306 Tue Aroostook Woops. 

squawk, and all the little friendly birds, that pick the crumbs 
we throw them, are quiet, but the wood robin, while he in 
the darkest thicket over the lower land, is ever piping forth, 
happier than all in the dark, cloudy morning. Down upon 
the tent comes now the rain drops; the squirrel is heard 
scratching down the spruce and scurrying through the leaves, 
behind the tent, and away to his nest; while we turn out, 
start up the fire, and welcome the new day, rain or shine. 
*¢ Another rainy day, Commodore.” 
‘* All right; let’s make it rather enjoyable than otherwise.” 
Breakfast over, we cut some forked stakes and_ straight 
spruce poles, get out the small shelter tent, and very quickly 
we have near the shore a workshop, kitchen, and dining hall. 
Sitting in this, looking out over the lake, a cosy little Indian 
fire in front, we prepare some large fish for smoking, by 
putting in the splits, for spreaders, and doing other small 
jobs to add to our comfort and enjoyment. The rain is just 
nothing to disturb us in the least; not at all steady nor 
threatening, it lights up frequently, and begins to look very 
promising toward noon. After dinner is over and all made 
tidy again, sitting in the dining tent, enjoying our smoke, the 
sun peeps out, the clouds roll away, and once more lake and 
hillside beams forth in broadest smiles. The lake is so 
beautiful, we are irresistibly drawn out upon it again, and 
promise ourselves a short trip before evening, on another 
exploring expedition. 
The Commodore, now sitting upon the shore, is admiring 
a pretty scene before him, ‘‘ while it lasts,” he says, for when 
the breeze increases it will all be changed to waves and 
swells. Parts of the lake are as smooth as glass; for an hour 
it has been almost wholly unruffled. Just now, ‘‘ Zephyrus” 
