It was an event of vast importance.
"There'll be plenty o' time in the boat to study the scout book things," Andy suggested.

"Maybe now we could learn to be scouts before we gets back home." "I've no doubt you can pass all the tenderfoot tests while we're away," said Doctor Joe.

"And since you're to take me about with dogs and komatik this winter when I go to visit sick people, there'll be no end of chances to show what good scouts you are." "To take you about ?" asked Andy excitedly.
Then Thomas must needs explain that they must do their share in looking after the sick folk, and that David and Andy were to be Doctor Joe's dog drivers when winter came.
"'Twill be fine to manage the dogs for you, sir!" exclaimed David, turning to Doctor Joe.
"Wonderful fine!" echoed Andy.
"And will you be goin' outside the Bay ?" asked David.
"Aye, outside the Bay and in it, wherever there's need to go," said Doctor Joe.
"'Twill be tryin' and hard work sometimes," suggested Thomas, "travellin' when the weather's nasty, but I'm not doubtin' the lads'll be able t' manage un." "We'll manage un!" David declared with pride in the confidence placed in him and Andy.
To drive dogs on these sub-arctic trails in fair weather and foul calls for courage and grit, and the lads felt justly proud of the responsibility that had been laid upon them.

There would be many a shift to make on the ice, they knew.

There would be blinding blizzards and withering arctic winds to face, and no end of hard work.