And the Captain added: “Bill’s right; and some of these men say they’re goin’ to come and set their traps here anyway.”
“You’d think that all the refuse from fish that we’ve been throwing out from our fish-drying work would have attracted the lobsters long ago, wouldn’t you?” ventured Billy.
“They’re queer critters, all right,” admitted Captain Ed.
“I guess it will be clear for the bear-spearing to-morrow, after all,” Paul said, looking at the blue sky.
“I’ll finish my last iron spear-head to-night and be all ready for it,” added Fred.
Supper over that evening, Fred worked on the spear-head while the other boys tried various ways of tying knots. As the Captain was a master-hand at that craft, he was appealed to and when the boys had been taught to tie some sailor-knots he showed them several trick knots which caused great interest. Then, Mrs. Remington showed them how to do the string trick called “Throwing the Fish Spear.”
The following day was clear and sunny and the usual attendance at Council was counted upon by the Islanders. But they were in for a surprise.
When the guests began to arrive, a number of strange launches were seen in the wake of the Orion. It was then learned that neighbouring cottagers of Aunt Edith’s had heard of the fun and entertainment provided at a Woodcraft Council and had begged permission to be invited to the next one held on Sunset Island.
A hearty welcome was extended the visitors and the Council opened. When the tally of the last Council was read the guests laughed at the account of the poetry contest. Then came the call for report of scouts.
Billy saluted. “Oh Chief! I have to report that being desirous of obtaining a photograph of a young fish-hawk, or osprey, in a nest on Spruce Island, I climbed the tree carrying Paul’s kodak on my back. I found the young osprey dead, hanging dismembered upon a branch below the nest. I could not determine whether this was due to an accident or not. Evidently the bird had been dead some time. I found the tails of seven flounders in and about the nest, also the remnants of other fish.”