“Have the last tent packed away in ten minutes.  Toby says he can drive all right, but we’ll keep near by to lend him a hand if necessary.  The road is some rough in places until we get on the pike.”

Half an hour later the wagon moved away from the camp under the hemlocks.  Uncle Toby looked back and grinned amiably as he noted his ladder of protection, and his friendly tree of refuge.

Each boy in turn started his machine by walking, then vaulted into the saddle, and began to move along the trail that led down to the lumber camps at the head of the lake.

No one said a word.  In truth all were too full of emotion to speak, for they felt this sudden flitting more than they cared to admit.

A turn of the trail and no longer could they see the twin hemlocks under which the two khaki tents had stood.  Frank had broken up many times in his camping experiences and knew just how it felt; but the sensation was new to the others.  It was as if they had just lost a dear friend—­as though something had gone out of their lives that could never be recovered again.

Now in advance of the trundling wagon, and anon bringing up the rear, they kept on until finally the opening at the lumber camp was gained.  From now on their progress would be faster, and if they wished they could leave Toby to come along with the wagon while they opened up and made a speedy run for home.

Somehow no one seemed to care about doing that.  The wagon held something that had been associated in their minds with the most delightful of times, and they felt as though they ought to continue to act as a guard of honor to the slow moving team.

“Cheer up, fellows,” called Frank, seeing how gloomy his chums looked; “every one of us has good reason for feeling proud and satisfied, even if our vacation has been cut short.  I know I’m glad I came.  I’ve had just a glorious time!”

“And to think of the fine pictures I’ll be developing to-night.  Oh! don’t I hope they turn out good, though.  Frank, you promised to come around and help me with your advice.  I wouldn’t take a chance of spoiling those views for anything,” said Will, beginning to brighten up at the thought.

“And sure, I ought to be satisfied, with a deer, four wild dogs, and part of a wildcat, too, as my portion,” exclaimed Jerry, also smiling again.

“Well, what d’ye think of me then, me and the blessed old pump-gun you used to make so much fun about?  A bear, a great big savage bear that was trying to shake me down out of that tree It’s in the wagon, too, and all our folks are going to try how sharp their teeth are when they get to biting a genuine bear steak.  I rather think I’m in this thing some, eh, fellows?” demanded Bluff, positively.

“Yes, I rather believe you lead the procession this time, Bluff.  Go up ahead, and do the grand marshal act when we get near home.  But, say what you will, boys, we did have glorious fun.  I doubt whether any fellows ever had more adventures crowded into so short a time before.  And we’re all of the same mind, I take it, ready to try it again at the very first opportunity,” said Frank.