"It can't be helped," answered Snap. "We can't expect to bring
down something every time we go out. If we did that there would
be no fun in hunting."

Then the young hunters started back for camp, never dreaming of
the disagreeable surprise which awaited them.




CHAPTER XXI

IN WHICH THE ENEMY APPEARS AGAIN


On the way back to camp Shep brought down a squirrel and Whopper
knocked over a rabbit, so the quest after game was not altogether
fruitless.

The boys had covered a good stretch of ground, and they were pretty
well tired out when they came within sight of the cabin.

"Oh, fellows, look!" screamed Giant suddenly. "The cabin is on
fire!"

He pointed ahead, and a glance showed his chums that he spoke the
truth. All broke into a run, and they reached the shelter almost
in the time it takes to tell it. Smoke was coming out of the door
and windows, but as yet the fire had gained little headway.