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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol, by Alan
+Douglas, Illustrated by E. C. Caswell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol
+
+
+Author: Alan Douglas
+
+
+
+Release Date: July 24, 2011  [eBook #36838]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Emmy, and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 36838-h.htm or 36838-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/36838/36838-h/36838-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/36838/36838-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Italic text is surrounded by _underscores_ and bold text
+      is surrounded by =equal signs=.
+
+
+
+
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Primrose Edition
+
+[Illustration: THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS]
+
+A SERIES OF BOYS' BOOKS
+
+By CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS
+
+Scout Master
+
+
+I. The Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol
+
+      Their first camping experience affords the scouts
+      splendid opportunities to use their recently acquired
+      knowledge in a practical way. Elmer Chenowith, a lad
+      from the north-west woods, astonishes everyone with
+      his familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome
+      story every boy should read.
+
+
+II. Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good
+
+      This tale presents many stirring situations in which
+      some of the boys are called upon to exercise all their
+      ingenuity and unselfishness. A story filled with
+      healthful excitement.
+
+
+III. Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot
+
+      Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected
+      way, greatly to the credit of our young friends. A
+      variety of incidents follow fast, one after the other.
+
+
+IV. Fast Nine; or, a Challenge From Fairfield
+
+      They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The
+      description of the final game with the team of a rival
+      town, and the outcome thereof, form a stirring
+      narrative. One of the best baseball stories of recent
+      years.
+
+
+V. Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop
+
+      After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on
+      their greatest undertaking. Their march takes them far
+      from home, and the good-natured rivalry of the
+      different patrols furnishes many interesting and
+      amusing situations.
+
+
+VI. Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day
+
+      Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck
+      in the face of apparent failure. Our heroes show the
+      stuff they are made of and surprise their most ardent
+      admirers. One of the best stories Captain Douglas has
+      written.
+
+  _Cloth Binding_       _Cover Illustrations in Four Colors_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  147 FOURTH AVENUE (near 14th St.) NEW YORK
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+
+COMPLETE ROSTER, WHEN THE PATROLS WERE FILLED, OF
+
+THE HICKORY RIDGE TROOP OF BOY SCOUTS
+
+MR. RODERIC GARRABRANT, SCOUT MASTER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WOLF PATROL
+
+ELMER CHENOWITH, Patrol Leader, and also Assistant Scout Master
+
+  MARK CUMMINGS
+    TED (THEODORE) BURGOYNE
+      TOBY (TOBIAS) ELLSWORTH JONES
+        "LIL ARTHA" (ARTHUR) STANSBURY
+          CHATZ (CHARLES) MAXFIELD
+            PHIL (PHILIP) DALE
+              GEORGE ROBBINS
+
+
+THE BEAVER PATROL
+
+MATTY (MATTHEW) EGGLESTON, Patrol Leader
+
+  "RED" (OSCAR) HUGGINS
+    TY (TYRUS) COLLINS
+      JASPER MERRIWEATHER
+        TOM CROPSEY
+          LARRY (LAWRENCE) BILLINGS
+            HEN (HENRY) CONDIT
+              LANDY (PHILANDER) SMITH
+
+
+THE EAGLE PATROL
+
+  JACK ARMITAGE, Patrol Leader
+  NAT (NATHAN) SCOTT
+
+(OTHERS TO BE ENLISTED UNTIL THIS PATROL HAS REACHED ITS LEGITIMATE
+NUMBER)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: It proved to be interesting work.]
+
+
+The Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts
+
+[Illustration Border]
+
+Number One
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+by
+
+CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS SCOUT MASTER
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The New York Book Company
+New York
+
+Copyright, 1912, by
+The New York Book Company
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER                                                 PAGE
+     I.--IN CAMP ON THE SWEETWATER                 17
+    II.--THE SUDDEN PERIL                          26
+   III.--GINGER PLAYS WITH FIRE                    33
+    IV.--A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SUPPER            41
+     V.--WHAT WAS IT?                              49
+    VI.--THE BOY SCOUTS' WATER-BOILING TEST        57
+   VII.--THE LOST SKY TRAVELER                     65
+  VIII.--A BLAZED TRAIL                            73
+    IX.--WHAT THE LONE CABIN CONTAINED             81
+     X.--WIGWAGGING FROM THE MOUNTAIN PEAK         89
+    XI.--THE HAIRY THIEF THAT WALKED ON TWO LEGS   97
+   XII.--LAYING A GHOST                           105
+  XIII.--TAKEN BY SURPRISE                        113
+   XIV.--THE THINGS THAT MAKE BOYS MANLY          121
+    XV.--HOW THE TRAP WORKED                      129
+   XVI.--THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT   137
+
+
+
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+
+
+
+THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+IN CAMP ON THE SWEETWATER.
+
+
+A TROOP of khaki-clad boys had been marching, rather wearily perhaps,
+along a road that, judging from all indications, was not very much used
+by the natives.
+
+The afternoon was waning, so that a summer's night would soon begin to
+close in around them. Dense woods lay in all directions, the foliage of
+which had afforded very pleasant shelter from the fierce rays of the
+August sun. "Halt!" came the loud order.
+
+"Hurrah! we're going into our first camp, fellows!"
+
+"Is that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"
+
+"Pull off your lids, boys, and give a salute!"
+
+"What a dandy old place for a camp. How d'ye suppose he came to pick
+this out, Elmer?"
+
+"That's as easy to tell as falling off a log, Toby. We have to use water
+to cook with; and just notice this fine stream running past us,"
+returned the boy addressed, who seemed to be the second in command of
+the detachment of scouts. "Besides," he added, "you forget that we aimed
+to reach the Sweetwater River by evening, so that we could start up the
+current in our boats to-morrow morning. And this, I reckon, is the
+stream that we're looking for."
+
+"Hurrah again, fellows! The day's hike is done. Now for a bully rest!"
+
+"Stand at attention, all! Call the roll, secretary, to see if there are
+any stragglers!" the scout master commanded, as the small troop ranged
+up before him.
+
+This young man was Mr. Roderic Garrabrant, who had only too gladly
+assumed the rôle he occupied, being greatly interested in the boy
+problem; and possessing a few fads and fancies he wished to work out by
+actual experience. His knowledge of woodcraft was not so very extensive;
+but the moral effect of his presence was expected to exert considerable
+benefit in connection with the dozen or more members of the Hickory
+Ridge troop of Boy Scouts.
+
+The small town of Hickory Ridge lay about seven miles due south of the
+place where they had struck the winding Sweetwater; and the party had
+tramped this distance since noon. While it might not seem very far to
+those who are accustomed to long walks, there were a number among the
+scouts who had undoubtedly exceeded their record on this same afternoon.
+
+An exceedingly tall and ungainly lad, with long legs that seemed to just
+delight getting in the way at times, threatening to twist him in a knot,
+drew out a little pocket volume, and in a sing-song tone started to call
+off numerous names.
+
+Each boy answered promptly when he heard his own name mentioned; and as
+they will very likely figure largely in our story, it might be just as
+well to take note of the manner in which Arthur Stansbury called them
+off:
+
+"Members of the Wolf Patrol: Elmer Chenowith, Mark Cummings, Ted
+Burgoyne, Toby Ellsworth Jones, Arthur Stansbury, and Chatz Maxfield.
+
+"Members of the Beaver Patrol: Matty Eggleston, Oscar Huggins, Tyrus
+Collins, Jasper Merriweather, Tom Cropsey, Lawrence Billings.
+
+"Unattached, but to form Numbers One and Two of the new Eagle Patrol:
+Jack Armitage and Nathan Scott."
+
+"We seem to be just two shy," observed Mr. Garrabrant, with a twinkle in
+his eye, as he turned toward Elmer Chenowith, who had recently received
+his certificate as assistant scout master from the National Council, and
+was really qualified to take the place of the leader whenever the latter
+chanced to be absent.
+
+Elmer raised his hand promptly in salute, as he made reply:
+
+"Yes, sir; Nat Scott and Jasper Merriweather. They pegged out a mile or
+so back; and after examining their feet, and finding that they were
+really sore from walking, I gave them permission to ride on the
+commissary wagon, sir."
+
+Now, of course Mr. Garrabrant knew all this perfectly well. He had
+actually watched the pair of tenderfeet only too gladly clamber aboard
+the wagon that bore the tents, food, extra clothing, and cooking outfit
+for the camp. But thus far did military tactics rule the Boy Scouts,
+that he was supposed to know nothing about such incidents until they had
+been reported to him in the proper manner, as provided for in the
+system.
+
+"Suppose then you notify them, Mr. Bugler," said the scout master,
+turning to Mark Cummings, who, besides being the especial chum of Elmer,
+was really a fine musician, and naturally had been unanimously chosen as
+bugler for the new troop of scouts recently organized in Hickory Ridge.
+
+When the clear, penetrating notes of the bugle sounded through the
+neighboring woods, there came a faint but enthusiastic cheer from some
+point along the back trail. In addition, the waiting scouts could catch
+the plain creaking of a wagon, accompanied by encouraging words, spoken
+undeniably by a "gentleman of color."
+
+"Git up dar, youse ol' sleepy-haid, Andy Jackson! Wot youse t'ink we's
+gwine tuh do up hyah in dis neck ob de woods, hey? Git a mobe on yuh,
+Jawdge Washington! Jes' quit dat peekin' outen de tail end ob yuh eye at
+me! We ain't playin' dat ere game ob politics now; dis am real, honest,
+sure-nuff work. Altogedder now, bofe ob youse; or de waggin dun stick in
+de mud of dis crick!"
+
+Then followed a few whacks, as the energetic driver applied the goad,
+some startled snorts, in turn succeeded by another relay of faint cheers
+from the two footsore scouts aboard the wagon.
+
+And presently the lumbering vehicle, with its sweating steeds, halted
+alongside the site selected by the scout master as the spot for the
+first camp of the scouts' outing. An opening was readily found where
+Ginger, the ebony driver, might urge his reluctant team to leave the
+hard road, and enter among the trees.
+
+Immediately a scene of great bustle, and more or less confusion ensued;
+for it must be remembered that while the Hickory Ridge scouts may have
+drilled in the work of starting a camp, that was only theory, and the
+present was their first actual practice on record.
+
+The contents of the wagon were overhauled, and several tents started to
+go up on spots particularly selected by the leaders of the patrols, who
+had this duty in their sole charge.
+
+Here Elmer had a great advantage over all his fellows, since he had
+spent much of his life up in the Canadian Northwest, where his father
+had held a position as manager to extensive lands that were being farmed
+on a colossal scale, until a year or so previous, when, being left a
+snug little fortune, Mr. Chenowith had decided to return to his native
+state, to settle down for the balance of his days.
+
+Of course the boy had picked up a considerable amount of useful
+knowledge during his stay in that country of vast distances, which was
+likely to prove of use to him in his experiences as a scout.
+
+They had elected him as president of the troop, and he had readily been
+given the position of scout leader in the Wolf Patrol because of this
+wide range of knowledge pertaining to the secrets of outdoor life. It
+had also been mainly instrumental in securing for him the coveted
+certificate from Headquarters, recognizing him as a capable assistant to
+Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+Elmer could toss a rope, follow a trail, throw a "diamond hitch" in
+loading a pack horse, travel on snowshoes, recognize most wild animals
+just from their tracks, make a camp properly, and do so many other like
+tricks that made him the envy of his mates, and especially Matty
+Eggleston, who was the leader of the Beaver Patrol, and had much to
+learn concerning his duties.
+
+It was a cheerful scene, as the tents were raised, and fires began to
+crackle, one for each patrol, according to custom. Even the two limping
+scouts forgot their recent lameness, and began to sniff the air hungrily
+when Ginger started to get supper for the crowd.
+
+Ginger had qualified as an expert first-class cook, but the truth might
+as well be stated right in the beginning that the boys quickly tired of
+the greasy messes the son of Ethiopia flung together, and soon followed
+the example of the Wolf Patrol, doing their own cooking, an arrangement
+that pleased the good-natured but indolent Ginger perfectly. He was
+always on hand, however, when the time for eating came around, being
+possessed of an enormous appetite that alarmed Mr. Garrabrant more than
+a little.
+
+Night had closed in long before supper was ready, for things somehow
+worked at sixes and sevens on the occasion of the getting of the first
+meal, since many essential articles had to be hunted for, entailing a
+loss of time. But all this would be remedied as soon as they were in
+their permanent camp, for both Mr. Garrabrant and Elmer were keen on
+system and order.
+
+The boys were almost famished after that seven-mile hike, and could
+hardly wait for the signal to "fall to." But there was an abundance for
+all, and none of them was much inclined to be what Arthur Stansbury
+called "finicky" that night.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, however, while eating, looked suspiciously toward
+Ginger, and shook his head in the direction of Elmer, as if to say that
+if this mess were a fair specimen of the cook's best efforts along the
+culinary line, the sooner they started in to depend on themselves the
+better for their digestion.
+
+After the meal had been finished the boys left Ginger to clean up while
+they lay around, enjoying the sparkling blaze, something that most of
+them were not very familiar with. For the time being all formality was
+thrown aside, and they laughed and chatted, just as normal boys are
+prone to do when out upon a holiday jaunt.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant showed the two laggards how they had been unwise not
+immediately to dislodge sundry small pebbles that had found a way to get
+in their shoes, with the consequence that presently stone bruises had
+formed that became painful. He made them easy with some lotion he
+carried for just such a purpose.
+
+In this and dozens of other ways the efficient scout master expected to
+teach the boys of the troop how to take care of themselves when away
+from home. But the lads who had to be told _the same thing twice_ might
+expect to forfeit some privilege since they were expected to think for
+themselves, after being shown.
+
+There was also a second colored man along, who expected to take the team
+back on the morrow, since the scouts would have no further need of it,
+once they embarked in the boats that were to meet them here. In these
+they expected to ascend the Sweetwater to a small lake called Jupiter;
+and from thence by way of Paradise Creek find a passage to Lake Solitude
+beyond, where they meant to camp and learn the numerous "stunts" a good
+scout should know.
+
+Some of the lads had fair voices, and school songs were sung around the
+fire, Mark doing the accompanying with soft notes on his bugle. He had
+mastered this instrument, and his mates never wearied of hearing him
+play.
+
+Ted Burgoyne was afflicted with a slight lisp that gave him no end of
+trouble; though he always insisted that he spoke as correctly as any of
+his companions. Ted had a strong leaning toward the profession of a
+surgeon, and indeed was forever loudly wishing for a subject upon whom
+to operate. The boys had considerable fun over this weakness, but all
+the same they must have felt more or less confidence in his ability to
+do the right thing; for whenever any slight accident occurred it might
+be noticed that every one in camp called upon "Dr. Ted" to take hold;
+and he nearly always proved himself equal to the occasion.
+
+Charlie Maxfield, or Chatz as he was universally called, was somewhat of
+a queer chap. He believed in ghosts, and was always reading stories of
+hobgoblins and haunted houses. Of course, with such a propensity, Chatz
+could be depended on to try and frighten his chums from time to time. He
+was forever "seeing things" in the dark.
+
+The rest of the boys had plenty of fun with Chatz, which he took in good
+part; but although, as a rule, his alarms proved to be false ones
+nothing seemed to disturb his deep-rooted convictions. They even said he
+carried a rabbit's foot, for good luck, the animal having been killed by
+Chatz himself in a graveyard, and in the full of the moon.
+
+Needless to say Chatz Maxfield was a Southern-born lad, as his accent
+alone proved. He was a fine fellow, taken as a whole, outside of this
+silly belief in ghosts, which he possibly imbibed from the small darkies
+with whom he played on his father's Georgia plantation, years back.
+
+"I don't see any boats around here, fellows!" remarked Ty Collins, when
+there came a little lull in the conversation, after Mr. Garrabrant had
+been explaining some puzzling matter that one of the boys had put up to
+him.
+
+"Why, that's a fact!" exclaimed "Lil Artha," as the long-legged
+secretary, Arthur Stansbury was called by his mates--he was a devoted
+amateur photographer, and even then had been busying himself with some
+part of his equipment as he sat by the fire.
+
+Arthur was keenly desirous of learning all the various kinks that a
+first class scout must know. He was somewhat of a joker in his way, and
+at times a little addicted to the use of current slang; but a
+warm-hearted, impulsive lad all the same.
+
+"They are to be on hand in the morning, boys," remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+"And of course we shall not think of leaving here until they come. Make
+your minds easy on that score, Nat and Jasper. Your heels will have a
+chance to get well, never fear."
+
+"Where's Chatz?" asked one of the other boys, suddenly.
+
+"He asked permission to walk back a bit over our trail," observed Elmer.
+"Said he missed a buckle from his coat, which he was carrying over his
+arm when he tripped. I let him take a lantern with him to see if he
+could find it."
+
+"Lil Artha" began to laugh, and several of the other boys joined in.
+
+"Oh! my! what if he happens to run across one of those ghosts he's
+always talking about?" suggested Toby Ellsworth Jones, whose grandfather
+had been a veteran, and a soldier under the colonel who died at
+Alexandria, Va., in the Civil War; whence the name of Ellsworth--Toby
+was just wild on the subject of aeronautics; and while thus far
+everything he attempted had proven as flat a failure as the famous
+flying machine of Darius Green, still he lived in hopes of accomplishing
+something that would make the name of Jones renowned.
+
+Several of the boys struggled to their feet at this, finding themselves
+stiff in the legs after their long walk.
+
+"Look! there's a light coming just flying along the road right now!"
+cried Larry Billings.
+
+"And that must be Chatz on the full run, though he wouldn't yell out for
+anything!" exclaimed Mark.
+
+"Something must be chasing him, fellows!" declared Toby, in great
+excitement.
+
+"Perhaps it's a wildcat!" suggested Jasper Merriweather, who was a bit
+timid.
+
+"Here he comes, and he can speak for himself. What ails you, Charlie;
+what happened to start you running?" asked the scout master, as the boy
+came hurrying up, breathing hard, and showing signs of positive alarm.
+
+"Reckon I saw something, suh, that was mighty mysterious!" replied
+Chatz; at which the entire group of scouts looked at each other, and
+held their breath in awe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE SUDDEN PERIL.
+
+
+"II SEE you found your buckle, Chatz," remarked Elmer, noticing what the
+other was holding in the hand that was not occupied in grasping the
+lighted lantern.
+
+"Oh! yes, I picked that up where I tripped, and nearly fell flat,"
+replied the other, quickly. "Just as I got up off my knees I happened to
+look alongside the road, where the trees grow so thick, and I give you
+my word, fellows, I saw a moving white figure that had the most terrible
+yellow eyes ever! I know you all laugh at me whenever I say I believe in
+ghosts; but if that wasn't one I miss my guess, yes suh."
+
+"I'll dare you to go back with me till we find out," said Elmer,
+quickly.
+
+Chatz hesitated; but for all his silly notions in this one line the boy
+was far from being a coward.
+
+"All right, if you say so, I'm willing," he declared. "I'd just like to
+know what that was, anyhow, if not a specter. Come on, Elmer."
+
+"Take me along, won't you?" asked Lil Artha, gaining his feet, as he
+thrust his kodak away.
+
+"Me, too!" called out several others; while a few hung back, not caring
+to take chances of a meeting with a real ghost.
+
+"You can go along, Arthur, likewise Ted and Toby. The rest had better
+stay here with me to guard the camp, in case there happens to be a raid
+of ghosts," remarked the scout master, in a tone that put an end to all
+protestations.
+
+So the little party trotted off, followed by wishful glances from the
+balance of those who would have liked to be with them.
+
+Down the road they went, Chatz keeping in close contact with Elmer, and
+maintaining a discreet silence. Presently they arrived at the spot where
+he had found the missing buckle.
+
+"Here's where I stooped down to hunt, boys," he remarked, in a low
+voice; "and when I looked over yonder, I saw IT standing just back of
+that fringe of brush, waving its long arms at me, and staring to beat
+the band. Do you see anything there, fellows?"
+
+"Not a thing, Chatz," replied Artha, cheerfully. "To the foolish house
+for you!"
+
+"What's that?" said Toby, holding up his hand, suddenly.
+
+"Did you see anything move?" demanded the Southern lad, eagerly, as
+though he wanted to prove that his alarm had been well founded.
+
+"I thought I did," replied Toby, quivering with eagerness.
+
+"Listen, fellows," observed Elmer, with a chuckle.
+
+From somewhere back in the woods there came a weird sound, mournful
+enough to strike a chill to the heart of anyone not familiar with its
+nature.
+
+"Oh! whatever can that be?" cried Toby. "Sounded just like some poor
+feller calling for help."
+
+"Elmer, you know; tell uth, pleath!" entreated Ted, with his usual lisp,
+which even the alarm that was seizing hold of him now could not
+dissipate.
+
+"Well, I declare, I'm surprised to think that none of you fellows ever
+heard an owl hoot before!" laughed the scout leader of the Wolf Patrol.
+
+"An owl--that only a poor little dickey of an owl!" cried Toby.
+
+"Yes, it sounds just like the white owl we used to have up in Canada,"
+continued Elmer, seriously. "And ten to one now, it was what Chatz here
+saw in that brush alongside the road. Of course it had staring yellow
+eyes; and in the dim light he must have fancied he saw an arm waving at
+him. That was only a shadow, Chatz. So come along, let's get back to the
+fire."
+
+"Well, anyway, it looked mighty spooky," declared the Southern boy,
+stubbornly.
+
+And he persisted in this attitude, even when some of his companions, who
+might not have been one half so brave as Chatz, if ever put to the test,
+began to "josh" him because of his recent alarm.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, accompanied by Elmer, went the rounds to ascertain just
+how the boys had erected their tents. He found little cause for
+complaint, since the young assistant scout master had drilled the
+members of the troop in this science, and they had it down quite pat, at
+least so far as theory went.
+
+While the Boy-Scout movement of to-day has little to do with military
+tactics, still discipline is taught; and numerous things that soldiers
+employ in their daily life are practiced. One of these is setting a
+guard at night, and teaching the boys the necessity of keeping watchful
+when in the woods.
+
+Each patrol had to set a guard or sentry, and lay out a plan whereby the
+various members would take turns in standing duty during some period of
+the night.
+
+The two unattached scouts were temporarily added to the six composing
+the Wolf Patrol, so that they might come under the charge of Elmer, and
+profit from his instruction.
+
+By ten o'clock the camp had relapsed into a condition of silence. "Taps"
+had been sounded on the bugle, which meant that every light must be
+extinguished except the two fires; and each scout not on duty seek his
+blanket.
+
+Of course there was more or less whispering from time to time; and
+apparently it was a hard thing for some of the boys to settle down to
+sleep. But both Mr. Garrabrant and Elmer knew boy nature full well, and
+for this one night were disposed to overlook little infractions of the
+rules. But later on they would expect to hold the entire troop rigidly
+to discipline, when the time for skylarking had gone by.
+
+Elmer had left word with the boy from the Wolf Patrol who first went on
+duty to awaken him if anything out of the way occurred. And in turn he
+was to transmit the order to the fellow who succeeded him.
+
+When a hand gripped his arm as he lay under his blanket Elmer was
+immediately awakened; nor did he evince the slightest alarm.
+
+"What is it?" he asked, softly, not wishing to arouse the others in the
+tent, who were sound asleep, if their heavy breathing stood for
+anything.
+
+"Something moving on the river, and I thought you ought to know,"
+replied the one who had crept excitedly under the canvas.
+
+"All right, Toby, I'm coming after you. Back out!" replied Elmer, as he
+wriggled from under his comfortable blanket, and pulled on his trousers;
+for the air of an August night often feels decidedly chilly, especially
+after one has been snuggled beneath covers.
+
+He found the fires had died down, though the boys made sure that they
+did not wholly go out, since they had no great love for the darkness.
+
+"Listen! There it goes again," remarked Toby, once more clutching the
+sleeve of the scout leader in a nervous hand.
+
+Elmer chuckled.
+
+"Well, this is a funny thing," he said, as though amused. "First Chatz
+takes a poor old owl with its yellow eyes for a ghost, and now you
+imagine the dip of oars to be something as mysterious and thrilling.
+Why, don't you make out two sets plashing at different times. Those are
+the boats we expect. Perhaps the men from Rockaway down the river were
+delayed; or else they preferred to do their rowing after the sun set.
+But that's all it means, Toby."
+
+"Aw! well, I thought it my duty to let you know," observed the other.
+
+"And you did quite right, Toby. But I'd better try and get Mr.
+Garrabrant out here without awakening the lot, if it can be done," and
+saying this Elmer started toward the second tent, where the scout master
+had some four boys under his especial charge.
+
+It proved to be just as Elmer had guessed. The two men who rowed the
+boats had preferred to do their work after the heat of day had gone by.
+They would not even pass the balance of the night in camp, being anxious
+to get back to Rockaway, the town some five miles down the river.
+
+So this little excitement died away, and once more silence brooded over
+the camp on the Sweetwater. The night passed without any further alarm;
+and with the coming of morning the clear notes of the bugle sounding the
+reveille aroused the last sleepers, and caused them to crawl forth,
+rubbing their eyes and yawning.
+
+Mark's grandfather had been a famous artist, and the boy bade fair to
+some day follow in his illustrious footsteps. He was forever drawing
+exceedingly apt pictures, with pencil, a bit of chalk, a scrap of
+charcoal or anything that came handy; and as a rule these were humorous
+caricatures of his chums in many amusing attitudes. So he now busied
+himself catching the sleepy scouts in various striking postures, to the
+great delight of those who gathered around.
+
+Between Mark's readiness with the crayon and the eagerness of Lil Artha
+to use his camera, it seemed likely that little worth remembering would
+escape being handed down to illustrate the events of this, their first
+outing.
+
+"Me for a bully good swim!" exclaimed the long-legged boy, as he started
+for the nearby river.
+
+Others were quick to follow his example, for few healthy boys there are
+to whom the opportunity for splashing in the water on a summer morn does
+not appeal.
+
+"Keep on your guard, fellows!" called Mr. Garrabrant, who was busily
+employed doing something near one of the tents. "The current is swift,
+and unless I miss my guess the river is quite deep here. Elmer, you go
+along and watch out that no one comes to harm," and he turned once again
+to his task, confident that his assistant was capable of executing his
+wishes properly.
+
+Ten minutes passed away, and Mr. Garrabrant, having managed successfully
+to complete the little job he had set himself to execute, was thinking
+it time the boys who were bathing should be recalled, when he heard
+sudden cries that pierced him like an arrow.
+
+"Hey! look at Jasper, would you, how funny he acts!"
+
+"Elmer! Elmer! come here! Jasper's got a cramp! He's gone down!"
+
+Hurriedly did the alarmed scout master leap to his feet and start wildly
+in the direction of these loud outcries. No doubt in that second of
+time he saw the faces of the Merriweather boy's parents, filled with the
+agony that comes to those who have lost a son by drowning; and the
+mental picture sent Mr. Garrabrant flying over the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+GINGER PLAYS WITH FIRE.
+
+
+AT the time the loud cries had come, Elmer was just leaving the water
+himself, having had enough of a morning bath. He saw several of the boys
+running toward a point down stream, where Ty Collins and Nat Scott were
+when they shouted, and without wasting a second Elmer had sped that way.
+
+So fast did he run that he easily outstripped the rest, and reached the
+spot where Ty and Nat stood on the bank, beckoning wildly to him, while
+they stared out upon the eddying water.
+
+One look Elmer gave. It enabled him to glimpse something white emerging
+from the foamy water, and a pair of arms beat wildly in the air. Then he
+sprang in, and hand over hand made for the spot.
+
+Luckily he had arrived just below, so that the chances of his reaching
+the drowning lad were better than would have otherwise been the case if
+he had the swift current against him.
+
+Perhaps in all his life Elmer Chenowith never struck out with such
+intense eagerness, for he had seen that something serious must have
+happened to Jasper, since he was under the surface of the water most of
+the time and undoubtedly gulping in great quantities of it.
+
+Keeping his eyes fastened on the struggling figure as best he could,
+Elmer made his way furiously through the surging Sweetwater. Just at
+this place, on account of a decided drop in the bed of the river, there
+was a swift current and considerable foam around the rocks that partly
+blocked the rapids.
+
+"He's got him!" shrilled Tom Cropsey.
+
+"But look out, Elmer; don't let him get a grip on you! Size up the way
+Jasper is fighting to get hold of him! Oh! he nearly did it, then! What
+ought we to do, fellows? If he grabs Elmer they'll just both drown!"
+
+It was Red Huggins who thus gave vent to his feelings. He generally
+became so excited in an emergency that he could not collect his wits
+enough to be of any great use. And it was fortunate that all of those
+present were not built upon the same model as impulsive Red.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had snatched up a rope as he ran. Perhaps, with rare
+wisdom the long-headed scout master had even placed it there, looking to
+a possible sudden need for such a thing.
+
+He had no occasion to ask where the thrilling event was taking place.
+Every boy was staring in that one quarter, and before he even saw the
+two figures in the swirl of the yeasty river Mr. Garrabrant realized the
+condition of affairs.
+
+He found that Elmer had managed to seize the drowning boy from behind,
+always the very best method of doing in such a case. Had he been unable
+to accomplish this, and the frenzied Jasper seized upon him, doubtless
+Elmer would have broken away, even though he might have had to strike
+the other quite sharply in the face and partly stun him to do so. Better
+that, than that both should go down together.
+
+So Elmer was endeavoring to push the other in toward shore. Sometimes
+the water would go over them both with a rush, for they happened to be
+in one of the roughest parts of the river.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant sized up the situation at a single glance. Then he ran
+down the shore a dozen paces, and started to wade into the river.
+
+"Here, take hold of this end of the rope, boys!" he cried, as he came
+upon several of the scouts who were standing knee deep in the water,
+seemingly half paralyzed by the terrible nature of the scene before
+them.
+
+Mark Cummings had just arrived on the scene. He had been dressing in the
+tent at the time the alarm sounded. Regardless of the fact that he had
+on his clothes, he sprang into the water alongside the scout master.
+
+Together they buffeted the waves, and made for the approaching pair.
+Elmer saw them coming and redoubled his efforts to keep the drowning boy
+afloat, and at the same time avoid being clasped in his desperate
+embrace.
+
+Then friendly hands were laid upon them, and with three to take charge,
+Jasper was borne to the land. He had collapsed before the shore was
+reached, and the balance of the boys gathered around, staring in great
+fear at his pallid face.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant knew the theory of restoring a person who has come very
+near being drowned; but it chanced that Elmer had more than once had
+active participation in that sort of work. So he lost no time in
+stretching poor Jasper, face down, on the ground, placing his knees on
+his back, and having his arms worked regularly by some of the boys,
+while he pressed downward, again and again with considerable force, so
+as to induce artificial breathing.
+
+As Jasper was not far gone he quickly responded to this rough but
+effective treatment. He belched out a small Niagara of water, groaned,
+trembled, and finally tried to beg them to have a little mercy on him,
+saying that he was now all right, upon which the boys of course ceased
+their efforts intended to bring him to.
+
+Breakfast was slow in coming along that morning. Ginger had been
+tremendously unnerved by the exciting spectacle of the rescue of the
+drowning lad, and he continuously made all sorts of foolish blunders
+while trying to cook, so that in the end Mr. Garrabrant chased him away
+and set Elmer and Ty Collins at the job, both of whom he knew were very
+good cooks.
+
+Afterwards the tents had to come down, and the entire outfit be stored
+away in the two boats which were intended to carry them the balance of
+the way.
+
+Ginger sent the horse and wagon back in charge of the other colored man,
+and announced himself prepared to accompany the troop into the heart of
+the wilderness. He was so good-natured, and they could make use of him
+to do much of the drudgery of the camp; so Mr. Garrabrant decided to let
+Ginger go along, even though he was not to be trusted to get their meals
+any longer.
+
+The boats were stoutly built, and of a good size. Both were capable of
+being rowed by two pairs of oars: and, indeed, this was rendered quite
+necessary by the swiftness of the Sweetwater in parts.
+
+Once they reached the first little lake and the worst part of the
+struggle would be over; after that the going must prove much easier.
+
+At first the scouts considered the rowing a picnic. That lasted less
+than ten minutes. Then, as the strain of the current started to tell
+upon them, grunts began to be heard, and these were followed by heavy
+sighs and glum faces.
+
+Blisters began to appear on palms that were quite unused to labor of
+this severe kind. True, Mr. Garrabrant in one boat, and Elmer in the
+other, tried to show the greenhorns how they could save themselves much
+of this pain by proper handling of the oars; but like everything else,
+experience after all was bound to be the best guide.
+
+A number of the lads, however, were more or less familiar with rowing,
+even though there was no body of water close to the town on the railroad
+known as Hickory Ridge. Of course Elmer himself took an oar, and kept up
+his part of the drudgery from start to finish; and his chum Mark also
+did his share with credit.
+
+There were places where the river widened, and the current was less
+savage. Here those who tugged at the oars managed to rest up a bit for
+the next hard pull.
+
+So the morning passed with frequent rests, for Mr. Garrabrant knew
+better than utterly to weary his command in the beginning. They were,
+after all, out for sport; and it would have been an unwise move on his
+part to have sickened the tenderfeet scouts before they had had a fair
+chance to get hardened to it.
+
+Just before noon the boy in the bow of the leading boat gave a yell.
+
+"What is it?" asked the scout master.
+
+"I just had a squint at a body of water, sir; and I think it must have
+been a lake," replied Jack Armitage, who was in the boat with the Wolf
+Patrol, Ginger working one of the oars in the other craft.
+
+"That must be the first lake, Jupiter they call it," Mr. Garrabrant went
+on.
+
+"Hurrah! that means a rest, and lunch, fellows!" cried Lil Artha, who
+had been resting after his turn at rowing.
+
+"Don't crow too soon," barked Toby, mysteriously. "The worst is yet to
+come. Remember that these two lakes are joined by Paradise Creek. I've
+heard that stream is worse than the river here to pull against."
+
+"That's where you're mistaken, Toby," remarked Elmer. "I talked with a
+lumberman, and also a sportsman who comes up here every fall to shoot
+wild ducks on the lake they call Solitude. Both of them assured me that
+once we got to this point our troubles would be over. So cheer up, my
+hearties, the pulling will be a picnic after this."
+
+Then they passed out from the head of the romantic Sweetwater. The lake
+was a pretty little sheet of water, with shores that, as a rule, were
+wooded; though in several places it looked as though farms ran down to
+the water's edge.
+
+The boys soon clamored to get ashore and stretch their weary legs; nor
+was Mr. Garrabrant in the least averse to such a change himself. It is
+always inducive to cramp to sit in a boat several hours.
+
+Lunch was eaten under a patch of friendly trees that grew on the bank.
+Then the troop was allowed half an hour to lounge around, ere once more
+embarking for the afternoon row.
+
+Just where they had landed it was very wild. Rocks jutted up out of the
+sides of the hills, and the trees grew in every crevice where earth had
+gathered.
+
+Toby was lying on his back, looking longingly up at the bald top of a
+neighboring elevation that might almost be called a mountain.
+
+"Say," he said to Red, who happened to be sprawled out near him, "did
+you ever in all your days see such a splendid place as that for a
+starter? Just think what a jolly good thing it would be to stand there
+on the edge of that cliff and just give one big spring off, flapping
+your wings as you jumped. Wow! I can see myself sailing through space,
+and coming down as gently as a thistle ball. But how could a fellow ever
+get up there in the first place?--that's what's bothering me."
+
+"Look here, Toby, you don't really mean to say that if you had those
+silly old wings along with you, anything'd ever tempt you to take such
+chances as to jump off that high place? Why, it'd be your finish sure,
+if you ever did. You'd come down with an awful jar. And ten to one we'd
+have to gather your poor remains up with a shovel. I'm glad Mr.
+Garrabrant refused to let you fetch along all that stuff you had laid
+out to bring."
+
+"He near broke my heart when he said that, Red," sighed Toby. "But we're
+going to be up here some time, you know, and perhaps I might get a
+chance to rig up some sort of flying machine. I'll never be happy till
+I'm sailing through the clouds, and that's a fact."
+
+"Your heart, could stand it better than your blessed neck," retorted
+Red. "And that's what would have happened to you, sure, if he'd let you
+try to play your game of being aviator to the troop."
+
+"Sit still, fellows!" sang out the photographer just then; "I've got you
+in just a dandy picture, the entire bunch! There, done with a click, and
+thank you."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant sat up and looked at his watch.
+
+"About time we were moving, boys," he remarked, at which there were
+numerous uplifted eyebrows, and not a few groans, as the unfortunate
+tenderfeet looked at the red spots in the palms of their hands, unused
+to hard work.
+
+Of course, as there was little to pack, it would be a matter of only a
+few minutes ere they could be on the move again, and speeding up Jupiter
+Lake toward the link that connected with the other sheet of water.
+
+"All here?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, as a precautionary measure; since some
+of the scouts had shown a weakness for wandering whenever half a chance
+arose.
+
+Elmer had just been in the act of counting heads.
+
+"We seem to be one shy, sir," he remarked.
+
+"It's Ginger," declared one of the scouts. "I noticed him walking off
+some little time ago, sir. He told me somebody said there was gold up in
+these mountains, and the poor old silly was lookin' for signs of it, I
+guess."
+
+"Give him a call on the bugle, Mark!" said Elmer, looking annoyed; for
+it would be too bad if, after all their plans, Ginger should take it
+into his head to delay them now by getting lost.
+
+So the bugler let out a blast that could easily be heard a mile away.
+Then they one and all listened to discover if any answer came floating
+back.
+
+"I heahs yuh, suh," came the voice of Ginger from the neighboring woods.
+"I'se jes' be'n havin' heaps o' fun wid dis leetle snake hyah. Glory be,
+but he am de maddest critter yuh eber see, a shaking ob his tail; an' de
+locust asingin' in de tree."
+
+"Keep away from him, Ginger!" shouted Elmer, jumping up; "keep away from
+him, I tell you! My stars! that must be a rattlesnake he's been playing
+with!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SUPPER.
+
+
+AND a rattlesnake it proved to be, sure enough!
+
+When Elmer, followed helter-skelter by every one of the others, drew
+near the spot where Ginger stood, with a short stick in his hand, and
+now looking very much frightened after hearing what a narrow escape he
+had had, they discovered the angry poisonous reptile coiled, and buzzing
+away at a great rate.
+
+Locusts had been singing near by during the drowsy noon hour, and that
+accounted not only for the common mistake of the black man, but why none
+of the others had paid any attention to the sound. Several remembered
+having heard it, when their memory was jogged later.
+
+Elmer quickly found a longer pole with which he assailed the coiled
+terror of the rocky hills, and with a lucky stroke he finally broke its
+back. All the boys crowded around to look at the ugly thing, shuddering
+as they noted its vicious fangs.
+
+"Better look out, fellowth," warned Dr. Ted. "I've heard they often hunt
+in coupleth, tho' there may be another of the vermin near by!"
+
+But a hasty search failed to reveal a mate to the dead reptile. Mr.
+Garrabrant seized upon the occasion to read a lecture to the scouts,
+telling them to live up to their motto, "Be prepared," and always keep
+an eye out when in the woods.
+
+"That's one danger we must never forget up here," he said; "and I've got
+a little phial I want every scout to carry along with him constantly.
+To-night I'm going to explain just how to act in case any one of you
+finds himself struck by a snake, which, however, I sincerely hope will
+never happen, because they're nasty things at best, and there's always a
+chance that the remedy may not work in time to save the patient."
+
+Ginger begged for the rattle, to serve as a reminder of his narrow
+escape, and so Elmer cut it off for him.
+
+"If I had time I'd like to skin the beast," the latter remarked, "for
+he's beautifully marked, and would make a nice tie, or a pocketbook. But
+in order to make a good job I'd require an hour or more, and we don't
+want to carry the thing along with us until night."
+
+"Why do you say 'he' when you mention the rattler, Elmer?" asked Mr.
+Garrabrant, who was not above seeking new information from one who had
+been fortunate enough to experience the actual realities of wild life.
+
+"Well, you see that the skin has black diamond-shaped marks on it. If it
+had been a female these would have been more along a brownish order. At
+any rate, that's what I've been told out where I met with these things
+frequently," Elmer stated.
+
+"And I've no doubt but what you're quite right, Elmer," remarked the
+scout master. "I've noticed the same thing in connection with quite a
+number of birds, the female being coated a modest brown, whereas the
+male was a lustrous black. But we must be moving. I'm glad, Ginger, that
+it isn't necessary to practice on you for snakebite."
+
+"Yas," muttered the black man, "an' de wustest t'ing 'bout de hull
+bizness am de fack dat dey ain't eben a single drap ob snake pizen in de
+hull bilin crowd. So 'deed, I is right glad myself now dat de leetle
+critter didn't git tuh me."
+
+"And there goeth the only chance I've had this many a day to get a
+little anatomical practice," Ted was grumbling; though of course the
+boys understood that although his manner of talk might seem so
+blood-thirsty, the amateur surgeon was only joking.
+
+But Ginger, after that, often watched Ted suspiciously and refused to be
+left alone in camp with him.
+
+Ten minutes of stout rowing brought them to the mouth of Paradise Creek,
+where the waters from the other lake emptied into Jupiter. Joyfully they
+started to navigate these unknown regions. Elmer's boat was in the lead,
+though for that matter not a single one in the party had ever before
+been as far up the chains of waterways as this.
+
+When even the scout master realized that those who handled the oars were
+becoming exhausted, he called a halt and changed around, bringing fresh
+recruits forward. He himself did yeoman service pulling, and Ginger also
+made his muscles add considerable value to the progress of the second
+boat.
+
+"Dis am suah de t'ing tuh make de appatite," Ginger kept saying, as he
+tugged away, with the perspiration rolling down his black good-natured
+face. "Specks I done want dubble rations dis berry night, Cap'n. De
+laborer am worthy ob his hire, de good book say. An' dis am sartin suah
+hard wuk."
+
+As the afternoon slowly passed they realized that they must be getting
+closer and closer to the second sheet of water. Nobody was sorry. And
+when the sun hung over the elevated horizon anxious looks began to be
+cast ahead.
+
+Finally, almost without warning, the leading boat ran out of the creek,
+passing around an abrupt bend, and a shout of delight announced that the
+lake had been reached at last.
+
+It was indeed well named. Solitude seemed to hang over the whole
+picture, and if it could impress them in this way while the sun was
+still shining, what gloom must follow after the shades of night had
+fallen.
+
+"Look around on this shore for a good site for a permanent camp, Elmer,"
+remarked the scout master, pointing to the left. "I choose that because
+we will get some shelter from the wind, in case of a sudden storm.
+Across the broad lake it would be apt to hit us doubly hard. Am I
+correct, Elmer?" Mr. Garrabrant went on.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the boy, quickly, "I should have done just as you
+did, and I think I can see a good spot for our camp; anyhow it looks
+that way from here. Give way again, fellows, and I'll head the boat for
+our haven."
+
+Ten minutes later, and the two boats had been run ashore. Then an eager
+troop of aching lads tumbled out, to stretch themselves, and express
+delight over having finally reached their goal. Quite a number of them
+had really never before been away from home over night, so that it
+required more or less assumption of gayety on their part to conceal
+their real feelings. But by degrees these would grow accustomed to the
+separation, and in the end it was bound to make them more manly fellows.
+
+Once again were the tents pitched. This time more care was taken, for
+they anticipated a long stay, and ere breaking camp for the return trip
+it was not unlikely that they would be visited by one or more storms. So
+the stakes were driven well in, and each tent had a little gulley dug
+around the upper side, so as to turn water to the right and left in case
+of a flood in the shape of a down-pour.
+
+Other of the scouts started making fire-places from the numerous stones.
+They had had practice along these lines before now, closer at home, and
+the watchful eyes of the scout leaders took note of everything that was
+being done. When they saw that matters were not going just as cleverly
+as they could, a few words, perhaps a helping hand, straightened out the
+difficulty.
+
+By the time the sun passed beyond an outlying spur of the mountain
+things began to take on a pretty decent look. Several of the boys who
+were fond of fishing had been set to work digging bait, and going in the
+boats to likely spots pointed out by the experienced Elmer. Their
+excited cries presently announced that there was some prospect of the
+bill-of-fare that night having the magic name of "trout" among the tasty
+food exhibit.
+
+"And my word for it we'll need all we can get," laughed Mr. Garrabrant
+aside to his assistant, as he nodded his head to where Ginger was
+working lustily, and smacking his lips as he kept one eye on the busy
+fisherman, "because Ginger tells me he's awful fond of trout! It's going
+to keep me hustling to supply all the appetites in this Camp Content of
+ours; for they're developing most alarmingly."
+
+But really Mr. Garrabrant was joking. He had foreseen just such a
+condition as this, knowing boys as well as he did, and made sure to add
+good measure to the quantity of food first planned for.
+
+The fishermen presently brought in what catch they had made. Every one
+was both surprised and delighted to see the splendid size of the trout
+that had taken the bait.
+
+"Why, this sure is a great snap!" exclaimed Lil Artha, who had been
+looking all around for various views which he anticipated capturing on
+succeeding days. "We can have the toothsome trout whenever the spirit
+moves, and the fishermen get busy."
+
+"And they pull like a house afire, too," declared Matty Eggleston, who
+had been one of the anglers. "I've caught black bass lots of times, but
+this is my first trout experience. Yum, yum, say, don't they just smell
+fine, though? Look at Ginger walking up and down over by the shore of
+the lake! He's that near starved he just can't stay around any longer
+and sniff that delicious odor! Boys, ain't it near time to call us to
+the fray? Oh, I'm that hollow I'm afraid I'll break in two!"
+
+"Supper's ready, Mr. Garrabrant!" announced Ty Collins, who had been
+given a free hand as chief cook on this evening, while Elmer paid
+attention to various other things.
+
+"Call the boys in then, and we'll see if it tastes as good as it smells.
+Sound the assembly, Mark," called the scout master, himself not at all
+averse to the pleasant duty of satisfying the inner man's clamorings.
+
+So the bugler sent out the sweet call, and even Ginger seemed to know
+what it meant, for he came hurrying along to serve the dinner, a broad
+grin stamped on his ebony face, and his mouth stretched almost from ear
+to ear.
+
+"This is what I call solid comfort," observed Mark, as he tasted the
+crisp trout, and decided that it was finer than any fish he had ever
+eaten in all his life.
+
+A chorus of approving grunts and nods followed his assertion, for as a
+rule the scouts were too busily occupied just then to say much. Ginger
+had not been compelled to wait until they were through, under the
+existing conditions that would have been next door to a crime, because
+the poor old chap was really frantic for something to stop the awful
+craving he had. So, after helping the entire bunch he was allowed to dip
+in and sit in a retired spot, where the tremendous champing noise he
+made while "feeding" might not annoy the rest.
+
+Afterward, when everyone admitted that "enough was as good as a feast,"
+they lay around taking things easy. Ginger gathered up the cooking
+utensils, and the numerous pannikins and tin cups used by the troop. It
+was to be his duty to wash these things after each meal, and thus the
+boys were enabled to avoid one very troublesome part of camp life. And
+hence they were glad to have Ginger along.
+
+As before, arrangements were made looking to a constant detail to serve
+as sentries. There was no danger anticipated, of course, but since the
+scouts wished to learn everything that was connected with life in the
+open, they must carry out the game in all its parts. And guarding the
+camp against a possible foe was one of these things.
+
+Two were to be on duty at the same time, the entire night being suitably
+divided up into watches, as on board a ship. From ten o'clock up to five
+meant seven hour shifts, with two boys on duty at a time.
+
+Elmer and Mr. Garrabrant were exempt from this drudgery if they so
+pleased, but the chances were, both of them would obtain less sleep,
+that night at least, than any of the others. Even Ginger was given his
+"spell," though it was doubted whether he could keep awake an hour, for
+he was a very sleepy individual after he had finished his task with the
+tin pans.
+
+"To-morrow we start in with some of our tests," remarked the scout
+master, as the time drew near for the bugler to sound taps. "That's one
+thing I want to drill you boys in, while we're up here. We'll pit the
+two details against each other, and see which can set up a tent in the
+shortest order, and in the best manner. Then we'll start on the
+first-aid-to-the-injured racket, and take a step further than we've ever
+gone before. After that I'm going to get our assistant scout master to
+show us a lot of mighty interesting things about following a trail, and
+what the different tracks of such animals as may be found up here look
+like. And another day some of us will hike to the top of that mountain,
+while another detachment tries to climb the second rise, after which
+they can wigwag to each other, in Signal Corps language, and hold a long
+talk, to be verified later on in camp from the records kept. That is the
+program, boys. Now, go to your blankets and sleep over it."
+
+They were as a rule a pretty tired lot that lay down. The two sentries
+had to continue moving about to keep from going to sleep on post, which
+might be considered a serious offense, and lose them no end of good
+marks.
+
+Twice did Elmer creep out of his tent, and make the rounds in order to
+ascertain whether all were going well. The last time was along about two
+in the morning, and the first thing he heard was a whip-poor-will
+calling shrilly to its mate not far away.
+
+When he came upon Chatz, who had the outer post, he was surprised to
+find him exhibiting all the well-known signs by which he was wont to
+indicate that he had been "seeing things" again. And knowing him so
+well, Elmer hardly needed to ask what was the matter. Evidently the
+ghosts that haunted Chatz must have been paying the superstitious
+Southern boy another visit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+WHAT WAS IT?
+
+
+"IWHAT was it this time, Number Six?" asked the scout leader, as Chatz
+turned quickly toward him, showing considerable alarm.
+
+"Oh! it's gone now. It just seemed to slide away while I was looking.
+But I could hear it moving all the same; and I tell you, honest Injun,
+that it was a dreadful _squashy_ sort of sound," and Chatz shrugged his
+shoulders with what seemed to be a shudder, as he said this.
+
+Elmer hardly knew what to do or to say. Chatz was not above playing a
+joke, given the opportunity, but this was really a subject on which he
+felt very deeply, so that it was hard to believe he would be likely to
+hold it up to scorn.
+
+He seemed to be wide-awake, too, so that there was little chance of its
+being a dream. Sensible on all other subjects, the superstitious
+Southern lad had a decided weakness for spooks, and he could imagine
+uncanny objects prowling around where no one else found the slightest
+indication of such a thing.
+
+"Where was this?" Elmer asked, cautiously.
+
+"Over there, in that open spot," replied Chatz, cheerfully and without
+the least sign of hesitation. "You can just make out the deeper shadow
+of the trees back further. I was looking that way and thinking of
+something connected with my home when all of a sudden IT loomed up,
+staring at me in a frightfully ghastly way, and moving its white body
+slowly up and down, just like it was warning me of some coming danger."
+
+"Sure it wasn't that owl again, are you?" questioned Elmer, dubiously.
+
+"Couldn't have been any such thing, because," triumphantly went on
+Chatz, "you see, there ain't a single chance for it to roost on
+anything! That place is bare! I crossed it several times going for wood
+yesterday afternoon before dark set in. And then besides--"
+
+"Yes, what else was there?" Elmer asked, encouragingly, for he began to
+realize that there was at least no fake about the other's upset
+condition.
+
+"Why, it made the queerest noise you ever heard--just a squashy sound
+that I'll never be able to forget. Ugh! it was a nasty experience," and
+he rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, after the manner of one just
+awakened.
+
+Somehow this gave Elmer an idea.
+
+"Look here, Number Six, are you sure now that you weren't asleep, and
+just dreaming that something bobbed up in front of you?" he demanded,
+sternly; for in his capacity as assistant scout master he was given
+certain privileges which the rest of the boys readily recognized.
+
+"I don't think there's any reason to believe that sort of thing,"
+returned the other, steadily. "Fact is, I was never more wide-awake in
+my life."
+
+"And the thing just stood there, and waved at you, did it?" Elmer
+continued.
+
+"Oh! I know what you think about it, but when I see a thing I can't deny
+it, can I? There was something close to me a few minutes ago, something
+that must have been a spook. If I hadn't had the good sense to stick my
+hand in my pocket, and grab hold of that blessed old rabbit foot, I
+honestly believe it would have jumped me! Now laugh again if you want
+to," defiantly.
+
+But Elmer was himself a bit puzzled. Of course he could not think of
+allowing himself to dream that what Chatz had seen could be anything
+unusual. The surrounding conditions invested the most commonplace
+occurrence with a mysterious atmosphere--that was all, and had it been
+anyone but Chatz they might have found an easy explanation for the
+puzzle.
+
+"Well," the scout leader said, finally, "we'll all have to borrow that
+lucky charm then, when we go on duty, if it's going to scare the spooks
+away. But your time is up, Number Six, so you can proceed to awaken the
+scout who follows you."
+
+"I'm glad, and I'm sorry," remarked Chatz. "To tell the truth, I'd like
+to find out if that pesky thing _could_ crop up again. You see, there's
+no need of being scared about it, so long as you've got something that
+keeps you from getting hurt."
+
+Evidently the belief of the Southern lad in that magical rabbit's foot
+was firmly founded, and it would be exceedingly difficult to uproot it.
+Sneers and scorn would never accomplish that result; in fact such action
+was apt to only make him cling the more stubbornly to his fetish
+worship. Elmer believed in going about such things in another manner
+entirely. Chatz must be shown the error of his ways; and to do that most
+convincingly the real nature of the object which he believed to be a
+ghostly visitant from the other world, would have to be proven.
+
+"Wait a minute, Number Six," he said, as the other was about to head
+toward the tent where part of the Wolf Patrol slept, so he could find
+and arouse his appointed successor.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Chatz; for, while Elmer was a chum of his, there
+were times when he must recognize him only as a superior officer in the
+organization to which both belonged, and show him due respect.
+
+"Remember, not a single word to the scout who is to succeed you," Elmer
+went on.
+
+"Not a word will I breathe, sir, I promise you," replied Chatz, and
+Elmer knew that nothing would tempt him to betray his trust, for his
+sense of honor was very high, as it is with all Southern boys.
+
+"Perhaps we might get a pointer on this matter if the strange thing you
+saw appeared to another," remarked Elmer, thoughtfully.
+
+"Oh! don't I just wish it would," remarked Chatz, eagerly. "Then perhaps
+the rest of the fellows wouldn't think me cracked in my upper story. And
+Lil Artha wouldn't be so unfeeling as to say I had rats in my belfry,
+He's the one who comes on after me. Don't I just wish it would give him
+a _good_ scare, though!"
+
+"Well, go and wake him up, then. I'll let the other sentry know that
+it's time for a change," and Elmer walked away.
+
+A sudden idea had flashed up in his mind. Could it be possible that
+there was anything in this wild yarn of Chatz's? Would the second sentry
+be able to throw any light on the mystery?
+
+He found him squatting on the ground, near a tree, and saw that it was
+Jasper Merriweather, the timid boy of the troop. At first Elmer had half
+a suspicion that the other was asleep, for his head was bowed in his
+hands. At the sound of his step, however, Jasper suddenly looked up with
+a violent start, and Elmer saw that he was more or less frightened, for
+he was shivering, even though he had a blanket wrapped around his
+shoulders.
+
+"Oh! it's you, sir, is it?" he exclaimed, and there was a positive vein
+of relief in the tones of his quivering voice that Elmer could not but
+notice.
+
+"Why, who else did you think it could be, Beaver, Number Four?" asked
+the assistant scout master, quickly.
+
+"Oh! I don't know," came the rather hesitating reply. "You see I guess
+Chatz Maxfield has got me all worked up with his silly notions, because
+I'm seeing things, just like he does, right along. I'm ashamed of
+myself, that's what."
+
+"Do you mean just now you saw something?" asked Elmer.
+
+"Well," replied Jasper, rising to his feet as he spoke, with returning
+confidence, "I thought I did, for a fact; and I just hid my head to shut
+it out, but of course it was only what Mr. Garrabrant calls an optical
+illusion. There just couldn't be anything there."
+
+"Of course not," the other went on, encouragingly. "H'm, what was it, by
+the way, you _thought_ you saw, Number Four?"
+
+"That's the silly part of it, sir," Jasper answered. "It wasn't anything
+that I could recognize at all, which proves that I was only imagining
+things. Plague take Chatz and his ghosts! I never was very brave at my
+best, but thinking of him has just about queered me. I'm glad you came
+to talk to me, and show me how foolish it is to let such notions take
+root."
+
+"But, by the way, where was it you thought you saw this wonderful thing
+which you say bore no shape that you could describe?" Elmer insisted.
+
+"Oh! let me see, I was sitting just this way, and looking straight out
+yonder. It was in that open place, sir. I guess the fire must have
+flashed up suddenly, and dazzled me a bit."
+
+But Elmer noticed that the second sentry pointed in exactly the same
+quarter where Chatz insisted he had set eyes on the ghost! This would
+seem to indicate that there must be something in the story.
+
+"Was it a flaming red ghost, Number Four?" he inquired further.
+
+"Why, of course not, sir," chuckled the other. "If it had been I'd have
+thought it was only Ty Collins in that red sweater he sometimes wears.
+Oh! no, what I _thought_ I saw was a white object. It seemed to be there
+when I hid my face in my blanket, but when I looked a minute later it
+was gone."
+
+"Did you hear any sound?" Elmer demanded.
+
+"Well, yes; but after all it may have been one of the fellows snoring,"
+Jasper replied. "But at the time I thought it the queerest sort of noise
+ever. Might 'a' been a big bulldog jumping into the water. I've heard
+something like it when I pulled my foot out of a soft oozy piece of
+mud."
+
+"All right, Number Four. Your time is up, so go and gently arouse your
+successor. And please don't even whisper a word about this until I give
+you permission."
+
+"Well, I guess I won't," Jasper quickly mumbled. "Think I'm itching to
+have the laugh on me? No, siree, I'm as dumb as an oyster," and with
+that he staggered off toward one of the tents to awaken Nathan Scott.
+
+Elmer returned to his blanket, but he had something on his mind that
+kept him from enjoying any sound sleep for the remainder of that
+particular night.
+
+Those two boys had certainly seen _something_, and while, of course,
+Elmer was too sensible a fellow to allow himself to give the idea of a
+ghostly visitor the slightest credence, he found himself puzzled to
+account for it all.
+
+Because of his lying awake so long he slept later than usual in the
+morning. True, he sprang up when the notes of the bugle sounded the
+reveille, but most of the others had been abroad before him.
+
+They took a dip in the lake, though the water was so very cold that none
+of the scouts cared to remain in more than five minutes. Besides, the
+almost tragic occurrence of the previous day haunted some of them, and
+made them a bit timid about venturing into the water, though by degrees
+this fear would naturally wear off.
+
+While preparations for breakfast were being undertaken by those
+appointed for this purpose, Elmer strolled out of the camp. He wished to
+carefully examine the open patch of ground at the point where the two
+sentries had been so positive the uncanny white object had appeared to
+them.
+
+Disappointment awaited him there, however. Numerous footprints told how
+those of the scouts whose duty it was to secure a fresh supply of
+firewood that morning had passed back and forth directly across this
+open place. If there had been any suggestive tracks they were surely
+trampled out of sight by the army of boyish feet that had gone over many
+times.
+
+Elmer shook his head. He felt that he had been hoodwinked in one sense,
+but no matter, even this setback must not induce him to give up the task
+he had set for himself. He owed it to Chatz and his infirmity to
+discover a reasonable explanation of that ghost theory. And while the
+solution might be delayed by this unfortunate trampling of the ground,
+he meant to persist.
+
+"Nothing doing, I guess?" remarked a voice close by, and turning his
+head the scout leader saw Chatz himself standing there, observing him
+with a quizzical expression on his dark face.
+
+"Well, if you mean an explanation of the little affair of last night,
+Chatz, I admit that so far I'm up against it good and hard. You see, I
+hoped to find some marks here that would give me a clue, but it's all
+off. The boys ran after wood and back again so many times, that if there
+was a trail it's been squashed."
+
+"Oh! I don't think that mattered any," remarked the other, with
+conviction in his tones. "You can't very well discover what there isn't,
+can you? And I've always believed that spooks never leave a sign behind
+them when they come and go. Why, a spook is only a vapor, you know,
+Elmer. They can slip through a keyhole if necessary. And as to a trail,
+why, you might as well expect to see that cloud up yonder leave a track
+behind it."
+
+There could at least be no doubt about Chatz being in dead earnest in
+his queer belief, and as Elmer turned away he was more than ever
+determined to find the true solution of that strange happening, if only
+to drive another nail in the coffin of the Southern boy's superstition.
+
+As neither of the sentries felt at liberty to mention the occurrence
+until the assistant scout master gave permission, the balance of the
+scouts ate their breakfast, and joked each other, in blissful ignorance
+of the fact that the camp had again been visited by a hobgoblin, and
+that this time not only the superstitious Chatz but another had actually
+seen the misty intruder!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS' WATER BOILING TEST.
+
+
+MR. GARRABRANT was full of business on this fine morning.
+
+He set about a host of things immediately after breakfast, saying that
+they ought to take advantage of the opportunity to get in a good
+morning's work.
+
+Several boys were sent out on the lake to try to duplicate the good luck
+attending the fishermen of the preceding afternoon. Mark Cummings was
+encouraged to get numerous views of the camp, and whatever was going
+on--such as would afford the Hickory Ridge scouts the most pleasure in
+later days, when this series of camp fires was but a hallowed memory.
+
+With the balance of the troop the scout master proceeded to try out
+various interesting tests, to discover just how the boys stood in the
+matter of efficiency. As Elmer was such an old and experienced hand in
+most of these matters, he was of course debarred from entering the
+competitions. It would be taking too great an advantage over the
+tenderfeet scouts, who had everything to learn as yet.
+
+First of all the scout master decided to put ten boys at the
+boiling-water test. This is one of the most interesting, as well as
+amusing competitions, the scouts indulge in, and one that never fails to
+evoke much laughter among those who look on.
+
+Each boy was given a tin pail that held two quarts of water, and which
+could be carried by a bale. Besides this, he was handed just three
+matches, and put upon his honor that he did not have another of the kind
+upon his person.
+
+A spot was selected that was possibly fully eighty yards away from the
+edge of the lake, and this Mr. Garrabrant did purposely, so that if one
+of the competing scouts was so unlucky as to upset his pail of water
+during the test, he would be greatly handicapped by having to run so far
+in order to replenish the same.
+
+Lined up, they were to be given the word, when a rush would be made for
+the lake, the buckets filled at least up to a line midway that indicated
+a full quart. Then they had to hasten back to the place assigned, being
+careful not to spill a drop of the fluid on penalty of losing marks for
+having less than the quart needed.
+
+Wood had to be quickly gathered, and some sort of fire-place constructed
+where a blaze must be started without the aid of paper. Then the kettles
+were to be seated on the stones, and the first one that had water
+actually boiling, as witnessed by the scout master, would be the victor,
+and the second called "runner-up."
+
+"Ready, all!" called Mr. Garrabrant, and ten eager pair of eyes watched
+him closely; "go!"
+
+Immediately there was a race for the lake. One clumsy scout fell down
+and had to scramble to his feet to take his place at the tail end of the
+procession. Of course the long-legged Lil Artha easily outran all his
+mates. He had scooped up his water and was on the way back before the
+next best arrived.
+
+The wise ones made sure to dip up more than they really needed, so as to
+make allowances for any that might be spilled on the return flight. The
+surplus could be easily tipped out before they set the kettle on the
+fire.
+
+When the whole lot had finally reached the open spot where the
+competition was to be carried out, the picture was a lively one. Mark
+was on hand to take a few snapshots, and catch all the humor of the
+scene.
+
+Now Lil Artha had his fire going, being far in advance of the others. As
+they hustled to get things moving it was only natural that each fellow
+cast jealous glances toward those who were getting along faster. In one
+instance that caused the withdrawal of a competitor, for while paying
+more attention to what Matty Eggleston was doing than his own business,
+Larry Billings upset his kettle. After that he gave up with a grunt, for
+it was the height of folly for him to think of running to the lake for a
+fresh supply.
+
+Two others used all their three matches and failed to get a fire
+started, so they also withdrew.
+
+When Arthur Stansbury placed his kettle on his hastily constructed
+fire-place, long before the rest, it looked as though he had a
+"walkover."
+
+All at once there arose a shout of boyish glee. In starting to get to
+his feet, the long-legged one had, as frequently happened, caught his
+ankles in a hitch, and throwing out one hand to balance he upset the
+kettle, which came near putting out his fire.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant expected to see him leaping toward the far-off lake in
+the hope of being yet in the running. To his surprise, Lil Artha
+snatched up his pail and _ran away from the edge of the water_! Several
+were so astonished at this that they suspended operations for a second
+or two to stare after him.
+
+"Oh! I see what he's after, the sly fellow," laughed Elmer. "He
+remembers the little stream that runs down the side of the hill right
+there, and reaches the lake. It isn't half as far away as the edge of
+the big water. Yes, there he comes, with a grin on his face, and a full
+pail. Good boy, Number Five!"
+
+Once back at his fire, now burning briskly, the tall boy hastened to
+spill some of the contents of his kettle, and then set the latter firmly
+on the stones. Nor did he stop there. He had lost some ground, and
+several had by this time succeeded in catching up with him. So down
+Arthur lay, full on his stomach, where he could blow his fire, and get
+it to burning more savagely, after which he fed it with the best small
+pieces of splintered wood he had been able to pick up.
+
+When a certain number of minutes had elapsed he beckoned to Mr.
+Garrabrant, who, anticipating the summons, had been hovering nearby.
+Together with Elmer, the scout master hurried up.
+
+"The water is boiling all right," he announced, "and Number Five wins.
+But keep going, the balance of you, until we learn who comes in second
+and third."
+
+Matty Eggleston proved an easy second, while Ted Burgoyne edged in just
+ahead of Mark, because, as he claimed, his "blowing apparatus worked
+better."
+
+"But I think we ought to protest that win of Lil Artha," declared Chatz
+Maxfield, although he had been one of the last in the bunch.
+
+"On what grounds?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling, as though he had
+expected to hear something of the sort, though hardly from one who had
+no chance of winning.
+
+"When his kettle upset he didn't go all the way to the lake to fill it
+again, as he ought to have done," said Red Huggins, who had also the ill
+fortune to overturn his tin vessel when the water had begun to steam,
+and who naturally felt a little "sore" as he termed it, because it was
+too late for him to enter again.
+
+"Listen while I read the terms of the competition again," said Mr.
+Garrabrant. "I wrote them down so as to be prepared for any event;
+that's one of our cardinal principles, you know, boys. Here it
+especially states that 'any competitor who upsets his kettle at any time
+during the test may have the privilege of filling the same again from
+the nearest water.'"
+
+"Oh! I didn't think of it that way, sir!" exclaimed Red.
+
+"That's just it," smiled the gentleman. "You failed to grasp all there
+was in that rule, while Arthur analyzed it. He undoubtedly laid his
+plans beforehand, in which he proved himself a true scout, preparing for
+eventualities, even though he may not have expected to meet with such an
+accident. He remembered that little stream, and even the fact that there
+was a small basin scooped out where a pail could be quickly dipped in
+and filled. All the more credit to Arthur for his forethought. He doubly
+deserves the honor he has won, and I congratulate him on his victory. It
+will be an object lesson to the rest of you. In time of peace prepare
+for war. And now we will turn our attention to another test. Perhaps
+some of the rest may excel in that. I want everyone to do his very best,
+and earn marks that will help to take you out of the tenderfoot class
+and make second-class scouts."
+
+It was now the turn of Elmer to interest his camp-mates. He had been
+looking around before this, and laid his plans, so that he was able to
+lead the entire bunch to a neighboring gully, where in the soft mud
+alongside a stream he had discovered several distinctly separate sets of
+animal tracks.
+
+Here he pointed out to them the marked difference between the trail of a
+muskrat from that of a mink, and even went so far as to tell a number of
+things which the latter cautious animal had probably done in his passage
+down the ravine in search of food.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant listened carefully himself, and nodded approvingly from
+time to time, to show how much he liked Elmer's way of reasoning.
+
+"You can see, boys," he remarked finally, when the lesson was over for
+that occasion, "what a vast amount of mighty interesting information can
+be drawn from so simple a sign as the spoor of a little slender-bodied
+mink. Elmer has made a study of the animal, and knows his ways to a dot.
+I think he described all that the mink did on his way along here, just
+as it actually occurred. And the deeper one dips into such woods' lore,
+the more fascinating it is found. All around you are dozens of things
+that strike the educated eye as deeply interesting and worthy of study,
+but which would never be seen by the tenderfoot. And it is this power of
+observation that we wish our boy scouts to employ constantly. Once the
+fever takes hold, a new life opens up for the lover of Nature."
+
+After that they busied themselves around the camp doing various things
+until lunch time. About the middle of the afternoon three relays, of two
+boys each, were sent out in as many different directions. They were not
+to take paper or pencil along, but simply to try to impress various
+interesting things they happened to meet with, upon their memories, and
+after they had returned to camp they would be given a chance to note
+these down on paper. The one of each pair who could excel in his
+description as to the number and interest of the things seen, would
+receive merit marks. And later on the three victors might be pitted
+against each other again.
+
+While the six boys were absent, for they had a couple of hours in which
+to accomplish their end, those left in camp found plenty to do. Mark
+spent some time in developing the films he had exposed thus far, having
+a daylight developing bath along with him. In this way he could find a
+possible chance to duplicate any pictures that, for some unknown cause,
+failed to do justice to the subject. If he waited until they returned
+home to get to work, the chances would have gone forever.
+
+Everybody seemed happy but Ted Burgoyne, and he went about with an
+expression of gloom on his face that of course may have been assumed.
+
+"Didn't think you took it to heart so, Ted," remarked Elmer, as he
+confronted the other, while the rest of the stay-at-homes were busily
+debating some question near the camp fire.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed the scowling one, disconsolately; "it ain't about losing
+my chance in that blooming old competition, by falling all over mythelf
+in the thtart! Oh! no, that doethn't bother me one little bit, becauth
+you thee, I just knew I had no chance against thuch a hustler as Lil
+Artha."
+
+"Then your breakfast must have disagreed with you," persisted Elmer,
+"though it's the first time I ever knew you had a weak stomach, Ted."
+
+"You're away off again, partner," grumbled Ted. "Fact ith, to tell the
+honest truth now, like every good scout ought to do, you're all too
+plagued healthy a bunch to thuit me, that'th what."
+
+"What's that--healthy?" remarked Elmer, and then a faint grin began to
+creep over his face, as he caught on to the meaning of the words. "Oh! I
+see now; your heart's just set on doing good to others, ain't it? You
+dream of binding up cuts, and putting soothing liniment on bruises. And
+so far, not one of the boys has had the kindness to fall down the rocks,
+cut himself with the ax, or even get such a silly thing as a headache.
+It's a shame, that's what it is, Ted!"
+
+"Well, you can poke fun all you want," grumbled the would-be surgeon,
+with an obstinate shake of his head, "but after a fellowth gone to all
+the trouble to lay in a thtock of medicine, and studied up on cuts and
+bruises and all thuch things till he just feels bristling all over with
+valuable knowledge, it'th mean of the fellowth to take thuch good care
+of their precious fingers and toes. What d'ye suppose I'm going to do
+for a thubject, if this awful drought keepth on? Why, I don't believe
+fourteen wild boys ever kept together tho long before, without lots of
+things happening that would be just pie for a fellow of my build. Now--"
+
+But the lamentations of poor Dr. Ted were interrupted at this point, so
+Elmer never really knew just how far the matter went, or if after all it
+were a joke.
+
+Toby Jones had sprang to his feet, showing the utmost excitement, and
+dancing around as though he had suddenly sat upon a wasp's nest.
+
+"What ails the fellow?" remarked Elmer; "he seems to be pointing up at
+the top of the mountain, as if he saw something there. Well, I declare,
+if that doesn't just beat the Dutch now; and to think that it was Toby,
+the boy who is wild over aviation, who first discovered it"; and
+meanwhile Toby had found his voice to shriek: "A balloon! look at the
+balloon, would you, fellows? And she's coming right down here into my
+hungry arms! Oh! glory! such great luck!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE LOST SKY TRAVELER.
+
+
+HALF a dozen boys started to cry out at once, as they stared at the
+great bulky object that was apparently settling down, after passing
+around a spur of the mountain above.
+
+"She's coming right at us, fellows!" shouted one.
+
+"Ain't that a pilot hanging to the old basket?" demanded a second.
