While the others were sitting close to the fire, Harry drew Link aside. “Did you hear what Teddy said about Indians,” he whispered. “Of course I did,” answered Link. He gave a knowing wink. “I guess I know what you are up to.” “Give him a scare?” “Exactly, Harry. But how can we do it? We haven’t any Indian costumes.” “Haven’t we though? That’s all you know about it. Haven’t we blankets, and plenty of birds’ feathers, and some turkey feathers, too, come to think of it. And we can rub a little red dirt on our cheeks.” “Good! That’s worth remembering. But we can’t do it right away.” “Not to-night. I’m too tired.” “What are you fellows whispering about?” demanded Joe. “I just said I was tired,” answered Link, innocently. “I’m going to turn in.” “I’ll wager you are up to some mischief.” “Say, if anybody plays a trick on me to-night I’ll—I’ll shoot him,” came from Fred. “No tricks to-night, boys,” said old Runnell. “Everybody needs a good sleep after such work as we’ve had.” On each side of the shelter inside fresh pine boughs had been spread. The heat made the boughs give forth a delicious odor, which was as healthy as it was pleasing. So far none of the lads had taken cold and old Runnell sincerely hoped that all would continue to remain well. “Teddy, you want to keep one ear open for bears,” said Link, just before retiring. “I don’t want to see any bears to-night.” “But one may come in, you know, and try to sample your foot or your hand.” “Do you think any bears will be around?” questioned the Irish lad in quick alarm. “Oh, not more than six or seven, Teddy.” “Then I’ll not go to sleep at all, at all!” “Teddy, don’t let them fool you,” remonstrated Joel Runnell. “If a bear comes I’ll take care of him.” “I met a bear once,” said Teddy, after a pause. “I was that close to him,” and he measured off a distance of but a few feet. “Oh, Teddy, what did you do?” questioned Bart. “I’ll wager you was scared half to death,” came from one of the others. “Did he try to bite you, or hug you to death?” questioned still another. “Were you armed?” “Where was this, out around here?” “No, it wasn’t. It was over to Dackerville.” “Dackerville?” “That’s what I said. I can tell you that bear was a lively one. Me father was along, but he wasn’t as close to that bear as I was.” “Well, what did you do to him?” asked Link, impatiently. “Do? Didn’t do nuthin’.” “You didn’t! What did the bear do?” “Rolled over on his head, and walked off.” “Teddy, are you going crazy? A bear wouldn’t do that.” “He did, I tell you.” “He couldn’t have been very savage.” “I don’t know about that. He had a leather muzzle on, and a chain around his neck.” “A tame bear!” screamed Harry, and began to laugh. “Oh, that’s the best yet. Link, I guess you are sold.” “Was it a tame bear?” asked Link, weakly. “Sure. He could dance, and roll over on his head, and do lots of stunts,” went on Teddy, and now a broad grin crept over his freckled face.