a little change
from the regular programme of home life would not hurt these hardy
chaps, especially as they were so tired that nothing could keep them
awake, once they lay down.

"I guess you're right, Jud," remarked Paul, "and I'm sorry too."

"Oh! well, we're not worrying," declared Jud, looking around at the ring
of bright faces, and nodding, "are we, fellows?"

"Mr. Gordon's all right, and a mighty fine gentleman; but we don't
really need him," declared one, promptly.

"Not so you could notice it, while we've got such smart guides as Paul
and Wallace along," declared Tom Betts.

"D-d-don't you g-g-go to forgetting W-w-william here; he's t-t-turned
out just a w-w-wonder, you know!" burst out Bluff, vigorously waving his
knife and fork.

"It's William the Discoverer after this, fellows; for you know he proved
that this bully old lake was here, long before any of us had set eyes on
it!" argued another scout.

"Joking aside, boys," remarked Paul, earnestly, "I hope a few more of
you will take a pattern from the way William learned that fact. If you
only keep your eyes about you all the time, there are dozens of things
just as interesting that you can read in the plain signs. And the deeper
you dig into the Indian way of knowing things the better you'll like it.
Please fill up my platter again, William, if there's enough to go around
a second time. You're getting better as a cook every day you live."

As always, the utmost good cheer existed around the rude mess table
which had been constructed by several amateur carpenters, while the rest
were doing other necessary things.

It was meant to go under the big "round-top," as the scouts came to
call one of the extra canvas spreads; and could be moved to the open at
pleasure, during good weather.

"Oh! I think he's a bum chef, and ought to get bounced!"

Every one stared at Joe Clausin as these words appeared to proceed from
his mouth, and no one looked more surprised than Joe himself.

"If I've just got to eat his messes, you'll have to carry me back to
good old Stanhope, and mother's cookin', that's what!" Joe persisted in
saying, though no one saw his lips move.

"Hey, what d'ye think of that, fellows?" exclaimed William, trying to
look indignant. "Here I've been breaking my back trying to get up the
right kind of grub for the patrol, and this ungrateful member kicks me
when I ain't looking!"

"But I never----" started Joe, when he was cut short again.