What is the Chief saying?"

"As a final test, I will ask each of these boys to write a list
naming the twenty mineral specimens that Mr. Rawson has collected
in the last two days," announced Lieutenant Denmead. "The list
that is most nearly correct will give the troop championship for
the course of study to its writer."

Profound silence fell upon the eager group around the campfire as
Rawson brought out his box of specimens, with paper and pencils for
the boys.

At the end of ten minutes the lists were claimed and soon after
Rawson handed to the Scout Master the successful paper.

Bud Morgan had won the competition,---and the Wolves howled in glee!

Not to be outdone, the Hawks, led by Walter Osborne and Blake
Merton, lifted their voices in a shrill "_Kree-kree-eee_," which
rose piercingly above the Wolves' "_How-ooo-ooo_!" Then the Otters
and the Foxes added their characteristic cries to the din, and
away off in the shadows where the contagion of the noise penetrated,
Indian Joe gave vent to a warwhoop of delight.

"Much noise---sound good!" he muttered to himself. "Don't know what
all about. Never mind. Boys glad. See 'em go!"

The whole troop, glad indeed to have a legitimate excuse for lusty
activity after the mental exercises of the evening, had jumped to
their feet _en masse_, and, headed by the howling Wolves, were
parading joyously around the campfire.

Bud Morgan was borne on the shoulders of the leaders, and there was
nothing to suggest the student of rocks and rivers and undulating
hills in his happy abandon to the situation.

In fact, the majority of the boys had already forgotten the contests
in the temporary excitement and the uproar.

Lieutenant Denmead, after exchanging a word and a good-humored smile
with his assistant, hurried to his cabin, and returned a moment
later with a small volume in his hand. Then, at his signal, Mr.
Rawson lifted the camp bugle, which he had secured hastily, and
blew the assembly call.

At that, the boys, quite ready to quiet down again after their
outburst of overflowing spirits, dropped into line with the promptness
of long practice and awaited their Scout Master's word.

"Be seated, Scouts of Pioneer Camp," he directed, returning their
salute and seating himself on his favorite log. "In the few minutes
remaining before 'taps,' I wish to emphasize the meaning of the
business and the fun of the evening. I am gratified by the interest
you have shown i