break the monotony of the diet.

By Monday evening all was in readiness for the start. The news of the
proposed cabin scheme had spread all through the Department, and many
were the suggestions offered by interested fellows for making the trip an
entire success in every way.

"Remember, shelter and drainage and wood supply, along with good water
and big trees, are what you are looking for, boys," was the advice of Mr.
Dean, as he left them. "I wish I were going along with you. Here's hoping
you'll find the very best spot, and that soon."




CHAPTER VI

A Stage Road Journey


"Well, if you haven't any more brains than to be starting out on a
mountain trip on a wet, stormy day like this, why I haven't anything more
to say to you; but remember, I'm not one whit responsible for you," said
Mr. Williams, as he arose from the breakfast table and passed out into
the hall.

It had been a stormy night. The rainfall had been heavy and the lightning
sharp. It had been a typical electric storm of the mountains. Old Sol had
tried in vain to force his way through the heavy rain-clouds earlier in
the morning, but by breakfast time he seemed to have given up entirely,