The Boy Scouts of the Geological Survey

d and inexpressibly glad and grateful. Her return, although hailed with rejoicing by Ralph, upset the d

ly surprised, not to say startled, at the culinary efforts of her son and his guests, and she declared she could not understand "how anyone can sleep in those beds, the rough-and-tumbl

There could be no further dispute now over the boundary lines, and "Old Man Perkins' claim hadn't a leg to stand on," as Tom Walsh expressed it

end, Ralph had been able to go about with the others everywhere except on the stony slopes of the hills, where the walking was d

he evening after the survey was completed. "Why don't you come with us, Ralph? I'm sure your mot

e. "You'll come, Ralph, won't you?"

I mean, won't you be glad to be rid of me for a fe

"But I wish you would go! It would be real fun for you. Your aunt is c

. Thanks for invit

than usual he rose next morning and attended thoroughly to the chores; then, after a hearty breakfast, the four hikers bade Mrs. Kenyon good-bye and set out for a place

ok for signs of iron deposits on you

den appeared to be deserted that spring, and Ralph felt a pang of regret at the thought that perhaps the foxes that usually took up their abode there had fallen victims to his tr

ong the trees attracted them, and they push

o cold for a swim?

any harm," assented Rawson

In a few minutes they had stripped off

water's none too warm at this time of year, and anyone of

a that he had come so far. The boys were not in sight, but their shouts and laughter assured him that they were all right, obeying his instructions; so he struck out toward the little island. A few vigorous strokes brought him to the

season!" said the young man, half alo

k, and waited. The sound grew more distinct, and presently a canoe, manned by a solitary individual, came int

a strong, swift stroke which sent the light craft dancing over the water. As he approached the rock on which George was seated he moderated his speed, and swerved toward a st

spiral of smoke curl up into the air. Then the canoe came into si

g his eyes with one hand. "The canoe has floated

suit of the flighty craft. Reaching it, the Indian did not climb aboard, but swam back to shore, pushing it in front of him. The

of you, Joe," h

ecovered from the surprise of seeing the unexpected apparition of a naked white man in those wilds. Red man and white man, children of the

y asked, pointing to a brisk little fire

" answered Joe. "We have di

I'll go and get the boys and bring the

o broil the fish on the hot stones; they brought out their sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, and milk, and all "fell to" with a keen appetit

storm, which drove them to the shelter of a cave at the base of a cliff forming one side of a broad ravine. The rain fell in torrents, mingled with hail, t

d Rawson, "and we'll c