simple reason that we mean to do some pretty rough tramping with our
packs on our backs, and then a fellow is likely to grumble at any
unnecessary pound of weight he carries."

"Shuah--shuah!" assented Uncle Eb.

"And that is why we left our fishing-rods behind," continued Garst. "You
see, our main object this trip is neither hunting nor fishing. But a
creel of gamey trout from Squaw Pond would come in handy now to
replenish our larder."

"Wal, I b'lieve I'll fix up a rod to-mo-oh an' hook a few, fer de pork's
givin' out. Hain't got mich use fer trout meself. Dey's kind o'
tasteless eatin' if a man can git a bit o' fat coon or a fatty [hare],
let 'lone ven'zon. Pork's a sight better'n 'em to my mind."

While Uncle Eb was giving his views on food, he was hurriedly "bilin'"
coffee, frying unlimited flapjacks, and breaking up some crystal cakes
of maple sugar, which he melted into a sirup, and poured over them.

"De bell done chime
Fer de breakfast time!"

he shouted gleefully when all was accomplished. "Heah, yonkers! I guess
we may call dis meal breakfast jest as well as not, fer it's neah to
dawn now."

And the trio fell to voraciously, as he handed them each a steaming tin
mug and an equally steaming plate. The newly awakened youngster, who had
been cuddling his head sleepily against Neal's shoulder (a glance showed