Part 12 (1/2)
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 distinguis.h.i.+ng 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.