This was intended as a sarcastic reference to Hervey's way of losing interest in his undertakings before they were completed.
"Have you got a trail--any tracks ?" another asked.
Hervey began rummaging through his pockets and said, "I haven't got one with me." "You didn't happen to see that canoe in Council Shack, did you ?" Mr.
Warren asked him.
"Yes, it's very nice," Hervey said.
Mr.Warren paused a moment, irresolute.
"Hervey," he finally said, "the boys think it's too bad that you should fall down just at the last minute.

After all you've accomplished, it seems like--what shall I say--like Columbus turning back just before land was sighted." "He didn't turn back," Hervey said; "now there's one thing I didn't forget--my little old history book.

When Columbus started to cross the Delaware----" "Listen, Hervey," Mr.Warren interrupted him; "suppose you and I walk together, I want to talk with you." So they strolled together in the direction of the mess boards.
"Now, Hervey, my boy," said Mr.Warren, "I don't want you to be angry at what I say, but the boys are disgruntled and I think you can't blame them.

They set their hearts on having the Eagle award in the troop and they elected you to bring it to them.

I was the first to suggest you.