“And remember,” Mr. Witherspoon told them as a final caution, “we expect to do much tramping under a hot June sun, so that every ounce you have to carry along will tell on your condition. Limit your pack to the bare necessities as we’ve figured them out, and if necessary the strong will assist the weak. That’s about all for to-night, boys. Seven sharp on Monday morning outside the church here, unless it’s stormy. The church bell will ring at six if we are going.”
The boys gave a cheer as the meeting broke up. And it was a merry-hearted lot of lads that started forth bound for various homes where there would be more or less of a bustle and excitement until the hour of departure arrived on Monday morning.
Tom and Carl walked home together.
“I could see what ailed you, Carl,” the patrol leader was saying as he locked arms with his chum; “you felt as though things were going against you when George announced that Dock had left town.”
“Because now I’ll not have a chance to try out that second plan we’d arranged for, and which I had great hopes might succeed,” complained Carl, gloomily.
“Cheer up,” urged the other, in his hearty fashion; “perhaps things are working your way after all. How do we know but that a glorious chance may come up and that you can win out yet? Dock has gone to Big Bear Mountain, where we expect to camp. In a whole week or more we’re apt to run across him maybe many times. And Carl, something seems to tell me your chance is going to come while we’re off on this hike. Dock hasn’t settled with Mr. Culpepper yet, that’s certain; and he’s got that paper hidden away still. Keep up your hopes, and it’s sure to come out all right yet. Besides, think what a grand time we’re going to have on our outing!”