 

"This is all right, " said the irrepressible Jerry, jumping up and downas he tried to hold out against the strong current. 

"All I know is that we are in luck to have this blessed old riverhandy, " said Frank, with more or less feeling in his voice, as hewatched the fire flash from tree to tree in pursuing its course. 

"Yes, it's a queer world. Only a few days ago it came near ending mylife up at the cataract, and now it makes amends by saving it, " remarkedJerry. 

"The fire doesn't seem to jump across the river, " observed Will. 

"No; and I don't think it will, unless the wind changes quickly, " saidFrank. 

"But it seems bound to get to our camp inside of an hour or two. Whatd'ye suppose they'll do with all the duffle?" inquired Bluff uneasily. 

"I'm not worried about that. Mr. Mabie will scent trouble a long wayoff, and find a refuge among the rocks, if necessary; but I'm inclinedto think the fire will never get to him, " replied Frank. 

"Do you believe the wind will shift, then, and blow back on us?" askedWill. 

"I'm not a wind prophet. What I had in mind was that the fire would beput out before it got three miles from here. "

"Put out! Do you mean to say they've a fire department up here?"demanded Will. 

"Why, certainly; but it doesn't cost them a cent to maintain it. Somebody just pulls the string, and the water comes down, " laughedJerry. 

"Oh! I see now what you mean! It's going to rain!"

"Hear! hear. He's tumbled to it at last! Sometimes it seems to me thatwe'll just have to get out a special dictionary for Will, so he can findthe answers to conundrums without waste of time or energy, " declaredBluff. 

"That's the penalty every genius has to pay, " remarked Will composedly. 

Every now and then the boys were compelled to duck their heads beneaththe surface of the river, for the heat became unbearable. When the worstof the fire had gone by on the wings of the furious wind, things beganto change a bit for the better. 

"Say! don't you think we might be getting out of here now?" demandedWill, whose teeth, strange to say, were rattling together with the chillof the mountain stream even while the air was still heated around them. 

"I suppose it will be safe, and we can stand the heat if it will assistto dry our clothes. Though for that matter, fellows, it's ten to one wewill be soaked through and through again before we get to camp. "

"This is mighty unhealthy, I think. Such rapid changes always encouragedangerous ailments, " remarked Will, whose father, now dead, had been aphysician. 

"All the same, I know several fellows who were very much pleased to makea sudden change a little while back, " asserted Jerry. 

They crawled out on the bank. Will, of course, made straight for therocky niche toward which he had cast many an anxious look while standingin the river. 

"Good! Everything is all right, boys! Not a bit of damage done, that Ican see!" he called out. 

They kept close to the river in making their way along. Perhaps the mainidea in this was to have a handy refuge in case a sudden need arose. 

"There she comes!" remarked Bluff, in less than ten minutes. 

"What? Where?" asked Will, staring around. 

A deep bellow of near-by thunder answered him. Then the rain began tofall in torrents. Will always carried a piece of waterproof cloth, to beused for wrapping around his precious camera on occasions when it wasthreatened with rain. This he brought into use, and at the same timetried to keep the little black box sheltered as much as possible underhis coat. 

From one extreme they had jumped to the other. First it was asuperabundance of fire, and now water began to trouble them. 

"I'm soaked through again, " announced Jerry dolefully, as he allowed thewind to carry him along through the blackened timber. 

"And I just bet that old fire has been squashed out before this, "spluttered Bluff. "Don't you say so, Frank?"

"If it hasn't, it soon will be. Did you ever see it come down harder?"

"Must be trying to make up for the drouth of the last two months. Mr. Mabie said that when it did come we'd likely get a drencher. We'regetting it, all right, " declared Jerry. 

For another half hour they kept on, though the walking was very hard. 

"A fine-looking crowd we are, " declared Frank, as he surveyed hisblackened leggings and sodden coat. 

"But it seems to me things don't look quite so bad around here, "observed Will. 

"Well, they don't, for a fact. Frank, we've reached the fire limit, I dobelieve!" cried Bluff. 

Everybody was glad to know it, for many reasons. The walking would bebetter, they could by degrees wash off the black stains that had beencovering their clothes, and last, but far from least, the camp would besafe. 

"I'll never forget this day's experience, that's sure, " Jerry wassaying, half an hour later, as, they still plodded on, with some milesstill ahead of them that must be gone over before they reached camp. 

