The Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour Part 15

That was only one of dozens of useful things those Stanhope boys would pick up while on this wonderful hike into the wilderness. Wallace Carberry had a lot of information packed away in that big head of his, and there would be plenty of occasions when he could help Paul out in accomplishing things in the proper way.

So eager were the boys to taste their first meal under canvas that they could hardly be held in check.

"Why," said Paul, laughing when some of them pleaded with him, and declared they were bordering on a state of actual starvation; "if we ate now, a lot of you would be hungry again before we turned in. I figure on three square meals a day; but four would upset all my calculations. Half an hour more, boys. Suppose you get a few pictures of this first camp?

They'll be worth while."

In this fashion did he manage to keep them from dissatisfaction. At last he gave the word that allowed the various cooks to set to work. There was no lack of helpers, for every fellow hung around, watching the peeling of the potatoes with hungry eyes; but when a delicious aroma began to arise from the first frying pan set over the hot fire, some of them backed away, unable to stand it longer.

William, as the champion flapjack t.o.s.s.e.r of the entire troop, was of course in big demand at the fire of his patrol. He had brought along a white cook's cap which he insisted on donning as he hovered over his outdoor range, and gave his orders to willing subordinates.

That meal was one never to be forgotten by any of the boys. To a number it proved the very first they had ever eaten under similar conditions; and with ravenous appet.i.tes, whetted by the long tramp, and the cool air that came with evening, it seemed as though they could devour the entire mess alone.

But their eyes proved larger than their capacities, for there was plenty for all, and no one complained of not being satisfied when the meal ended.

Each patrol had a regularly-organized system whereby the work might be divided up, and every fellow get his share. Hence there could be no favors shown, and no chance for disputes.

One of the leading rules was that duty came before play. Consequently the tin platters, cups, knives, forks and spoons, as well as what utensils had been used in preparing the dinner, were cleaned and laid away before Paul allowed the big fire to be started.

Each patrol cook was allowed to have what he thought would best please those for whom he labored. Paul exercised only a general supervision over the whole matter, in order to make sure that there was no unnecessary waste. Consequently there would always be more or less rivalry between the three patrols, and much good natured "joshing" with regard to what they had to eat.

Once that bonfire was started, the scene a.s.sumed a different aspect. The glow lighted up the encampment, and filled the Banner Boy Scouts with a feeling of pardonable pride, because each one felt that he had a personal ownership in the camp under the wide spreading oak.

After a time they grew merry. William joked, another told a story that sent them into fits of laughter, and then songs were sung.

"How different they sound out here in the woods!" declared Wallace, as the last notes of a favorite air died away.

He was possibly the most satisfied member of the troop, for his love of the open air life had always been profound.

"Say, fellows, how about settling down to the prosy life after this gay old jaunt; tell me about that?" demanded William.

There was a storm of disapproval.

"Don't make us feel bad, old fellow!" pleaded one.

"Me for the gay life of a gypsy!" declared another.

"Why, I'll have to run away, and join that circus, I just guess!"

laughed a third.

But Paul only smiled. He knew a change would come over the spirit of their dreams presently. They were now tasting the joys of outdoor life.

Everything was delightful around them. The air was fine, the sky filled with stars, plenty of good food near at hand, and the first night on the road yet to be endured.

Wait until the rain came down in buckets, drenching them to the skin; see what sort of enthusiasm would show up when perhaps their supply of food gave out, and they were hard put to get enough to appease their savage appet.i.tes; given a week away from the loved ones at home, and how many of these bold spirits would still be able to declare with all their hearts that the life in the open was the real thing?

"Of course we put a guard out to-night, Paul?" asked Jack, as he crept close up to where his chum sat on a blanket, watching the fun going on around the fire.

"That is a sure thing. We must never forget that, while a peace organization, we wear uniforms, and are acting under military rules.

Besides, perhaps it wouldn't be just right for me to say this to the rest, but I can whisper it to you, Jack--somehow I seem to have a dim suspicion that we may entertain visitors before morning."

Jack started and looked at his chum anxiously.

"Now you sure can't think any of those circus canvasmen would take the trouble to follow us?" he muttered, shaking his head in bewilderment; "because they know mighty well we haven't got a thing they'd want, outside of our grub. Oh! that makes me think of something. I begin to smell a rat now, Paul. You mean Ted and his crowd."

Paul nodded in response, and smiled mysteriously.

"Any reason for thinking that?" Jack went on, "or are you just saying it on general principles, like?"

"I'll tell you," replied Paul, readily enough; "but please say nothing to the boys. It may be I'm too suspicious, you see, and I wouldn't like to be called a false alarm. But just think how particular that bunch was to stay back until we had left town. They claimed they weren't ready; but I chance to know that was all a fake."

"You mean so they might follow, and give us all the trouble they could?"

asked Jack, indignantly.

"Just so," Paul went on, in a low voice. "Another thing; they expected to make use of their wheels in coming up here. Ted laughed at the idea of having a tent. True woodsmen, he claimed, never had any need of such a thing, being able to make a good shelter that would shed rain out of leaves and branches."

"But they said they didn't expect to leave until afternoon. That would give us a long lead, Paul," Jack ventured.

"Shucks! what would nine miles be to fellows on wheels? They could just eat up that distance, and not half try," answered his chum.

"But somebody said they meant to take the other road that winds around so, and joins this one ten miles further on. Do you believe that, Paul?"

"I just think that was said to pull the wool over our eyes. Those chaps have started out with the one idea of bothering us all they can,"

answered the scout leader.

"Now look here; what's the use of beating about the bush like that, Paul? You've got some reason for being so dead sure. You've seen something, haven't you?" and Jack pressed still closer to the other as he waited for a reply.

"Well, yes, I have," came the low response.

"Please tell me what you saw then!" asked Jack, almost holding his breath in suspense.

"Just before dark a boy on a wheel came around the bend, and then, seeing our tents, dropped off to hide in the brush along the side of the road," replied Paul.

CHAPTER XIII

WHEN THE MOON WENT DOWN

"Did you know who it was, Paul?" asked Jack, after making sure none of the others were noticing that he and the leader of the troop had engaged in such a serious conversation.

"It was getting dusk, and I couldn't see very well on account of the trees, you know; but something about the way he ducked made me think it was Ward Kenwood."

"Well," chuckled Jack, "you've seen him duck often enough to know the signs. Suppose it was Ward, then the rest of the bunch must have been only a little way behind. He's got a motorcycle, you know, and would be apt to pace them. But what became of him then?"

"I don't know," replied the patrol leader, rising. "Perhaps he left his machine in the bushes, and crept away to warn the rest before they exposed themselves. I'm going to find out if my eyes deceive me. Want to go with me, Jack?"

"Count me in. Shall I get a lantern; and do you want any more along?"