afraid that we wouldn't find any smoke rising from this farmhouse over yonder. Take a peep, and tell me what you think."
Something in the voice of Frank caused the others to hurry up beside him. Here they could easily see the house, now not more than a quarter of a mile distant.
"Say," observed Lanky immediately, as a smile of appreciation covered his face, "they're busy cooking for all that's out. Must be getting up a regular old-time Christmas dinner such as you read about. Yum! yum! wasn't it an inspiration that made me suggest coming over here? A cold lunch, hey? Not any in mine, thank you, Frank."
"Hold on," returned the other, quickly; "Ralph, are your eyes any better than Lanky's When he's real hungry everything looks like grub to him. What do you say, partner?"
"Frank, there's a fire there," cried Ralph, quickly.
"Course there is. How under the sun could they get dinner without? Think every farmhouse here is up to date with the latest fireless cooker? Come off, now!" but neither of the others saw fit to argue the question.
"The house is afire!" exclaimed Frank, decisively.
"What?" roared Lanky, suddenly waking up.
"Come along, boys! Perhaps after all our being
