When the question of eating comes up among a party of hungry boys it is certain to take precedence, just as a motion to adjourn is said to be always in order.
"That gets me where I live," declared Red, nodding his head vigorously.
"All in favor hold up your right hands," said the acting scout-master; and immediately eleven hands shot into the air.
Every one present had voted in favor of the motion save the leader and Matt Tubbs. And even the latter looked happier than before, when, taking a good sized roll from his haversack, Elmer divided it in half and offered one portion to the uninvited guest.
Perhaps, after all, it was the part of wisdom for the scouts to partake of lunch before entering upon any more strenuous work. Boys never feel quite so venturesome on an empty as a full stomach. At least, after the long hike, they needed refreshments, every one thought.
"Look at Ted, will you; he's the disappointed one," whispered Mark in the ear of the scout master.
Indeed, Ted did continue to frown as if he had met with a severe loss; and yet as a rule he had never been known as a fighter.
"Don't you see what it is," answered Elmer, amused. "He was just beginning to believe there would be a rumpus and lots of bruises to be taken care of. Ted is getting more and more earnest in his liking for the profession of a surgeon."
"Huh!" grunted Toby, who chanced to be standing close enough to hear what passed between the two chums; "he's getting more and more cracked, that's what. Unless he curls that disposition of his, I'm afraid he'll get bounced from the scouts before long."
"Why, what's his desire to be a doctor and a surgeon got to do with it?" asked Mark, curiously.