“We can build a new shelter,” said Joe. “It needn’t be so big, but I’m sure we can make it just as comfortable.” And then they moved on, never dreaming of the surprises that were in store for them. CHAPTER XIX A GATHERING OF YOUNG HUNTERS. Having the two sleds with them, they did not tramp through the woods, but took to the lake, where the wind had swept the ice comparatively free from snow. Despite what had happened, all were in a light-hearted humor, and Joe began to whistle merrily, and soon Harry and Fred joined in. “Well, we can’t complain of lack of adventures,” remarked Harry, as they trudged along, Joel Runnell in advance, looking for some signs of possible game. “I should say not,” returned Fred. “We’re getting our full share and more.” “Wonder if any of those other fellows are going to join us?” put in Joe. “Bart Mason said he would be sure to come, and Link Darrow said the same.” “Oh, lots of fellows think they can get away, but at the last minute their parents say no, and that’s the end of it.” They were moving around a small arm of the island when they saw Joel Runnell come to a halt. “Guess he has sighted game,” said Harry. “Wait; we don’t want to spoil a shot.” “I’ll go up and see what’s doing,” said Joe, and hurried forward, with his gun ready for use, should there be more game ahead than the old hunter could handle. “Gun Club ahoy!” suddenly rang through the clear air. “Hullo, you fellows? Where are you bound?” And then, around the bend, appeared the forms of three youths, dragging a long, low sled behind them. The trio were dressed for hunting and each carried a shotgun or a rifle. The sled was piled high with traps and provisions. “Whoop! here are some of the other fellows now!” burst out Fred, and rushed forward. “Hurrah!” he yelled. “Hurrah!” came back instantly. “Link Darrow, Bart Mason and—yes, it’s Teddy Dugan,” came from Harry. “What can Teddy be doing with those other chaps?” he went on, for he had not expected to see the Irish boy anywhere in that vicinity. “How are you making it?” asked Link Darrow, as he came closer. He was a youth of Joe’s size and age. “First rate,” answered Joe. “When did you leave Lakeport?” “Yesterday. We expected to locate you a couple of hours ago, but Teddy Dugan stopped us.” “Sure an’ I have news for you,” put in Teddy Dugan. “I’ve been up the lake, a-visitin’ me Uncle Michael, and who do you think I saw?” “Those tramps,” cried Joe, quickly. “Oh, Teddy, did you really see them?” “I saw three tramps, and by the look of ’em I think—yes, I’m sure—they are the same that took your watch and chain. I knew you were over to this island, so I told me uncle I’d come over and tell you.” “And you ran into Link and Bart?” “I did—but not until I had lost me way, and I reckon they had lost theirs too. Ain’t that so, Bart?”