"And every time I look at the picture of the fire it'll bob up before meand make me shudder, " remarked Will. 

"Talk to me about that, will you! Do you mean to say you had the nerveto stop and snap off some views of that hot old fire while the rest ofus were shinning it as fast as we could?" demanded Jerry. 

"Why, of course I did! What do you take me for? Who else would havepreserved that exciting episode for future generations to enjoy, if Ihadn't? That's what I'm here for, " replied Will in surprise. 

"And I suppose that was what made you so late Frank had to go back andhunt you up, eh?"

"I suppose it was, Bluff; but don't you scold now. I guess you'll enjoythose views as much as any one. There's only one thing I regret, fellows. "

"And I can guess what that is. You wish you had taken the rest of us upto our chins in the drink, " remarked Frank, whereat Will nodded eagerly, crying out:

"Oh! it would have been a great sight! Think how many times it mightchase the blues away when some of us felt downcast! I wish, now, I hadasked you to go back and give me the chance. "

"Tell me about that, will you! Was there ever such anindefatigable--hey, Bluff! Is that the word I want?--artist as our meeklittle pard here? Sometimes he seems so timid, and then again he showsmore nerve than the whole bunch put together. I thought I knew him to adot, but I confess I'm puzzled, " grunted Jerry. 

"The rain has stopped, fellows, " announced Frank a little later. 

"But just look at the river! Must have been a cloudburst, as they callit out in the Rockies, Mr. Mabie says. It's just rising right before oureyes!"

"Then they'll have to change the camp, because by this time the watermust be up to where the tents were pitched. Why, see there, Frank! Isn'tthat water over yonder, too, on the right of us?" asked Bluff, pointingthrough the woods. 

"As sure as you live, and rushing madly on, too. We are between tworivers, it seems, with the water rising like a tidal wave. Perhaps wemay have to take to a tree yet, fellows, " announced Frank after a longlook. 

"H'm! These trees are sure handy to have around! We shin up one to avoidall sorts of dangers, it seems to me. And by the looks of that wall ofwater coming down on us just now, the sooner we climb, the better forus!" cried Jerry, suiting his actions to his words, and seizing thelower limb of a friendly oak, into which he clambered hastily, followedby his three chums, just as a five-foot wave swept under them, for allthe world resembling a "curler" rolling in from the ocean and up thebeach. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE STAMPEDE

"What d'ye call this, anyway?" exclaimed Bluff, panting with hisexertions. 

"I'd say it was crowding the mourners, for these things to chase eachother so fast, and the elements to make playthings out of four confidingchums, " said Frank. 

"Tell me about that, will you! First a scorching, then put to soak, after which comes another hot experience, and now treed by a flood! Uponmy word, things are happening a little too rapid even for me, " put inJerry. 

"There!" remarked Will, with a satisfied chuckle. "I think you threefellows will make a splendid showing, perched along that limb like a lotof crows, and the water rolling along below. "

"Talk to me about the industrious photographer! If that chap hasn'ttaken our pictures in this ridiculous attitude! Why, they'll believewe've gone back to the old days, when our ancestors used to live intrees. "

"Speak for yourself, Jerry. I refuse to admit that I am descended from amonkey, " declared Bluff indignantly. 

"How long do you suppose we may have to hang out here?" asked Will. 

"Oh, a day or so, I suppose, " replied Jerry, keeping a straight face. 

"A day or so! Listen to him say that without a show of feeling! Why, long before that time elapsed I'd grow so weak from fatigue that I'dhave to be strapped to my limb to keep from falling into the treacherouswater, " stammered Will. 

"And what of me?" burst out Bluff. "I'd waste away to a mere shadow fromhunger. Sooner than submit to that, I'd try swimming ashore. "

"Do you think the water will get any higher? Could it possibly overwhelmus in this tree? We could climb up twenty feet if necessary. "

"Well, I hardly think that emergency is going to arise, Will; not atthis time, at least. To tell the truth, the water is already receding, "announced Frank, taking pity on Jerry's victims, both of whom lookedworried. 

"Oh! do you really think so?" cried Will. "Then Jerry is only up to someof his old foolishness. Yes, I can see that it does not quite come up tothe wet mark on the trunk of the tree. Then perhaps we won't have tostay up here all night. "

"Well, I guess not. I expect that in less than twenty minutes we'll beonce more afoot, and on our way to camp. This must have been a genuinecloudburst, and they tell me those sort of things, while severe at thetime, are quickly over. "

"Bully for you, Frank! You always look on the bright side of things, while Jerry tries to dash a fellow's spirits. Things have come outpretty well, after all. We've had some strange experiences, come throughthem all in decent shape, and to cap the whole thing I've captured somedandy views. I can hardly wait to develop them. "

"Go ahead, then. Plenty of water at hand for washing off the hypo, "suggested Jerry wickedly. 