+
+"Nixy it ain't, Jasper. Go get your glasses, so you can see better. That
+basket is plumb empty, and that's a fact. The bally old balloon's
+deserted, boys!" Lil Artha declared, and as he was known to have
+particularly trustworthy vision, the balance of the group accepted his
+word as the right thing.
+
+Apparently the balloon had been steadily losing gas of late, for the
+enormous bag had a collapsed look. It seemed to have gotten into some
+circular current of air, once beyond the mountain, for it kept moving
+around in spirals, all the time dropping slowly but positively. So that
+unless a new breeze caught it, the chance seemed to be that it would
+actually alight on the shore of the lake, close to the camp.
+
+"Get ready to man the boats if it falls in the lake, boys!" called Mr.
+Garrabrant, who recognized the fact that such a balloon must be worth
+considerable to his little troop in the way of salvage, and was
+determined to do what he could to save it from sinking out of sight.
+
+But in the end it managed to drop on the pebbly beach. The very first to
+touch the collapsed gas bag was the exuberant Toby Jones, wild with
+delight over this remarkable happening that had come to him.
+
+"I claim it by right of discovery, and the first to lay a hand on the
+balloon!" he shouted, as he fondly ran his fingers along the strong
+material of which the air vessel was constructed.
+
+"Where on earth could it have come from?" more than one of the boys
+asked, as they surveyed the immense girth of silken cloth with wondering
+eyes.
+
+"There's a circus over at Warrendale," announced Ted. "Perhaps she broke
+away from there in a wind storm, or else bucked the aviators out. Whew!
+think of tumbling down hundreds of feet! Guess I couldn't 'a' been of
+much use around there, if that's what happened to the air navigators;
+the more the pity," and Ted actually looked discontented, as though
+another golden opportunity had slipped past him.
+
+"Sounds like a good guess, Ted," remarked Elmer; "but there happen to be
+several things to knock it silly."
+
+"As what?" demanded the boy with the long legs, who always wanted to be
+shown.
+
+"For instance, you know where Warrendale lies, off to the east from
+here," the scout leader explained, in the most accommodating way
+possible, "while this thing must have come from the west! You saw it
+sail over the mountain up there, and we've been having constant west
+winds for several days now. Isn't that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"
+
+"Every word of it, Elmer," replied the gentleman, who was never happier
+than when listening to this wide-awake scout substantiating his claim.
+
+"And besides, here's a name sewed to the balloon--_Republic_! Seems to
+me, sir, I've seen that name before. Unless I'm away off it was one of
+the big gas bags entered for that long-distance endurance race, which
+was to come off away out in St. Louis, or somewhere along the
+Mississippi River."
+
+"Oh! my, just to think of it, fellows!" gasped Toby, his face fairly
+aglow with overwhelming delight, while he continued to fondle the
+material of which the collapsible balloon was constructed, as though he
+might be almost worshiping the same.
+
+"Why, that's hundreds and hundreds of miles away!" declared another
+incredulous one.
+
+"Don't seem possible, does it, that a balloon could sail that far?" a
+third had the temerity to remark, when Toby turned upon him instantly,
+saying:
+
+"Say, you don't read the papers, do you? If you did you'd know that in a
+drifting race a balloon went all the way without touching ground from
+St. Louis up into New England, while another passed over into Canada
+away up above Quebec, and won the race. Others fell near Baltimore, and
+such places. There can't be any doubt about it, boys, this wanderer has
+drifted all the way from the old Mississippi. But whatever could have
+become of her crew?"
+
+The thought saddened them for the time being, but it was difficult for
+Toby to subdue the excitement under which he was laboring.
+
+"Oh! if I only knew how to manufacture gas so as to fill her up again,
+mebbe I wouldn't like to take a spin, and surprise the Hickory Ridge
+people, though! Think how my dad's eyes would bulge out, fellows, when I
+landed right in his dooryard, and asked how ma was? Ted, you know lots
+of things--can't you tell me how to make hot air?"
+
+Ted did not answer, only grinned and looked toward Lil Artha so very
+suggestively that the rest burst out into a howl, for the long-legged
+boy was known to be something of an orator, who could speak for half an
+hour if warmed up to his subject.
+
+"None for sale!" remarked that individual, promptly, whereat Toby
+pretended to be grievously disappointed, for he gave the tall boy a look
+of scorn, saying:
+
+"There he goes again, fellows; declining to make a martyr of himself for
+the sake of science. Why, I even heard Dr. Ted offering to sew on his
+finger again so neat that no one could tell where it had been separated,
+and would you believe it, Lil Artha was mean enough to abjectly decline?
+But I'm going to think over it, and if I can only fill this big bag with
+gas I'll leave camp on a little foraging expedition, to bring back more
+grub. For Ginger is eating us out of house and home, ain't he, Mr.
+Garrabrant?"
+
+So they laughed and joked as they continued to gather around the balloon
+that had seemingly dropped from the skies. Elmer alone was thoughtful.
+He could not but wonder what the story connected with the _Republic_
+might be. Had the brave pilot and his assistant been thrown out in some
+storm which they were endeavoring to ride out? If that proved true, then
+the history of the fallen balloon must be a tragic one.
+
+Under the direction of the scout master they dragged the tremendous bag,
+now emptied of its gaseous contents, and piled it up close to the camp.
+When the time came for the return trip possibly they might find some
+means for transporting the balloon to the home town, and when the fact
+of its discovery was published in the great New York dailies, the name
+of Hickory Ridge would become famous.
+
+This new event afforded plenty of topics for conversation. As usual the
+boys argued the matter pro and con. They even took sides, and debated
+with considerable heat the various phases of the happening.
+
+Some of them got out paper and pencil to figure just how many hours it
+might take a balloon to come all the way from St. Louis for instance,
+granting that a westerly breeze prevailed. All sorts of ideas prevailed
+as to the number of miles an hour the wind had blown, ranging from five
+to fifty.
+
+In the end, after all theories had been ventilated, the boys were no
+nearer a solution of the mystery than before, only it seemed now to be
+the consensus of opinion that the _Republic_ must have been entered in
+some race, and possibly away out on the bank of the mighty river that
+divides our republic almost in half.
+
+"About time some of our strollers turned up, I should think," remarked
+Mr. Garrabrant, as he and Elmer sat in front of the tents, listening to
+the jabbering of the disputants, though all the argument was carried on
+in good temper.
+
+"Speak of an angel, and you hear its wings," laughed the scout leader,
+as a shrill halloo came from the woods close by.
+
+Two of the boys who had gone forth to observe such things as they came
+across, presently appeared in camp. They looked tired and hungry, and
+began to sniff the appetizing odors that were beginning to permeate the
+camp, for several messes of beans were cooking, and Ginger was employed
+in preparing a heap of big onions for a grand fry that would just about
+fill the bill, most of the boys thought.
+
+But while the incidents accompanying their long walk and climb were
+still fresh in their memories they were made to sit down alone, and
+write a list of those things they could recall, and which had impressed
+them most of all.
+
+Presently two more weary pilgrims came in sight, limping along, and only
+too glad to get back safe and sound. Ted kept an eager watch and tally
+as they made their appearance. His face was seen to drop several degrees
+when, in answer to the solicitous inquiries of the scout master, they
+reported no accidents, and all sound.
+
+"There goeth another golden opportunity!" Ted exclaimed, shaking his
+head in real or assumed disgust. "I never thaw thuch ungrateful fellers
+in all my life. Why, it begins to look like _nobody_ would even get a
+finger thcratched. I expect after all I'll just have to get Tom Cropthey
+to let me pull that tooth of hith that aches like thixty. I hate to come
+down to it, but thomething's got to be done to thave the country!"
+
+"It don't hurt now, I tell you," remonstrated Tom. "You needn't go to
+coaxin' me any more, because I tell you right off that I ain't meanin'
+to have it out when it acts decent like. Wait till she gets me goin'
+again, anyhow. And that's straight off the reel, take it or leave it."
+
+The second couple were likewise settled off, each fellow by himself, and
+the balance of the troop ordered not to disturb the train of their
+thoughts until both had jotted down the smallest item that they had
+noticed. In the end the papers would be read aloud, and many interesting
+things be disclosed, showing what a fund of knowledge there lies all
+around one at any time, if only he chooses to take notice of the same.
+
+"That leaves only Red and Larry to be heard from," remarked Mr.
+Garrabrant, who believed he had great reason to congratulate himself, as
+well as his boys, on the fact that thus far so little had happened to
+cause trouble, no matter how much the ambitious, and only too willing,
+doctor-surgeon might bewail his hard luck.
+
+"They ought to be coming soon, sir, because it won't be long before
+dusk now. And I don't think either of those boys would care to be lost
+up here after nightfall," Elmer observed, listening as though he fancied
+he had caught some suggestive sound up the steep slope, that might
+betray the coming of the last pair.
+
+"I wonder did any of the others happen to see them?" said the scout
+master. "Here comes the first couple, having finished their task. This
+way, boys, please; I want to ask if either of you in the course of your
+wanderings happened to run across Oscar Huggins and Larry Billings? They
+are the only missing scouts, and as the hour is growing late, I would
+like to get a point as to where they may be."
+
+Neither of the returned ones, however, could give him the least
+information, nor was he able to succeed any better when he asked the
+other couple. Apparently the absent pair must have taken a course
+entirely different from any of their comrades.
+
+The twilight now began to gather under the shelter of the high mountain,
+and Mr. Garrabrant looked a bit worried. If the boys had been
+unfortunate enough as to lose themselves, he knew that they had taken
+plenty of matches along, and moreover they had been instructed in
+various devices whereby they might communicate with their comrades, by
+waving a burning torch, for instance, from some high elevation, certain
+movements standing for letters in the Morse code, as used by the Signal
+Corps of the army.
+
+"I think I hear voices up yonder, sir," remarked Elmer, coming up behind
+the scout master, who was watching the finishing preparations for supper
+that were going on at the several fires.
+
+"Yes, I thought so myself, and what you say, Elmer, makes me more
+positive," Mr. Garrabrant observed, a smile taking the place of the
+grave look on his handsome face. "Yes, there they come yonder, looking
+as tired as the others. And it may be that I deceive myself, but it
+strikes me both lads seem to be greatly excited over something or other.
+I sincerely hope nothing has happened to injure them. I notice no limp
+in their gait, and each seems to have the full use of both arms. What
+can have happened to them now?"
+
+"At any rate we'll soon know, sir, for here they are," said Elmer,
+encouragingly, as Red and Larry limped up to the camp, and with sundry
+grunts sank upon a log as if to signify how utterly exhausted they might
+be.
+
+"But tired or not, sir, we're just ready to go out again with you, after
+we've had some supper," declared Red, to the utter wonderment of the
+clustering scouts.
+
+"Then I was right in my surmise, and you _have_ run across something out
+of the common, boys?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir," Red promptly replied, "we certainly have; and many times we
+felt mad to think we came away to get help instead of staying there, and
+trying ourselves to investigate, so as to find out what the groans meant
+we heard coming from that lonely hut!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A BLAZED TRAIL.
+
+
+THERE was a chorus of exclamations from the gathered scouts, when they
+heard Red express himself in this startling way. Eyes grew round with
+wonder, and more than one lad almost held his breath, as he waited to
+catch further particulars of the strange happening that had befallen
+their two chums during their tramp.
+
+"Where was this at, Oscar?" asked the scout master, quickly, alive to
+the importance of ascertaining all there was to be made known.
+
+"I think it must have been all of a mile and a half from here, sir,"
+returned Red, who seldom heard his real name mentioned save in school or
+at home.
+
+"And the way is mighty rough, too, sir," Larry put in, rubbing his chin
+as if it might pain him somewhat, which action caused Ted to grin, and
+nod his head.
+
+"Thee you later, Larry," he muttered. "I bet you now, I don't let thith
+chance get away from me. That boy'th badly hurt, and just won't
+acknowledge it, but wait till Dr. Ted geth hold of him, that'th what."
+
+"Do you think you can lead us back there, in case we make up our minds
+to go to-night after supper?" Mr. Garrabrant continued.
+
+"Easy, sir," came the answer, in confident tones. "You see, we made it a
+point to mark the trail as we came along, by cutting the trunks of
+trees, and breaking branches so as to catch the eye. Elmer was telling
+us lately how he did once when lost in the timber in Canada, the 'bush'
+he called it, and we remembered."
+
+"That's just fine, Oscar," commented the scout master, as though pleased
+at so great a show of forethought in two of his charges. "It shows what
+this business is already doing for all of you--teaching you to use your
+heads at any and all times. That was well done, and I imagine we'll have
+little or no difficulty in tracing your progress back, even if you are
+too tired to accompany us, for we will have Elmer along."
+
+"Oh! but I'm bound to go, if I have to drag my game leg behind me,"
+asserted Red. "You see, both of us feel sore over coming away without
+trying longer to find out what it was groaning so in that cabin, and we
+want to make good."
+
+"Does it hurt you _very_ much, Red?" asked the solicitous Ted, coming up
+with a face that seemed marked with feeling.
+
+"Sure it does, Ted," replied the other, promptly, "and I'm going to ask
+you to rub some liniment on right away. Reckon I just sprained it a
+little, slipping down the side of the mountain."
+
+"Good for you, Red!" ejaculated the pleased amateur surgeon, as he
+clasped the other by the arm. "Come right along with me, and I'll fix
+you up in a jiffy. Only too glad to be of thervice. And Red, you're the
+only gentleman--" he suddenly paused, gave one smiling look around at
+the frowning faces of his mates, and then completed his sentence: "who
+hath applied to me for treatment. I'll never forget this kindneth,
+never!"
+
+"Hold on!" remarked the scout master. "We must know a little more about
+this matter before you drag your patient away; though of course we
+expect him to survive the treatment. Tell us about the lone cabin,
+Oscar. How did you happen on it?"
+
+"We had turned," Red started to say, "and were heading toward home, when
+all of a sudden I thought I heard a plain human groan. Larry said he had
+caught some sort of sound, too. So we began to advance in that
+direction, going slow-like, because you see we didn't know what sort of
+trickery we might be up against. Then we caught sight of a cabin that
+was half hidden among the trees and bushes."
+
+"Ugh!" Larry broke in with, "it just gave us both the creeps, sir, to
+see how awful lonely the old place looked, run down and neglected like.
+If Chatz had been along, he'd sure have believed his pet ghost lived
+there."
+
+"But surely two sensible chaps like you and Oscar wouldn't think of such
+a thing as that?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Oh! no, sir," replied Red, after shooting a swift look toward his
+comrade in misery. "But you see, the groans kept on acomin' out of that
+window, and we could hear voices too. We didn't hardly now what to do,
+go on and knock at the door, or hurry back here to report. Larry, he
+gave me a cold chill, I admit sir, when he just accidentally said that
+it might be a ease of smallpox in that hut--you know there were some
+cases this last spring to the north of the Ridge."
+
+"And after talking it over, you decided that the wisest thing to be done
+was to make your way to camp, and throw the responsibility on my
+shoulders?" said the scout master. "Well, perhaps it was far better you
+did this than take chances. I have no doubt but what you might have
+adopted a different course if you had not had help near by."
+
+"Yes, sir, that's just what I said to Larry--that you'd know best what
+ought to be done; but that if we were all alone in the region, we'd
+just have to go up to the door and knock."
+
+"And so you set out to reach camp as fast as you could?" continued Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"That's what we did sir, and in such a hurry that several times we
+slipped and barked our shins, while I got a jar when I tumbled."
+
+"Oh! I'll fix that all right, in three thhakes of a lam'th tail, if
+you'll only come over to my tent," said Ted, tugging at the arm of each
+returned wanderer.
+
+And unable to resist his urgent plea, they allowed him to lead them
+away. Later on when they once more appeared, as supper was announced by
+the assembly call, the pair of wounded scouts admitted that Dr. Ted had
+indeed done wonders, inasmuch that their pains had miraculously
+vanished, and they felt able to undertake the rough journey again--after
+they had broken their fast.
+
+There was much speculation during the meal as to whom Mr. Garrabrant
+would select to accompany him on his trip. Of course Elmer was a
+foregone conclusion, as his natural ability along the line of following
+a blazed trail might come in pat.
+
+But the scout master settled all doubts by announcing toward the close
+of the meal that he wished Red, Elmer, Arthur, Dr. Ted (in case his
+services were needed), Jack Armitage and Ty Collins to accompany him.
+
+No one murmured, for they knew it would do no good. Larry started to ask
+why he had been left out; but Mr. Garrabrant had noted his pallor, and
+understood that he did not possess the sturdy physique his comrade of
+the tramp boasted, and on that account had better remain in camp.
+
+Another thing some of the observing lads noticed, and this was the fact
+that as a rule those selected, outside of Dr. Ted, were the strongest
+in the troop. Perhaps, then, Mr. Garrabrant might anticipate trouble of
+some sort, and wished to have a healthy band of scouts at his back,
+especially since none of them carried arms of any kind--though the scout
+master really did have a revolver secreted in his bag, which, unseen by
+any of the boys, he now made sure to hide on his person.
+
+There could be no telling what they might find themselves up against.
+Rumor had it that certain hard characters at one time made their
+headquarters somewhere up in the woods around the lakes, and who could
+say that the lone cabin might not prove to be a nest of yeggmen or
+hoboes?
+
+"How does your thprain feel; think you can thtand it?" asked Ted of Red,
+as they got up from around the fire and prepared to sally forth on their
+mission of mercy.
+
+"If you hadn't reminded me of it just then, I'd sure never have thought
+I had a game leg," remarked the other. "You're all to the good when it
+comes to doctoring a fellow, Ted; if only you wouldn't talk so much
+about sawing off legs and all such awful things."
+
+"Well, I'll be along in ease you feel it again, and I'll make thure to
+carry a tin of that magic liniment," remarked the ambitious surgeon, as
+he reentered the tent, to make up a little package of things he thought
+might come in handy in case they found some one sick in the hut.
+
+Meanwhile, acting on the suggestion of Elmer, the other boys selected
+such stout canes and cudgels as lay around camp.
+
+"Be prepared!" grinned Lil Artha, as he swung a particularly dangerous
+looking club around his head until it fairly whistled through the air.
+"That's the motto of the Boy Scouts, and I reckon it applies in a case
+of this kind, just as much as when stopping a runaway horse. I'm
+prepared to give a good account of myself, that's dead certain."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had fetched out a couple of lanterns, making sure that
+the oil receptacles were well filled, so that they would last through
+the journey, going and returning.
+
+"Now we're off, boys," he remarked, with a pleasant smile. "The rest of
+you stay here and look close after the camp. I've appointed Mark
+Cummings to serve in my place while I'm gone, and shall expect every
+scout to pay him just as much respect as though I were present. Lead
+off, Oscar, we're with you."
+
+Red took up his place at the head of the little bunch. He carried one of
+the lanterns with which he cast sufficient light ahead to see where he
+was going.
+
+"First to take you to the seven sentry chestnuts," he said. "We named
+'em that, of course, when we came on 'em. The blazed trail commences
+right there, sir. We didn't think it worth while to do any more slicing
+of bark after that, because we knew we could easy enough find our way
+back to that place."
+
+And he did lead the party to the seven chestnuts, with only one or two
+periods of hesitation, during which he had to puzzle things out.
+
+"There's the first blaze on that oak yonder," he remarked, pointing as
+he spoke. "We tried to make the marks close enough so as to show by
+lantern light, because we both had an idea you'd want to come on before
+morning, sir."
+
+Elmer was at the side of the leader by this time, prepared to lend his
+experience in case the other ran up against a snag. He took especial
+note of the general direction in which the numerous blazes seemed to
+run. And when presently Red confessed that he was "stumped" if he could
+see where the next mark ought to be, Elmer had them hold up while he
+walked forward in the quarter where, on general principles, he imagined
+the blaze should be. And in another minute his soft "cooee" told his
+comrades that he had, sure enough, found the missing mark.
+
+Many times did Red have to fall back on Elmer to help him out. His
+blazes had apparently been further apart than he had realized at the
+time he made them. But the boy who had lived in Canada, and experienced
+all sorts of frontier life, knew just how to go about making the needed
+discovery; and in every instance success rewarded his efforts.
+
+"We're getting close to the place now," Red finally announced, as he
+limped along, refusing to allow Ted the privilege of rubbing his
+strained leg again, because he did not want to waste the time.
+
+"Then you recognize some of the landmarks?" suggested Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir, I do that," came the confident reply. "In another five
+minutes I think we'll be able to see something of that queer cabin that
+is half hidden in the dense undergrowth."
+
+"Perhaps less than five minutes," remarked Elmer, quietly. "Look yonder,
+sir, and you'll just catch a glimpse of what seems to be a tiny speck of
+light. I think that must spring from the window of the hut Red speaks
+of."
+
+"You are right again, Elmer, as always," replied the scout master,
+drawing in a long breath. "Now, forward, slowly, boys. Let no one
+stumble, if it can possibly be avoided; for we do not know what we may
+be up against. But if there is anyone suffering in that cabin, it is our
+duty to investigate, no matter what the danger. Elmer, lead the way with
+me, please."
+
+Cautiously they crept forward, foot by foot. Doubtless many a heart beat
+faster than ordinary, because there was a certain air of mystery
+hovering over the whole affair, and they could imagine a dozen separate
+strange sights that might meet their vision once they peeped into the
+little window of that isolated cabin.
+
+But no one would ever confess that such a thing as fear tugged at the
+strings of his heart. Already the discipline they had been under since
+joining the scout movement was bearing fruit; timidity was put aside
+with a stern hand, and keeping in a bunch they advanced until presently
+those in the lead were able to rise up from hands and knees, glueing
+their eager eyes upon the little opening through which came the light
+that had guided them to the spot.
+
+And right then and there they heard a groan, so full of suffering and
+misery that it went straight to the heart of every boy who had been
+drafted by the scout master to accompany him on this strange night
+errand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+WHAT THE LONE CABIN CONTAINED.
+
+
+WHEN Elmer Chenowith looked through that opening, what he saw was so
+entirely different from what he had anticipated discovering that he
+could hardly believe his eyes at first.
+
+With all the fancy of a boy, who gives free rein to his imagination,
+doubtless he had fully expected to discover several gruff-looking hoboes
+gathered there, perhaps engaged in torturing one of their kind, or some
+wretched party who had fallen into their power.
+
+Nothing of the sort. The very first object Elmer saw was a small boy,
+dressed in ragged clothes, and who was trying to blow a dying fire into
+life again.
+
+This did not look very alarming; and so Elmer cast his eyes further
+afield, with the result that presently another moving object riveted his
+attention. Why, surely that must be a girl, for her long hair seemed to
+indicate as much! What was she bending over? Was that a rude cot?
+
+Then the strange truth burst upon Elmer like a cannon shot. The
+groans--they must indicate that a sick person lay there, and these two
+small children (for the boy could not be over six, while the girl might
+be eight) were trying to carry out the combined duties of nurse, doctor
+and cook!
+
+"Oh!"
+
+It was Red himself who gave utterance to this low exclamation. He was
+peering in at the opening over the shoulder of Mr. Garrabrant, and what
+he saw was so vastly different from his expectations that he received a
+severe "jolt," as he himself afterwards expressed it.
+
+Perhaps the sound, low as it was, reached the ears of the little girl
+guardian of the sick bed. They saw her give a jump, and immediately a
+pair of startled blue eyes were staring in the direction of the opening.
+
+"Come!" said Mr. Garrabrant to his boys, "there is no need of any more
+secrecy. I think we are needed here, and badly, too."
+
+He led the way around the corner of the lone lodge, with the scouts
+tagging at his heels, only too willing to follow. Reaching the door of
+the cabin they were about to enter, when Mr. Garrabrant uttered an
+exclamation of alarm.
+
+"Get on to the girl, would you?" gasped Lil Artha; and there was no need
+of his attempting to explain, since his chums could see for themselves.
+
+Small though she was, the girl had snatched up a long-barreled gun, and
+was now actually menacing the intruders. Her white face had a desperate
+look upon it, as though at some time in the past the child had been
+warned that there were bad men to be met with in those woods. As for the
+little chap, he had hold of the hatchet with which at the time he must
+have been cutting kindling wood; for he clutched it in his puny hand,
+and looked like a dwarfed wildcat at bay.
+
+Elmer, as long as he lived, would never forget that picture. And as for
+the other boys, not one of them could so much as utter a single word.
+
+"Hold on, my child!" cried Mr. Garrabrant, raising his hands to show
+that they did not hold any sort of weapon; "we are friends, and would be
+only too glad to be of help to you. One of us is something of a doctor,
+if it happens that anyone is sick here. Please let us come in."
+
+Perhaps it was the kindly look of the handsome young scout master--then
+again his voice may have influenced the frightened girl; or the fact
+that those in the open doorway were mostly boys might have had
+considerable to do with it. Then again that magical word "doctor" must
+have thrilled her through and through.
+
+The gun fell to the floor, and the relieved girl burst into a flood of
+tears.
+
+"It's dad!" she cried, moving a hand toward the rude cot behind her; and
+as the eyes of the boys flitted thither again, they saw a bearded and
+very sick looking man trying to raise himself up on his elbow.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant immediately went toward him, uttering reassuring words,
+that no doubt did much to relieve the alarm of the occupant of the rude
+bed. Wisely had the long-headed scout master caused one of the boys to
+carry some food along, not knowing what necessity might arise. He saw
+that hunger was holding sway in this lone cabin as well as sickness. And
+while Red started the fire to going, Ty Collins proceeded to unwrap the
+package of meat and bread, as well as the coffee and tea he had "toted"
+all the way from camp.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant with a few questions learned the simple story. The man
+was a charcoal burner in the summer season, while he pursued the arduous
+labor of a lumberman in the winter. A few months before his wife had
+suddenly died, leaving him with these two small but very independent
+children.
+
+Abe Morris, his name was, while the boy carried that of Felix; and
+whenever the cabin dweller spoke of the girl it was always as "Little
+Lou." He had hated to leave the retired home where he had spent so many
+pleasant years, and near which his wife was buried. And so he had
+managed to get along, with the girl cooking his meals and playing the
+part of housekeeper wonderfully well; while even Felix could do his
+stunt of gathering firewood and looking after a few simple traps in
+which he caught muskrats.
+
+When the boys heard that this small edition of a lad had been able to
+actually outwit the shrewd animals of the marsh, they looked at each
+other in dismay, as though wondering whether he might not have a better
+right to the title of scout that any among them.
+
+Things had gone fairly well with the widower until a week back, when an
+accident had brought him almost to death's door. Managing to drag
+himself home, he had swooned from loss of blood. Since that time he had
+suffered tortures, more of the mind than of the body, since he dreaded
+the thought of what would become of his children should death claim him.
+
+They had done wonderfully well. When Dr. Ted got busy, he praised the
+simple but clever work of that eight-year-old girl, in binding up such a
+severe wound. Perhaps Little Lou may have learned how to do this from
+the mother who was gone, or it might be it came just natural to her.
+When children live away from the world, and are forced to depend upon
+themselves for everything, it is amazing how they can do things that
+would puzzle those twice their age, when pampered in comfortable homes.
+Necessity forces them to reach out and attempt things, just as she
+teaches the child to use its limbs, and utter sounds.
+
+Once they realized that these were kind friends who had come so
+opportunely to their rescue, Felix and Little Lou found their voices,
+and proved that they could talk, as Lil Artha put it, "a blue streak."
+
+And when they sat down to a supper such as they had not tasted for many
+a day, both of the children of the charcoal burner were comparatively
+happy. As for the man himself, he wrung the hands of Mr. Garrabrant and
+each of the Boy Scouts as they took their leave, calling down blessings
+on their heads for what they had done.
+
+"We're going to see you through, Abe," the scout master had said
+positively. "We intend being up here ten days or so, and during that
+time I fully expect our Dr. Ted will be able to have you hobbling around
+again. Then you've got to come down to Hickory Ridge when we send a
+vehicle of some sort up here for you. This is no place for a man to
+think of bringing up two such fine youngsters as you possess. They must
+have a chance to go to school, and I promise you all the work you want,
+so that you can live in or near town. It may have been different so long
+as your good wife was with you, but now it would be next door to a crime
+to think of staying here, even for the balance of the summer. You will
+come, won't you?"
+
+"Sure I will, Mr. Garrabrant!" exclaimed the rough man; who, however,
+used better language than might have been expected. "And it's the
+luckiest day of my whole life when those two lads discovered my shack
+here. Heaven only knows what would have become of us only for that."
+
+They left the queer home in the wilderness with Felix and Little Lou
+waving their hands vigorously after them, standing in the doorway, and
+plainly seen against the firelight behind.
+
+And there was not one among those boys but who felt a warm sensation in
+the region of his heart, such as always comes when a kind deed has been
+performed.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had been greatly affected by the incident; nor did he
+hesitate to express himself warmly on the journey back to the camp,
+which by the way Elmer managed to accomplish without even one error of
+judgment, much to the admiration of his chums, who watched his actions
+eagerly, desirous of picking up points calculated to enhance their
+reputation as scouts.
+
+"Boys, you may have made other tramps, going skating, hunting, playing
+baseball, and the like; but take my word for it, you never acquitted
+yourselves better than on this night. I'm proud of every one of you, and
+I thank you in the name of poor Abe Morris. And if there happens to be
+anyone here who has been wearing his badge upside down through the day,
+because he failed to find a chance to do anybody a good turn, I hereby
+give him full permission to set it right."
+
+"Hurrah! that touches me, sir!" exclaimed Jack Armitage. "I've been
+wondering all along just how in the wide world I was going to find a
+chance to do my little kind deed stunt. There ain't any old ladies to
+help across the street up here; and dooryards to clear up of trash are
+as scarce as hens' teeth. But you've eased my mind a heap, Mr.
+Garrabrant. Perhaps you'll let me do some of the running over to Abe's
+cabin each day, to carry him supplies. That sturdy little chap just took
+my eye, and when I get back home I'm going to get father to give Abe a
+job in his flooring mill."
+
+"That's nice of you, Jack," replied the pleased scout master. "And it
+does your heart credit. Between us all, it will be very strange if we
+can't fix up that little family, and bring some happiness to their bleak
+home. Think of those two brave kiddies keeping house for their father
+amid such desolate surroundings. No wonder they made me think of a pair
+of wildcats ready to defend their den as we bustled in. They seldom see
+a living soul but their father, now that the mother has been laid away.
+But we must be nearly back at camp, I should judge, Elmer? At any rate,
+I admit that I'm beginning to feel leg weary, not being used to this
+work of tramping over the side of a rough mountain."
+
+"But just think of Red, here, thir," broke in Dr. Ted, who had a helping
+arm around the lame member of the expedition. "He thure detherves a
+medal for what he's done. Tramping all thith distance with that thore
+ankle ith--well, I wath going to thay heroic, but I guess he wouldn't
+like that. Anyhow, I think pretty much all the credit ought to go to
+Red."
+
+"Now, just you hold your horses there!" declared the party in question,
+trying to repress a groan, as he had a rude twinge of pain shoot up his
+left leg. "I owe all this to myself, and more, because I made the
+mistake of running off without finding out what that groan meant. I've
+wanted to kick myself ever since. It ain't often I play the part of a
+sneak, and it makes me sore. So whenever my leg hurts I just grin and
+say to myself: 'Serves you right, you coward, for running away, instead
+of investigating, like a true scout should have done!'"
+
+"You are too severe on yourself, Oscar," remarked Mr. Garrabrant,
+soothingly; for he knew the impulsive and warm-hearted nature of the boy
+who was taking himself so much to task. "When your companion suggested
+that perhaps there was a case of smallpox in that hut, it was your duty
+to come to me and report, rather than take the awful responsibility on
+your young shoulders. And I mean to see to it that you get many good
+marks for what you have done this night--not you alone, but every boy
+who accompanied me on this errand of mercy."
+
+"There's the camp fire, sir!" exclaimed Elmer, at this moment.
+
+"I bet you Redth glad to see it, poor old chap!" remarked Dr. Ted.
+
+"Shucks! I reckon I could have stood it a little while longer!" declared
+the limping one; but when he presently reached the home camp, and sank
+down on a blanket, the pain he had been silently enduring all the return
+trip was too much for him, and Red actually fainted.
+
+Of course he was quickly brought to, and Dr. Ted looked to the injured
+limb.
+
+"You'll have to lie around pretty much all the balance of the time we're
+run up in thith neck of the woodth, old fellow," was his announcement;
+which dictum made Red do what the pain had failed to accomplish, groan
+dismally.
+
+Of course those who had been left behind were fairly clamorous to know
+what had happened. So sitting there by the crackling fire, with all
+those bright and eager faces surrounding him, the scout master, assisted
+at times by Elmer, Ted or Lil Artha, described their long jaunt over the
+grim mountainside, the finding of the lone cabin, just as Red and Larry
+had said, and what wonderful discovery they had made upon peering in
+through the open window.
+
+And every boy felt that a golden opportunity had come to their
+organization that night to live up to the high ideals the Boy Scout
+movement stands for.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WIGWAGGING FROM THE MOUNTAIN PEAK.
+
+
+"IANOTHER fine day for a few more tests, and such things, fellows!" sang
+out Chatz Maxfield, on the following morning, after they had finished
+breakfast.
+
+The night had actually passed without any sign of alarm. Although Chatz
+had fully anticipated a return of his stalking ghost, while he stood out
+his turn as a sentry, he had met with disappointment, for nothing
+happened. Still, he did not wholly give up hope of meeting up with the
+"misty white object" again. The jeers of his mates had begun to take
+effect, and Chatz really wanted to have the thing settled, one way or
+the other, as soon as possible. Either there were such things as ghosts,
+or there were not. And he wished to be convinced, declaring that he was
+open to conviction, if only they could prove to the contrary.
+
+"Yes," remarked Mark Cummings, who was near by, with others of the
+scouts; "and I guess Mr. Garrabrant has laid out a bully and strenuous
+old day for the lot of us, barring Red and Ginger, who are to keep camp.
+He speaks of sending one bunch to the top of Mount Pisgah, as this peak
+is called, while another tries to climb Mount Horab yonder. They ought
+to get up there about noon, and for two hours wigwag to each other,
+sending and receiving messages that are to be kept in books provided for
+the purpose. Then, at night, when we all meet again around the camp
+fire, we'll have heaps of fun, seeing just how stupid we've been in our
+Signal Corps work."
+
+"Don't you forget, Mark," said Red, who was lounging on a log close by,
+"that you promised to let me try a few prints from those negatives you
+developed and fixed. I'm a pretty good hand at that work, so they tell
+me at home, and I'd like to see how we all look up here in camp."
+
+"All right, Red," replied Mark, cheerfully. "You shall do the job, and
+welcome. I've seen some of your work, and it's sure the best ever. I'll
+fix up a place in the tent here, where you can hobble if you want to,
+after you've done your printing and want to fix the pictures."
+
+"But you want to go easy on that leg, remember," warned Dr. Ted, shaking
+a finger at his patient, just as he had seen the old family doctor do
+many a time.
+
+"You and Jack are bound over the side of the mountain to visit the Abe
+Morris family, I heard?" remarked Chatz, speaking to Ted.
+
+"Yeth, it is a professional visit on my part," replied the other,
+pretending to look very dignified. "But Mr. Garrabrant hath promithed
+that everyone of you shall have a turn to accompany me day by day, tho
+ath to make the acquaintance of those two brave kiddies, as he calls
+them, Felix and Little Lou."
+
+"I'm right glad to hear that, suh," remarked Chatz; "from what you all
+tell me, I'm quite anxious to meet up with that boy and girl. And if
+Jack falls through with his plan of getting Abe employment in his
+father's mill, I think I know just where he would fit into a good
+position."
+
+The two companies left camp about eight o'clock. Dr. Ted and Jack
+Armitage waved them good-by, for they too were getting ready to start on
+their errand to the lone cabin in the woods.
+
+Elmer headed one group of scouts, while Mr. Garrabrant had charge of the
+other. They carried plenty of lunch along, though it was expected that
+they would surely be back before evening had set in.
+
+The scout master was not at all positive about his thorough knowledge of
+woodcraft; for as yet it was almost wholly theoretical rather than
+practical with him.
+
+"I am not above getting lost, in spite of my book knowledge," he had
+laughed, as he selected what boys were to accompany him; "and that is
+why I take Matty Eggleston, Mark Cummings, and Arthur Stansbury among my
+followers; because next to Elmer, they are known to possess practical
+ideas concerning this traveling in unknown timber. So good-by, lads;
+we'll look to have a good talk with you across the valley."
+
+So day after day he expected to put the scouts "through their paces," as
+Lil Artha called it. To-day it was to be the great hike to the tops of
+the mountains, and the wigwagging contest between the two factions.
+To-morrow he meant to have Elmer give further lessons along the line of
+following a trail, showing just how an experienced woodsman can tell
+from many sources how long ago the party had passed; the number of which
+it consisted; whether they were men, women or children; white or
+Indians; and even describing some of the marked peculiarities of the
+members comprising it.
+
+Then later on they would have swimming contests; first aid to the
+injured lessons; resuscitating a person who has come near being drowned;
+cooking rivalry; athletics; and many other things connected with the
+open life.
+
+It proved a long and arduous tramp for Elmer and his companions. He had
+had the privilege of choosing which mountain he would attempt to scale,
+and just like an ambitious boy, had selected the one he felt sure would
+be the more difficult.
+
+Those who followed his lead had many times to beg of him to halt and
+take a little breathing spell, for the way was very rough and much
+climbing of rocks had to be done in order to mount upward.
+
+"Wow! are we ever going to get up there?" grunted Toby, who had just
+hated to come on this expedition at all, when he would much rather have
+liked hanging around camp, and examining the deflated balloon; no doubt
+dreaming dreams of the time when he hoped to have the chance to soar
+away among the clouds in one of those gas bags.
+
+"Seems like that mountain top is just nigh as far away from us as ever,"
+complained Larry Billings, who was puffing at a great rate, as he seemed
+to be rather short winded, and had to be taken to task several times for
+his faulty manner of walking.
+
+"Oh! no, you're greatly mistaken there," laughed Elmer. "Distances are
+deceptive in the mountains, to anyone not used to measuring them with
+the eye. Just wait a little, and all at once you're going to realize
+that we're getting up handsomely. Look across the valley, and see how
+high we are right now! That proves it, Larry."
+
+"Hey! what's that moving, away up on that other hill, Elmer?" cried
+Jasper Merriweather, the novice and real tenderfoot of the crowd; who,
+under the careful supervision of the scout leader of the Wolf Patrol,
+was actually doing himself proud, and gaining new confidence in his
+abilities with each passing hour.
+
+Elmer followed the line of his outstretched finger.
+
+"You deserve considerable praise, Jasper, for making that discovery," he
+declared, presently. "I can see what you mean now; though when I looked
+across before I didn't happen to notice. Yes, that's our other squad,
+climbing up just like we are, and not making any better job of it
+either, I think."
+
+"Ho! they ain't near as far up, for a fact," said Nat Scott, with
+pardonable pride, since he had developed into a pretty good climber.
+
+"Well, that mountain is not so tall as ours; but then it may be even
+rougher, for all we know," observed Elmer. "I picked out this one
+because it was so high, and I always want to tackle the hardest job, if
+I've got any choice. It makes you feel all the better if you win out.
+But come on, fellows, let's pitch in. Given one more good hour's work,
+and I think we ought to be pretty near the crown."
+
+"I hope so!" sighed poor Larry, who was puffing still, and rubbing his
+leg where he had hurt it a little on the previous day; though it was
+nothing so bad as Red's injury, aggravated as it had been by his
+stubborn determination to return to the lone hut and accompany the
+relief party.
+
+Once more they struggled upward. Sometimes they found the going so very
+difficult that they were obliged to give each other a helping hand.
+
+Of course the view grew finer the higher they went.
+
+"Say, Elmer," remarked Toby, as they halted later on to get their
+breath; "d'ye suppose now we'll be able to glimpse dear old Hickory
+Ridge when we get up to the top of this mole hill?"
+
+"Sure we will," replied the leader, cheerily. "And that alone ought to
+pay us for all our trouble. We've only been away a couple of days or so,
+but I reckon it seems an age to a lot of us, since we saw the home
+folks."
+
+There was an ominous silence after that remark. Doubtless every scout
+was allowing his thoughts to roam tenderly back to that beloved home
+which he knew sheltered those who were so dear to his heart. And
+possibly, unseen by his fellows, a tear may even have rolled unbidden
+down more than one cheek. For they were but boys, after all, and same of
+them had never even been so far away from the home nest before.
+
+Elmer proved to be a true prophet, for ere the full hour was up even the
+doubting Larry was obliged to confess that they had gained a point not
+far from the summit.
+
+This seemed to inspire the laggards to renewed efforts, so that
+presently, with loud cries of delight and admiration, the whole bunch
+struggled to the apex and had the view of their lives around them.
+
+"Ain't this just too grand for anything?" gasped Larry, as he squatted
+down on a stone and tried to pick out the distant village on the ridge
+where home lay.
+
+The others were doing the same; and all manner of exclamations followed,
+as this one or that discovered familiar landmarks, by means of which
+their untrained eyes could find the one particular spot about which
+their thoughts clustered just then.
+
+It was not far from noon, and when Elmer declared that they had well
+earned the right to eat the hearty luncheon carried along, he was
+greeted with cries of joy: for it was a jolly hungry batch of scouts
+that gathered on that mountain top.
+
+While they ate they discovered that their mates had also managed to
+reach their goal. But no communication was attempted until they had
+thoroughly rested.
+
+Then Mr. Garrabrant started operations himself, after which he probably
+handed the flags over to the scout who was to make the first test of his
+knowledge along the line of wigwagging a message, and receiving a reply.
+
+It proved to be interesting work, and all the boys with Elmer declared
+that it held a peculiar fascination and charm about it. Of course, in
+war times, such business must carry along with it more or less danger.
+They could easily picture how an operator must take great risks first of
+all to mount to some exposed position, where his flag could readily be
+seen, and then keep up a constant signaling with another flagman far
+away, while the enemy would doubtless be making every effort to break up
+the serious communications that might spell disaster for their cause.
+
+"Anyhow, it won't take us near so long to go down the mountain as it did
+to climb up here," remarked Larry, with satisfaction in his voice.
+
+"All the same," remarked Elmer, "every fellow has got to be mighty
+careful just how he goes. No rushing things, you understand. It's easier
+to take a tumble going down than coming up. And we want no more cripples
+on this trip."
+
+About three o'clock they started to descend from the peak. Every boy had
+to just tear himself away, after one last look at the distant ridge that
+lay bathed in the warm sunshine. And no one had a word to say for quite
+a time.
+
+The descent was made in safety, though several times one of the boys
+would slip on a piece of loose shale; and once Larry might have had a
+severe fall only that Elmer, happening to be close beside him at the
+time, shot out a hand and clutched him as he was plunging headlong,
+after catching his heel in a root.
+
+They all breathed a sigh of relief when the bottom of the mountain was
+reached. After that the going was much easier, and they soon drew near
+the camp.
+
+"Wonder if the other fellows made as quick a getdown as we did?"
+remarked Toby, who was hobbling along, footsore, and with his muscles
+paining from the many severe strains they had been compelled to endure
+during the day; but only too glad to realize that he would soon arrive
+where he could once more be in touch with that wonderful sky traveler
+that had so fortunately dropped into their hands.
+
+"I think it will be pretty near a tie," laughed Elmer; "for just a bit
+ago I had a glimpse of them, where the timber opened up, and I judged
+that they were as close to home and supper as we are. Put your best leg
+forward, boys, and don't let on that any of you are near tuckered out.
+Where's your pride, Larry? Brace up, and look as if you felt as fresh as
+a daisy!"
+
+Larry tried to obey; but it was hard to smile when he felt as though he
+had been "drawn through a straw," as he declared.
+
+"Listen!" cried Elmer, five minutes later, throwing up his hand for
+silence.
+
+"It's Ginger, and he's yelling to beat the band!" exclaimed Toby.
+
+"Oh! I wonder what's happened!" gasped Jasper.
+
+"Run for all you're worth, fellows!" said Elmer, starting off himself at
+full speed.
+
+Quickly they broke cover, and neared the camp, to see the other party
+close by, also on the run. Ginger was dancing up and down, still
+whooping things up, while Red stood just outside of a tent looking
+startled and puzzled.
+
+"What's that Ginger's yelling?" called Toby, and it thrilled them as
+they heard.
+
+"'Twar de debble dat time nigh got me! He's gwine tuh grab us all away
+in de chariot ob fire! I'se a gone coon, I is! Runnin' ain't no use;"
+and Ginger threw himself on his knees with clasped hands and rolling
+eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE HAIRY THIEF THAT WALKED ON TWO LEGS.
+
+
+NO wonder the returned scouts stared, hardly daring to believe their
+eyes and ears. Some of them of course thought Ginger might have gone out
+of his head. Only on the preceding night had Elmer been telling them
+what queer antics animals out on the plains go through with, when they
+have been eating the loco weed.
+
+There were a few who seemed to have a hazy suspicion that possibly Red
+might be concerned in this strange fright on the part of poor Ginger.
+True, the boy with the lame leg had apparently just dragged himself out
+of the tent, and the look on his face under that fiery shock of hair
+would indicate astonishment as genuine as their own; but then, how were
+they to know but what this had been assumed?
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, however, made direct for the moaning and wabbling negro,
+who had fallen on his knees, and with clasped hands was bowing back and
+forth in an agony of fear.
+
+"Here, what's the matter with you, Ginger?" he demanded, catching hold
+of the other, and while Ginger gave a little screech at first, upon
+turning his rolling eyes upward he appeared to recognize the genial face
+of the young scout master.
+
+"Oh! Mistah Grabant, am dat youse?" he cried, seizing hold of the
+other's arm. "I'se mighty glad tuh see yuh, suh, 'deed an' I is. Am it
+gone foh suah?"
+
+"What gone?" demanded Mr. Garrabrant, sternly. "See here, Ginger, have
+you kept a black bottle hidden away all this time while we have been in
+camp?" For he had a sudden inspiration that possibly Ginger might be
+addicted to the failing that besets so many of his color.
+
+"'Deed an' 'deed an' I ain't touched a single drap, suh," declared the
+demoralized one; "'clar tuh goodness if I has. It war dar, jes' ober
+yander, whar de box ob crackers am alyin' right now. An' he scolded me,
+suh, foh interferin' wid de liberties he am takin' wid dem provisions,
+dat he did! Ugh! tuh t'ink dat I'd lib tuh set eyes on de Ole Nick!"
+
+"But what makes you think it was Satan? Perhaps it was only some
+wandering hobo who thought he saw a good chance to steal something to
+eat?" and the scout master sought to hold Ginger's roving eyes fastened
+upon his own orbs, so as to rivet his attention, and secure a coherent
+answer to his question.
+
+"Sho! dat was no human animal, suh!" exclaimed Ginger, earnestly. "He
+done hab a cover ob red hair, an' de wickedest grin on his face yuh
+ebber see. Reckon I knows de debble w'en I sees him."
+
+"Well, from what you say, Ginger, this queer visitor seems to have had a
+very human weakness for crackers," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling.
+"Was he carrying that package of biscuit when you saw him first?"
+
+"Yas, suh, dat an' two more ob dem same. He drap it 'case he couldn't
+hold de lot, an' walk away too. Yuh see, suh, I war cleaning some fish
+dat de boys dey fotched in las' ebenin', an' which we nebber use foh
+breakfast dis mornin'. Den I tink I hyah some queer noise in de camp,
+an' I starts up dis a ways. 'Twar den dat de hairy ole critter steps
+outen de store tent, and jabbers at me. I was skeered nigh 'bout stiff,
+suh, 'clar tuh goodness I was."
+
+"Still, you shouted, for we heard you, Ginger!" said Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Reckons I did do sumpin' dat way, boss," admitted the negro, a faint
+grin striving to make its appearance on his ebony face. "Dat was jes'
+when de Ole Harry, he was asteppin' into de bushes, acarryin' two ob de
+boxes ob crackers in his arms."
+
+"Do you mean to say he walked erect, on two legs?" asked the scout
+master.
+
+"Shore he did, suh, right along, ahuggin' de grub wid one arm, an'
+shakin' his fist at me wid de udder."
+
+"Now you talk as though it _must_ have been a man--perhaps a wild man
+who may have been living in these woods for years?" suggested Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+But Ginger shook his head in an obstinate fashion, saying:
+
+"I knows right well dat he wa'n't dat, suh; I'se dead suah 'bout it!"
+
+"But why do you say that; what proof have you it was not some sort of
+man, Ginger?"
+
+"_'Case he done hab a tail, suh!_" cried the other, triumphantly.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and gave Elmer, who was close at his elbow all
+the while, a knowing wink.
+
+"Well," he remarked, "that tail business would seem to settle one thing,
+Ginger. Unless this turns out to be the long-sought Missing Link, our
+visitor could hardly have been a human being. He was evidently an animal
+of _some_ sort. Get that idea of the Old Nick out of your head. Listen
+to me, Ginger, and try to remember; did he say anything to you?"
+
+"Yas, sah, he did, lots!" answered the black man, eagerly.
+
+"Suppose you tell us what it was, then?" suggested the scout master,
+quickly.
+
+"Dar's wha' yuh got me, Mistah Grabant," replied the other,
+reluctantly. "Yuh see, suh, I nebber did git much schoolin' down in
+Virginny, whah I was bawn an' brought up. Nebber did go to college an'
+larn de dead langwidges."
+
+"Oh! then this creature talked to you in Greek, or possibly Hebrew, did
+he? In other words, he chattered in an unknown tongue! Well, how about
+you, Oscar; did you happen to catch a glimpse of Ginger's uninvited
+guest?" and Mr. Garrabrant turned suddenly on Red, as though wishing to
+make positive that this were not a clever trick he might have been
+playing on the terrified black man.
+
+"No, sir," came the ready response. "I was busy inside when I heard
+Ginger give that war whoop! I thought he might have burned himself at
+the fire, and I hurt my game pin like fun when I tried to run out. All I
+saw was the coon down on his marrowbones asinging that same tune about
+the 'debble.' That's all I know, sir, give you my word for it."
+
+"All right, I believe you, Oscar," continued the scout master, plainly
+disturbed by this new mystery that had descended upon the camp, yet
+pretending to make light of it because he did not wish to alarm the boys
+under his charge. "And now, Ginger, can you point out to me just the
+spot where your strange friend vanished?"
+
+"'Deed an' 'deed he ain't no friend ob mine, suh, gibes yuh my word foh
+dat," replied the other, solemnly. "Right ober yandah, suh, whah dem
+bushes hangs low. An' I declars tuh Moses, suh, I don't know right now
+whedder de ugly ole sinner he jes' step intuh de bushes, or go up in a
+cloud ob fire like de prophet ob old."
+
+Several of the more impulsive scouts started to hurry in that direction.
+
+"Stop, boys!" called the scout master instantly. "Come back here,
+please. Once before you succeeded in trampling all sign out, so that
+Elmer was unable to pick up any clue. Now, I want just Elmer and Mark to
+go over there, to investigate. After that has been done they will report
+to me. And now, let's settle down in camp, for I know you are all tired.
+Supper is the next thing on the program."
+
+Elmer, accompanied by his nearest chum, immediately walked carefully
+over in the direction of the spot which Ginger had indicated. They bent
+low, and seemed to be deeply interested in certain tracks they had
+found.
+
+Of course the boys shot many curious glances that way, but they knew
+better than to disobey the positive orders given by their chief.
+Discipline is one of the first things taught among the Boy Scouts.
+
+About this time Dr. Ted and Jack Armitage got back from a day at the
+cabin. They had much to tell about what they had occupied themselves in
+doing all the time, preparing things so that in a few days the family
+could be moved, for Mr. Garrabrant had fully decided to take the sick
+man and his "kiddies" down in one of the boats to Rockaway, where they
+could be looked after until the expedition returned.
+
+It was getting dusk before Elmer and his chum joined the others. They
+did not give out any information, and to the inquiries of their curious
+mates returned only vague smiles and nods.
+
+Supper was eaten with more or less clatter of tongues. There were so
+many interesting subjects claiming their attention that the boys hardly
+knew which to discuss first.
+
+When, however, the meal was about done, Mr. Garrabrant asked Elmer to
+step aside with him for a short time.
+
+"Here, let us sit down on this convenient log, Elmer," remarked the
+scout master. "And please tell me what you found."
+
+"We had no difficulty in discovering the tracks, sir," replied the boy,
+whose experience on a Canadian prairie farm and ranch made him a
+valuable addition to the ranks of the Boy Scouts at such a time.
+
+"Was it a man or an animal?" asked the gentleman, as though eager to
+have that mooted point settled immediately.
+
+"Oh! an animal, sir, there can be no doubt of that," replied Elmer,
+smiling. "But those tracks puzzle me the worst kind. I know what the
+trail of a panther looks like, also that of a fox, a wolf, a bear, a
+deer, a coyote, a wildcat--but this was entirely different from any of
+these. It resembled the footprint of a human being--a child--more than
+anything I ever saw."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and nodded his head.
+
+"I've got an idea," he said, "but go on, and tell me what else you
+learned. Then I'll put you wise to what I suspect."
+
+"Well," the boy continued, "the queer thing about it is that Ginger was
+quite right when he said the thing walked on two legs. I could only find
+the marks of that many. Now, I've seen a bear do that stunt, and
+educated dogs, but no other animal outside of a circus."
+
+"How about a monkey?" asked the scout master, quietly.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Garrabrant, how could such an animal get up here? Monkeys live
+in tropical countries only. But I can see that you've got an idea.
+Please let me hear it."
+
+"Listen then, Elmer," the other went on, seriously. "Now, I happen to
+know that just a month ago a certain gentleman named Colonel Hitchens,
+living on a country place he calls Caldwell, just a mile outside the
+town of Rockaway, lost a pet monkey that had been taught to do a lot of
+funny antics. The gentleman was an old traveler, and had brought the
+animal himself from some foreign land. I remember his telling me how he
+caught him, by filling some cocoanut shells with strong drink, and
+getting the animal stupid."
+
+"Oh! that must be it, then!" exclaimed Elmer, laughing, while the look
+of bewilderment left his face. "No wonder the tracks were a riddle to
+me. I've never as yet had the pleasure of hunting monkeys, or Barbary
+apes, or gorillas. Yes, sir, the more I think of it, the more I believe
+that you've hit the truth. It must have been a monkey, hungry for some
+of the things he had been used to when held a prisoner at Colonel
+Hitchens'."
+
+"I saw the beast perform once," Mr. Garrabrant went on, "and he was
+really a marvel. He was a big chap, too, hairy and ugly. When he
+chattered and scowled he certainly was enough to give one a shiver. No
+wonder then that he frightened poor Ginger almost into convulsions. No
+wonder our factotum believed he had seen the Old Nick. But what had he
+better do about it, Elmer?"
+
+"That's just what I wanted to speak with you about, sir," the boy
+remarked, with considerable eagerness. "Now the chances are that, having
+once made a raid on our store tent, this monkey will come again another
+time, perhaps even to-night."
+
+"That sounds reasonable," replied the scout master, nodding his head.
+"By the way, I just happened to remember the monkey's name. It fitted
+him pretty well, too, as you'll admit when you see him. Diablo it was."
+
+"Just think of it, sir, just the name Ginger gave him, too. But Mark and
+I have decided to set a trap to catch him. We'll fix it so that if the
+monkey tries to enter the store tent again he'll set off a trigger, and
+some queer results will follow. For one thing he'll find himself caught
+up in the loop of a rope, and held, kicking, off the ground until we
+can come to corral him. Then, if it happens to be in the night, the
+falling of the trigger will set a flashlight going, and Mark's camera,
+placed for the occasion, will take a picture of the trespasser."
+
+"That sounds fine, Elmer," laughed the scout master. "Now, I leave the
+matter in your hands entirely. Do what you think best, and I wish you
+success."
+
+"How about telling the boys, sir?" asked Elmer.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant thought it over a moment.
+
+"Perhaps you'd better take the whole bunch into your confidence," he
+said, presently. "They are deeply interested, you know, and if kept in
+ignorance possibly some one might stumble across your plans, and upset
+every calculation."
+
+And so, when Elmer returned to the fire, he had the entire bunch
+listening, their eyes round with wonder, as they learned what had been
+discovered, and also of the bright plans their chums had arranged
+looking to the capture of Diablo.
+
+Only Ginger was evidently disturbed. He scratched his head as he
+listened, as if he could hardly believe what he saw had been of this
+earth, and the idea of Elmer being so rash as to want to try and make a
+prisoner of the Evil One gave the ignorant negro a cold shiver.
+Doubtless he would make sure to find a snug place to sleep that night,
+where nothing could get at him. His mind was still filled with foolish
+notions concerning that "chariot of fire" in which he might be carried
+out of this world into the Great Unknown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+LAYING A GHOST.
+
+
+"IWELL, Elmer," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, the next morning, as he came
+out of his tent and met the young scout leader face to face, "I must
+have slept unusually sound last night, for the alarm failed to awaken
+me!"
+
+"There was no alarm, sir," smiled Elmer.
+
+"Meaning that we did not have the pleasure of a second visit from
+Diablo, the educated monkey, is that it?" asked the scout master,
+pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, sir," the boy went on, "Diablo must have secured enough rations in
+his first raid to last him for twenty-four hours. But Mark and myself do
+not think of giving our job up yet awhile. We expect to catch a likeness
+of our hairy visitor, even if the trap fails to work, and hold him a
+prisoner. I suppose Colonel Hitchens would be very glad to have the
+beast back, if it turns out that this is Diablo?"
+
+"I'm sure of it, and as he is a wealthy man, no doubt he would willingly
+pay a round sum to those who would return his pet," Mr. Garrabrant
+declared.
+
+"Oh! we were not thinking of that, sir, I give you my word," declared
+Elmer; "but possibly, if we did happen to succeed, the gentleman might
+be willing to do something for poor Abe in return for our restoring his
+pet."
+
+The scout master looked keenly at Elmer, and then thrust out his hand
+impulsively.
+
+"That was well said, my boy," he remarked, with a little quiver in his
+voice. "I am proud to know that you feel that way toward the
+unfortunate. And I give you my word, if you are so fortunate as to
+capture Diablo, I'll convince Colonel Hitchens that it is his _duty_ to
+do a lot for Abe and his little flock. That boy is made of the right
+stuff, I'm sure, and ought to have the advantages of an education. I'm
+going to see that he has his chance."
+
+"Yes, sir, just to think of a kid not over six years old being able to
+set a muskrat trap, and actually take skins. Why, I know a lot about the
+little varmints, and I give you my word, sir, they're pretty sharp. It
+takes a bright boy to outwit an old seasoned muskrat. He showed me quite
+a lot of skins he had cured, of course under his father's directions."
+
+"And then that girl, Little Lou--think of her doing all the cooking for
+the family ever since her mother was taken away?" continued the
+gentleman. "She's a darling, if I ever saw one. I grew quite fond of
+her, and mean to see more of them all. But I ought to be laying out the
+program for to-day's work."
+
+"What are we to try to-day, sir?" asked Elmer, who, as second in
+command, had privileges in talking with the scout master that none of
+the other lads dared assume.
+
+"Well, as it promises to be a warm day, we might try the swimming test
+for one thing," replied Mr. Garrabrant, thoughtfully. "At the same time
+there is that feat of landing a big fish with a rod and a small line,
+the said fish being of course an active boy, who does his best to break
+away. While we're at it, we may as well go through our usual formula
+whereby anyone who has been nearly drowned may be resuscitated again.
+And last, but not least, we can have Dr. Ted give us his talk on first
+aid to the injured. He will get back in good time if he leaves after
+lunch for the Morris cabin."
+
+"I think Chatz is waiting to speak to you, sir," remarked Elmer, who had
+been noticing the Southern lad hovering near for some little time,
+looking queerly in their direction.
+
+"Is that so?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant. "Now I hope he hasn't been seeing
+more of his hobgoblins. That is about the only weakness Charles seems to
+have. Otherwise I find him a very sensible lad. If only he could be
+cured of his belief in the supernatural it would be a good thing."
+
+"Well," laughed Elmer, "some of us would be only too glad of the chance
+to cure him. Shall I go away, and let him have an interview, sir?"
+
+"No, remain, and hear what Charles has to say. It may be I shall need
+your services. This time the tracks of the ghost may not have been
+trampled out of sight, and you can give a guess at its character. I
+never in all my life knew of so many queer happenings inside of so short
+a time."
+
+The scout master beckoned toward Chatz, and obeying the mandate the
+Southern boy came quickly forward.
+
+"You wish to speak with me, Charles, I imagine?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the other, with a frown on his brow.
+
+"Has something happened again to disturb you?" inquired Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Last night, I presume, since you would have spoken before, had it
+happened yesterday?" the scout master continued, quietly.
+
+"Last night it was, sir. I saw IT again!" remarked Chatz, appearing to
+swallow something that was in his throat.
+
+"Oh! you mean that mysterious white object which appeared to you on the
+other occasion, and seemed to assume all the characteristics of a
+supernatural visitor? In other words, Charles, your pet ghost?"
+remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+The boy flushed, but held his ground.
+
+"Of course," he said, slowly, "I understand what a contempt you have for
+any such idea, sir; and indeed, I only wish it could be shown to me that
+this is only some natural object, and not of the other world. I'd be too
+glad to know it. I hate to think I'm given to such ideas, but they seem
+to be a part of my nature, and I can't help it, try as I may."
+
+"Well, perhaps we may be able to assist you, Charles," returned the
+genial scout master, laying a hand on the lad's shoulder in a way that
+quite won his confidence. "Now tell me what you saw, when and where,
+also what it looked like."
+
+"I think it was in about the same quarter as before, sir. My watch
+happened to come late in the night this time, in fact just before dawn
+broke. I heard again that blood-curdling sound, a plain 'woof'! and
+raising my head I could just make it out in the darkness. It was white,
+as before, and it moved! Then all of a sudden it seemed to vanish most
+mysteriously."
+
+"Well, did the other sentry see anything, Charles?" asked Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"We had arranged it all between us, sir, Ty Collins and myself. And he
+will tell you, sir, that he saw just what I did," replied Chatz,
+earnestly.
+
+"That sounds as though you might have seen _something_, then," smiled
+Mr. Garrabrant. "And Elmer, you were so successful in picking out those
+other tracks, suppose you try again."
+
+"Shall I go now, sir?" asked the other, readily.
+
+"I would like you to. If you find a trail, you might follow it up a
+bit. Perhaps Charles would like to accompany you."
+
+"Yes, sir, I would, if you didn't object," replied the Southern lad,
+quickly.
+
+"Very well," nodded the scout master. "Report to me when you are
+through, Elmer."
+
+So the two boys went away together. Some of the others, seeing them
+bending down as though examining the ground, made a move as if to join
+them, but Mr. Garrabrant was watching, and called them back.
+
+He saw Elmer, followed by the wondering Chatz, walk slowly away, his
+head bent low, as though he were following some sort of trail.
+
+And the scout master laughed softly to himself as he muttered:
+
+"I fancy Charles is about to have a little surprise, now that Elmer has
+found a trail to follow. Because, as a true believer in ghosts, he must
+realize that anything that leaves traces behind can hardly claim
+supernatural qualities."
+
+Twenty minutes afterwards, shortly before breakfast was ready, the two
+boys came back again. Chatz was smiling in a queer way, but Elmer looked
+like a sphinx.
+
+The latter, obeying a beckoning finger, hurried over to join Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"Unless my eyes deceive me, Elmer," remarked the gentleman, with a
+quizzical expression on his handsome face, "you've been up to your old
+tricks again, and finding out things. How is it, do you plead guilty to
+the charge?"
+
+"I guess I'll just have to, sir," replied the boy, also smiling now.
+
+"Then you found a trail, did you?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Elmer went on, "a positive one; though the ground was that
+hard a greenhorn could never have seen it. And while Chatz kept at my
+side I don't think he dreamed what I was doing as we went along. Then,
+about a hundred yards away I heard that same queer 'woof' he spoke of."
+
+"It didn't give you a shock, I warrant, Elmer?" remarked the scout
+master.
+
+"Well, you see, sir, I've had too much to do with cattle not to
+recognize the snort of a startled cow! And that was what we saw just
+ahead of us. She had been lying down, chewing her cud, and our coming
+had caused her to get on her feet."
+
+"Did she happen to have a white face, Elmer?" laughed Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Just what she did, sir," the boy replied. "Chatz looked at me, and
+turned pale, then red; after which he laughed till the tears ran down
+his cheeks. I think we put quite a spoke in his spook wheel, sir. He
+won't be so ready to believe in supernatural visitors after this."
+
+"It was well done, Elmer, and I thank you for it. Now, let's to
+breakfast, for we have a strenuous day before us," and the scout master
+led the way to the place where a bounteous meal had been spread for the
+entire troop of scouts.
+
+During the morning the swimming tests were started, and Mr. Garrabrant,
+who was a splendid swimmer himself, took charge of matters. Some
+excellent work was done, and the timid ones taught how to strike out, to
+float, and to tread water, as well as various races inaugurated that
+were full of fun.
+
+After that came the wonderful fishing contest, where the boys did what
+they could to land one of their mates who played the part of a hooked
+fish, fighting to get away, just as a monster scaly prize like a tarpon
+might have done.
+
+Of course Elmer was the leader in this game, for he had had much more
+experience as a sportsman than any of the rest, but there were several
+who proved themselves good seconds in the trial, and who would make the
+winner look to his laurels in the near future.
+
+That brought them to noon, and matters were allowed to simmer while they
+got busy cooking a lunch to satisfy the tremendous appetites that the
+vigorous labor of the morning had developed.
+
+Ted and Lil Artha expected to take a tramp over to the lone cabin during
+the afternoon. They could not start, however, until the concluding work
+of the day had been attended to. As this was to be "first aid to the
+injured" the presence of the only budding doctor in camp would be
+required, in order to explain many important things connected with this
+valuable adjunct to scout lore.
+
+It was possibly nearly three o'clock before the two lads got started.
+But that did not matter much, for by this time Ted had become very
+familiar with the way of the blazed trail, and could follow it "with his
+eyes blindfolded," as he boastingly remarked, though Elmer knew this was
+hardly so.
+
+Some of the scouts were out on the lake, trying to coax a mess of fish
+to come closer to the fire and get warmed up. The taste of browned trout
+haunted them, and even Mr. Garrabrant admitted that the way Elmer cooked
+the fish, they were finer than any he had ever eaten. It was to have the
+salt pork in a hot frying pan, until it had been well tried out, then
+having rolled each fish in cracker crumbs, or corn meal if the former
+were not handy, they were placed over the fire in the pan to brown.
+
+Another time Elmer broiled the fish, and the boys were uncertain as to
+which method they liked most. When they ate the trout cooked one way
+that excelled, and next day when the other method was tried they
+believed it could not be equalled.
+
+Evening was not far away when a shout attracted the attention of all
+those in camp. Even the few who happened to be inside the tents came
+hurrying out to see what it meant.
+
+"That must have been Lil Artha," declared Elmer immediately. "Nobody
+else has so loud a whoop. Yes, there they come, he and Ted, hurrying
+down the side of the mountain. They seem to be in something of a hurry,
+too."
+
+"And look at Ted waving his hand, will you?" exclaimed Toby, beginning
+to get excited himself. "He wouldn't act that way, fellers, except that
+there's something gone wrong. Gee! I hope now the old man ain't been
+taken sudden, and handed in his checks! That would be tough on the kids,
+now!"
+
+Mr. Garrabrant heard what Toby said, but made no remark. He was waiting
+for the coming of the two scouts who had gone across the mountain on
+their errand of mercy.
+
+The long-legged Lil Artha could have easily outrun his comrade had he
+chosen, but he made no effort to do so. Still, as they drew closer, it
+could be easily seen that both boys showed unmistakable evidences of
+some tremendous excitement. And, naturally, their fellow scouts almost
+trembled with eagerness to learn what could have happened to affect them
+in this way.
+
+Three minutes later and they drew up in front of the group, panting,
+flushed--their eyes sparkling with suppressed news.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+TAKEN BY SURPRISE.
+
+
+"IWHAT'S the matter with you boys?" demanded the scout master, as Ted
+and Lil Artha drew up in front of him.
+
+"They've come in on Abe, sir, and are threatening to do all sorts of
+awful things to him, the great beasts!" exclaimed the tall runner,
+between pants.
+
+"Speak plainer, please," Mr. Garrabrant said, sternly, so as to subdue
+some of the rampant excitement that threatened to impede a clear flow of
+words. "Who came in on Abe--was it animals you meant, or men?"
+
+"Men, thir, and two of the toughest you ever thaw," Ted managed to
+declare. "They were eating up all the stuff we've been at such pains to
+carry over, and threatened the thick man with all thorts of trouble
+because he thaid he didn't have thuch a thing as a drop of whisky in
+hith place."
+
+"Two hoboes, most likely," muttered the scout master, as his firm teeth
+came together with a snap that meant business.
+
+"That's what I thaid, thir, but Lil Artha, he theemed to think he
+recognized the bullies as a couple of jail birds," Ted went on.
+
+"You see, sir," Arthur spoke up as he saw Mr. Garrabrant look
+questioningly at him, "I remembered seeing the pictures of those two
+rascals that broke into some house near Rockaway last Spring. They had
+it posted up in police headquarters at Hickory Ridge when I went in to
+pay for our dog license. And I don't soon forget faces, sir, or names
+either, for that matter. Unless I miss my guess these two ugly scamps
+were Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris, wanted bad in Rockville, with a reward
+offered for their capture."
+
+"You may be right, Theodore," observed the scout master, seriously.
+"They were never caught, I remember. The strange thing about it was,
+that the house they entered and robbed was that of my friend, Colonel
+Hitchens."
+
+"The same gentleman who owned the lost monkey?" cried one of the scouts.
+
+"Exactly. But this is a serious matter for us, boys," the scout master
+went on. "Our new friends are in danger, for there can be no telling to
+what extremes such unprincipled scoundrels might go, once they started.
+Perhaps they may have an old grudge against Abe, for the boys say they
+were threatening him. And it gives me a cold chill to think of these two
+innocent children being in their power."
+
+"Will you go over, thir, and try to do thomething?" asked Ted, eagerly.
+
+"Surely," came the instant reply. "I would be unworthy to call myself a
+man if I failed in my duty there. But tell us more, please, how did you
+first learn of the presence of these ruffians there, and did you give
+away the fact that you had discovered them?"
+
+"Oh! no, thir, they didn't thee us a bit!" exclaimed Ted.
+
+"We happened to hear loud voices, you see, sir, when we were close to
+the joint," said Arthur, bent on having his share in the recital.
+
+"Tho we crept up, as thly as any Indian could have done," added Ted.
+
+"And peeked in at the window, just like we did that night we went over
+in a bunch," the tall lad remarked.
+
+"Then we thaw what it meant," Ted continued, catching his breath again.
+"Those two big bullies had been eating, and made poor Little Lou cook
+nigh everything we left there yesterday. Why, they were as hungry as
+hogs, I guess."
+
+"And they kept on shaking their fists at poor Abe, who was lying on his
+cot, too weak to do anything," Lil Artha took up the narrative. "He
+seemed to be atryin' to get them to let up on him, but he looked nearly
+done for."
+
+"Then we just crawled away again," Ted concluded, "and run pretty near
+all the way back, because we knew you would want uth to report. Lil
+Artha wanted to tackle 'em by ourselves, but it was thilly to think we
+could do anything against a pair of desperate jailbirds like that."
+
+"Under the circumstances I commend your discretion, Theodore," said the
+scout master, "though the readiness of Arthur to take chances in a good
+cause does him credit too. But let's hurry and eat supper. I can be
+arranging my plans meanwhile, and selecting those I would want to
+accompany me over the mountain."
+
+"I hope you will take me, sir!" exclaimed Matty Eggleston.
+
+"And me, too, sir!" exclaimed half a dozen others, in a breath.
+
+Even the two returned scouts were anxious not to be left behind.
+
+"I'm not tired a little bit, Mr. Garrabrant!" Lil Artha hastened to
+declare, and Dr. Ted said ditto to that.
+
+"Give me time, boys, to consider," the gentleman had said, waving them
+away.
+
+Supper was quickly announced, and they made record time in getting away
+with a fine meal. No one even thought to remark upon the fact that it
+tasted better than any meal ever eaten under a roof, which had come to
+be a standing saying with the scouts by this time.
