nd the fire was drawn in again to burn for another quarter of an
hour. Then it was raked out and the potatoes removed, to find that,
while the skins were not in the least burned or even scorched, the
potatoes were done to a turn.

"You couldn't have baked them better in your oven, Margaret," laughed
Doctor Joe.

"I never could have baked un half as well," admitted Margaret, adding,
"'tis a wonderful way of cookin'."

"Doctor Joe's fine cookin' everything," declared Andy. "I always likes
his cookin' wonderful well."

"Thank you, Andy. That's high praise," acknowledged Doctor Joe, "but I
could learn a great deal about cooking from Margaret."

"I just does plain cookin'," Margaret deprecated, but flushed with
pleasure at the compliment.

On the last day of September, which was a Friday, David and Doctor Joe
crossed over to the Hudson's Bay Post and took Margaret with them for
a visit to Kate Huddy, the Post servant's daughter, where she was to
remain while the Scouts were enjoying their camp at Hollow Cove.

David and Doctor Joe returned to The Jug on Saturday, and when the
other members of the troop arrived in a boat on Sunday, had their own
tent equipment and food packed and ready for the little expedition on
Monday morning.

It was a jolly meeting. The evening was cold, and when supper was
eaten they gathered around the big box stove which crackled
cheerfully, and Doctor Joe announced that as this was the first
meeting of the troop they must organize and elect leaders, just as
troops were organized everywhere else in the world.

When he had thoroughly explained the necessary steps he read to them a
brief constitution and by-laws which he had previously prepared. These
he had them adopt in due form, and then asked some one to nominate a
patrol leader.

Every one, with one accord, nominated David, and he was duly,
solemnly, and unanimously elected.

"Now," suggested Doctor Joe, "we must have an assistant patrol leader.
Who shall it be?"

"Andy," said Seth Muggs. "Andy's been to the trails and he knows more
about un than anybody exceptin' Davy."

"'Twouldn't be fair," objected Andy. "Davy's patrol leader. 'Tis but
right we put in one of you that comes from across the Bay. I'm saying
Peter Sparks, now."

Doctor Joe agreed with Andy, and Peter Sparks was declared elected.
Then Seth nominated Andy for scribe.

"Because," Seth explained, "Andy'll be right handy to Doctor Joe all
the time and Doctor Joe can