--I have often wished that I knew more about the
queer formations along the banks of rivers where I have gone on
fishing trips. My father has always had a good deal to say about
'erosion,' and 'glacial periods' and 'stratification' and 'natural
boundaries,' and I shall feel mighty proud to go back home knowing
a few of 'them things,' as Injun Joe would say."

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.

"Scouts of Pioneer Camp," he said, "among the heroes of our nation
is one whose name is particularly familiar to you and to whom
public honor is frequently given. His character has borne the
searchlight of investigation for more than a century, and as a
man of fine moral fiber and a military leader of superior judgment,
he still stands preeminent. I refer, boys, to General George
Washington!"

So impressive and so compelling were these words that instinctively
the patrol leaders rose to their feet and stood at salute. In an
instant ev