diron on which would rest the frying-pan and
the coffee-pot.

"I'll duplicate your cooking fire, Josh," said Rob Shaefer, who meant
to show some of his new chums a few wrinkles he had learned when in
camp on other occasions.

Half an hour before the sun went down both fires were crackling at a
great rate; and when good beds of red embers should have formed
operations looking to supper would be started by those in charge of the
occasion.

Everybody took a deep interest in what was now going on. All sorts of
suggestions were called back and forth as the ham was sliced and the
potatoes put in the pots for boiling; while further along the fires the
two coffee-pots began to emit a most delightful and appetizing odor
that made the hungry boys wild with impatience.

The spot where they had determined to spend their first night out was
in the midst of the woods. Around them the forest trees lay on every
side, some being great oaks, others beeches, with drooping branches and
smooth silvery bark--as well as other species, such as sycamore, ash
and lindens.

Most of the scouts were bubbling over with enthusiasm concerning the
outlook before them; but several of the less daring ones might be seen
casting furtive glances about as though the prospect of passing the
night amidst such lonely surroundings had already commenced to make
them feel a little queer.

No doubt the pride of these fellows would carry them through the
initial night; and after that by degrees they would become accustomed
to their new experiences. Every soldier can look back to his first
battle, remembering how he trembled in his shoes, and feeling that he
would give all he possessed for the privilege of running away at top
speed.

And when supper was ready, with the boys gathered around, each bent on
doing the best he knew how to show his appreciation of the work of the
cooks, it seemed to be the fitting climax to a most wonderful day.
Would they ever forget that supper? Never had anything tasted so
royally good at home.

"This is the life!" declared Josh Kingsley, buoyantly, as he passed his
tin plate along for a second helping when he heard it mentioned that
there was still a further supply not distributed.

"It certainly does taste pretty fine to me!" admitted Horace Crapsey,
who had in times gone by been so finicky about his eating that his
folks had begun to wonder what was going to become of him--yet who was
now sitting there cross-legged like a