+
+Many an anxious look was cast toward Mr. Garrabrant. They saw that his
+eyes had been roving around the circle, as though he might be mentally
+choosing those who were to be favored with a place at his side during
+this new errand of mercy across the mountain that frowned down upon the
+camp. And every scout was eager to be among the lucky ones, even the
+usually timid Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"I have decided upon the following to accompany me: Ginger will go,
+because he is a man, and will be apt to inspire more or less respect in
+the hearts of the two rascals. Then there are Elmer, Matty, Larry
+Billings, Arthur Stansbury, Charlie Maxfield, and Theodore. I am taking
+him because we may happen to have need of his professional services,"
+and when Mr. Garrabrant said this as though he really meant it, who
+could blame Ted for unconsciously pushing out his chest a bit with
+pride?
+
+There could be no demur to this ultimatum. So those who were fated to
+remain did what they could to get their more fortunate chums ready for
+the excursion. The stoutest cudgels possible were hunted up, and handed
+over, with recommendations as to their convincing qualities if once
+applied to a stubborn head.
+
+"However," said the scout master, as they were ready to leave, "I am in
+hopes that we can take the rascals by surprise, so that there will not
+be any real necessity for violence. The rest of you stick by the camp
+while we are gone. You can wait up for us, if you want."
+
+"Sure we will, sir!" declared one. "We couldn't any more sleep than
+water can run up hill."
+
+"And don't any of you meddle with the little trap we've got set by the
+store tent, remember, please," Elmer flung over his shoulder as he was
+marching away.
+
+Then they were off.
+
+Counting Mr. Garrabrant and Ginger, they were eight in all, surely a
+strong enough bunch to overcome two men, if only they might take the
+ruffians by surprise. Ginger was far from being a coward when it came to
+things he could understand. This fact was known to Mr. Garrabrant, which
+was the reason he took the colored man and brother along. Besides, his
+heft might have considerable influence in causing the two men to submit.
+
+As before, they carried a couple of lanterns. The light from these came
+in very handy to save the boys from many an ugly tumble, where roots lay
+across their path or rocks cropped up in the way.
+
+They conversed in whispers only. And as they finally drew near the lone
+cabin, even this style of talk was stopped by order of Mr. Garrabrant,
+so that they now crept along in absolute silence.
+
+He had told the boys of his plans, so that each member of the little
+party knew just what was expected of him.
+
+Presently they caught sight of a dim light ahead. Then came the sound of
+loud and gruff voices. This convinced them that the two rascals had not
+left the cabin.
+
+Creeping closer, they could finally see through the little opening. And
+thus the scout master was enabled to complete the plan he had arranged.
+
+When he gave the word, Ginger and the boys were to jump in by way of the
+open door. Meantime he expected to thrust his arm through the window and
+cover the pair of desperate rascals with the revolver he had brought
+along. Mr. Garrabrant gave evidence of being in deadly earnest, for he
+knew that was a serious matter that confronted them, and one not to be
+handled with gloves.
+
+When he heard Elmer give the cry of the whip-poor-will three times he
+knew they were all in their places. Accordingly, he suddenly thrust his
+arm through the small window that had no glass, and covered one of the
+men with his weapon.
+
+"Stand still, both of you! The hut is surrounded, and if you try to
+escape or offer resistance it will be the worse for you! Seize them,
+men!"
+
+As Mr. Garrabrant called this out, and the two astonished scoundrels sat
+there, utterly unable to collect their senses, such was the complete
+surprise, through the doorway tumbled a crowd that hurled itself upon
+them. Before they could grasp the fact that with one exception these
+were only half-grown boys, wearing the khaki uniforms of the scouts, and
+not regular soldiers, the men had their hands tied behind them.
+
+As they realized how completely they had been caught napping both of
+them started on a string of hard words, and looked daggers at their
+young captors.
+
+"Stop that, now!" Mr. Garrabrant exclaimed, as he made his appearance in
+the hut, "or I shall be under the painful necessity of putting gags
+between your teeth. Not another word from either of you, remember!"
+
+Perhaps they recognized the tone of authority, or it may have been that
+they had no desire to force him to put his threat into execution. At any
+rate, they took it out in deep mumblings after that.
+
+The scout master saw to it himself that their lashings were secure. Some
+of the boys had carried along a new supply of food for Abe and his
+family, understanding the inroads that had been made in their limited
+stock.
+
+The sick man was full of gratitude for this second rescue on the part of
+his new-found friends. He told them how these two scoundrels had come to
+his cabin and taken possession--that he knew who they were, but that
+some years back they had been honest charcoal burners the same as
+himself.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Garrabrant, "they graduated from that honest class some
+time ago, and have made names for themselves as yeggmen and thieves.
+They are badly wanted right now in Rockaway, where some months back they
+robbed a residence, and nearly killed a butler who caught them in the
+act, and recognized them too. Boys, when you feel rested, we will be on
+our way back to camp with our prisoners. To-morrow I shall take them
+down the river in a boat, and deliver them over to the authorities."
+
+All of which intelligence made the gloom gather deeper on the hard
+countenances of Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris.
+
+It took twice as long for them to make the march back to camp as when
+they went toward the lone cabin. In the first place, some of the boys
+were almost exhausted, particularly Ted and Lil Artha, who were covering
+the ground for the second time since noon. Then again, the two men,
+having their arms bound behind their backs, stumbled so often that they
+had to be helped.
+
+But along about eleven they came in sight of the cheery camp fire, and
+how very welcome it did look too. The boys greeted it with a shout, that
+was answered by those who had been left behind.
+
+When it was seen that they were bringing prisoners back with them, Red
+and those who had remained at home with the lame scout became thrilled
+with eagerness to hear the full particulars. Of course the others were
+just as ready to relate all that had occurred, and for some time the
+clatter of tongues would have made one believe he must be somewhere in
+the neighborhood of the Tower of Babel.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant realized that they were dealing with a pair of hard
+citizens, and he was resolved to leave nothing undone looking to their
+remaining prisoners. So he personally looked to their bonds before lying
+down, in order to make sure they could not break loose.
+
+A double guard was to be stationed on this night, because of the unusual
+conditions existing. It would be too bad, after all their trouble,
+should any accident occur whereby these men regained their freedom.
+
+So when the camp quieted down finally, there were just four boys
+stationed at certain points, and with orders to keep the fire burning
+brilliantly all the time. The balance "slept on their arms," as Lil
+Artha called it--that is, they kept those handy cudgels close beside
+them, where they could be readily found in case a sudden need arose for
+their services. Because Mr. Garrabrant could not be entirely positive
+that the two prisoners did not have friends of a like character
+somewhere up here in the wilderness, who might attempt their rescue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE THINGS THAT MAKE BOYS MANLY.
+
+
+MR. GARRABRANT laid his plans during the night, and when morning came he
+announced them to his boys.
+
+"I shall take these two men down to Rockaway to-day," he said, "and
+deliver them over to the authorities. Ginger will accompany me, and
+between us we can pull the boat up the current again, starting possibly
+in the morning. If we arrive there in good time, I may get a car and
+drive over to Hickory Ridge, for there are several things I ought to see
+about, that slipped my mind before."
+
+"And if you happen to see anybody who asks about us, sir, just tell them
+we're getting along dandy," declared Lil Artha.
+
+"So say we all of us," sang out several others of the scouts.
+
+"Tell my folks they were poor prophets," remarked Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"In what way, my boy?" inquired the scout master; though, truth to tell,
+he could give a pretty good guess.
+
+"Oh! ma, she said she'd give me one night to stay away; and pa, he told
+her that two would see my finish. But here we're going on our first
+week, and I'm feeling just fine. Not a bit homesick, tell 'em, Mr.
+Garrabrant, please. And bound to stay the whole ten days, or bust."
+
+"Good for you, Jasper, old top!" laughed Lil Artha, patting the real
+tenderfoot encouragingly on the back.
+
+"And Mr. Garrabrant," put in Ty Collins, who was a pretty good "feeder"
+as some of the other boys often remarked, "don't you think you might
+pick up a little more grub while you have the chance. You see, we didn't
+count on so many mouths to feed while we were up here, and the way that
+stuff is disappearing is sure a caution. I know, because I do a lot of
+the cooking, you see, sir."
+
+"Why, yes, Tyrus, I had that on my mind," laughed the jovial scout
+master. "And we'll try and find room in the boat for a nice ham, some
+bacon, and a few more things that boys like. I guess I'm a good
+provider, taken on the whole. You see, we didn't count on feeding Abe
+Morris and his family, or these two gentlemen here, besides the
+frolicsome monkey that has taken a fancy for our eatables. If I happen
+to run across Colonel Hitchens I shall let him know we've got an eye out
+for his runaway pet."
+
+The two men were allowed to eat breakfast, one at a time, and Mr.
+Garrabrant and Ginger stood over them while the operation of feeding was
+in progress. Much as both of the desperadoes might have liked to attempt
+flight, they lacked the nerve to start trouble when those two stalwart
+men were within reach. And so, although they scowled and muttered, they
+made no resistance when they were tied up again.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had found quite a nice little assortment of deadly
+weapons upon the pair, which he had confiscated. These he meant to take
+along with him, not feeling safe in leaving such things in camp, where
+several of the boys were quite unaccustomed to handling firearms, and
+some accident might ensue, for which he would be responsible.
+
+Although no one suspected it until they heard the click of his shutter,
+Mark had managed to snap off the entire outfit as they stood there,
+assisting Mr. Garrabrant load his prisoners into the boat.
+
+And it might be taken for granted that the official photographer of the
+camp had seized upon an opportunity when the two prisoners' faces were
+in full view, so that no one could afterwards reasonably doubt their
+claim to having captured the desperate men so long wanted by the
+Rockaway authorities.
+
+Of course the camp was left in full charge of the assistant scout
+master, Elmer Chenowith, with a parting injunction from Mr. Garrabrant
+that the boys were to render his representative just as much respect as
+though it were himself.
+
+There could be no doubt about that being done, since Elmer was a
+universal favorite among his fellows, and had hardly an enemy in all
+Hickory Ridge.
+
+"I reckon, suh, we can manage to get along all right while you are
+away," Chatz Maxfield had called out reassuringly, after the boat had
+left the landing, with Ginger working industriously at the oars, the two
+prisoners huddled amidships, and the scout master seated astern, where
+he could keep his eye pretty much all the time on the slippery
+customers.
+
+"If I wasn't positive about that, Charles, I'd never be leaving you,"
+was what Mr. Garrabrant replied, as he waved his hand to them.
+
+Presently the fast-moving boat swept around a bend, and was lost to
+view. Several of the boys sighed a little, and looked a bit downcast.
+Despite their assumption of freedom from homesickness they could not
+help feeling that their leader would perhaps be in "dear old Hickory
+Ridge" that afternoon, and might even pass by their beloved homes, which
+it seemed they had not seen for an age.
+
+Of course Elmer, who had roved more or less, was not in this class. He
+knew better than to make fun of them, however. Between himself and Mark
+they had many a quiet laugh over the way the fellows made out to be so
+free from care.
+
+"I bet you it seems like a coon's age to some of them since they said
+good-by to mother and father," Mark managed to remark, as they stood
+there watching the rest gaze down river after the vanished link that was
+to bind them with civilization.
+
+"Sure it does," Elmer had agreed. "Do you know that little story about
+the kid who ran away from home, and what an eternity it seemed to him?"
+
+"I don't seem to remember," replied the other. "What happened, Elmer?"
+
+"Why, he spent the day of his life, you know. He had made up his mind in
+the beginning that he would never come back. Then at noon he determined
+that a whole month would give his folks a good scare. The afternoon hung
+on terribly. Minutes seemed hours, and at last he just couldn't stand it
+any longer. He had spent his last penny, but it was getting night, and
+he had never been without a home in the dark before."
+
+"Yes, I can understand that, because once I did it too," laughed Mark;
+"but don't mind me, Elmer, go right along with the story. What happened
+to him?"
+
+"Nothing. That's where the fun came in," replied the other. "You see his
+folks understood that kid, and they just made up their minds to punish
+him by not paying the slightest attention to him. So he came sneaking
+into the sitting room where dad was reading the paper, and mom was
+knitting. Neither of them even looked at him. He thought that mighty
+queer, when he had expected to be hugged and kissed and cried over like
+one who had been lost a year.
+
+"After a long time, when he had coughed, and moved about without either
+of them paying the slightest attention to him, the boy was struck with
+an idea. He would say something that _must_ make them realize the near
+calamity that had happened. So he bent down to stroke the back of the
+old tabby that was purring by the fire, and he says, says he:
+
+"'Oh! I see you still have the same old cat you used to have when I was
+home!'"
+
+Mark burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"I get the point, Elmer, all right, and I guess it applies to a few of
+our fellows, but on the whole they've acted just fine. A better bunch of
+good-hearted boys it would be hard to find anywhere. And I tell you this
+outing's going to do every mother's son of them a heap of good. What
+they learn in this camp will pay a dozen times over for the trouble it's
+taken. I hope Mr. Garrabrant gets safely down to Rockaway with his
+boatload of human freight. Perhaps there won't be a sensation in Hickory
+Ridge when the news gets out that the Boy Scouts captured those bad men,
+and sent them to the police of Rockaway with their compliments. I guess
+that's going some for a new organization of tenderfeet scouts, eh?"
+
+"I should say yes," replied the young scout leader, emphatically. "And
+after all, we've only got one more mystery to solve to have the slate
+clear."
+
+"You mean about that monkey business, I suppose?" suggested Mark.
+
+"Yes; and possibly we may be lucky enough to have that settled before
+Mr. Garrabrant comes back again," Elmer remarked, confidently.
+
+"You think then we are due for another visit from Diablo, say to-night?"
+
+"It stands to reason," said Elmer, "that he will have eaten up all those
+crackers long before then, and knowing where we keep our supplies, you
+can count on him paying another call. So many around the camp in the
+daytime will keep him shy. You remember there were only Ginger and Red
+at home all day, when he was here before."
+
+"All right," remarked his chum. "We'll try and have a warm reception
+ready for our friend Diablo. He's apt to be the most surprised monkey
+ever, once he hits that trigger; what with the loop snatching him up in
+the air, the flashlight going off with a great dazzling glow, and the
+yells of the boys as they get on to the racket. I just hope it turns out
+a good picture. It'll sure be the star of the whole collection. What?"
+
+Elmer took charge, and proceeded to start the ball rolling. They were
+not intending to have any strenuous work while the scout master was
+away, but some of them coaxed Elmer to give a few exhibitions of
+throwing a rope, and doing some other little tricks that he had learned
+while up on that Canada cattle farm.
+
+He also went deeper into the track business, and the boys were so
+anxious to learn all they could about this fascinating study, that they
+all spent hours trying to find new footprints so that they could drag
+Elmer thither, and get him to tell the sort of little animal that had
+made them, what his habits were, and all about him.
+
+Then after lunch some words brought up the subject of picture writing.
+Elmer had more or less to say about that, for he had been among the
+Indians, and copied any amount of their queer methods of communicating.
+
+"It's just as simple as falling off a log, fellows," he said. "If a
+little kid were trying to make you understand that three men had gone
+down river in a boat, if he had any sense at all he'd draw a canoe with
+three figures in it holding paddles. A rock sticking up would have
+something that looked like foam on one side. That would tell you the
+water was running so, and that the canoe was going _down_ the river. If
+they were being pursued, in the boat behind a figure would be firing a
+gun. Then they escape, for they go ashore and make a fire. All got away,
+for there are still three of them. And that's the easy way it goes. It
+just can't be too simple. A child might read it. And that's Indian
+picture writing. Now, suppose some of you try it. If anybody can read it
+right off the reel, then you've made a success of the job. But remember,
+this isn't any rebus or puzzle."
+
+So for some time the boys employed themselves in practicing this simple
+art, under the directions of the young scout master. They found it lots
+of fun, and of course there was more or less shouting over some of the
+wonderful pictures drawn, which the artists themselves could hardly
+designate, after their work became cold.
+
+Dr. Ted and Mark had gone off with some more food, to find out how Abe
+and his family were, after the exciting experience of the preceding day,
+and to tell them that their unwelcome visitors were by that time safely
+locked up in the Rockaway strong box.
+
+Mark wished to get a few pictures of the two "kids" in their native
+woods. They would not look the same after they reached civilization,
+where kindly women would only too willingly take them in hand, and fit
+them out with new clothes.
+
+Toby fairly haunted the spot where the balloon lay in a heap, just as
+they had piled it up. Doubtless the boy was indulging himself with
+castles in the air connected with the time to come, in the dim future,
+when he too might have a chance to fly through the clouds in one of
+these big gas bags, or with a modern aeroplane, which would of course be
+much better.
+
+And so the day wore on.
+
+As evening approached some of the boys mentally pictured Mr. Garrabrant
+talking with the good people of Hickory Ridge, and in each case it was a
+father or mother who so proudly heard what wonderful progress the boy
+was making in learning to take care of himself when left to his own
+resources.
+
+Things went on as usual. They had plenty of trout for supper, of which
+dainty the scouts seemed never to tire. Then a huge mess of rice had
+been boiled, which, served with sugar and condensed milk, proved a good
+dessert. But before that was reached they had a stew made of tinned
+beef, Boston baked beans and some corn, while Ty Collins showed his
+skill as a flapjack maker by turning out several heaps of pretty fair
+pancakes.
+
+Perhaps some of the scouts ate more heavily of these last than they
+should, for it was noted that at various times during the night a boy
+here or there would get to talking in his sleep, and show signs of
+restlessness that could only come from indigestion. Nevertheless, when
+the time came for retiring, Elmer gave the signal for taps to be sounded
+on the bugle, as Lil Artha declared, "everything was lovely, and the
+goose hung high!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+HOW THE TRAP WORKED.
+
+
+BEFORE they turned in after the rest, Elmer and his closest chum, Mark,
+spent a little time doing something mysterious over in the vicinity of
+the tent in which the extra stores were kept.
+
+The boys understood that it had more or less connection with the
+expected visit of the liberty-loving monkey, Diablo, but like good
+scouts they minded their own business.
+
+Everyone had been warned to keep away from that same tent under penalty
+of being given the surprise of their lives, and of a most unpleasant
+nature at that. Of course, no one knew exactly what the scout leader had
+arranged; but all the same they felt positive it would meet the peculiar
+emergency. And each boy made up his mind that during his term as sentry
+nothing could induce him to saunter near that marked territory.
+
+A tall and vigorous young hickory sapling had by accident started on its
+way toward some day becoming the king of the woods right there in front
+of the tent opening. And Elmer, quick to grasp the opportunities which
+fortune threw at his feet, had made use of this same healthy and sound
+young tree. From time of old he knew the value of hickory when one
+wanted a particularly springy bow.
+
+He and Mark were panting a little when they finished a certain little
+job which doubtless had a bearing on the game. And strange to say, the
+upright hickory sapling no longer pointed toward the beckoning sky; but
+stood there with bowed head in meek subjection to the will of man.
+
+"Think the trigger will run smooth enough?" queried Mark, as they stood
+back to gaze at the evidence of their handiwork.
+
+"I've greased it!" chuckled Elmer. "That's what they do out West when a
+big bear trap is used, and there's danger of the thing holding too well.
+Do you want to step inside this loop, and give it a try, Mark?"
+
+"Please excuse me this time, old fellow," laughed the other. "I'm very
+well satisfied to stand on the earth as I am just now, and don't hanker
+about getting any nearer the clouds. I leave all that ambition to
+others, and particularly animals used to climbing trees. How about the
+rest of the tent, Elmer?"
+
+"Pegged down so solid that a mouse would have trouble crawling under,"
+came the immediate and confident response.
+
+"That means if our friend Diablo is as hungry as we believe, and is
+determined to make another of his raids on our grub, he's just _got_ to
+take advantage of the open door, eh, Elmer?"
+
+"That's just what he does," replied the scout leader. "And we're going
+to get him one way or the other, going or coming. If he happens to miss
+getting caught as he trips into the tent, he won't be so lucky when he
+comes out. You see, at that time he's apt to have his arms full of the
+things we left around loose. He's greedy, like all monkeys, and will try
+to carry as much he can. Then he can't see quite so well where to step.
+Flip! bang! and there you are! Lil Artha hit it closer than he thought
+when he said everything was lovely and the goose hung high! We expect
+_our_ goose to do just that same thing."
+
+"Huh! I guess this is what they call putting your foot in it, eh,
+Elmer?" chuckled Mark.
+
+"We hope it will be, that's right. But as everything has been done to a
+turn, don't you think we'd better hunt out our blankets? Perhaps Diablo
+may be watching us right now, crazy to get started on his raid. And then
+again, it may be he's far away from here to-night, and we'll find we've
+had all our trouble for our pains."
+
+"But you don't think that last, honest now, Elmer?" queried Mark.
+
+"If I did I wouldn't have gone to all the trouble I did," returned the
+other. "Take one last look over your camera, and the flashlight powder
+cartridge. All O. K. is it? Then let's leave here, and trust to luck for
+the rest."
+
+"I don't believe I'll get much sleep, for expecting to hear a racket!"
+Mark declared, as they walked conspicuously away from the vicinity of
+the store tent, so that the keen-eyed monkey would see them, if, as they
+suspected, Diablo were hiding somewhere close by, waiting for his chance
+to make another descent on the camp where all those delicious dainties
+were kept, to which he had grown accustomed during the period of his
+captivity--and liberty without these could not be proving all it was
+cracked up to be.
+
+"Oh! I wouldn't let a little thing like this keep me awake," said Elmer.
+
+"Well, you see it's different with me," declared his chum. "I've had
+almost no experience in such exciting things, while you have been
+through rafts of it. But honest now, I'm hoping that our little game
+pans out a success. I've laid that big bag where we can grab it up on
+the run, and I saw you fixing the ropes handy. Let Mr. Diablo just give
+that loop a tiny jerk when he gets his hind foot in it, and oh! my,
+won't he be the worst rattled jabberer ever!"
+
+Now, secretly Elmer himself was in quite a little flutter of excitement;
+but he knew how to hold himself in check better than did Mark. He calmly
+arranged his blanket as usual, and then settled himself down as though
+such a thing as being aroused in the middle of the night were unthought
+of.
+
+And having practiced the control of his powers he did go to sleep very
+shortly; absolutely refusing to allow his mind to become active by
+dwelling on any subject that might agitate him.
+
+Silence came upon the camp.
+
+The fire sparkled and crackled as from time to time one of the sentries
+stepped over to toss fresh fuel upon it. But acting under orders, they
+refrained religiously from ever passing near the store tent.
+
+If one of them chanced to be particularly vigilant, he must have
+discovered a shadowy figure that came slipping down from the branches of
+a tree that grew not a dozen feet away from the apparently abandoned
+tent.
+
+It made not the least noise, which would seem to indicate that it must
+possess feet shod with velvet; but crouching low, after a suspicious
+look around, started toward the depot of supplies.
+
+Passing around this tent, sniffing at various places, and apparently
+seeking a means of entrance, the dusky figure finally came to the front,
+where that small opening stood so very invitingly in view.
+
+Elmer, sleeping soundly, was suddenly awakened by a terrific screech,
+angry and vehement; immediately succeeded by the shrillest scolding and
+chattering he had ever heard.
+
+Throwing aside his blanket, he started to crawl out of the tent. Mark
+was at his heels, laughing for all he was worth, and chortling:
+
+"It worked, Elmer, the trap went off! We've got him, I guess, all right!
+Great guns; just listen to the racket he's making, will you? Oh! hurry!
+hurry! before all the blood runs to his head!"
+
+It was only his great impatience that made him imagine Elmer dallied;
+for to tell the truth, the scout leader emerged from that tent in
+double-quick time.
+
+Both of them "scooted" for the spot where all that row was sounding; no
+other word would so fully describe the manner of their progress as well
+as Lil Artha's favorite expression.
+
+They were not alone in this forward rush. From every tent came creeping
+figures, as the scouts crawled forth. And by degrees the screeching of
+the monkey was actually drowned in the greater clamor of boyish shouts.
+
+It seemed almost as though Pandemonium must have broken loose in that
+camp of the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, for a dozen pair of sturdy young
+lungs can make considerable noise once they break loose.
+
+It was a ridiculous spectacle that greeted them as they reached the
+store tent. The bent-over hickory sapling had sprung obediently erect as
+soon as the shooting of the trigger had released it from the crotch in
+which its apex had been gripped. And swaying back and forth, attempting
+all manner of high gymnastics, was a grotesque figure that stretched out
+its arms, and made frantic efforts to reach the body of the sapling, so
+as to climb up.
+
+"Get the bag, Elmer!" cried Mark, the second that he arrived.
+
+But already had the scout leader snatched that article up and prepared
+to clap it around the struggling monkey, taking care to avoid being
+caught by those waving hands.
+
+"Quick! the rope!" he gasped, after he had made a forward movement,
+enclosing the gyrating body in the stout sack.
+
+Mark knew what he was doing, and in a brief time, during which the rest
+of the boys stood around watching in wonder, the struggling monkey was
+secured.
+
+"Here, Toby, hold this rope end for a minute!" called Mark.
+
+The other was only too willing to obey, for it gave him a chance to say
+he had had a hand in the great capture of the hairy thief. Ten seconds
+later there was a sudden brilliant flash that caused some of the scouts
+to cry out, in the belief that a storm had crept upon them, with the
+lightning giving advance warning of its coming.
+
+"It's Mark, and he took a snap flashlight picture of the crowd standing
+around in pajamas!" cried Lil Artha. "Oh! my, what a sight that will be
+to chase away the blues. If only my red stripes show, I'll be the happy
+one."
+
+"How about the first flash--did it go off when the monk pulled the
+trigger, Mark?" demanded Elmer.
+
+"Sure it did," broke in Tom Cropsey, who had been one of the sentries on
+duty at the time; "and gave me a nasty scare. I never dreamed you had
+fixed things up that way, Elmer; and at first I thought something had
+exploded. But what can we do with the critter, now that we've got him?"
+
+"Oh! that's all fixed," laughed Mark. "Elmer made a stout collar which
+can be fastened around his neck so he just can't get it off. To that a
+rope is fastened, and Mr. Diablo will amuse the camp with his stunts the
+rest of the time we stay up here on old Lake Solitude. Ready to work it,
+Elmer?"
+
+"Yes, give me a hand here, please," replied the scout leader, who had
+been cautiously taking the enmeshed body of the still struggling monkey
+down from the straightened hickory sapling.
+
+"Why, here's luck!" exclaimed Elmer, presently. "As sure as you live
+he's got a collar on right now, with a ring for a rope. There's a
+trailing foot of stuff fastened to it, showing just how he got away. All
+I have to do is to tie our stout line to that ring so even the clever
+fingers of a monkey can't unfasten it."
+
+When this was done, and the other end of the rope made fast to the
+sapling that had assisted in Diablo's downfall, by degrees the rope
+encircling the beast was removed, and then the bag. The prisoner was
+inclined to be a little savage at first, because his taste of freedom
+had made him somewhat wild, and besides, these were all strangers to
+him.
+
+But he was very hungry, and upon being offered food seized it eagerly.
+After that they would have very little trouble with Diablo, though he
+proved to be a treacherous rascal, and pinched more than a few of the
+boys who ventured to be too familiar with him.
+
+The scouts were ordered back to their blankets, and once again did the
+camp relapse into silence, save for the grunting of the satisfied
+Diablo, as he continued to feast upon the sweet cakes with which he had
+been supplied.
+
+In this manner, then, was the last source of trouble laid low. Ghosts
+and thieves they had encountered, but in the end success had rewarded
+their efforts, and it began to look as though the balance of their stay
+in camp might be more in the nature of a picnic than the first few days
+and nights had proven.
+
+When morning came the boys were early astir, and crowded around to stare
+at the prisoner. But with his stomach comfortably filled Diablo was lazy
+and good natured. He refused to be bothered, and curled up on the ground
+like a dog, made out to sleep, though a careful examination might have
+disclosed the fact that one eye was partly open, and as soon as a boy
+entered the store tent he was on his feet, begging.
+
+But Ginger would be the one who must feel the most satisfaction over
+the capture, for it would ease his mind concerning the necessity for
+cutting his stay on the earth short, and accompanying the Evil One in a
+"chariot of fire."
+
+So that day passed very slowly as they awaited the coming of the scout
+master and his "ebony galley slave" who was to row the boat up-stream.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT.
+
+
+"ITHERE'S the outpost making signals, Elmer," said Mark, about three
+o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+Two of the scouts, who were pretty well up in wigwag work, had been
+dispatched to a knob part way up the mountain, from which a fine view of
+the lower lake could be obtained, as well as the zigzag course of the
+connecting Paradise Creek.
+
+"Looks like they must have sighted our scout master, then," declared
+Elmer, as he left what he was engaged in doing to hasten over to where
+the balance of the signal flags lay.
+
+Snatching one up he began to wave it in certain eccentric movements
+which Red Huggins, who held the book, knew to be a query as to what the
+outposts or videttes had discovered.
+
+"There! he's starting to answer. Everybody watch sharp, and write down
+what you make it!" exclaimed the scout leader.
+
+Pencils and paper had been made ready, though most of the scouts carried
+small note books in which they entered such things as they wished to
+preserve.
+
+For some little time they watched each deliberate motion of the distant
+waving flag, no one saying a word. When finally the sign was given that
+the message had reached its end, every scout started to scribble at hot
+speed.
+
+Then Elmer walked along the line, examining the various records.
+
+"Pretty well done," he said after he had completed his examination, "but
+of course it was the easiest of tests, for we all felt sure the report
+would be that they were in sight. They are crossing Jupiter Lake right
+now. That means they will be with us inside of an hour and a half, for
+Ginger is rowing stoutly, Matty says, and Mr. Eggleston seems to be
+getting ready to take the second pair of oars himself for the pull up
+Paradise Creek, which you may remember is no cinch, fellows."
+
+"That's right," declared Larry Billings, rubbing his arm, the muscles of
+which had been more or less sore ever since that strain.
+
+"It's going to be a long hour and a half," said Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"Oh! rats, just go and play with the monkey, to kill time," laughed Lil
+Artha.
+
+"I'm just wild to see what Ginger does when we take him to meet his
+'debble,'" observed Toby, who had of course been hovering over that
+magical balloon pretty much all the morning; indeed, so long as that was
+around they could hardly get the ambitious amateur aviator to do
+anything worth while.
+
+"Somebody coming back yonder; I saw 'em flit past that open place,"
+remarked Nat Scott, pointing upward.
+
+"Yes, that's Ted and Chatz, returning from the lone cabin. They promised
+to be back early, because they didn't want to miss the fun when Ginger
+came," declared the scout leader.
+
+Within the next half hour not only did Ted and his companion arrive, but
+the two videttes and signal men reached camp. Having discharged the duty
+to which they had been assigned, Matty Eggleston and Jack Armitage had
+lost no time in heading once more down the mountain.
+
+Now an hour had gone, and the half was passing slowly. All eyes were
+turned down the lake to the spot where the creek began, anticipating
+seeing the boat shoot into view.
+
+"Hurrah! there they come!" shouted one who had climbed a tree, the
+better to get the first glimpse of the returning couple.
+
+As the boat slipped out on the silvery surface of the lonely lake, so
+well named Solitude, the cheers that arose must have been particularly
+pleasing to the young man who was devoting so much of his time to the
+task of trying to make the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts the best troops in
+the county.
+
+But it was Ginger who deliberately dropped his oars, to rise to his
+feet, and with his black hand over his heart, make several salaams. He
+came near taking a header over the side of the boat in his eagerness to
+return the compliments which he really believed the boys were meaning
+for him, at which of course there was an uproarious laugh all around.
+
+Then came the landing. Ty Collins made sure that the boat contained a
+lot of packages, and his eyes shone with pleasure as he saw that one of
+them bore the unmistakable outlines of a whole ham.
+
+"This way, Mr. Garrabrant, we've got a surprise for you!" laughed Elmer.
+
+"You come along, too, Ginger," called Lil Artha, "and make the
+acquaintance of an old friend of yours. He's been fretting like
+everything because you were so long getting here. Diablo, here's Ginger
+coming to shake hands with you!"
+
+Of course they had heaps of fun watching the look on the face of Ginger,
+as he found himself confronting the hairy thief whom he had seen under
+such strange conditions, and believed to be a visitor from a warm
+country where pitchforks are said to be in fashion.
+
+But it required considerable urging for Ginger to actually take the
+extended hand of the big monkey. Eventually, however, they became quite
+good friends. Ginger was forever supplying the captive with tidbits, and
+on his part Diablo seemed to recognize in the dark-skinned man a boon
+companion.
+
+Of course, after they had their little frolic, and the story of Diablo's
+capture had been fully told, the boys were eager to know whether Mr.
+Garrabrant had succeeded in turning the two bad men over to the Rockaway
+authorities, also if he had happened to run across any of their folks
+while in Hickory Ridge.
+
+"Make your minds easy, boys," he had replied, laughingly. "Jim and Bill
+are safely lodged behind the bars in Rockaway jail. I saw Colonel
+Hitchens, and he paid me the reward that was offered for their capture,
+which goes to the troop. Later on you boys shall take a vote as to what
+to do with the money, though I imagine I can give a pretty good guess
+where it'll go from what I heard you say before about Abe and his
+kiddies."
+
+"Did you happen to mention the fact that we believed we had his runaway
+monkey up here as a neighbor, sir?" asked Elmer.
+
+"I certainly did, and he at once declared that if you could only manage
+to get hold of that rogue, Diablo, it would be another hundred dollars
+reward," answered the scout master.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Lil Artha, boisterously, "but the honor goes to Elmer
+and Mark. They not only did the entire trick, but managed to get a
+flashlight picture of the monkey going up in the air, with one of his
+hind legs gripped in the loop of a rope. It's the greatest thing I ever
+heard about! Wait till you see the picture, sir."
+
+"But how about Hickory Ridge, sir; I suppose it's still on the map?"
+asked Elmer, who knew only too well that every fellow was just dying to
+hear whether the scout master had happened to run across any of their
+home folks, and what they had said in sending word.
+
+"Well," replied Mr. Garrabrant, with a smile and a nod around; "I've got
+a pleasant surprise for you all. Having some time on my hands after I
+had carried out my little business affairs, I just thought it would be
+nice if I took my car and ran around to the home of every scout who is
+in camp here on old Solitude!"
+
+"Bully for you, sir!"
+
+"That was mighty fine of you, Mr. Garrabrant, and did you see my folks,
+sir?"
+
+"Three cheers for our scout master, fellows; ain't he all to the good,
+though?"
+
+Now, Mr. Garrabrant knew boys and was not in the least offended by such
+crude ways of expressing their appreciation. He knew it sprang straight
+from the heart, and was prouder to have won so lasting a place in their
+regard than he would have been to take a city.
+
+"Yes, I saw the folks of every lad, and bear messages that will please
+you, I am sure," he observed. "Here they are, just as they were sent by
+mothers and fathers. And you may be sure they were delighted to learn
+how well things were going. They want you to stay your time out, and
+come back, ruddy and brown, better fitted to take up your school duties
+when vacation ends."
+
+After the packet of little hastily scribbled messages had been
+distributed, care having been taken by the thoughtful scout master that
+not a single one might feel neglected, there was a strange silence in
+camp. Undoubtedly several of the boys were rather perilously near the
+breaking point, as they began to once more experience the grip of that
+terrible malady--homesickness.
+
+But Mr. Garrabrant knew, and he it was who began to play with the
+captive monkey, causing more or less sport, that presently had all the
+boys laughing uproariously. And so the threatened eruption was avoided.
+When supper time came they had managed to recover their former
+steadiness of purpose to stick it out to the end.
+
+But there was not a single member of the troop who did not treasure that
+little slip of paper, bearing only a few cheering loving words in a
+familiar hand, during the rest of the stay in camp.
+
+As to what else befell the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, and particularly
+those members of the Wolf Patrol in whom we have had especial interest,
+time and space will not allow my attempting to narrate here. Later on
+the opportunity will doubtless arise, so that we shall once more make
+their acquaintance, and accompany them on other fields of outdoor life,
+where they continue to imbibe the secrets of Nature that are calculated
+to make them better fitted to take care of themselves, and be of service
+to their fellows.
+
+No serious calamity came to pass as the days slipped along. They
+continued to take toll of the obliging trout that dwelt in Lake
+Solitude, long acquainted with the hooks and devices of civilized man.
+And Mr. Garrabrant seldom allowed even a single day to pass without
+endeavoring to foster in his boys the manly spirit all American lads
+should possess.
+
+The day before they expected to break camp a party went over to the
+cabin of Abe Morris and brought him back with them, he being so far
+recovered, thanks to the treatment of the proud amateur physician, Dr.
+Ted, that he could limp, with the aid of crutches, and the stout as well
+as willing arms of the boys to lean upon.
+
+Of course the manly boy, Felix, and the useful maiden, Little Lou, came
+along, for the hut was being abandoned forever.
+
+They had places in the boats when the camp was left behind. The wagon as
+well as a carriage awaited them at exactly the same place where had
+burned the first camp fire of the expedition, this latter being for the
+use of Abe and his "kiddies," and the clumsier vehicle for the camp
+luggage.
+
+As for the scouts themselves they scorned such a means of travel.
+Browned and healthy, they felt able to walk twice the seven miles that
+lay between the Sweetwater and Hickory Ridge. And besides, were they not
+headed for _home_, with all that that implied in their enthusiastic
+boyish hearts?
+
+We could not, even if we would lift the veil, betray the emotion some of
+the valiant scouts exhibited when clasped again in the loving arms of a
+mother or a father. But everybody declared that the change in the boys
+was wonderful, and that they really seemed to have taken a great step
+forward in the journey toward manliness. Jasper Merriweather in
+particular hardly seemed like the same weak, timid boy. He had drawn in
+a big breath of "outdoors," and glimpsed the goal toward which he was
+now determined to set his course.
+
+And in Hickory Ridge that night, there was a consensus of opinion to the
+effect that the Boy Scout movement was by long odds the best thing that
+had ever happened to quicken the better element lying dormant in every
+growing lad.
+
+Abe Morris was easily placed in a paying position, and the boys never
+lost their interest in the boy Felix and Little Lou. Just as they had
+declared, the rewards coming to them for having effected the capture of
+the two bad men, as well as the runaway monkey valued so highly by
+Colonel Hitchens, were paid over to Abe, and went toward starting the
+little Morris family in a cottage of their own within the limits of the
+town of Hickory Ridge.
+
+Doubtless the thoughts of those lads would many times go out to the camp
+fires which had marked their first outing after organizing. And as they
+looked over the numerous fine pictures Mark had secured, they would live
+again the days when they experienced the strenuous life under canvas.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+The Alger Books by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+"THE TWO-IN-ONE EDITION"
+
+
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+
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+
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+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+Won In The Ninth
+
+_A STORY ABOUT BASEBALL_
+
+By "CHRISTY" MATHEWSON
+
+(FAMOUS PITCHER Of THE NEW YORK NATIONAL LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM)
+
+(Copyrighted, 1910, by the R. J. Bodmer Co.)
+
+
+The characters are college boys in everything but their ability to play
+baseball. Each represents one of the leading players who are now playing
+in the American and National Leagues with names slightly changed, but
+the reader will soon discover that he is reading the early exploits of
+one of his baseball favorites.
+
+The whole range of interesting features about a ball team and the game
+itself is covered in successive chapters. One of them contains the
+secrets of what is known as "inside baseball" and "signal work" with
+illustrations showing how to do it.
+
+Through the twenty chapters are interwoven many of the stories of actual
+plays, famous catches, thrilling episodes of games, tricks pulled off
+and some that did not work, which have come within the author's
+experience.
+
+A good story of college life runs through the book. The hero gets into
+trouble and his friends get him out in the usual strenuous style of
+college life stories.
+
+It is a live book about baseball, with live characters, and written by
+the one man who knows more about the men who are playing it to-day and
+the methods by which games are won than anyone else in the sport.
+
+"EDITOR'S NOTE--The Daily News makes no apology for placing in this
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+story dealing with baseball events and baseball heroes.
+
+"The Daily News believes in clean athletic sports, believes in
+encouraging them and in keeping them clean. Baseball is the national
+game. It is not only the most popular sport in the United States, but it
+is national in the sense that it expresses the ingenuity, the energy and
+the agility of the typical American. Viewed in this light, baseball
+possesses a dignity of its own and an entertaining and informing piece
+of literary work about it cannot be trivial. What is elevating, what is
+interesting, and what is dignified cannot but make a strong appeal to
+the appreciation of every reader."--_=The Chicago News, March 21,
+1910.=_
+
+"The best baseball story ever written."--_=The Evening World, New York,
+N. Y., March 14, 1910.=_
+
+"I have read WON IN THE NINTH with much interest and it has been very
+entertaining."--_=Charles W. Murphy, President Chicago National League
+Baseball Club, Chicago, April 8, 1910.=_
+
+"WON IN THE NINTH is a great book, and one that every lover of the game
+should read."--_=Charles A. Comiskey, President Chicago White Sox
+American League Baseball Club, Chicago, April 7, 1910.=_
+
+_=Size full 12mo, 302 pages. Illustrated by Felix Mahoney. Cloth
+binding. Gilt back. Price, 50cts. Net. Full discounts to the trade.=_
+
+
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+
+    Vol. 3--"Sue, a Little Heroine" and "Polly, a
+      New-Fashioned Girl," both by Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
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+      Graduate," both by Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+    Vol. 5--"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T.
+      Whitney, and "The Princess of the Revels," by Mrs. L.
+      T. Meade
+
+    Vol. 6--"Grimm's Tales," by The Brothers Grimm, and
+      "Fairy Tales and Legends," by Charles Perrault
+
+        LIST PRICE THIRTY CENTS A VOLUME
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+The lowest price for any single title or story in the above list in any
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+the price than has been offered heretofore in cloth-bound books for
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+
+        THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
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+
+
+
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+
+    Vol. 2--"Lena Rivers," by Mary J. Holmes, and "Ten
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+
+    Vol. 3--"Beulah" and "Inez," both by Augusta J. Evans
+
+    Vol. 4--"The Baronet's Bride" and "Who Wins," both by
+      May Agnes Fleming
+
+    Vol. 5--"Staunch as a Woman" and "Led by Love," both
+      by Charles Garvice
+
+    Vol. 6--"Cast up by the Tide," by Dora Delmar, and
+      "Golden Gates," by Bertha M. Clay
+
+    Vol. 7--"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T.
+      Whitney, and "Daddy's Girl," by Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+    Vol. 8--"Soldiers Three" and "The Light That Failed,"
+      both by Rudyard Kipling
+
+    Vol. 9--"The Rifle Rangers," by Mayne Reid, and "Two
+      Years Before the Mast," by R. H. Dana
+
+    Vol. 10--"Great Expectations," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by
+      Charles Dickens
+
+    Vol. 11--"Ishmael," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by Mrs.
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+
+
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+_Primrose Edition_
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+By MISS WINIFRED S. GIBBS
+
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+      Association for Improving the Conditions of the Poor
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+Notwithstanding that by its valuable suggestions this book helps to
+reduce the expense of supplying the table, the recipes are so planned
+that the economies effected thereby are not offset by any lessening in
+the attractiveness, variety or palatability of the dishes.
+
+Of equal importance are the sections of this work which deal with food
+values, the treatment of infants and invalids and the proper service of
+various dishes.
+
+The recipes are planned for two persons, but may readily be adapted for
+a large number. The book is replete with illustrations and tables of
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+
+        _Cloth Binding_     _Illustrated_       _25c. per volume_
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+        147 FOURTH AVENUE (near 14th St.) NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.
+
+First advertising page, "Campfires" changed to "Camp Fires" to match
+actual name of book. (Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol)
+
+First advertising page, "Chenoweth" changed to "Chenowith" to match
+actual book usage (Elmer Chenowith, a lad from)
+
+Page 78, "presenty" changed to "presently" (And when presently)
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 36838-8.txt or 36838-8.zip *******
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol, by Alan
+Douglas, Illustrated by E. C. Caswell</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol</p>
+<p>Author: Alan Douglas</p>
+<p>Release Date: July 24, 2011  [eBook #36838]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by<br />
+    Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Emmy,<br />
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 331px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="331" height="500" alt="Cover" title="" />
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class='center'><i>Primrose Edition</i></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/adtitle1.png" width="500" height="113" alt="THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'><b><span class='big'>A SERIES OF BOYS' BOOKS</span></b><br />
+
+By<br />
+CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS<br />
+
+<span class='small'>Scout Master</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>I. The <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Campfires'">Camp Fires</ins> of the Wolf Patrol</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>Their first camping experience affords the scouts splendid opportunities
+to use their recently acquired knowledge in a practical way.
+Elmer <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Chenoweth'">Chenowith</ins>, a lad from the north-west woods, astonishes
+everyone with his familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome
+story every boy should read.</div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>II. Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>This tale presents many stirring situations in which some of the
+boys are called upon to exercise all their ingenuity and unselfishness.
+A story filled with healthful excitement.</div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>III. Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected way, greatly to
+the credit of our young friends. A variety of incidents follow fast,
+one after the other.</div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>IV. Fast Nine; or, a Challenge From Fairfield</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The
+description of the final game with the team of a rival town, and the
+outcome thereof, form a stirring narrative. One of the best baseball
+stories of recent years.</div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>V. Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on their greatest
+undertaking. Their march takes them far from home, and the good-natured
+rivalry of the different patrols furnishes many interesting
+and amusing situations.</div>
+
+
+<div class='adtitle1'>VI. Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day</div>
+
+<div class='blockquot'>Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck in the face of
+apparent failure. Our heroes show the stuff they are made of and
+surprise their most ardent admirers. One of the best stories Captain
+Douglas has written.</div>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<span class='u'><i>Cloth Binding</i>   &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;     <i>Cover Illustrations in Four Colors</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class='big'><b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b></span><br />
+<b>147 FOURTH AVENUE (near 14th St.) NEW YORK</b><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CAMP FIRES OF THE<br />
+WOLF PATROL</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class='bbox'>
+<div class='center'>COMPLETE ROSTER, WHEN THE<br />
+PATROLS WERE FILLED, OF<br />
+<br />
+<span class='big'>THE HICKORY RIDGE TROOP</span><br />
+<span class='big'>OF BOY SCOUTS</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">MR. RODERIC GARRABRANT, Scout Master</span><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class='center'>THE WOLF PATROL<br />
+
+<span class="smcap">Elmer Chenowith</span>, Patrol Leader, and also
+Assistant Scout Master</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Wolf Patrol">
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Mark Cummings</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Ted (Theodore) Burgoyne</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Toby (Tobias) Ellsworth Jones</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><span class="smcap">"Lil Artha" (Arthur) Stansbury</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">Chatz (Charles) Maxfield</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 5em;"><span class="smcap">Phil (Philip) Dale</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;"><span class="smcap">George Robbins</span></span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br />THE BEAVER PATROL<br />
+
+<span class="smcap">Matty (Matthew) Eggleston</span>, Patrol Leader</div>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Beaver patrol">
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">"Red" (Oscar) Huggins</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Ty (Tyrus) Collins</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Jasper Merriweather</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 3em;"><span class="smcap">Tom Cropsey</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">Larry (Lawrence) Billings</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 5em;"><span class="smcap">Hen (Henry) Condit</span></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6em;"><span class="smcap">Landy (Philander) Smith</span></span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br />THE EAGLE PATROL<br />
+
+
+<span class="smcap">Jack Armitage</span>, Patrol Leader<br />
+<span class="smcap">Nat (Nathan) Scott</span><br />
+<br />
+
+<span class='small'>(OTHERS TO BE ENLISTED UNTIL THIS PATROL HAS<br />
+REACHED ITS LEGITIMATE NUMBER)</span></div>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 331px;">
+<img src="images/frontis.png" width="331" height="410" alt="It proved to be interesting work." title="" />
+<span class="caption">It proved to be interesting work.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/adtitle1.png" width="500" height="113" alt="Border" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'>NUMBER ONE</div>
+
+<h1>CAMP FIRES OF THE<br />
+WOLF PATROL</h1>
+
+<div class='center'>BY
+<span class='author'><span class="smcap">Captain</span> ALAN DOUGLAS</span>
+<span class='small'>SCOUT MASTER</span><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/emblem.png" width="100" height="103" alt="Emblem" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br /><br />
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+NEW YORK<br />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class='copyright'>
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1912, by</span><br />
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of contents">
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><span class='small'>CHAPTER</span></td><td align='right'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>I.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In Camp on the Sweetwater</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>II.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Sudden Peril</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>III.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Ginger Plays with Fire</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IV.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Never-To-Be-Forgotten Supper</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>V.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">What Was It?</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VI.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Boy Scouts' Water-Boiling Test</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VII.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Lost Sky Traveler</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VIII.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Blazed Trail</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IX.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">What the Lone Cabin Contained</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>X.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Wigwagging from the Mountain Peak</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XI.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Hairy Thief that Walked on Two Legs</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XII.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Laying a Ghost</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_105">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIII.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Taken by Surprise</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIV.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Things that Make Boys Manly</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_121">121</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XV.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">How the Trap Worked</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_129">129</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVI.&mdash;</td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Last Flickering Camp Fire Dies Out</span></td><td align='right'>&nbsp;<a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><h2>CAMP FIRES OF<br />THE WOLF PATROL</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><span class='u'>THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS</span><br />
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>IN CAMP ON THE SWEETWATER.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A troop</span> of khaki-clad boys had been marching, rather
+wearily perhaps, along a road that, judging from all indications,
+was not very much used by the natives.</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon was waning, so that a summer's night
+would soon begin to close in around them. Dense woods
+lay in all directions, the foliage of which had afforded very
+pleasant shelter from the fierce rays of the August sun.
+"Halt!" came the loud order.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! we're going into our first camp, fellows!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pull off your lids, boys, and give a salute!"</p>
+
+<p>"What a dandy old place for a camp. How d'ye suppose
+he came to pick this out, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's as easy to tell as falling off a log, Toby. We
+have to use water to cook with; and just notice this fine
+stream running past us," returned the boy addressed, who
+seemed to be the second in command of the detachment of
+scouts. "Besides," he added, "you forget that we aimed
+to reach the Sweetwater River by evening, so that we could
+start up the current in our boats to-morrow morning. And
+this, I reckon, is the stream that we're looking for."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah again, fellows! The day's hike is done. Now
+for a bully rest!"</p>
+
+<p>"Stand at attention, all! Call the roll, secretary, to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+see if there are any stragglers!" the scout master commanded,
+as the small troop ranged up before him.</p>
+
+<p>This young man was Mr. Roderic Garrabrant, who had
+only too gladly assumed the r&ocirc;le he occupied, being greatly
+interested in the boy problem; and possessing a few fads
+and fancies he wished to work out by actual experience.
+His knowledge of woodcraft was not so very extensive; but
+the moral effect of his presence was expected to exert
+considerable benefit in connection with the dozen or more
+members of the Hickory Ridge troop of Boy Scouts.</p>
+
+<p>The small town of Hickory Ridge lay about seven miles
+due south of the place where they had struck the winding
+Sweetwater; and the party had tramped this distance since
+noon. While it might not seem very far to those who
+are accustomed to long walks, there were a number among
+the scouts who had undoubtedly exceeded their record on
+this same afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>An exceedingly tall and ungainly lad, with long legs
+that seemed to just delight getting in the way at times,
+threatening to twist him in a knot, drew out a little pocket
+volume, and in a sing-song tone started to call off numerous
+names.</p>
+
+<p>Each boy answered promptly when he heard his own
+name mentioned; and as they will very likely figure largely
+in our story, it might be just as well to take note of the
+manner in which Arthur Stansbury called them off:</p>
+
+<p>"Members of the Wolf Patrol: Elmer Chenowith, Mark
+Cummings, Ted Burgoyne, Toby Ellsworth Jones, Arthur
+Stansbury, and Chatz Maxfield.</p>
+
+<p>"Members of the Beaver Patrol: Matty Eggleston, Oscar
+Huggins, Tyrus Collins, Jasper Merriweather, Tom
+Cropsey, Lawrence Billings.</p>
+
+<p>"Unattached, but to form Numbers One and Two of the
+new Eagle Patrol: Jack Armitage and Nathan Scott."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We seem to be just two shy," observed Mr. Garrabrant,
+with a twinkle in his eye, as he turned toward Elmer
+Chenowith, who had recently received his certificate
+as assistant scout master from the National Council, and
+was really qualified to take the place of the leader whenever
+the latter chanced to be absent.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer raised his hand promptly in salute, as he made
+reply:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; Nat Scott and Jasper Merriweather. They
+pegged out a mile or so back; and after examining their
+feet, and finding that they were really sore from walking,
+I gave them permission to ride on the commissary wagon,
+sir."</p>
+
+<p>Now, of course Mr. Garrabrant knew all this perfectly
+well. He had actually watched the pair of tenderfeet
+only too gladly clamber aboard the wagon that bore the
+tents, food, extra clothing, and cooking outfit for the
+camp. But thus far did military tactics rule the Boy
+Scouts, that he was supposed to know nothing about such
+incidents until they had been reported to him in the proper
+manner, as provided for in the system.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose then you notify them, Mr. Bugler," said the
+scout master, turning to Mark Cummings, who, besides
+being the especial chum of Elmer, was really a fine musician,
+and naturally had been unanimously chosen as bugler
+for the new troop of scouts recently organized in Hickory
+Ridge.</p>
+
+<p>When the clear, penetrating notes of the bugle sounded
+through the neighboring woods, there came a faint but
+enthusiastic cheer from some point along the back trail. In
+addition, the waiting scouts could catch the plain creaking
+of a wagon, accompanied by encouraging words, spoken
+undeniably by a "gentleman of color."</p>
+
+<p>"Git up dar, youse ol' sleepy-haid, Andy Jackson! Wot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+youse t'ink we's gwine tuh do up hyah in dis neck ob de
+woods, hey? Git a mobe on yuh, Jawdge Washington!
+Jes' quit dat peekin' outen de tail end ob yuh eye at me!
+We ain't playin' dat ere game ob politics now; dis am
+real, honest, sure-nuff work. Altogedder now, bofe ob
+youse; or de waggin dun stick in de mud of dis crick!"</p>
+
+<p>Then followed a few whacks, as the energetic driver applied
+the goad, some startled snorts, in turn succeeded by
+another relay of faint cheers from the two footsore scouts
+aboard the wagon.</p>
+
+<p>And presently the lumbering vehicle, with its sweating
+steeds, halted alongside the site selected by the scout master
+as the spot for the first camp of the scouts' outing. An
+opening was readily found where Ginger, the ebony driver,
+might urge his reluctant team to leave the hard road, and
+enter among the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately a scene of great bustle, and more or less
+confusion ensued; for it must be remembered that while
+the Hickory Ridge scouts may have drilled in the work
+of starting a camp, that was only theory, and the present
+was their first actual practice on record.</p>
+
+<p>The contents of the wagon were overhauled, and several
+tents started to go up on spots particularly selected by the
+leaders of the patrols, who had this duty in their sole
+charge.</p>
+
+<p>Here Elmer had a great advantage over all his fellows,
+since he had spent much of his life up in the Canadian
+Northwest, where his father had held a position as manager
+to extensive lands that were being farmed on a colossal scale,
+until a year or so previous, when, being left a snug little
+fortune, Mr. Chenowith had decided to return to his native
+state, to settle down for the balance of his days.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the boy had picked up a considerable amount
+of useful knowledge during his stay in that country of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+vast distances, which was likely to prove of use to him in
+his experiences as a scout.</p>
+
+<p>They had elected him as president of the troop, and he
+had readily been given the position of scout leader in the
+Wolf Patrol because of this wide range of knowledge pertaining
+to the secrets of outdoor life. It had also been
+mainly instrumental in securing for him the coveted certificate
+from Headquarters, recognizing him as a capable
+assistant to Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer could toss a rope, follow a trail, throw a "diamond
+hitch" in loading a pack horse, travel on snowshoes, recognize
+most wild animals just from their tracks, make a
+camp properly, and do so many other like tricks that made
+him the envy of his mates, and especially Matty Eggleston,
+who was the leader of the Beaver Patrol, and had much
+to learn concerning his duties.</p>
+
+<p>It was a cheerful scene, as the tents were raised, and
+fires began to crackle, one for each patrol, according to
+custom. Even the two limping scouts forgot their recent
+lameness, and began to sniff the air hungrily when Ginger
+started to get supper for the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>Ginger had qualified as an expert first-class cook, but
+the truth might as well be stated right in the beginning
+that the boys quickly tired of the greasy messes the son
+of Ethiopia flung together, and soon followed the example
+of the Wolf Patrol, doing their own cooking, an arrangement
+that pleased the good-natured but indolent Ginger
+perfectly. He was always on hand, however, when the time
+for eating came around, being possessed of an enormous
+appetite that alarmed Mr. Garrabrant more than a little.</p>
+
+<p>Night had closed in long before supper was ready, for
+things somehow worked at sixes and sevens on the occasion
+of the getting of the first meal, since many essential articles
+had to be hunted for, entailing a loss of time. But all this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+would be remedied as soon as they were in their permanent
+camp, for both Mr. Garrabrant and Elmer were keen on
+system and order.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were almost famished after that seven-mile hike,
+and could hardly wait for the signal to "fall to." But
+there was an abundance for all, and none of them was much
+inclined to be what Arthur Stansbury called "finicky"
+that night.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant, however, while eating, looked suspiciously
+toward Ginger, and shook his head in the direction of
+Elmer, as if to say that if this mess were a fair specimen
+of the cook's best efforts along the culinary line, the
+sooner they started in to depend on themselves the better
+for their digestion.</p>
+
+<p>After the meal had been finished the boys left Ginger
+to clean up while they lay around, enjoying the sparkling
+blaze, something that most of them were not very familiar
+with. For the time being all formality was thrown aside,
+and they laughed and chatted, just as normal boys are
+prone to do when out upon a holiday jaunt.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant showed the two laggards how they had
+been unwise not immediately to dislodge sundry small pebbles
+that had found a way to get in their shoes, with the
+consequence that presently stone bruises had formed that
+became painful. He made them easy with some lotion he
+carried for just such a purpose.</p>
+
+<p>In this and dozens of other ways the efficient scout
+master expected to teach the boys of the troop how to take
+care of themselves when away from home. But the lads
+who had to be told <i>the same thing twice</i> might expect to
+forfeit some privilege since they were expected to think
+for themselves, after being shown.</p>
+
+<p>There was also a second colored man along, who expected
+to take the team back on the morrow, since the scouts would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+have no further need of it, once they embarked in the
+boats that were to meet them here. In these they expected
+to ascend the Sweetwater to a small lake called Jupiter;
+and from thence by way of Paradise Creek find a passage
+to Lake Solitude beyond, where they meant to camp and
+learn the numerous "stunts" a good scout should know.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the lads had fair voices, and school songs were
+sung around the fire, Mark doing the accompanying with
+soft notes on his bugle. He had mastered this instrument,
+and his mates never wearied of hearing him play.</p>
+
+<p>Ted Burgoyne was afflicted with a slight lisp that gave
+him no end of trouble; though he always insisted that he
+spoke as correctly as any of his companions. Ted had a
+strong leaning toward the profession of a surgeon, and indeed
+was forever loudly wishing for a subject upon whom
+to operate. The boys had considerable fun over this weakness,
+but all the same they must have felt more or less
+confidence in his ability to do the right thing; for whenever
+any slight accident occurred it might be noticed that
+every one in camp called upon "Dr. Ted" to take hold;
+and he nearly always proved himself equal to the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Charlie Maxfield, or Chatz as he was universally called,
+was somewhat of a queer chap. He believed in ghosts, and
+was always reading stories of hobgoblins and haunted
+houses. Of course, with such a propensity, Chatz could
+be depended on to try and frighten his chums from time to
+time. He was forever "seeing things" in the dark.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the boys had plenty of fun with Chatz, which
+he took in good part; but although, as a rule, his alarms
+proved to be false ones nothing seemed to disturb his deep-rooted
+convictions. They even said he carried a rabbit's
+foot, for good luck, the animal having been killed by Chatz
+himself in a graveyard, and in the full of the moon.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say Chatz Maxfield was a Southern-born lad,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+as his accent alone proved. He was a fine fellow, taken
+as a whole, outside of this silly belief in ghosts, which he
+possibly imbibed from the small darkies with whom he
+played on his father's Georgia plantation, years back.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see any boats around here, fellows!" remarked
+Ty Collins, when there came a little lull in the conversation,
+after Mr. Garrabrant had been explaining some puzzling
+matter that one of the boys had put up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that's a fact!" exclaimed "Lil Artha," as the
+long-legged secretary, Arthur Stansbury was called by his
+mates&mdash;he was a devoted amateur photographer, and even
+then had been busying himself with some part of his equipment
+as he sat by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur was keenly desirous of learning all the various
+kinks that a first class scout must know. He was somewhat
+of a joker in his way, and at times a little addicted to the
+use of current slang; but a warm-hearted, impulsive lad
+all the same.</p>
+
+<p>"They are to be on hand in the morning, boys," remarked
+Mr. Garrabrant. "And of course we shall not
+think of leaving here until they come. Make your minds
+easy on that score, Nat and Jasper. Your heels will have
+a chance to get well, never fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Where's Chatz?" asked one of the other boys, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"He asked permission to walk back a bit over our trail,"
+observed Elmer. "Said he missed a buckle from his coat,
+which he was carrying over his arm when he tripped. I
+let him take a lantern with him to see if he could find it."</p>
+
+<p>"Lil Artha" began to laugh, and several of the other
+boys joined in.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my! what if he happens to run across one of those
+ghosts he's always talking about?" suggested Toby Ellsworth
+Jones, whose grandfather had been a veteran, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+soldier under the colonel who died at Alexandria, Va., in
+the Civil War; whence the name of Ellsworth&mdash;Toby was
+just wild on the subject of aeronautics; and while thus far
+everything he attempted had proven as flat a failure as
+the famous flying machine of Darius Green, still he lived
+in hopes of accomplishing something that would make the
+name of Jones renowned.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the boys struggled to their feet at this, finding
+themselves stiff in the legs after their long walk.</p>
+
+<p>"Look! there's a light coming just flying along the road
+right now!" cried Larry Billings.</p>
+
+<p>"And that must be Chatz on the full run, though he
+wouldn't yell out for anything!" exclaimed Mark.</p>
+
+<p>"Something must be chasing him, fellows!" declared
+Toby, in great excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it's a wildcat!" suggested Jasper Merriweather,
+who was a bit timid.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he comes, and he can speak for himself. What
+ails you, Charlie; what happened to start you running?"
+asked the scout master, as the boy came hurrying up, breathing
+hard, and showing signs of positive alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Reckon I saw something, suh, that was mighty mysterious!"
+replied Chatz; at which the entire group of scouts
+looked at each other, and held their breath in awe.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE SUDDEN PERIL.</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">I see</span> you found your buckle, Chatz," remarked Elmer,
+noticing what the other was holding in the hand that was
+not occupied in grasping the lighted lantern.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! yes, I picked that up where I tripped, and nearly
+fell flat," replied the other, quickly. "Just as I got up
+off my knees I happened to look alongside the road, where
+the trees grow so thick, and I give you my word, fellows,
+I saw a moving white figure that had the most terrible yellow
+eyes ever! I know you all laugh at me whenever I
+say I believe in ghosts; but if that wasn't one I miss my
+guess, yes suh."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll dare you to go back with me till we find out," said
+Elmer, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>Chatz hesitated; but for all his silly notions in this one
+line the boy was far from being a coward.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, if you say so, I'm willing," he declared.
+"I'd just like to know what that was, anyhow, if not a
+specter. Come on, Elmer."</p>
+
+<p>"Take me along, won't you?" asked Lil Artha, gaining
+his feet, as he thrust his kodak away.</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too!" called out several others; while a few hung
+back, not caring to take chances of a meeting with a real
+ghost.</p>
+
+<p>"You can go along, Arthur, likewise Ted and Toby. The
+rest had better stay here with me to guard the camp, in case<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+there happens to be a raid of ghosts," remarked the scout
+master, in a tone that put an end to all protestations.</p>
+
+<p>So the little party trotted off, followed by wishful glances
+from the balance of those who would have liked to be with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Down the road they went, Chatz keeping in close contact
+with Elmer, and maintaining a discreet silence. Presently
+they arrived at the spot where he had found the missing
+buckle.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's where I stooped down to hunt, boys," he remarked,
+in a low voice; "and when I looked over yonder,
+I saw IT standing just back of that fringe of brush, waving
+its long arms at me, and staring to beat the band. Do you
+see anything there, fellows?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a thing, Chatz," replied Artha, cheerfully. "To
+the foolish house for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" said Toby, holding up his hand, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see anything move?" demanded the Southern
+lad, eagerly, as though he wanted to prove that his alarm
+had been well founded.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I did," replied Toby, quivering with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, fellows," observed Elmer, with a chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>From somewhere back in the woods there came a weird
+sound, mournful enough to strike a chill to the heart of
+anyone not familiar with its nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! whatever can that be?" cried Toby. "Sounded
+just like some poor feller calling for help."</p>
+
+<p>"Elmer, you know; tell uth, pleath!" entreated Ted,
+with his usual lisp, which even the alarm that was seizing
+hold of him now could not dissipate.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I declare, I'm surprised to think that none of you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+fellows ever heard an owl hoot before!" laughed the scout
+leader of the Wolf Patrol.</p>
+
+<p>"An owl&mdash;that only a poor little dickey of an owl!"
+cried Toby.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it sounds just like the white owl we used to have
+up in Canada," continued Elmer, seriously. "And ten to
+one now, it was what Chatz here saw in that brush alongside
+the road. Of course it had staring yellow eyes; and in
+the dim light he must have fancied he saw an arm waving
+at him. That was only a shadow, Chatz. So come along,
+let's get back to the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, anyway, it looked mighty spooky," declared the
+Southern boy, stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p>And he persisted in this attitude, even when some of his
+companions, who might not have been one half so brave
+as Chatz, if ever put to the test, began to "josh" him
+because of his recent alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant, accompanied by Elmer, went the rounds
+to ascertain just how the boys had erected their tents. He
+found little cause for complaint, since the young assistant
+scout master had drilled the members of the troop in this
+science, and they had it down quite pat, at least so far as
+theory went.</p>
+
+<p>While the Boy-Scout movement of to-day has little to
+do with military tactics, still discipline is taught; and
+numerous things that soldiers employ in their daily life are
+practiced. One of these is setting a guard at night, and
+teaching the boys the necessity of keeping watchful when
+in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Each patrol had to set a guard or sentry, and lay out
+a plan whereby the various members would take turns in
+standing duty during some period of the night.</p>
+
+<p>The two unattached scouts were temporarily added to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+six composing the Wolf Patrol, so that they might come
+under the charge of Elmer, and profit from his instruction.</p>
+
+<p>By ten o'clock the camp had relapsed into a condition of
+silence. "Taps" had been sounded on the bugle, which
+meant that every light must be extinguished except the two
+fires; and each scout not on duty seek his blanket.</p>
+
+<p>Of course there was more or less whispering from time
+to time; and apparently it was a hard thing for some of
+the boys to settle down to sleep. But both Mr. Garrabrant
+and Elmer knew boy nature full well, and for this one
+night were disposed to overlook little infractions of the
+rules. But later on they would expect to hold the entire
+troop rigidly to discipline, when the time for skylarking
+had gone by.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer had left word with the boy from the Wolf Patrol
+who first went on duty to awaken him if anything out of
+the way occurred. And in turn he was to transmit the
+order to the fellow who succeeded him.</p>
+
+<p>When a hand gripped his arm as he lay under his blanket
+Elmer was immediately awakened; nor did he evince the
+slightest alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" he asked, softly, not wishing to arouse
+the others in the tent, who were sound asleep, if their heavy
+breathing stood for anything.</p>
+
+<p>"Something moving on the river, and I thought you
+ought to know," replied the one who had crept excitedly
+under the canvas.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Toby, I'm coming after you. Back out!"
+replied Elmer, as he wriggled from under his comfortable
+blanket, and pulled on his trousers; for the air of an
+August night often feels decidedly chilly, especially after
+one has been snuggled beneath covers.</p>
+
+<p>He found the fires had died down, though the boys made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+sure that they did not wholly go out, since they had no
+great love for the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen! There it goes again," remarked Toby, once
+more clutching the sleeve of the scout leader in a nervous
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this is a funny thing," he said, as though amused.
+"First Chatz takes a poor old owl with its yellow eyes for a
+ghost, and now you imagine the dip of oars to be something
+as mysterious and thrilling. Why, don't you make out two
+sets plashing at different times. Those are the boats we
+expect. Perhaps the men from Rockaway down the river
+were delayed; or else they preferred to do their rowing
+after the sun set. But that's all it means, Toby."</p>
+
+<p>"Aw! well, I thought it my duty to let you know," observed
+the other.</p>
+
+<p>"And you did quite right, Toby. But I'd better try and
+get Mr. Garrabrant out here without awakening the lot, if
+it can be done," and saying this Elmer started toward the
+second tent, where the scout master had some four boys
+under his especial charge.</p>
+
+<p>It proved to be just as Elmer had guessed. The two men
+who rowed the boats had preferred to do their work after
+the heat of day had gone by. They would not even pass
+the balance of the night in camp, being anxious to get back
+to Rockaway, the town some five miles down the river.</p>
+
+<p>So this little excitement died away, and once more silence
+brooded over the camp on the Sweetwater. The night
+passed without any further alarm; and with the coming
+of morning the clear notes of the bugle sounding the reveille
+aroused the last sleepers, and caused them to crawl
+forth, rubbing their eyes and yawning.</p>
+
+<p>Mark's grandfather had been a famous artist, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+boy bade fair to some day follow in his illustrious footsteps.
+He was forever drawing exceedingly apt pictures, with
+pencil, a bit of chalk, a scrap of charcoal or anything that
+came handy; and as a rule these were humorous caricatures
+of his chums in many amusing attitudes. So he now busied
+himself catching the sleepy scouts in various striking postures,
+to the great delight of those who gathered around.</p>
+
+<p>Between Mark's readiness with the crayon and the eagerness
+of Lil Artha to use his camera, it seemed likely that
+little worth remembering would escape being handed down
+to illustrate the events of this, their first outing.</p>
+
+<p>"Me for a bully good swim!" exclaimed the long-legged
+boy, as he started for the nearby river.</p>
+
+<p>Others were quick to follow his example, for few healthy
+boys there are to whom the opportunity for splashing in
+the water on a summer morn does not appeal.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep on your guard, fellows!" called Mr. Garrabrant,
+who was busily employed doing something near one of the
+tents. "The current is swift, and unless I miss my guess
+the river is quite deep here. Elmer, you go along and watch
+out that no one comes to harm," and he turned once again
+to his task, confident that his assistant was capable of executing
+his wishes properly.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes passed away, and Mr. Garrabrant, having
+managed successfully to complete the little job he had set
+himself to execute, was thinking it time the boys who were
+bathing should be recalled, when he heard sudden cries
+that pierced him like an arrow.</p>
+
+<p>"Hey! look at Jasper, would you, how funny he acts!"</p>
+
+<p>"Elmer! Elmer! come here! Jasper's got a cramp!
+He's gone down!"</p>
+
+<p>Hurriedly did the alarmed scout master leap to his feet
+and start wildly in the direction of these loud outcries. No<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+doubt in that second of time he saw the faces of the Merriweather
+boy's parents, filled with the agony that comes to
+those who have lost a son by drowning; and the mental
+picture sent Mr. Garrabrant flying over the ground.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>GINGER PLAYS WITH FIRE.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">At</span> the time the loud cries had come, Elmer was just leaving
+the water himself, having had enough of a morning
+bath. He saw several of the boys running toward a point
+down stream, where Ty Collins and Nat Scott were when
+they shouted, and without wasting a second Elmer had sped
+that way.</p>
+
+<p>So fast did he run that he easily outstripped the rest, and
+reached the spot where Ty and Nat stood on the bank, beckoning
+wildly to him, while they stared out upon the eddying
+water.</p>
+
+<p>One look Elmer gave. It enabled him to glimpse something
+white emerging from the foamy water, and a pair of
+arms beat wildly in the air. Then he sprang in, and hand
+over hand made for the spot.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily he had arrived just below, so that the chances
+of his reaching the drowning lad were better than would
+have otherwise been the case if he had the swift current
+against him.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps in all his life Elmer Chenowith never struck out
+with such intense eagerness, for he had seen that something
+serious must have happened to Jasper, since he was under
+the surface of the water most of the time and undoubtedly
+gulping in great quantities of it.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping his eyes fastened on the struggling figure as best
+he could, Elmer made his way furiously through the surging
+Sweetwater. Just at this place, on account of a decided<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+drop in the bed of the river, there was a swift current and
+considerable foam around the rocks that partly blocked the
+rapids.</p>
+
+<p>"He's got him!" shrilled Tom Cropsey.</p>
+
+<p>"But look out, Elmer; don't let him get a grip on you!
