"The woods are damp, sir," Prescott answered, "but not really wet. The water has soaked fairly well into the ground since sun-up."
"Are the woods dry enough for a little botanizing?" asked the doctor. "Laura and Belle say they have a few plants in mind that they want to add to their collection of botanical specimens. Are you two young men ready to escort them?"
"Certainly, sir," Dick nodded. "And the forenoon will be the best time, as we must go through our training work this afternoon."
"Hang my luck!" muttered Darrin in sudden disgust. "This is my day to do the cooking here."
"One of the other fellows will take your turn," suggested Prescott.
"I won't ask anyone to do it," sighed Darry. "I'm man enough to shoulder my own share of the camp work. Dick, you can look after both girls, can't you? And you'll make my excuses satisfactorily to Miss Meade?"
"That's right—-just right, David," spoke the physician. "Do your own work like a man. I'll undertake to make your excuses so well that Belle will have a higher opinion of you if that were possible. Dick, shall the girls look for you within the next few minutes?"
"I'll be there soon, doctor."
Five minutes later Dick presented himself at the other camp. He went first to Mrs. Bentley and inquired as to her comfort during the storm.
"We know Dave can't come, but where are the other boys?" inquired
Clara Marshall.