"You big boob!" said Bill. "What's the matter with you?"
"I didn't mean to do it, honest to goodness," replied Pud. "But were there really any bear here or were you stringing me as usual?"
"Of course there was a bear here," said Bob. "But a big elephant came along and scared them away. I don't wonder they took to their heels when they heard the noise you made. You'd make a fine Indian scout. You had better walk behind Jean and note how noiselessly he moves along."
"I'm sorry," said Pud.
The party then turned away after looking over the country from their high point of vantage. They could see far and wide and for miles the great forest fire had left only blackened stumps and dead trees. They got back to camp in time for supper. Joe had had time to get out and as he had returned with five partridges, they had another great supper.
"They told me when I wanted to come up here," said Bob, "that if I wanted to live on bacon, prunes, hard dough, and beans all summer that this was the place to come."
"Yes, that is what they generally expect to get on such trips as this, but with just a little luck and a good cook like Jack, the least thing to be objected to is the 'eats,'" said Mr. Anderson.
"I should think so," replied Bob. "I don't know that I have ever enjoyed my meals so much as up here."
"The same here," piped in Pud. "I think we get almost too good grub, that is as far as I am concerned, for I want to reduce and I have a swell chance to do that with partridge and trout, one night, salmon for breakfast, and salmon, trout, and duck for supper."
"Yes," said Mr. Waterman. "We've been unusually lucky this summer."