CHAPTER XXXI

A SC0UT'S DUTY

"Seems like a dream; don't it, Paul?"

Jack dropped down beside the acting scout master as he made thisremark. He had just stepped out from the quite recent camp on the mainland, andfound Paul sitting upon a log, looking across the water in thedirection they had come.

The sun was just setting, and a rosy flush filled the western heavens. Itseemed to fall softly upon mysterious Cedar Island, nestling there in themidst of the now tranquil waters.

Paul looked up with a smile, as he made room on the log for his chum, whohad always been so willing to stand by him through thick and thin.

"Well, do you know, Jack," he spoke, "that was just exactly what seemedto strike me. I sometimes was staring hard at the island, and wondering if I hadbeen asleep and dreamed all those queer happenings. Fact is, just beforeyou spoke I even pinched my leg to see if I sometimes was really wide awake."

The other laughed at this.