But I'm tickled to death at the idea of having company, for it does
get mighty lonesome sometimes. Whatever are you doing up here, Hugh
and Bud?"

So, as Hugh waited for his companion to explain, Bud began to tell
how he had been up to his old tricks again and believed that he had
invented something that was going to be a stunning success; also,
that he had coaxed accommodating Hugh to go off with him in order
to try it out in secret.

"Of course, since we find you in possession of the shanty where we
meant to put up for one or two nights," Bud continued, with a grin,
"why, I'll have to let you share my secret tomorrow when we start
to try it out. Till then don't ask questions and I'll tell you no
lies. And I want to inform you right now that what you're cooking
for supper sets my nerves on edge, it smells so good."

"That's lucky," remarked Ralph, "for I have just four more fat juicy
quail on hand. I made a double shot into a covey that got up in
the brush. If you fellows say the word, I'll start right away to
get them ready for the pan."

"You'll do nothing of the kind," chuckled Hugh, who, like Bud, had
deposited his burden in a corner, "we're only too glad of a chance
to help pluck a few feathers ourselves. It's enough that you make
us a present of what you meant probably to take home to your mother."

"Oh! I can get others later on," observed Ralph, as he pointed
to the little heap of brown and black feathers which marked the
spot where the unused birds lay. "You see, she's not feeling