It was no light matter to get the three deer down to the lake shore. The old hunter showed the boys how to lash the game to long poles, resting the poles on their shoulders as they walked along.
"I believe I'll take the buck to town," said Jed Sanborn. "I can get a good price for him there."
"Will you take one of the deer home for us?" asked Snap, after consulting with his fellow-members of the gun club.
"Sure I will, lad."
"We want the meat divided," came from Shep. "Give each family its fair share." And so it was arranged, and the boys told Jed Sanborn to tell their folks that all was going well and they were "having the time of their lives."
After Jed Sanborn had departed the four boys set to work to cut up the deer they had kept. They nailed the hide up so that it might he preserved, and then cut a fine venison steak for supper.
"Now we've got a real camp!" cried Snap, enthusiastically. "Just think of it! Deer meat!" And he fairly danced a jig for joy.
It was certainly a happy gathering, and the young hunters voted the venison steak the best meat they had ever eaten.
"Well, I declare!" cried Whopper, presently, as he gazed across the lake. "Am I mistaken, or is that a camp-fire I see."
"It certainly is a fire," answered Snap, leaping to his feet.