in with the Camp Fire party this summer? I don't wish it to
happen, but I am afraid if he goes on as he has been doing--and you know
nothing ever stops him--why, there will be trouble between us, that is
all. If you will only give your consent I am sure I can persuade father
to allow me to volunteer."

Mrs. Webster's eyes filled with tears. Dan was too interested in
watching his mother to pay any attention to Billy's good-natured drawl.

"Good old Dan, there is some truth in what you say, I suppose. There is
a little truth in most people's opinions. But what a story-book hero you
will make some day! It is all right, your rubbing it in about my not
being as strong as other fellows; I suppose you don't know that hurts a
little."

"My dear Dan, I did not dream you could be so unreasonable!" Mrs.
Webster returned, having finally gained sufficient control of her voice
to speak. "You know perfectly well I shall never give my consent to your
volunteering for any branch of the army until you have reached the draft
age. Moreover, if you have a difficulty with Billy you know how much
sorrow that means for me. Besides, your aunt and the girls and I need
you here with us at our camp fire this summer. If I could, I would send
Billy back to the farm instead of you, but he still needs the benefit of
this southern climate."

Poor Mrs. Webster, like many other mothers, often found her children too
great a problem for her solving.

By this time Billy was again prostrate on the earth with his eyes fixed
upon the sky and apparently perfectly serene. Even his mother's
statement in regard to sending him home had not disturbed him, although
he and his father chronically misunderstood each other.

Dan was repentant. "Sorry, Mother," he said; "this was not the time or
place for me to open this discussion with you. I am sure I beg
everybody's pardon."

Then he turned and walked away.

CHAPTER IV

The Camp and Temperamental Excursions

This summer in California for the first time the Sunrise camp was
located near the sea.

After several days of investigating the countryside, in the meanwhile
using the little mission town of Capistrano as their headquarters, the
travelers discovered what they considered the ideal situation further
south along the coast.

Near the border of one of the immense ranches for which southern
California is famous they came upon a little stream of water flowing
inside a channel. The channel had been