peep of what was waiting for the Beaver Patrol, but of course without
the least success.

CHAPTER III

THE GENTLE COW

"Paul, how do we hold out for the third day on the hike?"

"Yes, and Paul, please let us know just how much further you expect to
coax the leg weary bunch on today? Not to say that I'm tired; but then I
know Noodles, and another scout not far away right now, are grunting
like fun every little rise in the road we come to," and Seth gave his
head a flirt in the quarter where Eben was anxiously gripping his bugle,
as if in momentary expectation of getting a signal from the patrol
leader to blow the call that would signify a halt.

"It's only four o'clock, fellows," began the acting scoutmaster.

Dismal groans sounded; but with a smile Paul went on to add:

"We've already made our twenty-five miles since sun-up, just this side
of Warwick; but it's a fine day, and I did hope we might hang on a
little while further, so as to cut down our last day's hike a few miles.
It's always the hardest part of the whole thing, the finishing spurt.
But of course, if any of you feel played out we can call it off right
now."

Eben and Noodles braced themselves up at this, and tried to look as
though they had no calling acquaintance with such a thing as fatigue.

"Oh! I'm good for a couple more miles, I guess," declared the former.

"Make idt tree, undt you will see how I holdt oudt!" proudly boasted the
stout boy, who spent half his time mopping his red face; for the day had
been a pretty warm one, so Noodles, who had to carry a third again as
much weight as any of his companions, thought.

"Bully boy!" exclaimed impulsive Seth, "didn't I say they had the sand
to do all we tried. You never would have believed Noodles here could
have covered the ground he has. Scouting has been the making of him, as
it will of any feller that cares to set his teeth together, and just try
real hard."

"I suggest then," went on Paul, his face beaming with pleasure, "that we
take a little rest right here, say of half an hour; and then march along
again for three miles, as near as we can guess. And if we do that,
fellows, it leaves only twenty more for the last day."

"I reckon that silver trophy is as good as won," remarked Andy Mullane.

"Barring accidents; and you never can tell when something may happen,"
added wise Seth.

"Then I hope it will be to you, and not to me," said Eben, who was
rubbing his shin at a plac