Don't throw your straws away yet, fellows;" remarked Allan, after the
drawing had come to a conclusion; "Thad has something more to say."

"Yes," remarked the patrol leader, smiling; "after talking it over with
Allan, who will be left in charge here during our absence, I've
concluded to take a second scout along. Three will be better than two,
in case of any trouble."

"Trouble! Oh! my stars!"

It was Bumpus who said this; and he actually turned pale as he glanced
down at the short stick he held in his hand. What if after all he should
turn out to be the ill-fated one chosen to cross again to the island? He
thought it would be just his luck.

"Now, it's only right that the one who has the next shortest stick
should be the second fellow in the boat with me," Thad went on; "so
let's compare lengths again, boys."

Some came up anxiously, actually hoping they might be the lucky one;
while others were indifferent; because there had been an interesting
programme laid out for that morning's work, and they should hate to
miss the "wigwagging" with signal flags; as well as more of Allan's
trail talks, which were so great.

"Davy Jones, you go!" remarked Thad, after the various "straws" had been
compared, and his was found to be the shortest.

Davy gave a pleased grunt and his face glowed with delight. If there was
one fellow in the patrol whose soul seemed to crave excitement, and the
element of danger, it was the Jones' boy. When everything else failed he
was in the habit of climbing a tree, and ascending to a dizzy height,
perform some of his astonishing gymnastics there. No wonder they called
him "Monkey" at times.

"Me for another chance to hook a three pound bass, if I can get a few
minnows with that little seine made of mosquito net," announced Giraffe,
after they had cleaned up the breakfast dishes, and the camp looked spic
and span as a camp always should look when boys are being taught how to
live in the woods.

"Of course you are; though we've got plenty to eat besides fish,"
remarked Step-hen; "but they sure did taste mighty fine, Giraffe; and
I'll take a turn with you along the shore. We can get on without the
boat, I reckon."

"Count me in that job, if Allan will let me go along," Bumpus declared,
showing considerable interest.

"If you do come, the chances are three to one you'll trip on some vine,
or stone, and take a header into the lake," remarked Giraffe.

"Well, what if I did, I know how to swim