“It was just like Ham’s meanness, and Carl Dudder’s meanness, too,” said Snap.

The new cameras and supplies had come in on Saturday night, and on Monday morning the boys received a new tent from Dr. Reed, and a tarpaulin from Mr. Dodge.  Mr. Dawson gave the boys some blankets, and Mrs. Caslette promised to supply them with a hamper of table delicacies.

“With so many good things we’ll have a better time than ever before,” said Snap.

“Nothing like winding up the summer in good shape,” answered the doctor’s son.

The chums went over their boat with care, to make certain that it did not leak, and then looked over their guns and the rest of their outfit.  On Monday evening everything was taken down to the boathouse for readiness early Tuesday morning.

“I am glad of one thing,” remarked Whopper.  “Ham Spink and his crowd are not on hand to molest our things, as they tried to do before.”

“Well, we gave ’em a warm reception when they did come to the boathouse,” answered Snap with a grin, referring to an event related in detail in “The Young Hunters of the Lake.”

For this particular outing the supplies were extra numerous, and the boys knew it was going to be no light task to transport them by boat and pack.

“We’ll have to make the best of it,” said the doctor’s son.  “When we are in the boat we’ll have to row with care, and if we can’t tote the stuff over to the mountains in one trip we’ll make two.”

It was somewhat gloomy Monday evening, and the boys were fearful that it might rain by morning.  But the clouds cleared away during the night and the sun came up in the morning as brightly as ever.  Each got an early breakfast, and by eight o’clock all were assembled at the boathouse.

“Everything all right?” asked Whopper, who was the last to arrive.

“All O.K.,” answered Snap.

Soon the supplies were stowed away with care, and then the chums entered the craft.  It was agreed that two should row at a time, and Snap and Giant took up the oars.  Several men and boys had gathered to see them start.

“Don’t forget to bring back another bear!” sang out one man.

“If you should happen to see that lion, better run for it,” cautioned another.

“We don’t expect to see the lion, and we aren’t looking for more bears,” answered Snap.  “We are going to take it easy this trip.”

“Well, I wish you luck,” said the man.  Then the boys set up a cheer from the shore, and the chums answered it.

“Say, Snap, what makes you think this is going to be a real quiet picnic?” asked Whopper on the way.  “Now, I expect to bag about fifty rabbits, a hundred partridges, some wild turkeys, a bear or two, and that lion in the bargain!”

“Wow!” gasped Giant.  “Whopper is to the front once more.  Why not make it two lions while you are at it?”

“Because there is only one, and I don’t want to be—–­er—–­piggish.”