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 t.i.tle 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 sh.o.r.e 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.

"By distinguishing yourself as a student in the School of Mines and by becoming, in due time, an efficient, broad-minded leader in your scientific profession," was Denmead's only answer. "The little I've done for you, my boy, is too slight to merit thanks; but the work you may undertake is vastly important, and I want you to make a great success."

He shook Ralph's hand, laying the other on the lad's broad shoulder.

"Good-bye, for the present, Ralph," he added. "Let me know if there's anything I can do for you hereafter."

"I---I will, sir," stammered Ralph, swallowing hard. "Thanks ever so much!"

He turned to go, for the launch was waiting at the camp's pier to take him down the lake, where Tom Walsh would meet him with his wagon and drive him home.

"I must say good-bye to the boys now," he added in a tone of regret.

"I've had the time of my life here, sir, and I think camp is great!"

"One moment, Ralph. I believe Rawson has some even better news for you."

Rawson had entered and was standing in the doorway.

"Yes, I have," he replied, smiling. "I kept it from you until the last minute, because it's so good it won't spoil! Ralph, in our surveys we found abundant signs of iron deposits on your property.

These have been further investigated during your visit here.

Beyond a doubt there are undeveloped mines on your land, boy!"

"Then---then father's dream---it may come true! He always said that, always believed it! And now---now------"

"Your lawyer will explain to you the terms of your father's will in case a mining company should be organized," continued Denmead. "Of course, I don't know what they are, but I a.s.sume that when you reach your majority you'll be the chief owner of any mine on your land, and a director in the company. Success to the future, Ralph! May health and wealth and happiness be yours!"

With a sudden boyish impulse, Ralph gave both Scout Master Denmead and George Rawson a bear-hug of sheer joy, and then he ran out to bid his other friends good-bye. Presently he was in the launch, gliding swiftly across the lake, his weeks at Pioneer Camp a memory that would linger with him always.

The events already recorded took place in the first half of the summer. Later, the regular routine of camp life was followed. No week was allowed to pa.s.s without some contest in strength, skill, or endurance. Now it was the Signalers' Game, in which the troop was split up into three divisions: the enemy, the defenders and the attackers. Again it was a stalking game, which tested the cleverness of the boys in reading signs and following trails. Often, too, there were tests in water polo, in spearing the sturgeon and in swimming diving, and paddling.

More than once Indian Joe was called upon to guide the boys on some long hike, lasting several days. At these times, the scouts had rigid training in scaling cliffs, fording streams locating points of the compa.s.s, selecting camp sites, making tents, building bonfires, cooking hasty meals,---in the thousand and one details of the woodsman's life.

All these experiences developed a strong, healthy, happy crowd of boys, each one self-reliant and resourceful; and before the end of the summer, Lieutenant Denmead and his a.s.sistant felt that they had every reason to be proud of the scouts of Pioneer Camp. Some of the boys,---like Hugh and Billy and Alec,---who had been prominent in the troop activities in previous seasons, were increasingly missed.

Where they were during the late spring and early summer months is revealed in another story of this series, ent.i.tled "The Boy Scouts of the Life Saving Crew."

THE END