etty worried, as
the thought struck her.

"We'll hold Jake on a leash. And if he doesn't make a fuss we might
creep over and watch for the animal's appearance again," added Julie.

"Then the sooner we go and get Jake, the sooner we'll be back here," was
the sensible remark of Joan.

The scouts now hurried along the trail and soon reached the bungalow,
where a splendid Airedale was sleeping in the sunshine. He was stretched
out full length right in the way where one would have to pass to go up
the steps to the verandah.

"Oh, are you Jake?" called Julie quickly, when she saw the dog.

"Isn't he a beaut?" cried Joan, admiring the shapely form as it jumped
up to growl at the visitors.

"Why, Jake, don't begin our relations with a growl! Don't you know we
have to keep the peace all summer?" laughed Julie, snapping her fingers
to the dog.

Mr. Gilroy heard voices and came out on the verandah. The moment he
greeted the scouts familiarly, Jake wagged his stump of a tail and ran
up to show his friendship for his master's friends.

The girls fussed over the dog immediately, and Mr. Gilroy smiled. "Well,
what do you think of him, scouts? Is he homely enough to win your pity?
You know it is said, 'Pity is akin to love.'"

"He's a regular peach, Gilly!" exclaimed Joan.

"Just what we need at camp," added Judith.

And in the next ten minutes the dog had won high favor with his future
companions. Then the scouts told about the animal they believed to be a
beaver, so they wanted to hurry back and watch.

"But hold to the leash if you go near the log. Jake is a born hunter,"
advised Mr. Benson.

"Oh, he is very obedient if you speak sternly to him," added Mr. Gilroy.
"If he tugs or wants to run, just command in severe tones, 'To heel,
Jake,' and he will obey like a lamb."

Jake wagged his tail as he watched Mr. Gilroy, and when the order was
given, 'To heel, Jake,' he crept behind his master.

"Oh, the darling! Doesn't he mind splendidly!" cried several of the
scouts.

"I'll come along pretty soon. Wait for me near the log where you saw the
beaver. I'll finish up with Benson and then join you there," said Mr.
Gilroy, as the scouts started down the trail again, leading Jake by the
leash.

Every one was delighted with the meek and obedient dog, and the fussing
was accepted by him as his due, but he paid no attention to the numerous
pats and endearing names given him as they walked along. Then they
reached the open