After this, Mr. Remington very seriously announced that the prize offered by him for the largest and heaviest lobster came near to being twins. The only point that saved this awful monstrosity was the fact that a claw on one was larger than those of the other! Thus, Paul was recompensed for his encounter with a lobster’s claw during the first “catch” of the season.
Paul was so delighted with winning the first prize that he went about showing each guest the claws of the fine lobster he had caught—and promising Trixie a print of the photograph he had taken of it the day before.
Dancing in the Council Ring helped digestion and the victrola Uncle Tom brought over that day furnished music.
Among other farewells that evening, Trixie’s were especially prolonged as she was to leave Rosemary on the morrow.
During his unexpected visit of three days, Mr. Remington took an active interest in the target practice and the boys received many important and wise advices.
With target-practice, fishing, canoeing, and other sports, the days flew by, while weekly councils in the Ring marked the attainment of Woodcraft Honours.
The outdoor life had tanned and hardened Paul and Dudley so that they were a credit to the Island. Moreover, the boys were now of real service in camp life, having learned to row, be of help in sailing, expert in swimming, knowing something of first aid, and being able to cook a simple camp meal.
Then came a letter in the morning mail one day and upon reading it Mrs. Remington announced: “Mrs. Baker says the trip is all arranged. The girls of Wickeecheokee Band and the boys of the Grey Fox Band are crazy to come with Dr. Baker and Mr. Hubert when they motor to Maine. So she has changed her plans of coming with the doctor.”
“Oh, that’s too bad! I know she would have enjoyed a visit with you, mother,” said Elizabeth.
“What will they do, then?” asked Billy eagerly, trying to hide his pleasure at hearing that Fiji and Bob Baker would accompany the doctor instead of Mrs. Baker.