Bob Hunt in Canada

by George W. Orton

"I'd like to go over to the cabin again and get some more samples of that ore, so that we can have it examined in Philadelphia when we get home," said Bill.

"We'll do that too," said Mr. Anderson.

The next four days were quietly spent. Fishing and a side expedition over the gulch furnished only moderate excitement, but everybody enjoyed himself. Then one morning our three boys awoke to the fact that they had to leave the woods where they had had such a good time and in which they had learned so much and had such exciting experiences. As usual, they got up early. It really was not a happy party that left Lac Parent that morning. They went into Escoumains over the old trail. The fact that they portaged the canoes through two lakes and then carried their duffle bags the rest of the way, showed in what excellent condition they now were. Pud was as hard as nails. He walked along at the head of the party, with no more signs of being winded than Bob or even Mr. Waterman. The latter was with them, and he was going to accompany them as far as Quebec to get the samples of ore into the hands of some expert assayist.

After reaching Escoumains it was with sincere feelings of regret that the boys had to get into their civilized garments again. Nothing of importance or special interest occurred on their way to Quebec. They once more went up to the Frontenac Hotel and waited there for Mr. Waterman, who had gone at once to the assayist. In less than two hours he came back smiling.

"What luck?" asked Bob.

"Come up to the room," was the reply.

When they got up there they all fired questions at him.

"Not all at once," he said. "I saw the assayist or geologist, and at the first glance he told me that the samples of ore were genuine and very valuable. He tried to find out where I had gotten them so I had to do some tall lying to lead him off the scent. When I left his office I was careful, and I looked around several times. I thought that I was being followed, so I went into stores and out again, and I think he will have his troubles finding out where the mine is."

"If we really have made such a valuable discovery," said Bob, "we must be careful not to say anything about it. When we have once gotten full title to the gulch we can then let others know where the mine is."

"You're right," said Mr. Waterman. "According to the statement of the expert, we really have a big thing on our hands, and with careful handling, we can get rich through it."