“Let’s go back to camp and stop these two arguing,” exclaimed Grant. “They’re at it all day long.”
“We like each other all the more because we do it, don’t we, Pop?” demanded Fred laughingly.
“Yes,” admitted George, “except that you’re awfully conceited at times.”
“Come on,” urged Grant. “They’ll be at it again if we’re not careful.”
Before many moments had passed the Balsam was once more sailing over the clear waters of the lake and in a short time the four boys arrived back at camp. The remainder of the day was spent in planning for the trip they were about to take and in discussing just where they should go. At length an agreement satisfactory to every one was reached, the arrangements were all completed and there was nothing left to do but wait for the morrow in order to start.
The sun had been up but a short time before the camp was astir. Grant set about preparing breakfast while his three companions packed supplies into the two canoes. Food sufficient for three days was loaded on board; blankets were taken along, and trout rods with numerous flies of course were included.
“Breakfast’s ready,” announced Grant as soon as the work of loading was complete.
“So am I,” exclaimed George heartily. “I’m always ready to eat up here.”
“Not only ‘up here’ either,” muttered Fred.
“What did you say?” demanded George, wheeling around so as to face the speaker.