"You must have been thinking of Ham Spink and Carl Dudder, and what
they did last year."

"Maybe. Of course the boat and outfit are safe," went on the
doctor's son.

"I suppose so---I haven't looked."

"Just take a look before you turn in, will you?"

"Yes."

Shep's head disappeared, and Snap finished fixing the fire. Then
he turned to the lake, where the boat with the most of the outfit
had been left, tied to an overhanging tree.

The craft with its contents was gone!

Snap could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses. He pinched
himself, to make certain that he was awake. It was true---the
craft was nowhere in sight.

At first he thought to arouse the others but then concluded to look
for the boat first. Perhaps it had only broken away and was
drifting close by. If so he would bring it back and fasten it
securely without giving the alarm.

But a five-minutes' hunt convinced Snap that the rowboat with its
valuable contents was nowhere in that vicinity, and then he ran