The Banner Boy Scouts

 Or The Struggle for Leadership

 By GEORGE A. WARREN

THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO. CLEVELAND, O. NEW YORK, N. Y. 

Copyright, MCMXII

by CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY

_Printed in the United States of America_

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

 I A Meeting in the Barn

 II What it Means to be a Boy Scout

 III The Disappearing Coins

 IV The First Scout Leader

 V Checking a Coward

 VI A Strange Suggestion

 VII The Trap that Peleg Set

 VIII Turning the Tables

 IX "Well Done, My Boy!"

 X An Unexpected Offer

 XI Caught Napping

 XII The Rival Troops

 XIII "Fire!"

 XIV Jack's Chance

 XV The Honor Brand

 XVI The Fire Test

 XVII Clearing Skies

 XVIII Carlo Does His Turn

 XIX The Warning Over the Wire

 XX Such Glorious Luck

 XXI The Meeting

 XXII Scouting in Earnest

 XXIII The Red Car

 XXIV A Call for Help

 XXV A Camp in the Woods

 XXVI What Woodcraft Told

 XXVII Ted Finds Something

 XXVIII Forced to Tell

 XXIX The Capture

 XXX Found Out at Last

 XXXI Well Done, Stanhope Troop!--Conclusion

PREFACE

My Dear Boys:

Knowing that ninety-nine lads out of every hundred love outdoor lifeabove all else, I have taken it upon myself to give you a series ofwhat I hope will prove to be clean, wide-awake, up-to-date stories, founded upon a subject that is interesting our whole nation--the BoyScouts of America. You know what a hold this movement has taken uponthe rising generation of our broad land. There never was anything likeit before--there never may be again. 

At first many people made the mistake of believing that it was simply anew military order, and that boys who joined were to be taught the dutiesof soldiers, and learned how to fight. They know better now. It is reallythe greatest movement for Peace ever started. Not only that, but the ladswho belong to this vast organization are taught how to be manly, selfreliant, brave, courteous, kindly and steadfast. 

When you examine the roster of the officers who have loaned their namesto help along the good cause you will find such honored signatures asthose of President William Howard Taft, ex-President Theodore Roosevelt, and many others dear to the hearts of our boys. 

This glorious field opens up a very tempting opportunity for a series ofstirring stories concerning the fortunes of _real_ Boy Scouts, who havegone into the movement heart and soul, with a desire to excel in all theyundertake; and at the same time enjoy themselves hugely. I only hope andtrust that you may be pleased with what you read in this book, about thedoings of the Red Fox Patrol, of Stanhope Troop, and that the storywill do you much good. 

Yours faithfully, George A. Warren. 

THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS

CHAPTER I

A MEETING IN THE BARN

"All here now, Paul!"

"Call the roll, somebody, won't you?"

"Keep quiet, fellows, please!"

"Shall I strike a match, Paul?"

"Not on your life, Bobolink. That crowd of Ted Slavin's is out, lookingfor us. Somebody must have leaked, or else Ted was tipped off. We've gotto be mighty cautious, I tell you, if we want to give them the slip. "

"S-s-say, d-d-don't you k-k-know we've got a fi-fine b-b-barn on ourp-p-place, fellows?"

"For goodness sake; won't somebody please pound Bluff Shipley on theback, and make him bite his twisted tongue, so he can talk straight?"cried a pleading voice. 

"Listen!"

There must have been a streak of authority in the tone used by PaulMorrison when he spoke this last word; every one of the other six boyscrouched there, craning his neck, and listening to catch the unusualsound that had apparently reached the trained ears of their leader. 

The woods surrounded the boys on all sides, gloomy, and full ofmystifying noises. 

Yet Paul knew full well just what every one of the sounds meant. An owlcalled mournfully to its mate from a hollow tree. Katydids and merrycrickets added their shrill music to the chorus of that late summernight. Even a colony of tree frogs solemnly chanted their appeal for"more rain. "

During the day just ended six fellows in the thriving town of Stanhopehad received urgent telephone calls from Paul, who was an only son of theleading doctor in the place. 

And each boy had promised to meet him at the Three Oaks by the time theclock in the church steeple had struck eight. 

It was even now booming out the hour. 

When the last stroke died away, the most impatient among the gatheredboys moved restlessly. 

"Follow me, fellows, " said Paul, in a low, thrilling tone. 

"Where are we heading for?" queried one, who had as yet failed to expresshis feelings in the matter. 

This was Wallace Carberry, the sober member of the pair known farand wide as the Carberry Twins; his mate, William, being his exactcounterpart in every particular, when he chose to repress thegood-natured grin that usually marked his fate. 

"To the Shipley barn; single file; and silence is the watchword!"

Paul Morrison had long enjoyed the confidence of his comrades in mostmatters pertaining to outdoor sports. A healthy lad, both in mind andbody, he was never so happy as when studying the secrets of Nature inwood and meadow; or in playing any of the various strenuous games towhich all boys with red blood in their veins are addicted. 

And when he sent out his mysterious request that some of his mostintimate friends meet him on this night, as he had a communicationof importance to put up to them, the greatest curiosity made itselfmanifest. 

Paul never suggested ordinary things. More than once he had engineeredsome game that brought honor and glory to the boys of Stanhope; andremembering these satisfactory "stunts" of old, it was no wonder thesefellows had come to the place of meeting without a single exception. 

With Bluff Shipley close upon the heels of the leader, and Robert OliverLink, whose name had long since been corrupted into Bobolink, bringingup the rear, the seven lads trailed through the woods, following somepath with which they were evidently more or less familiar. 

Several times Paul gave a recognized signal that caused every one of thebunch to stop short, and turn his head on one side in the endeavor todiscover whether hostile footsteps could be heard in their rear. 

But although there were doubtless many rustling sounds, the boys laidthese to the bright-eyed little denizens of that strip of woodland. Toooften had they watched the chipmunks and red squirrels hunting for nutsunder the already falling leaves, not to know that the forest was peopledwith these harmless animals. 

After five minutes more there loomed up before them the dark outlines ofa huge barn that seemed rather out of place here on the border of thewoods. 

This belonged to the father of Bluff, who, being a prosperous tobaccogrower in this valley, used the place to cure the product of his broadfields, after it had been harvested in the fall. 

Paul had been carrying some sort of package in his hand, and the boys forsome time amused themselves in guessing its nature. When he took off thepaper it stood revealed as a lantern, ready for lighting. 

"Show us the way inside, Bluff. Then we'll have a little light on thesubject, " remarked the leader, with a last anxious searching look around;as though he still entertained suspicions that their march to the oldbarn might have been observed by some of the hostile Slavin crowd. 

Ted Slavin had long been known as the bully of Stanhope; for it seemsthat there never yet existed a village or town without some big chapexercising that privilege. He was a fighter, too, and able to hold hisown against the best. Besides, Ted had shown some of the qualities thatindicate a natural leader; though he held the allegiance of those whotrailed after him mostly through fear, rather than any respect for hismanly qualities. 

His leading crony for the past year had been Ward Kenwood, son of thewealthy banker who was also a leading real estate owner in the place. Once upon a time Ward would have scorned the thought of associating withSlavin and his crowd; but an occasion had arisen whereby he had need ofa strong arm to even up a score, and once he found himself indebted toTed he kept on in the bully's company. 

His rivalry in many fields with Paul had much to do with his throwing hisfortunes in with the other fellows. And nothing pleased him more than tobe able to upset any calculations the latter entertained. That explainedwhy Paul was anxious to avoid a meeting with the Slavin crowd on thisparticular night, when he was brimming over with a great idea. 

Once the boys had entered the barn, Bluff secured the door, after whicha match was quickly lighted. 

"Now, here we are, safe and sound, and not an enemy around. Suppose youopen up, Paul, and get this load off our minds, " said Albert Cypher, whoseldom heard his own name among his friends, but was known far and wideas Nuthin'. 

But what else could a lad expect who was so unfortunate as to findhimself afflicted with such a name as A. Cypher?

"Yes, what's it all mean, Paul? You haven't even taken me in, you know, and I'm as much in the dark as the next fellow, " remarked Jack Stormways, reproachfully; for being Paul's closest chum he might have expected toshare his confidence. 

"Wait a bit. We might as well make ourselves comfortable while we'reabout it. I'll sit down on this box, and the rest of you gather around onthe floor. I've got a big proposition to make, and you want to listencarefully. "

"T-t-take c-c-care of the lantern, f-f-fellows; my d-d-dad's w-w-wantingthis old barn f-f-for his t-t-tobacco crop, and he'd b-b-be some put outif it b-b-burned just now!" came from Bluff. 

Finding perches on various low piles of waste left over after theshipment of the last crop, the six lads gathered around Paul, eagernessstamped on every beaming face. 

"Now, what's the idea that struck you this time, Paul?" demandedBobolink. 

"I'll tell you without any beating around the bush, fellows. The thoughtcame to me that Stanhope was away behind the times. Other towns notnearly so big, have one or more troops of Boy Scouts. Why shouldn't weget up one here?" and Paul waited to hear what the response would be. 

The six who sat in a ring looked at each other as though stunned by theproposal. It was strange, indeed, that no one had up to this time takena lead in advancing such a thing. 

"Bully idea, Paul!" ejaculated Jack, slapping a hand on his kneeenthusiastically, as though it appealed to him most decidedly. 

"Well, I declare, to think that nobody ever mentioned such a grandmovement before. Count me in right from the start!" said WallaceCarberry--sober Wallace, who usually measured his words as though theywere golden. 

"And me too, " observed Bobolink. 

"Ditto for William!" called out the other Carberry Twin, grinning withdelight. 

"G-g-guess I'd make a bully good t-t-tenderfoot!"

"That's the best thing you ever thought up, old chap, " came from Nuthin'. 

"Hurrah! every county heard from, and not one contrary word. It looksas if there might be something doing right soon around this region, "declared Paul, naturally pleased because his proposition had met withsuch unanimous satisfaction. 

"Tell us more about it, please. I've read about the Boy Scouts; but mymother would take a fit if she thought I was practicing to become asoldier. You see, I had an older brother, who enlisted to go out withsome of the boys when we had our little fuss about Cuba and thePhilippines; and poor Frank died in camp of typhoid fever. I'll have ahard time winning her over, and the dad, too, " remarked Bobolink, sadly. 

"Well, that's where you make a big mistake, Bobolink. Over in England, where the Boy Scout movement started, it has some connection with thearmy, because there, you see, every fellow expects at some time to servehis country as a soldier, or on board a naval vessel. But here inAmerica, the movement is one for peace. "

"Then what's all the doings about?" asked Nuthin', as if puzzled. 

"I know, and Paul is right about it, " came from Wallace Carberry, alwaysquite a reader of newspapers and magazines. 

"Let him tell then. I'm for the game, no matter what it means, " criedBobolink. 

"And I think Bluff knows something about it, for he said he would do forthe lowest grade of scout, which is the tenderfoot. But I don't think anyof you are qualified to take even that degree; for a tenderfoot mustfirst be familiar with scout law, sign, salute, and know what his badgemeans; he must know about our national flag, and the usual forms ofsalute due to it; and be able to tie some seven or eight common knots. How about that, Bluff?"

"N-n-not guilty!" promptly answered the one addressed. 

"Say, that sounds interesting any way. Tell us some more about this, Paul!" exclaimed William, always eager to hear of anything that smackedof novelty. 

"Well, there are two more degrees a fellow can climb up to, asecond-class scout, and a first-class scout, full fledged. After that, ifhe wants to keep right on there are merit badges to be won for excellingin angling, athletics, camping, cooking at the campfire, taxidermy, firstaid to the injured, handicraft, life saving, path-finding, and a lotmore. "

"Now you've got me stuck on this new game, " cried Bobolink, excitedly. "The more you explain the better I like the idea. Me for the Boy Scouts, fellows!"

"Hear! Hear! Paul, the idea is yours, and we vote unanimously that youoccupy the exalted position of scout master--I know that every troop hasto have such a head, and you're better fitted for the job than any fellowin town!"

"Yes, " laughed Paul, "but unfortunately, I believe a scout master has tobe over twenty-one years of age. "

"Who knows the ways of the open like our Paul? He's the right man in theright place. Say, are there any books on the subject, that we can get, and learn more about this thing?" asked Wallace, who seemed to beparticularly well pleased. 

"I've already sent for a manual, and expect it by to-morrow; when we canfind out all about it. But wishing to be posted when I put the question Iwent over the river to Aldine to-day, and saw some of the boys there whobelong to the Scouts. They made me more anxious than ever to start apatrol in our home town. "

"But I've seen something about a troop?" remarked Jack Stormways, who, Paul thought, seemed unusually sober for a boy ordinarily light-hearted. 

"Yes, a troop takes in say, three local posts called patrols, each ofwhich has eight members. It is known by a number, as Troop One of Boston;and each minor organization takes a name of some animal, such as wildcator fox. If it is called Fox, every boy belonging to it is supposed to beable to bark like a fox, so as to be able to signal a comrade whilescouting in the woods. "

"Ginger! but that does sound interesting, " declared William. 

"It's j-j-just immense, that's w-w-what!" was Bluff's opinion. 

"Listen! I heard a laugh as sure as anything!" exclaimed Paul, lifting ahand to indicate silence; and every one of the group assumed an attitudeof expectancy. 

As they waited there suddenly came a tremendous crash, as some objectlanded forcibly against the wooden side of the old barn. It was instantlyfollowed by a second bang, and others came quick and fast, until thenoise might be likened to a bombardment from a hostile battery. 

"It's the Slavin crowd!" called Bobolink, excitedly jumping to his feet. "They followed us here after all, and have been listening to every word!"

"All hands to repel boarders!" shouted Paul; and with a cheer theseven boys rushed over to the door, out of which they sprang, benton retaliating on their tormentors. 

CHAPTER II

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BOY SCOUT

"Where are the stone throwers?" shouted the merry member of the CarberryTwins, as he danced up and down, eagerly trying to discover some movingobject in the surrounding darkness. 

"Gone like smoke, I guess, " laughed Paul, who had really expectedsomething of this sort, judging from past experiences with these sametormentors. 

"Look there, I can see something moving yonder. Get ready to give avolley!" cried Nuthin', pointing as he spoke. 

"H-h-hold on, f-f-fellows, d-d-don't fire yet! It's only our old d-d-duncow!" gasped Bluff, excitedly; as he waved his arms up and down after themanner of a cheer captain at a college football game. 

"They've lit out, that's what, " grumbled William, who felt as thoughcheated. 

"All right, then. It's just as well, for a fight would be a mighty poorway of preparing to join the scout movement. You'll learn what I meanlater on when you hear the twelve points of the law that every fellowmust subscribe to, " observed Paul, seriously. 

"What d'ye mean, Paul?" demanded Bobolink, quickly. 

"Yes, tell us right now what the twelve rules are, " said William. 

"I know, for I read all about them a few days ago, " remarked Wallace, readily. 

"All right, then, suppose you call them off. What does a scout promise tobe if allowed to wear the uniform, Wallace?" asked the leader. 

"To be trustworthy, loyal, helpful to others, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient to his superiors, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. "

"Why, it doesn't say a single word about fighting!" ejaculated William. 

"Because a scout must never fight save as a last resort, and then only tosave some weak one from punishment. He must be brave to face danger, tostop a runaway horse; or jump in and keep another from drowning. Do youget on to the meaning of this movement, fellows?" asked Paul, eagerly. The more he read about it the greater became his desire to have a hand inorganizing a Stanhope troop that might compete with those of Aldine andManchester, two rival towns, both on the opposite side of the BushkillRiver, the former a few miles up-stream, and the latter the same distancedown. 

"We do, and I tell you I like it better and better the more I hear ofit, " said Jack, earnestly. "Why, I just had an idea it meant being juniorsoldiers, and drilling so as to be ready to invade Canada, or repel theyellow peril when the little Japs swarmed across the Pacific. Count mein, Paul. "

"If I can pass the examination I'm going with you, sure, " observedWilliam. 

"All right, but if they take you in just remember that you've got to quityour playing tricks on everybody, William, " declared the other CarberryTwin. 

"Listen to him, will you? He's feeling hard on me just because dad gavehim a touch of the cane last night, thinking it was me. As if I was toblame for looking like my brother, " the other said, plaintively, thoughchuckling at the same time. 

"You know you fixed it so he'd pounce on me. I'm always in hot waterbecause you must have your fun. 'Taint fair, and I'd have to be an angelnot to kick. Oh! I hope you get to be a scout, because then I'll havesome peace, " declared Wallace; but all the others knew very well what adeep and abiding affection there really lay between the Carberry Twins. 

"Let's go home now. No use staying any longer out here, with Ted Slavinand his cronies hanging around, ready to bombard us again. Besides, Iguess Paul wants to wait till he gets his book before telling us any moreabout the game. "

"Right you are, Nuthin'. I only wanted to see how the land lay, and ifyou took to the idea. I'm satisfied already that it's going to make ahit, if we can get a few more fellows to join in with us, " said Paul. 

"I know one good recruit I can drum up--Tom Bates, " spoke up Albert. 

"And a good addition to the seven now here. That would make our firstpatrol, " echoed the leader, quickly. 

"How about inviting some of the Slavin crowd to join us?" asked Bobolink. 

"Well, perhaps we might pick a couple there; but I think you'll have tobe getting up early in the morning to manage it, " replied Paul, meaningly. 

"What's that?" asked William. 

"Just this. Ted Slavin has heard our plans. You know that he never likesto see anybody else pull down the plums. What will he do right away, fellows?"

"Go and see his shadow, Ward Kenwood, and get him to put up the money tostart the ball rolling. My word for it that inside of a week there'll betwo rival Boy Scout troops in little old Stanhope, " remarked JackStormways. 

"Say, that would be great, if the other crowd only acted on the square, "ventured William. "We could have all sorts of contests between us. ButI know Ted Slavin too well to believe he'll ever subscribe to the twelverules Wallace mentioned. Why, he'd have to be made all over again to dothat. "

"Look here, Paul, if a fellow has to live up to the rules, however couldthe members of Ted's company be taken into a troop of Boy Scouts?" askedBobolink, who always sought information. 

"I don't believe they ever could. Still, there's no law in the land toprevent any lot of boys from forming a patrol, and calling themselvesscouts. That's my way of looking at it, " was the answer the leader gave. 

The lads were now on their way home, the lantern having been secured, andextinguished, lest it invite another bombardment on the part of theirtormentors, doubtless still hovering somewhere nearby. 

No further attack came, however, for which some of them were possiblysorry, particularly William and Bluff, who delighted in strenuous actionat all times. 

On the border of the town the seven separated into three groups, thetwins going off arm in arm, Bluff, Bobolink and A. Cypher forminganother; while Paul and his particular chum made up the third. 

"Well, " said Paul, as they headed for the house of his comrade, whichchanced to come before his own, "what do you think of my scheme, Jack?"

"Immense, that's what. I'm only astonished that nobody else took up withthe idea before. Poor old Stanhope seems to be away behind the times, Paul. "

"Well, I don't know. We've had lots going on this summer to take up ourtime; and then most of us were away during part of the vacation. Thereare other towns just as slow to catch on, " returned the other, loyal tothe place of his birth. 

"But now that the ball has been started rolling, just watch how fast itgathers force. I know how you go at these things. And of all the fellowsI ever met, you are the one best fitted to lead in this thing, if Iunderstand the game right. Why, it's just going to fit in with the thingsyou've preached and practiced for years. "

"That's why it appealed so strongly to me, after I really understood whatthe many duties of a scout were supposed to be. But what's the matterwith you, Jack?"

"Eh? With me? Oh, nothing much, Paul. "

But the other knew better, for he had noticed a frown come over Jack'susually smiling countenance more than once that evening, when the otherthought he was not observed; and from this Paul felt positive his chumwas worrying about something. 

"Of course, if you think it best not to take me in on it, I'm the lastone to bother you, old chap, " he went on, when Jack interrupted him. 

"It wasn't that, Paul, not in the least. To tell the truth I've beenthinking it over, and just about made up my mind that I must tell someone, or I'd never sleep easy. And of all my friends you're the oneclosest to me. Yes, I'm going to confess that there is something thatpuzzles me, and fills me with alarm. "

"Say, is it as bad as that, Jack? But how is it you don't want to go toyour own folks? You've got one of the best dads I ever knew, and yourmother, well, few are in the same class with her. "

"That's just it, Paul. I'd hate to have either of them know anythingabout this trouble. "

Paul swung his friend around so that he could see into his face; for theywere just passing a street lamp at the time. 

"Oh! I can look you in the eyes, old fellow. It isn't anythingdisgraceful I've been doing, not at all. But you see, " and again thatfrown darkened Jack's brow as unpleasant things presented themselvesbefore his mind's eye, "it's a family affair, I'm afraid, and must bekept quiet. "

"Now you _have_ got me to guessing good and hard. Suppose you tell mewhat it's all about. I hope your brother, Karl--" and there Paul stopped, for by instinct he seemed to feel that he had guessed the truth the firstshot. 

Jack had given a huge sigh that seemed to well up from his heart. 

"Yes, it's about Karl, only I do hope that it will prove a false alarm, because I just can't believe he'd do such a rotten thing, " the other wenton, slowly. 

"But he's only a little fellow after all, Jack?"

"That's so, but old enough to know better. You shall hear it all, andthen perhaps you'll advise me what to do, " went on Paul's chum, witha vein of relief in his voice, as though he felt better already, afterdeciding to share his trouble with another. 

"That's right, and you know that it goes no further, Jack. "

"Karl got into some mischief a week ago, and to punish him father cut offhis allowance of spending money for a whole month. Now, Karl belongs to aboys' club, and I heard that at their last meeting the other day he paidup his dues, and seemed to have plenty of money. The question that isbothering me is, where did he get it?"

"Oh! is that all? Why, you forget that your brother is a bright chap; andI imagine you'll find he's been earning it some way or other; or perhapshis mother gave it to him. But see here, there's more back of this thanyou've told me?" declared Paul, suddenly. 

"There is, " replied his chum. "Listen now, and for goodness sake I hopeyou can cheer me up some, by explaining a mystery that's bothering me. It's about those old coins Uncle Reuben sent to me two years ago. Thereare some twenty-one in the lot. They're copper coins, you know and Idon't suppose worth much. I've always kept them in a little open cedarbox on my table up in the den; you've spoken about them more than once. "

"Sure, I remember all about them; but you don't mean to say--" and therePaul stopped, almost afraid to voice the thought that flashed before hismind. 

"Yes, a bunch of them have gone in a mighty queer way. Why this morningthere were just fourteen left; but to tell the truth I was afraid to goup there at supper time when I came in after our last game of ball on thelot, to see if any more had disappeared. "

"Say it plainly, Jack. Some one is taking your old coins, sent by youruncle, and you're just afraid it's Karl, tempted to get some money inthat way. But where could he sell them, do you think?"

"There's old Doc. Thomes, who keeps stamps and curios for sale. I've seensome coins in his window often. He would know the value of these, andperhaps be willing to pay something for them. Oh! it's just awful even tosuspect my brother of being guilty of such a mean thing. I hate myselffor allowing it, and have made up my mind just to hide the rest away, andnever say a word. "

"No, I wouldn't do that, Paul. In the first place it isn't fair to Karl. "

"Fair? What can you mean? I wouldn't ever say a word to him, never!"

"That's just it, but you would _think_ it always; and if he is innocent, why you see what a shame that would be. No, you ought to learn the truth, even though determined to keep your mouth shut afterward. In justice toKarl, you _must_ know!"

"I believe you are right, old fellow. And I'm going to be guided by whatyou say. Come in with me, won't you?" pleaded Jack. 

"Yes, " answered Paul, promptly. "On condition that you take me up to yourden, where we can talk without being disturbed. "

"You have an object in saying that. I believe you want to see foryourself if any more of my coins have disappeared?" declared the other. 

"I acknowledge the corn, for that is just what I wanted to learn, Jack. "

"I suppose the sooner I take the bull by the horns, the quicker we canlearn the truth; so come on in, " and taking his chum by the arm Jack ledthe way boldly up to the door of the Stormways' house. 

They managed to pass upstairs to the third floor without attracting anyattention, the family being gathered around a table in the living room, reading. 

No sooner had the lamp been lighted, after the door was closed, than Paulstepped over to the table desk which he knew so well. 

Just as Jack had said, there was a little cedar box standing in plainview, and the coins it held attracted his eye. 

Slowly and deliberately he proceeded to count them, while his chumawaited the result with abated breath, and his eyes turned in anotherdirection. 

"Well?" said Jack, hoarsely, when he saw that the other had dropped allof the coins back, one by one. 

"You said there were fourteen left this morning, didn't you, Jack?"

"Yes, and now?"

"I find just eight here, that's all!" came the answer that caused thewretched brother of young Karl Stormways to shiver and sigh dismally. 

CHAPTER III

THE DISAPPEARING COINS

"Just thirteen gone now, " said Jack, as he bent over to look for himself. 

"Of course you know what they were, those that are missing?" suggestedPaul. 

"I have a list of the bunch somewhere; made it out one day just for fun. Yes, I think I could tell them again; but I never would have the heart toaccuse old Doc. Thomes of buying stolen coins; and the thief--never!"

"I didn't mean that, Jack; you mistook me. Suppose I had that list, androoting over all the little boxes he keeps his coins in for sale, foundevery one of the missing ones there?"

"Yes, and then what?" asked the other, greatly affected, though watchinghis chum's face eagerly, as though something seemed to tell him Paulwould find a way out of the difficulty, such was his faith in the other. 

"Why, perhaps you might buy the whole lot back, for almost a song, andnever say a word. "

A hand crept out and squeezed Paul's warmly; and there were tears in theeyes of Jack Stormways as he made answer. 

"Just like you, old fellow, to cheer me up like that. Here, let me huntup the list for you. But promise that you won't whisper one little hintto a living soul. Oh! Karl, how could you?"

"Hold on, don't judge him before you know. Believe him innocent until youfind proof otherwise. I guess you'll learn that one of the first things ascout has to do is to believe in his brothers and friends through thickand thin, until the proof has become positive, or the guilty oneconfesses. And another thing, Jack, in case the worst comes true, it's upto us to make sure that such a miserable thing never happens again. Wemust save the one in error, save him through kindness and sympathy. Howold is Karl?"

"A little over ten. "

"Too young to join the troop then, for all boys have to be twelve orover, according to the rules, I was told. But they have younger fellowsin the bunch over at Aldine, I'm sure. One I saw strutting around in auniform looked like a kid of eight or nine. Never mind; I believe it'llall come out right yet. Perhaps some servant may have taken them?" saidPaul, wishing to buoy up his chum's spirits. 

"We only have one, and she's been with us ever since I was born. No usethinking Maggie would touch a single thing, " declared Jack, quickly, witha shake of his head. 

Paul sauntered about the room for a few minutes. Apparently he wasglancing at the numerous college pennants and other things that wereupon the walls; but in reality he found himself wrestling with thestrange puzzle that was giving his chum so much concern. 

Presently he stood by the window, which was partly open. 

"Who owns the Dempsey house now, Jack?" he asked, indicating the buildingnext door. 

"Oh! it is still for sale, " replied the other. "They don't want to rentit again, you know, and ever since that last party moved out of town andleft things looking so bad, Mr. Dempsey has kept it closed up. "

"When he lived here, you and Scissors used to be something of chums, didn't you?" Paul went on. 

"Well, yes, " the other admitted, "when we were smaller. But ever sinceScissors started going with the Slavin crowd I've cut him dead. "

"I wish I lived as close to you as this, " Paul observed. "Why, we couldnearly shake hands across the gap. I don't suppose Scissors ever drops into see you nowadays?"

"I should say not, " laughed Jack; "why, we've been at swords points nowfor a year and more, and never even speak as we pass each other. "

"Oh! well, of course then it would be silly to think of suspecting him, "remarked Paul as he sat down again. 

But nevertheless, many times his eyes seemed to turn toward that partlyopened window, and then in the direction of the low desk where the box ofcoins stood. 

"Scissors" Dempsey had come by his nickname because of a peculiar trickhe had of keeping his knees stiff when walking. Long ago one boy hadlikened his long legs to a pair of scissors, and quick to take up ahumorous name like this, his mates had called him nothing else in years. 

"Well, it's a mighty funny thing where that bunch of old copper coinshas gone to!" remarked Jack, presently, unable, it seemed, to think ofanything else just then. 

"I believe this den of yours is hardly ever locked, " remarked Paul, presently, "and all persons can come up here whenever they choose. I'veeven often found your dog Carlo sleeping here. Why, if any friend callsto see you, and wants to wait till you come home, he just meanders uphere as he pleases, and amuses himself looking over your books andmagazines. Isn't that so, Jack?"

"Sure. My mother says this is Liberty Hall, judging from the way all mychums go and come. But what's got you now? Do you think some other chapmay have fallen into the nasty habit of helping himself to my coins, either to swell out his own collection, or to sell them to Doc. Thomes?"

"Oh! hardly that, although it seems possible. But don't worry too muchabout it, Jack. I'm sure we'll discover the truth sooner or later. "

"Anyhow I'll have eight to hide away; part of a loaf is better than nobread, " remarked the other, dejectedly. 

"Oh! I wouldn't put them away, not just yet, anyhow, Jack. "

"But, my goodness, perhaps I'll lose all of my coins if I leave themaround like this any longer on my desk!"

"That's so, but don't you see if you hide them, it shuts us off from everlearning who is taking them. "

"Oh! I see. You mean to catch him at it some time; is that the idea, Paul?"

"Nothing less. I'll drop in at the old dealer in curios to-morrow, andfind out if he has any that are on this list. Listen, there's somebody atthe door!"

"It's only Carlo, scratching to get in. Open the door, please, Paul. "

As the other did so a large Newfoundland dog stalked solemnly in, paidlittle heed to either of the occupants of the den, but snuggled down ina corner, where there was an old cushion, evidently placed there for hisespecial use. 

"My! he's getting fatter than ever, " remarked Paul, surveying the bulgingsides of the shaggy canine, as he curled himself up as if to sleep. 

"I believe he is, the scamp. I see it when I put him through his paceswith all the tricks I taught him. He's getting too logy, and has to betold three times before he'll do a blessed thing. But about this wretchedmatter, Paul--you won't say anything to your folks, will you?"

"Not for the world. It's your secret, and I'd never leak a word withoutyour permission. But I must be off now. Leave things just as you alwayshave done; and don't shut or lock the door here any more than before. I've got to do some studying over this Boy Scout affair when I getback. Whitson loaned me some pamphlets, but I didn't have time to readthem through. "

Jack accompanied his friend down to the front door. Here Karl, havingheard them descending the stairs, joined them; and so far as Paul couldsee there was no change in the boy's manner. If he had done wrong he mustbe clever enough to hide the guilt that lay in his heart, and put on abold face. 

"Remember!" was all Paul said as he squeezed Jack's quivering hand, before jumping down the steps, boy fashion. 

It was enough to encourage the sorely distressed lad, for he had thegreatest faith in Paul Morrison, the doctor's son, that any boy couldever place in a comrade; nor had the other ever failed to equal hisexpectations. 

"I really believe Paul will do it, " he was muttering to himself as heslowly went upstairs again to the den, with its decorations of collegeflags, and pictures of camping, canoeing, outdoor sports such as baseballand football struggles, and kindred things so dear to the heart of almostevery growing lad; "yes, I believe he will if anybody can. But I wish hehad let me hide the rest of them away. It seems like putting temptationin the way of a weak brother. But he told me I wasn't even to believeKarl took the coins, and _I won't_!"

Nevertheless, Jack Stormways must have passed a miserable night; for theanxious eyes of his mother noticed his distressed looks when he came downto breakfast on the following morning. 

"You don't look well, son, " she observed, as she passed her cool handacross his fevered brow; "I think you ought to step in and see DoctorMorrison some time this morning, and let him give you something. "

"All right, mother; but it's only a little headache, " he protested, forlike all boys he disliked the thought of being considered sick. 

Her eyes turned solicitously toward him many times during the meal, for she saw that Jack was unusually dull, and took little part in theconversation. 

But it seemed that Karl made up for his brother's lack of energy, for hewas more than ordinarily inclined to be merry, and told numerous jokes hehad heard from his fellows in the boys' club he had joined. 

Jack mentioned that they were about to organize a Boy Scout patrol; andvery naturally his mother looked a bit serious at this news, until heexplained some of the really excellent points connected with such anassociation; when her face cleared at once. 

"If that is what the movement means then the sooner a patrol is organizedin Stanhope the better. There are a lot of boys who would be vastlybenefitted by such uplifting resolutions, " she declared, with some showof enthusiasm. 

"Yes, mother, you are right, " said Mr. Stormways, just then. "Things havebeen going from bad to worse in our town of late, and the fathers arebeginning to wonder where it will end. Only yesterday I met old PelegGrowdy. You remember the old fellow, for we stopped at his place when wewere out riding, and had a drink at his well. "

"Yes, and a most singular old man he was. I really couldn't say that Iwas much impressed with his looks or conversation, " replied the lady, asshe poured another cup of coffee for her husband. 

