CHAPTER XVIII
THE OLD HERMIT'S TALE
All of the young hunters watched the approach of the old man with interest. He was a very tall individual, with snow-white hair and a flowing beard. He was dressed in a suit of rusty black, and on his head he wore a wide-brimmed straw hat, with a big hole in the top. His canoe was of birch bark, light and strong, and he propelled it with a short, broad paddle.
"I'll wager he is a character," said Snap, as the man drew closer.
"Shall I hail him?" questioned Whopper, as it looked as if the occupant of the canoe was going to pass without speaking.
"Might as well," was the answer, and the boys set up a shout. At first the old man paid no attention, but presently he turned his craft toward shore and came to a halt directly in front of the camp.
"How are you?" said Snap, cordially. A look
