call for you, Paul, from some of the fellows in the rear,"
observed Jack, just then. "I think they want to snap off a view of old
Rattlesnake, with the troop stretched out along the road here. The sun
is dropping lower all the while, and if we're going to get a picture
we'll all want to keep, it ought to be right now."

"A good idea, and I'll do everything I can to help out," laughed the
leader.

The command was ordered to fall in, so as to present an orderly
appearance in the picture that was to be taken from the rear.

"We don't want to look like a bunch of hoboes trailing along," declared
Jud.

"And every fellow quit limping, or you'll just spoil the whole
business," pleaded the one who was delegated to use the camera, he being
the best expert the troop boasted in this line, and winner in the
competition of the preceding Autumn.

The picture taken, they once more broke ranks, and pushed forward.

At five o'clock they found themselves at what seemed to be the base of
the high and forbidding mountain over which the road wound.

"Oh! please say Alabama, here we rest!" called one of the limping
pilgrims.

Paul had been closely observing the ground, and as if in reply he made a
gesture that Bobolink readily understood. Immediately the bugle sounded,
and a cheer broke forth, since every member of the troop felt more or
less jaded with the long day's walk, and ready to call it off.

Immediately a scene of bustle ensued. The wagon was emptied of its load,
and tents confiscated by the various patrols. Good-natured disputes and
chaffing accompanied each tent raising; but the boys had by this time
become more or less accustomed to the various duties connected with
making camp, as well as breaking up, and so in what seemed a very short
time all the canvas was in place.

After that fireplaces were scooped out, just as on the previous
afternoon; only now they called it an old story. Every boy was learning
things he had never known by actual experience before. Reading of such
woodcraft in books is very good, but it does not compare with the
personal trial. Once these things are actually _done_ by an observant
lad, and he will never in all his life forget the lesson.

Long before dusk began to set in, the supper was under way; and hungry
fellows walked to and fro trying to stand the intense agony of waiting
for the summons.

CHAPTER XVII

JOE DECLINES TO TELL

"Joe, I'd like to have you step over here a min