"When I cut these from the tree they bled exactly as flesh will bleed when it is cut. Now turn them over and you will see on the under side that they have veins of red. That is the life-sap. We will broil or cook them exactly as if they were steaks and then you shall judge of their flavor."
"Isn't it thrilling to think that man can go right into any wilderness and, without carrying food, clothing, or shelter, live with what Nature provides," remarked Judith.
"Yes, and without paying the outrageous prices charged at the present time for actual necessities," replied the Captain.
The bread-twist was baked, and when the steaks were washed and sliced, Mrs. Vernon dropped them into the hot fat tried out from the bacon. Immediately the smell of frying steak made every scout smack her lips in anticipation.
"If we weren't sure of such a fine dinner awaiting us, I would have had a few of you girls gather young bracken for a fresh green vegetable to eat with our steak. But we must not stop and enjoy too much by the wayside," said the Captain.
There was a liberal slice of steak for each one and the girls pronounced the taste of it delicious.
"And so tender, too! I never had such a juicy bit of meat," said Hester.
Having refreshed themselves considerably, with the fun of finding the mushrooms and cooking them, to say nothing of eating them, also, the scouts continued the hike along the trail. Just as they reached the crest of the mountain, Julie came suddenly upon a fawn, standing in the shadow of a tree; it was watching these queer two-legged creatures.
It is hard to say which was most surprised, Julie or the deer, but the fawn recovered first and bounded away through the forest.
"Oh, shucks! There we've gone and left that camera home again!" cried Julie, stamping her foot angrily.