“Much noise—–­sound good!” he muttered to himself.  “Don’t know what all about.  Never mind.  Boys glad.  See ’em go!”

The whole troop, glad indeed to have a legitimate excuse for lusty activity after the mental exercises of the evening, had jumped to their feet en masse, and, headed by the howling Wolves, were parading joyously around the campfire.

Bud Morgan was borne on the shoulders of the leaders, and there was nothing to suggest the student of rocks and rivers and undulating hills in his happy abandon to the situation.

In fact, the majority of the boys had already forgotten the contests in the temporary excitement and the uproar.

Lieutenant Denmead, after exchanging a word and a good-humored smile with his assistant, hurried to his cabin, and returned a moment later with a small volume in his hand.  Then, at his signal, Mr. Rawson lifted the camp bugle, which he had secured hastily, and blew the assembly call.

At that, the boys, quite ready to quiet down again after their outburst of overflowing spirits, dropped into line with the promptness of long practice and awaited their Scout Master’s word.

“Be seated, Scouts of Pioneer Camp,” he directed, returning their salute and seating himself on his favorite log.  “In the few minutes remaining before ‘taps,’ I wish to emphasize the meaning of the business and the fun of the evening.  I am gratified by the interest you have shown in our field work and in these tests, but I am satisfied that we can add to the introductory knowledge that we have gained a more practical and helpful course.

“This is what I propose:  First, I will give you two weeks of ’summer school’ training in geology and surveying under the tutelage of a young man who is a thoroughly trained geological surveyor.  He was recommended to me by my friend Mr. Brett of the B.N. and C. Railroad.  The young man, Ransom Thayer, is willing to come to us on one condition.  He has been technically trained, and he insists upon strict attention to the matter in hand and strict school discipline in return for his services.  He has arranged a schedule of hours both for camp study and recitation and for practice in surveying, and has left ample time, also, for recreation, such as swimming and ball-playing.

“His proposition appealed to me as being both generous and just, and I had confidence enough in the Scouts of Pioneer Camp to accept it on the spot!”

A spontaneous cheer burst from the boys at this point.

“Well, tell me, do you like the idea?” urged the Scout Master smilingly.

“Now, boys, tell him!” cried Walter Osborne, springing to his feet and facing the troop.

“Let her out!  Now!”

“Rah!  Rah!  Rah!” yelled the scouts, jumping to their feet.  “Rah!  Rah!  Rah! Lieutenant Denmead!”

“Kree-kree-eee!” shrilled the Hawks. “How-ooo-ooo! Yap-yap-yap! Skee-eee-eee!” barked and squealed the others.