Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustration. See 52386-h.htm or 52386-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/52386/52386-h/52386-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/52386/52386-h.zip) Transcriber’s note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). [Illustration: The old hunter was at hand] Lakeport Series THE GUN CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT Or The Island Camp by EDWARD STRATEMEYER Author of “The Baseball Boys of Lakeport,” “Dave Porter at Oak Hall,” “Old Glory Series,” “Pan-American Series,” Etc. Illustrated [Illustration: (uncaptioned)] Boston Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Copyright, 1904, by A. S. Barnes & Co., under the Title “The Island Camp.” Copyright, 1908, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. PREFACE. This story is a complete tale in itself, and it also forms the first volume of a series to be devoted to sport in the forest, on the water, and on the athletic field. My object in writing this tale was two-fold: first, to present to the boys a story which would please them, and, second, to give my young readers an insight into Nature as presented in the depths of the forest during the winter. The young hunters of Lakeport are no different from thousands of other youths of to-day. Although they do some brave deeds, they are no heroes in the accepted sense of that term, and at certain times they get scared just as others might under similar circumstances. They are light-hearted and full of fun, and not above playing some odd practical jokes upon each other. In the old and experienced hunter, who goes with them on this never-to-be-forgotten outing, they find a companion exactly to their liking, and one who teaches them not a few “points” about hunting that are worth knowing. The scene of this tale is laid in one of our eastern states. A few years ago small game of all kinds was plentiful there, and deer, moose, and even bears, could also be laid low. But some of the larger animals are fast disappearing, and it is now only a question of time when they will be wiped out altogether. This seems a great pity; but the march of the lumberman and the progress of the farmer cannot be stayed. Edward Stratemeyer. CONTENTS