Chapter I: Preface

Just as manly, courageous, and daring work as has ever been done in the past still is being done, and adventures as great as the world has contained before are happening to-day in these United States. The difference is that while the explorer and adventurer of the past too often sought but personal glory in his exploits, these now are done in the name of and for the benefit of the American people.

The adventures in this volume, startling as they may seem, were recounted to the author by the very men who underwent them; slight details only being changed to fit them into the rapid sequence with which they have to be compressed in the pages of a book. This little company of "men who dare" are real beings, living a real life, and ennobling as well as enriching their country by their efforts. In the administration of this department, manliness, alertness, untiring industry, and unfailing courage are the prime essentials, favoritism is unknown, and every American boy and man has an equal chance.

The world is not yet all sordid and commonplace and the glamour of an undiscovered peril is not yet all worn away. To show the inner and the outer worth of the United States Geological Survey, as well as to depict the adventurous possibilities open to a lad of perseverance and spirit, is the intent and purpose of

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I PAGE A START AT THE CAPITAL 1

CHAPTER II A TENDERFOOT SNIPE-SHOOT 23

CHAPTER III FOOLING A RESCUE PARTY 44

CHAPTER IV IN THE GIANT TULE SWAMPS 67

CHAPTER V PERIL IN THE GRAND CANYON 88

CHAPTER VI A LONE HAND AGAINST HUNGER 109

CHAPTER VII SAVED BY HIS NERVE 130

CHAPTER VIII THE LAND WHERE IT NEVER RAINS 149

CHAPTER IX A FIRST-CLASS BUCKING MULE 172

CHAPTER X AMERICANS THAT ARE FORGOTTEN 190

CHAPTER XI WHERE PRIMITIVE JUSTICE REIGNS 210

CHAPTER XII THE ALASKAN TRIP BEGUN 234

CHAPTER XIII WRESTLING WITH A MOUNTAIN GOAT 252

CHAPTER XIV BREAKING THE ICE JAM 268

CHAPTER XV FACING DEATH IN A CANOE 290

CHAPTER XVI DECLARING WAR ON UNCLE SAM 311

CHAPTER XVII CLAWED BY AN ANGRY BEAR 328

CHAPTER XVIII FIGHTING FIRE IN THE TUNDRA 344