Down the road the boys walked at a brisk pace, chatting and joking as they went on. Those in the van of course had the task of keeping in touch with the tracks and every once in a while they made sure that these could still be discovered in the rather soft soil alongside the road.
When the mile had been passed and more Thad reminded Hiram of his promise, and in turn every scout pressed the big fellow’s hard hand warmly. So they passed out of Hiram’s life; but the result of his meeting these wide-awake scouts was destined to mark an epoch in the career of that country boy, a turning point in his destiny as it were.
The day was another gloomy one.
It seemed as though Nature might be frowning her worst, and giving all sorts of portentous signs concerning what was coming before long. If anything the damp feeling in the air had grown more pronounced than before, which would indicate to a weather prophet the approach of wet weather.
It takes considerable to dampen the enthusiasm of lively scouts, however; and as the morning crept along they continued to make merry as they plodded on their way.
It was about eleven o’clock when a shout from Giraffe in the front announced a discovery of some moment. Trust “Old Eagle Eye” for finding out things ahead of others; he was not gifted with that keenness of vision for nothing.
“What is it, the river at last?” called Bumpus, between puffs, for the pace was fast enough to make the stout scout breathe hard.
“That’s what it is, as sure as you live!” exclaimed Step Hen.
“And let me tell you, suh, she looks mighty fine to me,” remarked Bob White, who was particularly fond of the water, and a good boatman as well as canoeist.
“Whew! Strikes me the old Susquehanna must be on a tear already!” came from Bumpus, as he caught his first glimpse of the wide expanse of flowing water.