"And the knowledge you have, Ethan, of wild animals' ways would make you a master hand at the game, if ever you bothered taking it up."
"Think so?" remarked the other, naturally pleased at this sort of appreciation on Phil's part.
"I'm sure of it," he was told.
Nothing more was said at the time. Phil felt positive, however, that he could count on Ethan's coöperation so long as they remained at Birch Bark Lodge.
It was not long before they all sought their bunks.
The night passed without any alarm. Lub had assured his comrades they need have no fear of any unwelcome guest dropping down the chimney again. He had insured against such an event happening; and apparently felt the utmost confidence in his own invention, for he seemed to drop asleep almost as soon as he settled down in his blanket.
Again in the morning they enjoyed their plunge in the lake, although Lub had to be strongly urged before he consented to join them.
When he mentioned trout he was gently but firmly told that it was folly to whip a willing horse.
"Don't let's have fish every meal," urged X-Ray Tyson, "or we'll all be sprouting gills and dorsal fins and scales. Once a day after this ought to satisfy the trout hunger. Now it seems to me that's a bully good fire for camp flapjacks."
"Just what it is," agreed Ethan with enthusiasm.