This was an unusually serious speech from the imaginative and sometimes irrepressible Dick, and the boys were correspondingly moved by it.
"Oh, if it is like that," acknowledged Sam Winter, in a different tone of voice than he had previously used, "we——-"
"We will all want to do our best," finished his brother. "I have often wondered about the same things on my tramps after photographs of animals. I've come across lots of queer formations and odd rocks and natural caves and things."
As Buck ended his remarks a little lamely, Bud Morgan hastened to say, "You fellows have the idea now,—-and mark my word: the Otters are going to win out!"
CHAPTER XII
AN ILLUSTRIOUS EXAMPLE
That night the Scout Master was much gratified at the interest manifested by the boys as they assembled around the council fire. It was plain that they had all found "food for thought" in what he had told them on the previous evening. Their questions showed that they were anxious to understand how to make the most of the promised course, and that they realized it was bound to prove intensely interesting.
"Some of the boys asked me to remind you of the book you had last night," said Don Miller, coming up to Lieutenant Denmead as the latter had a moment's freedom.
"Surely! I must not forget my promise," responded the Scout Master. "See that the troop is assembled and ready, Miller, and I will secure the volume."
A few moments later the erect, impressive figure of the lieutenant faced the waiting assembly of silent scouts.