RAFT-B UILBING. 79 
to stretch themselves out on their blankets for even that 
short time. 
They had done little during the day except hard work, 
standing half the time up to their knees in water, while 
the mosquitoes were buzzing in swarms around their 
heads. 
Hugh had taken half a dozen trout, and Robert had 
shot a green-winged teal. 
At just half past ten o'clock Mr. Button gave the sig- 
nal for rising. They rubbed their stiff and weary limbs, 
and, one by one, scrambled, yawning, to their feet. 
'^Do up the blankets, boys. Joe, is the raft ready? 
Have you got the poles on board, and the mast rigged 
with the braces?" 
"Yis." 
"Now, Rob — that's it, take everything with you, and 
scatter the fire a little. Good-bye, Camp Prospect ! " 
They stepped on board their rough craft, and the three 
men took positions with the long push-poles Joe had 
provided. 
" Now, then ; off she goes ! " 
And off she went, away from the silent shore, toward 
the middle of the lake. 
A gentle breeze was blowing from the east. Mr. But- 
ton spread the cotton tent in such a way as to shelter the 
younger boys, and at the same time help their progress 
a little as a sail. From the time they left the shore, they 
spoke in low tones, in order not to apprise any lurking 
