Later on, a storm having done considerable damage at the school, they were given an unexpected fall vacation, and the chums decided to spend it on Wildcat Island, situated at the foot of the lake.  There were several strange things connected with this island, such as a mysterious wild man who had been seen there; and besides, it was shunned because of the fierce bobcats that had possession.  How our boys camped on this island, and what wonderful adventures they met with there, can be learned by reading the second volume, entitled “The Outdoor Chums on the Lake; or, Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island.”

When the Easter holidays came around they had laid out another charming campaign.  This was nothing more nor less than an expedition to Oak Ridge, that lay some ten miles back from the lake, amid the Sunset Mountains.  Report had it that there was a real ghost to be seen there, and the boys were bent on discovering the truth of this weird story.  It can be easily understood that they must have had a glorious time on that trip, viewed from the standpoint of an eager, adventure-loving boy.  But the story is set down in full in the third volume, and you can read it for yourselves in “The Outdoor Chums in the Forest; or, Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge.”

No further long jaunts came the way of the quartet during the school term, up to the Christmas holidays, when they received permission to undertake a trip to the Sunny South.  Just how this came about, and what wonders they saw and experienced on a Florida river, as well as upon the great Mexican Gulf, have been told in the fourth book of the series, called “The Outdoor Chums on the Gulf; or, Rescuing the Lost Balloonists.”

And now it seemed as though, less than six months later, they were ready to embark on what promised to be the most exciting trip of all, a visit to the wilderness of the great Northwest, in search of big game.

Reaching the clubhouse, they quickly stowed their boats away.  From this time on there would probably be scant time for aquatic sports.  The tremendous undertaking they had in view would, very likely, occupy all their spare moments.

“Now let’s have that letter, Frank.  We want to con it so that every word will be photographed on our brains from this time on.  Didn’t old Jesse say that Martin Mabie was a big stockman now, and had really quit being a guide and hunter?  Then it’s mighty kind of him to undertake to convoy a raft of tenderfeet into the wilderness.  Money didn’t enter into it, that’s sure,” said Bluff.

“He mentions having had a long letter from Jesse,” remarked Frank.

“That settles it, then.  Our good old friend has been telling him everything we ever did, and got him interested.  We must make it a point to run up and see Jesse before we go, and thank him.”

“You’re right about that, Jerry,” said Frank warmly.  “I was thinking the same, myself.  But here’s the letter.  Read it for yourselves.”