fifth day, his young frame was already responding to the elixir
of the hills.

It was very clear that they could not take half of the stuff that
they had cached at the Schroon's mouth, so that a new adjustment
was needed and still a cache to await another trip.

That night as they sat by their sixth camp fire, Van Cortlandt
pondered over the recent days, and they seemed many since he had
left home. He felt much older and stronger. He felt not only less
strange, but positively intimate with the life, the river, the
canoe, and his comrades; and, pleased with his winnings, he laid
his hand on Skookum, slumbering near, only to arouse in response
a savage growl, as that important animal arose and moved to the
other side of the fire. Never did small dog give tall man a more
deliberate snub. "You can't do that with Skookum; you must wait
till he's ready," said Rolf.

The journey up the Hudson with its "mean" waters and its
"carries" was much as before. Then they came to the eagle's nest
and the easy waters of Jesup's River, and without important
incident they landed at the cabin. The feeling of "home again"
spread over the camp and every one was gay.



Chapter 59. Van Cortlandt's Drugs

AIN'T ye feelin' all right?" said Rolf, one bright, calomel
morning, as he saw Van Cortlandt pre- paring his daily physic.