“Do anything about it!” Dave enthused. “Four hundred and twenty-five a week, for two months. We’ll pay off the debt!”
Florence let out a low “Hurray! Boy! That sure is a break for us!”
“No,” the colonel counseled. “Don’t say that. It is not a matter of luck. The best things of life do not come by chance. You have been tried and have proven yourselves worthy of trust. Having discovered an opportunity to do a real service, you did it without thought of reward. Time after time in my long life, I have seen men who placed service before reward led by their very attitude into higher things.
“Well, that’s settled then.” He rose from his chair. “I doubt if we shall need the services of the Wanderer today. At least you may stand by here for further orders.”
“Thank you, sir.” Dave rose to salute in a soldierly fashion.
Florence’s head was fairly bursting. What wonderful good fortune! They were to carry on this fight, to do all the good possible, to help save the island and its people. “And be paid for it!” she whispered. “How grand!”
It is little wonder that she should be ready for a picnic. When Dave assured her that he, with the help of Katie and Ruben, could take care of any emergency that might arise, she and Jeanne joined the hikers, who, after a long walk, were to view the fire from the peak of Mt. Franklin.
Recalling her experience on that other occasion when she climbed the ridge, she slung the heavy field glasses over her shoulder.
“May see a moose,” she laughed. “Or perhaps a bear!”
“There are no bears on the island,” someone corrected.