By the time the twenty minutes had expired the water had subsided so farthat the imprisoned chums were able to lower themselves from the treeand once more resume their journey. 

Of course, they were an uncomfortable lot, being soaked to the skin, and, as Will declared, looking like a lot of hoboes. Brisk exertion keptthem from feeling cold, however; but they were one and all delighted toset eyes on the familiar tents of the home camp. 

Their welcome was a warm one, for Mr. Mabie had been more or lessworried concerning them, owing to the forest fire and the fiercecloudburst. 

"We hoped you were safe, and tried to believe it, boys; but at the sametime, even a veteran hunter in these parts might have been caughtnapping, and I tell you we're mighty glad to see you back safe andsound. Now, tell us how it happened, " was Mr. Mabie's greeting as hesqueezed a hand of each. 

"If you mean the fire, sir, we know nothing about it. We have not strucka match since leaving here, and only Bluff shot once. The fire came froman entirely different quarter, I assure you, " said Frank. 

"I never doubted that, my lad. I've seen enough of you boys to know thatafter all I've said none of you would be careless enough to endangerthings. But perhaps, after all, the fire was more of a blessing thanotherwise, for it probably helped to hurry that rainstorm along, andthat has saved our pastures. "

Of course, the boys were for getting into dry clothes at once. The firewas heaped high with fresh fuel, so that a delightful warmth would bediffused around the immediate vicinity, after which there was a generalchange of garments. 

"I feel better than I thought I would after all that rumpus, " admittedBluff, as he capered about, trying to keep his muscles from gettingstiff. 

"We'll look back to this day as one of the strangest in all ourexperience, " remarked Frank, hanging his wet garments where the sunwould fall upon them, for the clouds had passed away, leaving a clearsky overhead. 

"How much longer do we stay here?" asked Will, who had been doing somefiguring. "Because my films are getting low. I have three rolls still atthe ranch house, and when they're exhausted my business is done. "

"Sorry to tell you, lads, that I had word from the house while you weregone, and it's absolutely necessary for me to start back in the morning. Now, if you would like to remain a little longer in camp, why, Reddy andBilly will keep you company. Don't give up unless you're satisfied withwhat fun you've had, " said the stockman just then. 

The boys looked at each other. 

"I think we've seen enough of this life, and that there are dozens ofthings about the ranch we ought to know more about. So I vote that wereturn with Mr. Mabie, " was Frank's suggestion. 

"Count me in that, " echoed Jerry. 

"And I'm just wild to print a few of the remarkable pictures I've madeup here, which I can't do until we get back to the house; so I'm onlytoo willing to say yes to the proposition, " put in Will. 

"And I'm just as happy one place as the other, so long as the cookdoesn't strike, or put us on short rations, " added Bluff. 

In this spirit of humor it was therefore decided that on the followingmorning they would break camp and return to the ranch. 

"I feel that I'm cheating you out of some of your expected fun, boys, "apologized the stockman that evening, as they were packing some of theirstuff, so as to lighten the labor in the morning. 

"Why, I don't know what else we could do here. Seems to me we've aboutexhausted the list of excitements. We've shot elk, grizzlies, a panther, a wolf, met up with Indians, been chased by a forest fire, soaked in theriver and treed by a cloudburst. There could hardly be anything more, sir, " laughed Frank. 

"Well, I admit that you have made hay while the sun shone; and such apushing lot of boys always will get all the fun there is going. It'sbeen the happiest event of my last ten years of life to have you withme, and when you see my old side partner of long ago just tell him thatI'll never get over being thankful to him for having sent you up hereto break the dreadful monotony of existence on a stock ranch. "

They passed a delightful evening. The boys sang many of their schoolsongs, and Bluff was induced to give a recitation, which called forthvociferous applause from the cowboy audience. 

"I can see very plainly that you are going to make a worthy successor tothat lawyer father of yours, Bluff, " declared Mr. Mabie as he clappedhis hands. 

"And I expect to live to see him on the Supreme Bench yet, " said Jerryseriously. 

