"We'll have it back at camp," said Mr. Anderson. "These ducks, with some dumplings and flour gravy, will be some dish."
They made for the far end of the lake and then got out. By this time it was nearly twelve o'clock, and they debated whether to climb the mountain then or wait until they had had something to eat.
"I tell you what to do," said Anderson. "You fellows go and climb this mountain. I'll stay here, catch a few fish, then build a fire and have everything ready for you when you return."
This was considered a good plan, so the three boys and Mr. Waterman set out. There was no trail this time, but Mr. Waterman strode ahead with confidence.
"Have you been over here before?" asked Bob.
"Oh, yes," replied Mr. Waterman. "I want to come here again several times before the summer is over, for when we get to the top of this mountain you will see something that very few city dwellers have ever seen, namely, a real primeval forest."
"I thought that this was all primeval, way up here," said Bob.
"No," was the reply. "The big lumber companies see to it that there is but little first growth any place where they can get the lumber to tide water."
"Well, how is it that we'll see first growth up here, then?" asked Bill.
"You'll see when we get there," replied Mr. Waterman.