"All very true; but he minds his own business if let alone; and after allI find that he is a well educated man, up in most questions of the day. But the boys, or some of them at least, have for a long time consideredold Peleg a fit subject for practical jokes. They change the lines on histeam, given half a chance, and annoy him in every way possible. Really, Idon't wonder he is bitter about it. "

"But you had something in mind, father, when you said that you met him?"

Mr. Stormways looked at Jack. 

"That is true, my son; and do you know, the first thought that came to mewas one of pleasure to feel absolutely sure no boy of mine would disgracehimself in plaguing an old man who had never harmed him. "

Jack felt a glow in the region of his heart at this show of confidence;and resolved that more than ever would he merit it; but somehow he couldnot help looking out of the tail of his eye toward Karl, to find that thecolor had mounted to his forehead, and that he seemed embarrassed. 

Was he thinking just then of the coins; or did he have some knowledge ofthe practical joke that had been played on old Peleg Growdy?

"Now, tell us what it was, Alan, " said Mrs. Stormways, encouragingly. 

"Well, perhaps in one way it may have been looked upon as somethinghumorous, but it annoyed the old man very much. Last Sunday he went outto let his pigs run loose in the lot, as is his habit. When he pulledthe rope that opened the little door in the back of the pen, he wasastonished to see the queerest lot of porkers dash away that human eyeshad ever beheld. "

Karl was snickering by now, showing that he must have some knowledge ofwhat was to come. 

"No two pigs looked alike. The boys had crept into the pen in the night, with a lantern, and some pots of paint taken from Mr. Rabow's shop, andpainted the whole drove in every color imaginable. One, he said, lookedlike the American flag. Another had four legs of different hues; a thirdwas striped yellow and green, and so it went. Imagine the old man'samazement as he saw them kicking up their legs, and tearing around likemad; for the sun had reached the turpentine in the paint, and made itburn tremendously. "

Karl gave a shout, and even Mrs. Stormways could not repress a smile, though she felt that it was wrong. 

"I heard about it from one of the boys, father; I don't want to tell hisname, you see, because it might get him into a scrape, " said Karl, as hemanaged to get his breath again. 

Jack breathed easier, since he knew now that his brother had not beenconcerned in the adventure; still, there was that other thing--but he hadpromised Paul not to believe, or even suspect, anything so early in thegame. 

"I admit that it does seem ludicrous; and no doubt if I had been there Imust have been strongly tempted to laugh at the comical spectacle thosesix pigs must have presented. But it is the spirit of the thing thatlooks so bad. Growdy never harmed a boy in his life, he says, and onlywants to be let alone; but they went out of their way to play a malicioustrick on the old man. It took him the whole of Sunday to scrape thatpaint off the hides of his pigs; which I consider a pretty hardproposition. And I repeat what I said before, that I'm pleased to knowa son of mine would not be guilty of so mean a trick. "

Karl left the table just then, and his brother fancied that he looked abit confused, as though his conscience were troubling him, but then Jackhoped he might be mistaken. 

CHAPTER IV

THE FIRST SCOUT LEADER

Paul had said that he would be away the greater part of the day, hisfather having asked him to go to the city on an important errand. 

Consequently there was no opportunity for the two chums to confer uponany of the matters that were interesting then. 

But all the boys had agreed to meet at the house of Nuthin' that evening, to plunge deeper into the subject of organizing at least one scout patrolin Stanhope. 

As usual Paul called for Jack, and as the latter's parents knew what wason tap, there was no opposition shown to his going out. 

"Has anything happened to-day?" whispered the visitor, as he was joinedby Jack in the hall. 

"Yes, I was out a lot with the fellows, and doing some chores around; butI mustered up enough courage just before supper to go upstairs, " repliedthe other, his voice giving plain warning as to what was to follow, forit showed the strain. 

"And counted the coins again, perhaps to find them short, eh, Jack?"

"Well, you said there were eight, and now I can count only six. Why, it'sgetting to be a regular clock-like piece of business. And after whatfather said this morning, too. "

"What did he say?" asked Paul. 

"Come along. I'll tell you while we're on our way, " and Jack gave anervous look over his shoulder, as though afraid lest his brother popout on them unawares. 

As they walked slowly along the road he spoke in the affectionate mannerin which Mr. Stormways had declared his utmost faith in the honesty andintegrity of his two boys. 

"But you're not sure that Karl has anything to do with the disappearingcoins. Other boys may have been up there to-day?" suggested his friend, quickly. 

"I asked mother, and she said she didn't remember that any one had cometo see me. No, the more I think about it the worse I feel. But I guessyou didn't have any time to see old Doc. Thomes before you went to thecity, did you?"

"That's just what I did, dropped into his shop, told him I was going downto New York on business for dad, and asked if I could do anything forhim. "

"Oh! how bright of you, Paul. And what did he say to that?"

"It seemed to quite tickle the old chap. He said he had a little packagehe wanted to send in to a dealer on Fourteenth Street, and would be gladif I took it to him, instead of his sending it by express. "

"A package, Paul; did he say what it contained?" demanded the other, almost holding his breath with sudden alarm. 

"Yes, a lot of old coins he had been buying lately. Now, hold yourhorses, Jack, my boy. He hadn't made it up yet, and I helped him do it. There wasn't one of the same kind yours are. He bought the collection ofChinese and Japanese coins old Captain Crocker owned. His widow had nouse for them, and needed the money. "

"Oh, you gave me a scare, Paul; but I'm glad you saw them, for I'd alwaysimagine mine must have been in the lot; not that I care a bit for the oldthings now; but it was the thought, you know, the terrible suspicion. "

"Yes, and while about it I managed to see every old coin Doc. Has in hisshop, for he was pleased to let me root around. And Jack, not a singleone of your missing pieces has he got, depend on it. "

"Oh! well, " remarked Jack, arousing himself, "let's try and forget mytroubles for a while. Unless I get it off my mind I'll lie awake again, and then your father, the doctor, will give me some medicine that tasteseven worse than what he did to-day. Did you get that manual you sent for, Paul?" and the speaker resolutely shut his teeth hard together as ifdetermined to keep his mind off the harassing subject. 

"Yes, it's in my pocket, and seems to be full of meat, too. I haven't hadmuch chance to soak it in, but what I did read interested me a wholelot, " returned the doctor's son. 

"Well, I thought of a friend I had over in Manchester, and this afternoonI took my wheel and jumped down there, crossing by the bridge. Just as Ihoped, Landy is a member of the troop there, and he gladly told me all heknew about the business. I'm more than ever tickled at the idea of ourhaving a branch up here, to compete with the neighboring towns. He toldme something more that we might consider, too. "

"What was that, Jack?"

"You remember Mr. Silas Westervelt, the Quaker of Manchester?"

"Sure. I've often talked with him, and my father is their family doctor, "replied Paul, readily enough. 

"It seems that he's become interested in this scout movement, whichhe endorses through and through. The result is that he has offered abeautiful banner to the organization that can show the highest degree ofefficiency, and the greatest number of merit marks by Thanksgiving day. It's being made now, down in the city. "

"That counts us in, then, for we'll have plenty of time to get busybefore the day of turkey rolls around, eh, Jack?"

"Oh! we'll be in the contest all right, even if we are counted in the'also ran' class. These other fellows have been camping this summer, andmust be up in many of the things that count. But then, they haven't gotPaul Morrison at the head as scout leader, and that means everything inour favor, " declared Jack, warmly. 

"Please cut that out after this. It's true that I've always been deeplyinterested in many things connected with life in the woods; but you seethat's only one part of a good scout's credit marks. In fact, there'shardly one thing in all the trades and professions that is omitted fromthe list. Only he must _excel_ in all he undertakes. And soon we willhave to find a young man over twenty-one who will act as our scoutmaster. "

"Hold up, there's Bobolink hurrying to catch us; and he acts as if hemight be the bearer of important news, " remarked Jack, who had heard ahail from the rear, and turned his head to see a flitting form. 

The other came up, panting heavily. 

"Say, you fellows must have the seven league boots, the way you get overground. And just after I've gone and made away with a monstrous supper, too, " he managed to say, between gasps. "Let me get my breath, and I'vegot something to tell you. "

"Is it about Ted Slavin and his cronies?" asked Paul, suspiciously. 

"Hit it the first shot, " returned Bobolink; "who told you?"

"Why, I haven't heard a word; only I thought that if there was anythinggoing on, Ted would be apt to have a finger in the pie, " returned theother, grimly. 

"Well, he has, all right, as usual. Anyhow his mouthpiece, Ward Kenwood, has, and it's the same thing. I was taking something in to the dominie atour church (my mother is at the head of a committee, you know) when heasked me if I was going to join the new Boy Scout patrol that was beingorganized in Stanhope. "

"Whew, but those fellows don't believe in letting the grass grow undertheir feet, do they? Never thought a thing about it till they heard ustalking matters over; and here they're getting all the credit for beingfirst in the field, " and Jack shrugged his shoulders ruefully as hespoke. 

"Didn't I say we'd have to get up early in the morning if we hoped tokeep from taking their dust? No matter what else you can say about them, Ted and his crowd are alive, and wide-awake fellows all the time, "returned Paul. 

"Well, the minister was some surprised when I told him all about it. Hesaid he was delighted, and I guess he meant it too. The more patrols thebetter for the community, he said. And he seemed to know all about themeaning of the thing, for he showed me several books along the subject, that he promised to lend us. "

"Bully for him!" cried Jack, with perhaps more energy than reverence;but had the genial old man heard the words he would have felt highlycomplimented, knowing that whoever succeeds in getting the approval oflive, wide-awake boys must consider himself fortunate indeed. 

"There's Nuthin's house, " remarked Bobolink, just then. 

"And Tom Bates going in, with the Carberry Twins. I hope we can enrolla dozen good fellows for a start. The rest will flock over after a bit, when they get to know what fine times we expect to have, " remarked Paul. 

They found that there were just a dozen present, counting A. Cypher, whoas host was much in evidence. Besides Tom Bates, the new boys were PhilipTowns, Jud Elderkin, Joe Clausin and Andy Flinn; the latter of Irishparentage, but well liked, even though his widowed mother had to takein washing to provide food for the numerous mouths dependent on her. 

Andy was a particularly bright boy, and many declared that he had afuture before him, if only he kept away from the one curse of hisfather's life, rum. But as he hated the very word drink, there seemed tobe little danger that he would be apt to follow in the footsteps of thebrilliant man who had fallen so early in life, and left a family nearlydestitute. 

"Meeting please come to order, " called Paul, after he had been pushedinto a chair to serve as temporary chairman. 

Soon the boys began to go into the details of the projected troop, itsmeaning, what good it might be expected to accomplish, and everythingconnected with the Boy Scout organization. 

Paul read page after page from the book he had brought, while the others, including the parents of A. Cypher, listened, and applauded at times, assome particularly fine point happened to strike them. 

"That ought to do for the present, " said Paul, finally, as he closed thebook and beamed upon his mates; "and now, what do you think, fellows?"

"I'm just wild to get started, and more so than ever after hearing allabout the hundreds of fine things scouts can do. I'm a crank on makingfires, and I guess I'd qualify right easy for the championship in thattournament!" exclaimed William Carberry, his face aglow. 

"Yes, and I remember the time he nearly burned our house down, trying tostart a blaze without a match. He got the fire all right; but there was alively time around there, until the bucket brigade arrived, and slushedthings down. Oh! you can believe William; he's some on the fire racket, "remarked the other Twin, at which there was a roar from those present. 

"I move that we write out just what we intend to do, and that all thefellows in the room sign it as charter members. Then we'll try to doubleour dozen by a week, and rush things along. We already have enough forthe first patrol and half a second. If we expect to compete with thoseother troops in the struggle for supremacy we've got to be awake anddoing. "

"You never said truer words, Paul. What sort of a binding agreement hadwe ought to get up?" asked Bobolink, pretending that it was Tom Bates whospoke; for really the boy had a wonderful gift of ventriloquism, andoften amused himself, and his friends as well, by sending his voice intostrange places, to the wonder of those who were not aware of his tricks. 

"I thought that over, and wrote out what I believed would cover theground. If you listen now, I'll read it to you, " returned the chairman. 

"Hear! hear ye! All keep silent while our honored chairman reads thedocument to which we expect to subscribe our names and seals!" calledWilliam, pompously. 

What Paul had written was simply that those whose names were found belowhad united themselves together with the idea of forming a troop thatcould be connected with the regular Boys Scout organization asincorporated. 

Then every boy present wrote his name beneath the agreement, after whichthey went into executive session, the parents of A. Cypher being kindlybut firmly requested to retire from the room, while the election ofofficers proceeded, and other necessary steps were taken to perfect thefirst patrol. 

So the first patrol of Stanhope Troop was organized, and consisted of theeight originators of the scheme. It was decided to call this the Red Foxpatrol. As fast as others were arranged for they could take on such namesas Gray Fox, White Fox and even Black Fox. 

Later on they hoped to secure a scout master, but just now with Paul andWallace brimming over with woods' lore, the lack of such an officer wouldnot bother them. 

The meeting ended in Paul being placed in the honored position of scoutleader, with the second position being thrust on Jack Stormways, thoughhe declared that Wallace Carberry was far better qualified to fill itthan he ever could be. 

But Paul was satisfied to have it so. Jack was his favorite chum; and hewould be thrown much in his company. Besides, the desire to study up therules, and perfect himself in all that an assistant scout master shouldknow, might for a time at least take Jack's thoughts away from thesubject of his trouble at home. 

Before the boys left they were summoned to the dining room, whererefreshments were placed before them; and when the meeting did finallybreak up every fellow felt deep down in his heart that an important stephad been taken toward raising the standard of living among the risinggeneration of Stanhope. 

Finally, as the hour had grown fairly late it was suggested that theyleave in a body, since all military organizations did this. 

"And, " continued the one who had put this idea forward, "while we havenothing to do with the army itself, we expect to be governed by certainmilitary rules. What say, fellows?"

"Fall in! fall in!"

Out of the door they marched, and down the steps, two by two; BluffShipley, who was paired with Nuthin', being the lone straggler in therear, since his mate remained at home. 

If he experienced the slightest sense of dejection at being compelled towalk without a side partner, it was of very brief duration. 

Outside it was very dark, and this condition seemed more or lessheightened by the fact that the eyes of the young scouts had becomeaccustomed to the glow of the rooms they had just left. 

Consequently there was more or less chance of some one tripping on thesteps, and pulling others down with him. 

"'Ware the fourth step; it's shaky and may throw you, boys!" sang outNuthin'. 

Hardly had he spoken than the first pair executed a beautiful forwardbow, and went down in a heap from the lower step. 

"Look out there! A rope!"

Paul had just barely time to give utterance to this warning when the nextpair found the obstruction for themselves, and came plunging down on topof those already landed. 

Two more were close behind, so nearly upon the heels of the second pairthat it was really impossible for them to avoid following in their wake. Thus there were by this time six struggling figures at the foot of thesteps, while the balance of the patrol huddled just above, looking withamazement at the dimly seen spectacle. 

From somewhere near by, possibly the shelter of some bushes, came gurglesof boyish laughter, and jeering words in assumed voices. 

No need to tell Paul and his friends to whose kind attention they owedthis unexpected downfall. Ted Slavin and his backers had not been idlewhile the new patrol was being organized in the home of Nuthin'. They hadfastened a stout rope across the lower step, and succeeded in trippinghalf of their rivals. 

Paul managed to scramble to his feet, hardly knowing whether to laugh, orget angry at this practical joke on the part of the opposition. 

CHAPTER V

CHECKING A COWARD

"It's that Slavin crowd!" exclaimed Jack, as he gained his feet. 

"Let's capture some of them, then!" shouted William, always ready forbattle, as was also Bluff Shipley, whose hands were never bothered withimpediments as was his speech. 

A rush was made for the bushes, and retreating footsteps announced thehasty departure of the enemy. 

None of the new scouts seemed to care about following very far. They knewTed of old, and feared lest they be drawn into a trap, so that their lastcondition would be really worse than the first. 

"No damage done, after all, " remarked Paul, as he brushed off hisclothes; while the others gathered around, and Nuthin' came down tosecure the treacherous rope. 

"Barked my shins some, now; and sooner or later I've just got to take itout of that crowd!" muttered William, limping around, and shaking hishead. 

"Better do it soon, then, " observed Bobolink, "for after you've takenthe oath of allegiance to the scouts you dassent tackle a feller withoutlosing marks. "

"H'm! is that so?" grunted the injured member, regretfully; for to bedeprived of the boon of fighting would be taking some of the joys of lifeaway from the pugnacious Carberry twin. 

"Fall in again, boys!" said Paul, cheerily. 

"Not the same way, I hope, captain!" ventured Bobolink; at which therewas a laugh, and the incident seemed closed. 

The boys had no doubt but that their rivals must have been observing muchthat went on in the lighted rooms, possibly also trying to catch what wasbeing said. 

"What of it?" demanded Paul, when some one suggested this; "if they heardwhat I read out of that manual so much the better. Let them subscribe tothose rules, and life will be worth living alongside Ted and hiscronies. "

"But you see they just can't!" declared Bobolink, quickly. 

"Which is to say they won't. All right. Once we get out troop formed, public sentiment will be on our side. If they try to worry us the goodpeople of Stanhope, backed by the Women's Club, will see to it that thenuisance is stopped. Isn't that so, Paul?" remarked Jack, with convictionin his voice. 

"Them's my sentiments, as some character in fiction used to remark. Wecan afford to laugh at all these little plans to annoy us. Of course, ifthey go too far, why we may have to turn and do something ourselves, "said Paul, seriously. 

"Bully! Hasten the time!" cried William, ceasing to limp for the momentin his new delight. 

"Oh! but Paul doesn't mean a regular give and take fight. If we pitch inat all, I'm afraid it'll have to be doling out punishment in the way thegood dad does when he plies the stick and says it hurts him worse than itdoes the bad kid, " declared Bobolink; at which there was a roar. 

On the following day there was more or less skirmishing about town byvarious eager lads, seeking recruits for the rival troops. 

Paul was as busy as a beaver, and at several points conferred with someof his followers. He had sent for more manuals, besides a price list ofuniforms, and other equipments necessary to the complete organization ofthe Fox Patrol and Stanhope Troop No. 1. 

Leading citizens began to take an interest in the movement, as theygrew to understand its true significance. Stanhope seemed to be fairlysizzling with a new and novel energy. Even the meeting of the Women'sClub that afternoon was given up partly to a discussion of the merits ofthe Boy Scout wave then sweeping over the land; and ladies who had beendecidedly averse to such a thing found their eyes opened to itsbeneficial accompaniments. 

As was to be expected, the recruiting was not confined to Paul and hischums. Ted Slavin and Ward Kenwood were just as vigorously employed; andseveral times in the course of the day the rivals ran across each otherwhile engaged in thus drumming up new subjects for initiation. 

On such occasions there was apt to be something in the way of verbalfireworks passing between the opposing scouts. Ted Slavin seldom knew howto bridle that tongue of his; and Ward Kenwood seemed to be in a nastyhumor himself. 

To tell the truth there had long been a sort of rivalry between Paul andWard over the smiles of pretty Arline Blair; and latterly the high schoolgirl seemed to be giving young Morrison more than his share of hercompany. 

That afternoon about four o'clock, as Paul and two of his chums werepassing along one of the side streets of the town they came upon a scenethat caused a sudden halt. 

The blustering voice of Ted Slavin was what first drew their attention;and it seemed to come from around the next corner. Then followed aquavering voice, pleading in its tone. 

Paul looked at his friends, and his brow darkened. 

"It's old Mother Martha, the market woman who sells things in her littlestall around here. And some of those mean skunks are plaguing her, likethey often do, she tells me, stealing her apples, and laughing at her, because she's lame with the rheumatism, and can't chase after 'em!" saidWilliam, who happened to be one of the trio brought to a halt sosuddenly. 

"Come on, then; we can't stand that!" exclaimed Paul. 

The boys hurriedly turned the corner, to find that what William hadsuggested seemed to be the actual truth. 

Ted and a follower were hovering near the poor old woman. The fact thatTed was contentedly munching a red apple told that he had already madehis hawk-like descent on the stand of the market woman, and was nowseeking to distract her attention so that his companion might also swoopdown to seize a prize, when they would go off, laughing uproarously, asthough they considered it a huge joke. 

Paul was on the bully in a flash, and almost before Ted knew of hispresence he had torn the apple from his grasp and hurled it far away. 

"Get out of this, you coward!" exclaimed the scout leader of the newpatrol, as he gave Ted Slavin a push; "I'm going to speak to the chief ofpolice about the way you rob this good woman, and see if he won't stopit. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, both of you!"

William and Bluff were for jumping at the two offenders, and giving thema lesson then and there; but with both arms Paul held his fire-eatersback. 

"Let 'em come on, if they want to mix up with us. We can take care oftwo, and think it a picnic. P'raps even three wouldn't be too much, if sobe you want to try it on, Paul Morrison. Huh! there comes another bunchof your sissies. Seven against two might make it too interestin', so we'dbetter skip out, Scissors. But you just wait, that's all. I don't forgetyou laid a hand on me; and some time I'm going to take it out. "

"Oh! suit yourself, Ted, " answered the other, promptly. "I'm ready tohave a go at you when you're ready, if you force me to the wall. I'm nota fighter, but when I see a couple of rowdies treating a poor old womanlike you did, it makes me see red. "

With derisive jeers the pair faded away as several boys came running tothe spot, having seen the group, and guessing from the presence of thetwo rival leaders that there must be something doing. 

Their indignation was boundless when they learned what new meanness thecoming of Paul and his two chums had interrupted. 

It required considerable persuasion on the part of the scout leader toprevent an immediate chase of the culprits. 

"Let them go this time, " said Paul, impressively; "but I'm going to seewhat can be done to put a stop to this rowdyism. It gives the boys ofStanhope a bad name all around. I told Ted I'd speak to Chief Billingsabout it. "

"You won't get any too much satisfaction there, " remarked wise Nuthin';"because, you see the Chief owes his position to the political influenceof Mr. Kenwood; and as Ward runs with Ted he won't dare do anything forfear of offending the head of the party. We've just _got_ to find a wayourselves to change things. "

"Well, I'll ask my father about it. Perhaps he can suggest a plan. Heused to be a boy himself once, and never forgets it either, " was Paul'sconclusion, as they each bought an apple from the old woman to make herforget her recent trouble, and then walked away, followed by her earnestthanks. 

"Say, but time just crawls along, " observed William, dolefully; "because, you see, I'm dying to get to work and win some of them merits you told usabout. Just set me the stunt of making water boil over a fire I have tokindle, and I'll do it in three shakes of a lamb's tail. The rest of youwill be left hull down. And then there's lots of other jobs that lookgood to me. Let's get a move on, and start the ball rolling. When's thenext meeting, Paul?"

"To-night, and once more at the barn where we were first. This timeI figure on having nearly twenty present, and that will make thingsinteresting. "

"Same hour as before--eight o'clock?" asked Bobolink. 

"Yes. And if any of you feel that you are qualified to take theexamination for the first degree, so as to become real tenderfeet in theScouts, why, I'll be in trim to put you through your sprouts, " announcedthe leader. 

"That hits me, " declared William; "for I've been studying to beat theband, and believe I'll pass muster with flying colors. Me for thetenderfoot class!"

"And I've just used up a whole ball of twine tying all those measlyknots, " declared Nuthin'; after which his face brightened when he added:"but I can do every one just like an old jack tar. My dad was once asailor you know, and that's where I've got the bulge on the rest of you. So-long, boys; I'm going home to try again. "

CHAPTER VI

A STRANGE SUGGESTION

"Who goes there?"

"A scout of the Red Fox Patrol!"

"Advance scout, and give the countersign!"

A figure came shuffling forward, bent over, and whispered a word in theear of the sentinel at the door of the old tobacco barn. 

"Correct! Pass in, scout!" said the one on guard, solemnly. 

But William chose to loiter by the door, and watch the gathering of theclans, for the boys arrived rapidly after that, usually in pairs. 

"Where's the other twin?" asked Paul, seeing William alone. 

"Unavoidably detained, Captain. May be on deck later. Here comes anotherbunch, " and William stepped aside to allow the sentry to halt Andy Flinn, who had arrived in company with Jud Elderkin, the latter as tall and thinas the former was fat and pudgy. 

"Pass along, gentlemen, " sang out William, after the pair hadsuccessfully stood the test; "the animals went in two by two; theelephant and the kangaroo!" and as usual there was a laugh at thissally, which applied so aptly to the couple just entering. 

"All here now, Paul, " announced Jack Stormways, counting noses in thelight of half a dozen lanterns provided by Mr. Shipley, the owner of thebarn. 

For an hour routine business was transacted. 

There were just twenty-one names on the roll now, and all present savingtwo, Wallace Carberry and another. It was decided to organize two patrolsat once, the first to be under the charge of Paul as scout leader, whileJud Elderkin took the Gray Fox crowd. 

The more the assembled lads learned concerning the duties and sports ofthe Boy Scouts, the greater became their enthusiasm. As the eveningprogressed they were fairly bubbling over with excitement, and it beganto look as though the success of the new movement were already assured. 

But Paul knew that it must be a constant fight between the naturalrough-and-ready, give-and-take spirit which almost every boy inheritsfrom his ancestors, and the new idea that would have him a hero withoutbeing a bully or a brawler. 

And he was not surprised when, later on, just before they thought ofbreaking up the meeting, William got the floor on the question of apersonal privilege, and threw a bombshell into the camp. 

"I'm going to ask a favor of you fellows, " he said; "and you can help mebreak even with that old rooster as well as have some fun. D'ye thinkyou can stand the racket?"

The others crowded around, for they knew very well that when William hadanything to propose it usually meant some frolic. But Paul noticed to hissurprise that the joker seemed worked up far more than he could everremember seeing him before, and he scented trouble ahead. 

"Who is it this time, William? Tell us about it, old fellow! Of coursewe're bound to stand by you through thick and thin. That's one of thefirst duties of a scout, you know. Speak up, and give us a tip!"

It was Jud Elderkin who said this; but that he voiced the sentimentsof pretty much the entire group could be judged from the chorus ofexclamations that greeted his aggressive speech. 

"It's that old grumpy miser, Peleg Growdy, " said the orator, waving hishands to emphasize his words. "He never had any use for boys, you know, and often says he wonders why the pests were ever born. I don't rememberdoing him any mean thing in my life, but he's got it in for the wholecreation of boys, I expect. "

"What did he do to you?"

"Yes, tell us, William. We'll stand by you, never fear. "

"He needs a good lesson, the old skinflint. Tell us what happened!"

William grinned, for he saw that he had already captured the heartsof his comrades, and had small need to fear they would let him seeksatisfaction alone. 

Jack Stormways was as deeply interested in the outcome as his chum Paul. 

He remembered all his father had said at the breakfast table on thepreceding day, in connection with this same man Growdy. 

William was proceeding to thrill his hearers some more. To hear him talkone might imagine his father was a celebrated lawyer instead of the townblacksmith, for William had a smooth tongue. 

"I guess all of you know by this time what some fellers did to Growdy'spigs last Saturday night, painting 'em to beat the band? It's the talkof the town, and lots of folks says that it serves the old crusty justright. But I was tucked away in my little bed alongside t'other twin thatnight, as snug as two bugs in a rug; and consequently had my little_alibi_ ready to prove I wasn't in the bunch that paid him that slyvisit. "

"Oh! we all know who did it, never fear!" cried Joe Clausin. 

"He spells his name T-e-d!" echoed Bobolink. 

"All right. Because some bad boys played that joke on old Growdy he seemsto have it in for every mother's son in Stanhope. I met him on the roadthis afternoon when I was out with a light wagon after some feed. He wason the way to town to deliver a big load of truck. Everybody's entitledto half the road; ain't that the law, fellers?"

"Sure it is, William; but that mean man wouldn't budge for you, hey?"said Jud. 

"Not for an inch. Just hauled up there taking two-thirds of the road, andstarted to light his pipe. I was in a hurry to get along, and thoughtI could just squeeze by; but I made a mistake, and my wagon got upset inthe ditch. He went on, grinning at my trouble, and never offering toraise a hand to help me out. "

Exclamations of indignation arose on all sides. 

"He needs another lesson, boys!"

"Say the word, William, and we're with you. Guess I might think up a fewways for you to get even with the old skinflint!"

Paul saw that they were rapidly being swayed by their feelings of naturalresentment. He had no particular reason for liking Peleg Growdy any morethan the balance of the group; but the lesson of returning good for evilhad taken full possession of his soul. 

Once he would have been only too ready to join in with his chums inredressing what seemed to be a positive wrong; but somehow it wasdifferent now. 

Before he could speak, however, Jack had elbowed his way into the midstof the excited lads, his face full of determination. 

"Wait a bit, you fellows, before you decide what you're going to do. I want to tell you something that ought to interest you. "

"All right, Jack; speak up. Any objection to joining in with us andhaving a little fun while we help a brother even up his score?" demandeda voice. 

Then Jack repeated as well as he was able the conversation that had takenplace at the breakfast table in his house. He went even further thanthis, for it happened that he knew something about the old man's past. 

"Peleg Growdy is a crabbed old chap, I admit; but perhaps you wouldn'tblame him so much if you knew the trouble he has had. "

"What was that?" asked one boy. 

"His wife and two children were burned to death when his house caughtfire many years ago. Another child grew up to be a man, and committedsome crime that made him run away. His last one, a daughter, was killedin a railroad wreck. Ever since then the old man shuns people, and justworks as if he never wanted to know a living soul. "

"That's tough, for a fact!" admitted one boy, slowly. 

"But it don't excuse him for hating all boys. What business did he havesitting there and taking two-thirds of the road, to let William upset inthe ditch trying to pass him?" demanded Jud, still rebelling. 

"Oh! well, that's a rule of the road that isn't always carried out. Forinstance, the loaded vehicle is generally given _more_ than its half; andWilliam admits he was going light, while the old man carried a heavyload, " said Jack. 

"Yes, that's so, " grunted William, unable to hold out against such logic. 

"And perhaps, if he told the actual truth, William would admit that therewas room enough for him to pass, if he had been a little more careful!"

"Sure; but I was in a hurry, you understand; and didn't see that the edgeof the ditch was crumbly. But he laughed, I tell you, and that riled me!"

"And now you want to bring a dozen and more of your friends down on hisplace to commit some prank that will make him dislike boys more thanever. It's all wrong, I tell you, fellows, and for one I refuse to lenda hand, " and Jack folded his arms as though his mind were made up onceand for all. 

Paul saw that they were very near a division that might be fatal to thefuture good of the cause. He wondered whether he could swing the crowdto the other side, like the pendulum of a clock. It would takeconsiderable eloquence, as well as all his powers of leadership toaccomplish it; but the crisis was upon them, and he would be false tohimself if he did not meet the issue squarely. 

"Will you listen to me, fellows?" he said, quietly, stepping forward tooccupy the place just vacated by Jack, and managing to whisper to theother in passing: "back me up for all you're worth, and we may win theday!"

"Of course we will! You're the scout leader, Paul, and when you hatch upany game it's sure to be worth the powder. Let her go!" came from Jud, who seemed to be a sort of ringleader in this little rebellion in thecamp. 

"All right, boys. I'm going to make a proposition that will take yourbreath away; but I have strong hopes that after what you've listened tofrom that manual to-night, you'll be ready to back me up, " continuedPaul. 

"We believe in you, Paul. You never fooled us yet; and you never will. What's your queer game?" asked Bobolink, ready to swing over already, such was his faith in the one they had elected their leader. 

The boys crowded around Paul, more than eager to hear what his proposalmight turn out to be; for novelty always appeals to the average lad. 

"All of you know that old Peleg keeps his dooryard in a horriblecondition. Why, my mother says she doesn't believe it has been cleanedup in years; and he hardly ever takes the trouble to even put his wagonsand that old buggy in the shed. It's a disgrace to the town to have himso near. I've heard that the women talked about asking him to dosomething to make it look cleaner. "

"He's a stubborn old man, and can't be driven, my dad says, " remarkedJud. 

"Now here's what I'm going to propose. You know he's pretty deaf, andcan't hear much that goes on. He used to have a savage dog, but it dieda couple of weeks ago, and since then he's been trying to get another, but so far without success. Get that?"

"Yes, but go on, Paul, " demanded Bobolink. 

"Let's go over to Peleg's in a body, " continued the scout leader; "andwhile he sleeps clean up that dooryard of his so that in the morninghe'll just rub his eyes and begin to think the fairies have paid hima visit in the night. And when he learns who did it perhaps he may feelsomething like you did, William. Don't you see, _it'll be rubbing it ingood and hard_!"

Paul waited to see how his suggestion took. 