In the morning preparations for their departure were soon completed. Thetents, and all material connected with the camp, went in the wagon, while the boys, together with Mr. Mabie and Reddy, rode horseback. Itwas an invigorating gallop back to the ranch house, and on the way thechums indulged in a number of little races. But Will would not allowhimself to enter as he was afraid that something might happen to hisprecious camera, which he carried by a strap over his shoulder. 

Once back in their old quarters, for several days the boys took lifeeasy, each being busily engaged in some favorite pursuit. Will developedall his films, and made copious prints of the same, which kept him in afeverish state of mind. When one turned out especially fine he was inthe seventh heaven of delight; and if he met with disappointment, whichwas seldom the case, his laments were dismal indeed. 

Thus a week more passed, and the boys were beginning to think of turningtheir faces toward the East again. They would leave the ranch with manyregrets, for Mr. Mabie had certainly quite won their youthful hearts byhis genial ways. 

Frank was the last one to meet with an adventure on this occasion, whichwas fated to be written down in his logbook as worthy of remembrance. 

He had been out riding, and his horse, stepping into a gopher hole, threw him. Frank was not seriously hurt, but the horse went lame, sothat he could not be ridden. As this happened miles away from the house, and night was coming on, with a storm threatening, Frank knew he was infor an experience; but even then he did not dream of all that was downon the bills for that special occasion. 

Through the darkness he went, leading his limping horse. Then the stormbroke, and the crash of thunder, as well as the vivid lightning, wassomething such as he could not remember ever meeting before. 

He was just thinking that the pony had recovered enough to enable him tomount and make his way slowly along, as the ranch house was not morethan a mile off, when something came to his ears that arrested hisattention. For half a minute he wondered what it might be, sounding likeincreasing thunder. Then the appalling truth flashed upon him. There wasa stampede of cattle, and he seemed to be directly in the way of themadly galloping herd!

CHAPTER XXIV

A MYSTERY SOLVED

Frank, after that one spasm of alarm, gritted his teeth, and thoughtfast. He had heard the rancher, as well as the cowboys, speak of theterrors of the stampede, when the cattle were in a frenzy, through fear, and utterly beyond all management. 

He knew that frequently experienced cowmen, caught in the rush of athousand lumbering steers, had been ground to death under countlesshoofs. It was so in the old days, when bison dotted the plains of thegreat West. 

Mounted on a good horse, one might hope to ride clear of the advancingavalanche of hoofs and horns. But his steed was lame, and hardly able tolimp along. The situation was one calculated to arouse a boy as he hadnever been awakened before in all his life. 

Frank jumped upon the back of his horse. He knew instantly that his onehope must lie in getting clear of the immense herd; and that this couldonly be done by either riding faster than they were going down the widevalley, or in making for the nearest hillside, where trees would offerhim a refuge. 

He chose the latter. Flight in a straightaway course was utterly out ofthe question with a cripple between his knees. 

"Get up, Hector! Do your prettiest now!" he called to his horse. 

The poor beast was trying his hardest to run well, but making only apretense, after all, since that lame leg kept him from speedy progress. Doubtless Hector, being a cow pony, knew full well the nature of theperil that menaced them, and if it lay in his power he would bear hisyoung master to a point of safety. 

Frank's heart seemed to be in his throat as he leaned forward andlistened to the rapidly approaching roar of hundreds upon hundreds ofhoofs, mingled with the horrid clashing of horns. Added to this was thedeep-toned thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning. 

Once, when he looked to the left, he could see the moving mass that wassweeping horribly close. After that he resolutely kept his attentionriveted in front, where the ridge loomed up against the darkenedheavens. 

Everything depended upon how far he was from the nearest trees. Secondscounted with Frank just then. The lightning flashed every quarter of aminute, and yet it seemed to him that they were ages apart. 

With his heart in his throat, as it seemed, he stared ahead, and waitedfor the next flash to show him the worst. Unless the trees were closeby, his case seemed hopeless, for the main herd appeared to have pushedover to this side of the valley, unfortunately, showing that he hadpicked the wrong course when he started. 

Hector stumbled more than once, and Frank feared he would be thrown. Heeven wondered whether it would not be better for him to throw himself tothe ground while he had the chance, and trust to his own legs to carryhim to safety. 

Then came the eagerly anticipated flash. Hope sprang anew in his breast, for he had discovered the trees close at hand. One more gallant efforton the part of the crippled pony, and they managed to pass behind theoutposts of the timber, just as the beginning of the terrible rushingstampede swept by. 

