"It's a much shorter route," he said, "and you will find the traveling much easier." It was about half an hour later when Dave and the others bid Phil and Mr. Lawrence good-bye, and set out on the return to Bear Camp. Our hero still had possession of the rifle, and Roger carried the shotgun. Under the heavy trees it was both dark and cold, and the boys hurried along as rapidly as possible, not only to make time, but also to keep warm. Dave and Roger were in advance, discussing the finding of Phil's uncle. "I'm mighty glad on Phil's account that his uncle has been found," remarked Dave. "The selling of that land at a handsome profit will be a big lift for the Lawrence family." "Yes. And how it will please Phil's parents to have Mr. Lawrence's brother back!" responded Roger. "As it was, they did not know whether he was dead or alive. It's a terrible thing to----" Roger broke off short, for at that instant Dave clapped his hand over his chum's mouth and drew him quickly behind a nearby tree. They were well in advance of their friends, and now our hero motioned the others to keep back. "What is it? What is the trouble?" called out Ben. "It's a deer, keep quiet!" answered Dave, in a low tone. "A deer! Where?" questioned Roger. "Over yonder, by the white birch." The senator's son looked in the direction indicated, but for the moment saw nothing out of the ordinary. Then, however, a head appeared from between some bushes back of the white birch, and presently a beautiful deer stalked into view. "I see him," whispered Roger, excitedly. "There is your chance, Dave, plug him!" Our hero already had the rifle raised. He was about to pull the trigger when he paused, for he had seen the bushes back of the deer move. "What's up? Why don't you shoot?" whispered Roger, his voice betraying excitement. "I think there's another deer there, Roger," whispered our hero, in return. "Yes, there he is! Now then, you will have a shot yourself. Take the one on the left and I'll take the one on the right." "All right," returned the senator's son, and raised the double-barreled shotgun. "Are you ready?" "Yes. When I say 'three,' fire," answered Dave, quickly. "One, two, three!" Crack! Bang! The two pieces rang out in quick succession, and as the reports echoed through the forest both deer gave a wild leap into the air. Then the animal at which Dave had shot plunged forward on its knees and fell into some brushwood, kicking wildly. The other deer whirled around and started to run for cover. "Give it the other barrel, Roger!" yelled Dave, as he ran forward. There was no need of this advice, for while Dave was yet speaking the second barrel of the shotgun was discharged at the flying deer. Roger's aim this time proved to be better than before, and plunging forward, the deer ran full tilt into a tree and then pitched over on its side, where it soon breathed its last.