that was done. And as Ward had his gold watch in his hand it was evident
that he intended to do a little timing himself.

"He wants to see how our best compares with what some of his fellows will
do," remarked Jack, to Paul.

"All right. He's welcome. The more the merrier. If they have any fellow
who is more at home in the woods than Wallace Carberry for instance, I'd
just like to know it," returned the other, promptly.

"How about you, Paul? I guess Wallace would stand a mighty poor show if
he ran a race with the head scout," returned the second in command.

"That's something we've never settled yet. Wallace and I must have a
chance at each other some day; but not yet. Now watch them scurry around.
Every fellow has his mind made up where he can cut wood easiest. I've
made them bring in all loose stuff, you see, so that they start on an
even thing. Here goes!"

Paul raised his hand, and exclaimed:

"Go!"

Immediately the dozen lads darted frantically off. Several came near
having a collision right in the start, which would have been fatal to
their chances for winning out; since the water in their kettles must have
been spilled; and according to the rules of the contest they could not
refill the same without journeying to the creek, which Paul had made sure
was fully fifty yards distant.