the rear.

"He's there yet!" announced Parker, peering over the edge. "See his eyes!
I wonder if--"

He did not finish. Mr. Reed flashed the light from his battery into the
hole, and Trexler, close beside him, gave an exclamation of surprise.

"Why, it's a coon!"

And so it was; an uncommonly large specimen, to be sure, but still
exceedingly harmless and inoffensive. In fact, at the flashes of light
and the sight of so many faces peering down on it, the frightened
creature shrank close to the side of the pit as if trying to escape.

"It's fallen down and can't get out!" exclaimed Trexler. "Can't I go down
and get it, Mr. Reed?"

The hole was barely four feet across and not more than twice as deep--a
trial shaft, Mr. Curtis suggested, probably sunk in the search for
another vein. Receiving permission, Paul simply hung by his hands and
dropped, and the interested spectators saw him lift up the coon.

"The poor thing's half starved," he said. "Let down a couple of coats,
fellows, and pull him up. He'll make a dandy camp mascot."

The idea was hailed with delight. There was little trouble in hoisting
the creature to the surface and pulling Trexler after him. Then the
entire crowd turned back to the entrance shaft, their interest diverted
to this new pet.

Back on the surface the assembly whistle was blown, and the two
scoutmasters made themselves comfortable while waiting the arrival of
the throng they knew would be eager to inspect the mine. The members of
Tent Three, however, did not linger. Obtaining permission to return at
once to camp, they hustled off, carrying the coon with them, and for the
brief remainder of the day they were exceedingly busy.

Pete, as the mascot was christened, had to be fed and housed and cared
for, and it took some time to build a crate strong enough to keep him
from escaping. At first he threatened to be killed by kindness, but
finally Trexler was voted his special guardian, and in a surprisingly
short time the animal became noticeably docile and friendly. He had an
inordinate curiosity and was as full of mischief as any monkey. But
though the cook frowned on him, his popularity with the scouts increased
with every day.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE WISH OF HIS HEART

And how swiftly those remaining days passed with their mingling of work
and play! There were more fishing excursions and athletic meets. One
afternoon was devoted to an exciting treasure-hunt; another saw a sham
bat