Still, when the others returned in the afternoon there was the same look of distress upon his face. "Talk to me about a pagan and his idols," said Jerry, aside to Frank; "Bluff has the whole show beaten. I never saw such a persistent fellow, never." "He'll never be happy till he gets it, Jerry," remarked the other. "Then he deserves to have a bad time," declared Jerry, tossing the bunch of game down before Will and Uncle Toby, who happened to be doing something in common at the campfire. That night they had a royal feast indeed. It tasted all the better because the squirrels and partridge had fallen to their own guns, and not been basely purchased in the market. And doubtless their surroundings had considerable to do with the enjoyment of the dinner. Will took advantage of the darkness to get a new roll of films in his camera. "How many have you cracked off," asked Jerry, noting his occupation. "Three rolls, so far; about half I brought. I expect to be careful from now on, and try to get choice subjects. But I know I'll never find another to equal that wildcat scene. Oh! I hope it is a success!" replied the enthusiastic photographer. "So say we all," remarked Frank; "for it will chase the blues away many a time, just to see the look on Uncle Toby's face, as he clung to that friendly limb." "Gorry, but I was mighty glad tuh git my claws on dat limb, Marse Frank. Wen I seed dem big yaller eyes a-starin' at me, an' heerd dat yowlin' noise, my knees dey jest wobbled together. Nevah could tell how I got up dar; reckons as how you say am jest de truf, an' I _flew_!" exclaimed the cook, able to laugh now at his adventure. They turned in early, for their rest had been broken on the preceding night, and both the hunters were leg weary. The last sound Frank remembered hearing was the mournful hooting of the owls. The birds seemed to have a favorite roosting-place not far away, and from time to time the tremulous sound of their calling drifted through space. Just how long he slept Frank did not exactly know. He awoke with a sneeze, and sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What's the matter?" exclaimed Jerry, also starting out of a sound sleep. "I don't know--why, the tent's full of smoke! The camp must be on fire! Wake up, everybody!" As the two lads came crawling out of the canvas they were startled to discover a heavy pall of smoke rising all around them. CHAPTER XII THE TELL-TALE MATCH-SAFE "Wake up! wake up!" Both Frank and Jerry shouted at the top of their strong voices. The others came tumbling into view, and loud were their expressions of dismay at the terrible sight that met their eyes. "Get busy here, every one! Water wanted, and never mind your clothes!" Even while he was speaking Frank jumped into action. The night air struck home, and made him shiver, for he had just tumbled out from between the snug folds of his blanket; but this was a time when delay might mean the complete wiping out of the camp.