“I do wish we’d spot a bear,” said Jack, with an envious sigh. “Not much chance of that,” came from Tom. “I asked Sam about that, and he said while bears were plentiful in this part of the Adirondacks, at certain seasons, this wasn’t exactly the time for them. They’re probably in their caves, or hollow logs, waiting for Candlemas Day, to come out and look for their shadows.” “Do you really believe in that superstition--that if a bear, or a ground hog, does see his shadow on that day, there’ll be six weeks more of Winter, and if he doesn’t, there won’t?” asked George. “There you go again--shooting questions at us!” laughed Tom. “No, I don’t believe it, but lots of folks do.” “Did Sam say anything about the chances for getting more deer?” Bert wanted to know. “Well, yes, he admitted there were plenty this year. But I’ve shot mine, so I’m not interested,” Tom said. “I’m counting on a bear-skin rug to put in front of my bed,” remarked Jack. “Then when I have to jump up in the cold, I can warm my feet before I start to dress.” “Nothing like comfort,” spoke Bert. “Going to have your bear’s skin tanned with the head on, Jack?” “Yes, I think I will.” “Better get your bear first,” said Tom grimly. “Well, let’s lay out plans for to-morrow’s hunt. What trail shall we take? I rather fancy, from what Sam said, that the old lumber road will be best to start on. Maybe we can make Camp No. 3 in the day’s tramp, and do some hunting along the way.” “That’s rather too much of a risk, isn’t it?” asked Jack. “We could easily make Camp No. 3 in a day’s tramp, if we started out from here early enough, and didn’t waste any time following game trails. But if we try to do any hunting, we’re likely to be delayed. Then we won’t be able to start for camp until late. We may not reach it, and not be able to get back here and then----” “Great Scott!” cried Tom. “Have you any more if and but calamities up your sleeve, old man? If you have, trot ’em out. We can make Camp No. 3 all right, and do some hunting, too. Why, it’s a good trail once we get over the mountain and strike the road to Ramsen. That’s what Sam said.” Tom spoke of going over the mountain, but what he meant was going over the ridge of the highest range which they were then among. For the mountains were all around them, differing in height and rugged appearance only. “Well, go ahead and let’s try it, then,” said Jack, with a shrug of his shoulders. “And if anything happens, don’t blame me!” “We won’t, as long as you don’t say ‘I told you so!’” exclaimed Bert. “That always makes me mad.” “All right--let it go at that,” suggested Tom. “Then we’ll take as much time as we want for hunting to-morrow, and strike for Camp No. 3 when we feel like it. We’ll take along some grub, and make coffee as usual. That sounds good.” “And I do hope I get a bear--or deer,” murmured Bert. “If I don’t I’m going to----” “Hark!” suddenly interrupted Tom. He sat up quickly, in a listening attitude on the couch.