+Size up the way Jasper is fighting to get hold of him! Oh!
+he nearly did it, then! What ought we to do, fellows? If
+he grabs Elmer they'll just both drown!"</p>
+
+<p>It was Red Huggins who thus gave vent to his feelings.
+He generally became so excited in an emergency that he
+could not collect his wits enough to be of any great use.
+And it was fortunate that all of those present were not
+built upon the same model as impulsive Red.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant had snatched up a rope as he ran. Perhaps,
+with rare wisdom the long-headed scout master had
+even placed it there, looking to a possible sudden need for
+such a thing.</p>
+
+<p>He had no occasion to ask where the thrilling event was
+taking place. Every boy was staring in that one quarter,
+and before he even saw the two figures in the swirl of the
+yeasty river Mr. Garrabrant realized the condition of
+affairs.</p>
+
+<p>He found that Elmer had managed to seize the drowning
+boy from behind, always the very best method of doing
+in such a case. Had he been unable to accomplish this, and
+the frenzied Jasper seized upon him, doubtless Elmer would
+have broken away, even though he might have had to strike
+the other quite sharply in the face and partly stun him
+to do so. Better that, than that both should go down together.</p>
+
+<p>So Elmer was endeavoring to push the other in toward
+shore. Sometimes the water would go over them both with
+a rush, for they happened to be in one of the roughest parts
+of the river.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant sized up the situation at a single glance.
+Then he ran down the shore a dozen paces, and started to
+wade into the river.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, take hold of this end of the rope, boys!" he
+cried, as he came upon several of the scouts who were standing
+knee deep in the water, seemingly half paralyzed by
+the terrible nature of the scene before them.</p>
+
+<p>Mark Cummings had just arrived on the scene. He had
+been dressing in the tent at the time the alarm sounded.
+Regardless of the fact that he had on his clothes, he sprang
+into the water alongside the scout master.</p>
+
+<p>Together they buffeted the waves, and made for the approaching
+pair. Elmer saw them coming and redoubled his
+efforts to keep the drowning boy afloat, and at the same
+time avoid being clasped in his desperate embrace.</p>
+
+<p>Then friendly hands were laid upon them, and with three
+to take charge, Jasper was borne to the land. He had collapsed
+before the shore was reached, and the balance of
+the boys gathered around, staring in great fear at his pallid
+face.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant knew the theory of restoring a person
+who has come very near being drowned; but it chanced
+that Elmer had more than once had active participation in
+that sort of work. So he lost no time in stretching poor
+Jasper, face down, on the ground, placing his knees on his
+back, and having his arms worked regularly by some of
+the boys, while he pressed downward, again and again with
+considerable force, so as to induce artificial breathing.</p>
+
+<p>As Jasper was not far gone he quickly responded to this
+rough but effective treatment. He belched out a small
+Niagara of water, groaned, trembled, and finally tried to
+beg them to have a little mercy on him, saying that he was
+now all right, upon which the boys of course ceased their
+efforts intended to bring him to.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Breakfast was slow in coming along that morning.
+Ginger had been tremendously unnerved by the exciting
+spectacle of the rescue of the drowning lad, and he continuously
+made all sorts of foolish blunders while trying
+to cook, so that in the end Mr. Garrabrant chased him away
+and set Elmer and Ty Collins at the job, both of whom he
+knew were very good cooks.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards the tents had to come down, and the entire
+outfit be stored away in the two boats which were intended
+to carry them the balance of the way.</p>
+
+<p>Ginger sent the horse and wagon back in charge of the
+other colored man, and announced himself prepared to accompany
+the troop into the heart of the wilderness. He
+was so good-natured, and they could make use of him to do
+much of the drudgery of the camp; so Mr. Garrabrant decided
+to let Ginger go along, even though he was not to be
+trusted to get their meals any longer.</p>
+
+<p>The boats were stoutly built, and of a good size. Both
+were capable of being rowed by two pairs of oars: and, indeed,
+this was rendered quite necessary by the swiftness of
+the Sweetwater in parts.</p>
+
+<p>Once they reached the first little lake and the worst part
+of the struggle would be over; after that the going must
+prove much easier.</p>
+
+<p>At first the scouts considered the rowing a picnic. That
+lasted less than ten minutes. Then, as the strain of the current
+started to tell upon them, grunts began to be heard, and
+these were followed by heavy sighs and glum faces.</p>
+
+<p>Blisters began to appear on palms that were quite unused
+to labor of this severe kind. True, Mr. Garrabrant in one
+boat, and Elmer in the other, tried to show the greenhorns
+how they could save themselves much of this pain by proper
+handling of the oars; but like everything else, experience
+after all was bound to be the best guide.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A number of the lads, however, were more or less familiar
+with rowing, even though there was no body of water
+close to the town on the railroad known as Hickory Ridge.
+Of course Elmer himself took an oar, and kept up his part
+of the drudgery from start to finish; and his chum Mark
+also did his share with credit.</p>
+
+<p>There were places where the river widened, and the current
+was less savage. Here those who tugged at the oars
+managed to rest up a bit for the next hard pull.</p>
+
+<p>So the morning passed with frequent rests, for Mr. Garrabrant
+knew better than utterly to weary his command in
+the beginning. They were, after all, out for sport; and it
+would have been an unwise move on his part to have sickened
+the tenderfeet scouts before they had had a fair chance
+to get hardened to it.</p>
+
+<p>Just before noon the boy in the bow of the leading boat
+gave a yell.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked the scout master.</p>
+
+<p>"I just had a squint at a body of water, sir; and I think
+it must have been a lake," replied Jack Armitage, who was
+in the boat with the Wolf Patrol, Ginger working one of
+the oars in the other craft.</p>
+
+<p>"That must be the first lake, Jupiter they call it," Mr.
+Garrabrant went on.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! that means a rest, and lunch, fellows!" cried
+Lil Artha, who had been resting after his turn at rowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't crow too soon," barked Toby, mysteriously.
+"The worst is yet to come. Remember that these two lakes
+are joined by Paradise Creek. I've heard that stream is
+worse than the river here to pull against."</p>
+
+<p>"That's where you're mistaken, Toby," remarked Elmer.
+"I talked with a lumberman, and also a sportsman
+who comes up here every fall to shoot wild ducks on the
+lake they call Solitude. Both of them assured me that once<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+we got to this point our troubles would be over. So cheer
+up, my hearties, the pulling will be a picnic after this."</p>
+
+<p>Then they passed out from the head of the romantic
+Sweetwater. The lake was a pretty little sheet of water,
+with shores that, as a rule, were wooded; though in several
+places it looked as though farms ran down to the water's
+edge.</p>
+
+<p>The boys soon clamored to get ashore and stretch their
+weary legs; nor was Mr. Garrabrant in the least averse to
+such a change himself. It is always inducive to cramp to
+sit in a boat several hours.</p>
+
+<p>Lunch was eaten under a patch of friendly trees that
+grew on the bank. Then the troop was allowed half an
+hour to lounge around, ere once more embarking for the
+afternoon row.</p>
+
+<p>Just where they had landed it was very wild. Rocks
+jutted up out of the sides of the hills, and the trees grew
+in every crevice where earth had gathered.</p>
+
+<p>Toby was lying on his back, looking longingly up at the
+bald top of a neighboring elevation that might almost be
+called a mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Say," he said to Red, who happened to be sprawled
+out near him, "did you ever in all your days see such a
+splendid place as that for a starter? Just think what a jolly
+good thing it would be to stand there on the edge of that
+cliff and just give one big spring off, flapping your wings
+as you jumped. Wow! I can see myself sailing through
+space, and coming down as gently as a thistle ball. But
+how could a fellow ever get up there in the first place?&mdash;that's
+what's bothering me."</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, Toby, you don't really mean to say that
+if you had those silly old wings along with you, anything'd
+ever tempt you to take such chances as to jump off that
+high place? Why, it'd be your finish sure, if you ever did.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+You'd come down with an awful jar. And ten to one we'd
+have to gather your poor remains up with a shovel. I'm
+glad Mr. Garrabrant refused to let you fetch along all that
+stuff you had laid out to bring."</p>
+
+<p>"He near broke my heart when he said that, Red,"
+sighed Toby. "But we're going to be up here some time,
+you know, and perhaps I might get a chance to rig up some
+sort of flying machine. I'll never be happy till I'm sailing
+through the clouds, and that's a fact."</p>
+
+<p>"Your heart, could stand it better than your blessed
+neck," retorted Red. "And that's what would have happened
+to you, sure, if he'd let you try to play your game
+of being aviator to the troop."</p>
+
+<p>"Sit still, fellows!" sang out the photographer just
+then; "I've got you in just a dandy picture, the entire
+bunch! There, done with a click, and thank you."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant sat up and looked at his watch.</p>
+
+<p>"About time we were moving, boys," he remarked, at
+which there were numerous uplifted eyebrows, and not a
+few groans, as the unfortunate tenderfeet looked at the red
+spots in the palms of their hands, unused to hard work.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, as there was little to pack, it would be a matter
+of only a few minutes ere they could be on the move
+again, and speeding up Jupiter Lake toward the link that
+connected with the other sheet of water.</p>
+
+<p>"All here?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, as a precautionary
+measure; since some of the scouts had shown a weakness for
+wandering whenever half a chance arose.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer had just been in the act of counting heads.</p>
+
+<p>"We seem to be one shy, sir," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Ginger," declared one of the scouts. "I noticed
+him walking off some little time ago, sir. He told me somebody
+said there was gold up in these mountains, and the
+poor old silly was lookin' for signs of it, I guess."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Give him a call on the bugle, Mark!" said Elmer, looking
+annoyed; for it would be too bad if, after all their plans,
+Ginger should take it into his head to delay them now by
+getting lost.</p>
+
+<p>So the bugler let out a blast that could easily be heard a
+mile away. Then they one and all listened to discover if
+any answer came floating back.</p>
+
+<p>"I heahs yuh, suh," came the voice of Ginger from the
+neighboring woods. "I'se jes' be'n havin' heaps o' fun
+wid dis leetle snake hyah. Glory be, but he am de maddest
+critter yuh eber see, a shaking ob his tail; an' de locust
+asingin' in de tree."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep away from him, Ginger!" shouted Elmer, jumping
+up; "keep away from him, I tell you! My stars! that
+must be a rattlesnake he's been playing with!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SUPPER.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">And</span> a rattlesnake it proved to be, sure enough!</p>
+
+<p>When Elmer, followed helter-skelter by every one of
+the others, drew near the spot where Ginger stood, with a
+short stick in his hand, and now looking very much frightened
+after hearing what a narrow escape he had had, they
+discovered the angry poisonous reptile coiled, and buzzing
+away at a great rate.</p>
+
+<p>Locusts had been singing near by during the drowsy noon
+hour, and that accounted not only for the common mistake
+of the black man, but why none of the others had paid any
+attention to the sound. Several remembered having heard
+it, when their memory was jogged later.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer quickly found a longer pole with which he assailed
+the coiled terror of the rocky hills, and with a lucky
+stroke he finally broke its back. All the boys crowded
+around to look at the ugly thing, shuddering as they noted
+its vicious fangs.</p>
+
+<p>"Better look out, fellowth," warned Dr. Ted. "I've
+heard they often hunt in coupleth, tho' there may be
+another of the vermin near by!"</p>
+
+<p>But a hasty search failed to reveal a mate to the dead
+reptile. Mr. Garrabrant seized upon the occasion to read
+a lecture to the scouts, telling them to live up to their motto,
+"Be prepared," and always keep an eye out when in the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>"That's one danger we must never forget up here," he
+said; "and I've got a little phial I want every scout to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+carry along with him constantly. To-night I'm going to
+explain just how to act in case any one of you finds himself
+struck by a snake, which, however, I sincerely hope will
+never happen, because they're nasty things at best, and
+there's always a chance that the remedy may not work in
+time to save the patient."</p>
+
+<p>Ginger begged for the rattle, to serve as a reminder of
+his narrow escape, and so Elmer cut it off for him.</p>
+
+<p>"If I had time I'd like to skin the beast," the latter remarked,
+"for he's beautifully marked, and would make a
+nice tie, or a pocketbook. But in order to make a good job
+I'd require an hour or more, and we don't want to carry
+the thing along with us until night."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you say 'he' when you mention the rattler,
+Elmer?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, who was not above seeking
+new information from one who had been fortunate
+enough to experience the actual realities of wild life.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see that the skin has black diamond-shaped
+marks on it. If it had been a female these would have been
+more along a brownish order. At any rate, that's what
+I've been told out where I met with these things frequently,"
+Elmer stated.</p>
+
+<p>"And I've no doubt but what you're quite right, Elmer,"
+remarked the scout master. "I've noticed the same
+thing in connection with quite a number of birds, the female
+being coated a modest brown, whereas the male was
+a lustrous black. But we must be moving. I'm glad, Ginger,
+that it isn't necessary to practice on you for snakebite."</p>
+
+<p>"Yas," muttered the black man, "an' de wustest t'ing
+'bout de hull bizness am de fack dat dey ain't eben a
+single drap ob snake pizen in de hull bilin crowd. So
+'deed, I is right glad myself now dat de leetle critter didn't
+git tuh me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And there goeth the only chance I've had this many a
+day to get a little anatomical practice," Ted was grumbling;
+though of course the boys understood that although
+his manner of talk might seem so blood-thirsty, the amateur
+surgeon was only joking.</p>
+
+<p>But Ginger, after that, often watched Ted suspiciously
+and refused to be left alone in camp with him.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes of stout rowing brought them to the mouth
+of Paradise Creek, where the waters from the other lake
+emptied into Jupiter. Joyfully they started to navigate
+these unknown regions. Elmer's boat was in the lead,
+though for that matter not a single one in the party had
+ever before been as far up the chains of waterways as
+this.</p>
+
+<p>When even the scout master realized that those who handled
+the oars were becoming exhausted, he called a halt
+and changed around, bringing fresh recruits forward. He
+himself did yeoman service pulling, and Ginger also made
+his muscles add considerable value to the progress of the
+second boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Dis am suah de t'ing tuh make de appatite," Ginger
+kept saying, as he tugged away, with the perspiration rolling
+down his black good-natured face. "Specks I done
+want dubble rations dis berry night, Cap'n. De laborer
+am worthy ob his hire, de good book say. An' dis am sartin
+suah hard wuk."</p>
+
+<p>As the afternoon slowly passed they realized that they
+must be getting closer and closer to the second sheet of
+water. Nobody was sorry. And when the sun hung over
+the elevated horizon anxious looks began to be cast ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, almost without warning, the leading boat ran
+out of the creek, passing around an abrupt bend, and a
+shout of delight announced that the lake had been reached
+at last.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was indeed well named. Solitude seemed to hang
+over the whole picture, and if it could impress them in
+this way while the sun was still shining, what gloom must
+follow after the shades of night had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>"Look around on this shore for a good site for a permanent
+camp, Elmer," remarked the scout master, pointing
+to the left. "I choose that because we will get some
+shelter from the wind, in case of a sudden storm. Across
+the broad lake it would be apt to hit us doubly hard. Am
+I correct, Elmer?" Mr. Garrabrant went on.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," replied the boy, quickly, "I should have
+done just as you did, and I think I can see a good spot
+for our camp; anyhow it looks that way from here. Give
+way again, fellows, and I'll head the boat for our haven."</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later, and the two boats had been run ashore.
+Then an eager troop of aching lads tumbled out, to stretch
+themselves, and express delight over having finally reached
+their goal. Quite a number of them had really never before
+been away from home over night, so that it required
+more or less assumption of gayety on their part to conceal
+their real feelings. But by degrees these would grow accustomed
+to the separation, and in the end it was bound
+to make them more manly fellows.</p>
+
+<p>Once again were the tents pitched. This time more care
+was taken, for they anticipated a long stay, and ere breaking
+camp for the return trip it was not unlikely that they
+would be visited by one or more storms. So the stakes were
+driven well in, and each tent had a little gulley dug around
+the upper side, so as to turn water to the right and left in
+case of a flood in the shape of a down-pour.</p>
+
+<p>Other of the scouts started making fire-places from
+the numerous stones. They had had practice along these
+lines before now, closer at home, and the watchful eyes
+of the scout leaders took note of everything that was being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+done. When they saw that matters were not going just as
+cleverly as they could, a few words, perhaps a helping
+hand, straightened out the difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the sun passed beyond an outlying spur of
+the mountain things began to take on a pretty decent look.
+Several of the boys who were fond of fishing had been
+set to work digging bait, and going in the boats to likely
+spots pointed out by the experienced Elmer. Their excited
+cries presently announced that there was some prospect of
+the bill-of-fare that night having the magic name of
+"trout" among the tasty food exhibit.</p>
+
+<p>"And my word for it we'll need all we can get," laughed
+Mr. Garrabrant aside to his assistant, as he nodded his head
+to where Ginger was working lustily, and smacking his lips
+as he kept one eye on the busy fisherman, "because Ginger
+tells me he's awful fond of trout! It's going to keep me
+hustling to supply all the appetites in this Camp Content
+of ours; for they're developing most alarmingly."</p>
+
+<p>But really Mr. Garrabrant was joking. He had foreseen
+just such a condition as this, knowing boys as well as
+he did, and made sure to add good measure to the quantity
+of food first planned for.</p>
+
+<p>The fishermen presently brought in what catch they had
+made. Every one was both surprised and delighted to see
+the splendid size of the trout that had taken the bait.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, this sure is a great snap!" exclaimed Lil Artha,
+who had been looking all around for various views which
+he anticipated capturing on succeeding days. "We can
+have the toothsome trout whenever the spirit moves, and
+the fishermen get busy."</p>
+
+<p>"And they pull like a house afire, too," declared Matty
+Eggleston, who had been one of the anglers. "I've caught
+black bass lots of times, but this is my first trout experience.
+Yum, yum, say, don't they just smell fine, though?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+Look at Ginger walking up and down over by the shore
+of the lake! He's that near starved he just can't stay
+around any longer and sniff that delicious odor! Boys,
+ain't it near time to call us to the fray? Oh, I'm that
+hollow I'm afraid I'll break in two!"</p>
+
+<p>"Supper's ready, Mr. Garrabrant!" announced Ty Collins,
+who had been given a free hand as chief cook on
+this evening, while Elmer paid attention to various other
+things.</p>
+
+<p>"Call the boys in then, and we'll see if it tastes as good
+as it smells. Sound the assembly, Mark," called the scout
+master, himself not at all averse to the pleasant duty of
+satisfying the inner man's clamorings.</p>
+
+<p>So the bugler sent out the sweet call, and even Ginger
+seemed to know what it meant, for he came hurrying along
+to serve the dinner, a broad grin stamped on his ebony face,
+and his mouth stretched almost from ear to ear.</p>
+
+<p>"This is what I call solid comfort," observed Mark, as
+he tasted the crisp trout, and decided that it was finer than
+any fish he had ever eaten in all his life.</p>
+
+<p>A chorus of approving grunts and nods followed his
+assertion, for as a rule the scouts were too busily occupied
+just then to say much. Ginger had not been compelled to
+wait until they were through, under the existing conditions
+that would have been next door to a crime, because the
+poor old chap was really frantic for something to stop
+the awful craving he had. So, after helping the entire
+bunch he was allowed to dip in and sit in a retired spot,
+where the tremendous champing noise he made while "feeding"
+might not annoy the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Afterward, when everyone admitted that "enough was
+as good as a feast," they lay around taking things easy.
+Ginger gathered up the cooking utensils, and the numerous
+pannikins and tin cups used by the troop. It was to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+his duty to wash these things after each meal, and thus
+the boys were enabled to avoid one very troublesome part
+of camp life. And hence they were glad to have Ginger
+along.</p>
+
+<p>As before, arrangements were made looking to a constant
+detail to serve as sentries. There was no danger anticipated,
+of course, but since the scouts wished to learn everything
+that was connected with life in the open, they must
+carry out the game in all its parts. And guarding the
+camp against a possible foe was one of these things.</p>
+
+<p>Two were to be on duty at the same time, the entire night
+being suitably divided up into watches, as on board a ship.
+From ten o'clock up to five meant seven hour shifts, with
+two boys on duty at a time.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer and Mr. Garrabrant were exempt from this
+drudgery if they so pleased, but the chances were, both
+of them would obtain less sleep, that night at least, than
+any of the others. Even Ginger was given his "spell,"
+though it was doubted whether he could keep awake an
+hour, for he was a very sleepy individual after he had finished
+his task with the tin pans.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow we start in with some of our tests," remarked
+the scout master, as the time drew near for the bugler to
+sound taps. "That's one thing I want to drill you boys
+in, while we're up here. We'll pit the two details against
+each other, and see which can set up a tent in the shortest
+order, and in the best manner. Then we'll start on the
+first-aid-to-the-injured racket, and take a step further than
+we've ever gone before. After that I'm going to get our
+assistant scout master to show us a lot of mighty interesting
+things about following a trail, and what the different tracks
+of such animals as may be found up here look like. And
+another day some of us will hike to the top of that mountain,
+while another detachment tries to climb the second<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+rise, after which they can wigwag to each other, in Signal
+Corps language, and hold a long talk, to be verified later
+on in camp from the records kept. That is the program,
+boys. Now, go to your blankets and sleep over it."</p>
+
+<p>They were as a rule a pretty tired lot that lay down.
+The two sentries had to continue moving about to keep
+from going to sleep on post, which might be considered a
+serious offense, and lose them no end of good marks.</p>
+
+<p>Twice did Elmer creep out of his tent, and make the
+rounds in order to ascertain whether all were going well.
+The last time was along about two in the morning, and
+the first thing he heard was a whip-poor-will calling shrilly
+to its mate not far away.</p>
+
+<p>When he came upon Chatz, who had the outer post, he
+was surprised to find him exhibiting all the well-known
+signs by which he was wont to indicate that he had been
+"seeing things" again. And knowing him so well, Elmer
+hardly needed to ask what was the matter. Evidently the
+ghosts that haunted Chatz must have been paying the superstitious
+Southern boy another visit.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>WHAT WAS IT?</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">What</span> was it this time, Number Six?" asked the scout
+leader, as Chatz turned quickly toward him, showing considerable
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! it's gone now. It just seemed to slide away while
+I was looking. But I could hear it moving all the same;
+and I tell you, honest Injun, that it was a dreadful <i>squashy</i>
+sort of sound," and Chatz shrugged his shoulders with
+what seemed to be a shudder, as he said this.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer hardly knew what to do or to say. Chatz was
+not above playing a joke, given the opportunity, but this
+was really a subject on which he felt very deeply, so that
+it was hard to believe he would be likely to hold it up to
+scorn.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to be wide-awake, too, so that there was little
+chance of its being a dream. Sensible on all other subjects,
+the superstitious Southern lad had a decided weakness
+for spooks, and he could imagine uncanny objects
+prowling around where no one else found the slightest indication
+of such a thing.</p>
+
+<p>"Where was this?" Elmer asked, cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Over there, in that open spot," replied Chatz, cheerfully
+and without the least sign of hesitation. "You can
+just make out the deeper shadow of the trees back further.
+I was looking that way and thinking of something connected
+with my home when all of a sudden IT loomed up, staring
+at me in a frightfully ghastly way, and moving its white<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+body slowly up and down, just like it was warning me of
+some coming danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure it wasn't that owl again, are you?" questioned
+Elmer, dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't have been any such thing, because," triumphantly
+went on Chatz, "you see, there ain't a single
+chance for it to roost on anything! That place is bare!
+I crossed it several times going for wood yesterday afternoon
+before dark set in. And then besides&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, what else was there?" Elmer asked, encouragingly,
+for he began to realize that there was at least no
+fake about the other's upset condition.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it made the queerest noise you ever heard&mdash;just
+a squashy sound that I'll never be able to forget. Ugh!
+it was a nasty experience," and he rubbed his eyes with
+his knuckles, after the manner of one just awakened.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow this gave Elmer an idea.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, Number Six, are you sure now that you
+weren't asleep, and just dreaming that something bobbed
+up in front of you?" he demanded, sternly; for in his
+capacity as assistant scout master he was given certain
+privileges which the rest of the boys readily recognized.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there's any reason to believe that sort
+of thing," returned the other, steadily. "Fact is, I was
+never more wide-awake in my life."</p>
+
+<p>"And the thing just stood there, and waved at you,
+did it?" Elmer continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I know what you think about it, but when I see
+a thing I can't deny it, can I? There was something close
+to me a few minutes ago, something that must have been
+a spook. If I hadn't had the good sense to stick my hand
+in my pocket, and grab hold of that blessed old rabbit
+foot, I honestly believe it would have jumped me! Now
+laugh again if you want to," defiantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But Elmer was himself a bit puzzled. Of course he could
+not think of allowing himself to dream that what Chatz
+had seen could be anything unusual. The surrounding
+conditions invested the most commonplace occurrence with
+a mysterious atmosphere&mdash;that was all, and had it been
+anyone but Chatz they might have found an easy explanation
+for the puzzle.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," the scout leader said, finally, "we'll all have
+to borrow that lucky charm then, when we go on duty, if
+it's going to scare the spooks away. But your time is up,
+Number Six, so you can proceed to awaken the scout who
+follows you."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad, and I'm sorry," remarked Chatz. "To tell
+the truth, I'd like to find out if that pesky thing <i>could</i>
+crop up again. You see, there's no need of being scared
+about it, so long as you've got something that keeps you
+from getting hurt."</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the belief of the Southern lad in that magical
+rabbit's foot was firmly founded, and it would be exceedingly
+difficult to uproot it. Sneers and scorn would never
+accomplish that result; in fact such action was apt to only
+make him cling the more stubbornly to his fetish worship.
+Elmer believed in going about such things in another manner
+entirely. Chatz must be shown the error of his ways;
+and to do that most convincingly the real nature of the
+object which he believed to be a ghostly visitant from the
+other world, would have to be proven.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute, Number Six," he said, as the other was
+about to head toward the tent where part of the Wolf
+Patrol slept, so he could find and arouse his appointed successor.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," replied Chatz; for, while Elmer was a chum
+of his, there were times when he must recognize him only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+as a superior officer in the organization to which both belonged,
+and show him due respect.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, not a single word to the scout who is to
+succeed you," Elmer went on.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a word will I breathe, sir, I promise you," replied
+Chatz, and Elmer knew that nothing would tempt him to
+betray his trust, for his sense of honor was very high, as
+it is with all Southern boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we might get a pointer on this matter if the
+strange thing you saw appeared to another," remarked
+Elmer, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! don't I just wish it would," remarked Chatz,
+eagerly. "Then perhaps the rest of the fellows wouldn't
+think me cracked in my upper story. And Lil Artha
+wouldn't be so unfeeling as to say I had rats in my belfry,
+He's the one who comes on after me. Don't I just wish it
+would give him a <i>good</i> scare, though!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go and wake him up, then. I'll let the other sentry
+know that it's time for a change," and Elmer walked
+away.</p>
+
+<p>A sudden idea had flashed up in his mind. Could it be
+possible that there was anything in this wild yarn of
+Chatz's? Would the second sentry be able to throw any
+light on the mystery?</p>
+
+<p>He found him squatting on the ground, near a tree, and
+saw that it was Jasper Merriweather, the timid boy of
+the troop. At first Elmer had half a suspicion that the
+other was asleep, for his head was bowed in his hands. At
+the sound of his step, however, Jasper suddenly looked up
+with a violent start, and Elmer saw that he was more or
+less frightened, for he was shivering, even though he had
+a blanket wrapped around his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! it's you, sir, is it?" he exclaimed, and there was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+a positive vein of relief in the tones of his quivering voice
+that Elmer could not but notice.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, who else did you think it could be, Beaver, Number
+Four?" asked the assistant scout master, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I don't know," came the rather hesitating reply.
+"You see I guess Chatz Maxfield has got me all worked
+up with his silly notions, because I'm seeing things, just
+like he does, right along. I'm ashamed of myself, that's
+what."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean just now you saw something?" asked
+Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied Jasper, rising to his feet as he spoke,
+with returning confidence, "I thought I did, for a fact;
+and I just hid my head to shut it out, but of course it was
+only what Mr. Garrabrant calls an optical illusion. There
+just couldn't be anything there."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not," the other went on, encouragingly.
+"H'm, what was it, by the way, you <i>thought</i> you saw,
+Number Four?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's the silly part of it, sir," Jasper answered. "It
+wasn't anything that I could recognize at all, which proves
+that I was only imagining things. Plague take Chatz and
+his ghosts! I never was very brave at my best, but thinking
+of him has just about queered me. I'm glad you came
+to talk to me, and show me how foolish it is to let such notions
+take root."</p>
+
+<p>"But, by the way, where was it you thought you saw
+this wonderful thing which you say bore no shape that you
+could describe?" Elmer insisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! let me see, I was sitting just this way, and looking
+straight out yonder. It was in that open place, sir.
+I guess the fire must have flashed up suddenly, and dazzled
+me a bit."</p>
+
+<p>But Elmer noticed that the second sentry pointed in exactly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+the same quarter where Chatz insisted he had set eyes
+on the ghost! This would seem to indicate that there must
+be something in the story.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it a flaming red ghost, Number Four?" he inquired
+further.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course not, sir," chuckled the other. "If it
+had been I'd have thought it was only Ty Collins in that
+red sweater he sometimes wears. Oh! no, what I <i>thought</i>
+I saw was a white object. It seemed to be there when I
+hid my face in my blanket, but when I looked a minute
+later it was gone."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you hear any sound?" Elmer demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes; but after all it may have been one of the
+fellows snoring," Jasper replied. "But at the time I
+thought it the queerest sort of noise ever. Might 'a' been
+a big bulldog jumping into the water. I've heard something
+like it when I pulled my foot out of a soft oozy piece
+of mud."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Number Four. Your time is up, so go and
+gently arouse your successor. And please don't even whisper
+a word about this until I give you permission."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I guess I won't," Jasper quickly mumbled.
+"Think I'm itching to have the laugh on me? No, siree,
+I'm as dumb as an oyster," and with that he staggered off
+toward one of the tents to awaken Nathan Scott.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer returned to his blanket, but he had something on
+his mind that kept him from enjoying any sound sleep
+for the remainder of that particular night.</p>
+
+<p>Those two boys had certainly seen <i>something</i>, and while,
+of course, Elmer was too sensible a fellow to allow himself
+to give the idea of a ghostly visitor the slightest credence,
+he found himself puzzled to account for it all.</p>
+
+<p>Because of his lying awake so long he slept later than
+usual in the morning. True, he sprang up when the notes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+of the bugle sounded the reveille, but most of the others
+had been abroad before him.</p>
+
+<p>They took a dip in the lake, though the water was so
+very cold that none of the scouts cared to remain in more
+than five minutes. Besides, the almost tragic occurrence of
+the previous day haunted some of them, and made them a
+bit timid about venturing into the water, though by degrees
+this fear would naturally wear off.</p>
+
+<p>While preparations for breakfast were being undertaken
+by those appointed for this purpose, Elmer strolled out
+of the camp. He wished to carefully examine the open
+patch of ground at the point where the two sentries had
+been so positive the uncanny white object had appeared to
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Disappointment awaited him there, however. Numerous
+footprints told how those of the scouts whose duty it was
+to secure a fresh supply of firewood that morning had
+passed back and forth directly across this open place. If
+there had been any suggestive tracks they were surely
+trampled out of sight by the army of boyish feet that had
+gone over many times.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer shook his head. He felt that he had been hoodwinked
+in one sense, but no matter, even this setback must
+not induce him to give up the task he had set for himself.
+He owed it to Chatz and his infirmity to discover a reasonable
+explanation of that ghost theory. And while the
+solution might be delayed by this unfortunate trampling
+of the ground, he meant to persist.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing doing, I guess?" remarked a voice close by,
+and turning his head the scout leader saw Chatz himself
+standing there, observing him with a quizzical expression on
+his dark face.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you mean an explanation of the little affair
+of last night, Chatz, I admit that so far I'm up against it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+good and hard. You see, I hoped to find some marks here
+that would give me a clue, but it's all off. The boys ran
+after wood and back again so many times, that if there
+was a trail it's been squashed."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I don't think that mattered any," remarked the
+other, with conviction in his tones. "You can't very well
+discover what there isn't, can you? And I've always believed
+that spooks never leave a sign behind them when
+they come and go. Why, a spook is only a vapor, you know,
+Elmer. They can slip through a keyhole if necessary. And
+as to a trail, why, you might as well expect to see that cloud
+up yonder leave a track behind it."</p>
+
+<p>There could at least be no doubt about Chatz being in dead
+earnest in his queer belief, and as Elmer turned away he
+was more than ever determined to find the true solution
+of that strange happening, if only to drive another nail
+in the coffin of the Southern boy's superstition.</p>
+
+<p>As neither of the sentries felt at liberty to mention the
+occurrence until the assistant scout master gave permission,
+the balance of the scouts ate their breakfast, and joked
+each other, in blissful ignorance of the fact that the camp
+had again been visited by a hobgoblin, and that this time
+not only the superstitious Chatz but another had actually
+seen the misty intruder!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE BOY SCOUTS' WATER BOILING TEST.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Garrabrant</span> was full of business on this fine morning.</p>
+
+<p>He set about a host of things immediately after breakfast,
+saying that they ought to take advantage of the opportunity
+to get in a good morning's work.</p>
+
+<p>Several boys were sent out on the lake to try to duplicate
+the good luck attending the fishermen of the preceding
+afternoon. Mark Cummings was encouraged to get numerous
+views of the camp, and whatever was going on&mdash;such
+as would afford the Hickory Ridge scouts the most
+pleasure in later days, when this series of camp fires was
+but a hallowed memory.</p>
+
+<p>With the balance of the troop the scout master proceeded
+to try out various interesting tests, to discover just how
+the boys stood in the matter of efficiency. As Elmer was
+such an old and experienced hand in most of these matters,
+he was of course debarred from entering the competitions.
+It would be taking too great an advantage over the tenderfeet
+scouts, who had everything to learn as yet.</p>
+
+<p>First of all the scout master decided to put ten boys
+at the boiling-water test. This is one of the most interesting,
+as well as amusing competitions, the scouts indulge
+in, and one that never fails to evoke much laughter among
+those who look on.</p>
+
+<p>Each boy was given a tin pail that held two quarts of
+water, and which could be carried by a bale. Besides this,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+he was handed just three matches, and put upon his honor
+that he did not have another of the kind upon his person.</p>
+
+<p>A spot was selected that was possibly fully eighty yards
+away from the edge of the lake, and this Mr. Garrabrant
+did purposely, so that if one of the competing scouts was
+so unlucky as to upset his pail of water during the test, he
+would be greatly handicapped by having to run so far in
+order to replenish the same.</p>
+
+<p>Lined up, they were to be given the word, when a rush
+would be made for the lake, the buckets filled at least up
+to a line midway that indicated a full quart. Then they
+had to hasten back to the place assigned, being careful not
+to spill a drop of the fluid on penalty of losing marks for
+having less than the quart needed.</p>
+
+<p>Wood had to be quickly gathered, and some sort of fire-place
+constructed where a blaze must be started without the
+aid of paper. Then the kettles were to be seated on the
+stones, and the first one that had water actually boiling,
+as witnessed by the scout master, would be the victor, and
+the second called "runner-up."</p>
+
+<p>"Ready, all!" called Mr. Garrabrant, and ten eager
+pair of eyes watched him closely; "go!"</p>
+
+<p>Immediately there was a race for the lake. One clumsy
+scout fell down and had to scramble to his feet to take his
+place at the tail end of the procession. Of course the
+long-legged Lil Artha easily outran all his mates. He had
+scooped up his water and was on the way back before the
+next best arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The wise ones made sure to dip up more than they really
+needed, so as to make allowances for any that might be
+spilled on the return flight. The surplus could be easily
+tipped out before they set the kettle on the fire.</p>
+
+<p>When the whole lot had finally reached the open spot
+where the competition was to be carried out, the picture<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+was a lively one. Mark was on hand to take a few snapshots,
+and catch all the humor of the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Now Lil Artha had his fire going, being far in advance
+of the others. As they hustled to get things moving it was
+only natural that each fellow cast jealous glances toward
+those who were getting along faster. In one instance that
+caused the withdrawal of a competitor, for while paying
+more attention to what Matty Eggleston was doing than
+his own business, Larry Billings upset his kettle. After
+that he gave up with a grunt, for it was the height of
+folly for him to think of running to the lake for a fresh
+supply.</p>
+
+<p>Two others used all their three matches and failed to get
+a fire started, so they also withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>When Arthur Stansbury placed his kettle on his hastily
+constructed fire-place, long before the rest, it looked as
+though he had a "walkover."</p>
+
+<p>All at once there arose a shout of boyish glee. In starting
+to get to his feet, the long-legged one had, as frequently
+happened, caught his ankles in a hitch, and throwing out
+one hand to balance he upset the kettle, which came near
+putting out his fire.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant expected to see him leaping toward the
+far-off lake in the hope of being yet in the running. To his
+surprise, Lil Artha snatched up his pail and <i>ran away from
+the edge of the water!</i> Several were so astonished at this
+that they suspended operations for a second or two to stare
+after him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I see what he's after, the sly fellow," laughed Elmer.
+"He remembers the little stream that runs down the
+side of the hill right there, and reaches the lake. It isn't
+half as far away as the edge of the big water. Yes, there
+he comes, with a grin on his face, and a full pail. Good
+boy, Number Five!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Once back at his fire, now burning briskly, the tall boy
+hastened to spill some of the contents of his kettle, and then
+set the latter firmly on the stones. Nor did he stop there.
+He had lost some ground, and several had by this time
+succeeded in catching up with him. So down Arthur lay,
+full on his stomach, where he could blow his fire, and
+get it to burning more savagely, after which he fed it
+with the best small pieces of splintered wood he had been
+able to pick up.</p>
+
+<p>When a certain number of minutes had elapsed he beckoned
+to Mr. Garrabrant, who, anticipating the summons,
+had been hovering nearby. Together with Elmer, the
+scout master hurried up.</p>
+
+<p>"The water is boiling all right," he announced, "and
+Number Five wins. But keep going, the balance of you,
+until we learn who comes in second and third."</p>
+
+<p>Matty Eggleston proved an easy second, while Ted Burgoyne
+edged in just ahead of Mark, because, as he claimed,
+his "blowing apparatus worked better."</p>
+
+<p>"But I think we ought to protest that win of Lil Artha,"
+declared Chatz Maxfield, although he had been one
+of the last in the bunch.</p>
+
+<p>"On what grounds?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling,
+as though he had expected to hear something of the sort,
+though hardly from one who had no chance of winning.</p>
+
+<p>"When his kettle upset he didn't go all the way to the
+lake to fill it again, as he ought to have done," said Red
+Huggins, who had also the ill fortune to overturn his tin
+vessel when the water had begun to steam, and who naturally
+felt a little "sore" as he termed it, because it was
+too late for him to enter again.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen while I read the terms of the competition again,"
+said Mr. Garrabrant. "I wrote them down so as to be
+prepared for any event; that's one of our cardinal principles,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+you know, boys. Here it especially states that 'any
+competitor who upsets his kettle at any time during the
+test may have the privilege of filling the same again from
+the nearest water.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I didn't think of it that way, sir!" exclaimed
+Red.</p>
+
+<p>"That's just it," smiled the gentleman. "You failed
+to grasp all there was in that rule, while Arthur analyzed
+it. He undoubtedly laid his plans beforehand, in which
+he proved himself a true scout, preparing for eventualities,
+even though he may not have expected to meet with such
+an accident. He remembered that little stream, and even
+the fact that there was a small basin scooped out where
+a pail could be quickly dipped in and filled. All the more
+credit to Arthur for his forethought. He doubly deserves
+the honor he has won, and I congratulate him on his victory.
+It will be an object lesson to the rest of you. In
+time of peace prepare for war. And now we will turn
+our attention to another test. Perhaps some of the rest
+may excel in that. I want everyone to do his very best,
+and earn marks that will help to take you out of the tenderfoot
+class and make second-class scouts."</p>
+
+<p>It was now the turn of Elmer to interest his camp-mates.
+He had been looking around before this, and laid his
+plans, so that he was able to lead the entire bunch to a
+neighboring gully, where in the soft mud alongside a
+stream he had discovered several distinctly separate sets
+of animal tracks.</p>
+
+<p>Here he pointed out to them the marked difference between
+the trail of a muskrat from that of a mink, and even
+went so far as to tell a number of things which the latter
+cautious animal had probably done in his passage down
+the ravine in search of food.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant listened carefully himself, and nodded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+approvingly from time to time, to show how much he liked
+Elmer's way of reasoning.</p>
+
+<p>"You can see, boys," he remarked finally, when the lesson
+was over for that occasion, "what a vast amount of
+mighty interesting information can be drawn from so simple
+a sign as the spoor of a little slender-bodied mink.
+Elmer has made a study of the animal, and knows his ways
+to a dot. I think he described all that the mink did
+on his way along here, just as it actually occurred. And
+the deeper one dips into such woods' lore, the more fascinating
+it is found. All around you are dozens of things that
+strike the educated eye as deeply interesting and worthy
+of study, but which would never be seen by the tenderfoot.
+And it is this power of observation that we wish our boy
+scouts to employ constantly. Once the fever takes hold,
+a new life opens up for the lover of Nature."</p>
+
+<p>After that they busied themselves around the camp doing
+various things until lunch time. About the middle of the
+afternoon three relays, of two boys each, were sent out
+in as many different directions. They were not to take
+paper or pencil along, but simply to try to impress various
+interesting things they happened to meet with, upon
+their memories, and after they had returned to camp they
+would be given a chance to note these down on paper. The
+one of each pair who could excel in his description as to
+the number and interest of the things seen, would receive
+merit marks. And later on the three victors might be
+pitted against each other again.</p>
+
+<p>While the six boys were absent, for they had a couple
+of hours in which to accomplish their end, those left in
+camp found plenty to do. Mark spent some time in developing
+the films he had exposed thus far, having a daylight
+developing bath along with him. In this way he
+could find a possible chance to duplicate any pictures that,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+for some unknown cause, failed to do justice to the subject.
+If he waited until they returned home to get to work,
+the chances would have gone forever.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody seemed happy but Ted Burgoyne, and he went
+about with an expression of gloom on his face that of
+course may have been assumed.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't think you took it to heart so, Ted," remarked
+Elmer, as he confronted the other, while the rest of the
+stay-at-homes were busily debating some question near the
+camp fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" exclaimed the scowling one, disconsolately; "it
+ain't about losing my chance in that blooming old competition,
+by falling all over mythelf in the thtart! Oh! no,
+that doethn't bother me one little bit, becauth you thee, I
+just knew I had no chance against thuch a hustler as Lil
+Artha."</p>
+
+<p>"Then your breakfast must have disagreed with you,"
+persisted Elmer, "though it's the first time I ever knew
+you had a weak stomach, Ted."</p>
+
+<p>"You're away off again, partner," grumbled Ted.
+"Fact ith, to tell the honest truth now, like every good
+scout ought to do, you're all too plagued healthy a bunch
+to thuit me, that'th what."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that&mdash;healthy?" remarked Elmer, and then
+a faint grin began to creep over his face, as he caught
+on to the meaning of the words. "Oh! I see now; your
+heart's just set on doing good to others, ain't it? You
+dream of binding up cuts, and putting soothing liniment
+on bruises. And so far, not one of the boys has had the
+kindness to fall down the rocks, cut himself with the ax, or
+even get such a silly thing as a headache. It's a shame,
+that's what it is, Ted!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you can poke fun all you want," grumbled the
+would-be surgeon, with an obstinate shake of his head,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+"but after a fellowth gone to all the trouble to lay in a
+thtock of medicine, and studied up on cuts and bruises
+and all thuch things till he just feels bristling all over with
+valuable knowledge, it'th mean of the fellowth to take thuch
+good care of their precious fingers and toes. What d'ye
+suppose I'm going to do for a thubject, if this awful
+drought keepth on? Why, I don't believe fourteen wild
+boys ever kept together tho long before, without lots of
+things happening that would be just pie for a fellow of
+my build. Now&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But the lamentations of poor Dr. Ted were interrupted
+at this point, so Elmer never really knew just how far the
+matter went, or if after all it were a joke.</p>
+
+<p>Toby Jones had sprang to his feet, showing the utmost
+excitement, and dancing around as though he had suddenly
+sat upon a wasp's nest.</p>
+
+<p>"What ails the fellow?" remarked Elmer; "he seems
+to be pointing up at the top of the mountain, as if he
+saw something there. Well, I declare, if that doesn't just
+beat the Dutch now; and to think that it was Toby, the
+boy who is wild over aviation, who first discovered it";
+and meanwhile Toby had found his voice to shriek: "A
+balloon! look at the balloon, would you, fellows? And she's
+coming right down here into my hungry arms! Oh! glory!
+such great luck!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE LOST SKY TRAVELER.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Half</span> a dozen boys started to cry out at once, as they
+stared at the great bulky object that was apparently settling
+down, after passing around a spur of the mountain
+above.</p>
+
+<p>"She's coming right at us, fellows!" shouted one.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't that a pilot hanging to the old basket?" demanded
+a second.</p>
+
+<p>"Nixy it ain't, Jasper. Go get your glasses, so you can
+see better. That basket is plumb empty, and that's a fact.
+The bally old balloon's deserted, boys!" Lil Artha declared,
+and as he was known to have particularly trustworthy
+vision, the balance of the group accepted his word
+as the right thing.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the balloon had been steadily losing gas of
+late, for the enormous bag had a collapsed look. It seemed
+to have gotten into some circular current of air, once
+beyond the mountain, for it kept moving around in spirals,
+all the time dropping slowly but positively. So that unless
+a new breeze caught it, the chance seemed to be that
+it would actually alight on the shore of the lake, close to
+the camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Get ready to man the boats if it falls in the lake,
+boys!" called Mr. Garrabrant, who recognized the fact
+that such a balloon must be worth considerable to his little
+troop in the way of salvage, and was determined to do what
+he could to save it from sinking out of sight.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But in the end it managed to drop on the pebbly beach.
+The very first to touch the collapsed gas bag was the exuberant
+Toby Jones, wild with delight over this remarkable
+happening that had come to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I claim it by right of discovery, and the first to lay
+a hand on the balloon!" he shouted, as he fondly ran his
+fingers along the strong material of which the air vessel
+was constructed.</p>
+
+<p>"Where on earth could it have come from?" more than
+one of the boys asked, as they surveyed the immense girth
+of silken cloth with wondering eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a circus over at Warrendale," announced Ted.
+"Perhaps she broke away from there in a wind storm, or
+else bucked the aviators out. Whew! think of tumbling
+down hundreds of feet! Guess I couldn't 'a' been of much
+use around there, if that's what happened to the air navigators;
+the more the pity," and Ted actually looked discontented,
+as though another golden opportunity had
+slipped past him.</p>
+
+<p>"Sounds like a good guess, Ted," remarked Elmer;
+"but there happen to be several things to knock it silly."</p>
+
+<p>"As what?" demanded the boy with the long legs, who
+always wanted to be shown.</p>
+
+<p>"For instance, you know where Warrendale lies, off to
+the east from here," the scout leader explained, in the
+most accommodating way possible, "while this thing must
+have come from the west! You saw it sail over the mountain
+up there, and we've been having constant west winds
+for several days now. Isn't that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Every word of it, Elmer," replied the gentleman, who
+was never happier than when listening to this wide-awake
+scout substantiating his claim.</p>
+
+<p>"And besides, here's a name sewed to the balloon&mdash;<i>Republic!</i>
+Seems to me, sir, I've seen that name before. Unless<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+I'm away off it was one of the big gas bags entered
+for that long-distance endurance race, which was to come
+off away out in St. Louis, or somewhere along the Mississippi
+River."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my, just to think of it, fellows!" gasped Toby,
+his face fairly aglow with overwhelming delight, while he
+continued to fondle the material of which the collapsible
+balloon was constructed, as though he might be almost
+worshiping the same.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that's hundreds and hundreds of miles away!"
+declared another incredulous one.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't seem possible, does it, that a balloon could sail
+that far?" a third had the temerity to remark, when Toby
+turned upon him instantly, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Say, you don't read the papers, do you? If you did
+you'd know that in a drifting race a balloon went all the
+way without touching ground from St. Louis up into New
+England, while another passed over into Canada away up
+above Quebec, and won the race. Others fell near Baltimore,
+and such places. There can't be any doubt about it,
+boys, this wanderer has drifted all the way from the old
+Mississippi. But whatever could have become of her
+crew?"</p>
+
+<p>The thought saddened them for the time being, but it
+was difficult for Toby to subdue the excitement under which
+he was laboring.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! if I only knew how to manufacture gas so as to
+fill her up again, mebbe I wouldn't like to take a spin,
+and surprise the Hickory Ridge people, though! Think
+how my dad's eyes would bulge out, fellows, when I landed
+right in his dooryard, and asked how ma was? Ted, you
+know lots of things&mdash;can't you tell me how to make hot
+air?"</p>
+
+<p>Ted did not answer, only grinned and looked toward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+Lil Artha so very suggestively that the rest burst out into
+a howl, for the long-legged boy was known to be something
+of an orator, who could speak for half an hour if warmed
+up to his subject.</p>
+
+<p>"None for sale!" remarked that individual, promptly,
+whereat Toby pretended to be grievously disappointed, for
+he gave the tall boy a look of scorn, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"There he goes again, fellows; declining to make a
+martyr of himself for the sake of science. Why, I even
+heard Dr. Ted offering to sew on his finger again so neat
+that no one could tell where it had been separated, and
+would you believe it, Lil Artha was mean enough to abjectly
+decline? But I'm going to think over it, and if I can
+only fill this big bag with gas I'll leave camp on a little
+foraging expedition, to bring back more grub. For Ginger
+is eating us out of house and home, ain't he, Mr.
+Garrabrant?"</p>
+
+<p>So they laughed and joked as they continued to gather
+around the balloon that had seemingly dropped from the
+skies. Elmer alone was thoughtful. He could not but
+wonder what the story connected with the <i>Republic</i> might
+be. Had the brave pilot and his assistant been thrown out
+in some storm which they were endeavoring to ride out?
+If that proved true, then the history of the fallen balloon
+must be a tragic one.</p>
+
+<p>Under the direction of the scout master they dragged the
+tremendous bag, now emptied of its gaseous contents, and
+piled it up close to the camp. When the time came for
+the return trip possibly they might find some means for
+transporting the balloon to the home town, and when the
+fact of its discovery was published in the great New York
+dailies, the name of Hickory Ridge would become famous.</p>
+
+<p>This new event afforded plenty of topics for conversation.
+As usual the boys argued the matter pro and con. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+even took sides, and debated with considerable heat the
+various phases of the happening.</p>
+
+<p>Some of them got out paper and pencil to figure just
+how many hours it might take a balloon to come all the
+way from St. Louis for instance, granting that a westerly
+breeze prevailed. All sorts of ideas prevailed as to the
+number of miles an hour the wind had blown, ranging from
+five to fifty.</p>
+
+<p>In the end, after all theories had been ventilated, the
+boys were no nearer a solution of the mystery than before,
+only it seemed now to be the consensus of opinion that the
+<i>Republic</i> must have been entered in some race, and possibly
+away out on the bank of the mighty river that divides
+our republic almost in half.</p>
+
+<p>"About time some of our strollers turned up, I should
+think," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, as he and Elmer sat
+in front of the tents, listening to the jabbering of the
+disputants, though all the argument was carried on in good
+temper.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak of an angel, and you hear its wings," laughed
+the scout leader, as a shrill halloo came from the woods
+close by.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the boys who had gone forth to observe such
+things as they came across, presently appeared in camp.
+They looked tired and hungry, and began to sniff the appetizing
+odors that were beginning to permeate the camp,
+for several messes of beans were cooking, and Ginger was
+employed in preparing a heap of big onions for a grand
+fry that would just about fill the bill, most of the boys
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>But while the incidents accompanying their long walk
+and climb were still fresh in their memories they were made
+to sit down alone, and write a list of those things they could
+recall, and which had impressed them most of all.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Presently two more weary pilgrims came in sight, limping
+along, and only too glad to get back safe and sound.
+Ted kept an eager watch and tally as they made their appearance.
+His face was seen to drop several degrees when,
+in answer to the solicitous inquiries of the scout master,
+they reported no accidents, and all sound.</p>
+
+<p>"There goeth another golden opportunity!" Ted exclaimed,
+shaking his head in real or assumed disgust. "I
+never thaw thuch ungrateful fellers in all my life. Why,
+it begins to look like <i>nobody</i> would even get a finger
+thcratched. I expect after all I'll just have to get Tom
+Cropthey to let me pull that tooth of hith that aches
+like thixty. I hate to come down to it, but thomething's
+got to be done to thave the country!"</p>
+
+<p>"It don't hurt now, I tell you," remonstrated Tom.
+"You needn't go to coaxin' me any more, because I tell
+you right off that I ain't meanin' to have it out when
+it acts decent like. Wait till she gets me goin' again, anyhow.
+And that's straight off the reel, take it or leave it."</p>
+
+<p>The second couple were likewise settled off, each fellow
+by himself, and the balance of the troop ordered not to
+disturb the train of their thoughts until both had jotted
+down the smallest item that they had noticed. In the end
+the papers would be read aloud, and many interesting
+things be disclosed, showing what a fund of knowledge
+there lies all around one at any time, if only he chooses to
+take notice of the same.</p>
+
+<p>"That leaves only Red and Larry to be heard from,"
+remarked Mr. Garrabrant, who believed he had great reason
+to congratulate himself, as well as his boys, on the fact
+that thus far so little had happened to cause trouble, no
+matter how much the ambitious, and only too willing, doctor-surgeon
+might bewail his hard luck.</p>
+
+<p>"They ought to be coming soon, sir, because it won't be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+long before dusk now. And I don't think either of those
+boys would care to be lost up here after nightfall," Elmer
+observed, listening as though he fancied he had caught some
+suggestive sound up the steep slope, that might betray the
+coming of the last pair.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder did any of the others happen to see them?"
+said the scout master. "Here comes the first couple, having
+finished their task. This way, boys, please; I want
+to ask if either of you in the course of your wanderings
+happened to run across Oscar Huggins and Larry Billings?
+They are the only missing scouts, and as the hour is growing
+late, I would like to get a point as to where they may
+be."</p>
+
+<p>Neither of the returned ones, however, could give him
+the least information, nor was he able to succeed any better
+when he asked the other couple. Apparently the absent
+pair must have taken a course entirely different from any
+of their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>The twilight now began to gather under the shelter of
+the high mountain, and Mr. Garrabrant looked a bit worried.
+If the boys had been unfortunate enough as to lose
+themselves, he knew that they had taken plenty of matches
+along, and moreover they had been instructed in various
+devices whereby they might communicate with their comrades,
+by waving a burning torch, for instance, from some
+high elevation, certain movements standing for letters in
+the Morse code, as used by the Signal Corps of the army.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I hear voices up yonder, sir," remarked Elmer,
+coming up behind the scout master, who was watching the
+finishing preparations for supper that were going on at the
+several fires.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I thought so myself, and what you say, Elmer,
+makes me more positive," Mr. Garrabrant observed, a smile
+taking the place of the grave look on his handsome face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+"Yes, there they come yonder, looking as tired as the others.
+And it may be that I deceive myself, but it strikes me both
+lads seem to be greatly excited over something or other.
+I sincerely hope nothing has happened to injure them. I
+notice no limp in their gait, and each seems to have the
+full use of both arms. What can have happened to them
+now?"</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate we'll soon know, sir, for here they are,"
+said Elmer, encouragingly, as Red and Larry limped up to
+the camp, and with sundry grunts sank upon a log as if to
+signify how utterly exhausted they might be.</p>
+
+<p>"But tired or not, sir, we're just ready to go out again
+with you, after we've had some supper," declared Red,
+to the utter wonderment of the clustering scouts.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I was right in my surmise, and you <i>have</i> run
+across something out of the common, boys?" remarked Mr.
+Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," Red promptly replied, "we certainly have;
+and many times we felt mad to think we came away to get
+help instead of staying there, and trying ourselves to investigate,
+so as to find out what the groans meant we heard
+coming from that lonely hut!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>A BLAZED TRAIL.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">There</span> was a chorus of exclamations from the gathered
+scouts, when they heard Red express himself in this startling
+way. Eyes grew round with wonder, and more than one
+lad almost held his breath, as he waited to catch further
+particulars of the strange happening that had befallen their
+two chums during their tramp.</p>
+
+<p>"Where was this at, Oscar?" asked the scout master,
+quickly, alive to the importance of ascertaining all there
+was to be made known.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it must have been all of a mile and a half from
+here, sir," returned Red, who seldom heard his real name
+mentioned save in school or at home.</p>
+
+<p>"And the way is mighty rough, too, sir," Larry put in,
+rubbing his chin as if it might pain him somewhat, which
+action caused Ted to grin, and nod his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Thee you later, Larry," he muttered. "I bet you
+now, I don't let thith chance get away from me. That
+boy'th badly hurt, and just won't acknowledge it, but
+wait till Dr. Ted geth hold of him, that'th what."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you can lead us back there, in case we
+make up our minds to go to-night after supper?" Mr. Garrabrant
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy, sir," came the answer, in confident tones. "You
+see, we made it a point to mark the trail as we came along,
+by cutting the trunks of trees, and breaking branches so
+as to catch the eye. Elmer was telling us lately how he did<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+once when lost in the timber in Canada, the 'bush' he
+called it, and we remembered."</p>
+
+<p>"That's just fine, Oscar," commented the scout master,
+as though pleased at so great a show of forethought in two
+of his charges. "It shows what this business is already
+doing for all of you&mdash;teaching you to use your heads at
+any and all times. That was well done, and I imagine we'll
+have little or no difficulty in tracing your progress back,
+even if you are too tired to accompany us, for we will have
+Elmer along."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! but I'm bound to go, if I have to drag my game
+leg behind me," asserted Red. "You see, both of us feel
+sore over coming away without trying longer to find out
+what it was groaning so in that cabin, and we want to make
+good."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it hurt you <i>very</i> much, Red?" asked the solicitous
+Ted, coming up with a face that seemed marked with
+feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure it does, Ted," replied the other, promptly, "and
+I'm going to ask you to rub some liniment on right away.
+Reckon I just sprained it a little, slipping down the side
+of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"Good for you, Red!" ejaculated the pleased amateur
+surgeon, as he clasped the other by the arm. "Come right
+along with me, and I'll fix you up in a jiffy. Only too
+glad to be of thervice. And Red, you're the only gentleman&mdash;"
+he suddenly paused, gave one smiling look around
+at the frowning faces of his mates, and then completed his
+sentence: "who hath applied to me for treatment. I'll
+never forget this kindneth, never!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on!" remarked the scout master. "We must
+know a little more about this matter before you drag your
+patient away; though of course we expect him to survive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+the treatment. Tell us about the lone cabin, Oscar. How
+did you happen on it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We had turned," Red started to say, "and were heading
+toward home, when all of a sudden I thought I heard
+a plain human groan. Larry said he had caught some sort
+of sound, too. So we began to advance in that direction,
+going slow-like, because you see we didn't know what sort
+of trickery we might be up against. Then we caught sight
+of a cabin that was half hidden among the trees and
+bushes."</p>
+
+<p>"Ugh!" Larry broke in with, "it just gave us both
+the creeps, sir, to see how awful lonely the old place looked,
+run down and neglected like. If Chatz had been along, he'd
+sure have believed his pet ghost lived there."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely two sensible chaps like you and Oscar
+wouldn't think of such a thing as that?" remarked Mr.
+Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, sir," replied Red, after shooting a swift look
+toward his comrade in misery. "But you see, the groans
+kept on acomin' out of that window, and we could hear
+voices too. We didn't hardly now what to do, go on and
+knock at the door, or hurry back here to report. Larry,
+he gave me a cold chill, I admit sir, when he just accidentally
+said that it might be a ease of smallpox in that hut&mdash;
+you know there were some cases this last spring to the north
+of the Ridge."</p>
+
+<p>"And after talking it over, you decided that the wisest
+thing to be done was to make your way to camp, and throw
+the responsibility on my shoulders?" said the scout master.
+"Well, perhaps it was far better you did this than take
+chances. I have no doubt but what you might have adopted
+a different course if you had not had help near by."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, that's just what I said to Larry&mdash;that you'd
+know best what ought to be done; but that if we were all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+alone in the region, we'd just have to go up to the door and
+knock."</p>
+
+<p>"And so you set out to reach camp as fast as you
+could?" continued Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what we did sir, and in such a hurry that several
+times we slipped and barked our shins, while I got a
+jar when I tumbled."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I'll fix that all right, in three thhakes of a lam'th
+tail, if you'll only come over to my tent," said Ted, tugging
+at the arm of each returned wanderer.</p>
+
+<p>And unable to resist his urgent plea, they allowed him
+to lead them away. Later on when they once more appeared,
+as supper was announced by the assembly call, the
+pair of wounded scouts admitted that Dr. Ted had indeed
+done wonders, inasmuch that their pains had miraculously
+vanished, and they felt able to undertake the rough journey
+again&mdash;after they had broken their fast.</p>
+
+<p>There was much speculation during the meal as to whom
+Mr. Garrabrant would select to accompany him on his trip.
+Of course Elmer was a foregone conclusion, as his natural
+ability along the line of following a blazed trail might come
+in pat.</p>
+
+<p>But the scout master settled all doubts by announcing
+toward the close of the meal that he wished Red, Elmer,
+Arthur, Dr. Ted (in case his services were needed), Jack
+Armitage and Ty Collins to accompany him.</p>
+
+<p>No one murmured, for they knew it would do no good.
+Larry started to ask why he had been left out; but Mr.
+Garrabrant had noted his pallor, and understood that he
+did not possess the sturdy physique his comrade of the
+tramp boasted, and on that account had better remain in
+camp.</p>
+
+<p>Another thing some of the observing lads noticed, and
+this was the fact that as a rule those selected, outside of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+Dr. Ted, were the strongest in the troop. Perhaps, then,
+Mr. Garrabrant might anticipate trouble of some sort, and
+wished to have a healthy band of scouts at his back, especially
+since none of them carried arms of any kind&mdash;though
+the scout master really did have a revolver secreted
+in his bag, which, unseen by any of the boys, he now made
+sure to hide on his person.</p>
+
+<p>There could be no telling what they might find themselves
+up against. Rumor had it that certain hard characters
+at one time made their headquarters somewhere up in
+the woods around the lakes, and who could say that the
+lone cabin might not prove to be a nest of yeggmen or
+hoboes?</p>
+
+<p>"How does your thprain feel; think you can thtand it?"
+asked Ted of Red, as they got up from around the fire and
+prepared to sally forth on their mission of mercy.</p>
+
+<p>"If you hadn't reminded me of it just then, I'd sure
+never have thought I had a game leg," remarked the other.
+"You're all to the good when it comes to doctoring a fellow,
+Ted; if only you wouldn't talk so much about sawing
+off legs and all such awful things."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll be along in ease you feel it again, and I'll
+make thure to carry a tin of that magic liniment," remarked
+the ambitious surgeon, as he reentered the tent, to
+make up a little package of things he thought might come
+in handy in case they found some one sick in the hut.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, acting on the suggestion of Elmer, the other
+boys selected such stout canes and cudgels as lay around
+camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Be prepared!" grinned Lil Artha, as he swung a particularly
+dangerous looking club around his head until it
+fairly whistled through the air. "That's the motto of the
+Boy Scouts, and I reckon it applies in a case of this kind,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+just as much as when stopping a runaway horse. I'm prepared
+to give a good account of myself, that's dead certain."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant had fetched out a couple of lanterns,
+making sure that the oil receptacles were well filled, so that
+they would last through the journey, going and returning.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we're off, boys," he remarked, with a pleasant
+smile. "The rest of you stay here and look close after the
+camp. I've appointed Mark Cummings to serve in my place
+while I'm gone, and shall expect every scout to pay him
+just as much respect as though I were present. Lead off,
+Oscar, we're with you."</p>
+
+<p>Red took up his place at the head of the little bunch. He
+carried one of the lanterns with which he cast sufficient
+light ahead to see where he was going.</p>
+
+<p>"First to take you to the seven sentry chestnuts," he
+said. "We named 'em that, of course, when we came on
+'em. The blazed trail commences right there, sir. We
+didn't think it worth while to do any more slicing of bark
+after that, because we knew we could easy enough find our
+way back to that place."</p>
+
+<p>And he did lead the party to the seven chestnuts, with
+only one or two periods of hesitation, during which he had
+to puzzle things out.</p>
+
+<p>"There's the first blaze on that oak yonder," he remarked,
+pointing as he spoke. "We tried to make the
+marks close enough so as to show by lantern light, because
+we both had an idea you'd want to come on before morning,
+sir."</p>
+
+<p>Elmer was at the side of the leader by this time, prepared
+to lend his experience in case the other ran up against a
+snag. He took especial note of the general direction in
+which the numerous blazes seemed to run. And when <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'presenty'">presently</ins>
+Red confessed that he was "stumped" if he could
+see where the next mark ought to be, Elmer had them hold<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+up while he walked forward in the quarter where, on general
+principles, he imagined the blaze should be. And in
+another minute his soft "cooee" told his comrades that
+he had, sure enough, found the missing mark.</p>
+
+<p>Many times did Red have to fall back on Elmer to help
+him out. His blazes had apparently been further apart than
+he had realized at the time he made them. But the boy who
+had lived in Canada, and experienced all sorts of frontier
+life, knew just how to go about making the needed discovery;
+and in every instance success rewarded his efforts.</p>
+
+<p>"We're getting close to the place now," Red finally announced,
+as he limped along, refusing to allow Ted the
+privilege of rubbing his strained leg again, because he did
+not want to waste the time.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you recognize some of the landmarks?" suggested
+Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, I do that," came the confident reply. "In
+another five minutes I think we'll be able to see something
+of that queer cabin that is half hidden in the dense undergrowth."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps less than five minutes," remarked Elmer,
+quietly. "Look yonder, sir, and you'll just catch a
+glimpse of what seems to be a tiny speck of light. I think
+that must spring from the window of the hut Red
+speaks of."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right again, Elmer, as always," replied the
+scout master, drawing in a long breath. "Now, forward,
+slowly, boys. Let no one stumble, if it can possibly be
+avoided; for we do not know what we may be up against.
+But if there is anyone suffering in that cabin, it is our duty
+to investigate, no matter what the danger. Elmer, lead the
+way with me, please."</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously they crept forward, foot by foot. Doubtless
+many a heart beat faster than ordinary, because there was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+a certain air of mystery hovering over the whole affair, and
+they could imagine a dozen separate strange sights that
+might meet their vision once they peeped into the little
+window of that isolated cabin.</p>
+
+<p>But no one would ever confess that such a thing as fear
+tugged at the strings of his heart. Already the discipline
+they had been under since joining the scout movement was
+bearing fruit; timidity was put aside with a stern hand, and
+keeping in a bunch they advanced until presently those in
+the lead were able to rise up from hands and knees, glueing
+their eager eyes upon the little opening through which came
+the light that had guided them to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>And right then and there they heard a groan, so full of
+suffering and misery that it went straight to the heart of
+every boy who had been drafted by the scout master to accompany
+him on this strange night errand.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>WHAT THE LONE CABIN CONTAINED.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Elmer Chenowith looked through that opening,
+what he saw was so entirely different from what he had
+anticipated discovering that he could hardly believe his
+eyes at first.</p>
+
+<p>With all the fancy of a boy, who gives free rein to his
+imagination, doubtless he had fully expected to discover
+several gruff-looking hoboes gathered there, perhaps engaged
+in torturing one of their kind, or some wretched party
+who had fallen into their power.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing of the sort. The very first object Elmer saw was
+a small boy, dressed in ragged clothes, and who was trying
+to blow a dying fire into life again.</p>
+
+<p>This did not look very alarming; and so Elmer cast his
+eyes further afield, with the result that presently another
+moving object riveted his attention. Why, surely that must
+be a girl, for her long hair seemed to indicate as much!
+What was she bending over? Was that a rude cot?</p>
+
+<p>Then the strange truth burst upon Elmer like a cannon
+shot. The groans&mdash;they must indicate that a sick person
+lay there, and these two small children (for the boy could
+not be over six, while the girl might be eight) were trying
+to carry out the combined duties of nurse, doctor and cook!</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!"</p>
+
+<p>It was Red himself who gave utterance to this low exclamation.
+He was peering in at the opening over the
+shoulder of Mr. Garrabrant, and what he saw was so vastly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+different from his expectations that he received a severe
+"jolt," as he himself afterwards expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the sound, low as it was, reached the ears of the
+little girl guardian of the sick bed. They saw her give a
+jump, and immediately a pair of startled blue eyes were
+staring in the direction of the opening.</p>
+
+<p>"Come!" said Mr. Garrabrant to his boys, "there is no
+need of any more secrecy. I think we are needed here, and
+badly, too."</p>
+
+<p>He led the way around the corner of the lone lodge, with
+the scouts tagging at his heels, only too willing to follow.
+Reaching the door of the cabin they were about to enter,
+when Mr. Garrabrant uttered an exclamation of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Get on to the girl, would you?" gasped Lil Artha; and
+there was no need of his attempting to explain, since his
+chums could see for themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Small though she was, the girl had snatched up a long-barreled
+gun, and was now actually menacing the intruders.
+Her white face had a desperate look upon it, as though at
+some time in the past the child had been warned that there
+were bad men to be met with in those woods. As for the
+little chap, he had hold of the hatchet with which at the
+time he must have been cutting kindling wood; for he
+clutched it in his puny hand, and looked like a dwarfed
+wildcat at bay.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer, as long as he lived, would never forget that
+picture. And as for the other boys, not one of them could
+so much as utter a single word.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, my child!" cried Mr. Garrabrant, raising his
+hands to show that they did not hold any sort of weapon;
+"we are friends, and would be only too glad to be of help
+to you. One of us is something of a doctor, if it happens
+that anyone is sick here. Please let us come in."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it was the kindly look of the handsome young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+scout master&mdash;then again his voice may have influenced the
+frightened girl; or the fact that those in the open doorway
+were mostly boys might have had considerable to do with it.
+Then again that magical word "doctor" must have thrilled
+her through and through.</p>
+
+<p>The gun fell to the floor, and the relieved girl burst into
+a flood of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"It's dad!" she cried, moving a hand toward the rude
+cot behind her; and as the eyes of the boys flitted thither
+again, they saw a bearded and very sick looking man trying
+to raise himself up on his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant immediately went toward him, uttering
+reassuring words, that no doubt did much to relieve the
+alarm of the occupant of the rude bed. Wisely had the
+long-headed scout master caused one of the boys to carry
+some food along, not knowing what necessity might arise.
+He saw that hunger was holding sway in this lone cabin
+as well as sickness. And while Red started the fire to going,
+Ty Collins proceeded to unwrap the package of meat and
+bread, as well as the coffee and tea he had "toted" all the
+way from camp.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant with a few questions learned the simple
+story. The man was a charcoal burner in the summer season,
+while he pursued the arduous labor of a lumberman
+in the winter. A few months before his wife had suddenly
+died, leaving him with these two small but very independent
+children.</p>
+
+<p>Abe Morris, his name was, while the boy carried that of
+Felix; and whenever the cabin dweller spoke of the girl
+it was always as "Little Lou." He had hated to leave the
+retired home where he had spent so many pleasant years,
+and near which his wife was buried. And so he had managed
+to get along, with the girl cooking his meals and playing
+the part of housekeeper wonderfully well; while even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+Felix could do his stunt of gathering firewood and looking
+after a few simple traps in which he caught muskrats.</p>
+
+<p>When the boys heard that this small edition of a lad had
+been able to actually outwit the shrewd animals of the
+marsh, they looked at each other in dismay, as though wondering
+whether he might not have a better right to the title
+of scout that any among them.</p>
+
+<p>Things had gone fairly well with the widower until a
+week back, when an accident had brought him almost to
+death's door. Managing to drag himself home, he had
+swooned from loss of blood. Since that time he had suffered
+tortures, more of the mind than of the body, since he
+dreaded the thought of what would become of his children
+should death claim him.</p>
+
+<p>They had done wonderfully well. When Dr. Ted got
+busy, he praised the simple but clever work of that eight-year-old
+girl, in binding up such a severe wound. Perhaps
+Little Lou may have learned how to do this from the mother
+who was gone, or it might be it came just natural to her.