There Frank sat upon his pony, breathing hard, and patting the pooranimal reassuringly. He could hear the loud cries of the cowboys and Mr. Mabie as they circled about the terrified cattle, trying by every meanspossible to influence them to mill; but in that gloom it was impossibleto carry out the usual tactics, and by degrees the sounds died away fardown the valley. 

Frank walked with his lame pony to the ranch house. Here he found hischums in a fright because of his absence. They were afraid he had beencaught in the mad stampede and ground under the hoofs of the steers. 

Mr. Mabie did not show up until long after midnight. The storm hadpassed away, and the sky cleared by that time. The boys were sitting up, waiting, none of them thinking of seeking his bed. 

"Hello, Frank, my lad! I'm mighty glad to find you here, safe and sound. I saw your pony at the stable, and that you had bound up his leg, showing a sprain. But I was afraid that something more serious had beenthe matter. You don't know how relieved I was to see your horse; andReddy, too. The poor fellow has been in a sweat with fear ever since thestampede broke out, " was the hearty way the rancher greeted Frank as hecame bustling in. 

"Oh, I was right in the line of the rush, but by clever work on thepart of my pony managed to reach the trees before they caught me. Butwhat's the report about the cattle, sir?" asked Frank eagerly. 

"The boys have halted them about ten miles from here. Thanks to thestorm stopping, and the animals getting leg weary, we managed to headthem off. Little damage done, except to our feelings. These thingshappen once in a while, and are really unavoidable. Steers in a panicare crazy; but then I suppose the same would apply to human beings, ifall accounts are true that I read about theater fires and such things. "

He asked many questions concerning Frank's adventure. 

"You just happened to choose the wrong side, lad. Had you headed theother way you would have had little trouble. The storm came from thatquarter, and a cowboy must have known that cattle always run _away_ fromthe lightning and rain. But fortunately you made the timber, and; as thesubject is unpleasant, we'll drop it for the present. Now get off tobed, the lot of you. In the morning, if you want, I'll take you downwith me, and show you how we drive a big herd. "

"I've got my last roll of films in the camera, and that would make amighty fine set of pictures to finish up with; but, oh! what wouldn't Igive if I could have caught Frank, here, riding for life on thatcrippled pony, and the stampede sweeping down on him!" said Willenthusiastically. 

"Talk to me about your cold-blooded savages! Does anything equal a crankwith a camera, bent on snapping off everything that happens?" mutteredJerry, shaking his head in real or assumed disgust. 

"That is the fate of every genius, to be misunderstood andmisrepresented when ready to sacrifice comfort and everything to hisart. But I am not the only one who is a crank. I have known fellows soproud of their lungs, that night after night they insisted on fillingthe air mattresses of the party just to prove which could blow theharder; while the other two members of the party sat by and laughed. "

Frank chuckled at hearing this, and both Bluff and Jerry looked daggers, for the shot hit home with them. 

In the morning the boys did accompany the rancher down the valley. Frankshowed them his course on the previous night, and they followed hisline of travel until the trees were reached. Trail there was none, forhundreds of cloven hoofs had pounded the soil about that spot, showinghow narrow had been his escape. 

The cowboys were found to have the big herd well in hand. It was eventhen on the way back to its former feeding ground. Some of the steersshowed the effects of the mad rush, in various cuts from the horns oftheir fellows; and several had tripped and gone down to death in thepanic, the herd trampling them into an unrecognizable mass. 

Of course, Will satisfied his longing, and secured what pictures hewanted. 

"I'm happy in having carried out my plans. Won't the home folks starewhen they see the panorama of views I've gathered!" he said jubilantly. 

"I should think they would, " remarked Jerry, shrugging his shoulders, "for you certainly have a collection of freak pictures, some of whichwould take the prize. "

"But all of this lot are genuine. Nobody had to prance around a treewith a dead yellow dog on his feet, pretending to chase after him, "asserted Will. 

"Whose doing was that, eh? Tell me that! Didn't you just plead with meto make a fool of myself, and to save you pain I consented. I supposeI'll never hear the end of that fool joke, " growled Jerry. 

"Oh, yes, you will. It's all in the family. Others don't know the dogwas dead when he had his picture taken. They all say he looks as thoughabout to snap a piece out of your leg. Now, I think we've just had aglorious time of it up here, with nothing to mar our pleasure, " remarkedFrank, the peacemaker. 

