Josh Higginson was greatly pleased. In truth, he was not much of a hunter, and it is doubtful if he could have brought down a deer even if given the chance.
He thanked them over and over again, and said he would go home and bring a sled and horse down to carry away the meat. He asked the boys about themselves, and said he hoped that they would have the best possible time during the balance of their outing in the woods.
“I have a tidy little place up tew the end o’ the valley,” he said; “an’ if yeou come up thet way drap in, an’ I’ll treat yeou the best I know heow.”
Not to get back to camp too late, they rushed matters, and half an hour later were on their way. Each was loaded heavily, but no one grumbled, for was it not the prize of the day they were carrying?
“Won’t folks in Rudskill be astonished when they learn of all we shot!” exclaimed Boxy. “I guess they’ll think we are regular hunters, true enough!”
“This meat will last us the balance of the outing,” said Harry. “So we won’t have to worry about food any more.”
On and on they went, over the hills, until, when it was growing quite dark, they came in sight of the camp.
“Home again!” sang out Andy, “and I am not sorry. Another mile would have done me——”
“Somebody has been here!” interrupted Harry, quickly. “See, the fire has been scattered right and left, and the oven torn to pieces!”
“Who could have been mean enough to do this?” put in Jack, angrily.