"Just watch and see," replied the other, who, besides being the leader of his patrol, known as the Wolf Patrol, was also the assistant scout master of the troop and authorized by certificate from the headquarters of the organization to assume the duties of Mr. Garrabrant whenever that gentleman was away on business.
Suddenly Adam gave a bound up and down until the springy board had taken on a motion superior to anything that had been done by the others in their efforts to excel.
As it came up finally, the body of the German boy leaped into the air. Those who were watching with distended eyes saw him turn over twice before he struck the surface of the water, beneath which he shot with the grace of a fish.
Elmer gave a shout.
"I thought as much; Adam was hoodwinking you, boys!" he laughed.
"Wow, did you ever see the like of that! A double somersault before he struck, and then he dived under like a greenback frog from a log!" and Landy's fat face was a study as he looked his utter amazement.
"I take it all back!" shouted Ty. "They do know how to dive over in Yarmany and beat us all hollow. Say, fellows, I bet you Adam is going to prove to be the best water dog in all Hickory Ridge. Look at him swimming there, will you? I've seen an otter or a muskrat doing it that way, but never a boy. Ain't he the peach though! I take off my hat to Adam!"
"That'th what we all thay!" cried Ted, enthusiastically.
"Three cheers for our new comrade, fellows; here's to Adam, and may he prove as great a find as a true scout as he has a water duck!" exclaimed Elmer.
The cheers rang out, and were followed with a "tiger." Adam was coming back now, and his red face beamed with satisfaction. They had been inclined to look on him as a real greenhorn; and no doubt that was what he would prove to be with regard to most of the ways of woodcraft in which scouts desire to become proficient; but the boy from across the big water had certainly surprised his new mates this day by his expertness at diving and swimming.