+When children live away from the world, and are forced
+to depend upon themselves for everything, it is amazing how
+they can do things that would puzzle those twice their age,
+when pampered in comfortable homes. Necessity forces
+them to reach out and attempt things, just as she teaches
+the child to use its limbs, and utter sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Once they realized that these were kind friends who had
+come so opportunely to their rescue, Felix and Little Lou
+found their voices, and proved that they could talk, as Lil
+Artha put it, "a blue streak."</p>
+
+<p>And when they sat down to a supper such as they had
+not tasted for many a day, both of the children of the charcoal
+burner were comparatively happy. As for the man
+himself, he wrung the hands of Mr. Garrabrant and each<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>
+of the Boy Scouts as they took their leave, calling down
+blessings on their heads for what they had done.</p>
+
+<p>"We're going to see you through, Abe," the scout master
+had said positively. "We intend being up here ten
+days or so, and during that time I fully expect our Dr. Ted
+will be able to have you hobbling around again. Then
+you've got to come down to Hickory Ridge when we send
+a vehicle of some sort up here for you. This is no place for
+a man to think of bringing up two such fine youngsters as
+you possess. They must have a chance to go to school, and
+I promise you all the work you want, so that you can live
+in or near town. It may have been different so long as
+your good wife was with you, but now it would be next
+door to a crime to think of staying here, even for the balance
+of the summer. You will come, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I will, Mr. Garrabrant!" exclaimed the rough
+man; who, however, used better language than might have
+been expected. "And it's the luckiest day of my whole life
+when those two lads discovered my shack here. Heaven only
+knows what would have become of us only for that."</p>
+
+<p>They left the queer home in the wilderness with Felix and
+Little Lou waving their hands vigorously after them, standing
+in the doorway, and plainly seen against the firelight
+behind.</p>
+
+<p>And there was not one among those boys but who felt a
+warm sensation in the region of his heart, such as always
+comes when a kind deed has been performed.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant had been greatly affected by the incident;
+nor did he hesitate to express himself warmly on the journey
+back to the camp, which by the way Elmer managed
+to accomplish without even one error of judgment, much to
+the admiration of his chums, who watched his actions
+eagerly, desirous of picking up points calculated to enhance
+their reputation as scouts.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Boys, you may have made other tramps, going skating,
+hunting, playing baseball, and the like; but take my word
+for it, you never acquitted yourselves better than on this
+night. I'm proud of every one of you, and I thank you in
+the name of poor Abe Morris. And if there happens to be
+anyone here who has been wearing his badge upside down
+through the day, because he failed to find a chance to do
+anybody a good turn, I hereby give him full permission to
+set it right."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! that touches me, sir!" exclaimed Jack Armitage.
+"I've been wondering all along just how in the wide
+world I was going to find a chance to do my little kind deed
+stunt. There ain't any old ladies to help across the street
+up here; and dooryards to clear up of trash are as scarce as
+hens' teeth. But you've eased my mind a heap, Mr. Garrabrant.
+Perhaps you'll let me do some of the running over
+to Abe's cabin each day, to carry him supplies. That sturdy
+little chap just took my eye, and when I get back home I'm
+going to get father to give Abe a job in his flooring mill."</p>
+
+<p>"That's nice of you, Jack," replied the pleased scout
+master. "And it does your heart credit. Between us all,
+it will be very strange if we can't fix up that little family,
+and bring some happiness to their bleak home. Think of
+those two brave kiddies keeping house for their father amid
+such desolate surroundings. No wonder they made me think
+of a pair of wildcats ready to defend their den as we bustled
+in. They seldom see a living soul but their father, now that
+the mother has been laid away. But we must be nearly back
+at camp, I should judge, Elmer? At any rate, I admit that
+I'm beginning to feel leg weary, not being used to this work
+of tramping over the side of a rough mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"But just think of Red, here, thir," broke in Dr. Ted,
+who had a helping arm around the lame member of the expedition.
+"He thure detherves a medal for what he's done.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+Tramping all thith distance with that thore ankle ith&mdash;well,
+I wath going to thay heroic, but I guess he wouldn't
+like that. Anyhow, I think pretty much all the credit ought
+to go to Red."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, just you hold your horses there!" declared the
+party in question, trying to repress a groan, as he had a
+rude twinge of pain shoot up his left leg. "I owe all this
+to myself, and more, because I made the mistake of running
+off without finding out what that groan meant. I've wanted
+to kick myself ever since. It ain't often I play the part of
+a sneak, and it makes me sore. So whenever my leg hurts
+I just grin and say to myself: 'Serves you right, you coward,
+for running away, instead of investigating, like a true
+scout should have done!'"</p>
+
+<p>"You are too severe on yourself, Oscar," remarked Mr.
+Garrabrant, soothingly; for he knew the impulsive and
+warm-hearted nature of the boy who was taking himself so
+much to task. "When your companion suggested that perhaps
+there was a case of smallpox in that hut, it was your
+duty to come to me and report, rather than take the awful
+responsibility on your young shoulders. And I mean to see
+to it that you get many good marks for what you have done
+this night&mdash;not you alone, but every boy who accompanied
+me on this errand of mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"There's the camp fire, sir!" exclaimed Elmer, at this
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>"I bet you Redth glad to see it, poor old chap!" remarked
+Dr. Ted.</p>
+
+<p>"Shucks! I reckon I could have stood it a little while
+longer!" declared the limping one; but when he presently
+reached the home camp, and sank down on a blanket, the
+pain he had been silently enduring all the return trip was
+too much for him, and Red actually fainted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Of course he was quickly brought to, and Dr. Ted looked
+to the injured limb.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to lie around pretty much all the balance
+of the time we're run up in thith neck of the woodth, old fellow,"
+was his announcement; which dictum made Red do
+what the pain had failed to accomplish, groan dismally.</p>
+
+<p>Of course those who had been left behind were fairly
+clamorous to know what had happened. So sitting there by
+the crackling fire, with all those bright and eager faces surrounding
+him, the scout master, assisted at times by Elmer,
+Ted or Lil Artha, described their long jaunt over the grim
+mountainside, the finding of the lone cabin, just as Red and
+Larry had said, and what wonderful discovery they had
+made upon peering in through the open window.</p>
+
+<p>And every boy felt that a golden opportunity had come
+to their organization that night to live up to the high ideals
+the Boy Scout movement stands for.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>WIGWAGGING FROM THE MOUNTAIN PEAK.</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Another</span> fine day for a few more tests, and such things,
+fellows!" sang out Chatz Maxfield, on the following morning,
+after they had finished breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>The night had actually passed without any sign of alarm.
+Although Chatz had fully anticipated a return of his stalking
+ghost, while he stood out his turn as a sentry, he had met
+with disappointment, for nothing happened. Still, he did
+not wholly give up hope of meeting up with the "misty
+white object" again. The jeers of his mates had begun to
+take effect, and Chatz really wanted to have the thing settled,
+one way or the other, as soon as possible. Either there
+were such things as ghosts, or there were not. And he
+wished to be convinced, declaring that he was open to conviction,
+if only they could prove to the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," remarked Mark Cummings, who was near by,
+with others of the scouts; "and I guess Mr. Garrabrant has
+laid out a bully and strenuous old day for the lot of us,
+barring Red and Ginger, who are to keep camp. He speaks
+of sending one bunch to the top of Mount Pisgah, as this
+peak is called, while another tries to climb Mount Horab
+yonder. They ought to get up there about noon, and for
+two hours wigwag to each other, sending and receiving messages
+that are to be kept in books provided for the purpose.
+Then, at night, when we all meet again around the camp
+fire, we'll have heaps of fun, seeing just how stupid we've
+been in our Signal Corps work."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don't you forget, Mark," said Red, who was lounging
+on a log close by, "that you promised to let me try a few
+prints from those negatives you developed and fixed. I'm
+a pretty good hand at that work, so they tell me at home,
+and I'd like to see how we all look up here in camp."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Red," replied Mark, cheerfully. "You shall
+do the job, and welcome. I've seen some of your work, and
+it's sure the best ever. I'll fix up a place in the tent here,
+where you can hobble if you want to, after you've done your
+printing and want to fix the pictures."</p>
+
+<p>"But you want to go easy on that leg, remember,"
+warned Dr. Ted, shaking a finger at his patient, just as he
+had seen the old family doctor do many a time.</p>
+
+<p>"You and Jack are bound over the side of the mountain
+to visit the Abe Morris family, I heard?" remarked Chatz,
+speaking to Ted.</p>
+
+<p>"Yeth, it is a professional visit on my part," replied the
+other, pretending to look very dignified. "But Mr. Garrabrant
+hath promithed that everyone of you shall have a
+turn to accompany me day by day, tho ath to make the acquaintance
+of those two brave kiddies, as he calls them,
+Felix and Little Lou."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm right glad to hear that, suh," remarked Chatz;
+"from what you all tell me, I'm quite anxious to meet
+up with that boy and girl. And if Jack falls through with
+his plan of getting Abe employment in his father's mill, I
+think I know just where he would fit into a good position."</p>
+
+<p>The two companies left camp about eight o'clock. Dr.
+Ted and Jack Armitage waved them good-by, for they too
+were getting ready to start on their errand to the lone cabin
+in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer headed one group of scouts, while Mr. Garrabrant
+had charge of the other. They carried plenty of lunch<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+along, though it was expected that they would surely be
+back before evening had set in.</p>
+
+<p>The scout master was not at all positive about his thorough
+knowledge of woodcraft; for as yet it was almost
+wholly theoretical rather than practical with him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not above getting lost, in spite of my book knowledge,"
+he had laughed, as he selected what boys were to
+accompany him; "and that is why I take Matty Eggleston,
+Mark Cummings, and Arthur Stansbury among my followers;
+because next to Elmer, they are known to possess practical
+ideas concerning this traveling in unknown timber. So
+good-by, lads; we'll look to have a good talk with you across
+the valley."</p>
+
+<p>So day after day he expected to put the scouts "through
+their paces," as Lil Artha called it. To-day it was to be
+the great hike to the tops of the mountains, and the wigwagging
+contest between the two factions. To-morrow he
+meant to have Elmer give further lessons along the line of
+following a trail, showing just how an experienced woodsman
+can tell from many sources how long ago the party had
+passed; the number of which it consisted; whether they were
+men, women or children; white or Indians; and even describing
+some of the marked peculiarities of the members
+comprising it.</p>
+
+<p>Then later on they would have swimming contests; first
+aid to the injured lessons; resuscitating a person who has
+come near being drowned; cooking rivalry; athletics; and
+many other things connected with the open life.</p>
+
+<p>It proved a long and arduous tramp for Elmer and his
+companions. He had had the privilege of choosing which
+mountain he would attempt to scale, and just like an ambitious
+boy, had selected the one he felt sure would be the
+more difficult.</p>
+
+<p>Those who followed his lead had many times to beg of him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+to halt and take a little breathing spell, for the way was
+very rough and much climbing of rocks had to be done in
+order to mount upward.</p>
+
+<p>"Wow! are we ever going to get up there?" grunted
+Toby, who had just hated to come on this expedition at all,
+when he would much rather have liked hanging around
+camp, and examining the deflated balloon; no doubt dreaming
+dreams of the time when he hoped to have the chance
+to soar away among the clouds in one of those gas bags.</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like that mountain top is just nigh as far away
+from us as ever," complained Larry Billings, who was
+puffing at a great rate, as he seemed to be rather short
+winded, and had to be taken to task several times for his
+faulty manner of walking.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, you're greatly mistaken there," laughed Elmer.
+"Distances are deceptive in the mountains, to anyone not
+used to measuring them with the eye. Just wait a little,
+and all at once you're going to realize that we're getting up
+handsomely. Look across the valley, and see how high we
+are right now! That proves it, Larry."</p>
+
+<p>"Hey! what's that moving, away up on that other hill,
+Elmer?" cried Jasper Merriweather, the novice and real
+tenderfoot of the crowd; who, under the careful supervision
+of the scout leader of the Wolf Patrol, was actually
+doing himself proud, and gaining new confidence in his
+abilities with each passing hour.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer followed the line of his outstretched finger.</p>
+
+<p>"You deserve considerable praise, Jasper, for making
+that discovery," he declared, presently. "I can see what
+you mean now; though when I looked across before I didn't
+happen to notice. Yes, that's our other squad, climbing up
+just like we are, and not making any better job of it either,
+I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Ho! they ain't near as far up, for a fact," said Nat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+Scott, with pardonable pride, since he had developed into
+a pretty good climber.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that mountain is not so tall as ours; but then it
+may be even rougher, for all we know," observed Elmer.
+"I picked out this one because it was so high, and I always
+want to tackle the hardest job, if I've got any choice. It
+makes you feel all the better if you win out. But come on,
+fellows, let's pitch in. Given one more good hour's work,
+and I think we ought to be pretty near the crown."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so!" sighed poor Larry, who was puffing still,
+and rubbing his leg where he had hurt it a little on the
+previous day; though it was nothing so bad as Red's injury,
+aggravated as it had been by his stubborn determination to
+return to the lone hut and accompany the relief party.</p>
+
+<p>Once more they struggled upward. Sometimes they
+found the going so very difficult that they were obliged to
+give each other a helping hand.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the view grew finer the higher they went.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Elmer," remarked Toby, as they halted later on
+to get their breath; "d'ye suppose now we'll be able to
+glimpse dear old Hickory Ridge when we get up to the top
+of this mole hill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure we will," replied the leader, cheerily. "And
+that alone ought to pay us for all our trouble. We've only
+been away a couple of days or so, but I reckon it seems an
+age to a lot of us, since we saw the home folks."</p>
+
+<p>There was an ominous silence after that remark. Doubtless
+every scout was allowing his thoughts to roam tenderly
+back to that beloved home which he knew sheltered those
+who were so dear to his heart. And possibly, unseen by
+his fellows, a tear may even have rolled unbidden down
+more than one cheek. For they were but boys, after all, and
+same of them had never even been so far away from the
+home nest before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Elmer proved to be a true prophet, for ere the full hour
+was up even the doubting Larry was obliged to confess that
+they had gained a point not far from the summit.</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to inspire the laggards to renewed efforts, so
+that presently, with loud cries of delight and admiration,
+the whole bunch struggled to the apex and had the view of
+their lives around them.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't this just too grand for anything?" gasped
+Larry, as he squatted down on a stone and tried to pick
+out the distant village on the ridge where home lay.</p>
+
+<p>The others were doing the same; and all manner of exclamations
+followed, as this one or that discovered familiar
+landmarks, by means of which their untrained eyes could
+find the one particular spot about which their thoughts
+clustered just then.</p>
+
+<p>It was not far from noon, and when Elmer declared that
+they had well earned the right to eat the hearty luncheon
+carried along, he was greeted with cries of joy: for it was
+a jolly hungry batch of scouts that gathered on that mountain
+top.</p>
+
+<p>While they ate they discovered that their mates had also
+managed to reach their goal. But no communication was
+attempted until they had thoroughly rested.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Garrabrant started operations himself, after
+which he probably handed the flags over to the scout who
+was to make the first test of his knowledge along the line
+of wigwagging a message, and receiving a reply.</p>
+
+<p>It proved to be interesting work, and all the boys with
+Elmer declared that it held a peculiar fascination and
+charm about it. Of course, in war times, such business must
+carry along with it more or less danger. They could easily
+picture how an operator must take great risks first of all
+to mount to some exposed position, where his flag could
+readily be seen, and then keep up a constant signaling with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+another flagman far away, while the enemy would doubtless
+be making every effort to break up the serious communications
+that might spell disaster for their cause.</p>
+
+<p>"Anyhow, it won't take us near so long to go down the
+mountain as it did to climb up here," remarked Larry, with
+satisfaction in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"All the same," remarked Elmer, "every fellow has
+got to be mighty careful just how he goes. No rushing
+things, you understand. It's easier to take a tumble going
+down than coming up. And we want no more cripples on
+this trip."</p>
+
+<p>About three o'clock they started to descend from the peak.
+Every boy had to just tear himself away, after one last look
+at the distant ridge that lay bathed in the warm sunshine.
+And no one had a word to say for quite a time.</p>
+
+<p>The descent was made in safety, though several times one
+of the boys would slip on a piece of loose shale; and once
+Larry might have had a severe fall only that Elmer, happening
+to be close beside him at the time, shot out a hand
+and clutched him as he was plunging headlong, after catching
+his heel in a root.</p>
+
+<p>They all breathed a sigh of relief when the bottom of the
+mountain was reached. After that the going was much
+easier, and they soon drew near the camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Wonder if the other fellows made as quick a getdown
+as we did?" remarked Toby, who was hobbling along, footsore,
+and with his muscles paining from the many severe
+strains they had been compelled to endure during the day;
+but only too glad to realize that he would soon arrive where
+he could once more be in touch with that wonderful sky
+traveler that had so fortunately dropped into their hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be pretty near a tie," laughed Elmer;
+"for just a bit ago I had a glimpse of them, where the
+timber opened up, and I judged that they were as close to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+home and supper as we are. Put your best leg forward,
+boys, and don't let on that any of you are near tuckered
+out. Where's your pride, Larry? Brace up, and look as if
+you felt as fresh as a daisy!"</p>
+
+<p>Larry tried to obey; but it was hard to smile when he
+felt as though he had been "drawn through a straw," as
+he declared.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen!" cried Elmer, five minutes later, throwing up
+his hand for silence.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Ginger, and he's yelling to beat the band!" exclaimed
+Toby.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I wonder what's happened!" gasped Jasper.</p>
+
+<p>"Run for all you're worth, fellows!" said Elmer, starting
+off himself at full speed.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly they broke cover, and neared the camp, to see
+the other party close by, also on the run. Ginger was
+dancing up and down, still whooping things up, while Red
+stood just outside of a tent looking startled and puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that Ginger's yelling?" called Toby, and it
+thrilled them as they heard.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twar de debble dat time nigh got me! He's gwine tuh
+grab us all away in de chariot ob fire! I'se a gone coon,
+I is! Runnin' ain't no use;" and Ginger threw himself
+on his knees with clasped hands and rolling eyes.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE HAIRY THIEF THAT WALKED ON TWO LEGS.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">No</span> wonder the returned scouts stared, hardly daring to
+believe their eyes and ears. Some of them of course
+thought Ginger might have gone out of his head. Only
+on the preceding night had Elmer been telling them what
+queer antics animals out on the plains go through with,
+when they have been eating the loco weed.</p>
+
+<p>There were a few who seemed to have a hazy suspicion
+that possibly Red might be concerned in this strange fright
+on the part of poor Ginger. True, the boy with the lame leg
+had apparently just dragged himself out of the tent, and
+the look on his face under that fiery shock of hair would
+indicate astonishment as genuine as their own; but then,
+how were they to know but what this had been assumed?</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant, however, made direct for the moaning
+and wabbling negro, who had fallen on his knees, and with
+clasped hands was bowing back and forth in an agony of
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, what's the matter with you, Ginger?" he demanded,
+catching hold of the other, and while Ginger gave
+a little screech at first, upon turning his rolling eyes upward
+he appeared to recognize the genial face of the young
+scout master.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Mistah Grabant, am dat youse?" he cried, seizing
+hold of the other's arm. "I'se mighty glad tuh see
+yuh, suh, 'deed an' I is. Am it gone foh suah?"</p>
+
+<p>"What gone?" demanded Mr. Garrabrant, sternly.
+"See here, Ginger, have you kept a black bottle hidden<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+away all this time while we have been in camp?" For he
+had a sudden inspiration that possibly Ginger might be
+addicted to the failing that besets so many of his color.</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed an' 'deed an' I ain't touched a single drap,
+suh," declared the demoralized one; "'clar tuh goodness
+if I has. It war dar, jes' ober yander, whar de box ob
+crackers am alyin' right now. An' he scolded me, suh,
+foh interferin' wid de liberties he am takin' wid dem provisions,
+dat he did! Ugh! tuh t'ink dat I'd lib tuh set
+eyes on de Ole Nick!"</p>
+
+<p>"But what makes you think it was Satan? Perhaps it
+was only some wandering hobo who thought he saw a good
+chance to steal something to eat?" and the scout master
+sought to hold Ginger's roving eyes fastened upon his own
+orbs, so as to rivet his attention, and secure a coherent
+answer to his question.</p>
+
+<p>"Sho! dat was no human animal, suh!" exclaimed Ginger,
+earnestly. "He done hab a cover ob red hair, an'
+de wickedest grin on his face yuh ebber see. Reckon I
+knows de debble w'en I sees him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, from what you say, Ginger, this queer visitor
+seems to have had a very human weakness for crackers,"
+remarked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling. "Was he carrying that
+package of biscuit when you saw him first?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, suh, dat an' two more ob dem same. He drap it
+'case he couldn't hold de lot, an' walk away too. Yuh see,
+suh, I war cleaning some fish dat de boys dey fotched in
+las' ebenin', an' which we nebber use foh breakfast dis
+mornin'. Den I tink I hyah some queer noise in de camp,
+an' I starts up dis a ways. 'Twar den dat de hairy ole
+critter steps outen de store tent, and jabbers at me. I
+was skeered nigh 'bout stiff, suh, 'clar tuh goodness I was."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, you shouted, for we heard you, Ginger!" said
+Mr. Garrabrant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Reckons I did do sumpin' dat way, boss," admitted
+the negro, a faint grin striving to make its appearance on
+his ebony face. "Dat was jes' when de Ole Harry, he was
+asteppin' into de bushes, acarryin' two ob de boxes ob
+crackers in his arms."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to say he walked erect, on two legs?"
+asked the scout master.</p>
+
+<p>"Shore he did, suh, right along, ahuggin' de grub wid
+one arm, an' shakin' his fist at me wid de udder."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you talk as though it <i>must</i> have been a man&mdash;perhaps
+a wild man who may have been living in these woods
+for years?" suggested Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>But Ginger shook his head in an obstinate fashion, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I knows right well dat he wa'n't dat, suh; I'se dead
+suah 'bout it!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you say that; what proof have you it was
+not some sort of man, Ginger?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>'Case he done hab a tail, suh!</i>" cried the other, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and gave Elmer, who was close
+at his elbow all the while, a knowing wink.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he remarked, "that tail business would seem to
+settle one thing, Ginger. Unless this turns out to be the
+long-sought Missing Link, our visitor could hardly have
+been a human being. He was evidently an animal of <i>some</i>
+sort. Get that idea of the Old Nick out of your head.
+Listen to me, Ginger, and try to remember; did he say
+anything to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah, he did, lots!" answered the black man,
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you tell us what it was, then?" suggested the
+scout master, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dar's wha' yuh got me, Mistah Grabant," replied the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+other, reluctantly. "Yuh see, suh, I nebber did git much
+schoolin' down in Virginny, whah I was bawn an' brought
+up. Nebber did go to college an' larn de dead langwidges."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! then this creature talked to you in Greek, or possibly
+Hebrew, did he? In other words, he chattered in an
+unknown tongue! Well, how about you, Oscar; did you
+happen to catch a glimpse of Ginger's uninvited guest?"
+and Mr. Garrabrant turned suddenly on Red, as though
+wishing to make positive that this were not a clever trick he
+might have been playing on the terrified black man.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," came the ready response. "I was busy inside
+when I heard Ginger give that war whoop! I thought
+he might have burned himself at the fire, and I hurt my
+game pin like fun when I tried to run out. All I saw was
+the coon down on his marrowbones asinging that same
+tune about the 'debble.' That's all I know, sir, give you
+my word for it."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I believe you, Oscar," continued the scout
+master, plainly disturbed by this new mystery that had
+descended upon the camp, yet pretending to make light of
+it because he did not wish to alarm the boys under his
+charge. "And now, Ginger, can you point out to me just
+the spot where your strange friend vanished?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Deed an' 'deed he ain't no friend ob mine, suh, gibes
+yuh my word foh dat," replied the other, solemnly.
+"Right ober yandah, suh, whah dem bushes hangs low. An'
+I declars tuh Moses, suh, I don't know right now whedder
+de ugly ole sinner he jes' step intuh de bushes, or go up in
+a cloud ob fire like de prophet ob old."</p>
+
+<p>Several of the more impulsive scouts started to hurry
+in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, boys!" called the scout master instantly. "Come
+back here, please. Once before you succeeded in trampling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+all sign out, so that Elmer was unable to pick up any
+clue. Now, I want just Elmer and Mark to go over there,
+to investigate. After that has been done they will report
+to me. And now, let's settle down in camp, for I know
+you are all tired. Supper is the next thing on the program."</p>
+
+<p>Elmer, accompanied by his nearest chum, immediately
+walked carefully over in the direction of the spot which
+Ginger had indicated. They bent low, and seemed to be
+deeply interested in certain tracks they had found.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the boys shot many curious glances that way,
+but they knew better than to disobey the positive orders
+given by their chief. Discipline is one of the first things
+taught among the Boy Scouts.</p>
+
+<p>About this time Dr. Ted and Jack Armitage got back
+from a day at the cabin. They had much to tell about what
+they had occupied themselves in doing all the time, preparing
+things so that in a few days the family could be
+moved, for Mr. Garrabrant had fully decided to take the
+sick man and his "kiddies" down in one of the boats to
+Rockaway, where they could be looked after until the expedition
+returned.</p>
+
+<p>It was getting dusk before Elmer and his chum joined
+the others. They did not give out any information, and to
+the inquiries of their curious mates returned only vague
+smiles and nods.</p>
+
+<p>Supper was eaten with more or less clatter of tongues.
+There were so many interesting subjects claiming their
+attention that the boys hardly knew which to discuss first.</p>
+
+<p>When, however, the meal was about done, Mr. Garrabrant
+asked Elmer to step aside with him for a short time.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, let us sit down on this convenient log, Elmer,"
+remarked the scout master. "And please tell me what you
+found."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We had no difficulty in discovering the tracks, sir," replied
+the boy, whose experience on a Canadian prairie
+farm and ranch made him a valuable addition to the ranks
+of the Boy Scouts at such a time.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it a man or an animal?" asked the gentleman, as
+though eager to have that mooted point settled immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! an animal, sir, there can be no doubt of that," replied
+Elmer, smiling. "But those tracks puzzle me the
+worst kind. I know what the trail of a panther looks like,
+also that of a fox, a wolf, a bear, a deer, a coyote, a wildcat&mdash;but
+this was entirely different from any of these. It
+resembled the footprint of a human being&mdash;a child&mdash;more
+than anything I ever saw."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got an idea," he said, "but go on, and tell me
+what else you learned. Then I'll put you wise to what I
+suspect."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," the boy continued, "the queer thing about it
+is that Ginger was quite right when he said the thing
+walked on two legs. I could only find the marks of that
+many. Now, I've seen a bear do that stunt, and educated
+dogs, but no other animal outside of a circus."</p>
+
+<p>"How about a monkey?" asked the scout master,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Mr. Garrabrant, how could such an animal get up
+here? Monkeys live in tropical countries only. But I
+can see that you've got an idea. Please let me hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen then, Elmer," the other went on, seriously.
+"Now, I happen to know that just a month ago a certain
+gentleman named Colonel Hitchens, living on a country
+place he calls Caldwell, just a mile outside the town of
+Rockaway, lost a pet monkey that had been taught to do
+a lot of funny antics. The gentleman was an old traveler,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+and had brought the animal himself from some foreign
+land. I remember his telling me how he caught him, by
+filling some cocoanut shells with strong drink, and getting
+the animal stupid."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! that must be it, then!" exclaimed Elmer, laughing,
+while the look of bewilderment left his face. "No
+wonder the tracks were a riddle to me. I've never as yet
+had the pleasure of hunting monkeys, or Barbary apes,
+or gorillas. Yes, sir, the more I think of it, the more I
+believe that you've hit the truth. It must have been a
+monkey, hungry for some of the things he had been used
+to when held a prisoner at Colonel Hitchens'."</p>
+
+<p>"I saw the beast perform once," Mr. Garrabrant went
+on, "and he was really a marvel. He was a big chap, too,
+hairy and ugly. When he chattered and scowled he certainly
+was enough to give one a shiver. No wonder then
+that he frightened poor Ginger almost into convulsions.
+No wonder our factotum believed he had seen the Old Nick.
+But what had he better do about it, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what I wanted to speak with you about,
+sir," the boy remarked, with considerable eagerness.
+"Now the chances are that, having once made a raid on
+our store tent, this monkey will come again another time,
+perhaps even to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds reasonable," replied the scout master, nodding
+his head. "By the way, I just happened to remember
+the monkey's name. It fitted him pretty well, too, as
+you'll admit when you see him. Diablo it was."</p>
+
+<p>"Just think of it, sir, just the name Ginger gave him,
+too. But Mark and I have decided to set a trap to catch
+him. We'll fix it so that if the monkey tries to enter the
+store tent again he'll set off a trigger, and some queer results
+will follow. For one thing he'll find himself caught
+up in the loop of a rope, and held, kicking, off the ground<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+until we can come to corral him. Then, if it happens to be
+in the night, the falling of the trigger will set a flashlight
+going, and Mark's camera, placed for the occasion, will
+take a picture of the trespasser."</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds fine, Elmer," laughed the scout master.
+"Now, I leave the matter in your hands entirely. Do what
+you think best, and I wish you success."</p>
+
+<p>"How about telling the boys, sir?" asked Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant thought it over a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you'd better take the whole bunch into your
+confidence," he said, presently. "They are deeply interested,
+you know, and if kept in ignorance possibly some
+one might stumble across your plans, and upset every calculation."</p>
+
+<p>And so, when Elmer returned to the fire, he had the entire
+bunch listening, their eyes round with wonder, as they
+learned what had been discovered, and also of the bright
+plans their chums had arranged looking to the capture of
+Diablo.</p>
+
+<p>Only Ginger was evidently disturbed. He scratched his
+head as he listened, as if he could hardly believe what he
+saw had been of this earth, and the idea of Elmer being
+so rash as to want to try and make a prisoner of the Evil
+One gave the ignorant negro a cold shiver. Doubtless he
+would make sure to find a snug place to sleep that night,
+where nothing could get at him. His mind was still filled
+with foolish notions concerning that "chariot of fire" in
+which he might be carried out of this world into the Great
+Unknown.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>LAYING A GHOST.</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Well</span>, Elmer," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, the next
+morning, as he came out of his tent and met the young
+scout leader face to face, "I must have slept unusually
+sound last night, for the alarm failed to awaken me!"</p>
+
+<p>"There was no alarm, sir," smiled Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"Meaning that we did not have the pleasure of a second
+visit from Diablo, the educated monkey, is that it?"
+asked the scout master, pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," the boy went on, "Diablo must have secured
+enough rations in his first raid to last him for twenty-four
+hours. But Mark and myself do not think of giving
+our job up yet awhile. We expect to catch a likeness of
+our hairy visitor, even if the trap fails to work, and hold
+him a prisoner. I suppose Colonel Hitchens would be
+very glad to have the beast back, if it turns out that this
+is Diablo?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure of it, and as he is a wealthy man, no doubt
+he would willingly pay a round sum to those who would
+return his pet," Mr. Garrabrant declared.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! we were not thinking of that, sir, I give you my
+word," declared Elmer; "but possibly, if we did happen
+to succeed, the gentleman might be willing to do something
+for poor Abe in return for our restoring his pet."</p>
+
+<p>The scout master looked keenly at Elmer, and then thrust
+out his hand impulsively.</p>
+
+<p>"That was well said, my boy," he remarked, with a little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+quiver in his voice. "I am proud to know that you feel
+that way toward the unfortunate. And I give you my
+word, if you are so fortunate as to capture Diablo, I'll
+convince Colonel Hitchens that it is his <i>duty</i> to do a lot
+for Abe and his little flock. That boy is made of the right
+stuff, I'm sure, and ought to have the advantages of an
+education. I'm going to see that he has his chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, just to think of a kid not over six years old
+being able to set a muskrat trap, and actually take skins.
+Why, I know a lot about the little varmints, and I give
+you my word, sir, they're pretty sharp. It takes a bright
+boy to outwit an old seasoned muskrat. He showed me
+quite a lot of skins he had cured, of course under his father's
+directions."</p>
+
+<p>"And then that girl, Little Lou&mdash;think of her doing all
+the cooking for the family ever since her mother was taken
+away?" continued the gentleman. "She's a darling, if
+I ever saw one. I grew quite fond of her, and mean to
+see more of them all. But I ought to be laying out the
+program for to-day's work."</p>
+
+<p>"What are we to try to-day, sir?" asked Elmer, who,
+as second in command, had privileges in talking with the
+scout master that none of the other lads dared assume.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as it promises to be a warm day, we might try
+the swimming test for one thing," replied Mr. Garrabrant,
+thoughtfully. "At the same time there is that feat of
+landing a big fish with a rod and a small line, the said fish
+being of course an active boy, who does his best to break
+away. While we're at it, we may as well go through our
+usual formula whereby anyone who has been nearly
+drowned may be resuscitated again. And last, but not
+least, we can have Dr. Ted give us his talk on first aid to
+the injured. He will get back in good time if he leaves
+after lunch for the Morris cabin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I think Chatz is waiting to speak to you, sir," remarked
+Elmer, who had been noticing the Southern lad hovering
+near for some little time, looking queerly in their direction.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant. "Now I hope
+he hasn't been seeing more of his hobgoblins. That is about
+the only weakness Charles seems to have. Otherwise I find
+him a very sensible lad. If only he could be cured of his
+belief in the supernatural it would be a good thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," laughed Elmer, "some of us would be only
+too glad of the chance to cure him. Shall I go away, and
+let him have an interview, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, remain, and hear what Charles has to say. It may
+be I shall need your services. This time the tracks of
+the ghost may not have been trampled out of sight, and
+you can give a guess at its character. I never in all my
+life knew of so many queer happenings inside of so short
+a time."</p>
+
+<p>The scout master beckoned toward Chatz, and obeying the
+mandate the Southern boy came quickly forward.</p>
+
+<p>"You wish to speak with me, Charles, I imagine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," replied the other, with a frown on his brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Has something happened again to disturb you?" inquired
+Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Last night, I presume, since you would have spoken
+before, had it happened yesterday?" the scout master continued,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Last night it was, sir. I saw IT again!" remarked
+Chatz, appearing to swallow something that was in his
+throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you mean that mysterious white object which appeared
+to you on the other occasion, and seemed to assume
+all the characteristics of a supernatural visitor? In other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>
+words, Charles, your pet ghost?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>The boy flushed, but held his ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," he said, slowly, "I understand what a
+contempt you have for any such idea, sir; and indeed, I
+only wish it could be shown to me that this is only some
+natural object, and not of the other world. I'd be too
+glad to know it. I hate to think I'm given to such ideas,
+but they seem to be a part of my nature, and I can't help
+it, try as I may."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps we may be able to assist you, Charles,"
+returned the genial scout master, laying a hand on the lad's
+shoulder in a way that quite won his confidence. "Now
+tell me what you saw, when and where, also what it looked
+like."</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was in about the same quarter as before,
+sir. My watch happened to come late in the night this
+time, in fact just before dawn broke. I heard again that
+blood-curdling sound, a plain 'woof'! and raising my
+head I could just make it out in the darkness. It was white,
+as before, and it moved! Then all of a sudden it seemed
+to vanish most mysteriously."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, did the other sentry see anything, Charles?"
+asked Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"We had arranged it all between us, sir, Ty Collins and
+myself. And he will tell you, sir, that he saw just what I
+did," replied Chatz, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds as though you might have seen <i>something</i>,
+then," smiled Mr. Garrabrant. "And Elmer, you were so
+successful in picking out those other tracks, suppose you
+try again."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go now, sir?" asked the other, readily.</p>
+
+<p>"I would like you to. If you find a trail, you might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+follow it up a bit. Perhaps Charles would like to accompany
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, I would, if you didn't object," replied the
+Southern lad, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," nodded the scout master. "Report to me
+when you are through, Elmer."</p>
+
+<p>So the two boys went away together. Some of the others,
+seeing them bending down as though examining the ground,
+made a move as if to join them, but Mr. Garrabrant was
+watching, and called them back.</p>
+
+<p>He saw Elmer, followed by the wondering Chatz, walk
+slowly away, his head bent low, as though he were following
+some sort of trail.</p>
+
+<p>And the scout master laughed softly to himself as he
+muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"I fancy Charles is about to have a little surprise, now
+that Elmer has found a trail to follow. Because, as a true
+believer in ghosts, he must realize that anything that leaves
+traces behind can hardly claim supernatural qualities."</p>
+
+<p>Twenty minutes afterwards, shortly before breakfast was
+ready, the two boys came back again. Chatz was smiling
+in a queer way, but Elmer looked like a sphinx.</p>
+
+<p>The latter, obeying a beckoning finger, hurried over to
+join Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless my eyes deceive me, Elmer," remarked the gentleman,
+with a quizzical expression on his handsome face,
+"you've been up to your old tricks again, and finding
+out things. How is it, do you plead guilty to the charge?"</p>
+
+<p>"I guess I'll just have to, sir," replied the boy, also
+smiling now.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you found a trail, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," Elmer went on, "a positive one; though the
+ground was that hard a greenhorn could never have seen
+it. And while Chatz kept at my side I don't think he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+dreamed what I was doing as we went along. Then, about
+a hundred yards away I heard that same queer 'woof'
+he spoke of."</p>
+
+<p>"It didn't give you a shock, I warrant, Elmer?" remarked
+the scout master.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, sir, I've had too much to do with cattle
+not to recognize the snort of a startled cow! And that
+was what we saw just ahead of us. She had been lying
+down, chewing her cud, and our coming had caused her to
+get on her feet."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she happen to have a white face, Elmer?" laughed
+Mr. Garrabrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Just what she did, sir," the boy replied. "Chatz
+looked at me, and turned pale, then red; after which he
+laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks. I think we
+put quite a spoke in his spook wheel, sir. He won't be so
+ready to believe in supernatural visitors after this."</p>
+
+<p>"It was well done, Elmer, and I thank you for it. Now,
+let's to breakfast, for we have a strenuous day before us,"
+and the scout master led the way to the place where a
+bounteous meal had been spread for the entire troop of
+scouts.</p>
+
+<p>During the morning the swimming tests were started,
+and Mr. Garrabrant, who was a splendid swimmer himself,
+took charge of matters. Some excellent work was done,
+and the timid ones taught how to strike out, to float, and to
+tread water, as well as various races inaugurated that were
+full of fun.</p>
+
+<p>After that came the wonderful fishing contest, where the
+boys did what they could to land one of their mates who
+played the part of a hooked fish, fighting to get away, just
+as a monster scaly prize like a tarpon might have done.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Elmer was the leader in this game, for he had
+had much more experience as a sportsman than any of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+rest, but there were several who proved themselves good
+seconds in the trial, and who would make the winner look
+to his laurels in the near future.</p>
+
+<p>That brought them to noon, and matters were allowed to
+simmer while they got busy cooking a lunch to satisfy the
+tremendous appetites that the vigorous labor of the morning
+had developed.</p>
+
+<p>Ted and Lil Artha expected to take a tramp over to the
+lone cabin during the afternoon. They could not start,
+however, until the concluding work of the day had been
+attended to. As this was to be "first aid to the injured"
+the presence of the only budding doctor in camp would be
+required, in order to explain many important things connected
+with this valuable adjunct to scout lore.</p>
+
+<p>It was possibly nearly three o'clock before the two lads
+got started. But that did not matter much, for by this
+time Ted had become very familiar with the way of the
+blazed trail, and could follow it "with his eyes blindfolded,"
+as he boastingly remarked, though Elmer knew
+this was hardly so.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the scouts were out on the lake, trying to coax
+a mess of fish to come closer to the fire and get warmed up.
+The taste of browned trout haunted them, and even Mr.
+Garrabrant admitted that the way Elmer cooked the fish,
+they were finer than any he had ever eaten. It was to
+have the salt pork in a hot frying pan, until it had been
+well tried out, then having rolled each fish in cracker
+crumbs, or corn meal if the former were not handy, they
+were placed over the fire in the pan to brown.</p>
+
+<p>Another time Elmer broiled the fish, and the boys were
+uncertain as to which method they liked most. When they
+ate the trout cooked one way that excelled, and next day
+when the other method was tried they believed it could not
+be equalled.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Evening was not far away when a shout attracted the
+attention of all those in camp. Even the few who happened
+to be inside the tents came hurrying out to see what it
+meant.</p>
+
+<p>"That must have been Lil Artha," declared Elmer immediately.
+"Nobody else has so loud a whoop. Yes, there
+they come, he and Ted, hurrying down the side of the
+mountain. They seem to be in something of a hurry, too."</p>
+
+<p>"And look at Ted waving his hand, will you?" exclaimed
+Toby, beginning to get excited himself. "He
+wouldn't act that way, fellers, except that there's something
+gone wrong. Gee! I hope now the old man ain't
+been taken sudden, and handed in his checks! That would
+be tough on the kids, now!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant heard what Toby said, but made no remark.
+He was waiting for the coming of the two scouts
+who had gone across the mountain on their errand of mercy.</p>
+
+<p>The long-legged Lil Artha could have easily outrun his
+comrade had he chosen, but he made no effort to do so.
+Still, as they drew closer, it could be easily seen that both
+boys showed unmistakable evidences of some tremendous
+excitement. And, naturally, their fellow scouts almost trembled
+with eagerness to learn what could have happened to
+affect them in this way.</p>
+
+<p>Three minutes later and they drew up in front of the
+group, panting, flushed&mdash;their eyes sparkling with suppressed
+news.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>TAKEN BY SURPRISE.</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">What's</span> the matter with you boys?" demanded the
+scout master, as Ted and Lil Artha drew up in front of
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"They've come in on Abe, sir, and are threatening to
+do all sorts of awful things to him, the great beasts!" exclaimed
+the tall runner, between pants.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak plainer, please," Mr. Garrabrant said, sternly,
+so as to subdue some of the rampant excitement that threatened
+to impede a clear flow of words. "Who came in on
+Abe&mdash;was it animals you meant, or men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Men, thir, and two of the toughest you ever thaw," Ted
+managed to declare. "They were eating up all the stuff
+we've been at such pains to carry over, and threatened the
+thick man with all thorts of trouble because he thaid he
+didn't have thuch a thing as a drop of whisky in hith
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"Two hoboes, most likely," muttered the scout master,
+as his firm teeth came together with a snap that meant business.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I thaid, thir, but Lil Artha, he theemed to
+think he recognized the bullies as a couple of jail birds,"
+Ted went on.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, sir," Arthur spoke up as he saw Mr. Garrabrant
+look questioningly at him, "I remembered seeing the
+pictures of those two rascals that broke into some house
+near Rockaway last Spring. They had it posted up in police<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+headquarters at Hickory Ridge when I went in to pay
+for our dog license. And I don't soon forget faces, sir, or
+names either, for that matter. Unless I miss my guess these
+two ugly scamps were Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris, wanted
+bad in Rockville, with a reward offered for their capture."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be right, Theodore," observed the scout
+master, seriously. "They were never caught, I remember.
+The strange thing about it was, that the house they
+entered and robbed was that of my friend, Colonel
+Hitchens."</p>
+
+<p>"The same gentleman who owned the lost monkey?"
+cried one of the scouts.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. But this is a serious matter for us, boys,"
+the scout master went on. "Our new friends are in danger,
+for there can be no telling to what extremes such
+unprincipled scoundrels might go, once they started. Perhaps
+they may have an old grudge against Abe, for the
+boys say they were threatening him. And it gives me a
+cold chill to think of these two innocent children being in
+their power."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you go over, thir, and try to do thomething?"
+asked Ted, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely," came the instant reply. "I would be unworthy
+to call myself a man if I failed in my duty there.
+But tell us more, please, how did you first learn of the presence
+of these ruffians there, and did you give away the fact
+that you had discovered them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, thir, they didn't thee us a bit!" exclaimed
+Ted.</p>
+
+<p>"We happened to hear loud voices, you see, sir, when
+we were close to the joint," said Arthur, bent on having
+his share in the recital.</p>
+
+<p>"Tho we crept up, as thly as any Indian could have
+done," added Ted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And peeked in at the window, just like we did that
+night we went over in a bunch," the tall lad remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we thaw what it meant," Ted continued, catching
+his breath again. "Those two big bullies had been eating,
+and made poor Little Lou cook nigh everything we left
+there yesterday. Why, they were as hungry as hogs, I
+guess."</p>
+
+<p>"And they kept on shaking their fists at poor Abe, who
+was lying on his cot, too weak to do anything," Lil Artha
+took up the narrative. "He seemed to be atryin' to get
+them to let up on him, but he looked nearly done for."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we just crawled away again," Ted concluded,
+"and run pretty near all the way back, because we knew
+you would want uth to report. Lil Artha wanted to tackle
+'em by ourselves, but it was thilly to think we could do
+anything against a pair of desperate jailbirds like that."</p>
+
+<p>"Under the circumstances I commend your discretion,
+Theodore," said the scout master, "though the readiness
+of Arthur to take chances in a good cause does him credit
+too. But let's hurry and eat supper. I can be arranging
+my plans meanwhile, and selecting those I would want to
+accompany me over the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will take me, sir!" exclaimed Matty Eggleston.</p>
+
+<p>"And me, too, sir!" exclaimed half a dozen others, in
+a breath.</p>
+
+<p>Even the two returned scouts were anxious not to be left
+behind.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not tired a little bit, Mr. Garrabrant!" Lil Artha
+hastened to declare, and Dr. Ted said ditto to that.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me time, boys, to consider," the gentleman had
+said, waving them away.</p>
+
+<p>Supper was quickly announced, and they made record
+time in getting away with a fine meal. No one even thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+to remark upon the fact that it tasted better than any
+meal ever eaten under a roof, which had come to be a
+standing saying with the scouts by this time.</p>
+
+<p>Many an anxious look was cast toward Mr. Garrabrant.
+They saw that his eyes had been roving around the circle,
+as though he might be mentally choosing those who were
+to be favored with a place at his side during this new
+errand of mercy across the mountain that frowned down
+upon the camp. And every scout was eager to be among
+the lucky ones, even the usually timid Jasper Merriweather.</p>
+
+<p>"I have decided upon the following to accompany me:
+Ginger will go, because he is a man, and will be apt to
+inspire more or less respect in the hearts of the two rascals.
+Then there are Elmer, Matty, Larry Billings, Arthur
+Stansbury, Charlie Maxfield, and Theodore. I am
+taking him because we may happen to have need of his
+professional services," and when Mr. Garrabrant said this
+as though he really meant it, who could blame Ted for
+unconsciously pushing out his chest a bit with pride?</p>
+
+<p>There could be no demur to this ultimatum. So those
+who were fated to remain did what they could to get their
+more fortunate chums ready for the excursion. The stoutest
+cudgels possible were hunted up, and handed over,
+with recommendations as to their convincing qualities if
+once applied to a stubborn head.</p>
+
+<p>"However," said the scout master, as they were ready
+to leave, "I am in hopes that we can take the rascals by
+surprise, so that there will not be any real necessity for
+violence. The rest of you stick by the camp while we are
+gone. You can wait up for us, if you want."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure we will, sir!" declared one. "We couldn't any
+more sleep than water can run up hill."</p>
+
+<p>"And don't any of you meddle with the little trap we've<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+got set by the store tent, remember, please," Elmer flung
+over his shoulder as he was marching away.</p>
+
+<p>Then they were off.</p>
+
+<p>Counting Mr. Garrabrant and Ginger, they were eight
+in all, surely a strong enough bunch to overcome two men,
+if only they might take the ruffians by surprise. Ginger
+was far from being a coward when it came to things he
+could understand. This fact was known to Mr. Garrabrant,
+which was the reason he took the colored man and brother
+along. Besides, his heft might have considerable influence
+in causing the two men to submit.</p>
+
+<p>As before, they carried a couple of lanterns. The light
+from these came in very handy to save the boys from many
+an ugly tumble, where roots lay across their path or rocks
+cropped up in the way.</p>
+
+<p>They conversed in whispers only. And as they finally
+drew near the lone cabin, even this style of talk was stopped
+by order of Mr. Garrabrant, so that they now crept along
+in absolute silence.</p>
+
+<p>He had told the boys of his plans, so that each member
+of the little party knew just what was expected of him.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they caught sight of a dim light ahead. Then
+came the sound of loud and gruff voices. This convinced
+them that the two rascals had not left the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Creeping closer, they could finally see through the little
+opening. And thus the scout master was enabled to complete
+the plan he had arranged.</p>
+
+<p>When he gave the word, Ginger and the boys were to
+jump in by way of the open door. Meantime he expected
+to thrust his arm through the window and cover the pair
+of desperate rascals with the revolver he had brought along.
+Mr. Garrabrant gave evidence of being in deadly earnest,
+for he knew that was a serious matter that confronted them,
+and one not to be handled with gloves.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When he heard Elmer give the cry of the whip-poor-will
+three times he knew they were all in their places. Accordingly,
+he suddenly thrust his arm through the small window
+that had no glass, and covered one of the men with
+his weapon.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand still, both of you! The hut is surrounded, and
+if you try to escape or offer resistance it will be the worse
+for you! Seize them, men!"</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Garrabrant called this out, and the two astonished
+scoundrels sat there, utterly unable to collect their senses,
+such was the complete surprise, through the doorway tumbled
+a crowd that hurled itself upon them. Before they
+could grasp the fact that with one exception these were
+only half-grown boys, wearing the khaki uniforms of the
+scouts, and not regular soldiers, the men had their hands
+tied behind them.</p>
+
+<p>As they realized how completely they had been caught
+napping both of them started on a string of hard words, and
+looked daggers at their young captors.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop that, now!" Mr. Garrabrant exclaimed, as he
+made his appearance in the hut, "or I shall be under the
+painful necessity of putting gags between your teeth. Not
+another word from either of you, remember!"</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps they recognized the tone of authority, or it may
+have been that they had no desire to force him to put his
+threat into execution. At any rate, they took it out in deep
+mumblings after that.</p>
+
+<p>The scout master saw to it himself that their lashings
+were secure. Some of the boys had carried along a new
+supply of food for Abe and his family, understanding the
+inroads that had been made in their limited stock.</p>
+
+<p>The sick man was full of gratitude for this second rescue
+on the part of his new-found friends. He told them
+how these two scoundrels had come to his cabin and taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+possession&mdash;that he knew who they were, but that some
+years back they had been honest charcoal burners the same
+as himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Garrabrant, "they graduated from
+that honest class some time ago, and have made names for
+themselves as yeggmen and thieves. They are badly wanted
+right now in Rockaway, where some months back they
+robbed a residence, and nearly killed a butler who caught
+them in the act, and recognized them too. Boys, when you
+feel rested, we will be on our way back to camp with our
+prisoners. To-morrow I shall take them down the river
+in a boat, and deliver them over to the authorities."</p>
+
+<p>All of which intelligence made the gloom gather deeper
+on the hard countenances of Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris.</p>
+
+<p>It took twice as long for them to make the march back
+to camp as when they went toward the lone cabin. In the
+first place, some of the boys were almost exhausted, particularly
+Ted and Lil Artha, who were covering the ground
+for the second time since noon. Then again, the two men,
+having their arms bound behind their backs, stumbled so
+often that they had to be helped.</p>
+
+<p>But along about eleven they came in sight of the cheery
+camp fire, and how very welcome it did look too. The
+boys greeted it with a shout, that was answered by those
+who had been left behind.</p>
+
+<p>When it was seen that they were bringing prisoners back
+with them, Red and those who had remained at home with
+the lame scout became thrilled with eagerness to hear the
+full particulars. Of course the others were just as ready
+to relate all that had occurred, and for some time the
+clatter of tongues would have made one believe he must be
+somewhere in the neighborhood of the Tower of Babel.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant realized that they were dealing with a
+pair of hard citizens, and he was resolved to leave nothing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+undone looking to their remaining prisoners. So he personally
+looked to their bonds before lying down, in order
+to make sure they could not break loose.</p>
+
+<p>A double guard was to be stationed on this night, because
+of the unusual conditions existing. It would be too
+bad, after all their trouble, should any accident occur
+whereby these men regained their freedom.</p>
+
+<p>So when the camp quieted down finally, there were just
+four boys stationed at certain points, and with orders to
+keep the fire burning brilliantly all the time. The balance
+"slept on their arms," as Lil Artha called it&mdash;that is, they
+kept those handy cudgels close beside them, where they
+could be readily found in case a sudden need arose for their
+services. Because Mr. Garrabrant could not be entirely
+positive that the two prisoners did not have friends of
+a like character somewhere up here in the wilderness, who
+might attempt their rescue.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE THINGS THAT MAKE BOYS MANLY.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Garrabrant</span> laid his plans during the night, and
+when morning came he announced them to his boys.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall take these two men down to Rockaway to-day,"
+he said, "and deliver them over to the authorities. Ginger
+will accompany me, and between us we can pull the boat
+up the current again, starting possibly in the morning.
+If we arrive there in good time, I may get a car and drive
+over to Hickory Ridge, for there are several things I
+ought to see about, that slipped my mind before."</p>
+
+<p>"And if you happen to see anybody who asks about us,
+sir, just tell them we're getting along dandy," declared
+Lil Artha.</p>
+
+<p>"So say we all of us," sang out several others of the
+scouts.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell my folks they were poor prophets," remarked Jasper
+Merriweather.</p>
+
+<p>"In what way, my boy?" inquired the scout master;
+though, truth to tell, he could give a pretty good guess.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! ma, she said she'd give me one night to stay away;
+and pa, he told her that two would see my finish. But here
+we're going on our first week, and I'm feeling just fine.
+Not a bit homesick, tell 'em, Mr. Garrabrant, please. And
+bound to stay the whole ten days, or bust."</p>
+
+<p>"Good for you, Jasper, old top!" laughed Lil Artha,
+patting the real tenderfoot encouragingly on the back.</p>
+
+<p>"And Mr. Garrabrant," put in Ty Collins, who was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+pretty good "feeder" as some of the other boys often remarked,
+"don't you think you might pick up a little more
+grub while you have the chance. You see, we didn't
+count on so many mouths to feed while we were up here,
+and the way that stuff is disappearing is sure a caution.
+I know, because I do a lot of the cooking, you see, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, Tyrus, I had that on my mind," laughed the
+jovial scout master. "And we'll try and find room in the
+boat for a nice ham, some bacon, and a few more things
+that boys like. I guess I'm a good provider, taken on the
+whole. You see, we didn't count on feeding Abe Morris
+and his family, or these two gentlemen here, besides the
+frolicsome monkey that has taken a fancy for our eatables.
+If I happen to run across Colonel Hitchens I shall let
+him know we've got an eye out for his runaway pet."</p>
+
+<p>The two men were allowed to eat breakfast, one at a
+time, and Mr. Garrabrant and Ginger stood over them
+while the operation of feeding was in progress. Much as
+both of the desperadoes might have liked to attempt flight,
+they lacked the nerve to start trouble when those two stalwart
+men were within reach. And so, although they
+scowled and muttered, they made no resistance when they
+were tied up again.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Garrabrant had found quite a nice little assortment
+of deadly weapons upon the pair, which he had confiscated.
+These he meant to take along with him, not feeling safe
+in leaving such things in camp, where several of the boys
+were quite unaccustomed to handling firearms, and some
+accident might ensue, for which he would be responsible.</p>
+
+<p>Although no one suspected it until they heard the click
+of his shutter, Mark had managed to snap off the entire
+outfit as they stood there, assisting Mr. Garrabrant load
+his prisoners into the boat.</p>
+
+<p>And it might be taken for granted that the official photographer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>
+of the camp had seized upon an opportunity
+when the two prisoners' faces were in full view, so that no
+one could afterwards reasonably doubt their claim to having
+captured the desperate men so long wanted by the Rockaway
+authorities.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the camp was left in full charge of the assistant
+scout master, Elmer Chenowith, with a parting injunction
+from Mr. Garrabrant that the boys were to render
+his representative just as much respect as though it were
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>There could be no doubt about that being done, since
+Elmer was a universal favorite among his fellows, and had
+hardly an enemy in all Hickory Ridge.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon, suh, we can manage to get along all right
+while you are away," Chatz Maxfield had called out reassuringly,
+after the boat had left the landing, with Ginger
+working industriously at the oars, the two prisoners
+huddled amidships, and the scout master seated astern,
+where he could keep his eye pretty much all the time on
+the slippery customers.</p>
+
+<p>"If I wasn't positive about that, Charles, I'd never be
+leaving you," was what Mr. Garrabrant replied, as he
+waved his hand to them.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the fast-moving boat swept around a bend, and
+was lost to view. Several of the boys sighed a little, and
+looked a bit downcast. Despite their assumption of freedom
+from homesickness they could not help feeling that
+their leader would perhaps be in "dear old Hickory
+Ridge" that afternoon, and might even pass by their beloved
+homes, which it seemed they had not seen for an
+age.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Elmer, who had roved more or less, was not in
+this class. He knew better than to make fun of them, however.
+Between himself and Mark they had many a quiet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+laugh over the way the fellows made out to be so free from
+care.</p>
+
+<p>"I bet you it seems like a coon's age to some of them
+since they said good-by to mother and father," Mark managed
+to remark, as they stood there watching the rest gaze
+down river after the vanished link that was to bind them
+with civilization.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure it does," Elmer had agreed. "Do you know
+that little story about the kid who ran away from home,
+and what an eternity it seemed to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't seem to remember," replied the other. "What
+happened, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he spent the day of his life, you know. He had
+made up his mind in the beginning that he would never
+come back. Then at noon he determined that a whole month
+would give his folks a good scare. The afternoon hung on
+terribly. Minutes seemed hours, and at last he just
+couldn't stand it any longer. He had spent his last penny,
+but it was getting night, and he had never been without a
+home in the dark before."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I can understand that, because once I did it too,"
+laughed Mark; "but don't mind me, Elmer, go right along
+with the story. What happened to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. That's where the fun came in," replied the
+other. "You see his folks understood that kid, and they
+just made up their minds to punish him by not paying
+the slightest attention to him. So he came sneaking into
+the sitting room where dad was reading the paper, and
+mom was knitting. Neither of them even looked at him.
+He thought that mighty queer, when he had expected to
+be hugged and kissed and cried over like one who had been
+lost a year.</p>
+
+<p>"After a long time, when he had coughed, and moved
+about without either of them paying the slightest attention<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+to him, the boy was struck with an idea. He would
+say something that <i>must</i> make them realize the near calamity
+that had happened. So he bent down to stroke the back
+of the old tabby that was purring by the fire, and he
+says, says he:</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh! I see you still have the same old cat you used
+to have when I was home!'"</p>
+
+<p>Mark burst into a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"I get the point, Elmer, all right, and I guess it applies
+to a few of our fellows, but on the whole they've acted
+just fine. A better bunch of good-hearted boys it would
+be hard to find anywhere. And I tell you this outing's
+going to do every mother's son of them a heap of good.
+What they learn in this camp will pay a dozen times over
+for the trouble it's taken. I hope Mr. Garrabrant gets
+safely down to Rockaway with his boatload of human
+freight. Perhaps there won't be a sensation in Hickory
+Ridge when the news gets out that the Boy Scouts captured
+those bad men, and sent them to the police of Rockaway
+with their compliments. I guess that's going some
+for a new organization of tenderfeet scouts, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should say yes," replied the young scout leader, emphatically.
+"And after all, we've only got one more mystery
+to solve to have the slate clear."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean about that monkey business, I suppose?"
+suggested Mark.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and possibly we may be lucky enough to have
+that settled before Mr. Garrabrant comes back again,"
+Elmer remarked, confidently.</p>
+
+<p>"You think then we are due for another visit from
+Diablo, say to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"It stands to reason," said Elmer, "that he will have
+eaten up all those crackers long before then, and knowing
+where we keep our supplies, you can count on him paying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+another call. So many around the camp in the daytime
+will keep him shy. You remember there were only Ginger
+and Red at home all day, when he was here before."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," remarked his chum. "We'll try and have
+a warm reception ready for our friend Diablo. He's apt
+to be the most surprised monkey ever, once he hits that
+trigger; what with the loop snatching him up in the air,
+the flashlight going off with a great dazzling glow, and
+the yells of the boys as they get on to the racket. I just
+hope it turns out a good picture. It'll sure be the star
+of the whole collection. What?"</p>
+
+<p>Elmer took charge, and proceeded to start the ball rolling.
+They were not intending to have any strenuous work
+while the scout master was away, but some of them coaxed
+Elmer to give a few exhibitions of throwing a rope, and
+doing some other little tricks that he had learned while up
+on that Canada cattle farm.</p>
+
+<p>He also went deeper into the track business, and the
+boys were so anxious to learn all they could about this fascinating
+study, that they all spent hours trying to find new
+footprints so that they could drag Elmer thither, and get
+him to tell the sort of little animal that had made them,
+what his habits were, and all about him.</p>
+
+<p>Then after lunch some words brought up the subject of
+picture writing. Elmer had more or less to say about that,
+for he had been among the Indians, and copied any amount
+of their queer methods of communicating.</p>
+
+<p>"It's just as simple as falling off a log, fellows," he said.
+"If a little kid were trying to make you understand that
+three men had gone down river in a boat, if he had any
+sense at all he'd draw a canoe with three figures in it holding
+paddles. A rock sticking up would have something that
+looked like foam on one side. That would tell you the water
+was running so, and that the canoe was going <i>down</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+the river. If they were being pursued, in the boat behind
+a figure would be firing a gun. Then they escape, for they
+go ashore and make a fire. All got away, for there are
+still three of them. And that's the easy way it goes. It just
+can't be too simple. A child might read it. And that's
+Indian picture writing. Now, suppose some of you try it.
+If anybody can read it right off the reel, then you've made
+a success of the job. But remember, this isn't any rebus
+or puzzle."</p>
+
+<p>So for some time the boys employed themselves in practicing
+this simple art, under the directions of the young
+scout master. They found it lots of fun, and of course
+there was more or less shouting over some of the wonderful
+pictures drawn, which the artists themselves could
+hardly designate, after their work became cold.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Ted and Mark had gone off with some more food, to
+find out how Abe and his family were, after the exciting
+experience of the preceding day, and to tell them that their
+unwelcome visitors were by that time safely locked up in
+the Rockaway strong box.</p>
+
+<p>Mark wished to get a few pictures of the two "kids"
+in their native woods. They would not look the same after
+they reached civilization, where kindly women would only
+too willingly take them in hand, and fit them out with new
+clothes.</p>
+
+<p>Toby fairly haunted the spot where the balloon lay in
+a heap, just as they had piled it up. Doubtless the boy was
+indulging himself with castles in the air connected with
+the time to come, in the dim future, when he too might
+have a chance to fly through the clouds in one of these big
+gas bags, or with a modern aeroplane, which would of
+course be much better.</p>
+
+<p>And so the day wore on.</p>
+
+<p>As evening approached some of the boys mentally pictured<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+Mr. Garrabrant talking with the good people of
+Hickory Ridge, and in each case it was a father or mother
+who so proudly heard what wonderful progress the boy
+was making in learning to take care of himself when left
+to his own resources.</p>
+
+<p>Things went on as usual. They had plenty of trout for
+supper, of which dainty the scouts seemed never to tire.
+Then a huge mess of rice had been boiled, which, served
+with sugar and condensed milk, proved a good dessert. But
+before that was reached they had a stew made of tinned
+beef, Boston baked beans and some corn, while Ty Collins
+showed his skill as a flapjack maker by turning out several
+heaps of pretty fair pancakes.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps some of the scouts ate more heavily of these last
+than they should, for it was noted that at various times
+during the night a boy here or there would get to talking
+in his sleep, and show signs of restlessness that could only
+come from indigestion. Nevertheless, when the time came
+for retiring, Elmer gave the signal for taps to be sounded
+on the bugle, as Lil Artha declared, "everything was
+lovely, and the goose hung high!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>HOW THE TRAP WORKED.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Before</span> they turned in after the rest, Elmer and his
+closest chum, Mark, spent a little time doing something mysterious
+over in the vicinity of the tent in which the extra
+stores were kept.</p>
+
+<p>The boys understood that it had more or less connection
+with the expected visit of the liberty-loving monkey, Diablo,
+but like good scouts they minded their own business.</p>
+
+<p>Everyone had been warned to keep away from that same
+tent under penalty of being given the surprise of their lives,
+and of a most unpleasant nature at that. Of course, no one
+knew exactly what the scout leader had arranged; but all
+the same they felt positive it would meet the peculiar emergency.
+And each boy made up his mind that during his
+term as sentry nothing could induce him to saunter near that
+marked territory.</p>
+
+<p>A tall and vigorous young hickory sapling had by accident
+started on its way toward some day becoming the king
+of the woods right there in front of the tent opening. And
+Elmer, quick to grasp the opportunities which fortune threw
+at his feet, had made use of this same healthy and sound
+young tree. From time of old he knew the value of hickory
+when one wanted a particularly springy bow.</p>
+
+<p>He and Mark were panting a little when they finished a
+certain little job which doubtless had a bearing on the game.
+And strange to say, the upright hickory sapling no longer
+pointed toward the beckoning sky; but stood there with
+bowed head in meek subjection to the will of man.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Think the trigger will run smooth enough?" queried
+Mark, as they stood back to gaze at the evidence of their
+handiwork.</p>
+
+<p>"I've greased it!" chuckled Elmer. "That's what they
+do out West when a big bear trap is used, and there's danger
+of the thing holding too well. Do you want to step inside
+this loop, and give it a try, Mark?"</p>
+
+<p>"Please excuse me this time, old fellow," laughed the
+other. "I'm very well satisfied to stand on the earth as
+I am just now, and don't hanker about getting any nearer
+the clouds. I leave all that ambition to others, and particularly
+animals used to climbing trees. How about the rest of
+the tent, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pegged down so solid that a mouse would have trouble
+crawling under," came the immediate and confident response.</p>
+
+<p>"That means if our friend Diablo is as hungry as we
+believe, and is determined to make another of his raids on
+our grub, he's just <i>got</i> to take advantage of the open door,
+eh, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what he does," replied the scout leader.
+"And we're going to get him one way or the other, going
+or coming. If he happens to miss getting caught as he trips
+into the tent, he won't be so lucky when he comes out. You
+see, at that time he's apt to have his arms full of the things
+we left around loose. He's greedy, like all monkeys, and
+will try to carry as much he can. Then he can't see quite
+so well where to step. Flip! bang! and there you are! Lil
+Artha hit it closer than he thought when he said everything
+was lovely and the goose hung high! We expect <i>our</i> goose
+to do just that same thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Huh! I guess this is what they call putting your foot
+in it, eh, Elmer?" chuckled Mark.</p>
+
+<p>"We hope it will be, that's right. But as everything has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+been done to a turn, don't you think we'd better hunt out
+our blankets? Perhaps Diablo may be watching us right
+now, crazy to get started on his raid. And then again, it
+may be he's far away from here to-night, and we'll find
+we've had all our trouble for our pains."</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't think that last, honest now, Elmer?"
+queried Mark.</p>
+
+<p>"If I did I wouldn't have gone to all the trouble I did,"
+returned the other. "Take one last look over your camera,
+and the flashlight powder cartridge. All O. K. is it? Then
+let's leave here, and trust to luck for the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe I'll get much sleep, for expecting to hear
+a racket!" Mark declared, as they walked conspicuously
+away from the vicinity of the store tent, so that the keen-eyed
+monkey would see them, if, as they suspected, Diablo
+were hiding somewhere close by, waiting for his chance to
+make another descent on the camp where all those delicious
+dainties were kept, to which he had grown accustomed during
+the period of his captivity&mdash;and liberty without these
+could not be proving all it was cracked up to be.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I wouldn't let a little thing like this keep me
+awake," said Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see it's different with me," declared his
+chum. "I've had almost no experience in such exciting
+things, while you have been through rafts of it. But honest
+now, I'm hoping that our little game pans out a success.
+I've laid that big bag where we can grab it up on the run,
+and I saw you fixing the ropes handy. Let Mr. Diablo just
+give that loop a tiny jerk when he gets his hind foot in it,
+and oh! my, won't he be the worst rattled jabberer ever!"</p>
+
+<p>Now, secretly Elmer himself was in quite a little flutter
+of excitement; but he knew how to hold himself in check
+better than did Mark. He calmly arranged his blanket as
+usual, and then settled himself down as though such a thing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+as being aroused in the middle of the night were unthought
+of.</p>
+
+<p>And having practiced the control of his powers he did go
+to sleep very shortly; absolutely refusing to allow his mind
+to become active by dwelling on any subject that might agitate
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Silence came upon the camp.</p>
+
+<p>The fire sparkled and crackled as from time to time one
+of the sentries stepped over to toss fresh fuel upon it. But
+acting under orders, they refrained religiously from ever
+passing near the store tent.</p>
+
+<p>If one of them chanced to be particularly vigilant, he must
+have discovered a shadowy figure that came slipping down
+from the branches of a tree that grew not a dozen feet away
+from the apparently abandoned tent.</p>
+
+<p>It made not the least noise, which would seem to indicate
+that it must possess feet shod with velvet; but crouching
+low, after a suspicious look around, started toward the depot
+of supplies.</p>
+
+<p>Passing around this tent, sniffing at various places, and
+apparently seeking a means of entrance, the dusky figure
+finally came to the front, where that small opening stood so
+very invitingly in view.</p>
+
+<p>Elmer, sleeping soundly, was suddenly awakened by a terrific
+screech, angry and vehement; immediately succeeded by
+the shrillest scolding and chattering he had ever heard.</p>
+
+<p>Throwing aside his blanket, he started to crawl out of the
+tent. Mark was at his heels, laughing for all he was worth,
+and chortling:</p>
+
+<p>"It worked, Elmer, the trap went off! We've got him, I
+guess, all right! Great guns; just listen to the racket he's
+making, will you? Oh! hurry! hurry! before all the blood
+runs to his head!"</p>
+
+<p>It was only his great impatience that made him imagine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+Elmer dallied; for to tell the truth, the scout leader emerged
+from that tent in double-quick time.</p>
+
+<p>Both of them "scooted" for the spot where all that row
+was sounding; no other word would so fully describe the
+manner of their progress as well as Lil Artha's favorite expression.</p>
+
+<p>They were not alone in this forward rush. From every
+tent came creeping figures, as the scouts crawled forth. And
+by degrees the screeching of the monkey was actually
+drowned in the greater clamor of boyish shouts.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed almost as though Pandemonium must have
+broken loose in that camp of the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts,
+for a dozen pair of sturdy young lungs can make considerable
+noise once they break loose.</p>
+
+<p>It was a ridiculous spectacle that greeted them as they
+reached the store tent. The bent-over hickory sapling had
+sprung obediently erect as soon as the shooting of the trigger
+had released it from the crotch in which its apex had been
+gripped. And swaying back and forth, attempting all manner
+of high gymnastics, was a grotesque figure that stretched
+out its arms, and made frantic efforts to reach the body of
+the sapling, so as to climb up.</p>
+
+<p>"Get the bag, Elmer!" cried Mark, the second that he
+arrived.</p>
+
+<p>But already had the scout leader snatched that article up
+and prepared to clap it around the struggling monkey, taking
+care to avoid being caught by those waving hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick! the rope!" he gasped, after he had made a forward
+movement, enclosing the gyrating body in the stout
+sack.</p>
+
+<p>Mark knew what he was doing, and in a brief time, during
+which the rest of the boys stood around watching in
+wonder, the struggling monkey was secured.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Here, Toby, hold this rope end for a minute!" called
+Mark.</p>
+
+<p>The other was only too willing to obey, for it gave him
+a chance to say he had had a hand in the great capture of
+the hairy thief. Ten seconds later there was a sudden brilliant
+flash that caused some of the scouts to cry out, in the
+belief that a storm had crept upon them, with the lightning
+giving advance warning of its coming.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Mark, and he took a snap flashlight picture of the
+crowd standing around in pajamas!" cried Lil Artha.
