As Buck ended his remarks a little lamely, Bud Morgan hastened to say, “You fellows have the idea now,—–­and mark my word:  the Otters are going to win out!”

CHAPTER XII

AN ILLUSTRIOUS EXAMPLE

That night the Scout Master was much gratified at the interest manifested by the boys as they assembled around the council fire.  It was plain that they had all found “food for thought” in what he had told them on the previous evening.  Their questions showed that they were anxious to understand how to make the most of the promised course, and that they realized it was bound to prove intensely interesting.

“Some of the boys asked me to remind you of the book you had last night,” said Don Miller, coming up to Lieutenant Denmead as the latter had a moment’s freedom.

“Surely!  I must not forget my promise,” responded the Scout Master.  “See that the troop is assembled and ready, Miller, and I will secure the volume.”

A few moments later the erect, impressive figure of the lieutenant faced the waiting assembly of silent scouts.

“Scouts of Pioneer Camp,” he said, “among the heroes of our nation is one whose name is particularly familiar to you and to whom public honor is frequently given.  His character has borne the searchlight of investigation for more than a century, and as a man of fine moral fiber and a military leader of superior judgment, he still stands preeminent.  I refer, boys, to General George Washington!”

So impressive and so compelling were these words that instinctively the patrol leaders rose to their feet and stood at salute.  In an instant every scout had joined them, and the Scout Master gravely returned the proffered courtesy.

At a gesture the boys sat down again, and the lieutenant, sitting so that the fire light fell steadily on the open book in his hand, began to read: 

“’George Washington was not more than thirteen or fourteen years of age when he was encouraged to put his skill in mathematics into definite use by learning surveying.  He applied himself so thoroughly that before long he surveyed the land about the schoolhouse which he attended.  As he was the first pupil who had performed such a practical piece of work, his schoolmates were deeply interested in his exploit.’”

“’A little later, when he had advanced so far in his study as to give him some idea of the proper use and handling of the chain and compass, he began to put his knowledge into practice by taking surveys of the farms lying in the immediate neighborhood of his schoolhouse.’”