"It's a long tramp," answered Giant. "And don't forget the snakes
down there. If we-----"

Giant broke off short as a distant gunshot sounded out. It was
followed presently by a second shot. Then all became as quiet
as before.

"Those shots came from across the lake!" cried Snap.

"Yes, and right close to the spot where I thought I saw that boat,"
added the doctor's son.

Fellows, I believe there is a camp over there, and if we can manage
to get across perhaps we'll learn something about our belongings."

"How are we to get over without a boat?" demanded Whopper. "It's
too far to swim. The water is so cold a fellow would get cramps
before he was half over."

"We might build a raft," suggested Snap, who had been favorably
impressed by Shep's words. "There are a number of logs lying
around that we cut for firewood, and I saw some wild grapevines back
of the spring which will do very well for ropes. We could take off
the most of our clothing, so it wouldn't matter if we got wet."

The proposal to build a raft was approved by all, and they set to
work without delay. It had been after four o'clock when they
got back to the cabin and it was dark by the time the raft was
ready for use. It was a clumsy affair, made of rough logs, spliced