“The man is a born leader and a born teacher,” said Lieutenant Denmead, commenting on Mr Thayer one day “We shall hear from him yet.”

All too soon the two weeks of study were over and the squad competitions were on.  Then they, too, were completed and notice of the results was eagerly awaited by the four patrols.

At length the evening came when the announcements were to be made public.  Mr. Thayer had accepted an invitation to be present and to make the final report.

Breathlessly the boys waited, the four leaders scarcely able to control their anxious interest, while the Scout Master, his assistant, and Mr. Thayer took their places within the circle near the council fire.

At last!

“To every one, congratulations!  To the Fox patrol, points for excellence in botanical knowledge.  To the Wolf patrol, points for excellence in mathematical accuracy.  To the Hawk patrol, points for superior general field work.  To the Otter patrol and its leader, Tom Sherwood, the title and honor, ’Official Geological Surveyors to the Troop’!”

* * * * * * *

“News! news!” cried Arthur Cameron, bursting in upon Ralph and Tom, who were sitting in the boathouse on the shore of the lake.

They had just come back from a canoe trip up the stream that flowed into Pioneer Lake, a few hours’ trip during which the Indian guide who had been sent with them had taught them how to navigate rapids in a canoe.  Never had Ralph enjoyed more exciting sport than shooting downstream in the swirling rapids and among the perilous rocks!

“News for me?” he asked, springing up alertly and seizing a letter Arthur handed to him.  He broke the seal, tore open the envelope, and unfolded a letter bearing the heading of the B.N. and C. Railroad.  “Oh, Tom, listen to this!”

“Mr. Ralph Kenyon,”

“Dear Sir:  Owing to the recommendations of our official surveyors, we are prepared to make you a fair offer for the northwest quarter section of your property, to be utilized in laying a branch line of the B.N. and C. Will you kindly authorize your attorney to confer with us upon this matter, at your earliest convenience?”

“Yours very truly, Nelson R. Slater, Atty.  B.N. & C. R.R."

Words cannot describe Ralph’s rejoicing at this news.  Vague as it was, merely suggesting, not stating any terms, he felt that it was the dawn of new hopes, a stepping-stone on the path of his long-cherished ambition.

Requesting Tom and Arthur to say nothing about it at present, he hurried to the Scout Master’s cabin or office and confided the whole scheme to Denmead, who straightway drew him into a long, serious, business-like discussion of the prospect, giving him an abundance of good sound advice.

“How can I ever thank you, sir, for all your kindness in bringing me this good luck?” Ralph asked again and again, before he started for home.