The boys are bright, lively fellows of to-day, with a natural taste
for a life in the open, and a fondness for a gun and a rod. In the
present volume they organize their little club, and after a good
deal of talk obtain permission to go a number of miles from home
and establish a camp on the edge of a lake. From this spot they
are driven away by one who is their enemy, and then they go
elsewhere. They have fun and adventures in plenty, around the camp
and while out after both big and little game, and they help to bring
to justice two men who are hiding from the officers of the law.
To-day hunting in our country is not what it was some years ago.
Many of the best hunting localities have become settled, and it
is becoming harder and harder to catch a sight of a deer, or a
moose, or a bear, or, in fact, any wild animal of size. In the
far West the buffalo has been practically wiped out, and in the
East the deer and moose would also be gone were it not for the
protection of the law, which makes it illegal to shoot down such
game during the closed season.

With best wishes to all who love a gun and love good hunting,
I remain, Your sincere friend, Captain Ralph Bonehill.




CHAPTER I

TARGET SHOOTING AND A PLAN