The boys stared at each other in amazement. It is doubtful whether aparcel of wide-awake lads ever before had such a novel proposition madeto them. And perhaps it was the sensational character of the appeal thatstirred them more than any desire to return good for evil. 

"Count me in that job, Paul, " said Jack positively. 

He had timed his interruption with exceeding cleverness. Boys are likesheep, and given a bell wether they will follow blindly where the leadergoes. 

"Me too!" cried Bobolink, quickly. 

"Ditto! I'm for the game just as Paul says!" exclaimed Nuthin'. 

And every one in the crowd followed suit, laughing at the idea of theirturning the tables on the old farmer in such an unheard-of fashion;though several doubtless secretly scoffed at the project, and only agreedbecause it seemed to be a necessary evil if they wanted to become BoyScouts. 

CHAPTER VII

THE TRAP THAT PELEG SET

"There's Growdy's shack and barns!"

"Don't seem to be anything stirring, fellows!"

"Look out for a trap. Once bitten, twice shy. Perhaps he's just layingfor some fellers to come along, and play some more paintin' job trick. I heard that he said he would find some way to stop the nuisance!"

This from "Red" Betts, who was known as a cautious chap, and able tovanish at the first sign of danger better than any fellow in town. 

"Suppose we hold up here, and send out scouts to see how the land lies?That's the military way of doing it, " ventured Bobolink. 

"A good idea, and I appoint you, Bobolink, with Jud Elderkin, to carryout the little business, " remarked Paul, in a low tone. 

"Trot along, you chaps; the rest of us will bunk right here alongsidethe road and wait till you report, " and suiting the action to his wordsWilliam dropped in his tracks. 

A brief time elapsed, and then the pair of spies returned. 

"Not a single light in the house, and the coast clear, fellows; so comeon!" and Jud waved his long arms as though enjoying his brief assumptionof authority to the limit. 

It would have doubtless astonished the old farmer had he chanced upon thescene just then. A young moon hung in the western sky, and while givinglittle light, still the figures of some score of stooping boys might havebeen discovered, advancing in broken formation along the road. 

The leader silently opened the gate leading to the dooryard of Growdy'splace. His barns stood near the house, so that the confusion whichreigned was all the more noticeable. Its equal had never been knownaround Stanhope; and could only be expected in the case of a place wherea woman's influence for cleanliness had been totally absent during thepast ten years. 

Over to the stable went some of the boys. 

Paul had talked it all over with them as they walked, and each knew whatpart he was to take in the general clean-up. 

To some of them it was simply another form of a lark. Boys are queercreatures even to those who imagine they know them well. They must bedoing something all the time. Once get them started in the rightdirection, and they will labor just as sturdily to bring about a goodobject, as under other conditions, they would work to play a joke. It alldepends on how they begin. And thanks to the sagacity of Paul, he hadsucceeded in interesting them in the novelty of his proposal. 

Some secured rakes and hoes, and began to systematically gather up thescattered loose material that covered the place, ankle deep. Otherspushed the wagons, and the old dilapidated buggy, back into the shed insystematic order. 

They worked like busy bees, chuckling, whispering and evidently gettingconsiderable fun out of the strange frolic. 

Paul himself went over the job to make sure that it had been thoroughlydone, and that nothing remained uncared for. 

Up to this time fortune had favored the busy workers, since no sound hadcome about to betray their presence. 

"How is it, Paul?" asked Jack Stormways, as he ran across the other inmaking his rounds. 

"About at the end. The boys are putting the old tools back where theyfound them; and then we can go home. It's the best half hour's workany of us have done for a good while, I tell you, Jack. "

"Some of the boys don't seem to think it quite so funny now as when theystarted in. They say they can't see where the pay is going to come in, and have begun to grumble, " whispered the other. 

"Perhaps it never will, and again, who knows what might come out of this?Anyhow, the ladies will be glad to see this dirty place clean for once. Some others I know may take a notion that if Old Growdy can clean up theyought to. Listen! what in the world is that?"

A rattling of tin pans came to their ears, as if one of the boys inprowling around had accidently upset a bench on which a milk bucket andsome flat tinware had been airing. 

"That settles it! He'll hear all that row and be out on us in a jiffy!"said Paul, annoyed because the affair had not gone off according toschedule. 

"Look! there's a light sprung up inside the house. He's getting histrousers on, all right, and the sooner we skip out the better!" declaredJack. 

The boys now came running from every direction, while sounds from withinthe nearby farmhouse told that Old Peleg must be switching on his heavyboots. 

So Paul, knowing that the only thing left now was a hasty flight, gavethe signal arranged for. It meant every fellow for himself until theyhad put a reasonable distance between themselves and the seat of danger. Then they could meet at a given place, and go home, laughing over thewhole affair, and wondering what Peleg would think when he saw what amiraculous transformation had taken place while he slept. 

Paul happened to be the very last to run away. Instead of passing out byway of the gate as most of the others did, Paul started to pass over thefence at an inviting point, where two of the bars seemed to be down, andhe could gain the adjoining woodlot, from which he might reach the roadat his pleasure. 

But alas! the best of plans often go amiss. And that gap that yawned inthe fence proved a delusion and a snare. 

Hardly had Paul made the jump over the two lower bars than he foundhimself suddenly jerked down, and his head came with a crash on theground, causing him to see a myriad of stars. 

Nor was this all. An unknown power at the same time seemed to lift hislower extremities up in the air at least two feet, so that he appeared tobe trying to swim on dry land. 

For a moment he was puzzled to account for this remarkable happening;but as his head cleared a bit, and the stars ceased to shoot before hismental vision, he began to get an idea as to what had happened. 

Apparently the fellows who had painted the farmer's pigs on the othernight must have entered his place from the woods, and through this gapin the fence. 

Old Peleg had remembered, and anticipating another invasion sooner orlater, he had succeeded in arranging some sort of ingenious trap on thespot. 

In jumping Paul had set off the trigger, with the consequence that anoose had instantly tightened around his ankles, and a hogshead partlyfilled with stones, starting to roll down the slope, had drawn his legsupward. 

Well, at any rate there he was, clinging to the grass, and with an unseenforce pulling at his elevated feet, so that he was helpless to assisthimself. 

It was very funny, no doubt, but Paul hardly felt like laughing, justthen. He tried to wriggle around so as to get at the loop, in the hopethat he might loosen the same; but all his efforts were wasted. 

Old Peleg had builded better than he expected when he set that trap inwhich to catch his tormentors. 

He was coming now to see the result of his cunning. No doubt he had heardthe tremendous rattle as the bulging barrel of stones started to rolldown the slope after being liberated; for even a deaf man could hardlyhave missed that racket. Lantern in hand he was even now hobbling along, chuckling in anticipation of what he would find in his trap. 

Closer came the limping farmer. Paul saw now that he held a vicious blackwhip in his right hand, while gripping a lighted lantern in the other. 

Laughter in the distance told that the boys had all taken themselves off. They could not suspect what a dire calamity had befallen their leader, ora rescue party must have certainly been formed. 

Another minute and Peleg had arrived at the fence, and bending over heldthe lantern so that its light fell upon the figure of his captive. 

"Gut ye, have I? Mebbe ye'll try to paint some critters of mine agin, an'mebbe ye won't!" said the farmer, as he raised the ugly black whip whichhe held, with the evident intention of bringing it down good and hard onthe helpless boy. 

CHAPTER VIII

TURNING THE TABLES

"Wait, Mr. Growdy!" Paul hastened to exclaim. 

The old man laughed harshly as he flourished the whip. Perhaps he hadnever struck a boy before in all his life, and hardly knew how to begin;but his temper was plainly disturbed, and he meant to make a start. 

"What should I wait fur, when I cort ye in the very act? Paint mycritters red, white an' blue, will ye? P'raps ye wanted to pull all thefeathers out o' my flock o' chickens this time, an' think it funny. Sarveye right if I gi'e ye a dozen stripes!"

"Mr. Growdy, I did you a favor once!" said the prisoner of the trap, wishing to keep the old man as long as possible from starting operations. 

"Say ye so? Wall, this wipes it out then. Who air ye, anyway?"

The farmer bent lower, and thrust his lantern so that its light wouldfall upon the face of the boy. Immediately he uttered a grunt, for it wasplain that he had recognized his captive. 

"So, it's ye, is it, Paul Morrison? This is some surprise, seein' asye're the last boy I'd expect to be up ter sech meanness. What d'ye thinkyer father'll say w'en he hears 'bout this?"

"I guess he'll laugh, and say it was about the cutest trick ever playedon you, Mr. Growdy, " came the immediate answer; "but please get me downfrom this. Perhaps the blood will all run to my head. Tie my hands if youwant, and fix it so I can't run away; but I couldn't stand this long. "

"So ye think yer father'd larf, do ye? I never wud 'a' b'lieved DoctorMorrison was the kind o' man to encourage practical jokes on anybody, "grumbled the old man, plainly at a loss to understand what was meant. 

"Well, he isn't, and I'd be sorry to have him know I was guilty of sucha thing. But you're barking up the wrong tree, Mr. Growdy, I give you myword we none of us had any trick in mind when we came here to-night. "

"Then what took you in my dooryard here; for I heard a pack runnin' awaywhen I kim out of the house? Tell me that, Paul, " insisted the farmer;but the hand that held that cruel looking whip had fallen to his side, which was a good sign. 

"I'll be only too glad to do so if you let me up. Tie my hands, my legstoo if you want, sir; but I'm getting dizzy from having my head belowmy heels. "

Peleg stooped still closer. He again held the lantern down so that hecould look into the face of his prisoner; after which he did somethingthat Paul had hardly expected--bent over, seized the rope connected withthe laden hogshead, and pulling hard succeeded in casting the loop thathad just encircled Paul's ankles, over a post of the fence. 

"Get up, Paul!" he said, grimly, yet with a flicker of curiosity in hiswrinkled face; as though a dim suspicion that there might be somethingout of the ordinary back of this, had begun to take possession of hismind. 

Paul regained his feet, a little wobbly to be sure, for he hadexperienced a bad fall, and his head felt rather tender where it hadcome in contact with the hard ground. 

"Thank you, Mr. Growdy. And now I'm going to tell you something. Perhapsyou will find it hard to believe me, and again you may not justappreciate our way of taking matters in our own hands, when the requestof the women of Stanhope didn't have any effect. Look around yourdooryard, Mr. Growdy. Do you see anything changed here?"

The farmer held up the lantern, and what he saw caused him to utter anexclamation. 

"Ev'ry one o' 'em gone, by hokey! If so be ye've smashed all my rigs, Paul Morison, I'll have the law on ye, as sure as my name's PelegGrowdy!" he roared, aghast at what he deemed a serious discovery. 

"Come with me, Mr. Growdy. Notice as you go that this place doesn't lookmuch like a pigpen now. In fact, I calculate it's as clean as anydooryard around Stanhope. Even the ladies can drive past now withoutbeing shocked. And Mr. Growdy, if you will take the trouble, sir, to lookunder that wagon shed, you'll see every one of your vehicles just wherethey should be when not in use!"

The old man stared, as well he might. 

"By gum!" Paul heard him mutter; and the words seemed to express thesituation so well that the boy could hardly keep from laughing outright. 

Finally the puzzled farmer turned and looked at the lad who stood therebeside him. Easily might Paul have made his escape at any time now; butthat was really the last thing he thought of doing. He would much ratherremain and see the bewilderment of Peleg Growdy reach its conclusion. 

"Look here, Paul, what's this hull thing mean?" finally demanded thefarmer. 

And Paul, remembering the fact that the old man was hard of hearing, raised his voice as he thought fit when making reply. 

"Do you want me to tell you the whole thing, sir?"

"I sartin do, every word. Blest if I kin make head or tail out o' it. Reckons as how them leetle fairy twins ye read about must 'a' ben workin'wile I slept; er else I'm dreamin' things that caint be true. "

"Listen, Mr. Growdy, " Paul went on. "Perhaps you may not know that wehave started a troop of the Boy Scouts here in Stanhope. Some twenty ofus have joined, and later on we hope to get uniforms, and other thingsneeded, when we have earned the money to buy them. Those boys you heardrunning away were my friends and comrades, every one going to be a truescout. "

"Soldier bummers then, out on a raid, and ready to kerry off everythingthey kin lay hands on, " grumbled the old man, still unable to grasp thetrue condition of affairs. 

"At a meeting to-night in Mr. Shipley's barn we made further progresslooking to perfecting our organization. But boys will be boys, you know;and one of our number asked the rest to help him get even with you, because you forced him into the ditch this afternoon, upsetting hiswagon. "

Old Growdy moved uneasily. 

"I was real sorry to see William do that. If he'd only waited till Ilighted my pipe I 'spected to pull out a leetle more, so's to let him gitby; but he was that impatient he must push on, " he said. 

"Just as I thought. Well, Mr. Growdy, one of the rules of the scouts isthat a member must never return an evil deed by another of the same kind. I proposed that we try to make you change your mind about detesting allboys. So we came here, not to paint your pigs as some other fellows did, I'm told; not to let your stock loose, or run off with your wagons; butto clean up your dooryard, and give you the greatest surprise of yourlife when you came out in the morning!"

"Sho! now. That takes the cake!"

"When one of my chums upset that bench by accident, and the pans fellwith a racket, of course it gave the whole thing away, and we started torun; but unfortunately I happened to drop into your nice little trap, andyou found me upside down. That is all, Mr. Growdy. Do you want to whip menow, or take me in to the lockup, which?"

Peleg Growdy found himself strangely thrilled as he looked into thatfrank, smiling face of Paul Morrison. 

For almost a full minute they stood thus. 

Then Peleg spoke. 

"Reckon as how them comrades o' yers must 'a' gut a long start by now, Paul. S'pose ye see if ye kin ketch up with 'em, son. "

That was all, but as Paul hurried off he was conscious of a strangefeeling deep down in his breast; and he felt sure that after all it hadpaid. Peleg Growdy at least had met with the surprise of his life. Afterthis possibly his ideas of juvenile depravity might undergo a violentchange; for such positive natures as his usually swing from one extremeto the other, just like the pendulum of a grandfather clock. 

Paul did not catch up with his fleeing comrades, for they had securedtoo good a start. When he reached the rendezvous, however, he found themthere, one and all, and wondering what could have happened to detain him. 

Loud were the expressions of astonishment as he calmly announced thathaving been caught in a trap, he had held a face to face talk with PelegGrowdy himself; when he managed to relate the whole surprising adventurethe boys were stunned at the possible consequences of their little prank. 

Those who had considered it only in the light of a joke began to see thatPaul had something deeper in mind when he proposed such a thing. 

All the way home Paul was kept busy repeating some of the things he hadsaid to the irate farmer. It gave those lads something to ponder overwhen by themselves. Possibly they had never before realized what apowerful lever for good such a method of returning a grudge may become. 

Paul himself was delighted. Even if nothing more came of it he could lookback to the little adventure with satisfaction such as Ted Slavin andhis cronies might never feel with regard to their prank. 

And the next morning Paul was not at all ashamed to relate the entirecircumstance at the breakfast table. He felt amply repaid when he saw thelook of pride upon his mother's face, as she turned her eyes, filled withunshed tears, upon him and said gently:

"I am glad you did it, Paul. I know the history of poor Peleg Growdy; andsurely he has had enough of trouble during his life to make him differentfrom the rest of his kind. The milk of human kindness has perhaps beendried up in his breast; yet who knows, my boy, but that you may have sethim to thinking by that one little act of yours. I shall never fear foryou, Paul, whatever betides. "

His father, the doctor, was a man of few words; but that morning when hewas going off on his round of visits he did an unusual thing--took Paul'shand, and gave it an affectionate squeeze, while the look thataccompanied the action needed no further explanation. 

And Paul was many times satisfied. 

That day and others saw a growing buzz of excitement in the town ofStanhope. It seemed as though nearly every boy over the age of twelve, yes and even under, might be filled with a burning zeal to join the newtroops that were being started under two different scout leaders. 

Ward Kenwood had entered heart and soul into the work, which seemed toappeal to him; but there were those who secretly believed he was moreconcerned about opposing his rival, Paul Morrison, than in building upa second troop of scouts that would be a credit to the place. 

Ted Slavin, of course, worked hand in glove with his friend, Ward. Ifmoney counted for anything they had no reason to complain; for inside ofa week there blossomed out numerous boys clad in the new khaki uniformsthat distinguish the Boy Scouts everywhere. 

Some of Paul's friends felt grieved because they had failed to get theirequipments as soon as the others; but nothing could disturb the scoutleader. 

"You'll see that they are bound to meet up with a snag when they applyfor admission to the real organization. They can't subscribe to many ofthe rules. Then again you know that the real scout scorns to receive hisuniform as a gift. Everything he owns must be earned. But most of us arenearly ready to send for suits. Wait a little longer. The race is notalways to the swift. "

In this fashion then did wise Paul bring peace to the troubled hearts ofthose anxious ones. Never a member of the new Fox Patrols that sought aninterview with the scout leader but who came away feeling that there wasnot a cloud in the sky of their future. 

In this manner a week, and then ten days, drifted along, with the openingof school looming up in the near future. 

Paul had almost forgotten the troubles of his chum when one day he hadthe fact suddenly brought to his attention again, as Jack came upon himwith a face upon which rested the same old cloud of anxiety and grief. 

CHAPTER IX

"WELL DONE, MY BOY!"

"There, some more gone, Paul!"

"But it's nearly ten days since we talked it over last, and then therewere, let me see, I believe six coins left, " returned the other, quickly. 

"That's true enough. And I can see now that you're wondering why nonehave been taken all this time, up to to-day, " remarked Jack, as he camealongside his chum, who was looking in at a window where sporting goodsmade a brave display. 

"Will Carlo hang around and wait for you a bit?" asked Paul, looking witha smile toward the big Newfoundland dog that had been trotting at theheels of his young master, carrying a basket, in which were severalpackages from the store. 

"Sure. He's well trained, and that is one of the smallest of his stunts, as you know. See, he has laid the basket down, and stands guard over it. I dare any dog in Stanhope to try and take it away. Now, you want to knowabout my poor old batch of coins!"

"I'm waiting to hear, old fellow, " said Paul, tenderly; for he could seethat his chum was once again highly charged with emotion. 

"I thought I'd try a scheme unbeknown to you, " began the other, slowly. 

"Perhaps I can guess what you did--was it that you locked the door ofyour little den, Jack?"

"Well, now, you are a champion guesser, for that was just what I did, every day up to this one--shut down the window, locked the door, andnever went up there once, " replied his comrade, with surprise writtenon his face. 

"And nothing was missing?"

"Not a coin. I counted six myself this morning when I went upstairs justto get something out of the snuggery. "

"Did you forget to lock it after you, Jack?"

"No; but an idea came to me. At the time I thought it a bright one; butnow I'm more than half sorry I ever tried it. "

"Oh! then you left the door unlocked again on purpose?"

"Yes, and with the window open, at that. The invitation was plainenough, " murmured Jack, with dejection in his voice and manner. 

Paul seemed to ponder over the matter; and indeed it was quite enough totry any boy's wits. 

"Do you happen to know if any fellow called to see you to-day while youwere out?" he asked, presently. 

"Now, I thought of that, and asked both my brother and Maggie to payparticular attention to it, if any boy stopped over, hoping I would comein. "

"Nothing doing?"

"It's kind of queer, but do you know, for a wonder not a single fellowhas been at our house this blessed day. Generally half a dozen call tosee me, you know, to borrow books from my library, or talk over mattersconnected with our school society. It just looks as if everything wantedto mix me up worse than ever, and make me think--"

"Never mind what it makes you think, " interrupted Paul, quickly, squeezing the arm of his chum affectionately; "let's get down to facts. You know I promised that I'd find out the truth about this matter; andwhile up to now I've given it mighty little attention, don't think thatI've forgotten, Jack. "

"I don't; only it bothers me to understand how you can ever expect tofind out who's taking my old coins, if I've made a mess of it; and livingin the house at that!" rejoined the other, with bewilderment plainlyvisible on his face. 

"Leave that to me. I repeat my promise, and if everything else fails why, what's going to hinder my hiding up there behind some of your stuff, where I can see for myself what happens?"

"Oh!" exclaimed Jack, "that would be a clever idea; but much as I want toknow the truth, I'm afraid to!"

"Well, you've got to get over that feeling. No matter what happens it'sfar better to know the worst; for then it may be remedied. I've heard myfather tell of many a desperate case where only heroic treatment, as hecalled it, brought his patient through. We've just got to try it here, Jack, old fellow. Hello! what d'ye suppose all that row's about?"

"Sounds to me like a runaway horse, from the shouts, " declared Jack, quickly forgetting his own personal troubles in the new excitement. 

"Look! There's the runaway, and coming this way around the corner. Oh! itwas nearly over that time! My heart was in my mouth!" cried Paul. 

"There's some one in the wagon, Paul, a little child!" almost shriekedJack; for the clamor was deafening by now, and ordinary sounds couldnever have been heard. 

No need to tell Paul that. He had just made the astounding discoveryhimself, and was thrilled with sudden horror. 

It was a little boy who was tugging at the lines with a heroism worthy ofone twice his size; but such a young person could make no impression onthe hard mouth of that terrorized animal. 

In the sudden whirl around the corner the lad had come very near beingthrown but, and was even now unsteadily trying to regain his balance. 

Paul knew that it was an occasion for quick thinking, and even fasterdoing!

He bounded away from the side of his chum as though on springs, leavingJack standing there on the curb, filled with eager anticipation, andfears. 

It was not _toward_ the rapidly advancing horse that the boy ran, but inexactly the opposite direction, as though he were being chased. With thewagon flinging about from side to side, and hindering the progress of therunaway to some extent, Paul believed that he could almost hold his ownin the race. 

Little by little he meant to let the horse overtake him. Then, at justthe right second his chance would come to jump at the animal's head, seize upon the lines close to the bit, and throw his entire weight uponthem. 

He knew that it called for good judgment, since the slightest mistakewould be apt to cost him dear. To be thrown under the iron-shod hoofs ofthe galloping animal might mean making him a cripple for the rest of hislife. 

Even that possibility did not daunt Paul. He only saw the frightened faceof the little chap who so valorously clung to the lines, and shoutedshrilly at the top of his childish voice, as though expecting the usuallytractable horse to mind. 

A human life in peril--that was one of the cardinal points that must callfor action on the part of a true Boy Scout. He might refuse to engage ina sanguinary battle with some rival who had dared him to a fight; butunder no conditions must he hold back when the chance offered to do agood deed. 

Now the horse was just behind him, and still galloping furiously. Ifanything, the animal was making more desperate headway than ever, forthe outcries on every side seemed to add to his fright. 

Every eye was focussed on the runner. One man in a vehicle had drawn inhis horse, and with white cheeks watched the remarkable scene. 

If any among that throng had reason to send up a silent prayer for thesafety of that daring lad just then, surely he might. For the man in thebuggy was Doctor Alan Morrison, Paul's own father!

Five seconds passed, but it seemed an hour, a day, a life-time to thatman, as his heart ceased to beat, and he gripped the reins convulsivelyin his clenched hands. 

Then the heavens seemed to almost split with the sudden outburst of wildshouts that raced up and down that street. 

"He's done it! Hurrah! The boy's stopped him! Bully for Paul Morrison!"

Men shouted, boys shrieked, while women embraced in their tears. Thetense strain was over, for willing hands had clutched the lines afterPaul's weight had brought the wild runaway to a staggering halt; and thedanger was past. 

Then ensued a wild scene, everybody trying to get hold of the boy who hadknown what to do in an emergency, and not only that, but had done it. 

Confused, overwhelmed, Paul in the great confusion tried to flee; butwhile he did manage to duck under many of the hands outstretched toclutch him, it was only to dart into the arms of some one who pressed himto his heart. 

And looking up the boy saw above him the face of one whom he loved--hisfather, who had been a witness to his adventure. 

"That was well done, my boy; and I'm glad I saw it!" was all the gooddoctor said; but Paul never forgot the proud look that accompanied thewords. 

It would return to him many times in the distant future, when he might betempted by the fascinations of the world to turn aside from the narrowpath which he had chosen to tread; and must ever be a guide and beaconfor his footsteps. 

Then came Jack, with William, Tom Betts and Bluff Shipley, all nearlywild over the fact that it was their chum who had acquitted himself sowell. 

Before Paul could make his escape he found his hand gripped by the fatherof the child in the wagon, who happened to be a prosperous farmer, withwhom Doctor Morrison was well acquainted. 

"I never could tell you what I think about this, my boy, " he said, withdeep feeling. "The child's mother'll never forget you, be sure of that. And it ain't right for me to offer you any reward for doing such a finething; but I want you to buy something with this ten dollars, that everytime you look at it you'll remember little Tod Perkins, what owed hislife to you. "

"Oh! I couldn't think of it, Mr. Perkins. Why, it was just pie to me, youknow. Please don't make me take it!" said the boy, still more confused;but the farmer had already turned away to embrace his child, and thereseemed nothing for it but to accept the gift. 

"Don't offend him by refusing, Paul; he means well, and perhaps you canbuy something with it that will serve as a reminder, " said the doctor, always trying to avoid hurting other people's feelings. 

"Why, sure, what's to hinder you buying your scout's uniform with it?"declared William at this juncture. 

"You certain earned it, if anybody ever did work for what they got!"avowed Bobolink, positively. 

"Oh! w-w-why wasn't it m-m-me?" wailed Bluff, in pretended grief. 

"Say, do you think you could have nailed that runaway horse, with such animpediment twisting you up?" demanded Bobolink, grinning. 

"Well, boys, since you say so, I suppose then I'll just have to acceptit, and call my outfit earned by the sweat of my brow, " laughed Paul, taking out his handkerchief to wipe his face from its collection ofperspiration and dust. 

CHAPTER X

AN UNEXPECTED OFFER

Paul and his chum managed to break away finally, and walk toward the homeof the latter. Jack had his arm through that of the other, and it seemedas though he felt happier over the recent exploit than the one who hadoccupied the centre of the stage. 

"My heart seemed to be up in my mouth just when you made that grab forthe bit. I believe I would have fallen in a fit if you had gone under, Paul, " said Jack, with a big sigh, as he pressed the arm he held. 

"Well, I was a little worried myself that something might upset me justthen. But luck favored me, you know. I'm more than glad, because it wouldhave given my mother a bad shock if I'd been trampled on. But please dropthat subject, old fellow, " said Paul, making a wry face. 

"I will, since you ask it; but they won't forget it in the town for along time. Such things happen only once a year or more around dull oldStanhope. To-night we meet to see how many have the money earned for thesuits; and I'm glad to say I can cover my needs. You're doubly suppliednow, with this windfall. "

"Yes, and I wish I could help some other fellow out; but I'm afraid thatwould be against the rules of the game. Here we are at your house, andbless me if Carlo hasn't carried that basket of provisions straight backto the kitchen door. Say, he _is_ a trump, sure enough, Jack. "

"Oh! that's dead easy for Carlo. Why, we often put a nickel in thebasket, and send him down to the bakery for a loaf of bread, " laughed theother. 

"And does he always get it?" asked Paul, looking suddenly interested. 

"I don't believe he's failed for six months. Of course Mr. Crusty knowswhat we want, and wraps the loaf up so as to keep the dust off. Why, thatain't the best of his tricks, by a long shot. I taught him when he washungry to go--"

"Excuse me, won't you, Jack; there comes father, and I do believe he'sheading home long before his usual time. Perhaps he's afraid mother mayhear that something has happened to me, and would be anxious. I'd betterjump in with him, don't you think? Another time I'll hear all about thewonderful stunts of Carlo. "

And so speaking Paul ran out to join his father in the buggy. 

Jack looked after him, and sighed heavily. It was not that he felt aparticle jealous of the recent exploit which his chum had engineered sosuccessfully; for envy was not one of his failings. But he did wish thathis mind was as free from anxiety and suspicion as that of Paul Morrison. 

For the mystery of those disappearing coins hung about his neck like amillstone, nor could he ever know peace again until in some way it wereexplained. 

What happened at the Morrison home when the doctor told the story of hisboy's heroism no one ever knew; for Paul was not the one to betray familysecrets. 

But Jack, who understood what an affectionate mother his chum had, couldeasily imagine how she wrapped her arms about the boy, and pressed himagain and again to her bosom, thanking Heaven that the child she hadwatched grow from babyhood until he was now almost as tall as his father, should show signs of proving himself a worthy successor to the "goodDoctor, " as every one knew him. 

That night the boys had the darkness to contend with when they startedfor the place of meeting, though the late moon might show her smilingface before the time came for them to return home. 

There were just twenty-two who reported at roll call that evening ateight, and one need only glance around at the faces of the boys, bothlarge and small, to be positive that the enthusiasm, instead of dyingout, was increasing by leaps and bounds. 

When the meeting had been called to order, the one subject thatinterested those gathered was the question of obtaining their uniformsand other outfit. 

A warm discussion arose shortly when Jack asked for informationconcerning the right of any scout to assist a fellow member who might bebehind in earning the necessary amount. 

Some believed one way, while others seemed to look at it in anotherlight, and not a few were, as Jack said, "on the fence. "

"Listen, fellows, and I'll tell you what I gathered from studying thebooks on the Boy Scout movement loaned me by the minister. Here aretwenty or more of us, and we need just so much money for an outfit. Somecan show much more than they need, others fall short, although they mayhave worked even harder. Is that plain?" and Jack looked around at theeager faces as he put the question. 

"It certainly is, " remarked Paul, smiling; "some are born rich, othersearn riches, and once in a while some lucky chap has the money stuckright in his hand. I'm one of the last class. But go on, Jack; for I knowyou've got a bright idea that may help us out of this hole. "

"The answer is easy, fellows. We must make a common fund. Then everymember can put in all he wants, so long as it has been honestly earned. See my plan?"

"Sure, and it goes. That's the answer to the problem. Let's try it outand see how near we can come to the amount needed, " said Jud Elderkin, briskly; starting to pass around slips of paper and a pencil. 

"Put down what you can hand over to the general fund, each fellow; andremember it means cash, to be delivered to-morrow, and not credit, " heannounced. 

There was the utmost eagerness to carry out the idea, and before fiveminutes had passed every boy had written his name on a slip of paper, together with the full amount which he could contribute to the generalfund. 

"I appoint Jud and Bobolink a committee to canvass the vote, and count upthe amount subscribed, " said Paul, as chairman of the meeting. 

It did not take very long, though the two boys were seen to go over theirfigures several times in order to make sure there could be no error. 

"Look at the grins on their faces! Don't that tell the story, fellows!Hurrah!" shouted Nuthin'. 

And when the amount was declared it was found that it far exceeded theactual sum needed to purchase uniforms for the entire twenty-two scouts, including hats and leggings. 

"Don't forget that I've just got to have a bugle, fellows. What use is itto be elected bugler if you can't bugle?" exclaimed Bobolink. 

"And m-m-me for a d-d-d-d-d-drum!" echoed Bluff, excitedly; when he wasimmediately pounced upon as usual, and pounded several times on the back. 

"Yes, do get Bluff something he can beat. I've heard him drum, and he'sjust a corker at it. It keeps him from talking, you know, " laughed TomBetts. 

"Hello!" exclaimed Nuthin' suddenly; "look who's here, fellows!"

All eyes were immediately turned toward the door, and focussed upon thefigure that stood just within the barn, having entered while they wereboisterously exchanging these compliments. 

"Why, it's Mr. Growdy!" said Paul. 

"Old Peleg!" echoed Bobolink, in a hushed tone. 

One and all stared at the crusty old farmer, who for years had avoidedall boys as though he thought them a dangerous breed of animals which itwere safer to let severely alone. 

When Paul saw the amused smile creeping over the rugged and seamed faceof the old farmer he understood that Peleg had really experienced awonderful change of heart, dating from that night when the new Boy Scoutscleaned up his dooryard as an object lesson. 

And now Peleg was coming slowly forward, looking a bit awkward; since hehad never been accustomed to facing an audience, and especially onecomposed of boys. 

They made way for him, so that presently he found himself completelysurrounded by an eager throng. 

"Glad to see you, Mr. Growdy, " said Paul, holding out his handimpulsively; and to the surprise of the others it was eagerly seized uponby the calloused fingers of the toiler in the fields; "these are thefriends I spoke to you about. And this is the Fox Patrol of the newlyorganized Boy Scouts. "

Peleg grinned, and acknowledged the introduction by ducking his touseledhead. 

"Glad to meet ye, boys. I've be'n hearin' quite considerable 'bout whatye was adoin' over here, an' I thort as how I'd jest drap in to see yeall; sorter like returnin' yer call, so to speak!" he said, againallowing a humorous look to appear upon his face. 

And somehow the boys instantly concluded that when Peleg allowed thelines of his severe face to relax, he was rather a jolly old chap afterall. 

"Hurrah! Three cheers for Mr. Peleg Growdy!" exclaimed one of those whofelt relieved to think that his coming meant no trouble after all. 

But the farmer raised his hand. 

