"Fellows, I understand why our friend Tad Butler wears a hat a size
and a half larger than any of us--his head's bigger. Yes, you're
right, Tad."

"Yes, yes," shouted Walter and Stacy, "that's the reason."

"And don't I get all I want to eat until he-he--until Tad gets back?"

"That depends upon how much you want. Judging from past experience, I
should say you wouldn't," replied Ned.

"But what will happen to us if you get lost, Tad?"

"Yes, yes, that's what I want to know?" questioned Ned.

"I'll see that I don't."

"How?"

"This time I am going to blaze every tree I pass, with my hunting
knife. It will enable me to get back if I fail to find the way, and
it also will serve to guide the men here, if I find any to return with
me."

"I take off my hat to you," exclaimed Ned.

"How many eggs have we left, Ned?"

"A dozen hard boiled ones, I think."