tle in which part of the boys in boats attacked one of the islands
defended by the remainder. At regular intervals, too, Captain Chalmers
gave scout examinations in headquarters tent, and an encouraging number
of fellows increased their standing or obtained merit badges.

Dale Tompkins thoroughly enjoyed each minute of his stay. He entered
with keen zest into every game and competition, and took his share of
the various chores--even the hated dish-washing--without a grumble. It
was all so fresh and wonderful that the simplicity and freedom of the
life, with the nightly council-fire under the stars and the intimate
companionship with so many "dandy" fellows, appealed to him intensely
even without considering the added interest of each day's activities.

Best of all, perhaps, was his feeling of growing comfort in the attitude
of Ranny Phelps. There had been nothing in the nature of a formal
reconciliation. On the contrary, the blond lad's manner toward Tompkins
still showed traces of embarrassment. But one does not always need
the spoken word to realize the truth, and deep down in his heart Dale
knew that, though they might not yet be close friends, at least no
shadow of coldness or enmity remained between them.

When the last day came, as last days have an unpleasant way of doing,
Dale tried to think of the wonderful time he had had instead of
regretting that it was almost over. More than once, too, his mind dwelt
with gratitude on the unknown customer whose need for bird-houses had
made it all possible.

"Maybe some day I'll find out who it was and be able to thank him," he
said to himself during the course of the morning.

A final trip in the motor-boat had been planned for the afternoon, but
after dinner Captain Chalmers announced that Mr. Thornton would inspect
the camp at about five o'clock, and stay for supper and the council-fire
afterward.

"So I think we'd better put in a few hours making things spick and span
and working up a specially good program for to-night," he concluded.
"You fellows all know how keen I am to give him an extra good impression
of scouting, and you've kept things in corking good shape these two
weeks. But let's see if we can't give him a regular knock-out blow when
he comes."

One and all the scouts took up the idea enthusiastically and worked to
such purpose that when the banker appeared he found a camp which would
have done credit to the West Point cadets. He was a little stiff at