The scouts watched, and sure enough! The old boss took up the work at a given signal to his two helpers to stand back, and soon after that, the aspen fell, half of it in the water. But the beavers must have heard a suspicious sound just as they were going to drag the tree across the pond, and they scuttled under the water.
Reluctantly the scouts turned away and went back to their horses, which they mounted, and soon they were riding along the way again.
“I never saw such enchanting flowers and gorgeous ferns!” exclaimed the Captain, enthusiastically.
“Um!” came from Tally, proudly, “him got more’n t’ousan’ kin’ flower in park!”
“Really! Oh, that we might secure one of each for a collection!” sighed Julie.
“It would take you longer than this summer to accomplish that,” remarked Mr. Gilroy. “Here you will find some of the rarest orchids, as well as the hardiest kinds, known. Besides, you will find about fifteen species of gentian, the famous blue-fringed gentian among them. The largest columbines ever found grow here; and sweet peas in all conceivable shades of coloring. Not only can you add wonders to the botanical collections that you started in the Adirondacks, but you ought to be able to study many marvelous birds that nest in this primeval park.”
So they rode along, stopping frequently to gather interesting flowers beside the trail, and to admire and watch the birds that could be seen everywhere.
“Jule, tell me about that bird swinging over your head”
It was during one of these short rests which had been caused by a crested bird of wonderful hue and unfamiliar form, that Joan and Julie, with a camera in hand, pushed a way through the bushes, the better to follow the bird’s movements.