fessor was a philosopher. He knew that the human mind craved
activity. If it could not be exercised in a useful direction it would
invariably spend its energies in dangerous channels. He knew this to be
particularly true of young people.

Boys are naturally inquisitive. Their minds are active, like their
bodies. They must have exercise; why not direct it into paths of
usefulness, where their accomplishments could be seen and understood by
the boys themselves.

That thought is the parent of the manual training system, where the
education imparted comes through the joint exercise of brain and muscle.
Boys resent all work which comes to them under the guise of play; and
all play which is labeled "work." But when there is a need for a thing,
and the inquisitive nature of the boy, or his mental side, starts an
inquiry, the manual, or the muscular part of him, is stimulated to the
production of the article needed to fill that want.

The Professor did not force any information upon the boys, as will be
noticed. It was his constant aim to let inquiry and performance come
from them.

Could anything have been more stimulating or encouraging than the
building of the water wheel, the sawmill, or the wagon? See what
enjoyment and profit they derived from it. Thus far they had not given
their time and the great enthusiasm to their various enterprises because
of the money returns. Do you think it would have made their labors
lighter, or the knowledge of their success any sweeter if they had been
paid for their work?

The "Baby" went to sleep early, as was his custom now, and the boys and
the Professor sat up later that night than usual, talking over their
condition, and the situation as it appeared to them. The day had been
exceedingly warm, following the rains.

Harry, who was seated facing the river, suddenly sprang up and excitedly
grasped the Professor's arm, as he pointed across the river: "Look at
that light!"

There, plainly in the distance, was a light, not stationary, but
flickering, and, apparently, moving slightly to and fro.

"It seems as though it is at the edge of the woods," remarked George.
The distance was fully a half mile away.

"It can't be possible that people are over there," said Harry, not so
much in a tone of inquiry as of surprise. "How far do you think it is
from here?"

"Probably one-half mile, or more. We might be able to learn something if
we should fire a gun," was the Professor's reply.