AN UNEXPECTED LESSON.
As it was the height of the hunting season, the reports of guns were heard at varying distances through the woods, so that Sam could only judge when they were fired by his friends from their nearness to him.
He was well satisfied that the last shot was from the Remington of Herbert, while the one that preceded it a few minutes, he was convinced came from the muzzle-loader of Nick Ribsam, owned by Mr. Marston.
"The boys seem to have found something too do, but I don't believe they have seen anything of the bear—hallo!"
His last exclamation was caused by his unexpected arrival at a clearing, in the center of which stood a log cabin, while the half acre surrounding it showed that it had been cultivated during the season to the highest extent.
There was that air of thrift and cleanliness about the place which told the lad that whoever lived within was industrious, frugal, and neat.
"That's a queer place to build a house," said Sam, as he surveyed the scene; "no one can earn a living there, and it must make a long walk to reach the neighborhood where work is to be had."
Prompted by a natural curiosity, Sam walked over the faintly marked path until he stepped upon the piece of hewed log, which answered for a porch, directly in front of the door.
Although the latch string hung invitingly out, he did not pull it, but knocked rather gently.
"Come in!" was called out in a female voice, and the boy immediately opened the door.