rodman. The second squad began working from the eastern boundary
of the Kenyon farm, and Tom spent part of the day with them. Ralph
could not walk far, as yet, though with every day his ankle was
getting stronger.

Each night so long as the work of the survey lasted, Rawson,---who
with Blake had accepted Ralph's invitation to stay at the farm,---spent
an hour or two with the three boys, going over with them the methods
of surveying and explaining the local geological formations.

Meanwhile, at Pioneer Camp, Lieutenant Denmead was giving similar
daily instruction to the troop, with frequent brief trips for
practical demonstration. He had not thought it best to ask that
more of the scouts might assist in the railroad survey, fearing that
they would hinder the trained workers. But Rawson and the boys were to
give the rest a detailed report of their work on their return to camp.




CHAPTER IX

AWAITING A DECISION


While these important operations were in full swing, Dr. Kane
brought Mrs. Kenyon home, completely cured and inexpressibly glad
and grateful. Her return, although hailed with rejoicing by Ralph,
upset the decidedly masculine housekeeping arrangements which he and
his friends had established during her absence.