"Jest wait till I has my little say, boys. Now, at fust I was kinderriled that a passel o' boys shud 'a' took me to task on account o' myway o' lettin' things run loose like at my place. But I gotter thinkin'her over, and by hokey if it didn't jest come home to me. Times was whenmy dooryard was the puttiest around all Stanhope, with the flowersabloomin', an' every scrap tidied up; but in them happy days Mandy an'the kids was there, ye see; an' sense they was took it 'peared like Inever cared what things looked like; an' that's a fact, boys. "

The old man seemed to swallow something that threatened to choke him; andthen, while the boys hung on his every word, and wondered how they hadever come to misunderstand him as they had, he went on:

"But I kim to the conclusion, arter thet kind visit ye paid me, thet Iowed a duty to the community, and it warn't right for any citizen to lethis place look disgraceful. So arter this nobody ain't agoin' to beashamed to pass by the yard where Mandy 'tended the rose bushes, and hertots played from morn to night. I jest drapped in here to thank ye righthearty boys, for showin' me wot was wantin'. Arter this there ain't neveragoin' to be any trouble between me an' the boys o' Stanhope. They kincount on old Peleg Growdy to contribute to every sport that goes tocultivate the mind and body in the right direction!"

He seemed a vastly different man as he stood there and said this, for hishead was thrown back, his eyes flashed, and his face was almost friendlyin its expression, the old haggard look having for the time beingdisappeared. 

"Again I say, three cheers for Mr. Growdy!" called Joe Clausin. 

"Wait a bit, fellers. I got somethin' more to say, " pleaded the old man, once again lifting his hand to still the rising tumult. 

Paul smiled, for he could give a pretty shrewd guess as to what wascoming; and it certainly did him good to realize how their odd littlescheme was turning out to be such a glorious success. 

Every voice was hushed, and once more the throng waited for the farmer toexplain. 

"I've been ahearin' a good lot about wot ye're all adoin' with this BoyScout business. Kinder got me interested, an' I borried some books o' thedominie jest so I could understand wot 'twas all about. An' I want to sayI like the ijee fust rate. If I hed any boys o' my own, " and his voicefaltered right there, "I'd sure encourage 'em to jine in with ye. Seein'as I ain't, an' on account o' the good turn ye done me t'other night, boys, I'm goin' to ask a favor o' ye. I ain't got nary a kid to leavemy money to when I go; and so I hope ye'll let me pay for fittin' thishere Fox Patrol out with uniforms! That's my ijee, boys, an' it'll giveme great joy if so be ye take me up!"

They looked at each other for a minute, speechless with astonishment. 

Then being real boys they found their voices with a rush. No need now forTom Butts or Joe Clausin to suggest three cheers. That old barn fairlyrocked with the volume of sound that burst forth, as every fellow swunghis hat in the air, and tried his best to give his feelings free rein. 

CHAPTER XI

CAUGHT NAPPING

"Silence!"

The tumult died away as quickly as it had sprung into being, when Paulheld up his right hand and made this request. 

All being still again, he turned to the grinning old farmer, who wasdoubtless getting more solid satisfaction out of this new experience thanhe had obtained from any clever dicker or trade engineered in the lastten years. 

"Mr. Growdy, " said Paul, with considerable of feeling in his voice, "asthe present scout leader of Stanhope Troop No. 1 of the Boy Scouts, Iwant to thank you sincerely for your generous offer. We all appreciatethe kindly spirit that causes you to make it to us. But unfortunately ithappens that the rules of our organization will not allow us to accept. "

Peleg's face fell several degrees at this. 

"Say, couldn't ye jest make an exception this time, boys?" he pleaded. "I'll feel right hurt if I ain't 'lowed to help on this business some. Wot's a hundred dollars beside the new speerit ye've managed somehow tostart up in me? If ye need more, by gum! ye kin hev it! I ain't no hog, if I hev let the people think so this long time. "

"Sorry to say so, Mr. Growdy, but we can't accept. Besides, we have allearned enough money now to pay for what we need, and expect to send awayto-morrow to get our suits, " Paul went on; and even while he was talkinga bright idea came flashing into his brain. 

"Wall, now that's jest too bad, boys. I'd calkerlated to spend thathundred on doin' a good deed, an' ye make me go back home with the samehugged tight in my pocket. I'm sorry it cain't be did, I am, sure, "muttered the farmer, shaking his head, and acting like a child that hasbeen cheated out of some anticipated pleasure. 

"That doesn't follow, Mr. Growdy, " said Paul, in a low but thrillingvoice; "if you have set your mind on using that hundred dollars to do agood work, perhaps I might give you a hint where it would fit in mightywell, and make your heart feel warm. "

"Hey! wot's that, Paul? I don't understand, " exclaimed the man. 

"Down just beyond the outskirts of Stanhope there lives a poor widowwoman who, I'm told, is in danger of being put out of her home any daynow because she has been sick and unable to work so as to pay her rent. If you went to her right now, Mr. Growdy, and put that wad of money inher hand, I'm sure you'd never regret it, sir; and every boy here wouldthank you just as much as if you paid for his uniform. Isn't that so, fellows?"

A chorus of shouts testified to the fact that Paul had hit upon a popularidea for turning the sudden generosity of the hitherto miserly old farmerto account. 

"Who is the woman?" asked Peleg Growdy uneasily. 

"Mrs. Jenks, who has three little children to support. Her husband waskilled in that blast some years ago, and she never recovered a cent fromthe mining company, for they burst like a bubble, " returned Paul. 

"By gum! wot d'ye know about that, now? I reckons as how she lives in oneo' my own cottages, which the real estate man, Stebbins, takes keer offur me. He was tellin' me about some tenant he'd have to put out; but Inever noticed more'n that the name was Jenks. "

"But now?" ventured Paul. 

"It won't be did! No, sir, not by a jugful. I got my team outside, an'I'm goin' straight over to see the widder. I knowed her husband oncttoo, an' I'm some 'shamed thet I didn't look her up afore, " and Pelegstarted for the door. 

"Hold on, Mr. Growdy!" called Paul. 

"Hey! wot's doin' now, boys?" demanded the old man, turning to grin againat his new host of young friends. 

"You oughtn't to leave here, sir, without giving every boy scout theprivilege of shaking hands with you. I'm sure I speak for each fellowwhen I ask that favor, " returned Paul, stepping forward. 

Peleg was agreeable, though he blushed like a schoolboy as the scouts, forming in line, walked past him, each seizing his horny hand eagerly, and doing his best to make the old farmer wince with the warmth of hissqueeze. 

They gave him a parting cheer as he passed out, and the old fellow triedto return the military salute to the best of his ability. 

"Well, what do you think of that?" asked Nuthin', when they were oncemore gathered around their leader for the purpose of further discussion. 

"The finest thing that could possibly have happened. We had our frolic;and see what it hatched. After this Peleg Growdy will never be the samegrumpy man he was in the past. No boy need longer hesitate to call out tohim on the street; for Peleg, I take it, has seen a great light, eh, Jack?" and Paul slapped his chum heartily on the shoulder as he spoke. 

"My idea exactly, " replied his chum, quickly. "And do you know it made mefeel bad the way he spoke of Mandy and the kids. Some of you fellows maynot know that he lost his wife and children in a fire that burned hishouse down while he was away. I'm glad we did that job, and you deservethe praise, Paul, because it was your own scheme. "

"Humbug! every one of you chimed in as soon as it was mentioned, and soyou're entitled to as much praise as I am. But about those uniforms, boys--hadn't the scout tailor better get to work, going over hismeasurements again? We want the suits to fit all right, you know. "

And in this way did Paul direct the attention of his comrades in anotherquarter, because it was really unpleasant for him to be placed on apedestal, as though he were different from the rest of them. 

Amid much laughter and joking the measuring went on. Wallace Carberrywielded the tape-line, and Bobolink put down the figures, being closelypatched so that no errors could possibly creep in. 

So engrossed were they in this interesting business, that no one paid theleast attention to their surroundings. 

And when a heavy shutter was slowly closed over the one large window ofthe tobacco barn, the fact went unnoticed. 

In fact the meeting was about ready to disband, and one of the boysstarted for the door to be in advance of his friends, when he made adiscovery. 

"Who locked this door, fellows?" he called, as he tried in vain to budgethe barrier. 

Of course this drew the attention of all the rest, and a rush was madefor the place of exit. One by one the boys tried to push the door open, but even the stoutest of them failed to accomplish it. 

"Who was the last one in?" demanded Bobolink, furiously, as he retired, worsted from the encounter, to allow another a chance at the door. 

"Old Peleg Growdy, to be sure; and the door wasn't fastened then. D'yesuppose he did anything to it when he went out?" asked William, as hetried to assist Jud, now straining and pushing in a useless endeavor tomove the heavy door. 

"That's nonsense, " said Paul, as he pointed to the fact that the doorcould not be locked, since it gave an inch or so each time the boyspushed. 

"Ginger! it's got something braced against it outside, that's what!"announced another fellow. 

"As sure as you're born it has!" echoed Bobolink. 

All doubt was dissipated just then, for a series of loud and derisiveshouts in boyish treble welled up from outside. 

"Shucks!" grunted Bobolink, in sheer disgust; "we've gone and let theSlavin fellers have another crack at us. A nice lot of scouts we looklike, not to keep sentries on duty when we have a secret meeting. And nowthey've got us cooped up here like a lot of old hens! Shucks! I sayagain!"

"Well, that's no reason we have to stay cooped up, is it?" demanded Jack, as he turned to hunt around for some object which could be used for abattering ram so as to force the barricaded door of the barn. 

"T-t-try the b-b-big wagon doors, fellows!" whooped Bluff. 

They did, but with no more success than had attended their puny effortsagainst the smaller exit. Those who had been at work while they talkedmust have done a good job, for the big doors were utterly immovable. 

"Do we have to stay in here until morning?" wailed Andy Flinn, in mockdespair. 

"Not much, if I have to climb up to the roof, and knock a plank off. Say, those fellows must have been spying out here when I met them thismorning, " said Bobolink. 

"Listen now, what d'ye suppose they're doing?" demanded Nuthin'. 

All remained in an attitude of expectancy, and could hear strange soundsthat seemed to come from under the boards forming the floor of the barn;which building had not always been used for drying tobacco alone. 

"Now what d'ye suppose the sillies are poking poles under there, for?"ejaculated William; "and just when I was going to propose that we pull upa board, and crawl through the hole. "

"Whew! what's this mean? Say, fellows, if that don't make me think of ablessed old skunk I don't know the odor when I meet it!" and Wallace drewback as he was about to get down on his hands and knees to investigatethe meaning of the odd sounds under the barn flooring. 

Others got it quickly, and various cries arose, as the boys began to holdtheir noses, and look around at each other. 

"It'll smother us, fellows, that's what!" gasped William, quite pale bynow; for the odor which a skunk leaves in its wake affects some personspowerfully, though others hardly mind it at all. 

"I know!" Bluff managed to gasp, with a great effort; "there's af-f-family of s-s-skunks have their h-h-home under here. I've seen 'em, b-b-but I never b-b-bothered the b-b-beauties. Oh! ain't it j-j-justawful, f-f-fellows?"

It certainly was. 

Stirred up by the poles wielded by Ted Slavin and his cronies, who musthave discovered the presence of the polecats when visiting the barn thatmorning, and laid their plans accordingly, the little animals were usingthe only means of defence against an enemy granted them by Nature. 

William actually keeled over, and his brother had to drag him to thefurther end of the barn so that he might not get the full benefit of theoverpowering scent. 

"Something's just _got_ to be done!" cried Jack, himself not feeling anytoo well under the infliction. 

"Here, help me lift this old beam, boys. We can make a battering ram outof it, and burst a board off somehow. Never mind the damages; they can berepaired easy enough. Two more get hold. Now, swing around this way. Ithink the weakest place is in the rear. Keep back, the rest of you. Heregoes!"

Five others had been only too willing to lend a hand when Paul called forvolunteers. The beam that had been lying against the further wall wasgood and heavy; but that made it all the better as an engine for ramminga hole through the boarded side of the barn. 

Amid the cheers of the scouts the novel battering ram was carried forwardwith a will, and on the run. Some of the boys held up lanterns so thatthose who were in the line of attack could see just where to strike. Evenpoor overcome William managed to raise his head, and feebly wave a handof encouragement. 

The beam struck with tremendous force, and nothing in the way of a plainordinary boarding could withstand the impetus with which it was drivenforward. 

"Whoop!" yelled the scouts, as a big aperture appeared in the side of thebarn, and the route to liberty lay before them. 

They were not slow to avail themselves of the privilege either, buthastened to scramble through the gap, carrying the lanterns with them. William managed to get up enough steam to crawl outside, where he couldbreath air that was not fetid, and filled with overpowering odors. 

Only Bluff looked back half regretfully at the haven of refuge they hadjust quitted. For he was wondering how his father could ever manage toefface that scent so that the tobacco, soon to be harvested, might behung up in that barn without detracting from its marketable value. 

And once out of the trap the Boy Scouts began to chase around, withvengeance in their eyes; but as on previous occasions the wary enemy, after accomplishing their mischief, had been wise enough to slink away. 

CHAPTER XII

THE RIVAL TROOPS

"How far do we have to go in this new plan of forgiving the enemy, Paul?"asked William, who had by now fully recovered from his recent weakness, and was burning with zeal to avenge himself upon their persecutors. 

"Yes, this thing has got to have a limit!" declared Jud Elderkin, as heglared around at the moonlit scene, and no doubt imagined their rivalshiding near by, where they could laugh at the disturbed group. 

Paul knew boy nature too well to stretch their patience beyond thebreaking point. He was astonished that such fire-eaters as Bluff, William, and several more, could restrain themselves even as well as theyhad. 

To keep them in hand the reins must be loosened a little; but only toenable him to get a better hold later on. 

"Well, there's no positive rule, fellows; and so far as I can see Ibelieve the limit has already been passed, with us, " he said, pleasantly. 

"Hurrah! that's the kind of talk!" cried the inflammable Twin. 

"Then you give us permission to pitch in, and whale the whole bunch thenext time they play one of their measly old tricks on us? Is that so, Paul?" demanded Jud. 

"Oh! I only h-h-hope so!" came from Bluff. 

"Wait till the time comes, and perhaps I'll help you give them amuch-needed lesson. We don't want to play the worm part, always, "remarked Paul; "and now, boys, let's head for home. "

"Ta-ta, sweet little meeting-house on the edge of the woods; I'll carryfond memories of you as long as this suit of clothes lasts, I guess, "said William, waving his hand mockingly backward toward the desertedbarn. 

"Watch out for some of those Slavin fellows on the road. They may bombardus from the woods with rocks!" warned Joe Clausin. 

"Just let 'em try, that's all. We'll chase the stone thrower to astandstill, and then he'll be sorry he wandered away from his happy homethis night!" Bobolink declared, ferociously. 

So they walked along in detached groups, many eyes were on the alert, andlistening ears bent to catch some sign of a lurking foe. 

Once or twice they heard signals being exchanged deep in the woods, evidently by the scattered cohorts of Ted; but while valiant, the membersof the Fox Patrols were wise and prudent as well, copying the cautiousattributes of the wary animal after which their new organization had beennamed. 

They declined to explore the dense forest, seeking a foe that might onlybe bent on luring them along, until ready to pounce on them in a body, tomake them prisoners of war. 

And so finally the march came to an end, with all hands satisfied thatthe last meeting of the little host of new scouts had been attended byseveral of the most exciting circumstances that ever befell the boys ofStanhope. 

Paul and his chum walked on together, until reaching the first home theysaid good night. But neither again brought up that subject which had beenworrying Jack Stormways for so long a time. 

If Paul had conceived any sort of an idea in connection with the strangedisappearance of the old coins, he kept it to himself. 

Once, however, on the way home after leaving Jack, he stopped to clap hishand down vigorously on his knee, and whispered to himself:

"Now, I wonder if that could possibly be so?"

But no matter what idea had struck him, further words didn't come to tellwhether his thoughts were connected with Jack's personal trouble; or onthe other hand if the annoying enmity of Ted Slavin, Ward Kenwood, andtheir would-be scout troop, was still on his mind. 

Nevertheless, as Paul passed up to the front door of his home, andstopped a minute to look up at the bright moon sailing across the easternheavens, he considered that he had good reason to feel more thansatisfied with the magnificent results already attending the new methodsof the Boy Scouts. 

On the following day he sent off the letter containing a check which hisfather gave him in place of the money, so that it might not be lost. 

Then followed a period of anxious waiting, during which many of themembers of the Stanhope Troop No. 1 felt touches of envy at sight oftheir rivals parading the streets, decked out in the full regalia ofScouts, and carrying themselves with the proudest of airs. 

They knew that Ted and Ward were busily engaged in drilling theirfollowers in many of the devices prominently mentioned in the manualbook. For that matter, though, it did not require regulation suits ofkhaki to excel in those same things; and so the Foxes also studied andexperimented, and burned candles at night in the endeavor to learn allthat was possible of those various accomplishments. 

There was a great difference in the boys of the town. 

Few who were of the proper age but who belonged to one or the other ofthe troops; and people were beginning to notice how much more manly theycarried themselves, and how anxious they seemed now to get credit marksat home. 

Parents upon meeting never failed to talk about this wonderful change, and express hopes that it would last. 

"The best thing that ever happened, barring none, I think, " was what theold minister declared, at a meeting of the Women's Club; "and it deservesto be encouraged. Why, you ladies should take advantage of this wave ofreform, to get these lads interested in keeping the streets of the townclean. Give me fifty willing workers among the boys, and I warrant youthere will never be a stray piece of paper blowing around. They'llprovide receptacles for trash, and see that everybody uses them. "

And so it went around, and everybody seemed delighted at the innovation. Only a few skeptical old fogies shook their heads, and declared that itwas too good to last, and that they about expected to see the boys ofStanhope transplanted to the heavens in a body presently, since theirwings must be sprouting. 

About this time it came to the ears of Paul that the banner which thepeace-loving Quaker, Mr. Westervelt, had offered for the most proficienttroop of scouts along the Bushkill, had been placed on exhibition in thewindow of a jewelry store over in the manufacturing town of Manchester. 

He and Jack wheeled over that very day to inspect the coveted trophy. When they saw what a beauty it was, their hearts thrilled with newaspirations. 

"Worth fighting hard for, eh, Paul?" observed Jack. 

"I should say, yes, " replied the other, delight written in big letters onhis face, pressed so close to the glass; "and I reckon it would do ourfellows lots of good just to run down here to look at that dandy banner. I must tell them all about it, and have them see it for themselves. "

"A bully good idea. You know how to get a fellow to put his best licksinto any job he undertakes, " declared his chum, admiringly. 

"Humbug!" scornfully replied Paul; "why, it's as easy as falling off alog. Don't you feel more like straining every nerve in the effort to winthat prize, after seeing how handsome it is? Well, I just try to believeevery fellow is more or less like I am. That's the whole secret. Yes, Stanhope must work hard to catch up with the other fellows. "

There were several boys standing around, also gaping at the fine snowybanner, upon which as the card under it, went on to state, was to beembroidered with colored silk the totem of the leading patrol of thesuccessful troop. 

These fellows could not help knowing who the strangers in town were; andit was also easy for them to guess what had brought Paul and Jack downthere. More than a few times had they seen these Stanhope boys competingon the athletic field, either in baseball, or football. And of course itwas always good form for Manchester lads to "josh" any would-be rivals. 

"Yes, " said one of the natives, with a grin, "up in that corner is wherethe eagle is going to be painted. And every time we go on a hike we'llcarry that banner at the head of the procession. "

"They say, " remarked another, with pretended innocence, "that poor oldStanhope is getting up a troop, and even hopes to have a try for thisbeauty. Now, what do you think about the nerve of that, fellows?"

"Oh! well, the more the merrier, " came from a third, whom Paul knew to bethe scout leader of the "Eagles" in person, "and after all, we don't mindshowing these tenderfeet scouts how to do stunts. None of us want to behogs, boys. There's room enough for all, even if some do have to eatthe husks. "

Paul had to laugh out loud at this. 

"Say, you're on to us, all right, Manchester, " he said, turning around. "Yes, we've come down here just to take a peep at this great prize. Ofcourse we'd like mighty well to say we meant to win it; but we're toomodest for that. The most we admit is that we mean to make a try for it. Of course we haven't got much show against two such veteran troops asManchester and Aldine; but we want to get all the fun out of the game wecan. And you won't begrudge us that, Claypool?"

"Sure we won't, Morrison, " returned the other, frankly, thrusting outhis hand; "as I said before, the more in it the better. It will make ourvictory look bigger. "

"Glad to see you're so dead sure of winning out, " laughed Paul; "wheneverthe Stanhope boys go into anything they always work harder if they havebig odds against them. But all the same that's a bully good banner, andno matter whether it has an eagle, the head of a beaver, or that of afox worked on it in colored silk, it's going to be something we'll allbe proud of as Boy Scouts. "

"That's well put, Morrison; though you might just as well get it out ofyour head now as later that the Manchester fellows will ever let anycrowd come in here and take that dandy flag away. Why, our fellows knowten times as much about scout tactics as your greenhorns do now. "

Claypole did not mean to be overbearing; when he said this he reallybelieved it to be an actual fact. 

"That's very true, " said Paul, quietly, as he and his chum prepared tomount their wheels for the return journey; "but Thanksgiving is stillmore than two months off; and Claypole, I give you my word, we've gotsome of the smartest tenderfeet in the Stanhope troop you ever heardof. Ta-ta, boys!"

Of course, when Paul and Jack told what they had seen, every fellowwanted to make the run over to Manchester to look for himself. And, just as Paul had expected, they came back home more than ever enthusedwith the hope and prospect of winning that royal banner for the Stanhopetroop. 

At the next meeting the talk was all about the prize, and a vote was eventaken to ascertain to whom the honor of being the banner bearer mightfall, in case the victory was awarded to Stanhope. Wallace Carberryturned out to be the lucky standard bearer. 

All of which was just what clever Paul wanted. He had infused a newstimulant into the veins of his comrades. And at their next outdoorrally, when various contests were undertaken to discover who showed themost skill, he found that the very atmosphere seemed to be surchargedwith electricity; for the boys labored to excel as they had never donebefore; but it was because each one believed that upon his shouldersalone devolved the duty of bringing that beautiful prize to Stanhope. 

Four days later the expected suits arrived, much sooner than even themost sanguine had anticipated. 

Then there _was_ a time. 

The usually quiet and peaceful streets of the town were fairly filledwith khaki-clad warriors, strutting up and down, exchanging militarysalutes, and arousing the admiration of all the girls, who came forthto gaze and applaud. 

It was a great day for Stanhope. A stranger visiting there for the firsttime might think some military academy must have taken up fall quartersnear by, and granted full liberty to its uniformed hosts. 

If there were those who had been hesitating about joining either of thetroops, a decision must certainly follow the first glimpse of thosegallant uniforms. 

That night many a lad ate supper as an honored guest at his father'stable; for surely the wearer of a uniform must be entitled to unusualprivileges. 

Of course the word had gone around for a meeting of the Stanhope No. 1. But it was not to be held at the Shipley barn--oh! no, those boys hadhad "quite a sufficiency, " as Bobolink said, of their former quarters;and Bluff admitted that his father would not dare use the building againthat year for his tobacco crop. 

Jason Carberry, father of the twins, had asked as a favor that they makeuse of his big smithy; and since the night air was cool, Paul hadaccepted this generous proposition of the blacksmith on the spot. 

So that was where they came together, a uniformed organization, at last. 

CHAPTER XIII

"FIRE!"

"Man the bellows, somebody. "

"Yes, stir up the fire in that forge, William. It's the coldest Septembernight on record, and that's a fact!" exclaimed Bobolink, as he pushedthe lively member of the Carberry team toward the smouldering fire leftby the blacksmith when he gave over his capacious smithy to the BoyScouts for their meeting. 

"M-m-my dad s-s-says he once lost his t-t-t-tobacco c-crop inS-s-september!" observed Bluff, shaking his head as he pushed towardthe fire. 

The boys had had a fine meeting. 

Besides the twenty-two in their new uniforms, four new recruits had beenpresent, to drink in with eager ears all that passed, and sigh for theday to come when they too might shine forth in such resplendant suits. 

Already was there much rivalry shown in the many competitions which theyoung scout leaders had instituted. There was a class on aviation, another that had taken up the mysteries of camping with all itsfascinating details; a third chose photography as the most entrancingsubject, and exhibited many pictures that were to be entered in the greatcontest of the county for the banner. 

Then several boys had doubled, for surely the knowledge of cookery wenthand in hand with that of camping; while a good stalker could at the sametime enter for a merit badge in the path-finding line. 

Besides, though the season was late for swimming, several fellows whoknew just what their best accomplishment might be, had qualified toenter this class. 

On the whole the meeting had been a most interesting one. Every scoutwas burning with enthusiasm, and many were the resolutions that Stanhopemust have what Bobolink called a "show-in, " with regard to that covetedbanner, which was to fall to the leading patrol of the county. 

They were now almost ready to "break camp" for the evening, and beforedoing so indulged in a little general talk. Many had ideas which theywished to advance, in order to discover what the attitude of theircomrades might be. 

"Mr. Chairman, " said Wallace Carberry, when he found a little lull in thebuzz of conversation, "I have a proposition I'd like to put before themeeting before we disband. "

"Hear! hear!" shouted several of the boys, notably those who had beenseen in close confab with Wallace, and hence probably in touch with hisscheme. 

"All right, Number Seven; let's hear what it is, " replied Paul, readily. 

Every member of each patrol had a number. These began with the scoutleader, who of course had to take the "initial sack, " as Bobolink, stillbaseball wild, put it. Jack, as his assistant in control, came as NumberTwo; Bobolink next; Bluff captured Four as his distinguishing feature;Nuthin' being Five, and the twins the next pair, for it would never do toseparate William and Wallace, while Tom Betts was Eighth and last. 

"If the gentlemen present will give me the floor, with the privilege ofthree minutes in which to explain what I have in mind, I will be glad tocomply. "

Wallace was very precise in his way of putting things. This did nothappen only when in school, or as he stood up to address a meeting ofhis chums. He could not unbend his dignity even under the most trivialconditions. 

William was just the reverse; and so full of frolic and fun that the boysalways declared the pair to be unequally matched, since in dispositionthey were exact opposites. 

And yet under it all there was the same abiding affection that generallymay be found between twins. 

"Hear! hear!" shouted the boys once more. 

"Let's have it, Wallace, old sport. It's bound to be a jim-dandy idea!"declared a loud voice that seemed to spring from the ceiling; but no onewas deceived, for they knew only too well how Bobolink could throw hisvoice pretty much where he pleased. 

"Silence!"

When Paul, who in the absence of a regular scout master, occupied thechair, uttered this one word every sound ceased; and after that there wasno excuse for Wallace to hesitate longer. 

"Some of us have been talking it over, Mr. Chairman, and we wouldrespectfully request that you name an early date when we can go out intothe woods for several tests of skill. There is much keen rivalry among anumber of us already, which can only be settled by an open trial. Firstof all there is the interesting water-boiling test of woodmanship. Wewant to know who is the leading light in that class so we may push himforward to enter the general competition with other Boy Scout troops. AmI understood, Mr. Chairman?"

"I think you have made your meaning plain, and the one particularcompetition you mention happens to be the most interesting of all, "replied Paul. 

"Then may we hope that you will name an early day for the trial to comeoff? Unfortunately school begins shortly now, and outside of Saturdaysand holidays the several Fox patrols may not have much chance to practicebefore the grand trial comes off. Make it as early as possible, Mr. Chairman. "

"How would to-morrow do?" asked Paul, only too anxious himself toascertain how the boys would "toe the mark. "

Wallace looked at his backers, and there were vigorous nods in answer tothe question seen upon his face. 

"It seems to be the unanimous consensus of opinion, Mr. Chairman, thatto-morrow would suit first rate. Please give us the hour for assembling, and you can depend on our being on deck, " Wallace remarked. 

"Two o'clock ought to answer. That will give us plenty of time to try outa lot of stunts I shall arrange for. "

"Where shall we meet?" asked Jud Elderkin. 

"H-h-how about our b-b-barn, fellows?" queried Bluff, grinning. 

There was an instantaneous howl of derision, and every right hand went upso that the thumb and forefinger might compress a nose. 

"Another year might do, Bluff!" called one. 

"What isn't fit for storing tobacco can't be a proper meeting place forrespectable Boy Scouts!" declared another, energetically. 

"Oh! he's only bluffing, fellows; don't mind him!"

"In fancy I can smell it now, " sang another, mockingly. 

"We'll meet just outside this very blacksmith shop, and at two sharp, "declared the chairman, decisively; "and any scout who is tardy willbe given one or more bad marks that he must carry as a load in thecompetition. Punctuality is a leading trait in Stanhope Troop No. 1, you understand. Any other proposition?"

The boys began to talk among themselves, and for a short time there wasa constant buzz that sounded like a big hive of bees. 

Jack found himself in contact with Paul while this was going on. He hadbeen doing his duty to the best of his ability as he understood it; andwhile the meeting was in progress had proven conclusively that he had athorough knowledge of the many things a full fledged scout must know. 

Jack meant to graduate from the tenderfoot class in the shortest possiblespace of time. Any scout may do this by being diligent in the pursuit ofvarious lines of woodcraft. 

"Well, " said Jack, as he pushed alongside his chum, "this has been adandy meeting, all right. And there are four new fellows knocking at thedoor; with perhaps more to follow, when Stanhope learns what great timeswe have. "

"Yes, and I guess we'll need new recruits right along. You know that someof the boys will fall by the wayside soon after the novelty has wornoff, " remarked wise Paul, who delighted in studying human nature as hesaw it around him. 

"Listen! fellows! The fire alarm!" shouted Joe Clausin, just at thatinstant. 

Every voice was hushed. 

Clear upon the night air rang out the sound of a tocsin--the stroke of ahammer upon a steel rim from a locomotive wheel, and which was hung aloftin the only firehouse in Stanhope. 

It was a thrilling sound at any time, and especially to a company ofboys newly enlisted in the great cause of humanity--of lending a handto neighbors who might be in trouble. So after several more clear, resounding strokes had pealed forth, calling the volunteer departmentout to fight the fire demon, one scout started wildly for the doubledoors of the smithy. 

He was immediately followed by others, and in almost the twinkling of aneye the Carberry blacksmith shop was emptied of its late noisy crowd. 

CHAPTER XIV

JACK'S CHANCE

"Wow! look at that, will you?"

"It's a barn most likely!"

"Don't you believe it. I can see the roof of the house! Say, I believe itmust be that old Bradley place! Come along, fellows!"

"There are the firemen on the run! They'll have old Rescue No. 1 on thejump in a jiffy. Hey, fellers, let's get busy, and pull the hose cart for'em!"

"Bully idea. Lead the way, Paul! It's up to you to show us how!"

With these and many more cries the Boy Scouts bore down on the buildingthat sheltered the lone fire department of the town. This consisted ofa cast-off engine in good repair which had been purchased from some bigcity, where they were installing an auto in place of horse power forpropelling their machines; and a hose reel, the latter to be drawn bya line of men. 

Of course the assembling firemen were only too glad of the offered aid. To have a score of husky boys appear so readily on the scene, ready forbusiness, was in the line of a "snap. "

Accordingly, while some of the men got the horses hitched to the engine, and others started the fire going, the hose cart was rushed out, and itslong rope eagerly seized by the waiting boys. 

Paul was at the end of the line, for a scout leader must live up to hisreputation as a general, no matter what the emergency. 

"Pull!" went forth the cry, and immediately the hose reel started off inthe direction where a flash of fiery red announced that the excitementwas centred. 

Nothing could please such an energetic lot of lads more than a chance tomake themselves useful in this way. They pulled with a will, and passedalong the road leading out of the town, on a wild run. 

The one who had declared that it was the old Bradley house that was onfire must have had the situation well in mind. Perhaps he lived in thatneighborhood, and was better able to judge than the balance of the boys. At any rate all of them had by now made sure of the fact. 

Paul remembered that a family, in which were quite a number of children, had lately come to town, and taken the big ramshackle building. 

The thought gave him a thrill, and inwardly he found himself hoping thatnone of them might be caught in that fire-trap. 

"There comes the old machine!" shouted the fellow who, not being able toget a grip on the rope by which the hose wagon was drawn, trotted in therear, and made out to push. 

Yes, they could hear the shouts of the excited fire laddies now, and alsocatch the sound of galloping horses. 

Looking over his shoulder, Paul saw a medley of moving lights, evidentlythe lanterns carried by the volunteers. These were doubtless clad intheir old toggery and fire hats, the foreman with his silver trumpet inevidence, without which no respectable fire would think of allowingitself to be quenched. 

And a rising column of sparks attested to the fact that the fire in theengine was in full blast, so that steam would be ready by the time thescene of operations was reached. 

"One side, boys, and let them pass! Give them plenty of room!" calledPaul. 

