“Fine!” cried Jack. “But what about bread? If there’s any here, it will be as stale as a rock.” “Sam had some in the sled. His wife baked it, I guess,” said Tom, indicating a bundle on the table. “I found some butter in a jar here.” “Then start the meal!” cried Bert. “I’m hungry.” They all were, and they did ample justice to the viands that were soon set forth. The cabin was filled with the appetizing odor of bacon and coffee, and wagging tongues were momentarily stilled, for jaws were busy chewing. Rough and ready, yet sufficiently effective, was the dish-washing, and then came a comfortable evening, sitting before the crackling blaze on the hearth, while they talked over the experiences of the closing day. They were all rather sleepy, from the cold wind they had faced on the sled ride, and soon were ready to turn in. Just before banking the fire for the night, Tom paused, and stood in a listening attitude near one of the windows. “What’s the matter?” asked Jack. “I thought I heard something,” was the reply. “He’s worried about the man whose footprints Sam saw in the snow,” said George. “Or the man with the ‘chawed’ ear,” added Bert. “No, it was the wind, I guess,” Tom spoke. “But say, fellows, what do you think Skeel is doing up here?” “Is he here?” questioned Jack. “Well, that ‘chawed’ ear makes it sound so.” They discussed the matter for some time longer and then sought the comfortable bunks. Nothing disturbed them during the night, or if there were unusual noises the boys did not hear them, for they all slept soundly. They awoke to find the sun shining gloriously, and after breakfast Tom got down his gun, an example followed by the others. “Now for a hunt!” he cried. “Some rabbit stew, or fried squirrel, wouldn’t go half bad.” “Or a bit of venison or a plump partridge,” added Jack. “On with the hunt!” CHAPTER IX AN UNEXPECTED MEETING Tom and his chums had no false notions about their hunting trip. They did not expect much in the way of big game, though they had been told that at some seasons bear and deer were plentiful. But while they had hopes that they might bag one of those large animals, they were not too sanguine. “We’ll stand better chances on deer than bears,” said Tom. “For the bears are likely to be ‘holed up’ by now, though there may be one or two stray ones out that haven’t fatted up enough to insure a comfortable sleep all Winter. Of course the deer aren’t like that. They don’t hibernate.” “What!” laughed Bert. “Say it again, and say it slow.” “Get out!” cried Tom. “You know what I mean.” “Well, we might get a brace of fat partridges, or a couple of rabbits,” Jack said. “I’ll be satisfied with them for a starter.” “Well, I know one thing I’m going to get right now!” exclaimed Bert, with a sudden motion. “Do you see anything?” demanded Jack, bringing forward his rifle. “I’m going to snapshot that view! It’s a dandy!” Bert went on, as he opened his camera.