Aside from this tiny settlement on the lake's edge there was not a house for twenty miles. It was a wilderness indeed! "Are there any other people staying here at the camp beside ourselves?" inquired Theo at last. Dr. Swift, who had seated himself before the fire, nodded. "Yes, there is a Mr. Croyden, from Trenton, New Jersey, whom I have met here before--a splendid man, whom you will like. He is a great fisherman--comes back every season just about this time. At present there is no one else, so you will not find the woods overcrowded." Theo laughed at the bare suggestion, then yawned drowsily. "Nor will you be troubled by not sleeping to-night, eh, son? You look about ready to hit the pillow this minute." "I am," replied Theo. "I never was so sleepy in my life." "That is the Maine air." "Some of it is the effect of the corduroy road," the boy observed with a grin. "It is a beastly road, that carry," agreed Dr. Swift. "It shakes every bone in your body. When you do manage to get here, however, it certainly is worth the trip. Do you feel as if you could worry down a little dinner?" "Well, rather!" The Doctor chuckled. "So do I. It ought to be ready soon now, for it is nearly six." Just at this moment the sound of a horn was heard. Dr. Swift rose promptly. "That is dinner," he said. "I expected a bell," Theo answered, springing up. "Waiting for a Japanese gong, are you? Well, you won't hear it here." Clapping a hand affectionately on his son's shoulder the elder man led the way to the dining-cabin and pushed open the door. Upon the hearth inside another bright fire glowed, and before it stood a long roughly made table covered with immaculate enamel cloth, on which was spread a smoking meal. A man with a pair of merry brown eyes rose from his chair as the two travelers entered. "I am glad to see you, Dr. Swift," he exclaimed heartily, putting out his hand. "So you are back to the fishing grounds once more!" "I certainly am, Mr. Croyden, and thankful enough to be here. I've brought my boy, Theodore, with me this time; Theo, we call him." Mr. Croyden took the lad's hand cordially. "I'm glad to see you, youngster," he said. "If you prove half as good a fisherman as your father the two of you won't leave a trout or salmon in these waters." "But I'm not a fisherman at all," Theo confessed. "I never cast a fly in my life." "You certainly have come to the right place to learn, then. Your father has been neglecting your education, I fear. I see there is something we can teach you." "I'm afraid there are a good many things," replied Theo modestly. Mr. Croyden regarded him approvingly. "That's right, boy," he said kindly. "Never be afraid to learn. We all are still learning, at least I am; and I will wager your father is, too." "A doctor is always learning," assented Theo's father.