He had seen that old engine booming along to a fire on many an occasion, and remembered that the driver, Hank Seeris, was inclined to be areckless hand; for as a rule the machine was wobbling from side toside, and threatening to overturn at any minute. 

Up to this date that catastrophe had never happened; but Paul rememberedthe old saying that "a pitcher may go to the well once too often;" and hehad fears. 

It proved that they were well grounded too, after the hose reed hadsafely negotiated the last bend in the road, and the burning dwelling wasin plain sight. 

"Look at them coming, full tilt! They will be over at the turn!" shriekedBobolink, who, being near the tail end of the double line could observewhat was taking place without hindrance. 

Immediately there arose a chorus of loud shouts, as of warning. Butapparently Hank Seeris must have been indulging in more liquor than wasgood for him; or else he happened to be in an unusually reckless state. 

"They're going over!" howled Bobolink. 

"Smash!"

"Oh! there goes our only engine to the scrap heap!" exclaimed JudElderkin, in dismay; for his father happened to be the foreman, and itlooked just then as though the gallant fireman might be without a job. 

Paul ran back, as did most of the boys, thinking that something terriblemust have happened. 

The plunging horses had been pulled down, and a man was already sittingon the head of each to keep them from kicking further. There aregenerally some wise persons present in such a calamity, who know justwhat ought to be done. 

Willing hands were already unhitching the horses, so that they could betaken out of the way, and the ditched engine upraised. 

"Where's Hank, the driver! Is he hurt?" asked some one; and Paulrecognized the old minister, who must have been on the way home fromvisiting when the alarm burst out, and hence he had accompanied the firefighters, eager to lend a hand at the rescue work. 

"Here he is, and just comin' to, after being knocked senseless. Hankain't hurted, I reckon, " answered a citizen who had run with the machine. 

"How about the engine--is she much damaged?" asked the foreman, as menset about raising the heavy Rescue No. 1. 

"Out of business for this trip, Elderkin. She'll never work again tillshe's gone down to the city for repairs, " came the answer. 

A groan of dismay went up. 

"That settles the fate of the old Bradley house, then, " declared many, asthey saw the flames and smoke apparently increasing. 

Everybody was now anxious to get on the scene, and the engine was left incharge of a watcher, while the crowd rushed along, exchanging views ofthe accident, and the chances of saving the building by means of a bucketbrigade. 

The foreman proved himself to be the right man in the right place. Heinstantly organized a double line of men and boys, leading from the creeknear by, up to the house that was burning. 

Every imaginable species of bucket and tin pail was pressed into use. Menand boys invaded the kitchen and captured all sorts of utensils, frommilkpans to butter firkins. 

These were put into use, and passed along as rapidly as those at thecreek end could plunge them in, and fill them with water. 

At the other terminus the foreman and his assistants took the waterpails, and dashed the contents here and there as opportunity arose. 

The Boy Scouts were nearly all somewhere in the line, and workingvalorously. For the time being they utterly forgot they were dressed intheir new suits of khaki, and that the pails slopped over continuously, soon soaking them to the skin. 

Cheered on by the appeals of their leader they never flinched. It was thefirst chance Paul had of seeing how his enlisted followers could forgetself, and rise grandly to an occasion. 

When any one showed signs of tiring he was quickly crowded out of theline by another eager willing worker. Indeed, there seemed to be threeapplicants for each job; and had there been more buckets several linesmight have been formed to make use of that accommodating creek. 

Jack, after a little, found himself pushed aside by another scout, whowanted to exercise his muscles, and could wait no longer. 

Seeing a group around some children, and hearing sudden cries from awoman, Jack hurried across the lawn. Somehow he seemed to fear thatnew trouble had broken out; and when he saw a half-clad figure wringingher hands, and shrieking, he realized that his suspicions were going toprove true. 

"What is it?" he asked, of another scout, coming away from the group. 

"Her baby. She says it is in the house!" replied the boy, whose face waswhite with the horror of it all. 

"What?" cried Jack; "did she forget her own baby, then?"

"She thought her husband had it. He's a sick man too. See, that's himthey are holding back there. He wants to go in for the baby, and theywon't let him. Oh! Jack, I'd like to do it, but I'm afraid of fire. Ijust dassent!" sobbed the boy. 

Jack waited to hear no more. His blood seemed to be on fire, and histeeth came together with a click. 

Another moment and he was in the group, eagerly plying the almostdistracted mother with questions as to which room her baby had been in. Fortunately Jack had once known a boy living in the old Bradley mansion;so that the interior of the house was not strange to him. 

"Our bedroom--it is the corner one where the tower stands. The one thathas the alcove!" the lady managed to cry, as she caught his arm, andlooked, oh, so pleadingly, in his boyish, determined face. 

After that Jack would have risked anything in the attempt to save thatinnocent little one. He rushed off without saying a word. Several putout a hand to stop him, under the belief that it was useless, since thatportion of the building seemed to be a mass of flames by now. But Jackdodged them just as he did when running with the ball on the footballfield. 

When he dashed into the house, disappearing in the volume of smoke thatpoured from the open doorway, a groan went up from the great crowd; forthey doubted as to whether he would ever be seen alive again. 

CHAPTER XV

THE HONOR BRAND

"He's gone!"

"Who was that boy?" called the foreman of the fire company, as he camerunning up, waving his speaking trumpet. 

"Jack Stormways, the lumber man's boy!" some one answered. 

"Well, he's a good one, all right; but I'm sorry for his mother!" saidthe experienced fire-fighter, as he looked anxiously at the flamespouring out from several windows directly under the room next the tower. 

Paul had dropped out of the line. He could not pass another bucket afterseeing the chum he loved so well plunge into the doomed building. Fromright and left he heard many things spoken, and presently understood whatit was induced Jack to attempt what seemed so like a foolhardy thing. 

So it would have been, had the object of Jack's attempt been the securingof valuables, no matter what the amount. But a human life counts formore than earthly riches; and a brave soul never stops to consider therisk when a fellow being is in peril of a terrible fate. 

Jack found himself in the midst of dense smoke as soon as he plungedacross the doorsill. He had foreseen this, and with a wisdom beyond hisyears made simple preparations to combat the evil. 

On the way to the door he passed close by one who carried a bucketof water, and some happy inspiration caused him to snatch out hishandkerchief and dip it into the cool liquid, not wringing it out toany extent. 

This he clapped over his nose, so that in breathing the wet cloth wouldkeep much of the suffocating vapor from being drawn into his lungs. 

His eyes began to smart furiously. By the time he was half way up thestairs he could not see a thing around him save murky clouds of smoke, lighted by the tongues of flame that darted like serpents out of manyplaces. 

He staggered up still further, and fell on the landing. But gaining hisfeet again he pushed on, still heading in the right direction. Only forthe knowledge he possessed regarding the interior of the building, Jackwould have lost his bearings then and there. The result must have beenserious indeed. 

Along the hall he went. It seemed to grow hotter the further he pushed;but even that did not daunt him. Once enlisted in a good cause he mustgo on, no matter what faced him. Had not Paul said words to that effect, after telling them what it meant to be a tried and true scout?

And here the opportunity had come to him not half an hour after thethrilling words were spoken!

Those outside while still sending the buckets of water along, in theeffort to save one portion of the large house, were waiting to see whatcame of Jack's attempt at rescue. 

"He's lost!" declared one, as the fire broke out in a new place; "see, that's the tower burning now, and she said the baby was in the room nextthere. "

"Poor old Jack! to think it should be him to go!" groaned Bobolink; "see, Paul, there's his father passing the buckets along. He don't even knowhis boy is in the old shack! Oh! my, whatever did he take chances likethat for?"

"Because he couldn't stand and see that poor mother shrieking for herbaby. Because he's got the strongest heart of us all! That's why!"declared Paul, his voice vibrating with love for the chum he might neversee alive again. 

And Bobolink said to himself:

"By the jumpin' Jehosaphat, I believe Paul would have gone if Jackhadn't. He's lookin' at that house now like he wanted to run right inand tear it to flinders. "

"There he is at the window!" whooped a man's heavy voice. 

Instantly every eye ranged along the front of the building, wherever thecolumns of smoke permitted. And many a finger was pointed at the onewhere a waving hat served to draw attention. 

"He's shouting something. Keep still, everybody!"

A dead silence immediately ensued. Only the roaring and crackling of thehungry flames could be heard, as every ear was strained to catch whatit was the imperiled boy was saying. 

"He's got the baby--look! he's holding her up!"

A shriek came from the agonized mother, and she fell on her knees withclasped hands. 

"Listen to what he says!"

"Go to back of house--get ladder to window there!" called Jack huskily, at the top of his voice. 

"Hurrah! we understand, old fellow! We'll have you out of that yet!"whooped Bobolink, starting on the run around the end of the mansion. 

"A ladder--bring it around, boys! Let's save the brave youngster!" howledthe tall foreman. 

The ladder happened to be up against the building at a point where theflames had now burst forth, driving the fire-fighters back. Himself, theforeman led in a bold forward rush to capture the required ladder; norwas he to be denied, scorning the efforts of the licking tongues of fireto daunt him. 

Then, with a swarm of followers, he pushed around the corner. Here, to be sure, there did seem to be less of smoke and blaze, owing to thedirection of the night wind. 

Now they were placing the ladder. It reached up to a window, and if onlyJack would show himself all might be well. Seconds were like an eternityto those who crowded below, every face upturned, and every eye rangingalong the side of the house. 

The fire was pushing in this direction too, for it suddenly burst outof a broken window. From many pairs of lips there burst a groan. Welldid they know that every second counted against the boy, who wasdoubtless groping his way along halls and through rooms filled withthat overpowering smoke. 

"There he is!"

It was like a sudden electric shock, that cry. The clarion notes of abugle would not have thrilled that vast crowd one half so surely as didthe appearance of a head at a window on the left. 

Jack had been shrewd enough to pick out a room that was further away fromthe devouring flames. A hoarse shout went up at sight of him. 

"He's got the baby too!" was the tenor of that victorious cry; and itwas as though every man and boy and other person present felt a personalinterest in the success of Jack's daring venture. 

The precious baby was saved; yes, he was hugging the bundle to hisbreast; and during a lull in the clamor they plainly heard the lustycries that proceeded from that shawl-wrapped package. Those weredoubtless the most blessed sounds that ever reached the strained earsof the praying mother. 

Quickly was the ladder lifted and rushed along the wall of the houseuntil it stood beneath the window where Jack had shown himself. 

The foreman himself mounted as soon as it was in position. But Jackrefused to hand over his burden, nor could Mr. Elderkin insist. It wasonly right that the one who had saved the little darling should have thepleasure of placing her in the arms of the frantic mother. 

But he could and did guide Jack's feet as they sought the rounds ofthe friendly ladder, so that presently the boy, with singed hair, andbegrimed with smoke, was lifted to the ground. 

Hardly had Jack landed than a pair of arms encircled both him and thebaby; for in that happy moment the mother realized what she owed thisbrave lad; and her heart was brimming over with gratitude. 

Such shouts as went up then! Those still coming to the scene must havethought the wearers of the fire hats had succeeded in running a line ofhose into a position where victory was assured. 

Again the bucket brigade got busy, working with renewed zeal, thoughbut little hope of saving any portion of the big building now remained. But every one was roused up to fever pitch by the excitement of the hour. And Jack's valiant work had helped inspire them to renewed deeds ofendeavor. 

Paul led his chum away, for Jack was almost exhausted. Then came Mr. Stormways on the run, having just learned what his boy had done. Heseized Jack in his arms, and shed tears over him; though at the same timehis heart must have swelled within him with satisfaction that one ofhis brood had acquitted himself so well in a crisis that called for acool head and nerves of steel. 

The flames kept on eating into the old building. It was now doomed, andthe fire laddies confined their efforts to saving any furniture thatcould be carried out. 

Paul called his scouts around him, at the request of the old minister. They were rather a sorry looking group, though just as full of a desireto assist as ever. The fine new uniforms were bedraggled with mud andwater. Several had holes burned in their coats, and that of Jack wasa sight to behold. 

But who cared? After all, the uniforms were but an insignia of theirconnection with a great organization. New or old they stood for aprinciple; and gallantly had Stanhope Troop No. 1 responded when theneed arose. 

The old and highly respected minister, whose heart was filled with agreat love for the rising generation, shook hands with each and everyscout, declaring that he was proud of the privilege. 

"Don't mind the soiling of your new uniforms, lads. Every mark found uponthem to-morrow must serve as a badge of honor to the wearer. After thisit will be the tried and true scout who can point to a burnt hole in hissmart coat, and say 'I got that the night of the great fire up atBradley's!' And what shall I say of this fine member of your patrol whoso bravely risked his own life to save that of a mother's baby? Only thathis own mother has reason to thank God to-night because of such a son. Weall love him!" and a tear fell on Jack's hand as the old man squeezed it. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE FIRE TEST

"All here, Paul!"

Jack saluted as he said this, and smiled to see the look the scout leadergave his scorched and discolored uniform. 

Although Jack had spent an hour and more that morning trying to clean uphis suit and leggins, they showed many signs of the hard service to whichthey had been put on the previous night. 

Several of the fellows carried cameras. They had signed for thephotographic test, and hoped to get some fine views of the troop inaction. These would possibly be entered for competition when the othercommands in the county lined up to strive for leadership in the lastgreat event--the winning of the banner. 

Presently the town clock struck the hour. 

"Fall in!"

Two by two they marched out of town. People came to the doors to watchthem; and many a girl waved her handkerchief vigorously. But there was noresponse. Much as some of the lads might have liked to raise a hat, andsend back an answering salute, they had already learned how to keep theireyes to the front, on penalty of being given bad marks that might tellagainst them later on. 

More than one parent looked to see how the boy nearest their hearts borehimself. Proudly they watched the long double line swinging down thestreet, keeping excellent step, considering how little time they had hadfor drill. 

Other boys there were who stood on the corners and mocked. Of coursethese were the followers of Ted Slavin, envious of the popularity alreadyattained by Paul's patrol. Some of them had been at the fire, andwitnessed the deed of daring carried out by Jack Stormways. Jealous ofthe other troop they tried to taunt them by various cries; but withoutsuccess. 

However, most of them did not venture to tag after the marching corps. They knew that even the wonderful patience of these fellows would haveits limit, and that a sudden turn might be made upon the tormentors thatcould hardly prove pleasant for the minority. 

Out of the town limits they went, still keeping step. Ted and Wardtrailed behind, but there was no more taunting done. 

"They mean to follow, and see what we are up to, " said Jack, when he camealongside the leader again. 

"Well, we can't stop them from doing that, I suppose. The woods are freeto all. Let them look. If they can pick up a few pointers, well and good. When we lead, you know we can afford to laugh at those who follow, "returned the other. 

"Sure, because they'll never catch up with us in a year, " laughed Jack. 

For a full mile they continued, never once breaking ranks. 

"We're nearly there, fellows. You're doing fine, I tell you. Keep it upthrough to the end. Why, you march like veterans already!"

In this fashion did the scout leader warm every heart, and cause thosewho were beginning to tire of the jaunt to grit their teeth, and resolvethat nothing must be allowed to interfere with the completion of themarch. 

"Left wheel!" came the command, as the van drew abreast of an openingwhere a wagon road entered the woods. 

Still those two curious ones trailed in the rear, determined to ascertainwhat it was that took the Fox Patrols out of town this day. 

Presently, surrounded by the giant trees, still green with their summerfoliage, Paul gave the command to halt and break ranks. 

Immediately the twenty-six lads began fraternizing. Those owning camerasstarted to look around for openings where some promising view offered. But most of the scouts clustered around the leader, eager to hear whatthe programme of the day would embrace. 

"First comes the fire test. There are a dozen fellows who have comeprepared to qualify for that. And I think we shall have an interestingcompetition. Here, all who have hatchets get busy, and cut wood. "

Paul himself led the way, for he delighted in using the little camp axewhich he often "toted" into the woods, when hunting or camping. 

The sound of chopping soon resounded through the timber, and by degreesquite a pile of wood had been accumulated. But all this was simply toloosen up the muscles of the competitors; for they were not to be allowedto use any of this fuel, which was for the main campfire. 

Once this had been started, Paul distributed a dozen tin kettles that hadbeen brought along. These were all of the same size. Moreover, they had aplain mark two-thirds of the way up, which was to limit the amount ofcold water from the near-brook which they must contain. 

"Here are five matches for each one of you. Every fellow is placed on hishonor not to have a single other one in his possession. You are not touse any kind of paper in kindling your fires. Just imagine that you areadrift in the wilderness, where a newspaper is never seen. And in the endwhen a kettle begins to boil the owner of it must shout and raise hishand. I will have inspectors appointed whose duty it will be to see thatall is fairly done. "

"Don't we get more than these five matches?" asked one of thecontestants. 

"That is all. And remember, that if two are tied when the quart of waterboils, the fellow who can show the most _unused_ matches comes in ahead. That is a valuable point, for it proves that he knows how to conserve hisresources. A match is sometimes of priceless value to a man lost in thebig timber. "

"Tell us again what we must do, Paul. "

"Form a line right here. When I say 'go, ' every fellow dart off to someplace he has in mind. With your hatchets you are to chop wood, and get afire started as quick as you can. Then place your kettle on it, and keepon adding fuel until the water boils. I will time every contestantmyself, and keep a record. But this is just a preliminary trial. We'llhave another later on. Ready, all?"

The twelve contestants lined up, while the others watched operations. Even the two outsiders had kept getting closer, so as to understand allthat was done. And as Ward had his gold watch in his hand it was evidentthat he intended to do a little timing himself. 

"He wants to see how our best compares with what some of his fellows willdo, " remarked Jack, to Paul. 

"All right. He's welcome. The more the merrier. If they have any fellowwho is more at home in the woods than Wallace Carberry for instance, I'djust like to know it, " returned the other, promptly. 

"How about you, Paul? I guess Wallace would stand a mighty poor show ifhe ran a race with the head scout, " returned the second in command. 

"That's something we've never settled yet. Wallace and I must have achance at each other some day; but not yet. Now watch them scurry around. Every fellow has his mind made up where he can cut wood easiest. I'vemade them bring in all loose stuff, you see, so that they start on aneven thing. Here goes!"

Paul raised his hand, and exclaimed:

"Go!"

Immediately the dozen lads darted frantically off. Several came nearhaving a collision right in the start, which would have been fatal totheir chances for winning out; since the water in their kettles must havebeen spilled; and according to the rules of the contest they could notrefill the same without journeying to the creek, which Paul had made surewas fully fifty yards distant. 

It was a laughable, as well as interesting sight. 

Having reached the various places mentally selected as the scene of theirintended operations in fire building, the boys set down their kettles, and commenced to feverishly whack away at dead branches, or other wood. 

In several instances two of them happened to pick out the same place, andnaturally there was considerable rivalry between them, as well as anexchange of remarks intended to irritate and delay. 

"Look at Wallace, will you!" observed Jack, presently; "nearly all theothers have smoke going, but he's chipping away as steadily as youplease. Why, he seems in no hurry at all. I guess he doesn't want tocome in ahead!"

"Wait, my boy, " laughed Paul. "You don't know that sly fox. He's up toall the dodges at fire making, and believes in a good start. Some ofthose smokes never will amount to much, for they just struggle along, andthreaten to go out because it takes all the puffing the fellows can giveto keep them alive. Now he's going to strike up. Only one match neededwith Wallace, you see. "

"And how his blaze jumps! You were right; he made sure he had enough finekindling first, before starting in. Now he's adding larger stuff; andwhat's this he's doing with those stones?"

"What do you suppose?" said the scout leader, nodding his headapprovingly. "Making a little fireplace where he can perch his kettle, and have the hottest part of his fire under it. Note also that theopening is in the direction of the breeze. That allows the flame to befanned. Wallace will never have to blow out his cheeks and puff to keephis blaze going. "

By this time some of the contestants were bobbing their heads toascertain just how Wallace had done it; and made haste to follow suit. All were willing to take pattern from a past master who knew the wrinklesof the game. 

One upset his kettle, and despairing of having any show, withdrew fromthe race. 

Eleven fires kept on burning, some of them under protest, apparently, for they did not give much promise of landing their unlucky builders asvictors. 

"How long is it?" asked Jack, presently, as certain signs caught his eyethat told him the end was near. 

"Just nine minutes; but--"

"Look at Wallace, " cried Jack; "he's raising his hat. There goes aninspector to see. He nods his head. The water must be boiling; and whowould have thought it? Hurrah for the Carberry Twin! Look at Ted andWard! They act as if they thought there was some trickery, for they'rerunning up to see. I guess they've tried this game, and come in under thewire in about fifteen minutes. Hello! there's Bluff calling out. Goodboy! He's going to run Wallace a race next time. But I'd like to see youmake the test, Paul?"

CHAPTER XVII

CLEARING SKIES

Paul made no reply to this remark of his chum. 

Having studied the charms of outdoor life always, he knew that he wouldbe placing his friends under a heavy handicap if he ever attempted tocompete with them in woodlore. 

True, just as he said, Wallace was somewhat of an unknown quantity; forhe, too, seemed to have a deep love for everything connected with life inthe forest, and never tired of reading books that told of pioneers andtheir ways. 

The scout leader immediately started some of the boys along another tack. They were given a chance to find a lost trail, to detect all manner ofsigns such as would be apt to tell how long previously some one hadpassed that way; and to discover where the tracks came out of the creek, upon the bed of which the unknown had walked quite some distance. 

Of course, Paul had made the trail himself in the morning, running outhere on his wheel so as to prepare the ground. And when they all failedto find out just how the party had left the creek, since the markedtracks did not seem to appear anywhere along the banks, he pointed towhere the limb of a tree hung down over the water. 

"That's the ticket!" cried Bobolink, excitedly. "See, fellows, how it'sskinned where his shoes scraped along it. "

"As sure as shooting he climbed up into that tree!" declared one, excitedly. 

"Then scatter, and examine the ground around the trunk!" said Paul. 

A minute or so later a happy whoop announced that one of the searchershad discovered the wished-for signs; and away the whole troop went ona trot, following the leader. 

Meanwhile the photographers managed to get in some of their efforts, possibly unbeknown to the rest. Exposures where the subjects areunconscious of their posing always turn out best; since they avoidstiffness, such as ruins so many otherwise interesting pictures. 

Here, with the woods for a background, Paul, acting by agreement astemporary scout master, drilled his followers in scout law, sign, salute, and the significance of the badges which they wore, all of them, ofcourse, of the tenderfoot type, since few had as yet started to qualifyfor any higher plane. 

Signal flags had been brought along; and a class in semaphore work provedthat some of the members of the troop were making rapid progress alongthat line. They had mastered the Morse code, too; and had the occasionarisen might have sent messages over the wire, although probably nonesave Paul could have received the same, unless the words came painfullyslow. 

The afternoon passed almost before they realized it; and more than a fewdeclared that the sun must have dropped like a plummet, when they foundtwilight creeping upon the forest. 

Both Ted and Ward had long since gone away, as though disgusted. They hadtried to sneer at the work of Stanhope Troop No. 1; but every one knewthis humor was assumed; and that secretly they were eating their veryhearts out for envy. 

No doubt there would be a hot time among their followers, when theleaders endeavored to drive them to beat the record Wallace Carberryhad set in his fire starting, and water-boiling test. 

"Suppose you come to supper with me, Paul, " suggested Jack, when theywere more than half way back to town, with the double column moving alonglike clockwork, every right leg thrust out in unison, as though forming apart of a well-regulated machine. 

Paul looked quickly at him when Jack said this. 

"Oh! I can see through a millstone, when it has a hole in it, " heremarked. 

"Which is one way of saying that you can guess I have a motive in askingyou?" returned the other, smiling queerly; "well, I have, in fact, several. In the first place my mother told me to ask you. I rather thinkshe wants to pump you about that affair last night. Father wouldn't tellher all she wished to know. Then again I'm still all broken up aboutthose lost coins; and I thought perhaps you might have guessed the answerto the riddle. "

"What's that? More of them gone, Jack?" asked Paul, lowering his voice, so that the two scouts at the tail end of the line might not hear. 

"Don't know yet. Didn't have the nerve to go up into my den since thismorning. To tell the truth that place has lost all charm for me. WheneverI find myself there I get to shivering, and looking around, just like Ihalf expected to see a ghost step out, and pick up one of those miserablecoins right before my very eyes--ugh! it's horrible to feel that way, andI used to be so fond of my den, too. "

"Oh! I hope and expect you will be again, Jack, when we've settled thislittle thing. You say none of them were ever taken in the night?" saidPaul, earnestly; while his knitted brows told how much he felt concernedover the mystery. 

"Certainly not. Always in broad daylight. That's the queer part of it, "returned the other, promptly. 

"Sure, seeing that they always go in the daytime, and when you're awayfrom home, too. Anybody else going to be there to-night?"

"To supper--oh! no. Karl went off after breakfast, to visit our uncle fora few days before school commences. I took him to the train myself, andthen mustered up enough courage to climb up there, and once more countthe coins, " went on Jack. 

"Six there then, eh?" asked Paul. 

"Just as last night. And I purposely left the door unlocked. "

"Both door and window open in the bargain?" asked the other; at whichJack looked puzzled. 

"Of course; though that wouldn't matter at all; for any fellow could turnthe knob, and walk in, " he replied. 

"But the door was open, just like a plain invitation to enter, shouldanybody think of going up to see--say that again, please, " continuedPaul. 

"Well, I do say it again, though I can't understand why you should makethat a point worth mentioning. Still, I have confidence in you, Paul. Ifanybody can get at the root of my trouble it's going to be you, oldfellow. "

"I hope you prove a true prophet. As for myself I'm not saying anythingjust yet, one way or another, " smiled Paul. 

"Yes, but I really believe that you've found out something that gives youa pointer, Paul. Your face tells me that. You're a wonder about followinga trail in the woods. And I believe you see light in this darkness aroundme!" and Jack looked eagerly into the face of his chum as he said this. 

"All I'm going to confess is that I believe I'm on the trail, and thatit seems to be getting warmer the further I go. Just hold your horsesa little while longer, Jack, and perhaps I may be able to tell yousomething. "

"The way you smile gives me new courage, old fellow. Oh! I will be soglad if only it turns out all right. But here we are at the smithy. Shallyou dismiss the troop here, Paul?"

"Yes. The boys must be pretty tired after last night's work, and thishike; as well as the many stunts they went through with, " and thetemporary master scout presently gave the order to break ranks, and headfor home. 

"Drop in at my house so I can tell my folks not to expect me to dinner, "said Paul, as they approached his home. 

There was not the slightest objection to the programme as arranged. Hisparents trusted Paul fully, knowing that, while as fond of fun as thenext lad, he never did things likely to get him into trouble. 

"Now, first of all, " remarked Paul, after they were indoors again; "let'sgo up, and make sure that anything has happened. "

The door to Jack's den stood wide open, inviting any one to enter. 

Jack had a match lighted in his hand, and with this he quickly touchedthe wick of a lamp. Paul heard him draw a long breath as he approachedthe spot where the little box lay upon the table desk at which stood thechair used by the owner of the den when taking his leisure here. 

He bent over, and seemed to be counting the coins. They dropped back intothe receptacle one by one, and with such a ringing sound that even Paulwas able to keep tally. Then Jack turned an anxious and white facearound. 

"Paul, there are only four here. Two more have gone!" he said. 

"Yet you came up here and counted them; you are positive of that?"demanded Paul. 

"I counted them, and there were six. Five times I did it, to be sure; yetyou saw that there were only four just now?"

"You came up here after you saw Karl off on the train?" persisted hischum. 

"Yes, after I returned from the station. But what makes you ask that?Tell me why you are grinning so, Paul? I know I'm awfully dull just now, but who could blame me under the circumstances? Please speak up!" Jackinsisted. 

"Why, don't you see, this clears Karl completely. Six here while he wasriding away on the train this morning; and two taken when he is fiftymiles away! Don't that satisfy you it wasn't your brother, after all, Jack?"

And Jack dropped down in that chair, letting his head fall in his hands, while a great joy overspread his face. 

CHAPTER XVIII

CARLO DOES HIS TURN

"Paul, you're a wizard, I do believe!" said Jack, after a bit, as helooked up at his chum. 

"Well, I hardly think so. This thing was easy; and ten to one you'd havethought of it sooner or later. For how could Karl have anything to dowith the bad business while he was up at your uncle's?" laughed theother, with his customary modesty. 

"But if not Karl, then who got my old coins?" persisted Jack, smilingnow. 

"Well, I'm not quite ready to say. I've got two ideas I'm chasing afternow. Give me just a little more time on that, will you, old fellow?"replied the visitor, as he dropped down on a cot, and let his eyes rovealong the exhibit of college colors illuminating the walls. 

He drew the little box that held the coins toward him. When Jack was notobserving, Paul took the contents out, one by one, and seemed to beexamining them closely. He even scratched one with his finger nail, andthe result appeared to please him, for he chuckled softly. Evidently hehad made a discovery which he deemed important. 

Jack, having finished some little task with which he had busied himself, came back to his chum. 

"See here, Paul, " he remarked; "I'm not going to ask you to tell me whoit is you suspect; but do I know him?"

"Sure, " replied his chum; "and perhaps after we've found out thewonderful secret, you may even find it in your heart to look on it asa joke, and forgive him. "

"You don't say? Perhaps, though, I might hardly feel like forgiving afellow who would be mean enough to sneak up here so often, and take myold coins. Think of the ugly feelings he's made me have toward my ownbrother. I'll never look Karl in the eye after this without feelingconscience-stricken. I don't know about forgiving him so easy as allthat, " grumbled Jack. 

"Oh! well, don't cross a bridge till you come to it. That's a good mottofor you and for me. Perhaps there are times when I feel the need of it. Perhaps there's one right now, " and Paul shrugged his shoulders as hespoke, half laughingly. 

"There, I knew that something had gone wrong with you lately. I'vewatched you when you thought I wasn't looking, and I've seen you frown. Suppose you take your old chum into your confidence, Paul? What'shappened? Any trouble at home? Are you bothered over the Boy Scout troopwe've been organizing? Is it about your school affairs?"

Paul shook his head each time the other brought forward a suggestion. 

"You're a most determined fellow, Jack, " he said, good naturedly; "andperhaps I hadn't ought to speak of such a thing to anybody; but we'vebeen chums so long, and misery likes company, you know. "

"Then you _are_ in trouble; and you mean to confess to me? Thank you, Paul, for what you say. I don't think I ever had any cause for worryingthat I didn't come straight to you for comfort. And I always got it, too. "

"Even when you and Dorothy had that nasty little spat that began to lookserious until I just happened to find the note that made all the trouble, and forced Eli Kosmer to confess he wrote it. You remember that time, Jack?"

"I guess I do. Dorothy often speaks of it to this day; for we're goodfriends, and always will be. But see here, why do you just happen tomention that business? Oh! I begin to see now, " added Jack, as Paulturned red in the face, and laughed in a rather constrained way. 

"I shouldn't wonder but what you did. I'm sure I've denied every othercause you could think of, " he said, sighing heavily. 

"It's Arline then. She's been doing something. Yes, I remember now thatI saw her out riding with Ward Kenwood only yesterday. Say, that dude hasbeen saying something that wasn't true about you, Paul, I'd just wageranything. He's gone and poisoned her ears with a yarn. It'd be just likethe sneak!"

"Just go slow, Jack. You're saying something that you can't prove. Ofcourse I believe myself that Ward wouldn't stop at anything like that;but without the least proof I can't accuse him of it, " Paul said, severely. 

"But you could ask Arline?" his friend went on. 

"Could I? Well, when a girl chooses to turn me down without a hearing, and even smiles when she drives past me in the company of a fellow sheknows I detest, and whom she has often said she disliked, what then?Think I would so far forget myself as to get down on my knees, and begher to take me back into favor? Bah!"

"Is it so bad as that then? Oh well, there are other girls just as prettyas Arline; and you've always been a great favorite with them, Paul; buthold on, why not let me try to straighten this thing out? You've helpedme all right; and tit for tat is fair play. "

"H'm! how do you think you could do anything, Jack? I don't suppose you'dcare to go straight to her, and ask her point blank what I'd done to makeher treat me so cruelly? I shouldn't think of allowing that at all?"

Paul tried to display an air of indifference; but it was poorly assumed;and his chum knew full well that he was much more pained at these strangeactions on the part of Arline than he cared to admit. 

"Oh! there are ways and ways. For instance, you know that Dorothy is oneof the crowd of high school girls Arline goes with. Ward's sister Mazieis another; and that might account for her being at his house so much. Now, suppose you let me tell Dorothy. She'll keep it a dead secret, andin some way manage to get a confession. Say you will, Paul!"

"Have it your own way, old fellow. I'm just about ready to wash my handsof the whole business. Besides, I've really too many irons in the fire tobe bothering over the silly notions of girls. "

It was bravely put, but did not deceive Jack even a little bit; for hehappened to know just how very fond his friend was of the particular girlin question. 

