"Aren't you fellows up here earlier than usual?" asked Ralph,
presently, finding his habitual reserve wearing away.

"Yes, we are," replied Tom Sherwood. "You see, we graduated from
Hilltop last February, and when we found out that the Chief was
coming up here, we asked him to take us in tow for a while before
camp regularly opened."

"He's going to give us a course in geology," added Arthur Cameron,
"and we're going to make a survey around here this summer."

"Geology!" repeated Ralph. "That's my pet subject. Some day, you
know, I'm going to study mining engineering."

"That so? Well, come along with us for a 'prelim,'" suggested
Arthur, in the true scout spirit of friendliness.

Ralph sighed and shook his head.

"Wish I could!" he admitted. "Haven't time to spare, though."

"Studying?" queried Tom.

"No, working" And Ralph stated briefly and frankly the nature of
his work.

"Like it?" again inquired Tom, who was always interested in people
and their occupations.

"I don't mind the work itself," said Ralph, "it's not half bad, you