came when the announcements were to be made
public. Mr. Thayer had accepted an invitation to be present and
to make the final report.

Breathlessly the boys waited, the four leaders scarcely able to
control their anxious interest, while the Scout Master, his assistant,
and Mr. Thayer took their places within the circle near the council
fire.

At last!

"To every one, congratulations! To the Fox patrol, points for
excellence in botanical knowledge. To the Wolf patrol, points
for excellence in mathematical accuracy. To the Hawk patrol,
points for superior general field work. To the Otter patrol and
its leader, Tom Sherwood, the title and honor, 'Official Geological
Surveyors to the Troop'!"

* * * * * * *

"News! news!" cried Arthur Cameron, bursting in upon Ralph and Tom,
who were sitting in the boathouse on the shore of the lake.

They had just come back from a canoe trip up the stream that flowed
into Pioneer Lake, a few hours' trip during which the Indian guide
who had been sent with them had taught them how to navigate rapids
in a canoe. Never had Ralph enjoyed more exciting sport than
shooting downstream in the swirling rapids and among the perilous
rocks!

"News for me?" he asked, springing up alertly and seizing a letter
Arthur handed to him. He broke the seal, tore open the envelope,
and unfolded a letter bearing the heading of the B.N. and C. Railroad.
"Oh, Tom, listen to this!"

"_Mr. Ralph Kenyon,_"

"_Dear Sir: Owing to the recommendations of our official surveyors,
we are prepared to make you a fair offer for the northwest quarter
section of your property, to be utilized in laying a branch line of
the B.N. and C. Will you kindly authorize your attorney to confer
with us upon this matter, at your earliest convenience?_"

"_Yours very truly, Nelson R. Slater, Atty. B.N. & C. R.R."_

Words cannot describe Ralph's rejoicing at this news. Vague as it
was, merely suggesting, not stating any terms, he felt that it was
the dawn of new hopes, a stepping-stone on the path of his
long-cherished ambition.

Requesting Tom and Arthur to say nothing about it at present, he
hurried to the Scout Master's cabin or office and confided the
whole scheme to Denmead, who straightway drew him into a long,
serious, business-like discussion of the prospect, giving him
an abundance of good sound advice.

"How can I ever thank you, sir, for all your kindness in bringing
me this good luck