sleepers, and doubtless thrilling them through and through.

"Stop thief! Here, let that alone, I tell you! Wake up everybody, and
do something, can't you? He's getting away with my lovely trout, I tell
you. Hey! Giraffe, ain't you agoing to save your breakfast?"




CHAPTER XII

A CALL TO BREAKFAST


Every one came tumbling out in a great hurry. The moon was so situated
that the forepart of the boat was somewhat in the shadow; and on this
account they could not see plainly, save that there was some sort of an
animal crouching there. As Bumpus had so loudly wailed that it was
trying to carry off his prize trout, which had been left hanging in the
air until needed at breakfast time, the rest of the boys understood the
situation pretty well. Immediately they started to shout, and wave
their arms, as well as hurl every sort of thing they could lay hands on.

Naturally enough this proved too much for even the bravest wild beast;
and giving a savage snarl the thing suddenly bounded ashore, and was
lost to view. They had just a last glimpse of a shadowy figure skulking
off along the sandy beach near by.

"Oh! tell me, did he get away with it?" cried Bumpus; and to hear the
pain which he threw into these words one would have though a priceless