“When does the blinkin’ circus start?” he grinned.

That evening in their explorations Blackie and Hoop-la found the log shack on the lake-shore.

“Say, Jack, can me and Hoop-la have that cabin down there?”

“You bet you can, Blackie. You and Hoop-la can have anythin’ round here,” replied Gillis heartily.

Blackie had turned to go, but on hearing this broad statement he stopped quickly. “Say, Jack, me and Hoop-la came away from Vancouver owin’ a little money—an’ I promised to send——”

“Ye’ve got me when the gittin’ is good,” interrupted Gillis. “How much do you want?”

“Let me see,” reflected Blackie, “I owe for my room in town; and I owe at Old Joe’s, and—and——”

“How much? Spit it out, I can stand the shock,” commanded Gillis.

“ ’Bout a hundred, Jack.”

“Whew!” whistled Gillis as he reached for his purse.