"It must have been lonely," said Bob.
"It probably was after the revenue officers had rounded up his mates, but prior to that time, I have no doubt that they had a very fine time. They could get out to the north and go fishing, leaving one man to listen to the wireless, and they probably had their share of game. Well, let's be going," finally said Mr. Waterman.
They determined that the best way to travel would be to go right down the stream. Pierre was detailed to go ahead and clear a trail where necessary. Pud carried one canoe and Bob the other. They also carried their packs, while Mr. Waterman carried the pack and a big load of grub. Pierre carried only his little pack, which left him free to swing the ax. They made fair progress, though it was rough going. They found that the gulch was not so deep as it looked. In other words, the stream led them down and down. Under other circumstances they would have found the scenery very beautiful. It is one thing to find a beautiful bridal veil falls fifty or sixty feet high when you have nothing to do but admire it. It is another thing altogether to come upon such a fall and to have to pick a way down the precipice carrying a canoe and other load. There seemed no end to the trail on which they were. Down they went, and Pierre was heard more than once to exclaim "Sacre! Mon Dieu!" and a few other favorite expressions with him when he was exasperated. They went along at least five miles in this way and there seemed no end to the trail.
"I take it back," said Mr. Waterman. "Field and his pals did not come out this way to fish. That is sure. There is no sign of a trail."
"It's a good thing we brought that grub along," said Bob. "This trail is hard enough coming down, but it would take us all day to get back to the cabin."
"You're right," said Pud. "I'm getting into good shape but this trail is getting my goat."
"Don't worry," said Mr. Waterman. "I've been within a few miles of this place, and it can't be very long before we hit either the Portneuf River or some lake that drains into it. I'll wager that the Portneuf is within twelve miles of here."
"Twelve miles!" said Pud, with a sigh.
"That's nothing," said Mr. Waterman. "I think, though, that we'll soon hit a lake, for I have never had to portage more than six miles in this country without striking some lake or river."
"Oh, let it be soon," said Pud. "Not that I care. But simply so that Bob won't play out."