Then came the moon, a little past her prime, peeping over the hills far to the east, and looking down upon them, as though questioning in a mild way their right to the occupancy of that island camp.
It was all very romantic, and even Asa Gardner confessed that he liked it. The day, however, had been a strenuous one for all of them, and several of the boys could already be detected slily yawning when they thought no one was looking; so Mr. Bartlett concluded it would be wise for them to think of taking to their blankets.
Before the order was given for retiring at nine o’clock, however, Mr. Bartlett announced the programme for the early morning.
“At sunrise reveille will be sounded, when every boy is expected on the campus, as we shall call this open space here. Mr. Rowland will put you through the usual United States Army setting-up exercises. After that the flag will be raised on the flagpole we’ve prepared, and will be saluted. Then comes the morning bath and swim in which all are expected to join. After breakfast we will have a brief chapel service in the big tent. At that time I expect to announce the programme for the first day in camp. And now good night to you all, boys. I hope every one of you will sleep well.”
After a little confusion, all sounds gradually died away, and only the crackling of the fire could be heard, together with the wash of the waves against the rocks. Camp Russabaga was asleep.
CHAPTER IX
THE RULE OF ORDER AND DISCIPLINE
When the boys were talking of retiring Asa Gardner, who had been hovering near, approached Mr. Bartlett and Dick.
The former, of course, knew more or less about the strange lad whose past had been of a character to make him unhappy. Dick had managed to explain to both the young men who were in charge of the camp how Asa was fighting his battle manfully, and consequently they sympathized with the boy.
“Do you want to ask me anything, Asa?” inquired Mr. Bartlett, kindly.
“Just a little favor, sir,” came the hesitating reply, for Asa was easily confused, realizing as he did that people looked on him in a different way from what they did ordinary lads.