“I passed yer camp yisterday, but obsarved yer were not riddy to resave me in fitting style and not wishing to embarrass ye I called on a frind of mine.”
“What friend have you in this part of the country?” asked the astonished Chester.
“An uncle on me cousin Tim’s side.”
“What’s his name?”
“Uncle Elk.”
Alvin now introduced Mike to Scout Master Hall and the boys. All knew that a friend was expected, and they were sure of his identity when they heard the greetings between the comrades.
“So you are acquainted with that fine old gentleman?” was the pleased inquiry of the head of the Boy Scouts.
“It has that look, whin I supped wid him last night, stayed till morning, took breakfast and was started by him on me way to yersilves.”
“He spent several hours with us yesterday and promised another visit to-day. In fact, we were watching for him when you came out of the woods.”
“He niver hinted a word of the same to mesilf. If ye are expicting him,” said Mike with a characteristic grin; “I won’t longer deny that I lost me way yisterday, and if he hadn’t found me I’d had to roost among the limbs of the trees till this morn.”