THE CANOE Felix had scarcely worked half an hour before Oliver returned and threw himself on the ground at full length.

He had wearied of fishing, the delicate adjustment of the tackle and the care necessary to keep the hook and line from catching in the branches had quickly proved too much for his patience.

He lay on the grass, his feet towards the stream which ran and bubbled beneath, and watched Felix chipping out the block intended to fit into the secret opening or locker.
"Is it nearly finished, then ?" he said presently.

"What a time you have been at it!" "Nearly three months." "Why did you make it so big?
It is too big." "Is it really?
Perhaps I want to put some things in it." "Oh, I see; cargo.

But where are you going to launch it ?" "Below the stones there." "Well, you won't be able to go far; there's an old fir across the river down yonder, and a hollow willow has fallen in.