“Nothing,” replied Scout Master Hall, “figure it out, boys.”
This is the “statement” which the lads jotted down in their note books or on pieces of paper:
| Length of | Length | Length of | Height |
| cane’s shadow | of cane | pine’s shadow | of pine |
| 1 foot, 1 inch | 3 feet, 2 inches | 62 feet, 8 inches | ? |
The fractional ratios made considerable computation necessary, and several boys erred in their work, but when nine of them reached the same result, and a comparison proved their accuracy, there could be no question as to the correctness of the result, which was that the height of the noble pine was more than one hundred and eighty feet. (Figure out the exact number of feet and inches for yourself.)
“You did well,” said the pleased Instructor to Mike, who made a quick salute and gravely remarked to the scouts:
“Don’t be worrying, byes; I’ll recognize ye the same as before.”
At a nod and wink from Patrol Leader Chase, the whole troop lined up in front of the astonished Mike and silently made the regulation salute. So far as it was possible to do so, his red face blushed and for the first time the waggish youth showed slight embarrassment, but he was instant to rally.
“Comrade,” said Colgate Craig, “you can tuck in the end of your necktie.”
“And why should I do the same?”
“You have done your good turn for today.”