“My daughter,” said the old farmer, presenting her to the boys. “Sarah, these young fellows just helped me put a fire out in the barn--one that crazy Jim Lemkins had started. I don’t know their names, but they are from Rudskill and are out camping.” With all the polish at his command, Harry stepped forward and introduced his chums and then himself. The young woman shook hands and then asked numerous questions about the affair. Quite a friendly conversation ensued, and then it transpired that the farmer, whose name was Brodhead, knew Jack and Andy’s father. He asked the boys how their parent was, and while he was doing this the daughter of the house began a whispered conversation with her mother. “So many girls, you know, ma,” Harry heard her say. “And they look like real nice chaps, too.” “Well, do as you see fit, Sarah,” replied the mother. “They certainly deserve any good time we can give ’em.” Then the young woman blushed and stammered, but finally invited the boys to attend the sleigh-ride party at her home, a mile up the lake shore. “There will be lots of girls to dance with,” she added, with a little laugh. “And we shall have a great number of games, too.” “You are very kind,” began Harry, and then he looked at his companions. One glance was sufficient. Every one wanted to go; and so it was settled that they would attend a regular country dance that night at eight o’clock. Ten minutes later they were on their way back to the lake shore, where they found Pickles wondering what had become of them. A dinner of meat was ready, but they kept it waiting long enough to add some roast potatoes, and when they ate the meal they topped off with the pie, which, as Boxy put it, “struck home every time.” CHAPTER XXXV. AT THE COUNTRY DANCE. For the balance of the day nothing was talked of but the party they were going to attend. Pickles had not been forgotten, and he was to join in a hoe-down in the barn, where the farm hands were going to have their jollification. Boxy and Andy spent a good bit of the time over their toilet, and it must be confessed that Jack and Harry did the same. “We are not fit for a city party, but I guess we look well enough for this country affair,” remarked Jack. “Our clothing is clean, and when we wash and comb up we’ll pass in a crowd.” It was decided not to move camp until the following day, and a rude shelter was constructed under the trees, where the traps were hidden. It was not likely that they would return to the spot until nearly sunrise. The party was expected to arrive at the farmhouse up the lake at about eight o’clock, and at half-past seven the boys set out for the place, without taking the trouble to replenish the campfire. They had been given minute directions concerning the road, and had no difficulty in reaching their destination.