+"Oh! my, what a sight that will be to chase away the blues.
+If only my red stripes show, I'll be the happy one."</p>
+
+<p>"How about the first flash&mdash;did it go off when the monk
+pulled the trigger, Mark?" demanded Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure it did," broke in Tom Cropsey, who had been one
+of the sentries on duty at the time; "and gave me a nasty
+scare. I never dreamed you had fixed things up that way,
+Elmer; and at first I thought something had exploded. But
+what can we do with the critter, now that we've got him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! that's all fixed," laughed Mark. "Elmer made a
+stout collar which can be fastened around his neck so he
+just can't get it off. To that a rope is fastened, and Mr.
+Diablo will amuse the camp with his stunts the rest of the
+time we stay up here on old Lake Solitude. Ready to work
+it, Elmer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, give me a hand here, please," replied the scout
+leader, who had been cautiously taking the enmeshed body
+of the still struggling monkey down from the straightened
+hickory sapling.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, here's luck!" exclaimed Elmer, presently. "As
+sure as you live he's got a collar on right now, with a ring
+for a rope. There's a trailing foot of stuff fastened to it,
+showing just how he got away. All I have to do is to tie<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+our stout line to that ring so even the clever fingers of
+a monkey can't unfasten it."</p>
+
+<p>When this was done, and the other end of the rope made
+fast to the sapling that had assisted in Diablo's downfall,
+by degrees the rope encircling the beast was removed, and
+then the bag. The prisoner was inclined to be a little
+savage at first, because his taste of freedom had made him
+somewhat wild, and besides, these were all strangers to
+him.</p>
+
+<p>But he was very hungry, and upon being offered food
+seized it eagerly. After that they would have very little
+trouble with Diablo, though he proved to be a treacherous
+rascal, and pinched more than a few of the boys who ventured
+to be too familiar with him.</p>
+
+<p>The scouts were ordered back to their blankets, and once
+again did the camp relapse into silence, save for the grunting
+of the satisfied Diablo, as he continued to feast upon the
+sweet cakes with which he had been supplied.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner, then, was the last source of trouble laid
+low. Ghosts and thieves they had encountered, but in the
+end success had rewarded their efforts, and it began to look
+as though the balance of their stay in camp might be more
+in the nature of a picnic than the first few days and nights
+had proven.</p>
+
+<p>When morning came the boys were early astir, and
+crowded around to stare at the prisoner. But with his
+stomach comfortably filled Diablo was lazy and good natured.
+He refused to be bothered, and curled up on the
+ground like a dog, made out to sleep, though a careful
+examination might have disclosed the fact that one eye was
+partly open, and as soon as a boy entered the store tent he
+was on his feet, begging.</p>
+
+<p>But Ginger would be the one who must feel the most satisfaction<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+over the capture, for it would ease his mind concerning
+the necessity for cutting his stay on the earth short,
+and accompanying the Evil One in a "chariot of fire."</p>
+
+<p>So that day passed very slowly as they awaited the coming
+of the scout master and his "ebony galley slave" who
+was to row the boat up-stream.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<div class='chaptertitle'>THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT.</div>
+
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">There's</span> the outpost making signals, Elmer," said
+Mark, about three o'clock in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the scouts, who were pretty well up in wigwag
+work, had been dispatched to a knob part way up the mountain,
+from which a fine view of the lower lake could be
+obtained, as well as the zigzag course of the connecting
+Paradise Creek.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like they must have sighted our scout master,
+then," declared Elmer, as he left what he was engaged in
+doing to hasten over to where the balance of the signal
+flags lay.</p>
+
+<p>Snatching one up he began to wave it in certain eccentric
+movements which Red Huggins, who held the book, knew
+to be a query as to what the outposts or videttes had discovered.</p>
+
+<p>"There! he's starting to answer. Everybody watch
+sharp, and write down what you make it!" exclaimed the
+scout leader.</p>
+
+<p>Pencils and paper had been made ready, though most of
+the scouts carried small note books in which they entered
+such things as they wished to preserve.</p>
+
+<p>For some little time they watched each deliberate motion
+of the distant waving flag, no one saying a word.
+When finally the sign was given that the message had
+reached its end, every scout started to scribble at hot speed.</p>
+
+<p>Then Elmer walked along the line, examining the various
+records.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pretty well done," he said after he had completed his
+examination, "but of course it was the easiest of tests, for
+we all felt sure the report would be that they were in sight.
+They are crossing Jupiter Lake right now. That means
+they will be with us inside of an hour and a half, for Ginger
+is rowing stoutly, Matty says, and Mr. Eggleston seems to
+be getting ready to take the second pair of oars himself for
+the pull up Paradise Creek, which you may remember is
+no cinch, fellows."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," declared Larry Billings, rubbing his
+arm, the muscles of which had been more or less sore ever
+since that strain.</p>
+
+<p>"It's going to be a long hour and a half," said Jasper
+Merriweather.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! rats, just go and play with the monkey, to kill
+time," laughed Lil Artha.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm just wild to see what Ginger does when we take
+him to meet his 'debble,'" observed Toby, who had of
+course been hovering over that magical balloon pretty much
+all the morning; indeed, so long as that was around they
+could hardly get the ambitious amateur aviator to do anything
+worth while.</p>
+
+<p>"Somebody coming back yonder; I saw 'em flit past that
+open place," remarked Nat Scott, pointing upward.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's Ted and Chatz, returning from the lone
+cabin. They promised to be back early, because they didn't
+want to miss the fun when Ginger came," declared the scout
+leader.</p>
+
+<p>Within the next half hour not only did Ted and his companion
+arrive, but the two videttes and signal men reached
+camp. Having discharged the duty to which they had been
+assigned, Matty Eggleston and Jack Armitage had lost no
+time in heading once more down the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>Now an hour had gone, and the half was passing slowly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+All eyes were turned down the lake to the spot where the
+creek began, anticipating seeing the boat shoot into view.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! there they come!" shouted one who had
+climbed a tree, the better to get the first glimpse of the
+returning couple.</p>
+
+<p>As the boat slipped out on the silvery surface of the
+lonely lake, so well named Solitude, the cheers that arose
+must have been particularly pleasing to the young man
+who was devoting so much of his time to the task of trying
+to make the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts the best troops
+in the county.</p>
+
+<p>But it was Ginger who deliberately dropped his oars,
+to rise to his feet, and with his black hand over his heart,
+make several salaams. He came near taking a header over
+the side of the boat in his eagerness to return the compliments
+which he really believed the boys were meaning for
+him, at which of course there was an uproarious laugh all
+around.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the landing. Ty Collins made sure that the
+boat contained a lot of packages, and his eyes shone with
+pleasure as he saw that one of them bore the unmistakable
+outlines of a whole ham.</p>
+
+<p>"This way, Mr. Garrabrant, we've got a surprise for
+you!" laughed Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"You come along, too, Ginger," called Lil Artha, "and
+make the acquaintance of an old friend of yours. He's
+been fretting like everything because you were so long getting
+here. Diablo, here's Ginger coming to shake hands
+with you!"</p>
+
+<p>Of course they had heaps of fun watching the look on the
+face of Ginger, as he found himself confronting the hairy
+thief whom he had seen under such strange conditions, and
+believed to be a visitor from a warm country where pitchforks
+are said to be in fashion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But it required considerable urging for Ginger to actually
+take the extended hand of the big monkey. Eventually,
+however, they became quite good friends. Ginger was forever
+supplying the captive with tidbits, and on his part
+Diablo seemed to recognize in the dark-skinned man a boon
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, after they had their little frolic, and the story
+of Diablo's capture had been fully told, the boys were
+eager to know whether Mr. Garrabrant had succeeded in
+turning the two bad men over to the Rockaway authorities,
+also if he had happened to run across any of their folks
+while in Hickory Ridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Make your minds easy, boys," he had replied, laughingly.
+"Jim and Bill are safely lodged behind the bars in
+Rockaway jail. I saw Colonel Hitchens, and he paid me
+the reward that was offered for their capture, which goes
+to the troop. Later on you boys shall take a vote as to
+what to do with the money, though I imagine I can give
+a pretty good guess where it'll go from what I heard you
+say before about Abe and his kiddies."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you happen to mention the fact that we believed
+we had his runaway monkey up here as a neighbor, sir?"
+asked Elmer.</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly did, and he at once declared that if you
+could only manage to get hold of that rogue, Diablo, it
+would be another hundred dollars reward," answered the
+scout master.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" cried Lil Artha, boisterously, "but the
+honor goes to Elmer and Mark. They not only did the
+entire trick, but managed to get a flashlight picture of the
+monkey going up in the air, with one of his hind legs
+gripped in the loop of a rope. It's the greatest thing I
+ever heard about! Wait till you see the picture, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But how about Hickory Ridge, sir; I suppose it's still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+on the map?" asked Elmer, who knew only too well that
+every fellow was just dying to hear whether the scout
+master had happened to run across any of their home folks,
+and what they had said in sending word.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied Mr. Garrabrant, with a smile and a
+nod around; "I've got a pleasant surprise for you all.
+Having some time on my hands after I had carried out
+my little business affairs, I just thought it would be nice
+if I took my car and ran around to the home of every scout
+who is in camp here on old Solitude!"</p>
+
+<p>"Bully for you, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was mighty fine of you, Mr. Garrabrant, and did
+you see my folks, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for our scout master, fellows; ain't he
+all to the good, though?"</p>
+
+<p>Now, Mr. Garrabrant knew boys and was not in the least
+offended by such crude ways of expressing their appreciation.
+He knew it sprang straight from the heart, and was
+prouder to have won so lasting a place in their regard than
+he would have been to take a city.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I saw the folks of every lad, and bear messages
+that will please you, I am sure," he observed. "Here they
+are, just as they were sent by mothers and fathers. And
+you may be sure they were delighted to learn how well
+things were going. They want you to stay your time out,
+and come back, ruddy and brown, better fitted to take up
+your school duties when vacation ends."</p>
+
+<p>After the packet of little hastily scribbled messages had
+been distributed, care having been taken by the thoughtful
+scout master that not a single one might feel neglected,
+there was a strange silence in camp. Undoubtedly several
+of the boys were rather perilously near the breaking point,
+as they began to once more experience the grip of that
+terrible malady&mdash;homesickness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Garrabrant knew, and he it was who began to
+play with the captive monkey, causing more or less sport,
+that presently had all the boys laughing uproariously. And
+so the threatened eruption was avoided. When supper time
+came they had managed to recover their former steadiness
+of purpose to stick it out to the end.</p>
+
+<p>But there was not a single member of the troop who did
+not treasure that little slip of paper, bearing only a few
+cheering loving words in a familiar hand, during the rest
+of the stay in camp.</p>
+
+<p>As to what else befell the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, and
+particularly those members of the Wolf Patrol in whom
+we have had especial interest, time and space will not allow
+my attempting to narrate here. Later on the opportunity
+will doubtless arise, so that we shall once more make their
+acquaintance, and accompany them on other fields of outdoor
+life, where they continue to imbibe the secrets of Nature
+that are calculated to make them better fitted to take
+care of themselves, and be of service to their fellows.</p>
+
+<p>No serious calamity came to pass as the days slipped
+along. They continued to take toll of the obliging trout
+that dwelt in Lake Solitude, long acquainted with the hooks
+and devices of civilized man. And Mr. Garrabrant seldom
+allowed even a single day to pass without endeavoring to
+foster in his boys the manly spirit all American lads should
+possess.</p>
+
+<p>The day before they expected to break camp a party
+went over to the cabin of Abe Morris and brought him
+back with them, he being so far recovered, thanks to the
+treatment of the proud amateur physician, Dr. Ted, that
+he could limp, with the aid of crutches, and the stout as
+well as willing arms of the boys to lean upon.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the manly boy, Felix, and the useful maiden,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+Little Lou, came along, for the hut was being abandoned
+forever.</p>
+
+<p>They had places in the boats when the camp was left behind.
+The wagon as well as a carriage awaited them at
+exactly the same place where had burned the first camp
+fire of the expedition, this latter being for the use of Abe
+and his "kiddies," and the clumsier vehicle for the camp
+luggage.</p>
+
+<p>As for the scouts themselves they scorned such a means of
+travel. Browned and healthy, they felt able to walk
+twice the seven miles that lay between the Sweetwater and
+Hickory Ridge. And besides, were they not headed for
+<i>home</i>, with all that that implied in their enthusiastic boyish
+hearts?</p>
+
+<p>We could not, even if we would lift the veil, betray
+the emotion some of the valiant scouts exhibited when
+clasped again in the loving arms of a mother or a father.
+But everybody declared that the change in the boys was
+wonderful, and that they really seemed to have taken a
+great step forward in the journey toward manliness. Jasper
+Merriweather in particular hardly seemed like the same
+weak, timid boy. He had drawn in a big breath of "outdoors,"
+and glimpsed the goal toward which he was now
+determined to set his course.</p>
+
+<p>And in Hickory Ridge that night, there was a consensus
+of opinion to the effect that the Boy Scout movement was
+by long odds the best thing that had ever happened to
+quicken the better element lying dormant in every growing
+lad.</p>
+
+<p>Abe Morris was easily placed in a paying position, and
+the boys never lost their interest in the boy Felix and
+Little Lou. Just as they had declared, the rewards coming
+to them for having effected the capture of the two bad men,
+as well as the runaway monkey valued so highly by Colonel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+Hitchens, were paid over to Abe, and went toward starting
+the little Morris family in a cottage of their own within
+the limits of the town of Hickory Ridge.</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless the thoughts of those lads would many times
+go out to the camp fires which had marked their first outing
+after organizing. And as they looked over the numerous
+fine pictures Mark had secured, they would live again
+the days when they experienced the strenuous life under
+canvas.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br />THE END.</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>The Alger Books by Horatio Alger, Jr.</div>
+
+<div class='center'>"THE TWO-IN-ONE EDITION"</div>
+
+
+<p>A new edition, 5 &times; 7&frac14; inches, bulk one inch, 330
+pages, from new plates, with new illustrations, two
+titles or stories to each volume, sewed, cloth bindings,
+with picture covers in colors, in several designs.</p>
+
+<p>The two titles or stories contained in one volume
+gives more reading matter and better value for the
+price than has been offered heretofore in cloth-bound
+Alger books.</p>
+
+<p>The following volumes, each containing the two
+stories as listed, are ready to deliver:</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Alger books">
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;1&mdash;"Strong and Steady" and "Strive and Succeed"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;2&mdash;"Bound to Rise" and "Risen from the Ranks"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;3&mdash;"Jack's Ward" and "Shifting for Himself"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;4&mdash;"Paul the Peddler" and "Phil the Fiddler"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;5&mdash;"Slow and Sure" and "Julius the Street Boy"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;6&mdash;"Facing the World" and "Harry Vane"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;7&mdash;"The Young Outlaw" and "Sam's Chance"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;8&mdash;"Wait and Hope" and "Tony the Tramp"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. &nbsp;9&mdash;"Herbert Carter's Legacy" and "Do and Dare"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 10&mdash;"Luke Walton" and "A Cousin's Conspiracy"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 11&mdash;"Try and Trust" and "Brave and Bold"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 12&mdash;"Andy Gordon" and "Bob Burton"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 13&mdash;"The Young Adventurer" and "The Young Salesman"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 14&mdash;"Making His Way" and "Sink or Swim"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 15&mdash;"Mark Mason's Triumph" and "Joe's Luck"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 16&mdash;"The Telegraph Boy" and "The Cash Boy"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 17&mdash;"Struggling Upward" and "Hector's Inheritance"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Vol. 18&mdash;"Only an Irish Boy" and "Tom the Bootblack"</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+LIST PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS A VOLUME<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>More Alger books are sold and they are more popular
+than any other Boys' books. Their high moral
+character, clean, manly tone and the wholesome lessons
+they teach without being goody-goody, make Alger
+books as acceptable to the parents as to the boys. The
+tendency of Alger stories is to the formation of an
+honorable, manly character. They convey lessons of
+pluck, perseverance and self-reliance.</p>
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+<b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b><br />
+<b><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.</span></b><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>Won In The Ninth</div>
+
+<div class='center'><i>A STORY ABOUT BASEBALL</i><br />
+
+By "CHRISTY" MATHEWSON<br />
+
+(<span class='small'>FAMOUS PITCHER Of THE NEW YORK NATIONAL LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM</span>)<br />
+
+<span class='small'>(Copyrighted, 1910, by the R. J. Bodmer Co.)</span></div>
+
+
+<p>The characters are college boys in everything but their ability to play
+baseball. Each represents one of the leading players who are now
+playing in the American and National Leagues with names slightly
+changed, but the reader will soon discover that he is reading the early
+exploits of one of his baseball favorites.</p>
+
+<p>The whole range of interesting features about a ball team and the
+game itself is covered in successive chapters. One of them contains
+the secrets of what is known as "inside baseball" and "signal work"
+with illustrations showing how to do it.</p>
+
+<p>Through the twenty chapters are interwoven many of the stories of
+actual plays, famous catches, thrilling episodes of games, tricks pulled
+off and some that did not work, which have come within the author's
+experience.</p>
+
+<p>A good story of college life runs through the book. The hero gets
+into trouble and his friends get him out in the usual strenuous style
+of college life stories.</p>
+
+<p>It is a live book about baseball, with live characters, and written by the
+one man who knows more about the men who are playing it to-day and
+the methods by which games are won than anyone else in the sport.</p>
+
+<p>"EDITOR'S NOTE&mdash;The Daily News makes no apology for placing
+in this position of honor on the first page the opening chapters of a
+serial story dealing with baseball events and baseball heroes.</p>
+
+<p>"The Daily News believes in clean athletic sports, believes in encouraging
+them and in keeping them clean. Baseball is the national game. It
+is not only the most popular sport in the United States, but it is national
+in the sense that it expresses the ingenuity, the energy and the agility of
+the typical American. Viewed in this light, baseball possesses a dignity
+of its own and an entertaining and informing piece of literary work about
+it cannot be trivial. What is elevating, what is interesting, and what is
+dignified cannot but make a strong appeal to the appreciation of every
+reader."&mdash;<i><b>The Chicago News, March 21, 1910.</b></i></p>
+
+<p>"The best baseball story ever written."&mdash;<i><b>The Evening World,
+New York, N. Y., March 14, 1910.</b></i></p>
+
+<p>"I have read WON IN THE NINTH with much interest and it
+has been very entertaining."&mdash;<i><b>Charles W. Murphy, President
+Chicago National League Baseball Club, Chicago, April 8, 1910.</b></i></p>
+
+<p>"WON IN THE NINTH is a great book, and one that every lover
+of the game should read."&mdash;<i><b>Charles A. Comiskey, President
+Chicago White Sox American League Baseball Club, Chicago,
+April 7, 1910.</b></i></p>
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>Size full 12mo, 302 pages. Illustrated by Felix Mahoney. Cloth
+binding. Gilt back. Price, 50cts. Net. Full discounts to the trade.</b></i>
+
+
+<br />
+<b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b><br />
+<b><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE,<br />NEW YORK, N.Y.</span></b><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>OUR YOUNG FOLKS<br />
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS</div>
+
+<div class='center'>(CLOTH-BOUND, SEWED BOOKS)<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+RETAIL PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS A COPY<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</div>
+
+
+<p>This series contains those books for young folks that are
+without question conceded to be the most popular of this
+class. Each title has a distinctive cover design in colors,
+and in addition to being equal to the New York Book
+Company's other cloth-bound books each volume contains
+twenty to sixty illustrations.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><i>The following books are ready to deliver:</i></div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Book List">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Pilgrim's Progress</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Robinson Crusoe</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Alice In Wonderland</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Through the Looking Glass</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Black Beauty</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Rip Van Winkle</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Mother Goose</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Wood's Natural History</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Lives of the Presidents</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Arabian Nights</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Andersen's Fairy Tales</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Story of the Bible</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+<span class="smcap">Ask for the New York Book Company's<br />
+Young Folks Illustrated Books</span><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+<span class='small'><span class="smcap">Publishers, 147 Fourth Avenue</span></span><br />
+NEW YORK, N. Y.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>THE OLIVER OPTIC<br />
+BOOKS</div>
+
+<div class='center'>&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+RETAIL PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS A COPY<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</div>
+
+
+<p>Every boy and girl knows the Oliver Optic Books, and
+The New York Book Company's Edition is the lowest priced
+cloth-bound edition. It is better in many ways than some
+of the higher priced editions. The covers are stamped in
+colors, in different and attractive designs. Frontispiece;
+decorated lining papers and title page; size, five by seven
+and a quarter inches.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><i>The following books are ready to deliver:</i></div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Oliver Optic Books">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>The Boat Club</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>All Aboard</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Little by Little</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Now or Never</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Poor and Proud</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Try Again</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Fighting Joe</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Haste and Waste</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Hope and Have</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>In School and Out</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Rich and Humble</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Work and Win</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+<span class="smcap">Ask for the New York Book Company's<br />
+Oliver Optic Books</span><br /><br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+
+
+<br />
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+<span class='small'><span class="smcap">Publishers, 147 Fourth Avenue</span></span><br />
+NEW YORK, N.Y.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'><span class="smcap">Novels Worth Reading</span></div>
+
+<div class='center'>RETAIL PRICE, TEN CENTS A COPY</div>
+
+
+<p>Magazine size, paper-covered novels. Covers printed in
+attractive colors. List of titles contains the very best sellers
+of popular fiction. Printed from new plates; type clear,
+clean and readable.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><i>The following books are ready to deliver:</i></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="List books worth reading">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Treasure Island</b>&nbsp;</td><td align='center'><b>By</b>&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>Robert Louis Stevenson</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>King Solomon's Mines</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>"</b></td><td align='left'><b>H. Rider Haggard</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Meadow Brook</b></td><td align='center'><b>"</b></td><td align='left'><b>Mary J. Holmes</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Old Mam'selle's Secret</b></td><td align='center'><b>"</b></td><td align='left'><b>E. Marlitt</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>By Woman's Wit</b></td><td align='center'><b>"</b></td><td align='left'><b>Mrs. Alexander</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>Tempest and Sunshine</b></td><td align='center'><b>"</b></td><td align='left'><b>Mary J. Holmes</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='3'><i>Other titles in preparation</i></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class='center'><br />&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class='adtitle2'><span class="smcap">Children's Color Books</span></div>
+
+<div class='center'>RETAIL PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS A COPY</div>
+
+<p>Books for children that are not only picture books but
+play books. Beautifully printed in four colors. Books that
+children can cut out, paint or puzzle over. More entertaining
+than the most expensive toys.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><i>The following books are ready to deliver:</i></div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Children's Color books">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>The Painting Book&mdash;Post Cards</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>The Scissors Book&mdash;Our Army</b></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 4.5em;"><b>The Scissors Book&mdash;Dolls of All Nations</b></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 6.5em;"><b>The Puzzle Book&mdash;Children's Pets</b></span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<i>Others in preparation</i><br />
+
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;<br /><br />
+
+
+<span class="smcap">Ask for the New York Book Company's<br />
+Novels Worth Reading and Children's Color Books<br />
+Sold by Dealers Everywhere</span><br />
+<br />
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+<span class='small'><span class="smcap">Publishers, 147 Fourth Avenue</span></span><br />
+NEW YORK, N.Y.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>Our Girls Books by Famous Writers</div>
+
+<div class='center'>"THE TWO-IN-ONE EDITION"</div>
+
+
+<p>A new series, containing the best stories of the most
+popular writers. Size 5 &times; 7&frac14; inches; bulk one inch;
+380 pages and a frontispiece in colors; printed from
+new plates, sewed, cloth bindings, gilt back, with decorated
+inlaid covers in colors.</p>
+
+<p>Each of the following volumes, which are now ready
+to deliver, contains the two complete books, of which
+the titles are given in the list, as they were written by
+the authors, without condensation or abridgment.</p>
+
+<p>The following volumes, each containing the two stories
+as listed, are ready to deliver:</p>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 1&mdash;"Wild Kitty" and "A Girl from America," both by
+Mrs. L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 2&mdash;"Daddy's Girl" and "A World of Girls," both by Mrs.
+L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 3&mdash;"Sue, a Little Heroine" and "Polly, a New-Fashioned
+Girl," both by Mrs. L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 4&mdash;"The School Queens" and "A Sweet Girl Graduate,"
+both by Mrs. L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 5&mdash;"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney,
+and "The Princess of the Revels," by Mrs.
+L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 6&mdash;"Grimm's Tales," by The Brothers Grimm, and
+"Fairy Tales and Legends," by Charles Perrault</div>
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+LIST PRICE THIRTY CENTS A VOLUME<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>The lowest price for any single title or story in the
+above list in any other cloth-bound edition is double our
+price. The two titles or stories contained in each volume
+gives more reading matter and better value for the
+price than has been offered heretofore in cloth-bound
+books for girls.</p>
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+<b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b><br />
+<b><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.</span></b><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p>
+<div class='adtitle2'>The Famous Fiction by Great Novelists</div>
+
+<div class='center'>"THE TWO-IN-ONE EDITION"</div>
+
+<p>A new series of novels, containing the great books of
+the greatest novelists, with either two novels in one
+volume, or, in the case of some of the very long novels,
+two volumes combined in one volume.</p>
+
+<p>Size 5 &times; 7&frac14; inches, bulk one inch, 380 pages, from
+new plates, sewed, cloth bindings, with decorated
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+
+<p>The following volumes, each containing the two stories
+as listed, are ready to deliver:</p>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 1&mdash;"Aikenside" and "Dora Deane," both by Mary J.
+Holmes</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 2&mdash;"Lena Rivers," by Mary J. Holmes, and "Ten
+Nights in a Bar Room," by T. S. Arthur</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 3&mdash;"Beulah" and "Inez," both by Augusta J. Evans</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 4&mdash;"The Baronet's Bride" and "Who Wins," both by
+May Agnes Fleming</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 5&mdash;"Staunch as a Woman" and "Led by Love," both
+by Charles Garvice</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 6&mdash;"Cast up by the Tide," by Dora Delmar, and "Golden
+Gates," by Bertha M. Clay</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 7&mdash;"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney,
+and "Daddy's Girl," by Mrs. L. T. Meade</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 8&mdash;"Soldiers Three" and "The Light That Failed,"
+both by Rudyard Kipling</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 9&mdash;"The Rifle Rangers," by Mayne Reid, and "Two
+Years Before the Mast," by R. H. Dana</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 10&mdash;"Great Expectations," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by Charles
+Dickens</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 11&mdash;"Ishmael," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by Mrs. Southworth</div>
+
+<div class='hang2'>Vol. 12&mdash;"Self-Raised," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by Mrs. Southworth.</div>
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+LIST PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS A VOLUME<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>The two titles or stories contained in one volume
+gives more reading matter and better value for the
+price than has been offered heretofore in cloth-bound
+fiction books.</p>
+
+<div class='center'><br />
+<b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b><br />
+<b><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.</span></b><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+<div class='center'><i><b>Primrose Edition</b></i></div>
+
+<div class='adtitle2'><i><span class="u">ECONOMICAL</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  <span class="u">COOKING</span></i></div>
+
+<div class='center'><i>Planned for Two or More Persons</i><br />
+
+<br />By<br />
+MISS WINIFRED S. GIBBS<br />
+
+<span class='small'>Dietitian and Teacher of Cooking for the New York</span><br />
+<span class='small'>Association for Improving the Conditions of the Poor</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<div class='cap'>MANY Cook Books have been published, from time
+to time, to meet various requirements, or to elucidate
+certain theories, but very few have been written to
+meet the needs of the large proportion of our population
+who are acutely affected by the constantly increasing
+cost of food products. Notwithstanding that by its
+valuable suggestions this book helps to reduce the expense
+of supplying the table, the recipes are so planned that
+the economies effected thereby are not offset by any
+lessening in the attractiveness, variety or palatability of
+the dishes.</div>
+
+<p>Of equal importance are the sections of this work
+which deal with food values, the treatment of infants and
+invalids and the proper service of various dishes.</p>
+
+<p>The recipes are planned for two persons, but may
+readily be adapted for a large number. The book is
+replete with illustrations and tables of food compositions&mdash;the
+latter taken from the latest Government statistics.</p>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<span class='u'><i>Cloth Binding</i>   &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;   <i>Illustrated</i>   &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;     <i>25c. per volume</i>
+</span></div>
+<div class='center'><br />
+<b>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</b><br />
+<b><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.</span></b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 340px;">
+<img src="images/endpaper.png" width="340" height="500" alt="Endpaper" title="" />
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3>
+<p>Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.</p>
+
+<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the cursor over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol, by Alan
+Douglas, Illustrated by E. C. Caswell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol
+
+
+Author: Alan Douglas
+
+
+
+Release Date: July 24, 2011  [eBook #36838]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, Dave Morgan, Emmy, and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 36838-h.htm or 36838-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/36838/36838-h/36838-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/36838/36838-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Italic text is surrounded by _underscores_ and bold text
+      is surrounded by =equal signs=.
+
+
+
+
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Primrose Edition
+
+[Illustration: THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS]
+
+A SERIES OF BOYS' BOOKS
+
+By CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS
+
+Scout Master
+
+
+I. The Camp Fires of the Wolf Patrol
+
+      Their first camping experience affords the scouts
+      splendid opportunities to use their recently acquired
+      knowledge in a practical way. Elmer Chenowith, a lad
+      from the north-west woods, astonishes everyone with
+      his familiarity with camp life. A clean, wholesome
+      story every boy should read.
+
+
+II. Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good
+
+      This tale presents many stirring situations in which
+      some of the boys are called upon to exercise all their
+      ingenuity and unselfishness. A story filled with
+      healthful excitement.
+
+
+III. Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot
+
+      Some mysteries are cleared up in a most unexpected
+      way, greatly to the credit of our young friends. A
+      variety of incidents follow fast, one after the other.
+
+
+IV. Fast Nine; or, a Challenge From Fairfield
+
+      They show the same team-work here as when in camp. The
+      description of the final game with the team of a rival
+      town, and the outcome thereof, form a stirring
+      narrative. One of the best baseball stories of recent
+      years.
+
+
+V. Great Hike; or, The Pride of The Khaki Troop
+
+      After weeks of preparation the scouts start out on
+      their greatest undertaking. Their march takes them far
+      from home, and the good-natured rivalry of the
+      different patrols furnishes many interesting and
+      amusing situations.
+
+
+VI. Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day
+
+      Few stories "get" us more than illustrations of pluck
+      in the face of apparent failure. Our heroes show the
+      stuff they are made of and surprise their most ardent
+      admirers. One of the best stories Captain Douglas has
+      written.
+
+  _Cloth Binding_       _Cover Illustrations in Four Colors_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  147 FOURTH AVENUE (near 14th St.) NEW YORK
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+
+COMPLETE ROSTER, WHEN THE PATROLS WERE FILLED, OF
+
+THE HICKORY RIDGE TROOP OF BOY SCOUTS
+
+MR. RODERIC GARRABRANT, SCOUT MASTER
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WOLF PATROL
+
+ELMER CHENOWITH, Patrol Leader, and also Assistant Scout Master
+
+  MARK CUMMINGS
+    TED (THEODORE) BURGOYNE
+      TOBY (TOBIAS) ELLSWORTH JONES
+        "LIL ARTHA" (ARTHUR) STANSBURY
+          CHATZ (CHARLES) MAXFIELD
+            PHIL (PHILIP) DALE
+              GEORGE ROBBINS
+
+
+THE BEAVER PATROL
+
+MATTY (MATTHEW) EGGLESTON, Patrol Leader
+
+  "RED" (OSCAR) HUGGINS
+    TY (TYRUS) COLLINS
+      JASPER MERRIWEATHER
+        TOM CROPSEY
+          LARRY (LAWRENCE) BILLINGS
+            HEN (HENRY) CONDIT
+              LANDY (PHILANDER) SMITH
+
+
+THE EAGLE PATROL
+
+  JACK ARMITAGE, Patrol Leader
+  NAT (NATHAN) SCOTT
+
+(OTHERS TO BE ENLISTED UNTIL THIS PATROL HAS REACHED ITS LEGITIMATE
+NUMBER)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: It proved to be interesting work.]
+
+
+The Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts
+
+[Illustration Border]
+
+Number One
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+by
+
+CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS SCOUT MASTER
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The New York Book Company
+New York
+
+Copyright, 1912, by
+The New York Book Company
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER                                                 PAGE
+     I.--IN CAMP ON THE SWEETWATER                 17
+    II.--THE SUDDEN PERIL                          26
+   III.--GINGER PLAYS WITH FIRE                    33
+    IV.--A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SUPPER            41
+     V.--WHAT WAS IT?                              49
+    VI.--THE BOY SCOUTS' WATER-BOILING TEST        57
+   VII.--THE LOST SKY TRAVELER                     65
+  VIII.--A BLAZED TRAIL                            73
+    IX.--WHAT THE LONE CABIN CONTAINED             81
+     X.--WIGWAGGING FROM THE MOUNTAIN PEAK         89
+    XI.--THE HAIRY THIEF THAT WALKED ON TWO LEGS   97
+   XII.--LAYING A GHOST                           105
+  XIII.--TAKEN BY SURPRISE                        113
+   XIV.--THE THINGS THAT MAKE BOYS MANLY          121
+    XV.--HOW THE TRAP WORKED                      129
+   XVI.--THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT   137
+
+
+
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL
+
+
+
+
+THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS
+
+CAMP FIRES OF THE WOLF PATROL.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+IN CAMP ON THE SWEETWATER.
+
+
+A TROOP of khaki-clad boys had been marching, rather wearily perhaps,
+along a road that, judging from all indications, was not very much used
+by the natives.
+
+The afternoon was waning, so that a summer's night would soon begin to
+close in around them. Dense woods lay in all directions, the foliage of
+which had afforded very pleasant shelter from the fierce rays of the
+August sun. "Halt!" came the loud order.
+
+"Hurrah! we're going into our first camp, fellows!"
+
+"Is that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"
+
+"Pull off your lids, boys, and give a salute!"
+
+"What a dandy old place for a camp. How d'ye suppose he came to pick
+this out, Elmer?"
+
+"That's as easy to tell as falling off a log, Toby. We have to use water
+to cook with; and just notice this fine stream running past us,"
+returned the boy addressed, who seemed to be the second in command of
+the detachment of scouts. "Besides," he added, "you forget that we aimed
+to reach the Sweetwater River by evening, so that we could start up the
+current in our boats to-morrow morning. And this, I reckon, is the
+stream that we're looking for."
+
+"Hurrah again, fellows! The day's hike is done. Now for a bully rest!"
+
+"Stand at attention, all! Call the roll, secretary, to see if there are
+any stragglers!" the scout master commanded, as the small troop ranged
+up before him.
+
+This young man was Mr. Roderic Garrabrant, who had only too gladly
+assumed the role he occupied, being greatly interested in the boy
+problem; and possessing a few fads and fancies he wished to work out by
+actual experience. His knowledge of woodcraft was not so very extensive;
+but the moral effect of his presence was expected to exert considerable
+benefit in connection with the dozen or more members of the Hickory
+Ridge troop of Boy Scouts.
+
+The small town of Hickory Ridge lay about seven miles due south of the
+place where they had struck the winding Sweetwater; and the party had
+tramped this distance since noon. While it might not seem very far to
+those who are accustomed to long walks, there were a number among the
+scouts who had undoubtedly exceeded their record on this same afternoon.
+
+An exceedingly tall and ungainly lad, with long legs that seemed to just
+delight getting in the way at times, threatening to twist him in a knot,
+drew out a little pocket volume, and in a sing-song tone started to call
+off numerous names.
+
+Each boy answered promptly when he heard his own name mentioned; and as
+they will very likely figure largely in our story, it might be just as
+well to take note of the manner in which Arthur Stansbury called them
+off:
+
+"Members of the Wolf Patrol: Elmer Chenowith, Mark Cummings, Ted
+Burgoyne, Toby Ellsworth Jones, Arthur Stansbury, and Chatz Maxfield.
+
+"Members of the Beaver Patrol: Matty Eggleston, Oscar Huggins, Tyrus
+Collins, Jasper Merriweather, Tom Cropsey, Lawrence Billings.
+
+"Unattached, but to form Numbers One and Two of the new Eagle Patrol:
+Jack Armitage and Nathan Scott."
+
+"We seem to be just two shy," observed Mr. Garrabrant, with a twinkle in
+his eye, as he turned toward Elmer Chenowith, who had recently received
+his certificate as assistant scout master from the National Council, and
+was really qualified to take the place of the leader whenever the latter
+chanced to be absent.
+
+Elmer raised his hand promptly in salute, as he made reply:
+
+"Yes, sir; Nat Scott and Jasper Merriweather. They pegged out a mile or
+so back; and after examining their feet, and finding that they were
+really sore from walking, I gave them permission to ride on the
+commissary wagon, sir."
+
+Now, of course Mr. Garrabrant knew all this perfectly well. He had
+actually watched the pair of tenderfeet only too gladly clamber aboard
+the wagon that bore the tents, food, extra clothing, and cooking outfit
+for the camp. But thus far did military tactics rule the Boy Scouts,
+that he was supposed to know nothing about such incidents until they had
+been reported to him in the proper manner, as provided for in the
+system.
+
+"Suppose then you notify them, Mr. Bugler," said the scout master,
+turning to Mark Cummings, who, besides being the especial chum of Elmer,
+was really a fine musician, and naturally had been unanimously chosen as
+bugler for the new troop of scouts recently organized in Hickory Ridge.
+
+When the clear, penetrating notes of the bugle sounded through the
+neighboring woods, there came a faint but enthusiastic cheer from some
+point along the back trail. In addition, the waiting scouts could catch
+the plain creaking of a wagon, accompanied by encouraging words, spoken
+undeniably by a "gentleman of color."
+
+"Git up dar, youse ol' sleepy-haid, Andy Jackson! Wot youse t'ink we's
+gwine tuh do up hyah in dis neck ob de woods, hey? Git a mobe on yuh,
+Jawdge Washington! Jes' quit dat peekin' outen de tail end ob yuh eye at
+me! We ain't playin' dat ere game ob politics now; dis am real, honest,
+sure-nuff work. Altogedder now, bofe ob youse; or de waggin dun stick in
+de mud of dis crick!"
+
+Then followed a few whacks, as the energetic driver applied the goad,
+some startled snorts, in turn succeeded by another relay of faint cheers
+from the two footsore scouts aboard the wagon.
+
+And presently the lumbering vehicle, with its sweating steeds, halted
+alongside the site selected by the scout master as the spot for the
+first camp of the scouts' outing. An opening was readily found where
+Ginger, the ebony driver, might urge his reluctant team to leave the
+hard road, and enter among the trees.
+
+Immediately a scene of great bustle, and more or less confusion ensued;
+for it must be remembered that while the Hickory Ridge scouts may have
+drilled in the work of starting a camp, that was only theory, and the
+present was their first actual practice on record.
+
+The contents of the wagon were overhauled, and several tents started to
+go up on spots particularly selected by the leaders of the patrols, who
+had this duty in their sole charge.
+
+Here Elmer had a great advantage over all his fellows, since he had
+spent much of his life up in the Canadian Northwest, where his father
+had held a position as manager to extensive lands that were being farmed
+on a colossal scale, until a year or so previous, when, being left a
+snug little fortune, Mr. Chenowith had decided to return to his native
+state, to settle down for the balance of his days.
+
+Of course the boy had picked up a considerable amount of useful
+knowledge during his stay in that country of vast distances, which was
+likely to prove of use to him in his experiences as a scout.
+
+They had elected him as president of the troop, and he had readily been
+given the position of scout leader in the Wolf Patrol because of this
+wide range of knowledge pertaining to the secrets of outdoor life. It
+had also been mainly instrumental in securing for him the coveted
+certificate from Headquarters, recognizing him as a capable assistant to
+Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+Elmer could toss a rope, follow a trail, throw a "diamond hitch" in
+loading a pack horse, travel on snowshoes, recognize most wild animals
+just from their tracks, make a camp properly, and do so many other like
+tricks that made him the envy of his mates, and especially Matty
+Eggleston, who was the leader of the Beaver Patrol, and had much to
+learn concerning his duties.
+
+It was a cheerful scene, as the tents were raised, and fires began to
+crackle, one for each patrol, according to custom. Even the two limping
+scouts forgot their recent lameness, and began to sniff the air hungrily
+when Ginger started to get supper for the crowd.
+
+Ginger had qualified as an expert first-class cook, but the truth might
+as well be stated right in the beginning that the boys quickly tired of
+the greasy messes the son of Ethiopia flung together, and soon followed
+the example of the Wolf Patrol, doing their own cooking, an arrangement
+that pleased the good-natured but indolent Ginger perfectly. He was
+always on hand, however, when the time for eating came around, being
+possessed of an enormous appetite that alarmed Mr. Garrabrant more than
+a little.
+
+Night had closed in long before supper was ready, for things somehow
+worked at sixes and sevens on the occasion of the getting of the first
+meal, since many essential articles had to be hunted for, entailing a
+loss of time. But all this would be remedied as soon as they were in
+their permanent camp, for both Mr. Garrabrant and Elmer were keen on
+system and order.
+
+The boys were almost famished after that seven-mile hike, and could
+hardly wait for the signal to "fall to." But there was an abundance for
+all, and none of them was much inclined to be what Arthur Stansbury
+called "finicky" that night.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, however, while eating, looked suspiciously toward
+Ginger, and shook his head in the direction of Elmer, as if to say that
+if this mess were a fair specimen of the cook's best efforts along the
+culinary line, the sooner they started in to depend on themselves the
+better for their digestion.
+
+After the meal had been finished the boys left Ginger to clean up while
+they lay around, enjoying the sparkling blaze, something that most of
+them were not very familiar with. For the time being all formality was
+thrown aside, and they laughed and chatted, just as normal boys are
+prone to do when out upon a holiday jaunt.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant showed the two laggards how they had been unwise not
+immediately to dislodge sundry small pebbles that had found a way to get
+in their shoes, with the consequence that presently stone bruises had
+formed that became painful. He made them easy with some lotion he
+carried for just such a purpose.
+
+In this and dozens of other ways the efficient scout master expected to
+teach the boys of the troop how to take care of themselves when away
+from home. But the lads who had to be told _the same thing twice_ might
+expect to forfeit some privilege since they were expected to think for
+themselves, after being shown.
+
+There was also a second colored man along, who expected to take the team
+back on the morrow, since the scouts would have no further need of it,
+once they embarked in the boats that were to meet them here. In these
+they expected to ascend the Sweetwater to a small lake called Jupiter;
+and from thence by way of Paradise Creek find a passage to Lake Solitude
+beyond, where they meant to camp and learn the numerous "stunts" a good
+scout should know.
+
+Some of the lads had fair voices, and school songs were sung around the
+fire, Mark doing the accompanying with soft notes on his bugle. He had
+mastered this instrument, and his mates never wearied of hearing him
+play.
+
+Ted Burgoyne was afflicted with a slight lisp that gave him no end of
+trouble; though he always insisted that he spoke as correctly as any of
+his companions. Ted had a strong leaning toward the profession of a
+surgeon, and indeed was forever loudly wishing for a subject upon whom
+to operate. The boys had considerable fun over this weakness, but all
+the same they must have felt more or less confidence in his ability to
+do the right thing; for whenever any slight accident occurred it might
+be noticed that every one in camp called upon "Dr. Ted" to take hold;
+and he nearly always proved himself equal to the occasion.
+
+Charlie Maxfield, or Chatz as he was universally called, was somewhat of
+a queer chap. He believed in ghosts, and was always reading stories of
+hobgoblins and haunted houses. Of course, with such a propensity, Chatz
+could be depended on to try and frighten his chums from time to time. He
+was forever "seeing things" in the dark.
+
+The rest of the boys had plenty of fun with Chatz, which he took in good
+part; but although, as a rule, his alarms proved to be false ones
+nothing seemed to disturb his deep-rooted convictions. They even said he
+carried a rabbit's foot, for good luck, the animal having been killed by
+Chatz himself in a graveyard, and in the full of the moon.
+
+Needless to say Chatz Maxfield was a Southern-born lad, as his accent
+alone proved. He was a fine fellow, taken as a whole, outside of this
+silly belief in ghosts, which he possibly imbibed from the small darkies
+with whom he played on his father's Georgia plantation, years back.
+
+"I don't see any boats around here, fellows!" remarked Ty Collins, when
+there came a little lull in the conversation, after Mr. Garrabrant had
+been explaining some puzzling matter that one of the boys had put up to
+him.
+
+"Why, that's a fact!" exclaimed "Lil Artha," as the long-legged
+secretary, Arthur Stansbury was called by his mates--he was a devoted
+amateur photographer, and even then had been busying himself with some
+part of his equipment as he sat by the fire.
+
+Arthur was keenly desirous of learning all the various kinks that a
+first class scout must know. He was somewhat of a joker in his way, and
+at times a little addicted to the use of current slang; but a
+warm-hearted, impulsive lad all the same.
+
+"They are to be on hand in the morning, boys," remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+"And of course we shall not think of leaving here until they come. Make
+your minds easy on that score, Nat and Jasper. Your heels will have a
+chance to get well, never fear."
+
+"Where's Chatz?" asked one of the other boys, suddenly.
+
+"He asked permission to walk back a bit over our trail," observed Elmer.
+"Said he missed a buckle from his coat, which he was carrying over his
+arm when he tripped. I let him take a lantern with him to see if he
+could find it."
+
+"Lil Artha" began to laugh, and several of the other boys joined in.
+
+"Oh! my! what if he happens to run across one of those ghosts he's
+always talking about?" suggested Toby Ellsworth Jones, whose grandfather
+had been a veteran, and a soldier under the colonel who died at
+Alexandria, Va., in the Civil War; whence the name of Ellsworth--Toby
+was just wild on the subject of aeronautics; and while thus far
+everything he attempted had proven as flat a failure as the famous
+flying machine of Darius Green, still he lived in hopes of accomplishing
+something that would make the name of Jones renowned.
+
+Several of the boys struggled to their feet at this, finding themselves
+stiff in the legs after their long walk.
+
+"Look! there's a light coming just flying along the road right now!"
+cried Larry Billings.
+
+"And that must be Chatz on the full run, though he wouldn't yell out for
+anything!" exclaimed Mark.
+
+"Something must be chasing him, fellows!" declared Toby, in great
+excitement.
+
+"Perhaps it's a wildcat!" suggested Jasper Merriweather, who was a bit
+timid.
+
+"Here he comes, and he can speak for himself. What ails you, Charlie;
+what happened to start you running?" asked the scout master, as the boy
+came hurrying up, breathing hard, and showing signs of positive alarm.
+
+"Reckon I saw something, suh, that was mighty mysterious!" replied
+Chatz; at which the entire group of scouts looked at each other, and
+held their breath in awe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE SUDDEN PERIL.
+
+
+"II SEE you found your buckle, Chatz," remarked Elmer, noticing what the
+other was holding in the hand that was not occupied in grasping the
+lighted lantern.
+
+"Oh! yes, I picked that up where I tripped, and nearly fell flat,"
+replied the other, quickly. "Just as I got up off my knees I happened to
+look alongside the road, where the trees grow so thick, and I give you
+my word, fellows, I saw a moving white figure that had the most terrible
+yellow eyes ever! I know you all laugh at me whenever I say I believe in
+ghosts; but if that wasn't one I miss my guess, yes suh."
+
+"I'll dare you to go back with me till we find out," said Elmer,
+quickly.
+
+Chatz hesitated; but for all his silly notions in this one line the boy
+was far from being a coward.
+
+"All right, if you say so, I'm willing," he declared. "I'd just like to
+know what that was, anyhow, if not a specter. Come on, Elmer."
+
+"Take me along, won't you?" asked Lil Artha, gaining his feet, as he
+thrust his kodak away.
+
+"Me, too!" called out several others; while a few hung back, not caring
+to take chances of a meeting with a real ghost.
+
+"You can go along, Arthur, likewise Ted and Toby. The rest had better
+stay here with me to guard the camp, in case there happens to be a raid
+of ghosts," remarked the scout master, in a tone that put an end to all
+protestations.
+
+So the little party trotted off, followed by wishful glances from the
+balance of those who would have liked to be with them.
+
+Down the road they went, Chatz keeping in close contact with Elmer, and
+maintaining a discreet silence. Presently they arrived at the spot where
+he had found the missing buckle.
+
+"Here's where I stooped down to hunt, boys," he remarked, in a low
+voice; "and when I looked over yonder, I saw IT standing just back of
+that fringe of brush, waving its long arms at me, and staring to beat
+the band. Do you see anything there, fellows?"
+
+"Not a thing, Chatz," replied Artha, cheerfully. "To the foolish house
+for you!"
+
+"What's that?" said Toby, holding up his hand, suddenly.
+
+"Did you see anything move?" demanded the Southern lad, eagerly, as
+though he wanted to prove that his alarm had been well founded.
+
+"I thought I did," replied Toby, quivering with eagerness.
+
+"Listen, fellows," observed Elmer, with a chuckle.
+
+From somewhere back in the woods there came a weird sound, mournful
+enough to strike a chill to the heart of anyone not familiar with its
+nature.
+
+"Oh! whatever can that be?" cried Toby. "Sounded just like some poor
+feller calling for help."
+
+"Elmer, you know; tell uth, pleath!" entreated Ted, with his usual lisp,
+which even the alarm that was seizing hold of him now could not
+dissipate.
+
+"Well, I declare, I'm surprised to think that none of you fellows ever
+heard an owl hoot before!" laughed the scout leader of the Wolf Patrol.
+
+"An owl--that only a poor little dickey of an owl!" cried Toby.
+
+"Yes, it sounds just like the white owl we used to have up in Canada,"
+continued Elmer, seriously. "And ten to one now, it was what Chatz here
+saw in that brush alongside the road. Of course it had staring yellow
+eyes; and in the dim light he must have fancied he saw an arm waving at
+him. That was only a shadow, Chatz. So come along, let's get back to the
+fire."
+
+"Well, anyway, it looked mighty spooky," declared the Southern boy,
+stubbornly.
+
+And he persisted in this attitude, even when some of his companions, who
+might not have been one half so brave as Chatz, if ever put to the test,
+began to "josh" him because of his recent alarm.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, accompanied by Elmer, went the rounds to ascertain just
+how the boys had erected their tents. He found little cause for
+complaint, since the young assistant scout master had drilled the
+members of the troop in this science, and they had it down quite pat, at
+least so far as theory went.
+
+While the Boy-Scout movement of to-day has little to do with military
+tactics, still discipline is taught; and numerous things that soldiers
+employ in their daily life are practiced. One of these is setting a
+guard at night, and teaching the boys the necessity of keeping watchful
+when in the woods.
+
+Each patrol had to set a guard or sentry, and lay out a plan whereby the
+various members would take turns in standing duty during some period of
+the night.
+
+The two unattached scouts were temporarily added to the six composing
+the Wolf Patrol, so that they might come under the charge of Elmer, and
+profit from his instruction.
+
+By ten o'clock the camp had relapsed into a condition of silence. "Taps"
+had been sounded on the bugle, which meant that every light must be
+extinguished except the two fires; and each scout not on duty seek his
+blanket.
+
+Of course there was more or less whispering from time to time; and
+apparently it was a hard thing for some of the boys to settle down to
+sleep. But both Mr. Garrabrant and Elmer knew boy nature full well, and
+for this one night were disposed to overlook little infractions of the
+rules. But later on they would expect to hold the entire troop rigidly
+to discipline, when the time for skylarking had gone by.
+
+Elmer had left word with the boy from the Wolf Patrol who first went on
+duty to awaken him if anything out of the way occurred. And in turn he
+was to transmit the order to the fellow who succeeded him.
+
+When a hand gripped his arm as he lay under his blanket Elmer was
+immediately awakened; nor did he evince the slightest alarm.
+
+"What is it?" he asked, softly, not wishing to arouse the others in the
+tent, who were sound asleep, if their heavy breathing stood for
+anything.
+
+"Something moving on the river, and I thought you ought to know,"
+replied the one who had crept excitedly under the canvas.
+
+"All right, Toby, I'm coming after you. Back out!" replied Elmer, as he
+wriggled from under his comfortable blanket, and pulled on his trousers;
+for the air of an August night often feels decidedly chilly, especially
+after one has been snuggled beneath covers.
+
+He found the fires had died down, though the boys made sure that they
+did not wholly go out, since they had no great love for the darkness.
+
+"Listen! There it goes again," remarked Toby, once more clutching the
+sleeve of the scout leader in a nervous hand.
+
+Elmer chuckled.
+
+"Well, this is a funny thing," he said, as though amused. "First Chatz
+takes a poor old owl with its yellow eyes for a ghost, and now you
+imagine the dip of oars to be something as mysterious and thrilling.
+Why, don't you make out two sets plashing at different times. Those are
+the boats we expect. Perhaps the men from Rockaway down the river were
+delayed; or else they preferred to do their rowing after the sun set.
+But that's all it means, Toby."
+
+"Aw! well, I thought it my duty to let you know," observed the other.
+
+"And you did quite right, Toby. But I'd better try and get Mr.
+Garrabrant out here without awakening the lot, if it can be done," and
+saying this Elmer started toward the second tent, where the scout master
+had some four boys under his especial charge.
+
+It proved to be just as Elmer had guessed. The two men who rowed the
+boats had preferred to do their work after the heat of day had gone by.
+They would not even pass the balance of the night in camp, being anxious
+to get back to Rockaway, the town some five miles down the river.
+
+So this little excitement died away, and once more silence brooded over
+the camp on the Sweetwater. The night passed without any further alarm;
+and with the coming of morning the clear notes of the bugle sounding the
+reveille aroused the last sleepers, and caused them to crawl forth,
+rubbing their eyes and yawning.
+
+Mark's grandfather had been a famous artist, and the boy bade fair to
+some day follow in his illustrious footsteps. He was forever drawing
+exceedingly apt pictures, with pencil, a bit of chalk, a scrap of
+charcoal or anything that came handy; and as a rule these were humorous
+caricatures of his chums in many amusing attitudes. So he now busied
+himself catching the sleepy scouts in various striking postures, to the
+great delight of those who gathered around.
+
+Between Mark's readiness with the crayon and the eagerness of Lil Artha
+to use his camera, it seemed likely that little worth remembering would
+escape being handed down to illustrate the events of this, their first
+outing.
+
+"Me for a bully good swim!" exclaimed the long-legged boy, as he started
+for the nearby river.
+
+Others were quick to follow his example, for few healthy boys there are
+to whom the opportunity for splashing in the water on a summer morn does
+not appeal.
+
+"Keep on your guard, fellows!" called Mr. Garrabrant, who was busily
+employed doing something near one of the tents. "The current is swift,
+and unless I miss my guess the river is quite deep here. Elmer, you go
+along and watch out that no one comes to harm," and he turned once again
+to his task, confident that his assistant was capable of executing his
+wishes properly.
+
+Ten minutes passed away, and Mr. Garrabrant, having managed successfully
+to complete the little job he had set himself to execute, was thinking
+it time the boys who were bathing should be recalled, when he heard
+sudden cries that pierced him like an arrow.
+
+"Hey! look at Jasper, would you, how funny he acts!"
+
+"Elmer! Elmer! come here! Jasper's got a cramp! He's gone down!"
+
+Hurriedly did the alarmed scout master leap to his feet and start wildly
+in the direction of these loud outcries. No doubt in that second of
+time he saw the faces of the Merriweather boy's parents, filled with the
+agony that comes to those who have lost a son by drowning; and the
+mental picture sent Mr. Garrabrant flying over the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+GINGER PLAYS WITH FIRE.
+
+
+AT the time the loud cries had come, Elmer was just leaving the water
+himself, having had enough of a morning bath. He saw several of the boys
+running toward a point down stream, where Ty Collins and Nat Scott were
+when they shouted, and without wasting a second Elmer had sped that way.
+
+So fast did he run that he easily outstripped the rest, and reached the
+spot where Ty and Nat stood on the bank, beckoning wildly to him, while
+they stared out upon the eddying water.
+
+One look Elmer gave. It enabled him to glimpse something white emerging
+from the foamy water, and a pair of arms beat wildly in the air. Then he
+sprang in, and hand over hand made for the spot.
+
+Luckily he had arrived just below, so that the chances of his reaching
+the drowning lad were better than would have otherwise been the case if
+he had the swift current against him.
+
+Perhaps in all his life Elmer Chenowith never struck out with such
+intense eagerness, for he had seen that something serious must have
+happened to Jasper, since he was under the surface of the water most of
+the time and undoubtedly gulping in great quantities of it.
+
+Keeping his eyes fastened on the struggling figure as best he could,
+Elmer made his way furiously through the surging Sweetwater. Just at
+this place, on account of a decided drop in the bed of the river, there
+was a swift current and considerable foam around the rocks that partly
+blocked the rapids.
+
+"He's got him!" shrilled Tom Cropsey.
+
+"But look out, Elmer; don't let him get a grip on you! Size up the way
+Jasper is fighting to get hold of him! Oh! he nearly did it, then! What
+ought we to do, fellows? If he grabs Elmer they'll just both drown!"
+
+It was Red Huggins who thus gave vent to his feelings. He generally
+became so excited in an emergency that he could not collect his wits
+enough to be of any great use. And it was fortunate that all of those
+present were not built upon the same model as impulsive Red.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had snatched up a rope as he ran. Perhaps, with rare
+wisdom the long-headed scout master had even placed it there, looking to
+a possible sudden need for such a thing.
+
+He had no occasion to ask where the thrilling event was taking place.
+Every boy was staring in that one quarter, and before he even saw the
+two figures in the swirl of the yeasty river Mr. Garrabrant realized the
+condition of affairs.
+
+He found that Elmer had managed to seize the drowning boy from behind,
+always the very best method of doing in such a case. Had he been unable
+to accomplish this, and the frenzied Jasper seized upon him, doubtless
+Elmer would have broken away, even though he might have had to strike
+the other quite sharply in the face and partly stun him to do so. Better
+that, than that both should go down together.
+
+So Elmer was endeavoring to push the other in toward shore. Sometimes
+the water would go over them both with a rush, for they happened to be
+in one of the roughest parts of the river.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant sized up the situation at a single glance. Then he ran
+down the shore a dozen paces, and started to wade into the river.
+
+"Here, take hold of this end of the rope, boys!" he cried, as he came
+upon several of the scouts who were standing knee deep in the water,
+seemingly half paralyzed by the terrible nature of the scene before
+them.
+
+Mark Cummings had just arrived on the scene. He had been dressing in the
+tent at the time the alarm sounded. Regardless of the fact that he had
+on his clothes, he sprang into the water alongside the scout master.
+
+Together they buffeted the waves, and made for the approaching pair.
+Elmer saw them coming and redoubled his efforts to keep the drowning boy
+afloat, and at the same time avoid being clasped in his desperate
+embrace.
+
+Then friendly hands were laid upon them, and with three to take charge,
+Jasper was borne to the land. He had collapsed before the shore was
+reached, and the balance of the boys gathered around, staring in great
+fear at his pallid face.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant knew the theory of restoring a person who has come very
+near being drowned; but it chanced that Elmer had more than once had
+active participation in that sort of work. So he lost no time in
+stretching poor Jasper, face down, on the ground, placing his knees on
+his back, and having his arms worked regularly by some of the boys,
+while he pressed downward, again and again with considerable force, so
+as to induce artificial breathing.
+
+As Jasper was not far gone he quickly responded to this rough but
+effective treatment. He belched out a small Niagara of water, groaned,
+trembled, and finally tried to beg them to have a little mercy on him,
+saying that he was now all right, upon which the boys of course ceased
+their efforts intended to bring him to.
+
+Breakfast was slow in coming along that morning. Ginger had been
+tremendously unnerved by the exciting spectacle of the rescue of the
+drowning lad, and he continuously made all sorts of foolish blunders
+while trying to cook, so that in the end Mr. Garrabrant chased him away
+and set Elmer and Ty Collins at the job, both of whom he knew were very
+good cooks.
+
+Afterwards the tents had to come down, and the entire outfit be stored
+away in the two boats which were intended to carry them the balance of
+the way.
+
+Ginger sent the horse and wagon back in charge of the other colored man,
+and announced himself prepared to accompany the troop into the heart of
+the wilderness. He was so good-natured, and they could make use of him
+to do much of the drudgery of the camp; so Mr. Garrabrant decided to let
+Ginger go along, even though he was not to be trusted to get their meals
+any longer.
+
+The boats were stoutly built, and of a good size. Both were capable of
+being rowed by two pairs of oars: and, indeed, this was rendered quite
+necessary by the swiftness of the Sweetwater in parts.
+
+Once they reached the first little lake and the worst part of the
+struggle would be over; after that the going must prove much easier.
+
+At first the scouts considered the rowing a picnic. That lasted less
+than ten minutes. Then, as the strain of the current started to tell
+upon them, grunts began to be heard, and these were followed by heavy
+sighs and glum faces.
+
+Blisters began to appear on palms that were quite unused to labor of
+this severe kind. True, Mr. Garrabrant in one boat, and Elmer in the
+other, tried to show the greenhorns how they could save themselves much
+of this pain by proper handling of the oars; but like everything else,
+experience after all was bound to be the best guide.
+
+A number of the lads, however, were more or less familiar with rowing,
+even though there was no body of water close to the town on the railroad
+known as Hickory Ridge. Of course Elmer himself took an oar, and kept up
+his part of the drudgery from start to finish; and his chum Mark also
+did his share with credit.
+
+There were places where the river widened, and the current was less
+savage. Here those who tugged at the oars managed to rest up a bit for
+the next hard pull.
+
+So the morning passed with frequent rests, for Mr. Garrabrant knew
+better than utterly to weary his command in the beginning. They were,
+after all, out for sport; and it would have been an unwise move on his
+part to have sickened the tenderfeet scouts before they had had a fair
+chance to get hardened to it.
+
+Just before noon the boy in the bow of the leading boat gave a yell.
+
+"What is it?" asked the scout master.
+
+"I just had a squint at a body of water, sir; and I think it must have
+been a lake," replied Jack Armitage, who was in the boat with the Wolf
+Patrol, Ginger working one of the oars in the other craft.
+
+"That must be the first lake, Jupiter they call it," Mr. Garrabrant went
+on.
+
+"Hurrah! that means a rest, and lunch, fellows!" cried Lil Artha, who
+had been resting after his turn at rowing.
+
+"Don't crow too soon," barked Toby, mysteriously. "The worst is yet to
+come. Remember that these two lakes are joined by Paradise Creek. I've
+heard that stream is worse than the river here to pull against."
+
+"That's where you're mistaken, Toby," remarked Elmer. "I talked with a
+lumberman, and also a sportsman who comes up here every fall to shoot
+wild ducks on the lake they call Solitude. Both of them assured me that
+once we got to this point our troubles would be over. So cheer up, my
+hearties, the pulling will be a picnic after this."
+
+Then they passed out from the head of the romantic Sweetwater. The lake
+was a pretty little sheet of water, with shores that, as a rule, were
+wooded; though in several places it looked as though farms ran down to
+the water's edge.
+
+The boys soon clamored to get ashore and stretch their weary legs; nor
+was Mr. Garrabrant in the least averse to such a change himself. It is
+always inducive to cramp to sit in a boat several hours.
+
+Lunch was eaten under a patch of friendly trees that grew on the bank.
+Then the troop was allowed half an hour to lounge around, ere once more
+embarking for the afternoon row.
+
+Just where they had landed it was very wild. Rocks jutted up out of the
+sides of the hills, and the trees grew in every crevice where earth had
+gathered.
+
+Toby was lying on his back, looking longingly up at the bald top of a
+neighboring elevation that might almost be called a mountain.
+
+"Say," he said to Red, who happened to be sprawled out near him, "did
+you ever in all your days see such a splendid place as that for a
+starter? Just think what a jolly good thing it would be to stand there
+on the edge of that cliff and just give one big spring off, flapping
+your wings as you jumped. Wow! I can see myself sailing through space,
+and coming down as gently as a thistle ball. But how could a fellow ever
+get up there in the first place?--that's what's bothering me."
+
+"Look here, Toby, you don't really mean to say that if you had those
+silly old wings along with you, anything'd ever tempt you to take such
+chances as to jump off that high place? Why, it'd be your finish sure,
+if you ever did. You'd come down with an awful jar. And ten to one we'd
+have to gather your poor remains up with a shovel. I'm glad Mr.
+Garrabrant refused to let you fetch along all that stuff you had laid
+out to bring."
+
+"He near broke my heart when he said that, Red," sighed Toby. "But we're
+going to be up here some time, you know, and perhaps I might get a
+chance to rig up some sort of flying machine. I'll never be happy till
+I'm sailing through the clouds, and that's a fact."
+
+"Your heart, could stand it better than your blessed neck," retorted
+Red. "And that's what would have happened to you, sure, if he'd let you
+try to play your game of being aviator to the troop."
+
+"Sit still, fellows!" sang out the photographer just then; "I've got you
+in just a dandy picture, the entire bunch! There, done with a click, and
+thank you."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant sat up and looked at his watch.
+
+"About time we were moving, boys," he remarked, at which there were
+numerous uplifted eyebrows, and not a few groans, as the unfortunate
+tenderfeet looked at the red spots in the palms of their hands, unused
+to hard work.
+
+Of course, as there was little to pack, it would be a matter of only a
+few minutes ere they could be on the move again, and speeding up Jupiter
+Lake toward the link that connected with the other sheet of water.
+
+"All here?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, as a precautionary measure; since some
+of the scouts had shown a weakness for wandering whenever half a chance
+arose.
+
+Elmer had just been in the act of counting heads.
+
+"We seem to be one shy, sir," he remarked.
+
+"It's Ginger," declared one of the scouts. "I noticed him walking off
+some little time ago, sir. He told me somebody said there was gold up in
+these mountains, and the poor old silly was lookin' for signs of it, I
+guess."
+
+"Give him a call on the bugle, Mark!" said Elmer, looking annoyed; for
+it would be too bad if, after all their plans, Ginger should take it
+into his head to delay them now by getting lost.
+
+So the bugler let out a blast that could easily be heard a mile away.
+Then they one and all listened to discover if any answer came floating
+back.
+
+"I heahs yuh, suh," came the voice of Ginger from the neighboring woods.
+"I'se jes' be'n havin' heaps o' fun wid dis leetle snake hyah. Glory be,
+but he am de maddest critter yuh eber see, a shaking ob his tail; an' de
+locust asingin' in de tree."
+
+"Keep away from him, Ginger!" shouted Elmer, jumping up; "keep away from
+him, I tell you! My stars! that must be a rattlesnake he's been playing
+with!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SUPPER.
+
+
+AND a rattlesnake it proved to be, sure enough!
+
+When Elmer, followed helter-skelter by every one of the others, drew
+near the spot where Ginger stood, with a short stick in his hand, and
+now looking very much frightened after hearing what a narrow escape he
+had had, they discovered the angry poisonous reptile coiled, and buzzing
+away at a great rate.
+
+Locusts had been singing near by during the drowsy noon hour, and that
+accounted not only for the common mistake of the black man, but why none
+of the others had paid any attention to the sound. Several remembered
+having heard it, when their memory was jogged later.
+
+Elmer quickly found a longer pole with which he assailed the coiled
+terror of the rocky hills, and with a lucky stroke he finally broke its
+back. All the boys crowded around to look at the ugly thing, shuddering
+as they noted its vicious fangs.
+
+"Better look out, fellowth," warned Dr. Ted. "I've heard they often hunt
+in coupleth, tho' there may be another of the vermin near by!"
+
+But a hasty search failed to reveal a mate to the dead reptile. Mr.
+Garrabrant seized upon the occasion to read a lecture to the scouts,
+telling them to live up to their motto, "Be prepared," and always keep
+an eye out when in the woods.
+
+"That's one danger we must never forget up here," he said; "and I've got
+a little phial I want every scout to carry along with him constantly.
+To-night I'm going to explain just how to act in case any one of you
+finds himself struck by a snake, which, however, I sincerely hope will
+never happen, because they're nasty things at best, and there's always a
+chance that the remedy may not work in time to save the patient."
+
+Ginger begged for the rattle, to serve as a reminder of his narrow
+escape, and so Elmer cut it off for him.
+
+"If I had time I'd like to skin the beast," the latter remarked, "for
+he's beautifully marked, and would make a nice tie, or a pocketbook. But
+in order to make a good job I'd require an hour or more, and we don't
+want to carry the thing along with us until night."
+
+"Why do you say 'he' when you mention the rattler, Elmer?" asked Mr.
+Garrabrant, who was not above seeking new information from one who had
+been fortunate enough to experience the actual realities of wild life.
+
+"Well, you see that the skin has black diamond-shaped marks on it. If it
+had been a female these would have been more along a brownish order. At
+any rate, that's what I've been told out where I met with these things
+frequently," Elmer stated.
+
+"And I've no doubt but what you're quite right, Elmer," remarked the
+scout master. "I've noticed the same thing in connection with quite a
+number of birds, the female being coated a modest brown, whereas the
+male was a lustrous black. But we must be moving. I'm glad, Ginger, that
+it isn't necessary to practice on you for snakebite."
+
+"Yas," muttered the black man, "an' de wustest t'ing 'bout de hull
+bizness am de fack dat dey ain't eben a single drap ob snake pizen in de
+hull bilin crowd. So 'deed, I is right glad myself now dat de leetle
+critter didn't git tuh me."
+
+"And there goeth the only chance I've had this many a day to get a
+little anatomical practice," Ted was grumbling; though of course the
+boys understood that although his manner of talk might seem so
+blood-thirsty, the amateur surgeon was only joking.
+
+But Ginger, after that, often watched Ted suspiciously and refused to be
+left alone in camp with him.
+
+Ten minutes of stout rowing brought them to the mouth of Paradise Creek,
+where the waters from the other lake emptied into Jupiter. Joyfully they
+started to navigate these unknown regions. Elmer's boat was in the lead,
+though for that matter not a single one in the party had ever before
+been as far up the chains of waterways as this.
+
+When even the scout master realized that those who handled the oars were
+becoming exhausted, he called a halt and changed around, bringing fresh
+recruits forward. He himself did yeoman service pulling, and Ginger also
+made his muscles add considerable value to the progress of the second
+boat.
+
+"Dis am suah de t'ing tuh make de appatite," Ginger kept saying, as he
+tugged away, with the perspiration rolling down his black good-natured
+face. "Specks I done want dubble rations dis berry night, Cap'n. De
+laborer am worthy ob his hire, de good book say. An' dis am sartin suah
+hard wuk."
+
+As the afternoon slowly passed they realized that they must be getting
+closer and closer to the second sheet of water. Nobody was sorry. And
+when the sun hung over the elevated horizon anxious looks began to be
+cast ahead.
+
+Finally, almost without warning, the leading boat ran out of the creek,
+passing around an abrupt bend, and a shout of delight announced that the
+lake had been reached at last.
+
+It was indeed well named. Solitude seemed to hang over the whole
+picture, and if it could impress them in this way while the sun was
+still shining, what gloom must follow after the shades of night had
+fallen.
+
+"Look around on this shore for a good site for a permanent camp, Elmer,"
+remarked the scout master, pointing to the left. "I choose that because
+we will get some shelter from the wind, in case of a sudden storm.
+Across the broad lake it would be apt to hit us doubly hard. Am I
+correct, Elmer?" Mr. Garrabrant went on.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the boy, quickly, "I should have done just as you
+did, and I think I can see a good spot for our camp; anyhow it looks
+that way from here. Give way again, fellows, and I'll head the boat for
+our haven."
+
+Ten minutes later, and the two boats had been run ashore. Then an eager
+troop of aching lads tumbled out, to stretch themselves, and express
+delight over having finally reached their goal. Quite a number of them
+had really never before been away from home over night, so that it
+required more or less assumption of gayety on their part to conceal
+their real feelings. But by degrees these would grow accustomed to the
+separation, and in the end it was bound to make them more manly fellows.
+
+Once again were the tents pitched. This time more care was taken, for
+they anticipated a long stay, and ere breaking camp for the return trip
+it was not unlikely that they would be visited by one or more storms. So
+the stakes were driven well in, and each tent had a little gulley dug
+around the upper side, so as to turn water to the right and left in case
+of a flood in the shape of a down-pour.
+
+Other of the scouts started making fire-places from the numerous stones.
+They had had practice along these lines before now, closer at home, and
+the watchful eyes of the scout leaders took note of everything that was
+being done. When they saw that matters were not going just as cleverly
+as they could, a few words, perhaps a helping hand, straightened out the
+difficulty.
