prepared them a substantial meal, with plenty of hot coffee, for the
trip across the cove had been a cold one and they wanted something for
"thawing out purposes," as Shep said. Kiddy Leech was not backward in
eating a big meal, washing it down with all the coffee offered him.

"Coffee is the next thing to liquor for warming a fellow," he
observed.

"We think it is far better," answered Snap. "We carry no liquor of any
kind, only a little alcohol for special purposes."

"Humph!"

After the meal Shep got out some liniments for the tramp, but he said
he would try a good sleep first. He sought out a comfortable corner of
the shelter, and in a very few minutes was snoring away lustily.

"He certainly takes things easy," said the doctor's son.

"I believe he is thoroughly lazy, and a heavy drinker," answered
Giant, and hit the nail squarely on the head.

"What are we to do with him?" questioned Snap. "We certainly don't
want him to stay at this camp."

"Not much!" cried Whopper. "As soon as it clears off, we'll fix him up
some provisions and start him on his way." And this was decided upon
unanimously.

During the afternoon it cleared off to such an extent that Snap and