"All right, then. Consider that settled, and I won't say any more aboutit until I can report progress, " remarked the latter. 

"Let's talk of other things than my poor affairs. You insisted onknowing; and wouldn't take no for an answer. Hello! there's Carlo askingto come in again. Shall I let him past the door, Jack?"

"Why, of course. This is his den as well as mine. I keep sugar on tap, soas to put him through some of his paces. Here Carlo, how's your sweettooth coming on?" and Jack snapped his fingers in a peculiar way. 

Immediately the educated dog squatted on his hind quarters, sat uprightwith his forepaws drooping appealingly, and waited, cocking his eyes ina humorous way at his young master, who had opened a drawer in his desk. 

"Just one piece left. Somebody else likes sugar as well as Carlo, Iguess. Well, here you are, now. On trust, boy, on trust!"

So saying he laid the piece of sugar upon the nose of the dog, balancingit so there could be no falling off. 

Carlo, knowing what was expected of him, sat there like a drum major, quivering with eagerness, yet not daring to move as long as he failed tohear the command. 

"Say, isn't he a sport, all right, Paul? Don't he sit up like a soldier?Look at his eyes fixed on me. Did you ever see such agony?"

Paul was laughing now. 

"He's speaking with his eyes, and begging you not to stretch it out toofar, Jack. Have a little mercy on the poor beggar. Look at his tonguecoming out and reaching up. I think he just wants to taste that sugar. Give it to him now!"

"Well, Carlo knows that he can't expect to have anything on trust; butit's a different thing when it's paid for!"

With the last two words, spoken in a natural tone, Carlo becamegalvanized into sudden action. He had received the cue for which he waswaiting so patiently. Immediately he made an upward spring; the lump ofsugar was thrown into the air, and as it came down one quick snap securedit, after which there was a crunching of canine teeth, and a look ofbliss appeared on Carlo's dog face. 

"There's the supper gong. Come on down to the bathroom and wash up, Paul!And you come, too, old dog. No more sugar here; see, the drawer is empty. Carlo never comes up here without sniffing at that drawer, and looking atme knowingly. Go ahead, Paul, and I'll put out the lamp. "

So they went downstairs, and after a while sought the dining room, wherePaul met both parents of his chum, as well as a gentleman who wasvisiting Mr. Stormways. 

"Mr. Jared Pender, an old schoolmate of mine, and with whom I madeseveral voyages abroad years ago, " said Mr. Stormways. "He is in theemploy of the Government now, and has to make visits all over thecountry, you know. "

Paul had once met a gentleman who was a post-office inspector, andsomehow took it for granted that Mr. Pender might be engaged in somesimilar business; at any rate it concerned him not at all he concluded, just what the gentleman's private affairs might be, and he gave thesubject little thought. 

CHAPTER XIX

THE WARNING OVER THE WIRE

After supper the two boys once more ascended to the snuggery near theroof. 

There was no further reference made to either the disappearance of theold coins, or Paul's little heart trouble with his girl chum. 

They had a number of books loaned them by the good old minister and whichwere full of interesting facts connected with the wonderful Boy Scoutmovement, especially over in England, where it originated. 

Paul was deeply interested in picking out all features that would appealto American lads. Until they had found the right party to take theposition of troop master he wished to play the part of scout leader insuch fashion that no one could pick a flaw with his management. 

Usually it is some adult to whom this important position is entrustedfrom the start; Paul, however, had long been known to be so deeplyinterested in many of the branches which concern life in the open, thathis mates were only too glad to have him occupy the exalted position ofleader for the time being. 

When they knew as much as Paul did, they believed they would be wellqualified to pass for a first-class scout's assignment. 

So Paul, with the assistance of his comrade, was selecting manyinteresting competitions. By means of these the boys could be tested asto their knowledge of those things so important to the boy scouts. 

He made many charts showing the different footprints of wild animals, aswell as those of the domestic cat and dog. By following the tracks ofa rabbit a most interesting as well as instructive story could be madeout. It was possible just from the marks on the ground, or the snow, totell how the animal had been frightened into wild flight, by what sort ofenemy it had been pursued, where the swoop of owl or eagle had broughtspecks of blood upon the leaves or white snow, and finally the pickedbones of poor bunny would reveal the secret of the windup of the chase. 

So, in every case, the student of nature could weave a story out ofthe marks discovered. It was so in the days of the Indian, when oldLeatherstocking and his long-barreled rifle were leading factors in thelife of the wilds. Daniel Boone and his pioneers used to read such signsas easily as any boy might the pages of this book. And the deeper any laddips into such fascinating studies the more he wants to learn. 

When half past nine came Paul said he must be going. 

"I've had a jolly evening of it, Jack, and enjoyed every minute with you. When we get the boys together again we can have half a dozen competitionsgoing on at once, " he said as he arose and stretched himself. 

"That's so, " replied the other, following suit; while even Carlo archedhis broad back, and prepared to follow them downstairs; "and the bestof this thing is that the more you go into it the greater it gets. I'mfairly wild to keep it up. "

Just as the boys reached the lower floor the telephone bell rang, andJack, being near, stepped over to the small table in the hall on whichthe receiver rested. 

"Yes, sure, he's here. Hold the wire, " Paul heard him say, as he smiled;and then turning to his friend Jack continued: "here, Paul, take hold. Somebody wants to talk with you. Says he called up your house, and theytold him you were over at my home. "

Paul of course wondered who could be wanting him so positively that heeven followed him over to the Stormways house. 

"Hello! hello!" he said, quietly. 

"That you, Paul?"

"It's Bobolink, I guess, " remarked Paul, for the benefit of his chum whostood by, listening curiously. 

"That's right, " continued the voice over the wire. 

"What's doing to make you chase me up this way, Number Three?" Paul wenton. 

"That's the trouble; I just don't know for sure. But when I caught Ted'svoice among the bunch I said to myself, they're up to no good; and I betit's Paul they are laying for. "

"Hey! what's that? Who's laying for me, and where?" demanded the startledboy. 

"Listen, and I'll tell you all I learned. 'Taint much, but I know thatcritter so well that I wouldn't put it past him to try and knock you out, so that all our drilling in the woods would be upset, and his crowd getan advantage. "

"Oh! bosh! What's this you're giving me, Bobolink?"

"Yes, I expected you'd say that. Think I'm stringing you, don't you, Paul? But I'm not, all the same. Listen again. Perhaps Ted and two ofhis cronies have gone and dressed up in some old Hallowe'en toggery untilthey look like a set of bears or hyenas just to frolic around a bit. Well, mebbe they have; but tell me just why they are hiding close to_your_ place?" continued the talkative yet determined Bobolink. 

"When did you see them?" demanded the other. 

"Not more'n eight minutes ago, Paul. Was comin' home myself. Been overto Bluff's house to fix up some surprises we expect to play on all youfellers later on, and show you what we know about this scoutin' business. On the way home I turned in and passed your house. Often come that way, you know, " and the speaker paused as if for breath, or to hear Paul admitthe fact. 

"Sure. Go on, you slow turtle. You've got me keyed up now to my top-notchcuriosity. Give us the rest of the yarn, " said Paul, eagerly. 

"Yarn! H'm! there you go, making out I'm hatching up a story. But take myword for it, Paul, three fellers are hidin' in the bushes close to yourplace, and expectin' some one to pass along in the dark. They started tojump out at me, and then I heard Ted's voice growlin' to 'em to fadeaway, that it wasn't the right one. Thought I'd just ask you if you couldexplain what it meant. When your mother told me you was over with Jack Isaw a light, and that's what. "

"Well, I'm glad you told me, Bobolink. A good scout is always on thealert to do his comrade a clever turn; and I won't forget this. Thatall?"

"But now I've told you, Paul, aren't you goin' to slip around the backway, and let them fellers take it out waitin'? Three to one is too much. They'll do you up, and make out 'twas only horseplay. Please give 'em theslip, Paul. We need you in our business, you know. "

"I'll see about it, Bobolink. Thanks, good-bye!" and Paul switched off. 

"Well, what's all this about?" asked Jack, as his chum turned toward him, with a frown on his face, and a gleam in his eye that the other knewstood for grim determination. 

"He says there are three fellows lying in wait in the bushes near myplace, all rigged up in their Hallowe'en toggery; and that he believesthey know I am over at your house. That's all, " remarked Paul, with alittle nervous laugh, and a clinching of his hands. 

"Good gracious! you don't say; three of them waiting to pounce on you!Did he seem to know who they were?" asked Jack, looking worried. 

"Well, you might guess that easy enough, " replied Paul, scornfully. 

"Ted Slavin and some of his ugly ducklings?"

"Bobolink says he recognized Ted's voice. And, I suppose my warm friendWard is one of the others. He never loses a chance to get a dig in atme. "

"I don't know, " returned Jack, thoughtfully; "to tell the honest truth Ihardly think he can be one of the bunch, because his sister took Arlinehome with her to supper; and I guess Ward couldn't be coaxed out while_she_ is there. "

Paul winced, but said nothing. 

"Oh! well, it doesn't matter much after all. They're a lot of cowards, orelse they wouldn't be concerned in such a low game. You can give them theslip by going around the back way, " and Jack chuckled at the thought ofthose silly fellows waiting an hour or two for the expected victim whonever came, and then going home in sheer disgust. 

Paul shook his head. 

"Now, that's just what Bobolink said, too; but I've made up my mind thatI'm not going to sneak home, like a dog with his tail between his legs, "he said, shutting his teeth hard together. 

"You mean that you'll take the street that leads to the front of yourhouse? Oh I well, they'll hardly tackle us when they see there are two, "remarked Jack. 

"And by that you mean you expect to go along. I won't let you do anythingof the kind. Even if they allowed us to pass by, don't you think they'dbe apt to take it out of you when you returned alone? No, I'm yoursuperior officer, and I order you to stop right here where you belong;do you understand, Jack?"

"Well, " grumbled Jack, shaking his head as if convinced against his will;"I know you too well to try and go up against you when your mind's madeup; but just the same I think it's a mean shame that you won't let mewalk home with you. Think if they did jump out at us what a jolly timewe'd have handing 'em more than they expected. "

"Give it up, old fellow. But I tell you what I can do. You remember thatbaseball bat of mine that's been lying over here so long? I'll carry ithome now, and save you the trouble, thank you, " nodded Paul. 

"Bully! a good idea. Here it is behind the door. And Paul, don't sparethe measly bunch; but whack 'em good and hard. "

CHAPTER XX

SUCH GLORIOUS LUCK

Paul walked down the street, swinging the baseball bat carelessly, andsoftly whistling to himself. 

He left the street on which his chum's house fronted, and presently cameto his own thoroughfare. 

"H'm!" he said to himself, as he boldly turned in here; "looks kind ofhalf dark for a fact; but that always suits fellows up to a mean dodge. Imusn't hit too hard, for this is an awful tough old bat, that has broughtme in more than a few home-runs. Well, it's helping me make one now, " andhe actually snickered at the conceit. 

As he advanced he braced himself for the expected fray. Of old he knewTed Slavin was a muscular fellow, capable of enforcing obedience from hisslavish followers. 

What was that? He certainly heard the sound of voices a little furtheralong. And somehow one of them seemed to give Paul a strange feeling;for he was positive that it was a girl's tones; and he recognized themtoo!

Ward Kenwood was taking Arline home; and for some unknown reason chose toselect this very street as a part of his route, although it was a littleout of the way. 

How strange that they should all come together just at that veryidentical spot, where the trio of ambushed boys were crouching, ready tospring out. 

Ah! Paul caught sight of something moving close by. He felt sure that itmust be the concealed fellows, launching their boom. Yes, now he couldmake out their figures as they emerged from the bushes on the jump. 

Some one screamed. It must be Arline, frightened by the appearance ofthese ugly, uncouth forms dancing upon the pavement. 

Instantly the greatest confusion existed, with the ambushers attackingPaul, to shout in consternation when he began to thump them heartily onthe legs and backs with his baseball bat; and the girl standing theretrying to shut out, with her clasped hands, the strange sight, seen sodimly in the half darkness. 

The patter of feet down the street told only too well where her protectorhad gone; but he was valiantly calling lustily for help as he ran. 

Met by such a determined opposition, overwhelmed by the shower of punchesand whacks that seemed to be freighted with painful reminders; andstartled by the cries of the fleeing Ward, not to mention the littleshrieks of Arline, the three boys who had been the cause of all thisexcitement soon had enough. 

"Skip out, fellers!" roared Ted, as he almost doubled up when theswinging bat came with considerable force against his ribs. 

The others were only too willing to obey. Away they clattered after thefleeing Ward, who, hearing what he took to be a hot pursuit, let loosemore vigorously than ever, still crying for assistance. 

Paul was laughing now, for the comical side of the thing seemed to haveoccurred to him. He took out a match and struck it. As the light flamedup, Arline, who had by now ceased her cries of alarm, possibly guessingthe truth, stared at the face of the victor. 

"Oh! Paul! is it you?" she said; and somehow he seemed to understand thatshe was more than glad of the opportunity to make up with him. 

Boylike he pretended to hold back, and as the light went out, leavingthem once more in the gloom, he remarked:

"Yes, those fellows were lying in wait for me. They expected to giveme a sound thumping; but I was warned and ready. I'm sorry that you wereannoyed by the row, Miss Blair. I'll stay here with you until yourcompany comes back. I think he must have gone for help!" this with somebitterness and scorn. 

She moved closer to him. Possibly the darkness made her afraid; and thenagain some other cause may have influenced her. 

Paul felt her hand on his arm, and was thrilled when she said:

"Please don't mention him to me again. Oh! what a miserable coward, torun off and leave a girl that way. Won't _you_ take me home, Paul?"

He could not say anything for a minute, he was so overcome. And perhapsArline thought he must still be angry because she had treated him soshabbily of late. 

"Please, please do, Paul. I want to tell you how sorry I am for believingwhat came to me in a roundabout way. I'll never forgive myself, never!"she went on, clinging to his arms. 

Paul could hold out no longer. 

"Of course I will, Arline, and glad of the chance. Come on before anybodyhurries out to see what all this noise means. "

So they walked down the street together, Paul with his faithful battucked under one arm, and a pretty girl clinging, oh! so confidinglyto the other. 

But the boys of Stanhope often made more or less of a noise on thestreets after dark, being filled with exurberant spirits; and so no onethought it worth while to investigate what all the racket meant. 

Paul heard what had been carried to the ears of Arline, and had notrouble in proving to her complete satisfaction that he was entirelyinnocent of the charge. 

"And to think that I allowed myself to believe it, " said the girl, almostcrying; "oh! Paul, will you ever forgive me? Nothing can ever make melisten to anything wrong about you again. I wonder if he had a hand inhatching that wretched story up. If I knew it I would tell him to hisface what I thought of him!"

"You mean Ward. Please don't do that. I really can't believe any fellowwould be so mean and low. It must have been just accident that coupled myname with that affair. But I'm satisfied if you say we're going to bejust as good friends as ever, " Paul said, warmly. 

"Better than ever, I hope, Paul. I've had my lesson. It will never happenagain, I promise you, " she answered, pressing his arm as she spoke. 

So Paul saw her safely to her door, and then said good-night; but Arlineinsisted upon shaking hands with him; and the tingle of his fingers as hewalked down the street made him laugh with joy. 

"What luck!" he kept saying to himself, as he made out to shake his ownhand; "and what a mess of it Ward made of his chances. He thought to havethe laugh on me if we met, and here the shoe is on the other foot. Oh!I'm not complaining a little bit. Everything's coming my way now. "

Nothing further happened on his way home. But when he reached the househis father met him with the announcement that Jack was holding the wire, and waiting for him. 

"On deck there!" he said, briskly, and heard an exclamation of relief. 

"How is it, Paul? Anything doing? Seemed to me I heard an awful racketover your way; but the nine-forty train was just coming in at thestation, and drowned it out. Did they tackle you, son?" demanded Jack, eagerly. 

"Did they? Well, I guess some! Ask Ted, " chuckled the one addressed. 

"You're laughing, and that tells me you enjoyed the circus. What did youdo to poor old Ted and his cronies, Paul?" entreated the other. 

"I could tell you easier what I didn't do to 'em, Jack. I gave the boysabout every style of punch and jab I could think of, and with my home-runbat too. Oh! make up your mind they're going to be a sore lot in themorning. And if you run up against Ted, just sniff the air for arnica. Myword for it, he'll empty the bottle to-night on his bruises. "

"Bully! bully! and again bully! I would have rushed to assist you onlyyou made me promise to keep my hands off; and you're my superior officer, you see. Besides, I reckoned that with such a hunky-dory bat you'd beable to give just pie, which you did, Paul. "

"But the half hasn't been told yet, " went on the narrator. 

"What! do you mean there's a sequel to this story?" asked Jack, burningwith eagerness apparently, to hear. 

"I guess that's what it is. Listen. Ward was just taking a young ladyhome. He chose to pass along our street, though now he wishes he hadn't;for they arrived just when Ted and his backers jumped out of the bushes. She screamed, and her escort sprinted down the street for help. After Ihad punched and pounded the three Hallowe'en left-overs from last yearuntil they faded away, I had the pleasure of seeing the young lady to herdoor, yum! yum!"

"Hurrah! and I bet all differences are patched up again between you!"cried Jack. 

"Everything is lovely, and the goose hangs high, " sang Paul. 

"Meaning poor old blundering Ward. He showed himself for a coward tothe girl he's sweet on. Oh! my, oh! me, how is the mighty fallen. Congratulations, good friend, and then more of them. So the clouds havedisappeared along your horizon, just as they did on mine. I only wish I'dhad a hand in clearing your skies. "

"So you did. You kept that baseball bat of mine until the right minutecame. Only for that my name might have been mud, " laughed Paul. 

"And if you'd only open your heart now, and give me a hint about thefellow you believe has been playing that trick on me with my oldcoins--"

"Just you wait a little. It's coming soon. So-long!" and with a click theconnection was cut off. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE MEETING

"How are you, Paul?"

It was Mr. Jared Pender who came out of the post-office as Paul happenedto be passing the next day, and addressed the boy he had met on thepreceding evening at the house of the Stormways. 

"Why, how do you do, Mr. Pender? Been at work, I see, " replied Paul, witha suggestive look in the direction of the post-office. 

The tall dark gentleman looked a little perplexed, and followed Paul'sglance. Then an expression of understanding passed over his face. 

"Ah! yes, I see, you are a good guesser, Paul. But please do not mentionthe fact to any one. We Government officials sometimes have to work_sub rosa_, as the saying is; that means without any one knowing what weare at. You understand, Paul?"

"Yes, sir, I guess I do; but I hope there's nothing wrong here at ourpost-office. We all think the world of Mr. Mygatt, and his clerks, " saidPaul. 

"Oh! don't mention such a thing. We have to investigate many times justto discover how smoothly things are going on. Isn't that Jack's dogcoming out with a package of papers in his mouth? Has he actually beendown for the mail?" went on the gentleman. 

"That's Carlo, all right. Sometimes they give him the mail when there areno letters, as you see. "

"And will he carry the bundles home safely, without stopping to play withother dogs, or to fight?"

"Oh! Carlo knows his duty. He never forgets what is expected of him. There, sir, look at him halting for a minute at the open door of thebutcher shop, to wag his tail, and peep in. It smells mighty inviting tohim, I wager; but will he go in? Not much. See, there he goes along, heading straight for home. If another dog picked a fight with him, Carlowould lay that package down, give the cur a good licking, then pick thepapers up again, and trot along. "

"I see you know his traits well, Paul, " remarked the gentleman, smiling. 

"Some of them, but not all. He's a great dog, all right, and Jack's fondof him. "

"I suppose money couldn't buy him, then?" suggested Mr. Pender. 

"It would be useless to try it, sir, I think. Will you stay long with Mr. Stormways?"

"That I cannot say. My business may be completed in a day, and it maykeep me in this vicinity for a week. That depends on circumstances. Youhave been around more or less, Paul; do you happen to remember seeing alarge red touring car, with a khaki-colored cover, and occupied by twomen, one of whom has a glass eye?"

Paul stared at the tall gentleman, as though he thought at first theother might be joking him; but seeing not a ripple of a smile on the darkface, he changed his mind. 

"Why, no, sir; I can't seem to remember seeing that particular car. Ofcourse red ones are common; but most of them have black tops, if any atall. Some friends of yours, Mr. Pender?" he remarked, naturally. 

The gentleman allowed just a twinkle to appear in the corners of his eyesas he nodded his head, and said:

"Well, er--yes, very particular friends of mine, Paul, and whom I wouldbe glad to see again right now. If you happen to sight such a machine, and I am still at my old friend, Stormways, I wish you would let me knowabout it. "

"I certainly will, sir; and perhaps you'd like me to speak to thegentlemen, and tell them how anxious you are to see them?" Paul went on;at which the other gave a laugh. 

"I see you are on to me, my boy. You guess that such is the very lastthing I would want you to do. Now, I'm going to take you into myconfidence, Paul, " he went on, bending his head lower, and giving a quickglance around. 

"Yes, sir; that's very kind of you, Mr. Pender, " said the lad, smiling. 

"Oh! I don't know. I have an axe to grind in doing so; for I believethat you can be of assistance to me. The two men in that motor car arecriminals, for whose capture I have come to this part of the country, Paul. "

"Goodness! that sounds interesting, sir. What have they been doing?"asked the young scout leader, with boyish curiosity brimming over. 

"I won't tell you that, Paul; but they are wanted by the Government. Andsometimes we agents have to go about our business with great caution, inorder to discover enough evidence on the suspects to convict. So, aboveall things, I do not wish to alarm these clever gentlemen unduly, lestthey manage to hide, or get rid of the only burden of proof. In otherwords, as a common expression has it, I want to get them with the goodson. You understand?"

"Yes, sir; I think I do. And if I see or hear anything about that redcar, I'll tell you. But is it true that you and Jack's father were chumslong ago?"

"That's the positive truth, my boy, " replied the agent, nodding; "why, wetook several voyages together, and had lots of queer adventures. I neverdreamed that my wild old friend Alan would settle down to this humdrumlife, as a lumber merchant, and the head of a family. But I suppose itall came of his meeting a girl. And after knowing his fine wife I don'tblame him a bit; though I've kept right along in the same old groove, andsee more or less of adventure. "

"He's a mighty fine man, and they think lots of him here, " declared Paul, who was amazed to learn that his chum's parent could have, once upon atime, been reckoned a wild blade. 

Paul walked on with his lips puckered up as if whistling, and his facefilled with the new interest that had taken possession of him. 

He had read accounts in the papers of Boy Scouts being concerned in manyuseful enterprises; and he wondered whether he and his patrol might notfind a chance to assist the officers of justice in rounding up a coupleof rogues who had apparently broken the laws of the land. 

Then other things came up to draw his attention elsewhere. 

He ran across boys on the street, who asked dozens of questions about themany interesting features of the new organization. 

These were often lads who had begun to think of uniting with one of therival troops; and Paul was only too glad to give them all the informationin his power. 

They wanted more recruits, provided the applicants were of the rightsort. Those their committee rejected might find solace in joining forceswith Ted's crowd, who, not being at all particular, would receive themwith open arms. 

That afternoon there was another meeting in the woods, at which everymember of Stanhope Troop No 1, as they now determined to call theirorganization, did his best to be present. 

Paul had given several of the boys duties to perform, that were part andparcel of the grand scheme to whip his company into first-class shape ina shorter time than it had taken any other troop. 

Reports were received and filed of numerous things done which would countin the final summing up. These were to be accompanied by vouchers fromthe persons interested, which could be filed away for inspection when thecommittee appointed by the giver of the fine banner looked through therecords of the several patrols competing for the prize. 

Andy Flinn and Philip Towns reported that they had cleaned up thebeautiful green in front of the town high school, and which was generallyknown as the campus. It was kept mowed by the town authorities; butnumerous scraps of paper and trash, blowing hither and thither in thewind, gave it an unsightly appearance. 

"Never forget that you have taken our campus under your protecting care, Numbers Three and Four of the Gray Fox patrol, " said the head scout, after reading the report; "of course it is always your privilege toenlist smaller boys in the job, if you can do so without actually hiringthem. That is expressly forbidden. "

Then came Wallace Carberry and Tom Betts, telling how they had starteda crusade to cover the entire town with receptacles to contain strayrubbish. Half a dozen cans had already been ordered, each one of whichwas to have in startling red letters the significant picture of a staringeye, and followed by the words, "Eat Trash!"

"We've got a contribution box ready, and every scout is privileged todrop in pennies and nickels that he has earned. No others accepted; andno larger amount at one time from any boy desired. Have already enough topay for two of the cans; and hope to increase the order soon!"

Cheers greeted this announcement. Others, who had heard about the goodwork being started by Numbers Seven and Eight of the Red Fox patrol, arose to announce that their mothers had promised to throw all sorts ofopportunities for earning money in their way, if it was to be devotedto such a fine purpose. 

"The Women's Club is to bring this thing up at its next meeting. Mymother says it shames them to know that the boys of the town are takingsuch a leading part in cleaning it up, " said Bobolink, when he found anopening. 

"Who's next to report?" asked Jack, who had charge of this end of themeeting; while the "honorable secretary" made notes, and filed away thevarious papers submitted. 

Immediately all eyes were turned toward Bobolink and Bluff, which teamwas known as Three and Four. 

Bluff started to rise, when a groan greeted him; but he was not dismayed. 

"Our r-r-report will be d-d-delivered b-b-by my c-c-confederate!" hesimply said, and subsided with a grin, as though he thought he hadhoodwinked his friends. 

Bobolink arose slowly. When he chose he could be very tantalizing; thoughin an emergency none might excel him in speedy action. But when he hadsomething to tell that he knew was being eagerly awaited, he liked tokeep his chums in suspense just as long as he dared. 

Immediately all sounds died away. Every one seemed to know that NumbersThree and Four had been delegated to attempt an actual scouting trip thatmorning, into a hostile territory, so as to learn what progress a rivalcamp was making in the various degrees of efficiency. 

They had already heard about Manchester, and a few believed that theywould have little difficulty in excelling that town when it came downto an actual test. 

With Aldine it was different. From all sources had come hints to theeffect that the troop in that town was working most faithfully, with aneye on that coveted banner. And every scout in Paul's patrol felt wild toknow how much truth there might be in these reports. 

CHAPTER XXII

SCOUTING IN EARNEST

"Hurry up, old molasses! Winter's coming. "

"Hit up the pace, won't you, please, Bobby?"

Bobolink grinned. This was apparently just what he liked. When, however, he saw a restless movement among some of the more impatient, as thoughthey were stooping down to gather chips to shy at him, he knew the timehad come to open those sphinx-like lips, and speak. 

"Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, " he began, when a roar interruptedhim, so that he pretended to hastily remedy his error--"I mean justgentlemen; I have the honor to report that your committee waited on thebrothers of the Aldine troop, though unbeknown to their keenest scouts, and watched the entire operations at their called meeting this morning. "

"Good! Fine! Keep it up, Old Leatherstocking!"

"We learned that they are working like mad to excel in all the arts thatinterest the scouting fraternity. Competitions were being run off inevery branch of the woodcraft business. We saw fires started, camps made, trails followed, boats mended, fish flies tied, rods that had been madeby single members; we heard of all sorts of clever things that were beingdone in Aldine that would give the troop marks in the grand round-up. Welistened to splendid speeches from the really efficient scout master, andour hearts warmed within us toward the gallant foe against whom we mustsoon be pitted; just as our bones ached because we had to squat therehigh up in that tree over their camp, like a couple of roosting monkeys. "

"Hear! hear! Bully for our monkeys! They're all to the good!" shoutedsome of the more demonstrative boys, waving their hats wildly. 

Bobolink stopped to give a few melancholy dabs at his thighs, just asthough they still ached from the long service in the tree; while Bluffmanaged to emit a series of sympathetic groans. 

Then the orator took up his theme again; and when Bobolink chose he couldeven run Wallace Carberry a warm race on the school rostrum. 

"Some people might think that it was hardly fair in us to spy on ourrivals; but we are running our troop under strictly military rules. It'salways fair to try and find out what you are going to be up against whenentering a competition. We are badly handicapped, because both of theseother troops in the county have been working all summer; and we've got tocome up from behind in our attempt to capture the prize. That's right, isn't it, fellows?"

"Sure! We only want to know if they're going to make a big fight; orwhether they expect to have a walk-over. Besides, I happen to know thatthere was a Bald Eagle from Aldine watching us work yesterday. He hada field glass, and was hidden where he could see all that went on. "

It was Jud Elderkin who made this astonishing declaration; and what hesaid created quite a stir among the assembled scouts. 

"All right. We didn't go there expecting to steal any of their thunder, fellows, " said Bobolink. 

"Of course not, " asserted the nearest scouts. 

"Well, how did you find it?" demanded William. 

"I didn't see that they had anything on us. Of course they did lots ofthings better, because they've had a heap more experience; but there'stime between now and Thanksgiving for the scouts of the Stanhope troop toget a move on, and shake all rivals out of their boots. That's all, " andBobolink made a sudden duck to get out of the lime-light. 

"Hurrah! Well done, Three and Four of the Red Fox patrol! Whenever we'vegot any more climbing to do, we know where to get the monkeys!" criedWilliam, with a mock bow in the direction of the blushing Bluff, and thegrinning Bobolink. 

"I congratulate the scouts on the way they carried out their mission. Itwas worthy of the annals of Cooper. May I ask how they learned just wherethe camp of the Aldine Troop was to be pitched?" asked Paul. 

Bluff was no longer to be repressed; but sprang erect. 

"I d-d-discovered that they always w-w-went to a p-p-particularp-p-place; and w-w-when we s-s-saw that noble tree, why, we j-j-justl-l-looked at each other, and s-s-shook hands. Then we c-c-climbed upbefore the f-f-first eagle f-f-flew that way. T-t-thank you gentlemenf-f-for your k-k-kind attention. "

"Wow! he got that in pat, all right. When Bluff makes up his mind tohustle he can beat the band. I move a vote of thanks to these mostefficient scouts, " said Wallace, pushing forward. 

They were given with a will; after which other reports came to show whatwas being accomplished in numerous lines. 

The troop photographers produced their prints, which were passed aroundfor examination, and brought forth an abundance of good words. To seethemselves in the new suits of khaki made many a fellow's heart thrillwith pride. 

"We must have a meeting every day up to the beginning of school, "declared the acting scout master, finally; "for these busy Eagles havestolen a march on us while we slept; and we've just got to hustle now tocatch up. "

"But we've got some mighty fine things to our credit already, and don'tyou forget it, boys. I haven't heard of a horse being stopped, and achild's life saved over in Aldine or Manchester, " declared Wallace, witha proud glance toward Paul. 

"Or any account of the rival troops attending a fire in a body, andworking to beat the band until their new uniforms were next to ruined, "spoke up Nuthin'. 

"I guess the boys of Manchester must feel pretty small when they listento the story of how a Red Fox scout walked right into a burning building, and snatched up a baby that had been forgotten; hey, how about that, fellers?" shouted William, pointing his finger at Jack. 

"We're hitting up the pace. We're going strong, and bound to make thingshustle right up to Thanksgiving Day! Every fellow do his level best tobring that banner home to Stanhope!" cried Jud Elderkin. 

"We can do it!" yelled half a dozen in chorus. 

"Why, its easy money, boys. Just organized, and not a second class scoutin the troop yet, but look at what we've done. Give us a little time, and we're going to make the Beavers and Bald Eagles, and all the restof 'em, sit up and take notice!" avowed Nuthin'. 

"And wait until you hear the inspiring sound of my bugle, which I expectto have at the next meeting, " said Bobolink, proudly. 

"Huh! that won't h-h-hold a c-c-candle to my d-d-drum!" declared Bluff, waving his arms wildly, as though he could already imagine the great funin store when that instrument came to hand. 

And so the meeting broke up, with the scouts disbanding for the day. Somelingered to try once more the various stunts that interested them most. It seemed as if every fellow's heart might be wrapped up in the desire towin that coveted trophy, and bring the banner to his home town. 

Strange to say there had not been a single mention of the other Stanhopeorganization. None of them believed that Ted and Ward would be able tomake the least show in the competition. They knew the habits of thesefellows only too well. As a rule, they never won, save through trickery;and in the eyes of the committee appointed by the donor of the banner, anything that smacked of double dealing would be rigidly barred from thegame. 

Paul and Jack, as usual, walked home together, arm in arm. 

As the recognized leaders in the movement that had so lately struck theboys of Stanhope, they must always have much to talk over. 

Besides that, they had their own personal affairs to discuss. 

"Well, " said Jack, finally, when they found that they were alone, thenearest comrades being far behind on the road; "the four coins are stillthere in the snug little box, Paul. "

His companion looked quickly at him. 

"You carried out my suggestion then?" he asked. 

"Yes. The door has been closed and locked all day. Even the window wasshut down and fastened, " replied Jack. 