"Except that miserable job of mine in leaving my knife home, " sighedBluff. 

"Talk to me about that, will you! He hasn't forgotten it yet!" exclaimedJerry. 

"I never can. Hello! Here comes Reddy with a bag of mail, the last we'llget, I suppose, before we go home. A letter for me? Now just keep youreyes to yourselves, fellows. I admit it's from Nellie, but no doubt thedear girl is anxious about her brother Frank, and wants information froma thoroughly reliable quarter. "

Bluff sought out a lonesome corner of the big piazza in front of theranch house, and presently all hands were absorbed in their letters. Suddenly the others heard Bluff utter an exclamation, and looked up justin time to see him sprint into the building. 

"What d'ye suppose ails the fellow?" asked Will. 

"Give it up. He seemed to have a broad grin on his face, as thoughNellie must have written something especially sweet. But here he comesout again, dancing like a wild Indian. What's he waving above his head, fellows?" said Frank. 

"It's his lost hunting-knife, as sure as you live!" echoed Will. 

"Just to think of it, boys! The beauty was in my clothes bag all thetime, and I didn't know it! Nellie did it. She mentions the fact in thisletter, and says she was so afraid I'd hurt myself with that knife, byaccident, that she rolled it up in this new flannel shirt, which I'venever thought to put on as yet, and thrust it down at the bottom of myclothes bag. I never thought to pull it out; and now that the big-gamehunt is over I get my trusty blade. "

"Tell me about that, will you! And you thought I was to blame, " remarkedJerry. 

"For which I beg your pardon. After all, perhaps no harm was done, andsince Nellie only did it from the best of motives, why, I would befoolish to be angry. "

"Sensible for once, " observed Frank, winking at the others. 

"And so we will leave the ranch without the slightest cloud on thehorizon. Fellows, all I can say is we're a lucky lot of boys, " observedWill positively. 

CHAPTER XXV

HOME AGAIN--CONCLUSION

Saying good-by was harder than the boys had anticipated. They had reallyenjoyed themselves so immensely up there at the ranch in the wildernessthat the thought of never seeing it more brought gloom upon theirspirits. 

Of course, the fact that they were heading toward home, and the dearones awaiting their coming, made their sorrow lighter. 

They had sent their trunk away on the previous evening, so that it wouldbe at the far distant station awaiting their coming. On horseback, then, they were to cover the route that on their arrival they had done on abuckboard. 

Mr. Mabie, Reddy and Billy accompanied them, the stockman and Billy tobring back the mounts after the train had borne their young friendsaway. Reddy, of course, expected to accompany the boys East, to at leastvisit his family. He could not promise to remain at home, for the magicof the magnificent country of the Northwest called loudly to him; but hewas taking home his savings, and meant to make his parents happy. 

"I'll never forget all the good times you've given us, Mr. Mabie, " saidFrank, as he squeezed the hand of their good friend when the whistle ofthe approaching train was heard as it came booming out of the cut, amile away. 

"My dear boy, on my part I can never thank you and your jolly chums halfenough for the delightful time you've given me. It will seem dreary hereafter you're gone. I haven't been so happy for years, " was the reply ofthe stockman, as he beamed upon the cluster of bright faces around him. 

"But you know you promised to make us a visit when we're home fromcollege next Christmas. Don't forget that, sir!" declared Will. 

"I certainly will not, if I'm alive. And Will, one of the inducementsfor such a long journey is the expectation of seeing that remarkablebook of interesting views, containing reminders of so many of theexploits of the Outdoor Club. I'm sure that alone would repay me for thetrip, " laughed the other. 

"You won't forget about shipping those skins and things, sir? We wantthem for reminders of the happiest trip this club ever took. Every timewe look at those rugs we'll think of you and your Big M ranch, " remarkedBluff. 

"They'll go in a few days, boys, just as soon as the skins are in propershape for transportation, depend on it. And I'll let you know whenPierre is placed under arrest, and the exiled chief, Running Elk, goesback to his people with all honor. "

The last they saw of Mr. Mabie and Billy, they were waving their bighats vigorously on the little station platform. Then a curve of the roadshut them out, and the four chums settled back in their seats to talkover the thousand and one matters that claimed their attention. 

It is not in youth to grieve for long. They felt bad at leaving thescene of these recent happy events; but presently, in anticipation ofthe reunion with loved ones at home, this was temporarily forgotten. 

