Both Mr. Nocker and Mr. Capes asked so many questions that it is doubtful whether anything escaped being told during those delightful hours spent around the crackling fire. The evening had turned out a bit chilly, too, which made the blaze all the more appreciated.
Then at the suggestion of Mr. Holwell, who knew how splendidly the Y. M. C. A. boys could sing, they gave a number of their school songs, and patriotic airs as well. Dick, learning that the minister had a special liking for “Onward Christian Soldiers,” coaxed Leslie to strike up with his clear tenor, and the rest came thundering along in the chorus, greatly to the delight of Mr. Holwell, in whose eyes dewdrops sparkled when they were through.
“I have heard that inspiring song on many notable occasions, boys,” he assured them, “but I give you my word for it, never sung as to-night. Here on this lonely island in the vast lake the sound seems to roll over the water with telling effect. I never before realized how wonderfully charming songs can sound on the water. It gives them a special value that could not be attained in any other way. I shall never, never forget this night, and the ones who have entertained us so well.”
Mr. Nocker was almost as enthusiastic in his praise.
“I want to say to you, young fellows,” he told them, with considerable emotion in his voice and manner, “that I am proud to be reckoned your friend in these days of reconstruction. I would not go back to the life I used to lead for all the money in the United States. Since little Billy came into my life it seems as though the scales have dropped from my eyes, and the whole world has taken on a new and glorious aspect. And I owe it mostly to Dick here. God bless him.”
“Hear! hear!” shouted some of the lads.
“The best chum going!” others roared.
“For he’s a jolly good fellow, which none can deny!” chanted Leslie and several of the rest in chorus. Nor did the camp director have the heart to restrain this boisterous demonstration.
Dick laughed, and turned red; but, of course, he would not have been human if he had not felt his heart beating faster than its wont with happiness, when he realized that these good friends thought so well of him, and that Mr. Nocker no longer deemed all boys “Sons of Belial,” as he used to affirm.
Much as they enjoyed that evening, the hour grew late, and some of the campers were found to be secretly yawning behind their palms. So Mr. Bartlett said it would be just as well for them to consider retiring, as they would want to be up early in the morning.