+
+By the time the sun passed beyond an outlying spur of the mountain
+things began to take on a pretty decent look. Several of the boys who
+were fond of fishing had been set to work digging bait, and going in the
+boats to likely spots pointed out by the experienced Elmer. Their
+excited cries presently announced that there was some prospect of the
+bill-of-fare that night having the magic name of "trout" among the tasty
+food exhibit.
+
+"And my word for it we'll need all we can get," laughed Mr. Garrabrant
+aside to his assistant, as he nodded his head to where Ginger was
+working lustily, and smacking his lips as he kept one eye on the busy
+fisherman, "because Ginger tells me he's awful fond of trout! It's going
+to keep me hustling to supply all the appetites in this Camp Content of
+ours; for they're developing most alarmingly."
+
+But really Mr. Garrabrant was joking. He had foreseen just such a
+condition as this, knowing boys as well as he did, and made sure to add
+good measure to the quantity of food first planned for.
+
+The fishermen presently brought in what catch they had made. Every one
+was both surprised and delighted to see the splendid size of the trout
+that had taken the bait.
+
+"Why, this sure is a great snap!" exclaimed Lil Artha, who had been
+looking all around for various views which he anticipated capturing on
+succeeding days. "We can have the toothsome trout whenever the spirit
+moves, and the fishermen get busy."
+
+"And they pull like a house afire, too," declared Matty Eggleston, who
+had been one of the anglers. "I've caught black bass lots of times, but
+this is my first trout experience. Yum, yum, say, don't they just smell
+fine, though? Look at Ginger walking up and down over by the shore of
+the lake! He's that near starved he just can't stay around any longer
+and sniff that delicious odor! Boys, ain't it near time to call us to
+the fray? Oh, I'm that hollow I'm afraid I'll break in two!"
+
+"Supper's ready, Mr. Garrabrant!" announced Ty Collins, who had been
+given a free hand as chief cook on this evening, while Elmer paid
+attention to various other things.
+
+"Call the boys in then, and we'll see if it tastes as good as it smells.
+Sound the assembly, Mark," called the scout master, himself not at all
+averse to the pleasant duty of satisfying the inner man's clamorings.
+
+So the bugler sent out the sweet call, and even Ginger seemed to know
+what it meant, for he came hurrying along to serve the dinner, a broad
+grin stamped on his ebony face, and his mouth stretched almost from ear
+to ear.
+
+"This is what I call solid comfort," observed Mark, as he tasted the
+crisp trout, and decided that it was finer than any fish he had ever
+eaten in all his life.
+
+A chorus of approving grunts and nods followed his assertion, for as a
+rule the scouts were too busily occupied just then to say much. Ginger
+had not been compelled to wait until they were through, under the
+existing conditions that would have been next door to a crime, because
+the poor old chap was really frantic for something to stop the awful
+craving he had. So, after helping the entire bunch he was allowed to dip
+in and sit in a retired spot, where the tremendous champing noise he
+made while "feeding" might not annoy the rest.
+
+Afterward, when everyone admitted that "enough was as good as a feast,"
+they lay around taking things easy. Ginger gathered up the cooking
+utensils, and the numerous pannikins and tin cups used by the troop. It
+was to be his duty to wash these things after each meal, and thus the
+boys were enabled to avoid one very troublesome part of camp life. And
+hence they were glad to have Ginger along.
+
+As before, arrangements were made looking to a constant detail to serve
+as sentries. There was no danger anticipated, of course, but since the
+scouts wished to learn everything that was connected with life in the
+open, they must carry out the game in all its parts. And guarding the
+camp against a possible foe was one of these things.
+
+Two were to be on duty at the same time, the entire night being suitably
+divided up into watches, as on board a ship. From ten o'clock up to five
+meant seven hour shifts, with two boys on duty at a time.
+
+Elmer and Mr. Garrabrant were exempt from this drudgery if they so
+pleased, but the chances were, both of them would obtain less sleep,
+that night at least, than any of the others. Even Ginger was given his
+"spell," though it was doubted whether he could keep awake an hour, for
+he was a very sleepy individual after he had finished his task with the
+tin pans.
+
+"To-morrow we start in with some of our tests," remarked the scout
+master, as the time drew near for the bugler to sound taps. "That's one
+thing I want to drill you boys in, while we're up here. We'll pit the
+two details against each other, and see which can set up a tent in the
+shortest order, and in the best manner. Then we'll start on the
+first-aid-to-the-injured racket, and take a step further than we've ever
+gone before. After that I'm going to get our assistant scout master to
+show us a lot of mighty interesting things about following a trail, and
+what the different tracks of such animals as may be found up here look
+like. And another day some of us will hike to the top of that mountain,
+while another detachment tries to climb the second rise, after which
+they can wigwag to each other, in Signal Corps language, and hold a long
+talk, to be verified later on in camp from the records kept. That is the
+program, boys. Now, go to your blankets and sleep over it."
+
+They were as a rule a pretty tired lot that lay down. The two sentries
+had to continue moving about to keep from going to sleep on post, which
+might be considered a serious offense, and lose them no end of good
+marks.
+
+Twice did Elmer creep out of his tent, and make the rounds in order to
+ascertain whether all were going well. The last time was along about two
+in the morning, and the first thing he heard was a whip-poor-will
+calling shrilly to its mate not far away.
+
+When he came upon Chatz, who had the outer post, he was surprised to
+find him exhibiting all the well-known signs by which he was wont to
+indicate that he had been "seeing things" again. And knowing him so
+well, Elmer hardly needed to ask what was the matter. Evidently the
+ghosts that haunted Chatz must have been paying the superstitious
+Southern boy another visit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+WHAT WAS IT?
+
+
+"IWHAT was it this time, Number Six?" asked the scout leader, as Chatz
+turned quickly toward him, showing considerable alarm.
+
+"Oh! it's gone now. It just seemed to slide away while I was looking.
+But I could hear it moving all the same; and I tell you, honest Injun,
+that it was a dreadful _squashy_ sort of sound," and Chatz shrugged his
+shoulders with what seemed to be a shudder, as he said this.
+
+Elmer hardly knew what to do or to say. Chatz was not above playing a
+joke, given the opportunity, but this was really a subject on which he
+felt very deeply, so that it was hard to believe he would be likely to
+hold it up to scorn.
+
+He seemed to be wide-awake, too, so that there was little chance of its
+being a dream. Sensible on all other subjects, the superstitious
+Southern lad had a decided weakness for spooks, and he could imagine
+uncanny objects prowling around where no one else found the slightest
+indication of such a thing.
+
+"Where was this?" Elmer asked, cautiously.
+
+"Over there, in that open spot," replied Chatz, cheerfully and without
+the least sign of hesitation. "You can just make out the deeper shadow
+of the trees back further. I was looking that way and thinking of
+something connected with my home when all of a sudden IT loomed up,
+staring at me in a frightfully ghastly way, and moving its white body
+slowly up and down, just like it was warning me of some coming danger."
+
+"Sure it wasn't that owl again, are you?" questioned Elmer, dubiously.
+
+"Couldn't have been any such thing, because," triumphantly went on
+Chatz, "you see, there ain't a single chance for it to roost on
+anything! That place is bare! I crossed it several times going for wood
+yesterday afternoon before dark set in. And then besides--"
+
+"Yes, what else was there?" Elmer asked, encouragingly, for he began to
+realize that there was at least no fake about the other's upset
+condition.
+
+"Why, it made the queerest noise you ever heard--just a squashy sound
+that I'll never be able to forget. Ugh! it was a nasty experience," and
+he rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, after the manner of one just
+awakened.
+
+Somehow this gave Elmer an idea.
+
+"Look here, Number Six, are you sure now that you weren't asleep, and
+just dreaming that something bobbed up in front of you?" he demanded,
+sternly; for in his capacity as assistant scout master he was given
+certain privileges which the rest of the boys readily recognized.
+
+"I don't think there's any reason to believe that sort of thing,"
+returned the other, steadily. "Fact is, I was never more wide-awake in
+my life."
+
+"And the thing just stood there, and waved at you, did it?" Elmer
+continued.
+
+"Oh! I know what you think about it, but when I see a thing I can't deny
+it, can I? There was something close to me a few minutes ago, something
+that must have been a spook. If I hadn't had the good sense to stick my
+hand in my pocket, and grab hold of that blessed old rabbit foot, I
+honestly believe it would have jumped me! Now laugh again if you want
+to," defiantly.
+
+But Elmer was himself a bit puzzled. Of course he could not think of
+allowing himself to dream that what Chatz had seen could be anything
+unusual. The surrounding conditions invested the most commonplace
+occurrence with a mysterious atmosphere--that was all, and had it been
+anyone but Chatz they might have found an easy explanation for the
+puzzle.
+
+"Well," the scout leader said, finally, "we'll all have to borrow that
+lucky charm then, when we go on duty, if it's going to scare the spooks
+away. But your time is up, Number Six, so you can proceed to awaken the
+scout who follows you."
+
+"I'm glad, and I'm sorry," remarked Chatz. "To tell the truth, I'd like
+to find out if that pesky thing _could_ crop up again. You see, there's
+no need of being scared about it, so long as you've got something that
+keeps you from getting hurt."
+
+Evidently the belief of the Southern lad in that magical rabbit's foot
+was firmly founded, and it would be exceedingly difficult to uproot it.
+Sneers and scorn would never accomplish that result; in fact such action
+was apt to only make him cling the more stubbornly to his fetish
+worship. Elmer believed in going about such things in another manner
+entirely. Chatz must be shown the error of his ways; and to do that most
+convincingly the real nature of the object which he believed to be a
+ghostly visitant from the other world, would have to be proven.
+
+"Wait a minute, Number Six," he said, as the other was about to head
+toward the tent where part of the Wolf Patrol slept, so he could find
+and arouse his appointed successor.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Chatz; for, while Elmer was a chum of his, there
+were times when he must recognize him only as a superior officer in the
+organization to which both belonged, and show him due respect.
+
+"Remember, not a single word to the scout who is to succeed you," Elmer
+went on.
+
+"Not a word will I breathe, sir, I promise you," replied Chatz, and
+Elmer knew that nothing would tempt him to betray his trust, for his
+sense of honor was very high, as it is with all Southern boys.
+
+"Perhaps we might get a pointer on this matter if the strange thing you
+saw appeared to another," remarked Elmer, thoughtfully.
+
+"Oh! don't I just wish it would," remarked Chatz, eagerly. "Then perhaps
+the rest of the fellows wouldn't think me cracked in my upper story. And
+Lil Artha wouldn't be so unfeeling as to say I had rats in my belfry,
+He's the one who comes on after me. Don't I just wish it would give him
+a _good_ scare, though!"
+
+"Well, go and wake him up, then. I'll let the other sentry know that
+it's time for a change," and Elmer walked away.
+
+A sudden idea had flashed up in his mind. Could it be possible that
+there was anything in this wild yarn of Chatz's? Would the second sentry
+be able to throw any light on the mystery?
+
+He found him squatting on the ground, near a tree, and saw that it was
+Jasper Merriweather, the timid boy of the troop. At first Elmer had half
+a suspicion that the other was asleep, for his head was bowed in his
+hands. At the sound of his step, however, Jasper suddenly looked up with
+a violent start, and Elmer saw that he was more or less frightened, for
+he was shivering, even though he had a blanket wrapped around his
+shoulders.
+
+"Oh! it's you, sir, is it?" he exclaimed, and there was a positive vein
+of relief in the tones of his quivering voice that Elmer could not but
+notice.
+
+"Why, who else did you think it could be, Beaver, Number Four?" asked
+the assistant scout master, quickly.
+
+"Oh! I don't know," came the rather hesitating reply. "You see I guess
+Chatz Maxfield has got me all worked up with his silly notions, because
+I'm seeing things, just like he does, right along. I'm ashamed of
+myself, that's what."
+
+"Do you mean just now you saw something?" asked Elmer.
+
+"Well," replied Jasper, rising to his feet as he spoke, with returning
+confidence, "I thought I did, for a fact; and I just hid my head to shut
+it out, but of course it was only what Mr. Garrabrant calls an optical
+illusion. There just couldn't be anything there."
+
+"Of course not," the other went on, encouragingly. "H'm, what was it, by
+the way, you _thought_ you saw, Number Four?"
+
+"That's the silly part of it, sir," Jasper answered. "It wasn't anything
+that I could recognize at all, which proves that I was only imagining
+things. Plague take Chatz and his ghosts! I never was very brave at my
+best, but thinking of him has just about queered me. I'm glad you came
+to talk to me, and show me how foolish it is to let such notions take
+root."
+
+"But, by the way, where was it you thought you saw this wonderful thing
+which you say bore no shape that you could describe?" Elmer insisted.
+
+"Oh! let me see, I was sitting just this way, and looking straight out
+yonder. It was in that open place, sir. I guess the fire must have
+flashed up suddenly, and dazzled me a bit."
+
+But Elmer noticed that the second sentry pointed in exactly the same
+quarter where Chatz insisted he had set eyes on the ghost! This would
+seem to indicate that there must be something in the story.
+
+"Was it a flaming red ghost, Number Four?" he inquired further.
+
+"Why, of course not, sir," chuckled the other. "If it had been I'd have
+thought it was only Ty Collins in that red sweater he sometimes wears.
+Oh! no, what I _thought_ I saw was a white object. It seemed to be there
+when I hid my face in my blanket, but when I looked a minute later it
+was gone."
+
+"Did you hear any sound?" Elmer demanded.
+
+"Well, yes; but after all it may have been one of the fellows snoring,"
+Jasper replied. "But at the time I thought it the queerest sort of noise
+ever. Might 'a' been a big bulldog jumping into the water. I've heard
+something like it when I pulled my foot out of a soft oozy piece of
+mud."
+
+"All right, Number Four. Your time is up, so go and gently arouse your
+successor. And please don't even whisper a word about this until I give
+you permission."
+
+"Well, I guess I won't," Jasper quickly mumbled. "Think I'm itching to
+have the laugh on me? No, siree, I'm as dumb as an oyster," and with
+that he staggered off toward one of the tents to awaken Nathan Scott.
+
+Elmer returned to his blanket, but he had something on his mind that
+kept him from enjoying any sound sleep for the remainder of that
+particular night.
+
+Those two boys had certainly seen _something_, and while, of course,
+Elmer was too sensible a fellow to allow himself to give the idea of a
+ghostly visitor the slightest credence, he found himself puzzled to
+account for it all.
+
+Because of his lying awake so long he slept later than usual in the
+morning. True, he sprang up when the notes of the bugle sounded the
+reveille, but most of the others had been abroad before him.
+
+They took a dip in the lake, though the water was so very cold that none
+of the scouts cared to remain in more than five minutes. Besides, the
+almost tragic occurrence of the previous day haunted some of them, and
+made them a bit timid about venturing into the water, though by degrees
+this fear would naturally wear off.
+
+While preparations for breakfast were being undertaken by those
+appointed for this purpose, Elmer strolled out of the camp. He wished to
+carefully examine the open patch of ground at the point where the two
+sentries had been so positive the uncanny white object had appeared to
+them.
+
+Disappointment awaited him there, however. Numerous footprints told how
+those of the scouts whose duty it was to secure a fresh supply of
+firewood that morning had passed back and forth directly across this
+open place. If there had been any suggestive tracks they were surely
+trampled out of sight by the army of boyish feet that had gone over many
+times.
+
+Elmer shook his head. He felt that he had been hoodwinked in one sense,
+but no matter, even this setback must not induce him to give up the task
+he had set for himself. He owed it to Chatz and his infirmity to
+discover a reasonable explanation of that ghost theory. And while the
+solution might be delayed by this unfortunate trampling of the ground,
+he meant to persist.
+
+"Nothing doing, I guess?" remarked a voice close by, and turning his
+head the scout leader saw Chatz himself standing there, observing him
+with a quizzical expression on his dark face.
+
+"Well, if you mean an explanation of the little affair of last night,
+Chatz, I admit that so far I'm up against it good and hard. You see, I
+hoped to find some marks here that would give me a clue, but it's all
+off. The boys ran after wood and back again so many times, that if there
+was a trail it's been squashed."
+
+"Oh! I don't think that mattered any," remarked the other, with
+conviction in his tones. "You can't very well discover what there isn't,
+can you? And I've always believed that spooks never leave a sign behind
+them when they come and go. Why, a spook is only a vapor, you know,
+Elmer. They can slip through a keyhole if necessary. And as to a trail,
+why, you might as well expect to see that cloud up yonder leave a track
+behind it."
+
+There could at least be no doubt about Chatz being in dead earnest in
+his queer belief, and as Elmer turned away he was more than ever
+determined to find the true solution of that strange happening, if only
+to drive another nail in the coffin of the Southern boy's superstition.
+
+As neither of the sentries felt at liberty to mention the occurrence
+until the assistant scout master gave permission, the balance of the
+scouts ate their breakfast, and joked each other, in blissful ignorance
+of the fact that the camp had again been visited by a hobgoblin, and
+that this time not only the superstitious Chatz but another had actually
+seen the misty intruder!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS' WATER BOILING TEST.
+
+
+MR. GARRABRANT was full of business on this fine morning.
+
+He set about a host of things immediately after breakfast, saying that
+they ought to take advantage of the opportunity to get in a good
+morning's work.
+
+Several boys were sent out on the lake to try to duplicate the good luck
+attending the fishermen of the preceding afternoon. Mark Cummings was
+encouraged to get numerous views of the camp, and whatever was going
+on--such as would afford the Hickory Ridge scouts the most pleasure in
+later days, when this series of camp fires was but a hallowed memory.
+
+With the balance of the troop the scout master proceeded to try out
+various interesting tests, to discover just how the boys stood in the
+matter of efficiency. As Elmer was such an old and experienced hand in
+most of these matters, he was of course debarred from entering the
+competitions. It would be taking too great an advantage over the
+tenderfeet scouts, who had everything to learn as yet.
+
+First of all the scout master decided to put ten boys at the
+boiling-water test. This is one of the most interesting, as well as
+amusing competitions, the scouts indulge in, and one that never fails to
+evoke much laughter among those who look on.
+
+Each boy was given a tin pail that held two quarts of water, and which
+could be carried by a bale. Besides this, he was handed just three
+matches, and put upon his honor that he did not have another of the kind
+upon his person.
+
+A spot was selected that was possibly fully eighty yards away from the
+edge of the lake, and this Mr. Garrabrant did purposely, so that if one
+of the competing scouts was so unlucky as to upset his pail of water
+during the test, he would be greatly handicapped by having to run so far
+in order to replenish the same.
+
+Lined up, they were to be given the word, when a rush would be made for
+the lake, the buckets filled at least up to a line midway that indicated
+a full quart. Then they had to hasten back to the place assigned, being
+careful not to spill a drop of the fluid on penalty of losing marks for
+having less than the quart needed.
+
+Wood had to be quickly gathered, and some sort of fire-place constructed
+where a blaze must be started without the aid of paper. Then the kettles
+were to be seated on the stones, and the first one that had water
+actually boiling, as witnessed by the scout master, would be the victor,
+and the second called "runner-up."
+
+"Ready, all!" called Mr. Garrabrant, and ten eager pair of eyes watched
+him closely; "go!"
+
+Immediately there was a race for the lake. One clumsy scout fell down
+and had to scramble to his feet to take his place at the tail end of the
+procession. Of course the long-legged Lil Artha easily outran all his
+mates. He had scooped up his water and was on the way back before the
+next best arrived.
+
+The wise ones made sure to dip up more than they really needed, so as to
+make allowances for any that might be spilled on the return flight. The
+surplus could be easily tipped out before they set the kettle on the
+fire.
+
+When the whole lot had finally reached the open spot where the
+competition was to be carried out, the picture was a lively one. Mark
+was on hand to take a few snapshots, and catch all the humor of the
+scene.
+
+Now Lil Artha had his fire going, being far in advance of the others. As
+they hustled to get things moving it was only natural that each fellow
+cast jealous glances toward those who were getting along faster. In one
+instance that caused the withdrawal of a competitor, for while paying
+more attention to what Matty Eggleston was doing than his own business,
+Larry Billings upset his kettle. After that he gave up with a grunt, for
+it was the height of folly for him to think of running to the lake for a
+fresh supply.
+
+Two others used all their three matches and failed to get a fire
+started, so they also withdrew.
+
+When Arthur Stansbury placed his kettle on his hastily constructed
+fire-place, long before the rest, it looked as though he had a
+"walkover."
+
+All at once there arose a shout of boyish glee. In starting to get to
+his feet, the long-legged one had, as frequently happened, caught his
+ankles in a hitch, and throwing out one hand to balance he upset the
+kettle, which came near putting out his fire.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant expected to see him leaping toward the far-off lake in
+the hope of being yet in the running. To his surprise, Lil Artha
+snatched up his pail and _ran away from the edge of the water_! Several
+were so astonished at this that they suspended operations for a second
+or two to stare after him.
+
+"Oh! I see what he's after, the sly fellow," laughed Elmer. "He
+remembers the little stream that runs down the side of the hill right
+there, and reaches the lake. It isn't half as far away as the edge of
+the big water. Yes, there he comes, with a grin on his face, and a full
+pail. Good boy, Number Five!"
+
+Once back at his fire, now burning briskly, the tall boy hastened to
+spill some of the contents of his kettle, and then set the latter firmly
+on the stones. Nor did he stop there. He had lost some ground, and
+several had by this time succeeded in catching up with him. So down
+Arthur lay, full on his stomach, where he could blow his fire, and get
+it to burning more savagely, after which he fed it with the best small
+pieces of splintered wood he had been able to pick up.
+
+When a certain number of minutes had elapsed he beckoned to Mr.
+Garrabrant, who, anticipating the summons, had been hovering nearby.
+Together with Elmer, the scout master hurried up.
+
+"The water is boiling all right," he announced, "and Number Five wins.
+But keep going, the balance of you, until we learn who comes in second
+and third."
+
+Matty Eggleston proved an easy second, while Ted Burgoyne edged in just
+ahead of Mark, because, as he claimed, his "blowing apparatus worked
+better."
+
+"But I think we ought to protest that win of Lil Artha," declared Chatz
+Maxfield, although he had been one of the last in the bunch.
+
+"On what grounds?" asked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling, as though he had
+expected to hear something of the sort, though hardly from one who had
+no chance of winning.
+
+"When his kettle upset he didn't go all the way to the lake to fill it
+again, as he ought to have done," said Red Huggins, who had also the ill
+fortune to overturn his tin vessel when the water had begun to steam,
+and who naturally felt a little "sore" as he termed it, because it was
+too late for him to enter again.
+
+"Listen while I read the terms of the competition again," said Mr.
+Garrabrant. "I wrote them down so as to be prepared for any event;
+that's one of our cardinal principles, you know, boys. Here it
+especially states that 'any competitor who upsets his kettle at any time
+during the test may have the privilege of filling the same again from
+the nearest water.'"
+
+"Oh! I didn't think of it that way, sir!" exclaimed Red.
+
+"That's just it," smiled the gentleman. "You failed to grasp all there
+was in that rule, while Arthur analyzed it. He undoubtedly laid his
+plans beforehand, in which he proved himself a true scout, preparing for
+eventualities, even though he may not have expected to meet with such an
+accident. He remembered that little stream, and even the fact that there
+was a small basin scooped out where a pail could be quickly dipped in
+and filled. All the more credit to Arthur for his forethought. He doubly
+deserves the honor he has won, and I congratulate him on his victory. It
+will be an object lesson to the rest of you. In time of peace prepare
+for war. And now we will turn our attention to another test. Perhaps
+some of the rest may excel in that. I want everyone to do his very best,
+and earn marks that will help to take you out of the tenderfoot class
+and make second-class scouts."
+
+It was now the turn of Elmer to interest his camp-mates. He had been
+looking around before this, and laid his plans, so that he was able to
+lead the entire bunch to a neighboring gully, where in the soft mud
+alongside a stream he had discovered several distinctly separate sets of
+animal tracks.
+
+Here he pointed out to them the marked difference between the trail of a
+muskrat from that of a mink, and even went so far as to tell a number of
+things which the latter cautious animal had probably done in his passage
+down the ravine in search of food.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant listened carefully himself, and nodded approvingly from
+time to time, to show how much he liked Elmer's way of reasoning.
+
+"You can see, boys," he remarked finally, when the lesson was over for
+that occasion, "what a vast amount of mighty interesting information can
+be drawn from so simple a sign as the spoor of a little slender-bodied
+mink. Elmer has made a study of the animal, and knows his ways to a dot.
+I think he described all that the mink did on his way along here, just
+as it actually occurred. And the deeper one dips into such woods' lore,
+the more fascinating it is found. All around you are dozens of things
+that strike the educated eye as deeply interesting and worthy of study,
+but which would never be seen by the tenderfoot. And it is this power of
+observation that we wish our boy scouts to employ constantly. Once the
+fever takes hold, a new life opens up for the lover of Nature."
+
+After that they busied themselves around the camp doing various things
+until lunch time. About the middle of the afternoon three relays, of two
+boys each, were sent out in as many different directions. They were not
+to take paper or pencil along, but simply to try to impress various
+interesting things they happened to meet with, upon their memories, and
+after they had returned to camp they would be given a chance to note
+these down on paper. The one of each pair who could excel in his
+description as to the number and interest of the things seen, would
+receive merit marks. And later on the three victors might be pitted
+against each other again.
+
+While the six boys were absent, for they had a couple of hours in which
+to accomplish their end, those left in camp found plenty to do. Mark
+spent some time in developing the films he had exposed thus far, having
+a daylight developing bath along with him. In this way he could find a
+possible chance to duplicate any pictures that, for some unknown cause,
+failed to do justice to the subject. If he waited until they returned
+home to get to work, the chances would have gone forever.
+
+Everybody seemed happy but Ted Burgoyne, and he went about with an
+expression of gloom on his face that of course may have been assumed.
+
+"Didn't think you took it to heart so, Ted," remarked Elmer, as he
+confronted the other, while the rest of the stay-at-homes were busily
+debating some question near the camp fire.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed the scowling one, disconsolately; "it ain't about losing
+my chance in that blooming old competition, by falling all over mythelf
+in the thtart! Oh! no, that doethn't bother me one little bit, becauth
+you thee, I just knew I had no chance against thuch a hustler as Lil
+Artha."
+
+"Then your breakfast must have disagreed with you," persisted Elmer,
+"though it's the first time I ever knew you had a weak stomach, Ted."
+
+"You're away off again, partner," grumbled Ted. "Fact ith, to tell the
+honest truth now, like every good scout ought to do, you're all too
+plagued healthy a bunch to thuit me, that'th what."
+
+"What's that--healthy?" remarked Elmer, and then a faint grin began to
+creep over his face, as he caught on to the meaning of the words. "Oh! I
+see now; your heart's just set on doing good to others, ain't it? You
+dream of binding up cuts, and putting soothing liniment on bruises. And
+so far, not one of the boys has had the kindness to fall down the rocks,
+cut himself with the ax, or even get such a silly thing as a headache.
+It's a shame, that's what it is, Ted!"
+
+"Well, you can poke fun all you want," grumbled the would-be surgeon,
+with an obstinate shake of his head, "but after a fellowth gone to all
+the trouble to lay in a thtock of medicine, and studied up on cuts and
+bruises and all thuch things till he just feels bristling all over with
+valuable knowledge, it'th mean of the fellowth to take thuch good care
+of their precious fingers and toes. What d'ye suppose I'm going to do
+for a thubject, if this awful drought keepth on? Why, I don't believe
+fourteen wild boys ever kept together tho long before, without lots of
+things happening that would be just pie for a fellow of my build. Now--"
+
+But the lamentations of poor Dr. Ted were interrupted at this point, so
+Elmer never really knew just how far the matter went, or if after all it
+were a joke.
+
+Toby Jones had sprang to his feet, showing the utmost excitement, and
+dancing around as though he had suddenly sat upon a wasp's nest.
+
+"What ails the fellow?" remarked Elmer; "he seems to be pointing up at
+the top of the mountain, as if he saw something there. Well, I declare,
+if that doesn't just beat the Dutch now; and to think that it was Toby,
+the boy who is wild over aviation, who first discovered it"; and
+meanwhile Toby had found his voice to shriek: "A balloon! look at the
+balloon, would you, fellows? And she's coming right down here into my
+hungry arms! Oh! glory! such great luck!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE LOST SKY TRAVELER.
+
+
+HALF a dozen boys started to cry out at once, as they stared at the
+great bulky object that was apparently settling down, after passing
+around a spur of the mountain above.
+
+"She's coming right at us, fellows!" shouted one.
+
+"Ain't that a pilot hanging to the old basket?" demanded a second.
+
+"Nixy it ain't, Jasper. Go get your glasses, so you can see better. That
+basket is plumb empty, and that's a fact. The bally old balloon's
+deserted, boys!" Lil Artha declared, and as he was known to have
+particularly trustworthy vision, the balance of the group accepted his
+word as the right thing.
+
+Apparently the balloon had been steadily losing gas of late, for the
+enormous bag had a collapsed look. It seemed to have gotten into some
+circular current of air, once beyond the mountain, for it kept moving
+around in spirals, all the time dropping slowly but positively. So that
+unless a new breeze caught it, the chance seemed to be that it would
+actually alight on the shore of the lake, close to the camp.
+
+"Get ready to man the boats if it falls in the lake, boys!" called Mr.
+Garrabrant, who recognized the fact that such a balloon must be worth
+considerable to his little troop in the way of salvage, and was
+determined to do what he could to save it from sinking out of sight.
+
+But in the end it managed to drop on the pebbly beach. The very first to
+touch the collapsed gas bag was the exuberant Toby Jones, wild with
+delight over this remarkable happening that had come to him.
+
+"I claim it by right of discovery, and the first to lay a hand on the
+balloon!" he shouted, as he fondly ran his fingers along the strong
+material of which the air vessel was constructed.
+
+"Where on earth could it have come from?" more than one of the boys
+asked, as they surveyed the immense girth of silken cloth with wondering
+eyes.
+
+"There's a circus over at Warrendale," announced Ted. "Perhaps she broke
+away from there in a wind storm, or else bucked the aviators out. Whew!
+think of tumbling down hundreds of feet! Guess I couldn't 'a' been of
+much use around there, if that's what happened to the air navigators;
+the more the pity," and Ted actually looked discontented, as though
+another golden opportunity had slipped past him.
+
+"Sounds like a good guess, Ted," remarked Elmer; "but there happen to be
+several things to knock it silly."
+
+"As what?" demanded the boy with the long legs, who always wanted to be
+shown.
+
+"For instance, you know where Warrendale lies, off to the east from
+here," the scout leader explained, in the most accommodating way
+possible, "while this thing must have come from the west! You saw it
+sail over the mountain up there, and we've been having constant west
+winds for several days now. Isn't that so, Mr. Garrabrant?"
+
+"Every word of it, Elmer," replied the gentleman, who was never happier
+than when listening to this wide-awake scout substantiating his claim.
+
+"And besides, here's a name sewed to the balloon--_Republic_! Seems to
+me, sir, I've seen that name before. Unless I'm away off it was one of
+the big gas bags entered for that long-distance endurance race, which
+was to come off away out in St. Louis, or somewhere along the
+Mississippi River."
+
+"Oh! my, just to think of it, fellows!" gasped Toby, his face fairly
+aglow with overwhelming delight, while he continued to fondle the
+material of which the collapsible balloon was constructed, as though he
+might be almost worshiping the same.
+
+"Why, that's hundreds and hundreds of miles away!" declared another
+incredulous one.
+
+"Don't seem possible, does it, that a balloon could sail that far?" a
+third had the temerity to remark, when Toby turned upon him instantly,
+saying:
+
+"Say, you don't read the papers, do you? If you did you'd know that in a
+drifting race a balloon went all the way without touching ground from
+St. Louis up into New England, while another passed over into Canada
+away up above Quebec, and won the race. Others fell near Baltimore, and
+such places. There can't be any doubt about it, boys, this wanderer has
+drifted all the way from the old Mississippi. But whatever could have
+become of her crew?"
+
+The thought saddened them for the time being, but it was difficult for
+Toby to subdue the excitement under which he was laboring.
+
+"Oh! if I only knew how to manufacture gas so as to fill her up again,
+mebbe I wouldn't like to take a spin, and surprise the Hickory Ridge
+people, though! Think how my dad's eyes would bulge out, fellows, when I
+landed right in his dooryard, and asked how ma was? Ted, you know lots
+of things--can't you tell me how to make hot air?"
+
+Ted did not answer, only grinned and looked toward Lil Artha so very
+suggestively that the rest burst out into a howl, for the long-legged
+boy was known to be something of an orator, who could speak for half an
+hour if warmed up to his subject.
+
+"None for sale!" remarked that individual, promptly, whereat Toby
+pretended to be grievously disappointed, for he gave the tall boy a look
+of scorn, saying:
+
+"There he goes again, fellows; declining to make a martyr of himself for
+the sake of science. Why, I even heard Dr. Ted offering to sew on his
+finger again so neat that no one could tell where it had been separated,
+and would you believe it, Lil Artha was mean enough to abjectly decline?
+But I'm going to think over it, and if I can only fill this big bag with
+gas I'll leave camp on a little foraging expedition, to bring back more
+grub. For Ginger is eating us out of house and home, ain't he, Mr.
+Garrabrant?"
+
+So they laughed and joked as they continued to gather around the balloon
+that had seemingly dropped from the skies. Elmer alone was thoughtful.
+He could not but wonder what the story connected with the _Republic_
+might be. Had the brave pilot and his assistant been thrown out in some
+storm which they were endeavoring to ride out? If that proved true, then
+the history of the fallen balloon must be a tragic one.
+
+Under the direction of the scout master they dragged the tremendous bag,
+now emptied of its gaseous contents, and piled it up close to the camp.
+When the time came for the return trip possibly they might find some
+means for transporting the balloon to the home town, and when the fact
+of its discovery was published in the great New York dailies, the name
+of Hickory Ridge would become famous.
+
+This new event afforded plenty of topics for conversation. As usual the
+boys argued the matter pro and con. They even took sides, and debated
+with considerable heat the various phases of the happening.
+
+Some of them got out paper and pencil to figure just how many hours it
+might take a balloon to come all the way from St. Louis for instance,
+granting that a westerly breeze prevailed. All sorts of ideas prevailed
+as to the number of miles an hour the wind had blown, ranging from five
+to fifty.
+
+In the end, after all theories had been ventilated, the boys were no
+nearer a solution of the mystery than before, only it seemed now to be
+the consensus of opinion that the _Republic_ must have been entered in
+some race, and possibly away out on the bank of the mighty river that
+divides our republic almost in half.
+
+"About time some of our strollers turned up, I should think," remarked
+Mr. Garrabrant, as he and Elmer sat in front of the tents, listening to
+the jabbering of the disputants, though all the argument was carried on
+in good temper.
+
+"Speak of an angel, and you hear its wings," laughed the scout leader,
+as a shrill halloo came from the woods close by.
+
+Two of the boys who had gone forth to observe such things as they came
+across, presently appeared in camp. They looked tired and hungry, and
+began to sniff the appetizing odors that were beginning to permeate the
+camp, for several messes of beans were cooking, and Ginger was employed
+in preparing a heap of big onions for a grand fry that would just about
+fill the bill, most of the boys thought.
+
+But while the incidents accompanying their long walk and climb were
+still fresh in their memories they were made to sit down alone, and
+write a list of those things they could recall, and which had impressed
+them most of all.
+
+Presently two more weary pilgrims came in sight, limping along, and only
+too glad to get back safe and sound. Ted kept an eager watch and tally
+as they made their appearance. His face was seen to drop several degrees
+when, in answer to the solicitous inquiries of the scout master, they
+reported no accidents, and all sound.
+
+"There goeth another golden opportunity!" Ted exclaimed, shaking his
+head in real or assumed disgust. "I never thaw thuch ungrateful fellers
+in all my life. Why, it begins to look like _nobody_ would even get a
+finger thcratched. I expect after all I'll just have to get Tom Cropthey
+to let me pull that tooth of hith that aches like thixty. I hate to come
+down to it, but thomething's got to be done to thave the country!"
+
+"It don't hurt now, I tell you," remonstrated Tom. "You needn't go to
+coaxin' me any more, because I tell you right off that I ain't meanin'
+to have it out when it acts decent like. Wait till she gets me goin'
+again, anyhow. And that's straight off the reel, take it or leave it."
+
+The second couple were likewise settled off, each fellow by himself, and
+the balance of the troop ordered not to disturb the train of their
+thoughts until both had jotted down the smallest item that they had
+noticed. In the end the papers would be read aloud, and many interesting
+things be disclosed, showing what a fund of knowledge there lies all
+around one at any time, if only he chooses to take notice of the same.
+
+"That leaves only Red and Larry to be heard from," remarked Mr.
+Garrabrant, who believed he had great reason to congratulate himself, as
+well as his boys, on the fact that thus far so little had happened to
+cause trouble, no matter how much the ambitious, and only too willing,
+doctor-surgeon might bewail his hard luck.
+
+"They ought to be coming soon, sir, because it won't be long before
+dusk now. And I don't think either of those boys would care to be lost
+up here after nightfall," Elmer observed, listening as though he fancied
+he had caught some suggestive sound up the steep slope, that might
+betray the coming of the last pair.
+
+"I wonder did any of the others happen to see them?" said the scout
+master. "Here comes the first couple, having finished their task. This
+way, boys, please; I want to ask if either of you in the course of your
+wanderings happened to run across Oscar Huggins and Larry Billings? They
+are the only missing scouts, and as the hour is growing late, I would
+like to get a point as to where they may be."
+
+Neither of the returned ones, however, could give him the least
+information, nor was he able to succeed any better when he asked the
+other couple. Apparently the absent pair must have taken a course
+entirely different from any of their comrades.
+
+The twilight now began to gather under the shelter of the high mountain,
+and Mr. Garrabrant looked a bit worried. If the boys had been
+unfortunate enough as to lose themselves, he knew that they had taken
+plenty of matches along, and moreover they had been instructed in
+various devices whereby they might communicate with their comrades, by
+waving a burning torch, for instance, from some high elevation, certain
+movements standing for letters in the Morse code, as used by the Signal
+Corps of the army.
+
+"I think I hear voices up yonder, sir," remarked Elmer, coming up behind
+the scout master, who was watching the finishing preparations for supper
+that were going on at the several fires.
+
+"Yes, I thought so myself, and what you say, Elmer, makes me more
+positive," Mr. Garrabrant observed, a smile taking the place of the
+grave look on his handsome face. "Yes, there they come yonder, looking
+as tired as the others. And it may be that I deceive myself, but it
+strikes me both lads seem to be greatly excited over something or other.
+I sincerely hope nothing has happened to injure them. I notice no limp
+in their gait, and each seems to have the full use of both arms. What
+can have happened to them now?"
+
+"At any rate we'll soon know, sir, for here they are," said Elmer,
+encouragingly, as Red and Larry limped up to the camp, and with sundry
+grunts sank upon a log as if to signify how utterly exhausted they might
+be.
+
+"But tired or not, sir, we're just ready to go out again with you, after
+we've had some supper," declared Red, to the utter wonderment of the
+clustering scouts.
+
+"Then I was right in my surmise, and you _have_ run across something out
+of the common, boys?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir," Red promptly replied, "we certainly have; and many times we
+felt mad to think we came away to get help instead of staying there, and
+trying ourselves to investigate, so as to find out what the groans meant
+we heard coming from that lonely hut!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A BLAZED TRAIL.
+
+
+THERE was a chorus of exclamations from the gathered scouts, when they
+heard Red express himself in this startling way. Eyes grew round with
+wonder, and more than one lad almost held his breath, as he waited to
+catch further particulars of the strange happening that had befallen
+their two chums during their tramp.
+
+"Where was this at, Oscar?" asked the scout master, quickly, alive to
+the importance of ascertaining all there was to be made known.
+
+"I think it must have been all of a mile and a half from here, sir,"
+returned Red, who seldom heard his real name mentioned save in school or
+at home.
+
+"And the way is mighty rough, too, sir," Larry put in, rubbing his chin
+as if it might pain him somewhat, which action caused Ted to grin, and
+nod his head.
+
+"Thee you later, Larry," he muttered. "I bet you now, I don't let thith
+chance get away from me. That boy'th badly hurt, and just won't
+acknowledge it, but wait till Dr. Ted geth hold of him, that'th what."
+
+"Do you think you can lead us back there, in case we make up our minds
+to go to-night after supper?" Mr. Garrabrant continued.
+
+"Easy, sir," came the answer, in confident tones. "You see, we made it a
+point to mark the trail as we came along, by cutting the trunks of
+trees, and breaking branches so as to catch the eye. Elmer was telling
+us lately how he did once when lost in the timber in Canada, the 'bush'
+he called it, and we remembered."
+
+"That's just fine, Oscar," commented the scout master, as though pleased
+at so great a show of forethought in two of his charges. "It shows what
+this business is already doing for all of you--teaching you to use your
+heads at any and all times. That was well done, and I imagine we'll have
+little or no difficulty in tracing your progress back, even if you are
+too tired to accompany us, for we will have Elmer along."
+
+"Oh! but I'm bound to go, if I have to drag my game leg behind me,"
+asserted Red. "You see, both of us feel sore over coming away without
+trying longer to find out what it was groaning so in that cabin, and we
+want to make good."
+
+"Does it hurt you _very_ much, Red?" asked the solicitous Ted, coming up
+with a face that seemed marked with feeling.
+
+"Sure it does, Ted," replied the other, promptly, "and I'm going to ask
+you to rub some liniment on right away. Reckon I just sprained it a
+little, slipping down the side of the mountain."
+
+"Good for you, Red!" ejaculated the pleased amateur surgeon, as he
+clasped the other by the arm. "Come right along with me, and I'll fix
+you up in a jiffy. Only too glad to be of thervice. And Red, you're the
+only gentleman--" he suddenly paused, gave one smiling look around at
+the frowning faces of his mates, and then completed his sentence: "who
+hath applied to me for treatment. I'll never forget this kindneth,
+never!"
+
+"Hold on!" remarked the scout master. "We must know a little more about
+this matter before you drag your patient away; though of course we
+expect him to survive the treatment. Tell us about the lone cabin,
+Oscar. How did you happen on it?"
+
+"We had turned," Red started to say, "and were heading toward home, when
+all of a sudden I thought I heard a plain human groan. Larry said he had
+caught some sort of sound, too. So we began to advance in that
+direction, going slow-like, because you see we didn't know what sort of
+trickery we might be up against. Then we caught sight of a cabin that
+was half hidden among the trees and bushes."
+
+"Ugh!" Larry broke in with, "it just gave us both the creeps, sir, to
+see how awful lonely the old place looked, run down and neglected like.
+If Chatz had been along, he'd sure have believed his pet ghost lived
+there."
+
+"But surely two sensible chaps like you and Oscar wouldn't think of such
+a thing as that?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Oh! no, sir," replied Red, after shooting a swift look toward his
+comrade in misery. "But you see, the groans kept on acomin' out of that
+window, and we could hear voices too. We didn't hardly now what to do,
+go on and knock at the door, or hurry back here to report. Larry, he
+gave me a cold chill, I admit sir, when he just accidentally said that
+it might be a ease of smallpox in that hut--you know there were some
+cases this last spring to the north of the Ridge."
+
+"And after talking it over, you decided that the wisest thing to be done
+was to make your way to camp, and throw the responsibility on my
+shoulders?" said the scout master. "Well, perhaps it was far better you
+did this than take chances. I have no doubt but what you might have
+adopted a different course if you had not had help near by."
+
+"Yes, sir, that's just what I said to Larry--that you'd know best what
+ought to be done; but that if we were all alone in the region, we'd
+just have to go up to the door and knock."
+
+"And so you set out to reach camp as fast as you could?" continued Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"That's what we did sir, and in such a hurry that several times we
+slipped and barked our shins, while I got a jar when I tumbled."
+
+"Oh! I'll fix that all right, in three thhakes of a lam'th tail, if
+you'll only come over to my tent," said Ted, tugging at the arm of each
+returned wanderer.
+
+And unable to resist his urgent plea, they allowed him to lead them
+away. Later on when they once more appeared, as supper was announced by
+the assembly call, the pair of wounded scouts admitted that Dr. Ted had
+indeed done wonders, inasmuch that their pains had miraculously
+vanished, and they felt able to undertake the rough journey again--after
+they had broken their fast.
+
+There was much speculation during the meal as to whom Mr. Garrabrant
+would select to accompany him on his trip. Of course Elmer was a
+foregone conclusion, as his natural ability along the line of following
+a blazed trail might come in pat.
+
+But the scout master settled all doubts by announcing toward the close
+of the meal that he wished Red, Elmer, Arthur, Dr. Ted (in case his
+services were needed), Jack Armitage and Ty Collins to accompany him.
+
+No one murmured, for they knew it would do no good. Larry started to ask
+why he had been left out; but Mr. Garrabrant had noted his pallor, and
+understood that he did not possess the sturdy physique his comrade of
+the tramp boasted, and on that account had better remain in camp.
+
+Another thing some of the observing lads noticed, and this was the fact
+that as a rule those selected, outside of Dr. Ted, were the strongest
+in the troop. Perhaps, then, Mr. Garrabrant might anticipate trouble of
+some sort, and wished to have a healthy band of scouts at his back,
+especially since none of them carried arms of any kind--though the scout
+master really did have a revolver secreted in his bag, which, unseen by
+any of the boys, he now made sure to hide on his person.
+
+There could be no telling what they might find themselves up against.
+Rumor had it that certain hard characters at one time made their
+headquarters somewhere up in the woods around the lakes, and who could
+say that the lone cabin might not prove to be a nest of yeggmen or
+hoboes?
+
+"How does your thprain feel; think you can thtand it?" asked Ted of Red,
+as they got up from around the fire and prepared to sally forth on their
+mission of mercy.
+
+"If you hadn't reminded me of it just then, I'd sure never have thought
+I had a game leg," remarked the other. "You're all to the good when it
+comes to doctoring a fellow, Ted; if only you wouldn't talk so much
+about sawing off legs and all such awful things."
+
+"Well, I'll be along in ease you feel it again, and I'll make thure to
+carry a tin of that magic liniment," remarked the ambitious surgeon, as
+he reentered the tent, to make up a little package of things he thought
+might come in handy in case they found some one sick in the hut.
+
+Meanwhile, acting on the suggestion of Elmer, the other boys selected
+such stout canes and cudgels as lay around camp.
+
+"Be prepared!" grinned Lil Artha, as he swung a particularly dangerous
+looking club around his head until it fairly whistled through the air.
+"That's the motto of the Boy Scouts, and I reckon it applies in a case
+of this kind, just as much as when stopping a runaway horse. I'm
+prepared to give a good account of myself, that's dead certain."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had fetched out a couple of lanterns, making sure that
+the oil receptacles were well filled, so that they would last through
+the journey, going and returning.
+
+"Now we're off, boys," he remarked, with a pleasant smile. "The rest of
+you stay here and look close after the camp. I've appointed Mark
+Cummings to serve in my place while I'm gone, and shall expect every
+scout to pay him just as much respect as though I were present. Lead
+off, Oscar, we're with you."
+
+Red took up his place at the head of the little bunch. He carried one of
+the lanterns with which he cast sufficient light ahead to see where he
+was going.
+
+"First to take you to the seven sentry chestnuts," he said. "We named
+'em that, of course, when we came on 'em. The blazed trail commences
+right there, sir. We didn't think it worth while to do any more slicing
+of bark after that, because we knew we could easy enough find our way
+back to that place."
+
+And he did lead the party to the seven chestnuts, with only one or two
+periods of hesitation, during which he had to puzzle things out.
+
+"There's the first blaze on that oak yonder," he remarked, pointing as
+he spoke. "We tried to make the marks close enough so as to show by
+lantern light, because we both had an idea you'd want to come on before
+morning, sir."
+
+Elmer was at the side of the leader by this time, prepared to lend his
+experience in case the other ran up against a snag. He took especial
+note of the general direction in which the numerous blazes seemed to
+run. And when presently Red confessed that he was "stumped" if he could
+see where the next mark ought to be, Elmer had them hold up while he
+walked forward in the quarter where, on general principles, he imagined
+the blaze should be. And in another minute his soft "cooee" told his
+comrades that he had, sure enough, found the missing mark.
+
+Many times did Red have to fall back on Elmer to help him out. His
+blazes had apparently been further apart than he had realized at the
+time he made them. But the boy who had lived in Canada, and experienced
+all sorts of frontier life, knew just how to go about making the needed
+discovery; and in every instance success rewarded his efforts.
+
+"We're getting close to the place now," Red finally announced, as he
+limped along, refusing to allow Ted the privilege of rubbing his
+strained leg again, because he did not want to waste the time.
+
+"Then you recognize some of the landmarks?" suggested Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir, I do that," came the confident reply. "In another five
+minutes I think we'll be able to see something of that queer cabin that
+is half hidden in the dense undergrowth."
+
+"Perhaps less than five minutes," remarked Elmer, quietly. "Look yonder,
+sir, and you'll just catch a glimpse of what seems to be a tiny speck of
+light. I think that must spring from the window of the hut Red speaks
+of."
+
+"You are right again, Elmer, as always," replied the scout master,
+drawing in a long breath. "Now, forward, slowly, boys. Let no one
+stumble, if it can possibly be avoided; for we do not know what we may
+be up against. But if there is anyone suffering in that cabin, it is our
+duty to investigate, no matter what the danger. Elmer, lead the way with
+me, please."
+
+Cautiously they crept forward, foot by foot. Doubtless many a heart beat
+faster than ordinary, because there was a certain air of mystery
+hovering over the whole affair, and they could imagine a dozen separate
+strange sights that might meet their vision once they peeped into the
+little window of that isolated cabin.
+
+But no one would ever confess that such a thing as fear tugged at the
+strings of his heart. Already the discipline they had been under since
+joining the scout movement was bearing fruit; timidity was put aside
+with a stern hand, and keeping in a bunch they advanced until presently
+those in the lead were able to rise up from hands and knees, glueing
+their eager eyes upon the little opening through which came the light
+that had guided them to the spot.
+
+And right then and there they heard a groan, so full of suffering and
+misery that it went straight to the heart of every boy who had been
+drafted by the scout master to accompany him on this strange night
+errand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+WHAT THE LONE CABIN CONTAINED.
+
+
+WHEN Elmer Chenowith looked through that opening, what he saw was so
+entirely different from what he had anticipated discovering that he
+could hardly believe his eyes at first.
+
+With all the fancy of a boy, who gives free rein to his imagination,
+doubtless he had fully expected to discover several gruff-looking hoboes
+gathered there, perhaps engaged in torturing one of their kind, or some
+wretched party who had fallen into their power.
+
+Nothing of the sort. The very first object Elmer saw was a small boy,
+dressed in ragged clothes, and who was trying to blow a dying fire into
+life again.
+
+This did not look very alarming; and so Elmer cast his eyes further
+afield, with the result that presently another moving object riveted his
+attention. Why, surely that must be a girl, for her long hair seemed to
+indicate as much! What was she bending over? Was that a rude cot?
+
+Then the strange truth burst upon Elmer like a cannon shot. The
+groans--they must indicate that a sick person lay there, and these two
+small children (for the boy could not be over six, while the girl might
+be eight) were trying to carry out the combined duties of nurse, doctor
+and cook!
+
+"Oh!"
+
+It was Red himself who gave utterance to this low exclamation. He was
+peering in at the opening over the shoulder of Mr. Garrabrant, and what
+he saw was so vastly different from his expectations that he received a
+severe "jolt," as he himself afterwards expressed it.
+
+Perhaps the sound, low as it was, reached the ears of the little girl
+guardian of the sick bed. They saw her give a jump, and immediately a
+pair of startled blue eyes were staring in the direction of the opening.
+
+"Come!" said Mr. Garrabrant to his boys, "there is no need of any more
+secrecy. I think we are needed here, and badly, too."
+
+He led the way around the corner of the lone lodge, with the scouts
+tagging at his heels, only too willing to follow. Reaching the door of
+the cabin they were about to enter, when Mr. Garrabrant uttered an
+exclamation of alarm.
+
+"Get on to the girl, would you?" gasped Lil Artha; and there was no need
+of his attempting to explain, since his chums could see for themselves.
+
+Small though she was, the girl had snatched up a long-barreled gun, and
+was now actually menacing the intruders. Her white face had a desperate
+look upon it, as though at some time in the past the child had been
+warned that there were bad men to be met with in those woods. As for the
+little chap, he had hold of the hatchet with which at the time he must
+have been cutting kindling wood; for he clutched it in his puny hand,
+and looked like a dwarfed wildcat at bay.
+
+Elmer, as long as he lived, would never forget that picture. And as for
+the other boys, not one of them could so much as utter a single word.
+
+"Hold on, my child!" cried Mr. Garrabrant, raising his hands to show
+that they did not hold any sort of weapon; "we are friends, and would be
+only too glad to be of help to you. One of us is something of a doctor,
+if it happens that anyone is sick here. Please let us come in."
+
+Perhaps it was the kindly look of the handsome young scout master--then
+again his voice may have influenced the frightened girl; or the fact
+that those in the open doorway were mostly boys might have had
+considerable to do with it. Then again that magical word "doctor" must
+have thrilled her through and through.
+
+The gun fell to the floor, and the relieved girl burst into a flood of
+tears.
+
+"It's dad!" she cried, moving a hand toward the rude cot behind her; and
+as the eyes of the boys flitted thither again, they saw a bearded and
+very sick looking man trying to raise himself up on his elbow.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant immediately went toward him, uttering reassuring words,
+that no doubt did much to relieve the alarm of the occupant of the rude
+bed. Wisely had the long-headed scout master caused one of the boys to
+carry some food along, not knowing what necessity might arise. He saw
+that hunger was holding sway in this lone cabin as well as sickness. And
+while Red started the fire to going, Ty Collins proceeded to unwrap the
+package of meat and bread, as well as the coffee and tea he had "toted"
+all the way from camp.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant with a few questions learned the simple story. The man
+was a charcoal burner in the summer season, while he pursued the arduous
+labor of a lumberman in the winter. A few months before his wife had
+suddenly died, leaving him with these two small but very independent
+children.
+
+Abe Morris, his name was, while the boy carried that of Felix; and
+whenever the cabin dweller spoke of the girl it was always as "Little
+Lou." He had hated to leave the retired home where he had spent so many
+pleasant years, and near which his wife was buried. And so he had
+managed to get along, with the girl cooking his meals and playing the
+part of housekeeper wonderfully well; while even Felix could do his
+stunt of gathering firewood and looking after a few simple traps in
+which he caught muskrats.
+
+When the boys heard that this small edition of a lad had been able to
+actually outwit the shrewd animals of the marsh, they looked at each
+other in dismay, as though wondering whether he might not have a better
+right to the title of scout that any among them.
+
+Things had gone fairly well with the widower until a week back, when an
+accident had brought him almost to death's door. Managing to drag
+himself home, he had swooned from loss of blood. Since that time he had
+suffered tortures, more of the mind than of the body, since he dreaded
+the thought of what would become of his children should death claim him.
+
+They had done wonderfully well. When Dr. Ted got busy, he praised the
+simple but clever work of that eight-year-old girl, in binding up such a
+severe wound. Perhaps Little Lou may have learned how to do this from
+the mother who was gone, or it might be it came just natural to her.
+When children live away from the world, and are forced to depend upon
+themselves for everything, it is amazing how they can do things that
+would puzzle those twice their age, when pampered in comfortable homes.
+Necessity forces them to reach out and attempt things, just as she
+teaches the child to use its limbs, and utter sounds.
+
+Once they realized that these were kind friends who had come so
+opportunely to their rescue, Felix and Little Lou found their voices,
+and proved that they could talk, as Lil Artha put it, "a blue streak."
+
+And when they sat down to a supper such as they had not tasted for many
+a day, both of the children of the charcoal burner were comparatively
+happy. As for the man himself, he wrung the hands of Mr. Garrabrant and
+each of the Boy Scouts as they took their leave, calling down blessings
+on their heads for what they had done.
+
+"We're going to see you through, Abe," the scout master had said
+positively. "We intend being up here ten days or so, and during that
+time I fully expect our Dr. Ted will be able to have you hobbling around
+again. Then you've got to come down to Hickory Ridge when we send a
+vehicle of some sort up here for you. This is no place for a man to
+think of bringing up two such fine youngsters as you possess. They must
+have a chance to go to school, and I promise you all the work you want,
+so that you can live in or near town. It may have been different so long
+as your good wife was with you, but now it would be next door to a crime
+to think of staying here, even for the balance of the summer. You will
+come, won't you?"
+
+"Sure I will, Mr. Garrabrant!" exclaimed the rough man; who, however,
+used better language than might have been expected. "And it's the
+luckiest day of my whole life when those two lads discovered my shack
+here. Heaven only knows what would have become of us only for that."
+
+They left the queer home in the wilderness with Felix and Little Lou
+waving their hands vigorously after them, standing in the doorway, and
+plainly seen against the firelight behind.
+
+And there was not one among those boys but who felt a warm sensation in
+the region of his heart, such as always comes when a kind deed has been
+performed.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had been greatly affected by the incident; nor did he
+hesitate to express himself warmly on the journey back to the camp,
+which by the way Elmer managed to accomplish without even one error of
+judgment, much to the admiration of his chums, who watched his actions
+eagerly, desirous of picking up points calculated to enhance their
+reputation as scouts.
+
+"Boys, you may have made other tramps, going skating, hunting, playing
+baseball, and the like; but take my word for it, you never acquitted
+yourselves better than on this night. I'm proud of every one of you, and
+I thank you in the name of poor Abe Morris. And if there happens to be
+anyone here who has been wearing his badge upside down through the day,
+because he failed to find a chance to do anybody a good turn, I hereby
+give him full permission to set it right."
+
+"Hurrah! that touches me, sir!" exclaimed Jack Armitage. "I've been
+wondering all along just how in the wide world I was going to find a
+chance to do my little kind deed stunt. There ain't any old ladies to
+help across the street up here; and dooryards to clear up of trash are
+as scarce as hens' teeth. But you've eased my mind a heap, Mr.
+Garrabrant. Perhaps you'll let me do some of the running over to Abe's
+cabin each day, to carry him supplies. That sturdy little chap just took
+my eye, and when I get back home I'm going to get father to give Abe a
+job in his flooring mill."
+
+"That's nice of you, Jack," replied the pleased scout master. "And it
+does your heart credit. Between us all, it will be very strange if we
+can't fix up that little family, and bring some happiness to their bleak
+home. Think of those two brave kiddies keeping house for their father
+amid such desolate surroundings. No wonder they made me think of a pair
+of wildcats ready to defend their den as we bustled in. They seldom see
+a living soul but their father, now that the mother has been laid away.
+But we must be nearly back at camp, I should judge, Elmer? At any rate,
+I admit that I'm beginning to feel leg weary, not being used to this
+work of tramping over the side of a rough mountain."
+
+"But just think of Red, here, thir," broke in Dr. Ted, who had a helping
+arm around the lame member of the expedition. "He thure detherves a
+medal for what he's done. Tramping all thith distance with that thore
+ankle ith--well, I wath going to thay heroic, but I guess he wouldn't
+like that. Anyhow, I think pretty much all the credit ought to go to
+Red."
+
+"Now, just you hold your horses there!" declared the party in question,
+trying to repress a groan, as he had a rude twinge of pain shoot up his
+left leg. "I owe all this to myself, and more, because I made the
+mistake of running off without finding out what that groan meant. I've
+wanted to kick myself ever since. It ain't often I play the part of a
+sneak, and it makes me sore. So whenever my leg hurts I just grin and
+say to myself: 'Serves you right, you coward, for running away, instead
+of investigating, like a true scout should have done!'"
+
+"You are too severe on yourself, Oscar," remarked Mr. Garrabrant,
+soothingly; for he knew the impulsive and warm-hearted nature of the boy
+who was taking himself so much to task. "When your companion suggested
+that perhaps there was a case of smallpox in that hut, it was your duty
+to come to me and report, rather than take the awful responsibility on
+your young shoulders. And I mean to see to it that you get many good
+marks for what you have done this night--not you alone, but every boy
+who accompanied me on this errand of mercy."
+
+"There's the camp fire, sir!" exclaimed Elmer, at this moment.
+
+"I bet you Redth glad to see it, poor old chap!" remarked Dr. Ted.
+
+"Shucks! I reckon I could have stood it a little while longer!" declared
+the limping one; but when he presently reached the home camp, and sank
+down on a blanket, the pain he had been silently enduring all the return
+trip was too much for him, and Red actually fainted.
+
+Of course he was quickly brought to, and Dr. Ted looked to the injured
+limb.
+
+"You'll have to lie around pretty much all the balance of the time we're
+run up in thith neck of the woodth, old fellow," was his announcement;
+which dictum made Red do what the pain had failed to accomplish, groan
+dismally.
+
+Of course those who had been left behind were fairly clamorous to know
+what had happened. So sitting there by the crackling fire, with all
+those bright and eager faces surrounding him, the scout master, assisted
+at times by Elmer, Ted or Lil Artha, described their long jaunt over the
+grim mountainside, the finding of the lone cabin, just as Red and Larry
+had said, and what wonderful discovery they had made upon peering in
+through the open window.
+
+And every boy felt that a golden opportunity had come to their
+organization that night to live up to the high ideals the Boy Scout
+movement stands for.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WIGWAGGING FROM THE MOUNTAIN PEAK.
+
+
+"IANOTHER fine day for a few more tests, and such things, fellows!" sang
+out Chatz Maxfield, on the following morning, after they had finished
+breakfast.
+
+The night had actually passed without any sign of alarm. Although Chatz
+had fully anticipated a return of his stalking ghost, while he stood out
+his turn as a sentry, he had met with disappointment, for nothing
+happened. Still, he did not wholly give up hope of meeting up with the
+"misty white object" again. The jeers of his mates had begun to take
+effect, and Chatz really wanted to have the thing settled, one way or
+the other, as soon as possible. Either there were such things as ghosts,
+or there were not. And he wished to be convinced, declaring that he was
+open to conviction, if only they could prove to the contrary.
+
+"Yes," remarked Mark Cummings, who was near by, with others of the
+scouts; "and I guess Mr. Garrabrant has laid out a bully and strenuous
+old day for the lot of us, barring Red and Ginger, who are to keep camp.
+He speaks of sending one bunch to the top of Mount Pisgah, as this peak
+is called, while another tries to climb Mount Horab yonder. They ought
+to get up there about noon, and for two hours wigwag to each other,
+sending and receiving messages that are to be kept in books provided for
+the purpose. Then, at night, when we all meet again around the camp
+fire, we'll have heaps of fun, seeing just how stupid we've been in our
+Signal Corps work."
+
+"Don't you forget, Mark," said Red, who was lounging on a log close by,
+"that you promised to let me try a few prints from those negatives you
+developed and fixed. I'm a pretty good hand at that work, so they tell
+me at home, and I'd like to see how we all look up here in camp."
+
+"All right, Red," replied Mark, cheerfully. "You shall do the job, and
+welcome. I've seen some of your work, and it's sure the best ever. I'll
+fix up a place in the tent here, where you can hobble if you want to,
+after you've done your printing and want to fix the pictures."
+
+"But you want to go easy on that leg, remember," warned Dr. Ted, shaking
+a finger at his patient, just as he had seen the old family doctor do
+many a time.
+
+"You and Jack are bound over the side of the mountain to visit the Abe
+Morris family, I heard?" remarked Chatz, speaking to Ted.
+
+"Yeth, it is a professional visit on my part," replied the other,
+pretending to look very dignified. "But Mr. Garrabrant hath promithed
+that everyone of you shall have a turn to accompany me day by day, tho
+ath to make the acquaintance of those two brave kiddies, as he calls
+them, Felix and Little Lou."
+
+"I'm right glad to hear that, suh," remarked Chatz; "from what you all
+tell me, I'm quite anxious to meet up with that boy and girl. And if
+Jack falls through with his plan of getting Abe employment in his
+father's mill, I think I know just where he would fit into a good
+position."
+
+The two companies left camp about eight o'clock. Dr. Ted and Jack
+Armitage waved them good-by, for they too were getting ready to start on
+their errand to the lone cabin in the woods.
+
+Elmer headed one group of scouts, while Mr. Garrabrant had charge of the
+other. They carried plenty of lunch along, though it was expected that
+they would surely be back before evening had set in.
+
+The scout master was not at all positive about his thorough knowledge of
+woodcraft; for as yet it was almost wholly theoretical rather than
+practical with him.
+
+"I am not above getting lost, in spite of my book knowledge," he had
+laughed, as he selected what boys were to accompany him; "and that is
+why I take Matty Eggleston, Mark Cummings, and Arthur Stansbury among my
+followers; because next to Elmer, they are known to possess practical
+ideas concerning this traveling in unknown timber. So good-by, lads;
+we'll look to have a good talk with you across the valley."
+
+So day after day he expected to put the scouts "through their paces," as
+Lil Artha called it. To-day it was to be the great hike to the tops of
+the mountains, and the wigwagging contest between the two factions.
+To-morrow he meant to have Elmer give further lessons along the line of
+following a trail, showing just how an experienced woodsman can tell
+from many sources how long ago the party had passed; the number of which
+it consisted; whether they were men, women or children; white or
+Indians; and even describing some of the marked peculiarities of the
+members comprising it.
+
+Then later on they would have swimming contests; first aid to the
+injured lessons; resuscitating a person who has come near being drowned;
+cooking rivalry; athletics; and many other things connected with the
+open life.
+
+It proved a long and arduous tramp for Elmer and his companions. He had
+had the privilege of choosing which mountain he would attempt to scale,
+and just like an ambitious boy, had selected the one he felt sure would
+be the more difficult.
+
+Those who followed his lead had many times to beg of him to halt and
+take a little breathing spell, for the way was very rough and much
+climbing of rocks had to be done in order to mount upward.
+
+"Wow! are we ever going to get up there?" grunted Toby, who had just
+hated to come on this expedition at all, when he would much rather have
+liked hanging around camp, and examining the deflated balloon; no doubt
+dreaming dreams of the time when he hoped to have the chance to soar
+away among the clouds in one of those gas bags.
+
+"Seems like that mountain top is just nigh as far away from us as ever,"
+complained Larry Billings, who was puffing at a great rate, as he seemed
+to be rather short winded, and had to be taken to task several times for
+his faulty manner of walking.
+
+"Oh! no, you're greatly mistaken there," laughed Elmer. "Distances are
+deceptive in the mountains, to anyone not used to measuring them with
+the eye. Just wait a little, and all at once you're going to realize
+that we're getting up handsomely. Look across the valley, and see how
+high we are right now! That proves it, Larry."
+
+"Hey! what's that moving, away up on that other hill, Elmer?" cried
+Jasper Merriweather, the novice and real tenderfoot of the crowd; who,
+under the careful supervision of the scout leader of the Wolf Patrol,
+was actually doing himself proud, and gaining new confidence in his
+abilities with each passing hour.
+
+Elmer followed the line of his outstretched finger.
+
+"You deserve considerable praise, Jasper, for making that discovery," he
+declared, presently. "I can see what you mean now; though when I looked
+across before I didn't happen to notice. Yes, that's our other squad,
+climbing up just like we are, and not making any better job of it
+either, I think."
+
+"Ho! they ain't near as far up, for a fact," said Nat Scott, with
+pardonable pride, since he had developed into a pretty good climber.
+
+"Well, that mountain is not so tall as ours; but then it may be even
+rougher, for all we know," observed Elmer. "I picked out this one
+because it was so high, and I always want to tackle the hardest job, if
+I've got any choice. It makes you feel all the better if you win out.
+But come on, fellows, let's pitch in. Given one more good hour's work,
+and I think we ought to be pretty near the crown."
+
+"I hope so!" sighed poor Larry, who was puffing still, and rubbing his
+leg where he had hurt it a little on the previous day; though it was
+nothing so bad as Red's injury, aggravated as it had been by his
+stubborn determination to return to the lone hut and accompany the
+relief party.
+
+Once more they struggled upward. Sometimes they found the going so very
+difficult that they were obliged to give each other a helping hand.
+
+Of course the view grew finer the higher they went.
+
+"Say, Elmer," remarked Toby, as they halted later on to get their
+breath; "d'ye suppose now we'll be able to glimpse dear old Hickory
+Ridge when we get up to the top of this mole hill?"
+
+"Sure we will," replied the leader, cheerily. "And that alone ought to
+pay us for all our trouble. We've only been away a couple of days or so,
+but I reckon it seems an age to a lot of us, since we saw the home
+folks."
+
+There was an ominous silence after that remark. Doubtless every scout
+was allowing his thoughts to roam tenderly back to that beloved home
+which he knew sheltered those who were so dear to his heart. And
+possibly, unseen by his fellows, a tear may even have rolled unbidden
+down more than one cheek. For they were but boys, after all, and same of
+them had never even been so far away from the home nest before.
+
+Elmer proved to be a true prophet, for ere the full hour was up even the
+doubting Larry was obliged to confess that they had gained a point not
+far from the summit.
+
+This seemed to inspire the laggards to renewed efforts, so that
+presently, with loud cries of delight and admiration, the whole bunch
+struggled to the apex and had the view of their lives around them.
+
+"Ain't this just too grand for anything?" gasped Larry, as he squatted
+down on a stone and tried to pick out the distant village on the ridge
+where home lay.
+
+The others were doing the same; and all manner of exclamations followed,
+as this one or that discovered familiar landmarks, by means of which
+their untrained eyes could find the one particular spot about which
+their thoughts clustered just then.
+
+It was not far from noon, and when Elmer declared that they had well
+earned the right to eat the hearty luncheon carried along, he was
+greeted with cries of joy: for it was a jolly hungry batch of scouts
+that gathered on that mountain top.
+
+While they ate they discovered that their mates had also managed to
+reach their goal. But no communication was attempted until they had
+thoroughly rested.
+
+Then Mr. Garrabrant started operations himself, after which he probably
+handed the flags over to the scout who was to make the first test of his
+knowledge along the line of wigwagging a message, and receiving a reply.
+
+It proved to be interesting work, and all the boys with Elmer declared
+that it held a peculiar fascination and charm about it. Of course, in
+war times, such business must carry along with it more or less danger.
+They could easily picture how an operator must take great risks first of
+all to mount to some exposed position, where his flag could readily be
+seen, and then keep up a constant signaling with another flagman far
+away, while the enemy would doubtless be making every effort to break up
+the serious communications that might spell disaster for their cause.
+
+"Anyhow, it won't take us near so long to go down the mountain as it did
+to climb up here," remarked Larry, with satisfaction in his voice.
+
+"All the same," remarked Elmer, "every fellow has got to be mighty
+careful just how he goes. No rushing things, you understand. It's easier
+to take a tumble going down than coming up. And we want no more cripples
+on this trip."
+
+About three o'clock they started to descend from the peak. Every boy had
+to just tear himself away, after one last look at the distant ridge that
+lay bathed in the warm sunshine. And no one had a word to say for quite
+a time.
+
+The descent was made in safety, though several times one of the boys
+would slip on a piece of loose shale; and once Larry might have had a
+severe fall only that Elmer, happening to be close beside him at the
+time, shot out a hand and clutched him as he was plunging headlong,
+after catching his heel in a root.
+
+They all breathed a sigh of relief when the bottom of the mountain was
+reached. After that the going was much easier, and they soon drew near
+the camp.
+
+"Wonder if the other fellows made as quick a getdown as we did?"
+remarked Toby, who was hobbling along, footsore, and with his muscles
+paining from the many severe strains they had been compelled to endure
+during the day; but only too glad to realize that he would soon arrive
+where he could once more be in touch with that wonderful sky traveler
+that had so fortunately dropped into their hands.
+
+"I think it will be pretty near a tie," laughed Elmer; "for just a bit
+ago I had a glimpse of them, where the timber opened up, and I judged
+that they were as close to home and supper as we are. Put your best leg
+forward, boys, and don't let on that any of you are near tuckered out.
+Where's your pride, Larry? Brace up, and look as if you felt as fresh as
+a daisy!"
+
+Larry tried to obey; but it was hard to smile when he felt as though he
+had been "drawn through a straw," as he declared.
+
+"Listen!" cried Elmer, five minutes later, throwing up his hand for
+silence.
