you," said Jerry, as he shouldered his portion of the load.

So they returned to camp.

"What's this?" said Mr. Mabie as they came filing in. "Back already, and
only out two hours? Got some meat, too, I see. That's good. Such
appetites as you boys are developing threaten to eat us out of house and
home soon, unless we eke out with game. Who cut up the elk?"

"The boys all took a hand. They wanted to learn," smiled Reddy.

"I kind of thought they had," nodded the stockman, who could easily see
that it was not the work of an experienced hand.

Bluff failed to catch the twinkle of humor in the other's eyes.

"Yes, and I could have made even a better job if I'd had the knife along
I foolishly went and left at home," he remarked disconsolately, whereat
Jerry, Will and Frank exchanged looks, and shrugged their shoulders, but
said nothing; for in a case of that kind words are useless.

They were all very enthusiastic that night over the feast. The cook had
dutifully pounded the steaks before placing the same on the fire, so
that if they seemed tough it was not his fault.

The meat, however, was sweet and tasty; and besides, with hunger serving
as the best-known sauce, who could complain?

Bluff kept on the lookout for the mate of his panther, but if the old
fellow was prowling around he had more discretion than to show himself