Jake Elliott was dull and moody.

The fact is he was sleepy and tired with the night's excitement, and in no very good condition to march.

He dragged with his share of the work, but breakfast was soon over, and Sam was ready to start.

Taking out his compass to get his bearings right he opened it, and saw the ruin that had been wrought.
He looked up in surprise and caught Jake Elliott's eye.

In an instant he guessed the truth.
"Lay down your bundles, boys," he said, "we cannot start just yet." "Why not, Captain Sam ?" asked two or three boys in a breath.
"Because Jake Elliott has broken our compass," replied Sam, looking the offender fixedly in the eye.
"Shame on the wretched coward," exclaimed the boys.