"That made the little den as tight as a drum, eh?" laughed his chum. 

"I should say it did. If any one got in there to-day he would have toslip through the keyhole, " came from Jack. 

"Unless he happened to have a duplicate key, " Paul went on, seriously. "And since you found the four coins there that could hardly havehappened. Sure you counted four, are you?"

"That's positive, " returned his companion; "but to tell the truth I didget a little scare. At first I counted only three. "

"But you found the fourth all right, Jack?"

"Oh! yes, " replied the other. "It was gummed fast to the side of the box. I had to scrape it off before I put it back. But when do you mean to tellme what you know about this strange affair, Paul?"

"I guess to-morrow, " answered his chum. 

"Bully for you. I'll be glad to get it off my mind. What do you want meto do, Paul, in the meantime?"

"Nothing, " came the ready response. 

"Shall I leave the den shut up as it is, then?" demanded Jack. 

"Until I see you in the morning, yes, " laughed Paul. "Don't be surprisedif I pop in on you unexpectedly. Perhaps I may not want any one to see mego in your house, and so I might come by the back door. "

Jack looked at him in a whimsical way and shook his head. 

"You've got me guessing, all right, my boy, " he declared. 

Paul instantly changed the subject, after a way he had. 

"The boys are getting on fine in that water boiling test, aren't they?Four had it in nine minutes, and Wallace beat his own record by nearlyhalf a minute. That is going to be one thing Stanhope must excel in, " hesaid. 

"Yes, " remarked Jack, falling in readily enough with his companion'sdesire to "talk shop, " "and those photographs couldn't well be beaten. What a lot of new and interesting facts some of the trackers have dug outof the trails they followed. The papers read fine. Paul, I really beginto believe we're going to make a strong bid for that banner. "

Paul did not reply, and on Jack turning his head to ascertain why, hefound his chum staring at a red automobile that had just whizzed past!

It had a khaki-colored top!

CHAPTER XXIII

THE RED CAR

"What's the matter with you, Paul?"

Jack asked this question, for of course he could not understand why hischum should take such a deep interest in any automobile that passed themon the road. 

"Did you happen to see inside that red car as it went by?" asked Paul, turning eagerly on his friend. 

"Why, er--yes, I did chance to be looking over your shoulders just then;I was a little afraid the wheels might graze you, " admitted Jack. 

"Do you know the machine, then?" asked the other, in some suspense. 

"Don't believe I ever saw it before; but then, what of that? Don't dozenspass along here every day, that come up from the city? It's common to seea strange car, even if it has got a khaki-colored top, instead of a plainblack one. Hey, Paul! what ails you?" demanded Jack. 

"It wasn't Colonel Strange, was it?" asked the other; for the gentlemanmentioned happened to possess a red auto. 

"Of course it wasn't, because his car has a black top; and besides, neither of the two men was the fat colonel, " replied Jack, immediately. 

Paul had learned something already. 

"Then there were two men in it, you say?" he went on, casually, as thoughmuch of his interest had abated. 

"Yes, and one of them was staring at me to beat the band. Perhaps he haslost a boy, and thinks I look like him. Don't let him kidnap me, willyou, Paul?" went on Jack with pretended anxiety, as he clung to hiscompanion's arm. 

"Say, look there, the car's stopped. I believe they're waiting for us!"declared Paul, in some excitement. 

"Well, that's what gave me such a scare, you see. That's why I'm shakingall over, Paul. But in union there is strength; and I'm going to hang onto you, if he tries to coax me to get aboard. I'm not in the long lostclass. "

"Oh! come along, and let's see what they want. He's leaning over the topnow, and keeps beckoning to us. "

Paul started on a run. He could feel his heart beating very hard; indeedit was strange, he thought, that his companion did not hear it poundingaway, and make some sort of remark. 

The chance that he had been hoping for seemed to be within his grasp. Notonly had he discovered a car that answered the description of the onementioned by Mr. Pender; but the occupants were plainly desirous ofobtaining information of some sort, and had selected him and Jack as theones most likely to give it. 

As he hurried on, he tried to control himself. It would never do to showmore than natural curiosity in his actions. If these two men were theones the gentleman stopping at Jack's house wanted to find, they must besmart enough to read his secret, unless he took warning. 

No sooner had he come abreast of the car than looking up he found himselfstaring into the dark face of a man who had a cruel look about him. Whatthrilled Paul, however, was the fact that one of his eyes was undoubtedlyartificial. He had guessed this fact when Jack stated that the party_stared_ so at him. 

All doubt was gone now, and he understood that by the strangest of luckhe had come upon the parties for whom Mr. Pender was searching. Theofficial must have known that they were headed this way for some purposeor other. 

"Live around here, bub?" asked the man with the glass eye, as he lookedpiercingly at Paul. 

"Yes, sir; in Stanhope, " replied the boy, surprised himself to find howsteady his voice turned out to be under the trying circumstances. 

"How far ahead is that place?" continued the man. 

"About half a mile, sir. You can see the steeple of the Methodist churchafter you turn that bend ahead, " and Paul pointed with a steady finger. 

"Huh! I wonder now if either of you happen to know a Mr. Solus Smithers?"and as he put the question the man shot a quick glance toward hiscompanion; at which the shorter party nodded his big head, and grinnedapprovingly. 

Paul turned to his chum. 

"Say, Jack, isn't that the name of the man who took the old Grimes farmup at the milldam?" he asked, though he knew positively that it was so. 

"Smithers--why, yes, I reckon it is. Is he a tall man, with a hookednose; and does he dip snuff?" queried Jack, innocently enough. 

"That's Solus to a dot. You see, boys, he's from North Caroliny, whereeven the wimmen use snuff, only they rub it on their teeth with a stick. Now, mebbe one of you boys would be so obligin' as to direct us to theshortest way to where this old mill stands, " continued the man with thebogus orb. 

"I guess the quickest way to get there is to drive through Stanhope, andpick up the Deerfield road on the other side. It's only a few miles off;but the road turns lots of times to avoid the hills. "

Paul noted that the taller man seemed to invariably look to his companionfor support. It was as though they worked in common, and neither wishedto become responsible for action without the other's assent. 

After an interchange of low words, which the boys did not catch, thespokesman once more turned around. He held a silver half dollar in hishand. 

"Here's something for your trouble, boys. But look here, ain't thereanother way to get to that old abandoned mill without going through thetown? To tell you the truth we lost our number away back, and might gethauled up because we can't show a tag on the back of the car. "

Paul had already noticed this significant fact. It is the business of ascout to take note of even trifles. One of the tests of memory is to lookin at a store window for just one full minute; and then, going away, makeout as complete a list of articles it contained as is possible. 

And still, he did not believe that this was the true reason these mendisliked passing through Stanhope if it could be avoided. Perhaps theyhad some suspicion that Mr. Pender was visiting there; and did not wantto take chances of his meeting them face to face. 

"Sure there is, " broke in Jack, who saw no reason why he should notbelieve the artful excuse given; for Jack did not know all his chum hadlearned about these parties; "after you pass the bend yonder, just turnto the left. You can't miss the road, for its got a big maple tree rightat the junction. We call that the Grapevine Road, because it twists andturns so; but it will fetch you out right at the old dam, mister. "

Many a time had Jack himself walked along that same winding path whencoming home with a string of bass, taken in the mill pond. It was longer, to be sure, but there were some fine apple trees on the way; and the walkthrough the dense woods was so much more enjoyable on a hot summer daythan the open stretch that marked the other route. 

The man flipped the coin in the air, and as it fell at Paul's feet hefelt constrained to stoop and pick it up. To do anything else might havearoused the suspicions of the man who stared. And at the worst it meantanother contribution toward the various funds which the boys were raisingfor many purposes. 

Boys as a rule have little objection about receiving "tainted money. " Andwhile Paul understood that these men had been breaking some of the lawsof the land, he was not supposed to know the particular way in whichtheir money had been gained. 

"Much obliged for the information, boys; and please don't report us intown as being short a license tag. We'll get a new one just as quick aswe can. So-long!"

As the shorter fellow started the machine his companion waved his hand atthe two chums on the road, both of whom of course returned the salute. 

Jack watched his friend out of the corner of his eye as they walked on. Perhaps he was entertaining a dim suspicion that Paul might be keepingsomething from him. 

But he asked no questions; and the other volunteered no information. Ascout is supposed to know when to hold his tongue, especially when inthe company of his superior officer; and so Jack let the matter drop. 

"See, they've turned in, all right, Paul, " he said, as he pointed to thebroad marks of heavy tires leaving the main road, and passing under thespreading maple that stood at the junction with the Grapevine. 

"That's so, " returned Paul, apparently not in the least interested; andyet as they continued to walk briskly toward home he frequently turned awistful look over his left shoulder, as in fancy his thoughts followedthose two strangers up to the old farmhouse at the mill pond. 

Who was this Solus Smithers? Could he be in league with these two menwhom the Government expert was sent to watch? Paul remembered that he hadheard several people talking about the man and his ways. He seemed tohave plenty of money, yet he made no effort to farm the place he hadrented that summer. 

As soon as they reached town he started to accompany his chum home, hoping to have an opportunity to see Mr. Pender in secret. 

Catching sight of that gentleman walking down for the evening mail, he made some excuse and broke away from Jack; who looked after him inbewilderment, grieved because Paul, for once, seemed to be keeping somesecret from him. 

Mr. Pender presently came out of the post-office. He had a letter in hishand, and was apparently much displeased at what it had contained. 

"Why, hello! Paul, my boy! Glad to see you. How is the patrol coming on?Some day you must allow me to watch your manoeuvers up there in thewoods. I'm deeply interested in all such goings-on, you know, " he said, shaking hands, heartily. 

"Yes, sir; I'll ask the boys for permission to invite you, " began Paul. 

"Were you looking for me, my boy?" asked the other suddenly, his keeneyes having doubtless detected something in the manner of the youngscout master that gave him his idea. 

"Yes, sir, I was, " replied the one addressed. 

"I wonder now if, on the top of bad news from Washington, you could beabout to bring me new hope. Have you learned anything you want to tellme, Paul?"

"I've seen that red auto, and talked with the gentleman who has the glasseye!" said the boy, trying in vain to keep his eager voice from tremblingwith excitement. 

CHAPTER XXIV

A CALL FOR HELP

Mr. Pender swooped down and seized Paul's hand, which he squeezed soheartily that he almost made the tears come to the boy's eyes. 

"That sounds good to me, my boy. Please tell me about it. Where was it atthe time? And do you think it can have gone beyond Stanhope? I hope youdidn't give the gentleman any idea that you had ever heard a word abouthim or his car?"

"Oh! I give you my word, sir, that they never dreamed I knew a thingabout them. A scout has to learn how to keep his feelings in check, yousee, Mr. Pender. I acted just as naturally as Jack did; and he knewnothing. "

"Well, tell me about it now, please. "

Stopping at the corner, Paul started in to relate all the incidentsconnected with that meeting on the road. The gentleman hung upon everyword. He certainly looked pleased, and Paul realized that he had donesomething worth while. To his credit be it said that never once had heentertained the thought of receiving any sort of reward for his services. 

"All this is of the greatest importance to me, my boy. I am frank totell you that the successful capture of those two men you have so ablydescribed, thanks to your scout training, will mean much to me. Anddepend upon it, if success rewards my efforts, I shall certainly rememberthat you gave me very valuable assistance in the undertaking. "

"Then you think I might have a reward, don't you, Mr. Pender?" he said. 

"I most positively do, and right now and here I'm willing to promiseyou--"

"Wait a little, Mr. Pender. There's only one thing you could do to pay mefor the little assistance I have been to you. Some time later on, afteryou get back to Washington, write me a letter on your official paper, stating just what aid the Boy Scouts of the Red Fox patrol were to youin furthering the ends of justice. That's all any of us could accept, sir. "

"By Jove! I'm proud to know such boys, and proud to shake handswith the fine scout leader at their head!" exclaimed the Governmentrepresentative, as he cordially thrust out his digits. 

But "once bit, twice shy"; and Paul shook his head as he caressed hisfingers. 

"Excuse me, won't you, Mr. Pender; but once at a time is enough. I expectto have a lot of use for my right hand to-night, sir, " he laughed. 

"Oh! pardon me, my dear boy!" cried the other, "I was forgetting that itwasn't the hand of a tiller of the soil I squeezed. I'll be more carefulnext time. But your news was so unexpected, coming at a moment when I hadreceived some depressing information by mail, that I quite forgot myself. Please continue to keep these facts to yourself for a little whilelonger, Paul. "

"Yes, sir; until you give me leave to speak I won't tell anybody, noteven my own folks at home. And if we are so fortunate as to get thatletter from you, Stanhope Troop will have a big advantage over othercompetitors. You know, sir, we are competing for an elegant banner; andthe other patrols have been working all summer; so that we've just got toget busy if we hope to have a show in. "

"I don't care if they've been going along a year, I'd be willing to wagerthat Stanhope will win the prize. That shows what faith I put in theleader of the Red Fox patrol. Nothing is going to ever hold you back. Ican see the spirit glowing right now in your eyes, " and Mr. Pender noddedhis head wisely as he said this. 

Paul turned red under the praise. 

Mr. Pender was apparently anxious to know all he could about the placearound the abandoned mill. 

"Have you seen this party named Solus Smithers?" he asked, presently, asthey walked slowly on in company. 

"Yes, sir; several times. He's a very tall and thin man, with a face Inever liked. He's driven some of us boys away from the mill pond thislast summer. We have always fished there, and nobody ever said a word;but he acted as if he had an idea some of us would steal his old house. He even brought out a gun once, and warned three fellows off. After awhile no one cared to go up there. Some of the boys even said theybelieved the old man was daffy, and that he might shoot if anybody madehim real mad. "

"Oh! yes; I see; and he didn't want trespassers on his farm, eh? Does themill pond stand on the ground he's rented?" asked the gentleman. 

"Oh! yes, and all the ground around there. It must cover four hundredacres, but most of it is in woodland, you see, sir, " replied Paul, promptly. 

"Can you tell me what Smithers looks like, Paul?"

"He's very tall, stoops quite a lot, uses snuff like they do down inNorth Carolina, and has small blue eyes and a queer nose. Some of theboys say it looks as if it had been broken. That man in the red car knewit when Jack called it a hooked nose, sir. "

Mr. Pender slapped his thigh as though in great glee. 

"Well, this is great luck, sure enough. From your description I believethat I know this Mr. Solus Smithers, though that isn't his name at all. It keeps on getting better and better, the deeper I grub. And if allturns out well, I shall owe you a heavy debt, my dear boy. "

"Make it up in that letter then, sir. The stronger the better. And if youhappen to need any further assistance don't hesitate to call on us. We'vegot some dandy trackers in the Red Fox patrol; and it would have to be apretty smart fellow to pull the wool over their eyes, sir. "

"Good for you, Paul, " said the gentleman, warmly; "always ready to soundthe trumpet for your comrades; but if the truth were told I reckon I'dfind the scout leader at the top of the bunch when it came to a knowledgeof woodcraft. "

"Please don't, sir, " pleaded Paul. 

"Jack has been confiding to me all about how you've always been deeplyinterested in outdoor life, " went on Mr. Pender; "but as you have toldme all you know about this red car that has gone along the GrapevineRoad, headed for the old mill pond, I believe I'll have to leave you. Take my hand, won't you, Paul? I promise to be good, and not put onpressure, though my heart is very warm toward you, lad. "

So Mr. Pender hurried away. 

Paul turned back. He had noticed an air of unusual excitement inside thepost-office, and his curiosity was stirred. While Mr. Pender and hisstrange mission was in the foreground, of course, he had been able to paylittle attention to anything else; but now that this was shelved he couldnot resist the inclination to return, and ask what made the people standaround in knots as though exchanging views. 

He discovered Ted Slavin and three of his friends jabbering away justinside the door, and heard one of them exclaim:

"Course we will go along; it'd be a big feather in our cap, fellers, ifwe'd be the ones to bring him back. "

"Yes, send out word for the boys to get together, Ted. We'll show 'emwhat we fellers that has hunted since we was knee high, know aboutfollerin' a trail!" another remarked. 

"Let up, you; d'ye want to give the whole snap away? See who's here!"whispered Ted; but in such a hoarse tone of voice that Paul could nothelp hearing. 

Of course his curiosity was still further aroused. Whatever could havehappened in quiet Stanhope, to cause all this gathering of people, andsuch earnest consultations?

He saw Chief Billings, who was in charge of the police force in the town, leaving the post-office, and noted that a large delegation trailed afterhim. 

Could it be possible that the local authorities had in some manner becomeaware of the fact that law breakers were abroad in the land? Was Mr. Jared Pender, the Government expert, about to have rivals in the field?When those cronies of Ted spoke of following a trail could they have hadany reference to the track of the wonderful red automobile with thekhaki-colored top; and occupied by the two parties whom Mr. Pender wishedto catch, as he said, "with the goods on?"

Paul hoped not. It would complicate things very much; and in theconfusion the rascals might manage to slip away. Paul had known ChiefBillings to undertake a clever piece of business before now; but neversucceed in accomplishing one. 

Some one banged into him as he turned a corner in the building. 

"Why, hello! Paul, that you?" said a voice. 

It was Si Growdy, who claimed to be a nephew of old Peleg, but who hadnever been known to be recognized by the crusty old farmer. He clerkedin one of the general stores, of which Stanhope boasted several big ones, where everything, from a package of pins to a coffin could be purchased. 

"What's all the row about, Si?" demanded the acting scout master, as heseized hold of the clerk, to head him off; for Si seemed to be in a hurryas usual; he worked for a man who was a driver, and had to give anaccount of every minute of his time. 

"Ain't you heard nawthin' about it, Paul? Where you ben all thisafternoon?" was the way the clerk answered one question with another. 

"Up in the woods with the scouts, doing stunts. But tell me what's gonewrong? Another robbery at the jewelry store; or has some one sneakedaway with one of the coffins your house carries?" pursued Paul. 

"If anybody ever got off with a pin that didn't belong to 'em at ouremporium, the fact ain't never been known. I've seen the boss chargin'customers with the cracker they eat when samplin'. We got orders to makelight weight if they buy. But about this rumpus; they's a child lost!"said Si. 

"Who's child?" asked Paul, instantly deeply interested. 

"Mr. Boggs' little Willie. The Chief was just in to talk with him. He'sall broken up over it, because you know, he uses a crutch, and can't helphunt. "

Paul knew Mr. Boggs assisted the post-master in his duties; and many atime had Paul chatted with the pretty little chap who played around thebuilding while his father was assorting the incoming mails. Willie Boggshad always been a universal favorite. He was the sweetest child in allStanhope, and everybody loved him. 

Paul was shocked at the news. Still, he hoped it might not be as bad asSi said. 

"Where did it happen? How do they know? Who saw little Willie last? Whathas been done to find him?" he fired at the clerk like the discharge ofa Gatling gun. 

"Glory! expect me to tell the hull story, with my boss asettin' thereinside the store, watchin' the clock, an' dockin' me for every minute I'mlate? All right, who cares? And besides, Paul, p'raps that troop of yoursmight be useful in follerin' the tracks of poor little Willie, " Si wenton. 

"Where, when, how?" demanded the scout master, resolutely. 

"This mornin' it happened. Willie went with Annie Spooner to get someleaf mould in the edge of the woods, for her ma's flowers. She came backjust at noon an' sed Willie had strayed away in the woods. "

"Did anybody go to look for Willie?" asked Paul. 

"Three boys went out to bring him in. They hunted high an' low, but hewa'n't there. Then a dozen people set out to search the woods. Just nowthey come back to say Willie ain't to be found high nor low. That stirsthe big chief some. He 'low he knows how the thing's to be did; and sohe's agoin' to organize a hunt for the lost child. That's all. Now, letme get back to my slave tasks, Paul. "

"And night coming on, " murmured Paul, as he looked out of the door towhere people were assisting the crippled Mr. Boggs across the square inthe direction of his nearby home, where his wife was no doubt waitingeagerly for some news of the missing darling. 

Si Growdy shot out of the door, and headed in the direction of the storewhere he gave his valuable services daily from seven in the morning untillate in the evening, for a miserable pittance. 

Paul walked thoughtfully out of the post-office. He was tired from hisexertions of the afternoon; but all that was immediately forgotten whenhe mentally pictured the weeping mother in that little cottage where thehoneysuckle climbed above the door. Then he thought of the terror of thelittle fellow, wandering about in the great woods with night coming down, and all sorts of strange noises arising to chill his blood. 

"I'll do it!" exclaimed Paul presently; "the chance is too good to belost. Why let Ted and Ward have the inside track? Just as soon as I cansend word around we'll test our new system of bringing a bunch of theFox scouts together. And then, if the boys are willing, we'll try anddiscover where Willie Boggs has wandered. It's a glorious opportunity tofind out if what we've learned is worth having. Here goes then, to sendout the call for help!"

CHAPTER XXV

A CAMP IN THE WOODS

"Why, Paul, what's all this hurry mean?"

"I just want to get a few bites of supper, mother, and then rush off. I've sent out the call for a hurry meeting of the patrol. Some peoplecall it the emergency signal. Every one of the scouts knows what itmeans. Those who can get out will be gathering here inside of half anhour. "

"But it must be something very unusual that urges you to do this. You'vebeen on the go all afternoon, and I don't know that it is wise to boltyour supper in such a style, just to be ready to greet the boys when theyarrive. "

"Mother, you don't understand. Father hasn't come back from his afternoonround of visits, has he? Then you couldn't possibly know, " went on Paul. 

"Know--what, my son?" questioned his mother, seeing that the boy wasworked up more than usual. 

"We're going to organize a searching party. Perhaps some of the scoutsmay be smart enough to get on the track. It's poor little Willie Boggs, mother. "

"Searching party--Willie Boggs! Is the child lost?"

"Yes, and has been ever since before noon, in the big woods. You see it'sjust beginning to get dark now. Think of the poor little fellow wanderingperhaps miles off in the woods. What if a storm should come up?" andPaul's manner told how he felt. 

"But there are no wild animals large enough to injure the child. The mosthe could suffer would be exposure to the night air; that and the frightof finding himself alone. Oh! it is a terrible thing though; and littleWillie is all his poor father has left. It would kill him if anythinghappened, " declared the good lady, whose heart was very tender. 

"Now you see why I'm in such a hurry to get a bite, mother. Every minutemight count, for perhaps he is wandering further and further away. You'lllet Jane get me something in a jiffy, won't you, now?" continued theeager lad. 

"Gladly, and help her too, after you have told me more. How do you boysexpect to look for the child in the blackness of those woods?"

"Every scout will carry a lantern, with which we have practiced signalwig-wagging until we are able to send messages back and forth. Besidesthat, we can form a long line across the woods, and comb nearly every bitof it, looking into every stack of brush and waste to see if Willie haslain down. And mother, think if we should just find him, how glad you'dbe that we went out!"

"Indeed, I should! I shall pray that you succeed, my boy. And it does yougreat credit that you are so earnest in your desire to help others. Sitdown, and I'll wait on you myself, " and Mrs. Morrison bustled away towardthe kitchen as she spoke. 

As Paul was hastily devouring his supper, for he was as hungry as a wolf, who should come in but the doctor. And of course he had to be told;though Paul's mother took this task upon herself, giving the boy a chanceto eat. 

Through the window Paul could see that already several fellows hadgathered; and other lanterns were meanwhile coming like giant firefliesthrough the gathering gloom of the night. 

The prospect of bringing his scout troop into action for such a goodcause was particularly pleasing to the boy who temporarily filled theoffice of leader. Spurred to do their very best by a recollection of thevows they had so recently taken, the members of Stanhope Troop might bedepended on to bring credit to their organization. 

By the time Paul issued from the house there were a full dozen of hischums present. He was glad to see that all the original charter membersforming the Red Fox patrol were on hand. They happened to live closerthan others who had joined later; and boys of a particular communitygenerally flock together. 

Immediately a great hubbub ensued. Those who did not know what all thefuss was about had to be "put wise, " as William said. And Paul was calledupon to explain his plans for the tracking of little Willie Boggs, whohad become as a chip on the torrent, a wanderer in that mysteriousforest, the end of which few Stanhope fellows had ever reached in theirwanderings up over the hills. 

There were now fourteen present, and Paul determined not to wait for anymore of the troop to come to time. 

"Fall in!"

Down the street they marched, the lanterns flickering as they swung toand fro. 

No wonder people, rushing to the doors as shouts arose, began to askeagerly if the lost child had been recovered. 

"It's the Boy Scouts; and they're going out to join the hunt!" some oneshouted. 

"Oh! they're about a mile behind Ted and his crowd!" jeered one fellowwho must have had leanings toward the Slavin party; he had been detectedin cheating so often in every game boys played that for months now hefound himself left severely alone by decent fellows, and it was reportedhad applied for admission to the patrol Ward and Ted were getting up. 

Out of the town, and straight to the spot where the lost boy had lastbeen seen Paul led his squad. He knew that it would be only a miracle ifthe many feet that had trod the ground over would have left any trace ofthe child's little shoes; but he still had hopes that the training someof his scouts possessed would bring more or less success. 

The unique sight of all those lanterns on the road had attracted manypeople, so that when they arrived at the spot Paul had in mind, fullythirty followed, a number of them boys who came only to make sport of thescouts. 

"Spread out, fellows, " said the scout leader, quietly, "and examine everyfoot of ground. If you find a single impression of Willie's little shoe, give the signal, and I'll come; but hold your places every one. "

Immediately the scene became an animated one. Lanterns flashed hitherand thither, swinging close to the ground; while young eyes searcheddiligently for a trace. 

In less than five minutes the signal sounded, and Paul hurried over tothe one who had given the same. Jack was at his elbow, and between themthey examined the mark, to ascertain in what quarter it pointed. 

Then the advance was taken up in that direction. 

Again came the thrilling cry that told of a new footprint that had beenfound. 

This time it was Wallace Carberry who had made the discovery. He talkedso intelligently about it that Paul determined to keep him close by. Wallace would be a valuable advisor in case he and Jack disagreed at anytime as to what the signs meant. 

So they went on for an hour, finding a footprint now and then toencourage them. These came at more frequent intervals when they got farenough away to avoid the trampled soil where the crowd had hunted all theafternoon. 

Those who had followed were now missing. They had seen that the scoutsmeant business, and did not care to wander so far from town. Hence, Paulpresently found that he and his patrol had the woods almost tothemselves. 

Several times though he had seen other lanterns wandering around, andguessed that these were carried by some of the Slavin crowd, alsodiligently combing the woods in the hope of being the lucky ones tofind the missing boy. 

The chief of police and his party had gone off in an altogether differentdirection. 

"How long can we keep this up, Paul?" asked Jack, when they had beenmoving on for two hours, with no end in sight. 

"Don't know, but we ought to be able to put our best foot forward justas long as that little fellow does, don't you think?" replied the other, reproachfully. 

"Why, of course, and don't think I'm showing the white feather so earlyin the game. I've made up my mind never to go back until he's found. Why, we can camp right in the woods if it comes to it. And that would be abully experience for every Fox in the bunch. Think of having to make bedsout of branches! Ain't I glad some of us brought our camp hatchetsalong. "

"And Jack, it would leave us in a good position to take up the hunt againin the morning; for you see we'd be right on the ground where the littlechap passed along. Suppose you call out again. He might hear, andanswer. "

Jack obeyed, and repeated the name of Willie in a loud voice again andagain. But only the echoes of the great woods answered. If the boy werewithin reach of that cheery hail he must be wrapped in the sleep ofexhaustion, and unable to reply. 

Finally Jack ceased to call, for he was growing very husky. 

The search still went on with unabated zeal, each boy trying to vie withhis mates in the endeavor to make some new discovery. Paul examined everyfaint print of that little foot, desirous of fixing the time it was made. Wallace joined him in this, and it was clearly shown that hours must haveelapsed since the child passed that way. 

"Still, he may be within fifty yards of where we are. Let's keep at it aslong as we can, and only camp when some are too tired to go on, " declaredPaul, greatly disappointed to think that they had thus far been baffledby hard luck. 

It was astonishing to see how far the little fellow had wandered; butfear always lends wings to the feet; and all the while Willie doubtlessreally believed he must be heading toward home. 

And Paul noted another fact that somehow gave him new interest in theenterprise. By degrees the trail had swung around to the left, as isnearly always the case when grown persons are lost; and the principleseemed to hold good in the case of even a child. 

In itself this was not strange; but Paul knew that if they kept on foranother hour the chances were they would come upon the old mill pond, nestling in the valley. The fact caused him to remember his friend Mr. Pender; to once more mentally see that red motor with the khaki-coloredtop; and to picture the two strangers who had asked him so manyquestions. 

Was this really an accident, their being drawn out toward the farm of theunneighborly Sol Smithers; or might it turn out to be the working ofdestiny?

He was aroused by a call that he had been expecting to hear for some timenow. 

One of the scouts felt forced to admit that he was "all in. " They haddone manly work to keep up the tramp all this time, being but boys atbest. 

It meant that camp must be made, and the balance of the night spent therein the woods, waiting for day to come to renew their search. 

Poor little Willie was destined then to pass still more hours, surroundedby the terrors of the black and unknown forest. But probably by this timehe must be so exhausted through his unusual exertions that he was dead tothe world in sleep; so it would not matter very much. 

Soon all was bustle as the fourteen lads began to make ready to spend atime in open camp. The sound of hatchets made pleasant music, as brancheswere cut, and beds made close to the fire that had been started. 

Some of the smaller lads were so utterly exhausted that they just droppedto the ground, and went to sleep. Paul and Jack passed around to see thatthese wornout fellows did not lie too near the blaze; and that they werefairly comfortable. 

In an hour's time it seemed as though every one were taking solid comfortafter such rude fashion as could be devised. One of the boys had broughthis camera along, keen to secure novel effects; and without warning heset off a flash that gave him a picture of the slumbering heroes on theirlowly beds, that would be ever afterwards treasured as invaluable. 

At the brilliant illumination several sat up, and one even gave a cry ofalarm, thinking perhaps that lightning had struck a tree close by; butwith the coming of darkness again they settled back. 

But Paul could not sleep. He was only waiting until some of the morerestless souls quieted down. Then he and Jack, together with Wallace, meant to again tackle the job of seeking for further imprints of thoseworn little shoes among the dead leaves, and in the soft soil under thegiant trees. 

Somehow Paul believed that the hunt was bound to carry them to the verydoor of that farmhouse on the mill pond. He was induced to suspect thisbecause the last time they had examined the small shoeprints, the mark ofa much larger foot had appeared beside it; and after mature deliberationhe and Wallace came to the conclusion that some man, walking through theforest, had discovered the trail of the child, _and was following it_!

He looked around him. As near as he could tell every one of the tiredscouts was slumbering soundly. 

So Paul silently arose, touching Jack on the shoulder, who immediatelygave Wallace Carberry the signal. 

The three uttered no word, but moving softly back from the circle offirelight, carrying their almost exhausted lanterns, made ready to oncemore start out into the depths of the wood; with the lonely farmhouse nowrented by the surly Sol Smithers just half a mile further to the north!

CHAPTER XXVI

WHAT WOODCRAFT TOLD

"There it is again, Paul!"

"As sure as you live we're being followed, boys!" and Wallace allowed hisvoice to rise just above a hoarse whisper when he made this energeticremark. 

The three were crouching in the bushes. 

As yet Paul had not caught a glimpse of the object which seemed todisturb both of his friends; but he was looking sharply now. 

"Why, yes, I do believe you are right, fellows, " he said, calmly. 

"Well, you take it mighty cool, I must say, " declared Jack. 

"Because I see no reason to get flurried over such a little thing, boys, "was what the leader replied. 

"Little thing, when you know Ted Slavin and a bunch of his toadies cameup here to get all the glory they could out of this business! Don't youunderstand, Paul, that if they thought they could down us, they'd just aslief waylay us in the woods, and put an end to all our expectations?"

This was a very unusual way of talking for Wallace, but it only went toshow how the boy was worked up over the situation, and made nervous bythe continuous strain. 

"But how do you know those moving figures are Ted and Ward, or even anyof that crowd?" demanded Paul. 

The others hesitated, and finally Jack remarked:

"Well, for a fact we don't know; but you remember we saw signs that evenyou declared proved what I'm saying--that some of those fellows havewandered as far as this. "

"Yes, that's a fact. I'm not apt to forget it. Now, how many figures haveyou seen dodging along back there, just as if they didn't care to beseen--yet?"

"How about it, Wallace?" queried Jack, doubtfully. 

"Two, anyhow; I'm sure of that, " came the hesitating reply. 

"Yes, at least two, Paul, " the other echoed. 

"And we are three. That's one reason why I don't see any reason forgetting nervous over the discovery, " observed the leader, his voice nowapparently showing a trace of humor that was bubbling up near thesurface. 

"But where there are two there may be more, Paul?" objected Jack. 

"Yes, possibly eight or ten more, " went on the calm leader. 

