"But what?" asked Roger.
"But I couldn't get back to it quick enough the next year," answered the geologist.
"If the past summer is any test," went on Roger, "I guess I'll be the same way, for I never enjoyed anything so much in all my life. Why, I felt quite stifled back in Washington."
"If you've been caught with the exploring fever," rejoined the older man, "there's nothing more to be said, for that's a disease for which there is no cure, except——" He paused abruptly again.
"Yes?" queried Roger.
"Except old age, and that the explorer never reaches," was the steady reply. "And now you must meet the rest of the boys."
He turned to the topographer, who was standing near.
"Mr. Gersup," he said, "this is the boy."
"I see it's a boy," answered the other, smiling, "but I didn't know it was 'the' boy. I guess, Doughty, from the way Mr. Rivers talks, that you're only just a trifle less important in the Survey than the Director." He laughed out loud.
Roger broke in protestingly, but Rivers interrupted.