When Frank reached the boathouse, just at half-past twelve on the following day, he found all of his companions there ahead of him.
“You slow coach, think we’ve got the whole afternoon to get started?” demanded Bluff, who was bustling around as usual, yet accomplishing very little.
“Well, if you examine closer you’ll find that I’ve been here most of the morning, and packed the things in several bundles. These go in the big canoe; those yonder you must stow away, Bluff, while Jerry will take care of the rest,” replied Frank, paying little attention to the way in which he was addressed, because he knew it was mere talk, and no slur intended.
“Sure you didn’t miss anything?” asked Jerry, smiling grimly; for he pretended to scorn this wholesale carrying of stuff into the woods, and always declared he could exist happily with a blanket, a coffee-pot, a frying-pan, some salt and pepper, coffee and ship biscuit, depending on rod and gun to supply all else.
Nevertheless, when the “duffle” was lugged into the woods he considered it a sacred duty to do his utmost to lessen the supplies, possibly for fear they would have to “tote” them out again, as Bluff used to sarcastically remark.
“Not that I know of. If you are afraid, why we might go over the list again, and see what else we can use,” said Frank, with a wink toward Will.
“I beg of you don’t. My poor canoe would sink of fright or freight. Besides, I want you to notice that it’s kind of rough out on the lake, and as it stands we’re taking big chances of being swamped. Come on, fellows, load your cargo!” called Jerry.
“What’s this funny bundle in our boat?” demanded Will, suddenly.
“Ask no questions and I’ll give you no yarns. Just possess your souls in patience, and you’ll see after a while,” came Frank’s answer, as he went on loading systematically, taking heed of the fact that they would need to buck up against some rather heavy seas from the south while on the way, and that everything must be protected from the wet by covers.
“I bet it’s a new patent stove he’s got along,” suggested Will.