Part 9 (2/2)
Rawson lifted the camp bugle, which he had secured hastily, and blew the a.s.sembly 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.
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 t.i.tle: 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
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