Arrangements for the night had been made by raising a large tarpaulin over one of the boats upon several of the crossed bars, forming a sort of shelter under which were spread several of the light mattresses that were part of the equipment; and Swiftwater directed that the Scouts should all “turn in” to this improvised barracks together, while he and Skookum Joe retired to the other boat. The Indians were given several small canvas coverings known in the army as “dog tents,” and were to sleep around the fire, which one of them was delegated to replenish during the night.
The attraction of the big campfire and the beautiful clear sky overhead filled the boys with aspirations to “camp out,” and they were rather inclined to grumble at Swiftwater’s orders compelling them to sleep on the boat.
With the growing soldier spirit of the Scouts, they resented being coddled, as Gerald chose to express it, and he voiced the sentiment of the patrol when he said:
“Why can’t we sleep by the fire, Swiftwater? I feel as if I was being sung to and then tucked in same as I used to be at home.”
“Ye’ll have camping out enough before ye’re through with the woods; and I’m not going to take any chances with all that tundra over there, and that swamp back beyond of starting the season with six fine cases of malaria on my hands. Until ye’re a little better acclimated and a little more hardened, it’s better for ye to sleep with a board or two under you.”
The good sense of the old scout’s argument as well as a fine appreciation of the miner’s thoughtfulness for their welfare led the boys to at once acquiesce, and Rand voiced their appreciation.
Although it was early in the season, and the insect world had hardly awakened to life, there were a sufficient number of mosquitos about to remind the boys of Colonel’s Snow’s injunction regarding the supply of nettings, and Jack, after several vigorous slaps, murmured sleepily:
“Gee, that certainly sounded like a voice from home.”
“They’ve got the good old Jersey accent,” replied Jack.
“Straight from the Hackensack meadows,” said Rand, referring to the once most favored habitat of the mosquito in the East.