“Regular spit-fire, ain’t yuh?”
“I’m not accustomed to have my friends insulted.”
McCallum removed his hat and bowed gravely.
“I shore beg your pardon. I didn’t mean no offense. Along toward evening, me an’ Wolf will drop over to your little island and pay yuh our respects.”
“Suit yourself,” said Sandy, “but we won’t be there. As I’ve already told you, we’re starting back to Half Way House this afternoon.”
What Sandy read in McCallum’s eyes was a challenge, but it was Wolf Brennan who spoke.
“Mebbe,” he said.
CHAPTER IV.
THE FIRST ENCOUNTER.
The first night on their return trip to Half Way House the boys camped twenty miles south of the lake. Here they received their first set-back. In the morning they awoke to find their canoe was gone. Rage in their hearts, they gathered in a little group and stared at the place where it had been. They guessed immediately what had happened. After the first shock, Dick scowled and looked at his two chums.
“Well, we know where we stand now,” he declared grimly.