Page:Boy scouts in the White Mountains; the story of a long hike (IA boyscoutsinwhite00eato).pdf/50

 They started down. At the inclined plane Peanut decided to slide. He crouched on his heels upon the smooth rock, and began to descend. But the rock sloped inward almost imperceptibly. Half-way down he was on the edge of the water, two feet more and he was in the water. His feet went out from under him, and sitting in the stream (which was only about three inches deep over the slide) he went down like lightning, into the brook below!

The rest set up a shout. Peanut got up upon the farther bank, and stood dripping in the path. He was soaked from the waist down. "Ho, what do I care? It's a warm day," said he. But he pulled off his boots and emptied the water out of them, and then wrung out his stockings and trousers. The rest didn't wait. They went laughing down the path, and Peanut had to follow on the run.

When he caught up, everybody was looking very stern. "Now, Peanut, no more nonsense," Mr. Rogers said. "You'll keep to the path hereafter. We want no broken bones, nor colds, nor sore feet from spoiled shoes. Remember, this is the last time!"

He spoke soberly, sternly. "Yes, sir!" said Peanut, not seeing the wink the Scout Master gave the rest.

At camp they shouldered their equipment, stopped at the little store Mr. Sheldon kept in a wing of his