"Let him hunt, Chet. I am not going back until I find out about that timber land, and about what sort of man that Hopton is. The more I think of it, the more I'm convinced that Mr. A. Q. Hopton is a swindler and is trying to swindle both Uncle Si and myself." "Well, it's no credit to your uncle to stand in with him." "Of course it isn't--and I'll give Uncle Si a piece of my mind when I get the chance." "I don't think you're going to get to Lodgeport today." "Well, it doesn't matter much. I don't think there is any great hurry about this business. The matter has rested ever since father died." This talk took place outside the shelter, so Barwell Dawson did not hear it. Inside, the man dressed his ankle, while the boys cleared away the remains of the morning meal, and started the fire afresh with more pine sticks. "We really ought to try to get out of here," said Andy, after an hour had passed. "I think it will snow again by night, and it would be rough to be snow-bound in such a place as this." "I'd like to get out myself, but I am afraid I can't walk," said Barwell Dawson, with a sigh. "A bruised ankle is worse than a broken arm--when it comes to traveling," he added, with a grim smile. "Supposing we took turns at carrying you?" suggested Chet. "I think we could do it." "How far?" "Well, we might try for a cabin that is about three-quarters of a mile from here. We'd be far more comfortable at the cabin than here,--and maybe you could get some liniment for your bruises." "Well, I'm willing to try it if you are," answered Mr. Dawson, who did not like the temporary shelter any better than did the boys. Preparations were accordingly made, and half an hour later the party of three set off. It was agreed that Chet should first do the carrying of the hurt one, and Andy brought up the rear with the guns, game bags, and other things. CHAPTER VIII A TALK OF IMPORTANCE The cabin for which the little party was headed was one owned by a man named Upham Jeffer. This man was something of a hermit and scientist, and rarely showed himself in the settlements of that vicinity. But on two occasions Chet had done Professor Jeffer a good turn, and he was, therefore, hoping they would get a cordial reception. But just now, the main question was, Could they reach the Jeffer place? The boys had the way fairly well fixed in their heads, but walking was hard and treacherous. On the level, the snow was at least a foot deep, while they ran the risk of going down in deep hollows filled by the wind. "Anyway, I'm glad the wind is on our backs," said Andy, as they trudged along. "If it was in our faces it would be awful." "You must take frequent rests," came from Barwell Dawson. "There is no use in exhausting yourselves by hurrying."