ould very likely have imitated their habits when at home,
and tried to sleep until long after sunrise; only that they were under
military rules while in camp.

And so it was the clear notes of the bugle, blown by the now recovered
Bumpus, as he alone could blow it, that rang out over the water, telling
the sleepers that they must make their appearance for the early morning
dip in the clear lake, after which the various duties of the day could
be taken up, beginning with the first camp breakfast.

CHAPTER X.

LOOKING TO BIG THINGS AHEAD.

"Ain't this fine and dandy, though?" remarked Bumpus, as he stood on the
shore, after a short session in the water, and rubbed his plump form
with part of the fine sheet Smithy had fetched along, foolishly thinking
he would need it for sleeping.

They had splashed, and swam about to their hearts' content, until Thad
timing the bathing period, ordered the last scout from the water.

There was an absence of the frolicsome spirit so often seen among boys
when in swimming. Discipline would not allow Step-hen, for instance,
slapping a lump of mud upon Bumpus just after he had succeeded in drying
himself; though possibly he might have enjoyed doing it first-rate;
since he still felt that the fat boy was playing a joke on him by
concealing his precious compass upon which he depended to show him the
right road, should he ever get astray in the woods.

Breakfast was an easy meal to get. They just had to boil the coffee, and
fry several rashers of bacon for each mess; after which the appointed
cooks, tried their hands at making flapjacks; which, be it mentioned
here, are about the same as the common pancake at home, though never
called by that ordinary name in camp.

These were fairly good, though a bit heavy, not quite enough "rising"
having been put in the flour. The next time, Thad said, they would carry
the self-raising kind of flour along, when they would be sure of having
light bread.

"If there are any left, boys," remarked Thad, "don't forget that we are
honored by the presence of a guest in our camp. He came without
invitation, and is kept here perhaps against his will; but all the same
we owe him a heavy debt of gratitude."

"Yes," spoke up Bumpus, who had not cared very much for the latter end
of his breakfast, as he was a light eater, and rather particular,
"fussy" Step-hen called it, "which we will proceed to cancel by a heavy
dose of dough. Give him my share, boy