"I can't listen to such talk and sit still," laughed Nat. "I believe it's getting colder," he added. "We'll feel it more on the river, too."
The mouth of the creek was soon reached, and with long, steady strides, the boys pushed on. Occasionally they insisted upon stopping to give Nat a rest, and it was not until after two o'clock that the sight of a broad expanse, gleaming in the sunlight straight ahead, brought forth a rousing cheer.
"Hurrah!" cried Bob Somers, "Lake Wolverine."
"Now for the cabin that old Riggs told us about," cried Nat.
They redoubled their exertions, skating close to the eastern shore. All were delighted with the surroundings of the lake. There was a picturesque combination of rugged hills and valleys, and they felt that in such a wild country plenty of game must be found.
"There's the cabin—straight ahead," cried Bob. "Look, Chubby, right in front of those firs!"
"You are right, Bob! And it's a sight I'm glad to see. Hurry up."
The stout boy and John Hackett started ahead in a lively fashion.
"Go it, Chubby!" yelled Bob. "Show him what you are made of!"
Dave needed no bidding. Bending forward, he skimmed swiftly over the ice, and when they came opposite the cabin Hackett led by only a few feet.