Dirk gulped. “It’s a big thing to ask,” he blurted, “and maybe I shouldn’t say it.”
“Come, out with it!”
“Well—well—Chief, I want to go on the Long Trail!”
For some space of time after this pronouncement, the man said nothing. Dirk, searching his chief’s face for some sign, breathed a heavy sigh of disappointment, and rose to go.
“Sit down, Dirk! The Long Trail, eh? I suppose you know what you’re asking?”
Dirk, with new eagerness in his eyes, sank again into his chair. “Mr. McNulty and some of the chaps have been talking about it, and Ryan, in our tent, is going. It must be a splendid experience, sir, and I—I—— Yes, I know I’m not much as a woodsman—why, I got lost within a little way from the camp!—and I guess I’d be a drag on the rest of the fellows on a long trip like that. But, oh, sir, give me a chance!”
The Chief stared through the little window over his desk, a tiny square through which came a glimpse of the pines and the rippling waters of Lake Lenape.
“The boys that Mr. Carrigan has chosen are all picked campers,” he said at last. “Most of them have spent three seasons here, and in that time have learned the many things they must know to take care of themselves on a long trip that would test the endurance of many grown men. Moreover, these boys realize that in order to get through and plant our banner on Mount Kinnecut, they must work together as one, must share alike for the good of the tribe, as the old Indians and scouts used to do. Out of the hundred boys here each summer, only six are ever chosen to take this trail for the honor of Lenape. Now, knowing all this, do you still want to go?”
Dirk nodded dully. “But I’m bigger and stronger than Ugly Brown, and he’s going! And I’d do my best to learn everything, and try to keep up with the rest of the party——”
“Brown is one of the best young campers we have,” observed the Chief, “even if he is small. If you knew a tenth as much as he does about the woods and the water, you might stand a chance. Come, now, Dirk, I know how you feel. I’ve known your dad for years, and I can guess that if you ever wanted anything, he would get it for you. But this thing you speak of is different. You can only get it for yourself; and the harder you work to earn it, the more you’ll value it. Learn as much as you can this summer, and next year, we’ll see about letting you hit the trail for Kinnecut! How about it?”