"When can we see—this afternoon?" asked Don, impatiently.
"Maybe you will have time to go with me directly after dinner," hinted Mr. Latimer.
"Yes, yes! Of course we will, 'cause we don't begin lessons 'till Monday, you know," exclaimed Don and Dot together.
The rice pudding was almost forgotten that day, so eager were the children to go and see the interesting work of the men of the camp.
They trudged along the newly cut road which they had travelled over in the morning, but, after walking for half a mile, Mr. Latimer left the road and went along a narrow trail that ran into the thick forest. Walking along this for a mile or so, the children heard the sound of chopping, and crashes every now and then, and the shouting of men to each other. In about ten minutes' time they could see moving figures between the thick trunks of trees, and soon came to the place where the road was being broken out.
Here, indeed, was activity and exciting work. The children were cautioned about the danger.
Don watched with every faculty strained to its utmost. He saw an opening through the thick growth of pine trees running far into the depths of the forest. In the opposite direction, where the men were working, the forest remained intact.
"Guess that's the road Daddum said they were breaking out," he commented, to the other children.
"An' that's what they have to cut down to get out to the river," added Paul, pointing toward the thick trees on the other side.
Suddenly, a shout of "Ye-ho!" was heard and the lumbermen ran off in every direction, while a crackling sound came from the tree that was being cut; in another moment down crashed the giant pine, tearing away obstructing branches from other trees.