"If you lads want a treat take one of those wooden plates over there and fill it with snow; I'll spoon some of this hot sap over it, and you will have a feast for a king." The boys needed no urging. They took the plates, hurried out, and soon returned with them; over the heap of snow the foreman poured several heaping spoonfuls of hot syrup which, to their surprise, cooled in an incredibly short time and stiffened into a sticky mass that looked like candy. "Now get one of those wooden skewers from the shelf and use it as a fork," McMasters said. The boys caught the idea at once. They gathered the candied syrup up on the end of the sticks and thrust it into their mouths. "Why, it is just like toffy!" Van exclaimed. "It is a sight fresher than anything you could buy at the store," observed the foreman. "I believe I've got to have some more, Mac," Bob said. "Somehow it melts away before you know you're eating it." He refilled his plate with fresh snow and held it out for a second helping of syrup. McMasters filled it good-naturedly. But when the plates were extended the fourth and fifth time the Scotchman demurred. "It is no stuff to make a meal of, Mr. Bob," protested he. "And at ten o'clock in the morning, too. I'll give you no more. It is too sweet. Next you know the two of you will be spending your vacation in bed and wondering what's the matter with you. Why, we'd have no sugar at all if you should stay here eating at this rate. If it's candy you're wantin', ask the cook to boil some maple-syrup until it is thick like molasses candy; then turn it out of the pan and when it is almost cool pull it until it turns white. You'll find it better than any candy you can buy. Try it." "We certainly will, Mac, and thanks for the suggestion," Bob replied. "And while you're at it you might hunt up some butternuts and stir them in; I'll recommend the result and will wager you'll think it as good as anything you ever ate."