Will bemoaned the fact that he had not one single film left. 

"And there are so many things I'd like to take on the way home, " hesighed, "and which I let slip on the way up. "

"Yes, " remarked Jerry laughingly, "it's wonderful what game you seewhen you haven't a gun. But what's the matter with you trying to get aroll at the first town? Perhaps we may stop long enough, and they mayhave photographic supplies at the station. "

"Thank you for the suggestion, Jerry. It was a bright thought--for you;but I mean to take advantage of it, and make inquiries. "

Jerry gave him a queer look. Will was a fellow he could not fullyunderstand. He seemed to be made up of contradictions, sometimes simple, and again shrewd; now as timid as a girl, and under certain conditionsshowing the bravery of a lion. Jerry knew Bluff as he did his ownnature, and could dispute with him with energy, but in the case of Willhe was always glad to drop the subject before he found he had burned hisfingers. 

Nothing of moment happened on the journey, at least nothing worthy ofmention. Will did manage to secure a roll of films at the first town. Amessenger came to the car with it, and Frank always supposed from thatthat his eccentric companion must have wired ahead for supplies. WhenWill wanted anything he meant to get it, if there was any possible wayof so doing. 

In due time they arrived at the station in Centerville, where a host ofrelatives and friends awaited their coming. There was a roar of manyvoices as the four chums appeared in view, and our boys quickly foundthemselves being hugged and kissed in a most indiscriminate fashion. 

If some of the girls, in the confusion, kissed the brothers of theirfriends, as well as their own, that was not to be wondered at, andeverybody seemed as happy as could be, despite these natural blunders. 

Finally they managed to push outside the station. 

"Where's Hank Brady?" called Frank aloud. 

"Here!" said that worthy, stepping forward from the motor-car, andholding out his hand eagerly to the friend who had been so instrumentalin assisting him to get his slipping feet on steady ground. 

"Hello, Hank! Here's your brother Teddy!"

In this abrupt fashion did he bring the two face to face. Hank turnedwhite, and stared hard at the bronzed young cowboy for a moment; then hecaught hold of him, and the long separated; brothers were in eachother's arms. 

"Sure, the old folks will be happy this night, Ted, to see you again! Inever hoped they'd find you when I asked Mr. Frank to keep on thelookout, " was what Hank was saying, as he turned a moist eye in thedirection of the boy who had done so much to bring happiness to hishome. 

Bluff and Nellie were seen talking earnestly close by. Probably he wastelling her about the surprise she gave him in that last letter whenrevealing what she had done with his wonderful hunting-knife. 

Now that they were home again, with vacation nearing an end, the boyswould not have so much time to indulge in their pastimes on the lake, sothat they were keen to make hay while the sun shone. Consequently, theyfairly haunted the lake, and the canoes were in use every day from thattime on. Nor were they alone in this love of the open, for many anevening each canoe had its complement of fair ones, whose sweet voicesblended with those of the four outdoor chums as they paddled in themoonlight over the rippling water. 

College was ahead of them, but as they expected to keep together still, the Outdoor Club was not to be disbanded by any means. Often in futuredays they expected to once more sit around a campfire in company, enjoying the delights of an outing, and recalling many of the wonderfulexperiences that came their way in days that were past. 

And there, written down in Frank's diary, or logbook, were the accountsof their first camp above the loggers' settlement, at the head of thelake; the one on Wildcat Island; then the third, among the SunsetMountains, when they solved the mystery of Oak Ridge's ghost; and alsotheir wonderful cruise down a Florida river and along the border of thegreat Mexican Gulf; while this journey to the cattle ranch of Mr. Mabie, in the wilderness of the Northwest, would complete the list. 

How many times, as they read of these exploits, and surveyed thesplendid pictures Will had secured during their various campaigns, wouldthe scenes of the happy past come before their mental vision! They couldhardly expect to equal these glorious days in the times to come, but noone who knew their love for the open would dare predict that the OutdoorClub would cease to exist with the going to college of its four members. 

Perchance they may yet have other camps in strange places, and perhapsit may be our pleasant duty to chronicle the happenings of the fourchums when again they erect their tents, or it may be, paddle theircanoes on other waters. 

Wherever they go, and in whatever line of business they may find theirlife work, it can be taken for granted that the lessons learned whenliving this life of self-reliance in the open must always prove of thegreatest value to The Outdoor Chums. 

THE END