“Oh, I guess we can pile it on the horses,” said Nat.
“Not until it’s cut up,” remarked Jack. “Did you ever try to lift a dead bear?”
None of them had, and when they tried to raise the lifeless bruin they found it beyond their strength. They had keen hunting knives with them, however, and soon had the bear skinned and the choicest portions cut off. Jack took the skin, intending to have a rug made of it. Then the horses were brought up, and the meat tied on the backs of the saddles. Satisfied with their day’s hunt thus far, the boys headed for camp, Will getting a shot at a fine ram on the way back, but missing it, much to his regret.
“Better luck next time,” consoled Jack.
Long Gun and Budge had a fine supper ready for the young hunters, and never was a meal better enjoyed. Then, as it grew dark, they all sat about the camp fire, listening to the story of killing the bear.
“Oh, this is the kind of life to lead,” said Nat with a sigh. “It’s simply perfect.”
“And to think that we’ll soon have to go back to Washington Hall,” put in Bony.
“I know where Jack would rather be than here,” said Sam with a grin barely visible in the flickering light of the camp fire.
“Where?” asked Nat.