"It's sure-enough Surprise Lake!" cried the others in chorus, for they had burst out of the woods at a point that allowed the first glimpse of the beautiful sheet of water for which they were headed.
Presently they reached the bank, and Frank, with the instinct of a true sportsman, picked out the ideal spot for the tents to go up.
First they had a bite to eat, for the hour was long past their customary lunch time, and all of them owned to being hungry. Will, in particular, declared he could eat even cold bear meat, if there was any handy. Though somewhat sore around his waist and arms, he said he felt all right.
Then the tents went up, and the place assumed the appearance of a genuine camp.
"When the canoes are floating on that lovely lake it will look like fairyland!" declared Frank enthusiastically.
"I don't see any sign of a living being," remarked Bluff.
"Nor do I believe any one is camping up here right now. We've got the whole lake to ourselves, fellows," observed Will.
The afternoon passed slowly. They were anxiously waiting to hear the cheery voice of old Adolphus in the distance, talking to his horses to encourage them.
"What are you so serious about, Frank?" asked Jerry, dropping down beside the other on the soft turf.
Frank looked cautiously around to see that the others were engaged elsewhere.