“That’s the talk!” ejaculated Whopper.  “I have always wanted to go hunting on snowshoes, And we could build a big snowhouse, too.”

“Well, that is something to talk over another time,” put in Snap.  “Remember, just now we want to locate that mill robber if we can, and also get those bears home.”

It took quite some time to pack all of the things aboard the rowboat, and the craft was heavily loaded with the outfit and the game.

“Will it carry us, too?” questioned Shep, as he looked at the boat dubiously.

“It has got to carry us,” declared Whopper.  “But it will be rather hard rowing.”

All tried the boat and found it would carry them, although the gunwale sank low into the water.  Then they cleaned up the camp, shut up the cabin, and were all ready for the start.

“Good-by to the camp!” cried Giant, lifting his cap.

“And hurrah for the first outing of our gun club!” added Snap.  And they gave the cheers with a will.

Snap and Whopper took the oars first, and the course was out of Firefly Lake and through the narrow watercourse running into Lake Cameron.  It was a cool, clear day, with a stiff breeze stirring the bushes and trees of the forest.

“I see some turkeys!” cried Shep, while on the way.  “I must have a last shot!”

“And so must I!” came from the others.

All caught up their guns, and as the boat drifted closer to the game, each let drive.  Two of the turkeys were killed outright, while two more were badly wounded and easily secured.

“One each!” said Giant.

“Exactly,” answered Snap.  “And now we have got to stop or we’ll sink the boat sure.”

“Well, enough is enough,” said Whopper.  “I think, all told, we have had the best luck possible.”

“Even if we didn’t get a silver deer.”

“That’s so—–­I forgot about that deer.  Well, he will keep for another time, eh, fellows?”

“That’s right.”

It was shortly after noon that they turned into Lake Cameron and landed near the mouth of that body of water.  All were hungry, and partook readily of the lunch that had been brought along.

“Now, what’s the next part of the programme?” asked Giant, looking at Snap.

“I don’t think it will be advisable for us to show ourselves to the Felps crowd,” answered the leader of the gun club.

“Oh, let us do a little scout work!” said Whopper.  “We can easily hide the boat and get around to the camp on foot.”

The matter was talked over while they ate their mid-day meal, and at the conclusion of the repast they shoved the rowboat with its load into a cove and under some overhanging brushwood.  Then, taking only their guns and game-bags and some provisions, they set off for their first camping spot on foot.

“We must be on our guard,” cautioned Snap.

“I do not want any of those men to see us if it can possibly be avoided.”