+
+"It's Ginger, and he's yelling to beat the band!" exclaimed Toby.
+
+"Oh! I wonder what's happened!" gasped Jasper.
+
+"Run for all you're worth, fellows!" said Elmer, starting off himself at
+full speed.
+
+Quickly they broke cover, and neared the camp, to see the other party
+close by, also on the run. Ginger was dancing up and down, still
+whooping things up, while Red stood just outside of a tent looking
+startled and puzzled.
+
+"What's that Ginger's yelling?" called Toby, and it thrilled them as
+they heard.
+
+"'Twar de debble dat time nigh got me! He's gwine tuh grab us all away
+in de chariot ob fire! I'se a gone coon, I is! Runnin' ain't no use;"
+and Ginger threw himself on his knees with clasped hands and rolling
+eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE HAIRY THIEF THAT WALKED ON TWO LEGS.
+
+
+NO wonder the returned scouts stared, hardly daring to believe their
+eyes and ears. Some of them of course thought Ginger might have gone out
+of his head. Only on the preceding night had Elmer been telling them
+what queer antics animals out on the plains go through with, when they
+have been eating the loco weed.
+
+There were a few who seemed to have a hazy suspicion that possibly Red
+might be concerned in this strange fright on the part of poor Ginger.
+True, the boy with the lame leg had apparently just dragged himself out
+of the tent, and the look on his face under that fiery shock of hair
+would indicate astonishment as genuine as their own; but then, how were
+they to know but what this had been assumed?
+
+Mr. Garrabrant, however, made direct for the moaning and wabbling negro,
+who had fallen on his knees, and with clasped hands was bowing back and
+forth in an agony of fear.
+
+"Here, what's the matter with you, Ginger?" he demanded, catching hold
+of the other, and while Ginger gave a little screech at first, upon
+turning his rolling eyes upward he appeared to recognize the genial face
+of the young scout master.
+
+"Oh! Mistah Grabant, am dat youse?" he cried, seizing hold of the
+other's arm. "I'se mighty glad tuh see yuh, suh, 'deed an' I is. Am it
+gone foh suah?"
+
+"What gone?" demanded Mr. Garrabrant, sternly. "See here, Ginger, have
+you kept a black bottle hidden away all this time while we have been in
+camp?" For he had a sudden inspiration that possibly Ginger might be
+addicted to the failing that besets so many of his color.
+
+"'Deed an' 'deed an' I ain't touched a single drap, suh," declared the
+demoralized one; "'clar tuh goodness if I has. It war dar, jes' ober
+yander, whar de box ob crackers am alyin' right now. An' he scolded me,
+suh, foh interferin' wid de liberties he am takin' wid dem provisions,
+dat he did! Ugh! tuh t'ink dat I'd lib tuh set eyes on de Ole Nick!"
+
+"But what makes you think it was Satan? Perhaps it was only some
+wandering hobo who thought he saw a good chance to steal something to
+eat?" and the scout master sought to hold Ginger's roving eyes fastened
+upon his own orbs, so as to rivet his attention, and secure a coherent
+answer to his question.
+
+"Sho! dat was no human animal, suh!" exclaimed Ginger, earnestly. "He
+done hab a cover ob red hair, an' de wickedest grin on his face yuh
+ebber see. Reckon I knows de debble w'en I sees him."
+
+"Well, from what you say, Ginger, this queer visitor seems to have had a
+very human weakness for crackers," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, smiling.
+"Was he carrying that package of biscuit when you saw him first?"
+
+"Yas, suh, dat an' two more ob dem same. He drap it 'case he couldn't
+hold de lot, an' walk away too. Yuh see, suh, I war cleaning some fish
+dat de boys dey fotched in las' ebenin', an' which we nebber use foh
+breakfast dis mornin'. Den I tink I hyah some queer noise in de camp,
+an' I starts up dis a ways. 'Twar den dat de hairy ole critter steps
+outen de store tent, and jabbers at me. I was skeered nigh 'bout stiff,
+suh, 'clar tuh goodness I was."
+
+"Still, you shouted, for we heard you, Ginger!" said Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Reckons I did do sumpin' dat way, boss," admitted the negro, a faint
+grin striving to make its appearance on his ebony face. "Dat was jes'
+when de Ole Harry, he was asteppin' into de bushes, acarryin' two ob de
+boxes ob crackers in his arms."
+
+"Do you mean to say he walked erect, on two legs?" asked the scout
+master.
+
+"Shore he did, suh, right along, ahuggin' de grub wid one arm, an'
+shakin' his fist at me wid de udder."
+
+"Now you talk as though it _must_ have been a man--perhaps a wild man
+who may have been living in these woods for years?" suggested Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+But Ginger shook his head in an obstinate fashion, saying:
+
+"I knows right well dat he wa'n't dat, suh; I'se dead suah 'bout it!"
+
+"But why do you say that; what proof have you it was not some sort of
+man, Ginger?"
+
+"_'Case he done hab a tail, suh!_" cried the other, triumphantly.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and gave Elmer, who was close at his elbow all
+the while, a knowing wink.
+
+"Well," he remarked, "that tail business would seem to settle one thing,
+Ginger. Unless this turns out to be the long-sought Missing Link, our
+visitor could hardly have been a human being. He was evidently an animal
+of _some_ sort. Get that idea of the Old Nick out of your head. Listen
+to me, Ginger, and try to remember; did he say anything to you?"
+
+"Yas, sah, he did, lots!" answered the black man, eagerly.
+
+"Suppose you tell us what it was, then?" suggested the scout master,
+quickly.
+
+"Dar's wha' yuh got me, Mistah Grabant," replied the other,
+reluctantly. "Yuh see, suh, I nebber did git much schoolin' down in
+Virginny, whah I was bawn an' brought up. Nebber did go to college an'
+larn de dead langwidges."
+
+"Oh! then this creature talked to you in Greek, or possibly Hebrew, did
+he? In other words, he chattered in an unknown tongue! Well, how about
+you, Oscar; did you happen to catch a glimpse of Ginger's uninvited
+guest?" and Mr. Garrabrant turned suddenly on Red, as though wishing to
+make positive that this were not a clever trick he might have been
+playing on the terrified black man.
+
+"No, sir," came the ready response. "I was busy inside when I heard
+Ginger give that war whoop! I thought he might have burned himself at
+the fire, and I hurt my game pin like fun when I tried to run out. All I
+saw was the coon down on his marrowbones asinging that same tune about
+the 'debble.' That's all I know, sir, give you my word for it."
+
+"All right, I believe you, Oscar," continued the scout master, plainly
+disturbed by this new mystery that had descended upon the camp, yet
+pretending to make light of it because he did not wish to alarm the boys
+under his charge. "And now, Ginger, can you point out to me just the
+spot where your strange friend vanished?"
+
+"'Deed an' 'deed he ain't no friend ob mine, suh, gibes yuh my word foh
+dat," replied the other, solemnly. "Right ober yandah, suh, whah dem
+bushes hangs low. An' I declars tuh Moses, suh, I don't know right now
+whedder de ugly ole sinner he jes' step intuh de bushes, or go up in a
+cloud ob fire like de prophet ob old."
+
+Several of the more impulsive scouts started to hurry in that direction.
+
+"Stop, boys!" called the scout master instantly. "Come back here,
+please. Once before you succeeded in trampling all sign out, so that
+Elmer was unable to pick up any clue. Now, I want just Elmer and Mark to
+go over there, to investigate. After that has been done they will report
+to me. And now, let's settle down in camp, for I know you are all tired.
+Supper is the next thing on the program."
+
+Elmer, accompanied by his nearest chum, immediately walked carefully
+over in the direction of the spot which Ginger had indicated. They bent
+low, and seemed to be deeply interested in certain tracks they had
+found.
+
+Of course the boys shot many curious glances that way, but they knew
+better than to disobey the positive orders given by their chief.
+Discipline is one of the first things taught among the Boy Scouts.
+
+About this time Dr. Ted and Jack Armitage got back from a day at the
+cabin. They had much to tell about what they had occupied themselves in
+doing all the time, preparing things so that in a few days the family
+could be moved, for Mr. Garrabrant had fully decided to take the sick
+man and his "kiddies" down in one of the boats to Rockaway, where they
+could be looked after until the expedition returned.
+
+It was getting dusk before Elmer and his chum joined the others. They
+did not give out any information, and to the inquiries of their curious
+mates returned only vague smiles and nods.
+
+Supper was eaten with more or less clatter of tongues. There were so
+many interesting subjects claiming their attention that the boys hardly
+knew which to discuss first.
+
+When, however, the meal was about done, Mr. Garrabrant asked Elmer to
+step aside with him for a short time.
+
+"Here, let us sit down on this convenient log, Elmer," remarked the
+scout master. "And please tell me what you found."
+
+"We had no difficulty in discovering the tracks, sir," replied the boy,
+whose experience on a Canadian prairie farm and ranch made him a
+valuable addition to the ranks of the Boy Scouts at such a time.
+
+"Was it a man or an animal?" asked the gentleman, as though eager to
+have that mooted point settled immediately.
+
+"Oh! an animal, sir, there can be no doubt of that," replied Elmer,
+smiling. "But those tracks puzzle me the worst kind. I know what the
+trail of a panther looks like, also that of a fox, a wolf, a bear, a
+deer, a coyote, a wildcat--but this was entirely different from any of
+these. It resembled the footprint of a human being--a child--more than
+anything I ever saw."
+
+Mr. Garrabrant smiled, and nodded his head.
+
+"I've got an idea," he said, "but go on, and tell me what else you
+learned. Then I'll put you wise to what I suspect."
+
+"Well," the boy continued, "the queer thing about it is that Ginger was
+quite right when he said the thing walked on two legs. I could only find
+the marks of that many. Now, I've seen a bear do that stunt, and
+educated dogs, but no other animal outside of a circus."
+
+"How about a monkey?" asked the scout master, quietly.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Garrabrant, how could such an animal get up here? Monkeys live
+in tropical countries only. But I can see that you've got an idea.
+Please let me hear it."
+
+"Listen then, Elmer," the other went on, seriously. "Now, I happen to
+know that just a month ago a certain gentleman named Colonel Hitchens,
+living on a country place he calls Caldwell, just a mile outside the
+town of Rockaway, lost a pet monkey that had been taught to do a lot of
+funny antics. The gentleman was an old traveler, and had brought the
+animal himself from some foreign land. I remember his telling me how he
+caught him, by filling some cocoanut shells with strong drink, and
+getting the animal stupid."
+
+"Oh! that must be it, then!" exclaimed Elmer, laughing, while the look
+of bewilderment left his face. "No wonder the tracks were a riddle to
+me. I've never as yet had the pleasure of hunting monkeys, or Barbary
+apes, or gorillas. Yes, sir, the more I think of it, the more I believe
+that you've hit the truth. It must have been a monkey, hungry for some
+of the things he had been used to when held a prisoner at Colonel
+Hitchens'."
+
+"I saw the beast perform once," Mr. Garrabrant went on, "and he was
+really a marvel. He was a big chap, too, hairy and ugly. When he
+chattered and scowled he certainly was enough to give one a shiver. No
+wonder then that he frightened poor Ginger almost into convulsions. No
+wonder our factotum believed he had seen the Old Nick. But what had he
+better do about it, Elmer?"
+
+"That's just what I wanted to speak with you about, sir," the boy
+remarked, with considerable eagerness. "Now the chances are that, having
+once made a raid on our store tent, this monkey will come again another
+time, perhaps even to-night."
+
+"That sounds reasonable," replied the scout master, nodding his head.
+"By the way, I just happened to remember the monkey's name. It fitted
+him pretty well, too, as you'll admit when you see him. Diablo it was."
+
+"Just think of it, sir, just the name Ginger gave him, too. But Mark and
+I have decided to set a trap to catch him. We'll fix it so that if the
+monkey tries to enter the store tent again he'll set off a trigger, and
+some queer results will follow. For one thing he'll find himself caught
+up in the loop of a rope, and held, kicking, off the ground until we
+can come to corral him. Then, if it happens to be in the night, the
+falling of the trigger will set a flashlight going, and Mark's camera,
+placed for the occasion, will take a picture of the trespasser."
+
+"That sounds fine, Elmer," laughed the scout master. "Now, I leave the
+matter in your hands entirely. Do what you think best, and I wish you
+success."
+
+"How about telling the boys, sir?" asked Elmer.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant thought it over a moment.
+
+"Perhaps you'd better take the whole bunch into your confidence," he
+said, presently. "They are deeply interested, you know, and if kept in
+ignorance possibly some one might stumble across your plans, and upset
+every calculation."
+
+And so, when Elmer returned to the fire, he had the entire bunch
+listening, their eyes round with wonder, as they learned what had been
+discovered, and also of the bright plans their chums had arranged
+looking to the capture of Diablo.
+
+Only Ginger was evidently disturbed. He scratched his head as he
+listened, as if he could hardly believe what he saw had been of this
+earth, and the idea of Elmer being so rash as to want to try and make a
+prisoner of the Evil One gave the ignorant negro a cold shiver.
+Doubtless he would make sure to find a snug place to sleep that night,
+where nothing could get at him. His mind was still filled with foolish
+notions concerning that "chariot of fire" in which he might be carried
+out of this world into the Great Unknown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+LAYING A GHOST.
+
+
+"IWELL, Elmer," remarked Mr. Garrabrant, the next morning, as he came
+out of his tent and met the young scout leader face to face, "I must
+have slept unusually sound last night, for the alarm failed to awaken
+me!"
+
+"There was no alarm, sir," smiled Elmer.
+
+"Meaning that we did not have the pleasure of a second visit from
+Diablo, the educated monkey, is that it?" asked the scout master,
+pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, sir," the boy went on, "Diablo must have secured enough rations in
+his first raid to last him for twenty-four hours. But Mark and myself do
+not think of giving our job up yet awhile. We expect to catch a likeness
+of our hairy visitor, even if the trap fails to work, and hold him a
+prisoner. I suppose Colonel Hitchens would be very glad to have the
+beast back, if it turns out that this is Diablo?"
+
+"I'm sure of it, and as he is a wealthy man, no doubt he would willingly
+pay a round sum to those who would return his pet," Mr. Garrabrant
+declared.
+
+"Oh! we were not thinking of that, sir, I give you my word," declared
+Elmer; "but possibly, if we did happen to succeed, the gentleman might
+be willing to do something for poor Abe in return for our restoring his
+pet."
+
+The scout master looked keenly at Elmer, and then thrust out his hand
+impulsively.
+
+"That was well said, my boy," he remarked, with a little quiver in his
+voice. "I am proud to know that you feel that way toward the
+unfortunate. And I give you my word, if you are so fortunate as to
+capture Diablo, I'll convince Colonel Hitchens that it is his _duty_ to
+do a lot for Abe and his little flock. That boy is made of the right
+stuff, I'm sure, and ought to have the advantages of an education. I'm
+going to see that he has his chance."
+
+"Yes, sir, just to think of a kid not over six years old being able to
+set a muskrat trap, and actually take skins. Why, I know a lot about the
+little varmints, and I give you my word, sir, they're pretty sharp. It
+takes a bright boy to outwit an old seasoned muskrat. He showed me quite
+a lot of skins he had cured, of course under his father's directions."
+
+"And then that girl, Little Lou--think of her doing all the cooking for
+the family ever since her mother was taken away?" continued the
+gentleman. "She's a darling, if I ever saw one. I grew quite fond of
+her, and mean to see more of them all. But I ought to be laying out the
+program for to-day's work."
+
+"What are we to try to-day, sir?" asked Elmer, who, as second in
+command, had privileges in talking with the scout master that none of
+the other lads dared assume.
+
+"Well, as it promises to be a warm day, we might try the swimming test
+for one thing," replied Mr. Garrabrant, thoughtfully. "At the same time
+there is that feat of landing a big fish with a rod and a small line,
+the said fish being of course an active boy, who does his best to break
+away. While we're at it, we may as well go through our usual formula
+whereby anyone who has been nearly drowned may be resuscitated again.
+And last, but not least, we can have Dr. Ted give us his talk on first
+aid to the injured. He will get back in good time if he leaves after
+lunch for the Morris cabin."
+
+"I think Chatz is waiting to speak to you, sir," remarked Elmer, who had
+been noticing the Southern lad hovering near for some little time,
+looking queerly in their direction.
+
+"Is that so?" remarked Mr. Garrabrant. "Now I hope he hasn't been seeing
+more of his hobgoblins. That is about the only weakness Charles seems to
+have. Otherwise I find him a very sensible lad. If only he could be
+cured of his belief in the supernatural it would be a good thing."
+
+"Well," laughed Elmer, "some of us would be only too glad of the chance
+to cure him. Shall I go away, and let him have an interview, sir?"
+
+"No, remain, and hear what Charles has to say. It may be I shall need
+your services. This time the tracks of the ghost may not have been
+trampled out of sight, and you can give a guess at its character. I
+never in all my life knew of so many queer happenings inside of so short
+a time."
+
+The scout master beckoned toward Chatz, and obeying the mandate the
+Southern boy came quickly forward.
+
+"You wish to speak with me, Charles, I imagine?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the other, with a frown on his brow.
+
+"Has something happened again to disturb you?" inquired Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Last night, I presume, since you would have spoken before, had it
+happened yesterday?" the scout master continued, quietly.
+
+"Last night it was, sir. I saw IT again!" remarked Chatz, appearing to
+swallow something that was in his throat.
+
+"Oh! you mean that mysterious white object which appeared to you on the
+other occasion, and seemed to assume all the characteristics of a
+supernatural visitor? In other words, Charles, your pet ghost?"
+remarked Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+The boy flushed, but held his ground.
+
+"Of course," he said, slowly, "I understand what a contempt you have for
+any such idea, sir; and indeed, I only wish it could be shown to me that
+this is only some natural object, and not of the other world. I'd be too
+glad to know it. I hate to think I'm given to such ideas, but they seem
+to be a part of my nature, and I can't help it, try as I may."
+
+"Well, perhaps we may be able to assist you, Charles," returned the
+genial scout master, laying a hand on the lad's shoulder in a way that
+quite won his confidence. "Now tell me what you saw, when and where,
+also what it looked like."
+
+"I think it was in about the same quarter as before, sir. My watch
+happened to come late in the night this time, in fact just before dawn
+broke. I heard again that blood-curdling sound, a plain 'woof'! and
+raising my head I could just make it out in the darkness. It was white,
+as before, and it moved! Then all of a sudden it seemed to vanish most
+mysteriously."
+
+"Well, did the other sentry see anything, Charles?" asked Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"We had arranged it all between us, sir, Ty Collins and myself. And he
+will tell you, sir, that he saw just what I did," replied Chatz,
+earnestly.
+
+"That sounds as though you might have seen _something_, then," smiled
+Mr. Garrabrant. "And Elmer, you were so successful in picking out those
+other tracks, suppose you try again."
+
+"Shall I go now, sir?" asked the other, readily.
+
+"I would like you to. If you find a trail, you might follow it up a
+bit. Perhaps Charles would like to accompany you."
+
+"Yes, sir, I would, if you didn't object," replied the Southern lad,
+quickly.
+
+"Very well," nodded the scout master. "Report to me when you are
+through, Elmer."
+
+So the two boys went away together. Some of the others, seeing them
+bending down as though examining the ground, made a move as if to join
+them, but Mr. Garrabrant was watching, and called them back.
+
+He saw Elmer, followed by the wondering Chatz, walk slowly away, his
+head bent low, as though he were following some sort of trail.
+
+And the scout master laughed softly to himself as he muttered:
+
+"I fancy Charles is about to have a little surprise, now that Elmer has
+found a trail to follow. Because, as a true believer in ghosts, he must
+realize that anything that leaves traces behind can hardly claim
+supernatural qualities."
+
+Twenty minutes afterwards, shortly before breakfast was ready, the two
+boys came back again. Chatz was smiling in a queer way, but Elmer looked
+like a sphinx.
+
+The latter, obeying a beckoning finger, hurried over to join Mr.
+Garrabrant.
+
+"Unless my eyes deceive me, Elmer," remarked the gentleman, with a
+quizzical expression on his handsome face, "you've been up to your old
+tricks again, and finding out things. How is it, do you plead guilty to
+the charge?"
+
+"I guess I'll just have to, sir," replied the boy, also smiling now.
+
+"Then you found a trail, did you?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Elmer went on, "a positive one; though the ground was that
+hard a greenhorn could never have seen it. And while Chatz kept at my
+side I don't think he dreamed what I was doing as we went along. Then,
+about a hundred yards away I heard that same queer 'woof' he spoke of."
+
+"It didn't give you a shock, I warrant, Elmer?" remarked the scout
+master.
+
+"Well, you see, sir, I've had too much to do with cattle not to
+recognize the snort of a startled cow! And that was what we saw just
+ahead of us. She had been lying down, chewing her cud, and our coming
+had caused her to get on her feet."
+
+"Did she happen to have a white face, Elmer?" laughed Mr. Garrabrant.
+
+"Just what she did, sir," the boy replied. "Chatz looked at me, and
+turned pale, then red; after which he laughed till the tears ran down
+his cheeks. I think we put quite a spoke in his spook wheel, sir. He
+won't be so ready to believe in supernatural visitors after this."
+
+"It was well done, Elmer, and I thank you for it. Now, let's to
+breakfast, for we have a strenuous day before us," and the scout master
+led the way to the place where a bounteous meal had been spread for the
+entire troop of scouts.
+
+During the morning the swimming tests were started, and Mr. Garrabrant,
+who was a splendid swimmer himself, took charge of matters. Some
+excellent work was done, and the timid ones taught how to strike out, to
+float, and to tread water, as well as various races inaugurated that
+were full of fun.
+
+After that came the wonderful fishing contest, where the boys did what
+they could to land one of their mates who played the part of a hooked
+fish, fighting to get away, just as a monster scaly prize like a tarpon
+might have done.
+
+Of course Elmer was the leader in this game, for he had had much more
+experience as a sportsman than any of the rest, but there were several
+who proved themselves good seconds in the trial, and who would make the
+winner look to his laurels in the near future.
+
+That brought them to noon, and matters were allowed to simmer while they
+got busy cooking a lunch to satisfy the tremendous appetites that the
+vigorous labor of the morning had developed.
+
+Ted and Lil Artha expected to take a tramp over to the lone cabin during
+the afternoon. They could not start, however, until the concluding work
+of the day had been attended to. As this was to be "first aid to the
+injured" the presence of the only budding doctor in camp would be
+required, in order to explain many important things connected with this
+valuable adjunct to scout lore.
+
+It was possibly nearly three o'clock before the two lads got started.
+But that did not matter much, for by this time Ted had become very
+familiar with the way of the blazed trail, and could follow it "with his
+eyes blindfolded," as he boastingly remarked, though Elmer knew this was
+hardly so.
+
+Some of the scouts were out on the lake, trying to coax a mess of fish
+to come closer to the fire and get warmed up. The taste of browned trout
+haunted them, and even Mr. Garrabrant admitted that the way Elmer cooked
+the fish, they were finer than any he had ever eaten. It was to have the
+salt pork in a hot frying pan, until it had been well tried out, then
+having rolled each fish in cracker crumbs, or corn meal if the former
+were not handy, they were placed over the fire in the pan to brown.
+
+Another time Elmer broiled the fish, and the boys were uncertain as to
+which method they liked most. When they ate the trout cooked one way
+that excelled, and next day when the other method was tried they
+believed it could not be equalled.
+
+Evening was not far away when a shout attracted the attention of all
+those in camp. Even the few who happened to be inside the tents came
+hurrying out to see what it meant.
+
+"That must have been Lil Artha," declared Elmer immediately. "Nobody
+else has so loud a whoop. Yes, there they come, he and Ted, hurrying
+down the side of the mountain. They seem to be in something of a hurry,
+too."
+
+"And look at Ted waving his hand, will you?" exclaimed Toby, beginning
+to get excited himself. "He wouldn't act that way, fellers, except that
+there's something gone wrong. Gee! I hope now the old man ain't been
+taken sudden, and handed in his checks! That would be tough on the kids,
+now!"
+
+Mr. Garrabrant heard what Toby said, but made no remark. He was waiting
+for the coming of the two scouts who had gone across the mountain on
+their errand of mercy.
+
+The long-legged Lil Artha could have easily outrun his comrade had he
+chosen, but he made no effort to do so. Still, as they drew closer, it
+could be easily seen that both boys showed unmistakable evidences of
+some tremendous excitement. And, naturally, their fellow scouts almost
+trembled with eagerness to learn what could have happened to affect them
+in this way.
+
+Three minutes later and they drew up in front of the group, panting,
+flushed--their eyes sparkling with suppressed news.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+TAKEN BY SURPRISE.
+
+
+"IWHAT'S the matter with you boys?" demanded the scout master, as Ted
+and Lil Artha drew up in front of him.
+
+"They've come in on Abe, sir, and are threatening to do all sorts of
+awful things to him, the great beasts!" exclaimed the tall runner,
+between pants.
+
+"Speak plainer, please," Mr. Garrabrant said, sternly, so as to subdue
+some of the rampant excitement that threatened to impede a clear flow of
+words. "Who came in on Abe--was it animals you meant, or men?"
+
+"Men, thir, and two of the toughest you ever thaw," Ted managed to
+declare. "They were eating up all the stuff we've been at such pains to
+carry over, and threatened the thick man with all thorts of trouble
+because he thaid he didn't have thuch a thing as a drop of whisky in
+hith place."
+
+"Two hoboes, most likely," muttered the scout master, as his firm teeth
+came together with a snap that meant business.
+
+"That's what I thaid, thir, but Lil Artha, he theemed to think he
+recognized the bullies as a couple of jail birds," Ted went on.
+
+"You see, sir," Arthur spoke up as he saw Mr. Garrabrant look
+questioningly at him, "I remembered seeing the pictures of those two
+rascals that broke into some house near Rockaway last Spring. They had
+it posted up in police headquarters at Hickory Ridge when I went in to
+pay for our dog license. And I don't soon forget faces, sir, or names
+either, for that matter. Unless I miss my guess these two ugly scamps
+were Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris, wanted bad in Rockville, with a reward
+offered for their capture."
+
+"You may be right, Theodore," observed the scout master, seriously.
+"They were never caught, I remember. The strange thing about it was,
+that the house they entered and robbed was that of my friend, Colonel
+Hitchens."
+
+"The same gentleman who owned the lost monkey?" cried one of the scouts.
+
+"Exactly. But this is a serious matter for us, boys," the scout master
+went on. "Our new friends are in danger, for there can be no telling to
+what extremes such unprincipled scoundrels might go, once they started.
+Perhaps they may have an old grudge against Abe, for the boys say they
+were threatening him. And it gives me a cold chill to think of these two
+innocent children being in their power."
+
+"Will you go over, thir, and try to do thomething?" asked Ted, eagerly.
+
+"Surely," came the instant reply. "I would be unworthy to call myself a
+man if I failed in my duty there. But tell us more, please, how did you
+first learn of the presence of these ruffians there, and did you give
+away the fact that you had discovered them?"
+
+"Oh! no, thir, they didn't thee us a bit!" exclaimed Ted.
+
+"We happened to hear loud voices, you see, sir, when we were close to
+the joint," said Arthur, bent on having his share in the recital.
+
+"Tho we crept up, as thly as any Indian could have done," added Ted.
+
+"And peeked in at the window, just like we did that night we went over
+in a bunch," the tall lad remarked.
+
+"Then we thaw what it meant," Ted continued, catching his breath again.
+"Those two big bullies had been eating, and made poor Little Lou cook
+nigh everything we left there yesterday. Why, they were as hungry as
+hogs, I guess."
+
+"And they kept on shaking their fists at poor Abe, who was lying on his
+cot, too weak to do anything," Lil Artha took up the narrative. "He
+seemed to be atryin' to get them to let up on him, but he looked nearly
+done for."
+
+"Then we just crawled away again," Ted concluded, "and run pretty near
+all the way back, because we knew you would want uth to report. Lil
+Artha wanted to tackle 'em by ourselves, but it was thilly to think we
+could do anything against a pair of desperate jailbirds like that."
+
+"Under the circumstances I commend your discretion, Theodore," said the
+scout master, "though the readiness of Arthur to take chances in a good
+cause does him credit too. But let's hurry and eat supper. I can be
+arranging my plans meanwhile, and selecting those I would want to
+accompany me over the mountain."
+
+"I hope you will take me, sir!" exclaimed Matty Eggleston.
+
+"And me, too, sir!" exclaimed half a dozen others, in a breath.
+
+Even the two returned scouts were anxious not to be left behind.
+
+"I'm not tired a little bit, Mr. Garrabrant!" Lil Artha hastened to
+declare, and Dr. Ted said ditto to that.
+
+"Give me time, boys, to consider," the gentleman had said, waving them
+away.
+
+Supper was quickly announced, and they made record time in getting away
+with a fine meal. No one even thought to remark upon the fact that it
+tasted better than any meal ever eaten under a roof, which had come to
+be a standing saying with the scouts by this time.
+
+Many an anxious look was cast toward Mr. Garrabrant. They saw that his
+eyes had been roving around the circle, as though he might be mentally
+choosing those who were to be favored with a place at his side during
+this new errand of mercy across the mountain that frowned down upon the
+camp. And every scout was eager to be among the lucky ones, even the
+usually timid Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"I have decided upon the following to accompany me: Ginger will go,
+because he is a man, and will be apt to inspire more or less respect in
+the hearts of the two rascals. Then there are Elmer, Matty, Larry
+Billings, Arthur Stansbury, Charlie Maxfield, and Theodore. I am taking
+him because we may happen to have need of his professional services,"
+and when Mr. Garrabrant said this as though he really meant it, who
+could blame Ted for unconsciously pushing out his chest a bit with
+pride?
+
+There could be no demur to this ultimatum. So those who were fated to
+remain did what they could to get their more fortunate chums ready for
+the excursion. The stoutest cudgels possible were hunted up, and handed
+over, with recommendations as to their convincing qualities if once
+applied to a stubborn head.
+
+"However," said the scout master, as they were ready to leave, "I am in
+hopes that we can take the rascals by surprise, so that there will not
+be any real necessity for violence. The rest of you stick by the camp
+while we are gone. You can wait up for us, if you want."
+
+"Sure we will, sir!" declared one. "We couldn't any more sleep than
+water can run up hill."
+
+"And don't any of you meddle with the little trap we've got set by the
+store tent, remember, please," Elmer flung over his shoulder as he was
+marching away.
+
+Then they were off.
+
+Counting Mr. Garrabrant and Ginger, they were eight in all, surely a
+strong enough bunch to overcome two men, if only they might take the
+ruffians by surprise. Ginger was far from being a coward when it came to
+things he could understand. This fact was known to Mr. Garrabrant, which
+was the reason he took the colored man and brother along. Besides, his
+heft might have considerable influence in causing the two men to submit.
+
+As before, they carried a couple of lanterns. The light from these came
+in very handy to save the boys from many an ugly tumble, where roots lay
+across their path or rocks cropped up in the way.
+
+They conversed in whispers only. And as they finally drew near the lone
+cabin, even this style of talk was stopped by order of Mr. Garrabrant,
+so that they now crept along in absolute silence.
+
+He had told the boys of his plans, so that each member of the little
+party knew just what was expected of him.
+
+Presently they caught sight of a dim light ahead. Then came the sound of
+loud and gruff voices. This convinced them that the two rascals had not
+left the cabin.
+
+Creeping closer, they could finally see through the little opening. And
+thus the scout master was enabled to complete the plan he had arranged.
+
+When he gave the word, Ginger and the boys were to jump in by way of the
+open door. Meantime he expected to thrust his arm through the window and
+cover the pair of desperate rascals with the revolver he had brought
+along. Mr. Garrabrant gave evidence of being in deadly earnest, for he
+knew that was a serious matter that confronted them, and one not to be
+handled with gloves.
+
+When he heard Elmer give the cry of the whip-poor-will three times he
+knew they were all in their places. Accordingly, he suddenly thrust his
+arm through the small window that had no glass, and covered one of the
+men with his weapon.
+
+"Stand still, both of you! The hut is surrounded, and if you try to
+escape or offer resistance it will be the worse for you! Seize them,
+men!"
+
+As Mr. Garrabrant called this out, and the two astonished scoundrels sat
+there, utterly unable to collect their senses, such was the complete
+surprise, through the doorway tumbled a crowd that hurled itself upon
+them. Before they could grasp the fact that with one exception these
+were only half-grown boys, wearing the khaki uniforms of the scouts, and
+not regular soldiers, the men had their hands tied behind them.
+
+As they realized how completely they had been caught napping both of
+them started on a string of hard words, and looked daggers at their
+young captors.
+
+"Stop that, now!" Mr. Garrabrant exclaimed, as he made his appearance in
+the hut, "or I shall be under the painful necessity of putting gags
+between your teeth. Not another word from either of you, remember!"
+
+Perhaps they recognized the tone of authority, or it may have been that
+they had no desire to force him to put his threat into execution. At any
+rate, they took it out in deep mumblings after that.
+
+The scout master saw to it himself that their lashings were secure. Some
+of the boys had carried along a new supply of food for Abe and his
+family, understanding the inroads that had been made in their limited
+stock.
+
+The sick man was full of gratitude for this second rescue on the part of
+his new-found friends. He told them how these two scoundrels had come to
+his cabin and taken possession--that he knew who they were, but that
+some years back they had been honest charcoal burners the same as
+himself.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Garrabrant, "they graduated from that honest class some
+time ago, and have made names for themselves as yeggmen and thieves.
+They are badly wanted right now in Rockaway, where some months back they
+robbed a residence, and nearly killed a butler who caught them in the
+act, and recognized them too. Boys, when you feel rested, we will be on
+our way back to camp with our prisoners. To-morrow I shall take them
+down the river in a boat, and deliver them over to the authorities."
+
+All of which intelligence made the gloom gather deeper on the hard
+countenances of Jim Rowdy and Bill Harris.
+
+It took twice as long for them to make the march back to camp as when
+they went toward the lone cabin. In the first place, some of the boys
+were almost exhausted, particularly Ted and Lil Artha, who were covering
+the ground for the second time since noon. Then again, the two men,
+having their arms bound behind their backs, stumbled so often that they
+had to be helped.
+
+But along about eleven they came in sight of the cheery camp fire, and
+how very welcome it did look too. The boys greeted it with a shout, that
+was answered by those who had been left behind.
+
+When it was seen that they were bringing prisoners back with them, Red
+and those who had remained at home with the lame scout became thrilled
+with eagerness to hear the full particulars. Of course the others were
+just as ready to relate all that had occurred, and for some time the
+clatter of tongues would have made one believe he must be somewhere in
+the neighborhood of the Tower of Babel.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant realized that they were dealing with a pair of hard
+citizens, and he was resolved to leave nothing undone looking to their
+remaining prisoners. So he personally looked to their bonds before lying
+down, in order to make sure they could not break loose.
+
+A double guard was to be stationed on this night, because of the unusual
+conditions existing. It would be too bad, after all their trouble,
+should any accident occur whereby these men regained their freedom.
+
+So when the camp quieted down finally, there were just four boys
+stationed at certain points, and with orders to keep the fire burning
+brilliantly all the time. The balance "slept on their arms," as Lil
+Artha called it--that is, they kept those handy cudgels close beside
+them, where they could be readily found in case a sudden need arose for
+their services. Because Mr. Garrabrant could not be entirely positive
+that the two prisoners did not have friends of a like character
+somewhere up here in the wilderness, who might attempt their rescue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE THINGS THAT MAKE BOYS MANLY.
+
+
+MR. GARRABRANT laid his plans during the night, and when morning came he
+announced them to his boys.
+
+"I shall take these two men down to Rockaway to-day," he said, "and
+deliver them over to the authorities. Ginger will accompany me, and
+between us we can pull the boat up the current again, starting possibly
+in the morning. If we arrive there in good time, I may get a car and
+drive over to Hickory Ridge, for there are several things I ought to see
+about, that slipped my mind before."
+
+"And if you happen to see anybody who asks about us, sir, just tell them
+we're getting along dandy," declared Lil Artha.
+
+"So say we all of us," sang out several others of the scouts.
+
+"Tell my folks they were poor prophets," remarked Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"In what way, my boy?" inquired the scout master; though, truth to tell,
+he could give a pretty good guess.
+
+"Oh! ma, she said she'd give me one night to stay away; and pa, he told
+her that two would see my finish. But here we're going on our first
+week, and I'm feeling just fine. Not a bit homesick, tell 'em, Mr.
+Garrabrant, please. And bound to stay the whole ten days, or bust."
+
+"Good for you, Jasper, old top!" laughed Lil Artha, patting the real
+tenderfoot encouragingly on the back.
+
+"And Mr. Garrabrant," put in Ty Collins, who was a pretty good "feeder"
+as some of the other boys often remarked, "don't you think you might
+pick up a little more grub while you have the chance. You see, we didn't
+count on so many mouths to feed while we were up here, and the way that
+stuff is disappearing is sure a caution. I know, because I do a lot of
+the cooking, you see, sir."
+
+"Why, yes, Tyrus, I had that on my mind," laughed the jovial scout
+master. "And we'll try and find room in the boat for a nice ham, some
+bacon, and a few more things that boys like. I guess I'm a good
+provider, taken on the whole. You see, we didn't count on feeding Abe
+Morris and his family, or these two gentlemen here, besides the
+frolicsome monkey that has taken a fancy for our eatables. If I happen
+to run across Colonel Hitchens I shall let him know we've got an eye out
+for his runaway pet."
+
+The two men were allowed to eat breakfast, one at a time, and Mr.
+Garrabrant and Ginger stood over them while the operation of feeding was
+in progress. Much as both of the desperadoes might have liked to attempt
+flight, they lacked the nerve to start trouble when those two stalwart
+men were within reach. And so, although they scowled and muttered, they
+made no resistance when they were tied up again.
+
+Mr. Garrabrant had found quite a nice little assortment of deadly
+weapons upon the pair, which he had confiscated. These he meant to take
+along with him, not feeling safe in leaving such things in camp, where
+several of the boys were quite unaccustomed to handling firearms, and
+some accident might ensue, for which he would be responsible.
+
+Although no one suspected it until they heard the click of his shutter,
+Mark had managed to snap off the entire outfit as they stood there,
+assisting Mr. Garrabrant load his prisoners into the boat.
+
+And it might be taken for granted that the official photographer of the
+camp had seized upon an opportunity when the two prisoners' faces were
+in full view, so that no one could afterwards reasonably doubt their
+claim to having captured the desperate men so long wanted by the
+Rockaway authorities.
+
+Of course the camp was left in full charge of the assistant scout
+master, Elmer Chenowith, with a parting injunction from Mr. Garrabrant
+that the boys were to render his representative just as much respect as
+though it were himself.
+
+There could be no doubt about that being done, since Elmer was a
+universal favorite among his fellows, and had hardly an enemy in all
+Hickory Ridge.
+
+"I reckon, suh, we can manage to get along all right while you are
+away," Chatz Maxfield had called out reassuringly, after the boat had
+left the landing, with Ginger working industriously at the oars, the two
+prisoners huddled amidships, and the scout master seated astern, where
+he could keep his eye pretty much all the time on the slippery
+customers.
+
+"If I wasn't positive about that, Charles, I'd never be leaving you,"
+was what Mr. Garrabrant replied, as he waved his hand to them.
+
+Presently the fast-moving boat swept around a bend, and was lost to
+view. Several of the boys sighed a little, and looked a bit downcast.
+Despite their assumption of freedom from homesickness they could not
+help feeling that their leader would perhaps be in "dear old Hickory
+Ridge" that afternoon, and might even pass by their beloved homes, which
+it seemed they had not seen for an age.
+
+Of course Elmer, who had roved more or less, was not in this class. He
+knew better than to make fun of them, however. Between himself and Mark
+they had many a quiet laugh over the way the fellows made out to be so
+free from care.
+
+"I bet you it seems like a coon's age to some of them since they said
+good-by to mother and father," Mark managed to remark, as they stood
+there watching the rest gaze down river after the vanished link that was
+to bind them with civilization.
+
+"Sure it does," Elmer had agreed. "Do you know that little story about
+the kid who ran away from home, and what an eternity it seemed to him?"
+
+"I don't seem to remember," replied the other. "What happened, Elmer?"
+
+"Why, he spent the day of his life, you know. He had made up his mind in
+the beginning that he would never come back. Then at noon he determined
+that a whole month would give his folks a good scare. The afternoon hung
+on terribly. Minutes seemed hours, and at last he just couldn't stand it
+any longer. He had spent his last penny, but it was getting night, and
+he had never been without a home in the dark before."
+
+"Yes, I can understand that, because once I did it too," laughed Mark;
+"but don't mind me, Elmer, go right along with the story. What happened
+to him?"
+
+"Nothing. That's where the fun came in," replied the other. "You see his
+folks understood that kid, and they just made up their minds to punish
+him by not paying the slightest attention to him. So he came sneaking
+into the sitting room where dad was reading the paper, and mom was
+knitting. Neither of them even looked at him. He thought that mighty
+queer, when he had expected to be hugged and kissed and cried over like
+one who had been lost a year.
+
+"After a long time, when he had coughed, and moved about without either
+of them paying the slightest attention to him, the boy was struck with
+an idea. He would say something that _must_ make them realize the near
+calamity that had happened. So he bent down to stroke the back of the
+old tabby that was purring by the fire, and he says, says he:
+
+"'Oh! I see you still have the same old cat you used to have when I was
+home!'"
+
+Mark burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"I get the point, Elmer, all right, and I guess it applies to a few of
+our fellows, but on the whole they've acted just fine. A better bunch of
+good-hearted boys it would be hard to find anywhere. And I tell you this
+outing's going to do every mother's son of them a heap of good. What
+they learn in this camp will pay a dozen times over for the trouble it's
+taken. I hope Mr. Garrabrant gets safely down to Rockaway with his
+boatload of human freight. Perhaps there won't be a sensation in Hickory
+Ridge when the news gets out that the Boy Scouts captured those bad men,
+and sent them to the police of Rockaway with their compliments. I guess
+that's going some for a new organization of tenderfeet scouts, eh?"
+
+"I should say yes," replied the young scout leader, emphatically. "And
+after all, we've only got one more mystery to solve to have the slate
+clear."
+
+"You mean about that monkey business, I suppose?" suggested Mark.
+
+"Yes; and possibly we may be lucky enough to have that settled before
+Mr. Garrabrant comes back again," Elmer remarked, confidently.
+
+"You think then we are due for another visit from Diablo, say to-night?"
+
+"It stands to reason," said Elmer, "that he will have eaten up all those
+crackers long before then, and knowing where we keep our supplies, you
+can count on him paying another call. So many around the camp in the
+daytime will keep him shy. You remember there were only Ginger and Red
+at home all day, when he was here before."
+
+"All right," remarked his chum. "We'll try and have a warm reception
+ready for our friend Diablo. He's apt to be the most surprised monkey
+ever, once he hits that trigger; what with the loop snatching him up in
+the air, the flashlight going off with a great dazzling glow, and the
+yells of the boys as they get on to the racket. I just hope it turns out
+a good picture. It'll sure be the star of the whole collection. What?"
+
+Elmer took charge, and proceeded to start the ball rolling. They were
+not intending to have any strenuous work while the scout master was
+away, but some of them coaxed Elmer to give a few exhibitions of
+throwing a rope, and doing some other little tricks that he had learned
+while up on that Canada cattle farm.
+
+He also went deeper into the track business, and the boys were so
+anxious to learn all they could about this fascinating study, that they
+all spent hours trying to find new footprints so that they could drag
+Elmer thither, and get him to tell the sort of little animal that had
+made them, what his habits were, and all about him.
+
+Then after lunch some words brought up the subject of picture writing.
+Elmer had more or less to say about that, for he had been among the
+Indians, and copied any amount of their queer methods of communicating.
+
+"It's just as simple as falling off a log, fellows," he said. "If a
+little kid were trying to make you understand that three men had gone
+down river in a boat, if he had any sense at all he'd draw a canoe with
+three figures in it holding paddles. A rock sticking up would have
+something that looked like foam on one side. That would tell you the
+water was running so, and that the canoe was going _down_ the river. If
+they were being pursued, in the boat behind a figure would be firing a
+gun. Then they escape, for they go ashore and make a fire. All got away,
+for there are still three of them. And that's the easy way it goes. It
+just can't be too simple. A child might read it. And that's Indian
+picture writing. Now, suppose some of you try it. If anybody can read it
+right off the reel, then you've made a success of the job. But remember,
+this isn't any rebus or puzzle."
+
+So for some time the boys employed themselves in practicing this simple
+art, under the directions of the young scout master. They found it lots
+of fun, and of course there was more or less shouting over some of the
+wonderful pictures drawn, which the artists themselves could hardly
+designate, after their work became cold.
+
+Dr. Ted and Mark had gone off with some more food, to find out how Abe
+and his family were, after the exciting experience of the preceding day,
+and to tell them that their unwelcome visitors were by that time safely
+locked up in the Rockaway strong box.
+
+Mark wished to get a few pictures of the two "kids" in their native
+woods. They would not look the same after they reached civilization,
+where kindly women would only too willingly take them in hand, and fit
+them out with new clothes.
+
+Toby fairly haunted the spot where the balloon lay in a heap, just as
+they had piled it up. Doubtless the boy was indulging himself with
+castles in the air connected with the time to come, in the dim future,
+when he too might have a chance to fly through the clouds in one of
+these big gas bags, or with a modern aeroplane, which would of course be
+much better.
+
+And so the day wore on.
+
+As evening approached some of the boys mentally pictured Mr. Garrabrant
+talking with the good people of Hickory Ridge, and in each case it was a
+father or mother who so proudly heard what wonderful progress the boy
+was making in learning to take care of himself when left to his own
+resources.
+
+Things went on as usual. They had plenty of trout for supper, of which
+dainty the scouts seemed never to tire. Then a huge mess of rice had
+been boiled, which, served with sugar and condensed milk, proved a good
+dessert. But before that was reached they had a stew made of tinned
+beef, Boston baked beans and some corn, while Ty Collins showed his
+skill as a flapjack maker by turning out several heaps of pretty fair
+pancakes.
+
+Perhaps some of the scouts ate more heavily of these last than they
+should, for it was noted that at various times during the night a boy
+here or there would get to talking in his sleep, and show signs of
+restlessness that could only come from indigestion. Nevertheless, when
+the time came for retiring, Elmer gave the signal for taps to be sounded
+on the bugle, as Lil Artha declared, "everything was lovely, and the
+goose hung high!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+HOW THE TRAP WORKED.
+
+
+BEFORE they turned in after the rest, Elmer and his closest chum, Mark,
+spent a little time doing something mysterious over in the vicinity of
+the tent in which the extra stores were kept.
+
+The boys understood that it had more or less connection with the
+expected visit of the liberty-loving monkey, Diablo, but like good
+scouts they minded their own business.
+
+Everyone had been warned to keep away from that same tent under penalty
+of being given the surprise of their lives, and of a most unpleasant
+nature at that. Of course, no one knew exactly what the scout leader had
+arranged; but all the same they felt positive it would meet the peculiar
+emergency. And each boy made up his mind that during his term as sentry
+nothing could induce him to saunter near that marked territory.
+
+A tall and vigorous young hickory sapling had by accident started on its
+way toward some day becoming the king of the woods right there in front
+of the tent opening. And Elmer, quick to grasp the opportunities which
+fortune threw at his feet, had made use of this same healthy and sound
+young tree. From time of old he knew the value of hickory when one
+wanted a particularly springy bow.
+
+He and Mark were panting a little when they finished a certain little
+job which doubtless had a bearing on the game. And strange to say, the
+upright hickory sapling no longer pointed toward the beckoning sky; but
+stood there with bowed head in meek subjection to the will of man.
+
+"Think the trigger will run smooth enough?" queried Mark, as they stood
+back to gaze at the evidence of their handiwork.
+
+"I've greased it!" chuckled Elmer. "That's what they do out West when a
+big bear trap is used, and there's danger of the thing holding too well.
+Do you want to step inside this loop, and give it a try, Mark?"
+
+"Please excuse me this time, old fellow," laughed the other. "I'm very
+well satisfied to stand on the earth as I am just now, and don't hanker
+about getting any nearer the clouds. I leave all that ambition to
+others, and particularly animals used to climbing trees. How about the
+rest of the tent, Elmer?"
+
+"Pegged down so solid that a mouse would have trouble crawling under,"
+came the immediate and confident response.
+
+"That means if our friend Diablo is as hungry as we believe, and is
+determined to make another of his raids on our grub, he's just _got_ to
+take advantage of the open door, eh, Elmer?"
+
+"That's just what he does," replied the scout leader. "And we're going
+to get him one way or the other, going or coming. If he happens to miss
+getting caught as he trips into the tent, he won't be so lucky when he
+comes out. You see, at that time he's apt to have his arms full of the
+things we left around loose. He's greedy, like all monkeys, and will try
+to carry as much he can. Then he can't see quite so well where to step.
+Flip! bang! and there you are! Lil Artha hit it closer than he thought
+when he said everything was lovely and the goose hung high! We expect
+_our_ goose to do just that same thing."
+
+"Huh! I guess this is what they call putting your foot in it, eh,
+Elmer?" chuckled Mark.
+
+"We hope it will be, that's right. But as everything has been done to a
+turn, don't you think we'd better hunt out our blankets? Perhaps Diablo
+may be watching us right now, crazy to get started on his raid. And then
+again, it may be he's far away from here to-night, and we'll find we've
+had all our trouble for our pains."
+
+"But you don't think that last, honest now, Elmer?" queried Mark.
+
+"If I did I wouldn't have gone to all the trouble I did," returned the
+other. "Take one last look over your camera, and the flashlight powder
+cartridge. All O. K. is it? Then let's leave here, and trust to luck for
+the rest."
+
+"I don't believe I'll get much sleep, for expecting to hear a racket!"
+Mark declared, as they walked conspicuously away from the vicinity of
+the store tent, so that the keen-eyed monkey would see them, if, as they
+suspected, Diablo were hiding somewhere close by, waiting for his chance
+to make another descent on the camp where all those delicious dainties
+were kept, to which he had grown accustomed during the period of his
+captivity--and liberty without these could not be proving all it was
+cracked up to be.
+
+"Oh! I wouldn't let a little thing like this keep me awake," said Elmer.
+
+"Well, you see it's different with me," declared his chum. "I've had
+almost no experience in such exciting things, while you have been
+through rafts of it. But honest now, I'm hoping that our little game
+pans out a success. I've laid that big bag where we can grab it up on
+the run, and I saw you fixing the ropes handy. Let Mr. Diablo just give
+that loop a tiny jerk when he gets his hind foot in it, and oh! my,
+won't he be the worst rattled jabberer ever!"
+
+Now, secretly Elmer himself was in quite a little flutter of excitement;
+but he knew how to hold himself in check better than did Mark. He calmly
+arranged his blanket as usual, and then settled himself down as though
+such a thing as being aroused in the middle of the night were unthought
+of.
+
+And having practiced the control of his powers he did go to sleep very
+shortly; absolutely refusing to allow his mind to become active by
+dwelling on any subject that might agitate him.
+
+Silence came upon the camp.
+
+The fire sparkled and crackled as from time to time one of the sentries
+stepped over to toss fresh fuel upon it. But acting under orders, they
+refrained religiously from ever passing near the store tent.
+
+If one of them chanced to be particularly vigilant, he must have
+discovered a shadowy figure that came slipping down from the branches of
+a tree that grew not a dozen feet away from the apparently abandoned
+tent.
+
+It made not the least noise, which would seem to indicate that it must
+possess feet shod with velvet; but crouching low, after a suspicious
+look around, started toward the depot of supplies.
+
+Passing around this tent, sniffing at various places, and apparently
+seeking a means of entrance, the dusky figure finally came to the front,
+where that small opening stood so very invitingly in view.
+
+Elmer, sleeping soundly, was suddenly awakened by a terrific screech,
+angry and vehement; immediately succeeded by the shrillest scolding and
+chattering he had ever heard.
+
+Throwing aside his blanket, he started to crawl out of the tent. Mark
+was at his heels, laughing for all he was worth, and chortling:
+
+"It worked, Elmer, the trap went off! We've got him, I guess, all right!
+Great guns; just listen to the racket he's making, will you? Oh! hurry!
+hurry! before all the blood runs to his head!"
+
+It was only his great impatience that made him imagine Elmer dallied;
+for to tell the truth, the scout leader emerged from that tent in
+double-quick time.
+
+Both of them "scooted" for the spot where all that row was sounding; no
+other word would so fully describe the manner of their progress as well
+as Lil Artha's favorite expression.
+
+They were not alone in this forward rush. From every tent came creeping
+figures, as the scouts crawled forth. And by degrees the screeching of
+the monkey was actually drowned in the greater clamor of boyish shouts.
+
+It seemed almost as though Pandemonium must have broken loose in that
+camp of the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, for a dozen pair of sturdy young
+lungs can make considerable noise once they break loose.
+
+It was a ridiculous spectacle that greeted them as they reached the
+store tent. The bent-over hickory sapling had sprung obediently erect as
+soon as the shooting of the trigger had released it from the crotch in
+which its apex had been gripped. And swaying back and forth, attempting
+all manner of high gymnastics, was a grotesque figure that stretched out
+its arms, and made frantic efforts to reach the body of the sapling, so
+as to climb up.
+
+"Get the bag, Elmer!" cried Mark, the second that he arrived.
+
+But already had the scout leader snatched that article up and prepared
+to clap it around the struggling monkey, taking care to avoid being
+caught by those waving hands.
+
+"Quick! the rope!" he gasped, after he had made a forward movement,
+enclosing the gyrating body in the stout sack.
+
+Mark knew what he was doing, and in a brief time, during which the rest
+of the boys stood around watching in wonder, the struggling monkey was
+secured.
+
+"Here, Toby, hold this rope end for a minute!" called Mark.
+
+The other was only too willing to obey, for it gave him a chance to say
+he had had a hand in the great capture of the hairy thief. Ten seconds
+later there was a sudden brilliant flash that caused some of the scouts
+to cry out, in the belief that a storm had crept upon them, with the
+lightning giving advance warning of its coming.
+
+"It's Mark, and he took a snap flashlight picture of the crowd standing
+around in pajamas!" cried Lil Artha. "Oh! my, what a sight that will be
+to chase away the blues. If only my red stripes show, I'll be the happy
+one."
+
+"How about the first flash--did it go off when the monk pulled the
+trigger, Mark?" demanded Elmer.
+
+"Sure it did," broke in Tom Cropsey, who had been one of the sentries on
+duty at the time; "and gave me a nasty scare. I never dreamed you had
+fixed things up that way, Elmer; and at first I thought something had
+exploded. But what can we do with the critter, now that we've got him?"
+
+"Oh! that's all fixed," laughed Mark. "Elmer made a stout collar which
+can be fastened around his neck so he just can't get it off. To that a
+rope is fastened, and Mr. Diablo will amuse the camp with his stunts the
+rest of the time we stay up here on old Lake Solitude. Ready to work it,
+Elmer?"
+
+"Yes, give me a hand here, please," replied the scout leader, who had
+been cautiously taking the enmeshed body of the still struggling monkey
+down from the straightened hickory sapling.
+
+"Why, here's luck!" exclaimed Elmer, presently. "As sure as you live
+he's got a collar on right now, with a ring for a rope. There's a
+trailing foot of stuff fastened to it, showing just how he got away. All
+I have to do is to tie our stout line to that ring so even the clever
+fingers of a monkey can't unfasten it."
+
+When this was done, and the other end of the rope made fast to the
+sapling that had assisted in Diablo's downfall, by degrees the rope
+encircling the beast was removed, and then the bag. The prisoner was
+inclined to be a little savage at first, because his taste of freedom
+had made him somewhat wild, and besides, these were all strangers to
+him.
+
+But he was very hungry, and upon being offered food seized it eagerly.
+After that they would have very little trouble with Diablo, though he
+proved to be a treacherous rascal, and pinched more than a few of the
+boys who ventured to be too familiar with him.
+
+The scouts were ordered back to their blankets, and once again did the
+camp relapse into silence, save for the grunting of the satisfied
+Diablo, as he continued to feast upon the sweet cakes with which he had
+been supplied.
+
+In this manner, then, was the last source of trouble laid low. Ghosts
+and thieves they had encountered, but in the end success had rewarded
+their efforts, and it began to look as though the balance of their stay
+in camp might be more in the nature of a picnic than the first few days
+and nights had proven.
+
+When morning came the boys were early astir, and crowded around to stare
+at the prisoner. But with his stomach comfortably filled Diablo was lazy
+and good natured. He refused to be bothered, and curled up on the ground
+like a dog, made out to sleep, though a careful examination might have
+disclosed the fact that one eye was partly open, and as soon as a boy
+entered the store tent he was on his feet, begging.
+
+But Ginger would be the one who must feel the most satisfaction over
+the capture, for it would ease his mind concerning the necessity for
+cutting his stay on the earth short, and accompanying the Evil One in a
+"chariot of fire."
+
+So that day passed very slowly as they awaited the coming of the scout
+master and his "ebony galley slave" who was to row the boat up-stream.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT.
+
+
+"ITHERE'S the outpost making signals, Elmer," said Mark, about three
+o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+Two of the scouts, who were pretty well up in wigwag work, had been
+dispatched to a knob part way up the mountain, from which a fine view of
+the lower lake could be obtained, as well as the zigzag course of the
+connecting Paradise Creek.
+
+"Looks like they must have sighted our scout master, then," declared
+Elmer, as he left what he was engaged in doing to hasten over to where
+the balance of the signal flags lay.
+
+Snatching one up he began to wave it in certain eccentric movements
+which Red Huggins, who held the book, knew to be a query as to what the
+outposts or videttes had discovered.
+
+"There! he's starting to answer. Everybody watch sharp, and write down
+what you make it!" exclaimed the scout leader.
+
+Pencils and paper had been made ready, though most of the scouts carried
+small note books in which they entered such things as they wished to
+preserve.
+
+For some little time they watched each deliberate motion of the distant
+waving flag, no one saying a word. When finally the sign was given that
+the message had reached its end, every scout started to scribble at hot
+speed.
+
+Then Elmer walked along the line, examining the various records.
+
+"Pretty well done," he said after he had completed his examination, "but
+of course it was the easiest of tests, for we all felt sure the report
+would be that they were in sight. They are crossing Jupiter Lake right
+now. That means they will be with us inside of an hour and a half, for
+Ginger is rowing stoutly, Matty says, and Mr. Eggleston seems to be
+getting ready to take the second pair of oars himself for the pull up
+Paradise Creek, which you may remember is no cinch, fellows."
+
+"That's right," declared Larry Billings, rubbing his arm, the muscles of
+which had been more or less sore ever since that strain.
+
+"It's going to be a long hour and a half," said Jasper Merriweather.
+
+"Oh! rats, just go and play with the monkey, to kill time," laughed Lil
+Artha.
+
+"I'm just wild to see what Ginger does when we take him to meet his
+'debble,'" observed Toby, who had of course been hovering over that
+magical balloon pretty much all the morning; indeed, so long as that was
+around they could hardly get the ambitious amateur aviator to do
+anything worth while.
+
+"Somebody coming back yonder; I saw 'em flit past that open place,"
+remarked Nat Scott, pointing upward.
+
+"Yes, that's Ted and Chatz, returning from the lone cabin. They promised
+to be back early, because they didn't want to miss the fun when Ginger
+came," declared the scout leader.
+
+Within the next half hour not only did Ted and his companion arrive, but
+the two videttes and signal men reached camp. Having discharged the duty
+to which they had been assigned, Matty Eggleston and Jack Armitage had
+lost no time in heading once more down the mountain.
+
+Now an hour had gone, and the half was passing slowly. All eyes were
+turned down the lake to the spot where the creek began, anticipating
+seeing the boat shoot into view.
+
+"Hurrah! there they come!" shouted one who had climbed a tree, the
+better to get the first glimpse of the returning couple.
+
+As the boat slipped out on the silvery surface of the lonely lake, so
+well named Solitude, the cheers that arose must have been particularly
+pleasing to the young man who was devoting so much of his time to the
+task of trying to make the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts the best troops in
+the county.
+
+But it was Ginger who deliberately dropped his oars, to rise to his
+feet, and with his black hand over his heart, make several salaams. He
+came near taking a header over the side of the boat in his eagerness to
+return the compliments which he really believed the boys were meaning
+for him, at which of course there was an uproarious laugh all around.
+
+Then came the landing. Ty Collins made sure that the boat contained a
+lot of packages, and his eyes shone with pleasure as he saw that one of
+them bore the unmistakable outlines of a whole ham.
+
+"This way, Mr. Garrabrant, we've got a surprise for you!" laughed Elmer.
+
+"You come along, too, Ginger," called Lil Artha, "and make the
+acquaintance of an old friend of yours. He's been fretting like
+everything because you were so long getting here. Diablo, here's Ginger
+coming to shake hands with you!"
+
+Of course they had heaps of fun watching the look on the face of Ginger,
+as he found himself confronting the hairy thief whom he had seen under
+such strange conditions, and believed to be a visitor from a warm
+country where pitchforks are said to be in fashion.
+
+But it required considerable urging for Ginger to actually take the
+extended hand of the big monkey. Eventually, however, they became quite
+good friends. Ginger was forever supplying the captive with tidbits, and
+on his part Diablo seemed to recognize in the dark-skinned man a boon
+companion.
+
+Of course, after they had their little frolic, and the story of Diablo's
+capture had been fully told, the boys were eager to know whether Mr.
+Garrabrant had succeeded in turning the two bad men over to the Rockaway
+authorities, also if he had happened to run across any of their folks
+while in Hickory Ridge.
+
+"Make your minds easy, boys," he had replied, laughingly. "Jim and Bill
+are safely lodged behind the bars in Rockaway jail. I saw Colonel
+Hitchens, and he paid me the reward that was offered for their capture,
+which goes to the troop. Later on you boys shall take a vote as to what
+to do with the money, though I imagine I can give a pretty good guess
+where it'll go from what I heard you say before about Abe and his
+kiddies."
+
+"Did you happen to mention the fact that we believed we had his runaway
+monkey up here as a neighbor, sir?" asked Elmer.
+
+"I certainly did, and he at once declared that if you could only manage
+to get hold of that rogue, Diablo, it would be another hundred dollars
+reward," answered the scout master.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Lil Artha, boisterously, "but the honor goes to Elmer
+and Mark. They not only did the entire trick, but managed to get a
+flashlight picture of the monkey going up in the air, with one of his
+hind legs gripped in the loop of a rope. It's the greatest thing I ever
+heard about! Wait till you see the picture, sir."
+
+"But how about Hickory Ridge, sir; I suppose it's still on the map?"
+asked Elmer, who knew only too well that every fellow was just dying to
+hear whether the scout master had happened to run across any of their
+home folks, and what they had said in sending word.
+
+"Well," replied Mr. Garrabrant, with a smile and a nod around; "I've got
+a pleasant surprise for you all. Having some time on my hands after I
+had carried out my little business affairs, I just thought it would be
+nice if I took my car and ran around to the home of every scout who is
+in camp here on old Solitude!"
+
+"Bully for you, sir!"
+
+"That was mighty fine of you, Mr. Garrabrant, and did you see my folks,
+sir?"
+
+"Three cheers for our scout master, fellows; ain't he all to the good,
+though?"
+
+Now, Mr. Garrabrant knew boys and was not in the least offended by such
+crude ways of expressing their appreciation. He knew it sprang straight
+from the heart, and was prouder to have won so lasting a place in their
+regard than he would have been to take a city.
+
+"Yes, I saw the folks of every lad, and bear messages that will please
+you, I am sure," he observed. "Here they are, just as they were sent by
+mothers and fathers. And you may be sure they were delighted to learn
+how well things were going. They want you to stay your time out, and
+come back, ruddy and brown, better fitted to take up your school duties
+when vacation ends."
+
+After the packet of little hastily scribbled messages had been
+distributed, care having been taken by the thoughtful scout master that
+not a single one might feel neglected, there was a strange silence in
+camp. Undoubtedly several of the boys were rather perilously near the
+breaking point, as they began to once more experience the grip of that
+terrible malady--homesickness.
+
+But Mr. Garrabrant knew, and he it was who began to play with the
+captive monkey, causing more or less sport, that presently had all the
+boys laughing uproariously. And so the threatened eruption was avoided.
+When supper time came they had managed to recover their former
+steadiness of purpose to stick it out to the end.
+
+But there was not a single member of the troop who did not treasure that
+little slip of paper, bearing only a few cheering loving words in a
+familiar hand, during the rest of the stay in camp.
+
+As to what else befell the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts, and particularly
+those members of the Wolf Patrol in whom we have had especial interest,
+time and space will not allow my attempting to narrate here. Later on
+the opportunity will doubtless arise, so that we shall once more make
+their acquaintance, and accompany them on other fields of outdoor life,
+where they continue to imbibe the secrets of Nature that are calculated
+to make them better fitted to take care of themselves, and be of service
+to their fellows.
+
+No serious calamity came to pass as the days slipped along. They
+continued to take toll of the obliging trout that dwelt in Lake
+Solitude, long acquainted with the hooks and devices of civilized man.
+And Mr. Garrabrant seldom allowed even a single day to pass without
+endeavoring to foster in his boys the manly spirit all American lads
+should possess.
+
+The day before they expected to break camp a party went over to the
+cabin of Abe Morris and brought him back with them, he being so far
+recovered, thanks to the treatment of the proud amateur physician, Dr.
+Ted, that he could limp, with the aid of crutches, and the stout as well
+as willing arms of the boys to lean upon.
+
+Of course the manly boy, Felix, and the useful maiden, Little Lou, came
+along, for the hut was being abandoned forever.
+
+They had places in the boats when the camp was left behind. The wagon as
+well as a carriage awaited them at exactly the same place where had
+burned the first camp fire of the expedition, this latter being for the
+use of Abe and his "kiddies," and the clumsier vehicle for the camp
+luggage.
+
+As for the scouts themselves they scorned such a means of travel.
+Browned and healthy, they felt able to walk twice the seven miles that
+lay between the Sweetwater and Hickory Ridge. And besides, were they not
+headed for _home_, with all that that implied in their enthusiastic
+boyish hearts?
+
+We could not, even if we would lift the veil, betray the emotion some of
+the valiant scouts exhibited when clasped again in the loving arms of a
+mother or a father. But everybody declared that the change in the boys
+was wonderful, and that they really seemed to have taken a great step
+forward in the journey toward manliness. Jasper Merriweather in
+particular hardly seemed like the same weak, timid boy. He had drawn in
+a big breath of "outdoors," and glimpsed the goal toward which he was
+now determined to set his course.
+
+And in Hickory Ridge that night, there was a consensus of opinion to the
+effect that the Boy Scout movement was by long odds the best thing that
+had ever happened to quicken the better element lying dormant in every
+growing lad.
+
+Abe Morris was easily placed in a paying position, and the boys never
+lost their interest in the boy Felix and Little Lou. Just as they had
+declared, the rewards coming to them for having effected the capture of
+the two bad men, as well as the runaway monkey valued so highly by
+Colonel Hitchens, were paid over to Abe, and went toward starting the
+little Morris family in a cottage of their own within the limits of the
+town of Hickory Ridge.
+
+Doubtless the thoughts of those lads would many times go out to the camp
+fires which had marked their first outing after organizing. And as they
+looked over the numerous fine pictures Mark had secured, they would live
+again the days when they experienced the strenuous life under canvas.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+The Alger Books by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+"THE TWO-IN-ONE EDITION"
+
+
+A new edition, 5 x 7-1/4 inches, bulk one inch, 330 pages, from new
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+
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+  Vol. 15--"Mark Mason's Triumph" and "Joe's Luck"
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+
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+lessons they teach without being goody-goody, make Alger books as
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+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+Won In The Ninth
+
+_A STORY ABOUT BASEBALL_
+
+By "CHRISTY" MATHEWSON
+
+(FAMOUS PITCHER Of THE NEW YORK NATIONAL LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM)
+
+(Copyrighted, 1910, by the R. J. Bodmer Co.)
+
+
+The characters are college boys in everything but their ability to play
+baseball. Each represents one of the leading players who are now playing
+in the American and National Leagues with names slightly changed, but
+the reader will soon discover that he is reading the early exploits of
+one of his baseball favorites.
+
+The whole range of interesting features about a ball team and the game
+itself is covered in successive chapters. One of them contains the
+secrets of what is known as "inside baseball" and "signal work" with
+illustrations showing how to do it.
+
+Through the twenty chapters are interwoven many of the stories of actual
+plays, famous catches, thrilling episodes of games, tricks pulled off
+and some that did not work, which have come within the author's
+experience.
+
+A good story of college life runs through the book. The hero gets into
+trouble and his friends get him out in the usual strenuous style of
+college life stories.
+
+It is a live book about baseball, with live characters, and written by
+the one man who knows more about the men who are playing it to-day and
+the methods by which games are won than anyone else in the sport.
+
+"EDITOR'S NOTE--The Daily News makes no apology for placing in this
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+story dealing with baseball events and baseball heroes.
+
+"The Daily News believes in clean athletic sports, believes in
+encouraging them and in keeping them clean. Baseball is the national
+game. It is not only the most popular sport in the United States, but it
+is national in the sense that it expresses the ingenuity, the energy and
+the agility of the typical American. Viewed in this light, baseball
+possesses a dignity of its own and an entertaining and informing piece
+of literary work about it cannot be trivial. What is elevating, what is
+interesting, and what is dignified cannot but make a strong appeal to
+the appreciation of every reader."--_=The Chicago News, March 21,
+1910.=_
+
+"The best baseball story ever written."--_=The Evening World, New York,
+N. Y., March 14, 1910.=_
+
+"I have read WON IN THE NINTH with much interest and it has been very
+entertaining."--_=Charles W. Murphy, President Chicago National League
+Baseball Club, Chicago, April 8, 1910.=_
+
+"WON IN THE NINTH is a great book, and one that every lover of the game
+should read."--_=Charles A. Comiskey, President Chicago White Sox
+American League Baseball Club, Chicago, April 7, 1910.=_
+
+_=Size full 12mo, 302 pages. Illustrated by Felix Mahoney. Cloth
+binding. Gilt back. Price, 50cts. Net. Full discounts to the trade.=_
+
+
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+
+    Vol. 3--"Sue, a Little Heroine" and "Polly, a
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+    Vol. 4--"The School Queens" and "A Sweet Girl
+      Graduate," both by Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+    Vol. 5--"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T.
+      Whitney, and "The Princess of the Revels," by Mrs. L.
+      T. Meade
+
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+      "Fairy Tales and Legends," by Charles Perrault
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+        PUBLISHERS, 147 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. N.Y.
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+
+    Vol. 3--"Beulah" and "Inez," both by Augusta J. Evans
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+    Vol. 4--"The Baronet's Bride" and "Who Wins," both by
+      May Agnes Fleming
+
+    Vol. 5--"Staunch as a Woman" and "Led by Love," both
+      by Charles Garvice
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+    Vol. 6--"Cast up by the Tide," by Dora Delmar, and
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+    Vol. 7--"Faith Gartney's Girlhood," by Mrs. A. D. T.
+      Whitney, and "Daddy's Girl," by Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+    Vol. 8--"Soldiers Three" and "The Light That Failed,"
+      both by Rudyard Kipling
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+    Vol. 9--"The Rifle Rangers," by Mayne Reid, and "Two
+      Years Before the Mast," by R. H. Dana
+
+    Vol. 10--"Great Expectations," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by
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+
+    Vol. 11--"Ishmael," Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, by Mrs.
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+
+
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+_Primrose Edition_
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+_ECONOMICAL COOKING_
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+_Planned for Two or More Persons_
+
+By MISS WINIFRED S. GIBBS
+
+      Dietitian and Teacher of Cooking for the New York
+      Association for Improving the Conditions of the Poor
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+
+Many Cook Books have been published, from time to time, to meet various
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+
+Of equal importance are the sections of this work which deal with food
+values, the treatment of infants and invalids and the proper service of
+various dishes.
+
+The recipes are planned for two persons, but may readily be adapted for
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+
+        _Cloth Binding_     _Illustrated_       _25c. per volume_
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+        THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+        147 FOURTH AVENUE (near 14th St.) NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
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+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
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+Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.
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+First advertising page, "Campfires" changed to "Camp Fires" to match
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+First advertising page, "Chenoweth" changed to "Chenowith" to match
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