As the Scout Master raised his hand, silence fell upon the company again.

“The plan for the two weeks of study is only preliminary,” the lieutenant continued.  “Following that, we will organize the patrols into four squads of geological surveyors.  Each squad will be given two days to make an accurate geological survey of a section previously selected and surveyed by Mr. Thayer.  The scouts will note its dimensions, the quality of its soil, the height of its hills, the extent of its valleys, the growth of its vegetation, its stratified zones, its mineral deposits,—–­in a word, whatever points Mr. Thayer shall designate to you in his course of study under the head of the ‘geological survey,’ is to be included in an accurate report, neatly recorded and finally submitted to Mr. Thayer for his marking.

“And last of all a system of ‘points’ will be established for the course, by which the patrols may be credited for certain accomplishments in the line of this particular training, in addition to the points won by the neatness and accuracy of the reports.  The patrol winning the highest final rating will be given the title:  Official Geological Surveyors to the Troop!”

As the Scout Master made this elaborate announcement in his most grandiloquent manner, the boys responded laughingly, clapping their hands appreciatively, but uttering no word.

“That is all for to-night, boys,” resumed Lieutenant Denmead after a moment, “but it will give you food for thought and a subject for your dreams!  Details will be posted soon, and, meanwhile, let your enthusiasm grow.

“This little book in my hand will have to keep its story to itself for to-night, as the hour is late; but to-morrow I will read to you a brief account of a national hero who found a knowledge of surveying a great help to him in his military capacity.  Good night, boys.”

“Good night, sir!” came the hearty response.

CHAPTER XI

THE NEW PROJECT

“Well, how does it strike you, Spike,—–­this idea of a summer school?” inquired Cooper Fennimore the next morning as the Foxes came back from their early dip in the lake.

“Um,—–­well,” replied Spike slowly, rubbing his chin as he had seen old men do when in deep thought, “how does it strike you?”

“Ex-actly right, now that I’ve thought it all over,” responded Cooper.  “At first I was enthusiastic because the Lieutenant was and because the rest took it up like wild-fire.

“Then, last night after the camp was quiet, I began to think it looked like all work and no play; like a pretty strenuous vacation after months of hard study, you know!” Cooper looked at spike and gravely winked.

“Oh, yes, you old fraud!” jeered spike, poking his chum in the ribs.  “We all know that you are almost worn out with mental application!”

“But, finally,” continued Cooper, doubling up slightly at the friendly nudge but giving no further attention to the interruption, “finally, I concluded that if my health could stand the strain, I would like nothing better than this nice stiff little course in ground work.”