This duty having been carried out, the regular business of the meeting was next in order. It could easily be seen that all of the boys present displayed more or less anxiety to hear the reports of certain of the committees.
“I’ll ask the vice-president to occupy the chair while I make my report as the committee of one to call on Doctor Madison and find out what our chances are of getting Camp Marley.”
When Dick made this remark he vacated his seat, Leslie taking his place temporarily. Every boy present leaned forward and glued his eager eyes on Dick.
“It isn’t just the thing for the presiding officer of an organization,” began the one who was on his feet, “to act on a committee; but in this case it happens that I started the business with Doctor Madison, and he asked me to drop in and see him this evening when on the way here. He went out to Mr. Marley’s this afternoon as he expected. I’m sorry to tell you he brought back bad news for us.”
Some of the expectant ones emitted groans at hearing this.
“It’s all off, then,” said Dan Fenwick. “I just thought things would fall flatter than a pancake when the Cliffwood boys started to do anything worth while. It’s hard luck, that’s what. We’re pursued by a hoodoo, I believe.”
“Go on and tell us the worst, Dick!” urged Peg Fosdick.
“Yes, we can stand it all right, I should say,” added Elmer Jones, grimly. “P’r’aps one knock-down may make us wake up, and think of some other way of spending our summer vacation.”
“Mr. Marley sent word that we had made our application just three days too late,” continued Dick, smiling sadly. “He’s promised the camp on his lake to a party of fellows coming over from Emoryville. They belong to the scouts there, I understand, and mean to stay most of the summer, doing all sorts of stunts.”
As this meeting had been called especially to learn about the result of their effort to secure a good camping ground, interest began to subside as soon as Dick had made his depressing report. Most of the boys looked gloomy. They had been counting so much on this outing that their disappointment was keen.