e Grant. It is doubtful whether Tom, gazing
at the chief's big tent, even heard.

Presently Dr. Gitney stepped outside and came toward them.

"Doctor," began Tom, "will you give me your word of honor that
Mr. Thurston is in his right mind?"

"He certainly impresses me as being so," the physician replied.

"You fully believe that he knew just what he was doing?" Tom insisted.

"I do, Reade. But why should you care? You have the reins in your
own hands now."

"I wish to keep the reins there," Tom returned quickly. "Still
I don't want to hold the power for an instant if there is reason
to believe that Mr. Thurston didn't know what he was doing."

"If that is all you required of me, Reade, rest easy and go ahead
with the big trust that has been placed in your hands," replied
Dr. Gitney.

"Then help me to get a few things out of the chief's tent that we
shall need," replied Tom.

"Tell me what the things are," rejoined the physician, "and I'll pass
them out. I don't want one of you in there, or Thurston will soon be
as delirious as Blaisdell is, poor fellow."

By stealth, drawing tables and instruments, several boxes of maps,
books and papers and other necessary articles were taken from
Mr. Thurston tent without awaking the sick man.

These were removed to a tent that was not occupied at the moment.

"Supper's ready, folks," announced Bob, the cook's helper, stepping
softly through camp.

Tom joined the other engineers, taking a few hasty mouthfuls.
Hardly had the party gathered in the mess tent when 'Gene Black,
bright and cheery, stepped in swiftly, nodding here and there.

"Well, Rutter, I take it you are running the camp from now on?"
asked Black.

"Guess just once more," replied Jack.

"Who is, then?"

"Mr. Reade."

Black gulped, then grinned.

"The cub? That's good!"

Black leaned back on his stool, laughing loudly.

"But who _is_ going to boss the camp?" insisted Black, after he had
had his laugh.

"Mr. Reade!" flung back the other engineers in one voice.

"What have you to say to this, cub?" asked 'Gene Black, turning
to Tom.

"Mr. Thurston placed me in charge because no one else would assume
the responsibility," smiled Tom good-humoredly.

"Then you're going to stay boss for the present?"

"Unless Mr. Thurston changes his mind."

"Oh, what a fool I was to be away this afternoon!" groaned Black
to himself. "I could have gotten this chance away from a cub like
Reade. Oh, b