"Goodness! and you say there is no need of our worrying?" exclaimedWallace. 

"Yes, explain what you mean, old fellow. Eight or ten would give us awarm time don't you think?" demanded Wallace, gripping Paul's armfiercely. 

"Hardly, if they were all sound asleep around a dying campfire, dead tothe world, " quoth Paul, chuckling now. 

But the others uttered low but vehement exclamations. 

"Don't you see what he means, Wallace?" asked Jack. 

"Sure. What a couple of fools you and I were, " came the scathing reply. 

"We've been followed by two of our own boys. They must have watched uscrawl out of camp, and not wanting us to have all the fun, here they comecreeping after us. What shall we do, Paul?" Jack queried in the other'sear; for the flitting figures were now very near. 

"Open our arms and welcome the recruits. If they're just bound to joinforces with us, why should we make any kick. I'm glad of it. "

Then raising his voice a little, Paul continued:

"Hey! there!"

They could hear the murmur of voices. Evidently the two shadows weretalking it over, and must have arrived at some quick conclusion, forpresently same a hail. 

"Hello! Paul, Jack!"

"It's Bobolink, for one, " muttered Jack, immediately. 

"Then it's a sure thing William is tagging along, " said Wallace. 

"Come on, both of you fellows. No danger!" called Paul, softly. 

After that assurance the shadows boldly advanced, and quickly joined thethree who stood under the spreading oak. 

It proved just as Jack and Wallace had predicted, for the newcomersturned out to be William and Bobolink. They were chuckling, as thoughconsidering it a good joke. 

"Thought you'd give us the quiet sneak, and gobble all the gloryyourselves, hey?" said the latter, as they bustled up; "but William andmyself had it all fixed. We were on to your curves, all right. "

"Yes, " broke in William, just there; "didn't we see you with your headstogether a lot, and wasn't we wise to what was in the wind. Bobolink wasawake, and it was my turn to snooze. He gave me a kick in the seventh ribthat made me think a comet had dropped on me. But we showed up game. Now, what's doing, fellows; and do we get a grab at the scout?"

"If you both feel like trotting around a whole lot more, why you're justas welcome as a shower in spring, " asserted Paul, promptly. 

"I should say, yes, " declared Jack; "and if the whole bunch could standthe racket we wouldn't have crept away like we did. But most of the poorfellows are all in, and dead tired, and we thought it would be a shame toinvite them to hike some more. "

"Did you bring your glim along?" asked Paul. 

"Our lanterns? Well, William didn't want to, but I insisted. I knew thatif we missed you fellows, and lost ourselves in the bush, they'd come inmighty fine for company, " returned Bobolink. 

"Then let's light up. After that we'll spread out, and try to find thetrail, " with which remark Paul set the example. 

Presently five lanterns glowed like giant fireflies. 

"Think it lies in this direction, Paul?" asked William. 

"I'm sure of it. After that man's track came alongside the print of thelittle chap's shoe, there was no more wandering about; but it struckstraight ahead. That told me the trail was heading for a house, " came theready reply. 

"A house. Say, is there any other place up here but the old farmalongside the mill pond? I don't seem to remember any, " remarkedBobolink. 

"And that's just where I expect we'll bring up sooner or later, " observedPaul. 

"Then why not put for the old place at full speed right away?" suggestedWilliam, always impetuous. 

"To do that we'd have to drop the trail again. And besides, what doesan hour, or even two of them, matter in the end? Slow but sure is thesuccessful scout's motto, boys. Hello I look here, what's this?"

Paul thrust his lantern down close to the ground. Bending over to look, the others could see the plain impression of a child's little shoe. Itwas heading due north, just as many similar tracks had been of late. 

"Now if you look at this you'll see it's nearly crushed out by the bigprint of a man's foot; while just beyond the child has stepped into theimpression made by the man. That can mean only one thing; the two weregoing on in company, and for a minute he let go the little one's hand, sothat first the child was in front, and then behind. "

"I guess you're right, Paul. But see here, what does this mean? The smalltrack has dropped out altogether, " remarked William. 

"That is where the big fellow picks the boy up in his arms, and iscarrying him, " said Wallace, before Paul could answer. 

"Right you are, that is just what happened. To tell the truth I don'tknow why he didn't do that before. He must have been toting some bundlealong, and couldn't well carry the boy too. Come back a bit. I want tolook around, " and Paul retraced his steps until he had reached the spotwhere a confusion of tracks met his gaze. 

He followed the man's trail a few paces, and found himself under a tree. Raising his lantern he carefully examined the bark of the trunk, andfinding several fresh scratches, pursued his investigations still higher. 

One accommodating limb grew rather low. In fact a man could, by reachingup his arms, clasp it easily; and that was what Paul believed had beendone. 

"Give me a push, somebody; and then hand up my lantern, " he said, clasping his arms about the tree as well as he was able. 

Ten seconds later William was handing him up the light; after which Paulbegan to ascend slowly, looking about him as though constantly on thewatch for signs that would tell another had preceded him. 

"All right; it's here. I'm coming down, fellows, " he soon called out. 

Reaching that friendly lower limb he held something in view. 

"Take hold of this, Bobolink, and handle it carefully, because we don'tknow what's in the package. It might be dynamite!" he remarked. 

"Oh! I hope not!" exclaimed the one in whose arms the bundle reposed; andhe did not look any too happy at the prospect ahead. 

"Don't be silly, " said Paul, as he dropped beside them. "But whateverit may be, we might as well hide it in a new place. Then if the fellowshould come back here to get it, he's going to meet with adisappointment, that's all. "

"But what d'ye think it is?" argued the one who clasped the large packagein his arms, though with evident reluctance. 

"That is none of our business just now. It may be honest enough, and we'dget into a peck of trouble if we peeked. So let's just chuck it in somehollow stump as we go along, and muffle our trail behind us so he can'tfind where we put it. Later on I think I know some one who will be gladto look into what it contains. "

"Perhaps I do too, " remarked Jack; and the two chums looked at eachother, with mutual astonishment marked on their faces. 

"Oh!" remarked Paul, "are you on, too? Did he tell you the secret?"

"I happened to pick up an envelope he dropped, and wondered whose it was;so I went around, asking. He laughed when I came to him, and told mea little bit of news that surprised me. But Paul, he asked me not tobreathe a word, even to you. That was a mean joke, when you knew allalong, " Jack complained. 

"Remember the red car on the road, and the two men in it?"

"Oh! did they have anything to do with his coming up here? Yes, now thatI think of it, you were pretty much excited over that same red car. Youguessed something then, didn't you, Paul?"

"He had asked me to watch out for a red car with a khaki-colored top, that might have two men in it, one of them owning to a glass eye. "

"Good gracious!" said Jack; "that tall chap did have a bogus eye, for afact. And when you left me in town you hurried around to the post-officeto find Mr. Pender, didn't you? I see it all now. He never came home forsupper, as far as I know. I reckon he must have got a rig of some sort, and put out for the mill pond. But what about Solus Smithers--they askedafter him, you know?"

Paul pointed to the marks on the ground. 

"Unless I'm wrong those are his tracks. I noticed that he had big feet atthe time he came out and ordered us to clear away from the pond, andthreatened us with his gun. Yes, perhaps he got home to find visitorswaiting for him, " Paul observed, just as though he could read all thesethings from the trail. 

"Then we go on, do we?" asked Bobolink, eagerly. 

He had been listening to what passed between his two comrades, and whileit was partly Greek to him, enough of the truth filtered through to givehim a creepy sensation, as though cold water were being poured down hisback. 

Bobolink was no coward though, and while he shivered it was more througha delicious frame of mind over the chance of an adventure than becausehe felt fear. 

"Straight on, as long as these lanterns hold out. I see yours has begunto flicker already, William. There, it's puffed out; and my own isn'tnear as strong a light as it was. "

Paul seemed to be a true prophet, for inside of five minutes the lanterns"gave up the ghost, " the last to expire being that of Jack. 

"What's doing now?" demanded Jack. 

"Gather up all the matches in the crowd. Then I'll strike them one byone, " was Paul's immediate response. 

This emergency torch lasted for a little while. Finally the last matchwas gone, and still they were some distance away from the mill pond. 

"Listen, " said William, suddenly; with a thrill in his voice; "whateverdo you suppose that is?"

CHAPTER XXVII

TED FINDS SOMETHING

"Sure it wasn't an owl?" asked Paul, when a full minute had passed away, without their hearing a repetition of the sound that had reached the earsof his comrade. 

"Didn't sound like it. I kind of thought it was somebody calling forhelp!" said Bobolink, quivering with the suspense caused by thesituation. 

They stood in a group, listening eagerly. The night wind stirred the topsof the tall forest trees softly, and even this gentle sound boomed ontheir strained nerves like the strokes of a bass drum. 

"Oh! there! Didn't you hear it that time?" whispered Bobolink. 

"I guess we did, " replied Paul; "and you're right in saying it issomebody shouting. But all the same I don't feel sure it was a call forhelp. Let's remember, fellows, that Ted and his crowd must be somewhereabout up here. And you know from past experiences what dodges he's up towhen he wants to play a trick on anybody. "

"Do you mean he'd like to draw us off by shouting that way, while someof his fellows went along to the farmhouse, and got the lost boy?" askedWilliam. 

"That would be just like Ted. He's as full of tricks as an egg is ofmeat, " Jack took it upon himself to say at this juncture. 

"Well, what are we going to do about it, boys?" asked Wallace. 

"I leave it to Paul; whatever he says ought to be good enough for me, "replied Wallace. 

"And me, " came from the others without hesitation. 

"Thanks, fellows. I hope that my plan will prove the best after all. Butdon't blame me if I should make a mistake. Let's head for the road, whichI take it ought to be somewhere over yonder, " remarked Paul, pointingthrough the darkness. 

"The road, eh? I see, you mean that once we get on that we'll have iteasy all the way to the pond. That suits me all right. Count William in. "

"Yes, seeing that our lanterns are out, and not a match in the crowd, Iguess the sooner we get our feet planted on the highway, the better forour noses. I've barked mine already against a tree, and another dose willspoil my classic beauty, " grunted Bobolink, rubbing tenderly at the spotin question. 

"Then come along, the rest of you, " said Paul, starting off. 

"Seems to me it's getting lighter, " announced Wallace, presently. 

"Mebbe our eyes are used to it, that's what, " Bobolink remarked. 

"Mine are closing up right fast, I warn you, fellers, " said William; "andbefore long it's going to be a case of the blind leading the blind. Thatbranch took me across the face. Hey! ain't that the same old shout?"

"Sounds like it; but much nearer, " returned Paul, with a vein ofuncertainty in his voice, as if he might be commencing to doubt whetherthey were doing the right thing in paying no attention to the calls. 

"Oh! I guess I know what it means, " remarked Jack; "I've been trying tomake it out all along. That's sure a different voice. Some of Ted's crowdhave got separated, and they're just trying to get together again. You'veheard quail calling, after being flushed and scattered. How, Paul?"

"Perhaps you've struck it, Jack. Anyway, we are on the road here, and hadbetter push straight along to the pond first. "

"Right enough, " uttered Bobolink, as he broke through a cordon of brush, and jumped out on the highway, though it might be only an apology for aroad after all, being scantily used; "and after that experience it'sgoing to be something big that drags me into the woods again. "

The little group stood there for a minute to recover their wind, whichhad been more or less exhausted in the last desperate push through thedark woods. 

"Ready to move on, fellows?" demanded Paul, who had apparently notchanged his mind, and was more than ever bent on covering the last laplying between themselves and the pond. 

Jack and Wallace fell in on either side, and the march was begun. Sincethe other pair did not wish to be left behind, they were forced toaccompany themselves to the movements of the trio. 

Thus they walked perhaps a full hundred yards along the winding road, with the stars showing overhead, and the black mysterious woods flankingthem on either side. 

The shouts had apparently ceased; at least none had been heard since thefive lads reached open territory. 

Again it was Bobolink who caught a sound of some sort. 

"Tell me again I'm hearing owls, will you, fellows? If that ain't agasoline wagon climbing a hill ahead there I'm off my guess, " hewhispered. 

"Chug! chug!" came the plain sound, as the air current veered more towardthe point toward which they were heading. 

"I know that hill, " Paul observed, as if talking to himself; "it's justthis side of the mill pond. That means the car is coming this way. Thetwo gentlemen are separating themselves from their dear friend, SolusSmithers. Why, I wonder? Would Mr. Pender have anything to do with it?"

"Wow! did you see that?" gasped Bobolink, proving that his plaint abouthis eyes closing up could hardly be based on solid ground. 

"Somebody struck a match, and it went out! Whoever it is, he's on theroad just ahead of us, fellows!" whispered Jack. 

"Back up into the scrub here. Quick! for perhaps he's got another match!"said Paul, following up his words by instant action. 

They managed to cower down in the brush, though Bobolink mutteredsomething to the effect that he had received another jab in theneighborhood of his wretched eyes. 

"Look! he's done it, Paul, just as you said he would!" whispered Jack. 

"Yes, he's shielding it from the breeze till it gets strong. There--well, what d'ye think of that, fellers?" gasped William. 

"It's Ted!" muttered Wallace, staring hard at the figure that seemed tobe huddled up on the road a little distance away. 

"What do you suppose the silly goose is doing on his knees?" came fromJack. 

"He's found something, and he's looking at it. See, now he's managed toopen it up. Seems to me like a leather bag, boys, " Wallace managed towedge in with. 

"Just what it is, old cat eyes. A hand bag! Now, however did that thinghappen to be lying there in the road? Nobody ever comes up here butSolus, and he isn't the one to own a bag like that. "

"The red car, " said Paul, as Jack seemed to hesitate. 

"That's it, as sure as you live. Dropped out of the machine; and byjinks! the fellers are comin' back to look for it. Never missed it tillSol got home!" his chum declared. 

All this talk between the five boy scouts was carried on in the lowest ofwhispers. The sound of their voices would not have carried twenty feet;and the kneeling Ted was several times that distance away. 

Besides, he seemed to be so fascinated by what he had discovered in theleather grip that he had eyes and ears for nothing else just then. 

"The motor is coming closer!" remarked Wallace, as the sound of theengine was borne more distinctly to their ears. 

"Sure. She's just at the top of the rise, and now it's down-grade. Reckonshe'll be here in a minute. Push back further, fellows. "

"Look! Ted hears it now! He's jumped up! Seems like he just don't knowwhat to do, cut and run with the bag, or wait till the car gets there. Hey! watch that, will you?" gasped William. 

"He threw the bag as far as he could into the woods!" said Jack. 

"That looks like he meant to try and keep it, " suggested Jack; "I imaginethat the leather grip holds something that took Ted's fancy. But all thesame I reckon it isn't going to be easy sledding for him. Will he run, fellows?"

"He's debating that same question now; but it's too late. He waited justhalf a minute too long, " Paul remarked, as a sudden flash of dazzlinglight shot around a bend a short distance ahead, and the red car with thekhaki-colored top came into view, making fairly fast time. 

They could dimly see the inmates apparently surveying the road ahead withthe utmost eagerness, as though anxious to make a discovery. The loss ofthat bag must have rather upset their plans, and given them a jolt. 

Every one of the five hidden scouts crouched low, so that their facesmight not be discovered by that fierce white glow. 

Plainly to their ears was borne the shouts of the men in the machine, asthey discovered the figure of Ted on the road. The Stanhope bully hadevidently made up his mind that the bag was well worth struggling for, and that he must make some sort of a fight to retain possession of it. 

Paul could guess what his plan of operations would be. He had seen Tedplay innocent more than once before, when caught in the act of doing somemean thing. And as a rule the fellow could carry out the game fairlywell. 

But he was up against a different proposition now; and these keen-eyedmen were not apt to be hoodwinked so easily as a parcel of schoolboys. 

Ted stood there, looking at the car that was bearing down upon him. 

No doubt he had assumed the innocent air of a rustic, and tried to makehimself appear as stupid as he could. The two men in the red car were nolonger calling, for they had seen that the boy on the road showed nosigns of wanting to run. 

As they bore down upon the spot the car slowed up, and came to a fullstop within a few yards of the waiting Ted. Every scout lying in thescreen of bushes held his breath as he listened to catch what was goingto follow. 

"Say, gimme a ride, mister?"

That was Ted speaking, before either of the men could say the first word. Indeed they were too busy clambering out of the car to surround him, andcut off any chance of escape, to think of anything else. 

Without answering they bore down on Ted, and he found himself confrontedby two eager faces, while a rough hand clutched his arm. 

"He ain't got it, Brad!" exclaimed the shorter of the pair, as thoughdisappointed over something. 

"Hey, what'd you do with it, son?" demanded the taller traveler, lookingfuriously at Ted, though pretending to speak gently. 

"With what, boss? I ain't got nothin' that belongs to you, sure I ain't!"whimpered the boy; and Paul came near to chuckling at the way Ted put onthe agony. 

"We lost a leather bag out of the car. I saw it after we turned into thishere twisting side road just back a piece. We've looked over every footbetween here and the mill pond, and ain't seen it. I'm going to ask youagain, son, what did you do with it?"

The man did not threaten, as yet, but there was something deep down inhis voice that seemed to tell of all sorts of terrible things that mighthappen to the boy unless he came to time, and confessed. 

But at any rate Ted was game. His covetous nature had been aroused bysomething he had glimpsed inside of that same bag; and he did not mean togive it up unless pushed to the last resort. 

"Ain't seen no bag, mister, 'deed an' I ain't, " he whimpered; "I got alantern here, an' I was ahuntin' a little boy that was lost from home. Lots of other fellers in the woods adoin' that same. But my light giveout. Then I struck this here road. I'm clean tired out, mister, and I'dlike to get a ride home, if so be you're goin' my way. A bag, mister?Sure I ain't knowin' nawthin' about no bag. Cross my heart if I do. Gimmea ride to Stanhope, mister, please!"

CHAPTER XXVIII

FORCED TO TELL

The two men looked at each other. 

Apparently they hardly knew whether to believe Ted or not. Paul saw themput their heads close together, as though exchanging confidences. Thenthe tall fellow once more whirled on Ted, who had been standing on oneleg, with a most forlorn look upon his face. 

"We both think that you lie, son, " said the man who was minus one of hisoptics, as he thrust his face close down to that of Ted, as though hewould look straight into his heart; but this was something that no oneelse had ever succeeded in doing, and the attempt did not prove verysuccessful. 

"Tell him who we are, Brad, " growled the shorter of the twain, who lookedangry enough to devour the unfortunate Ted. 

So the one called Brad took something out of his coat pocket that madea peculiar jingling noise, and held it up before the boy. 

"D'ye see them, son? We call 'em bracelets, and they're meant to go onthe wrists of criminals. D'ye understand now? We're officers of the law, and we've just made a grand haul. But some of the evidence has slippedaway from us. It's in that same bag you picked up on this here road. Now, don't you dare deny it again, or we'll take you into town with thesepretty toys clasped on your wrists. I'm going to give you another chanceto tell us, son. Where did you put that bag?"

Ted winced and whined. He showed all the signs of injured innocence. Surely he must have made up his mind quickly that the contents of thebag were well worth taking all sorts of chances for. 

"Ain't seen no bag. Sure I'd be on'y too glad to tell you, mister, if Ihad. All I wants to do is to go home. I'm tired, an' nigh sick with allthis huntin' for that kid, " he whimpered. 

The man suddenly pounced on him, and despite Ted's struggles andentreaties, he seemed to succeed in accomplishing his purpose. At anyrate the concealed scouts heard a snap; and when Ted reeled back he washolding his two hands close together in a suspicious way, and staring atsomething that seemed to be in the nature of a connecting link. 

"Now you are in for it, " said the tall man, shaking his headthreateningly as he stood over the prisoner; "we'll have to take you totown, and put you in the lockup as an accessory after the fact. D'ye hearthat, you young fool? And all because you refuse to help honest officersof the law in their legitimate business. Why, you may get ten years athard labor, yes, twenty. Better tell all you know, and perhaps we'll letyou off. "

"You can do anything you like to me, mister, but I ain't agoin' to saywhat I don't know. Ain't seen any bag of no kind. Cross my heart if Ihave. I'm willin' to help you hunt for it, even if I am dog tired. Don'tyou believe me, mister? Sure, I wouldn't lie to you. What would I bewantin' with a bag; we got plenty at my house. Ted Slavin's my name, andI live in Stanhope. Gimme a ride, mister, if you're goin' that way, won'tyou?"

Again the two men talked together, while Ted watched them out of thecorner of his eye. He might even have tried to run but the fact thathis hands were fastened together with that steel chain prevented sucha thing. 

Once more they turned upon him, and the tall man pointing down, thundered:

"You've been kneeling in the dirt!"

Ted glanced down at his trousers involuntarily; but even then he was nottaken off his guard. 

"I fell ever so many times after my lantern went out. See here, mister, how I scraped the skin off my hand. That's the honest truth I'm givin'you!" he cried. 

Undoubtedly it was, but all the same the men showed no signs of yielding. 

The taller one, called Brad by his companion, deliberately detached oneof the lamps from the car. With this he bent down to examine the road. 

"He'll see the marks of the bag!" whispered Bobolink to Paul. 

"Watch him while I scurry along the road a bit, to see if he left it, "was what the man said, and then moved down toward the spot where thefive boys lay in hiding. 

When he came opposite them they hardly dared to breathe, lest his keenears catch the sound, and he pounce upon them. 

But he went past, scouring the road closely, and looking for some sign ofthe missing bag. They saw him pass on, and the light grew dim. MeanwhileTed sat down on a log, and seemed to be very dejected and forlorn. Onceor twice when the shorter man was not looking Paul saw him glance around, as though sizing up the chances for a sudden plunge into the forest. 

"He's coming again, " said Bobolink; and the brilliant glow from down theroad bore evidence of the truth of this remark which was whispered inPaul's ear. 

Brad walked hastily back, and soon rejoined his companion, with whom hetalked earnestly for a minute. 

"Get up!" he said, turning to Ted, and giving the boy a kick that madehim climb to his feet hurriedly, groaning with pain. 

"Bring him along into the woods, Wash!" the tall man continued, turningaside. 

"Oh! what are you goin' to do?" cried Ted, in real or pretended terror, as he caught hold of the man's coat, and sought to hold him back. 

"You'll find out right soon, son. Before we're done with you perhapsyou'll wish you'd told us about that ere bag us the beginning. We're justgoing to make it warm for a feller of your size. This night air has madeyou too cold to speak up; but we'll fix all that, I reckon; we know howto do it, don't we, Wash?"

"Do we? Well, I should smile we did. But they's no need of our goin' far, old man. This here is a right smart tree, and looks like it might answer. 'Sides, they seems to be lots o' loose wood lyin' 'bout this part!"

Paul felt a chill pass over him. Could it be possible these rascals meantto torture Ted until he told; or were they just trying to frighten him?If it came to the worst they just could not stand by and see such a thingdone. 

Ted, of course, was considerably worked up when he heard what the shorterfellow said. It was so very plain he could not mistake the meaning. 

"Say, mister, you wouldn't go to hurt a poor feller what never done youno harm, now, would you? Wish I on'y knowed where I could find a bag; I'dget it for you like hot cakes. Please don't smoke me. I ain't a ham, mister, an' I never done you any harm. Let me go, won't you? I'll nevercome up here again, sure I won't. And I'll promise to bring you all thebags in our house, mister. "

Paying no attention to his pleadings and his groanings the men stood Tedup against a tree. Then the rope brought from the car was wrapped aroundboth boy and tree several times. 

"Get busy, Wash, and scrape up all the dead leaves you can find. Thenbegin and pile up some brush and stuff. Oh! yes, it's a cold night, butwe ain't agoin' to let a poor critter what's lost his way, suffer. Hereyou, stop that snifflin'. Time enough to beller after it begins to hurt. "

He struck Ted again in the face, making his nose bleed. Paul had creptout from the brush and commenced to approach the spot. He knew that theother four scouts were probably close on his heels. 

Every boy's heart beat like a trip hammer with excitement. They bit theirlower lips to keep from shouting out loud, such was the strain upon them. But not one had the least thought of turning back. With such a leader, how could they?

The shorter ruffian was scratching right merrily among the dead leaves, making all the noise he could, so as to impress the prisoner with a senseof his perilous condition. While he worked he kept talking, half tohimself, and no doubt uttering all sorts of terrible threats calculatedfurther to alarm the boy. 

"We forgot one thing, Wash, " said the other man, suddenly. 

"What was that?" asked the one on his knees. 

"To search the varmint. I might as well do it right now, while you go ongetting his jacket warmer ready. "

At first Ted tried to make all the resistance possible; but this onlybrought quick punishment in the shape of ugly blows and threats. So Tedhad to stand and allow the other to have his way. 

A minute later the man uttered a loud cry. 

"Look here, Wash, what did I say?"

He was holding something up. Seen in the light from the lamp belongingto the red car it looked very much like a fat wad of greenbacks, tiedtogether with a cord. 

Wash sprang up, and bent over to examine the object in the light. Then helaughed harshly. 

"It's the boodle, all right, Brad. He found the bag, sure as thunder! Andnow he's _got_ to tell, or it's all up with him!"

Both men turned furiously on the bound boy. Ted had held out against allodds up to this critical point; but of course he must admit himselfbeaten, now that they had found the evidence in his pocket. 

Nearer crept Paul, with his chums tagging close at his heels. And nobodythought to look beyond the line of brilliant light cast by the lamp whichrested on the ground at the foot of the tree. Fortunately its powerfulrays were directed away from the quarter occupied by the creeping BoyScouts. 

"Now, I reckon you're agoin' to tell all you know about that ere bag, son?" said Brad, in a terrible voice. 

"I guess I'll have to, mister. I was just holdin' out to see if so be youwas what you says. Now I know you be, and I'm ready to tell the hullthing if you'll only let me go free. I don't want to be smoked, just yetanyway, " Ted whined. 

"You did find the bag, then?" demanded the other. 

"Yep, that's what I did. "

"And took this wad of dough out of it?" pursued the other, savagely. 

"It looked too nice to throw away, so I cabbaged it, mister. Wisht Ihadn't now. "

"What became of the bag after you took this out--go on, now, and tell, or--"

"Oh! I throwed that away, mister, right over here in the woods somewhere. If you look around you'll find her close by. Please let me go when youdig her out!" said Ted, really alarmed now for his safety. 

CHAPTER XXIX

THE CAPTURE

Paul knew where that bag was. 

By the strangest chance in the world he was kneeling alongside it justthen. In creeping forward so as to draw closer to the scene of action, and avoid the rays of light cast by the car lamp, he had happened to puthis hand on some object that felt soft to the touch; and he guessed whatit must be. 

What if the tall man came straight toward that spot, looking for themissing object? Dared they rise up and defy these two scoundrels? If someone cast Ted loose would he join forces with them, and make common causeagainst the ruffians?

Judging from what he knew about the fellow, from past experiences, Paulthought no dependence could be placed on Ted. As likely as not if hishands were free, he would seize the very first chance to snatch up thebag and scamper off, leaving the others to bear the brunt of the men'sanger. 

But perhaps they would not have to face the tall chap just yet. He seemedready to start into the bushes across the way first, taking the lamp withhim. 

"Keep on piling up the trash, Wash. Get him surrounded good and plenty. For if we don't run across that bag mighty soon we're bound to make itwarm for this Smart Aleck. But don't put a match to the heap till I getback. I wanter see the fun, you understand. "

"Oh! mister, it's just like I was tellin' you. I stood in the road andguv the bag a throw when I see your light over the top of the hill. Shejest _must_ be close around here somewhere, " Ted wailed. 

"If Brad finds her, all well an' good; but if he don't--well, you'll havea sweet time soon, that's all, " growled the shorter man, still on hisknees, and engaged in scraping more leaves together. 

"If you on'y would let me, I'd stand on the road jest where I was whenI throwed the old bag. Then you could figger where she landed. Let meloose, won't you, mister? I told you the truth this time; and you're sureto find that bag. They'll be wonderin' what's become of me at home, surethey will. I got a mother, and she thinks a heap of me, she does. Youwouldn't break her heart, mister, by smokin' a poor boy?"

"Aw! dry up! you fooled us once, but you can't do it no more. It's thebag, or your hide gets a singein', my fine feller. That'll do for you, now. "

The man had a temper as short as his stature; and Ted dared not stir himup any further. So he hung there alongside the tree, watching the glowof the lamp further up the road. 

And as he stood in this disconsolate position, he suddenly became awarethat something was taking place just beyond the kneeling Wash. 

Perhaps, had his hands not been so snugly fastened together with thathorrid steel chain, Ted might have tried to rub his eyes, under theimpression that they were deceiving him; for he saw a face in the dimlight, a face that looked wonderfully like that of Paul Morrison. 

Some foolish boys would have been so thrilled by the prospect of reliefthat they must have called out, and thus betrayed the creeping rescuers. Ted chanced to be built on different lines. He stared and blinked, butgave utterance to no sound. 

He saw other moving figures close on the heels of the leader. Then heunderstood that Paul was not alone, but some of his Red Fox patrol mustbe in attendance. 

Closer still crept the newcomers. If Ted's heart ever warmed toward aliving being it surely ought just then; when these lads, whom he waswont to regard as his bitter rivals, and enemies in everything at school, took such chances simply because they could not see a Stanhope boy introuble. 

Wash kept muttering to himself as he worked. The rustle of the leaves, and the crackling of the brush as he dragged it forward, kept him fromhearing such sounds as might have been made by the tenderfeet scouts, whohad not yet learned just how to do these things as might an Indian or anexperienced woodsman. 

Paul was on his knees now, and still rising, with Jack a close second. 

They were not three feet behind the man who labored. A single plungeforward must send them full upon his back. 

Some thought of his companion possibly crossed the mind of Wash justthen; for he suddenly turned his head. 

Of course he could not help but see what was behind him. 

"Now!" whooped Bobolink and William in a breath. 

There was a simultaneous movement on the part of the five lads. Wash, taken by surprise, could not get up on his feet. He had his hands full ofbrush at the moment, and this also handicapped him about making anyeffective use of the weapons Nature gave him. 

He had just time to shout the name of his companion when the avalanchestruck him, and he was bowled over as neatly as ever a football tacklegot his man. 

Paul knew that they could easily manage this one fellow. The troublewas Wash did not happen to be alone. When the tall ruffian came dashingquickly to the spot there was no telling what he might not do. 

"Hold him down, you twins. Don't let him break loose. The rest of youfollow me!"

Even while speaking Paul scrambled to his feet. He heard the mad patterof feet as Brad came dashing toward the spot, shouting in his excitement, and doubtless believing that the prisoner had turned upon his captor. 

"Let me loose, Paul; quick, twist this rope around the tree!" shrilledTed, who saw a chance to escape the punishment that had been hoveringover his head. 

Paul caught the end of the rope. Four times did he dash around that tree, in about as many seconds; then Ted, finding his bonds loose, squirmedfree. 

But Brad was now on hand, filled with astonishment and fury. Whicheverway he turned the rays of his car lamp he seemed to discover fresh movingfigures. The woods seemed to be full of enemies. They must be hidingbehind each and every tree, ready to pounce upon him. 

Already he could see that his partner was writhing on the ground, helddown by an unknown number of strangers. In his eyes it might be theseadvancing figures each and every one must be a deputy sheriff, eager tohave a hand in his arrest. So terror makes cowards of the best of men;and Brad turned to flee. 

"Surrender!" shouted a voice behind him. 

It was Paul calling out, but just then the alarmed culprit could not tellthe voice of a boy from that of a hyena. Some one had called upon him tosurrender, and the dread word conjured up all sorts of terribleconditions. 

Into the darkness of the woods he would have plunged, regardless of theshock that must follow a collision with an unseen tree. But he did notgo far. A figure arose straight in his path, and opened a pair of arms, into the embrace of which the fleeing rascal ran. 

Before the lamp fell to the ground and went out Paul had one glimpse ofa face. 

"It's Mr. Pender, fellows! Brad's nabbed!" he could not help shouting. 

Jack, realizing the need of more light, instantly flew over to where thecar was standing, and detached the second lamp. With this he hastenedback. Wash was still struggling; but the two boys had him on his face, where his superior strength was of little avail; and were sitting on himto keep him quiet. 

When they rushed over to where Mr. Pender had been seen struggling withthe taller of the ruffians, they found that he had subdued Brad; for theother was glaring down at a pair of steel bracelets which outshone thosehe had so pleasantly snapped on the wrists of poor Ted. 

There was no more fight in him. 

When the other man had been treated to a similar present, they wereallowed to sit upon the ground and exchange words of doleful regret, while Mr. Pender went the rounds, and gravely shook hands with each oneof the Boy Scouts. 

"You've done me a good turn, boys, a mighty good turn. I was just on myway to the mill pond to arrest these chaps when I saw a light ahead, andcreeping up, witnessed this interesting sight. When I've found that bagnow, I imagine I'll have the case against these two worthies clean cut, "he said. 

Upon which Paul quietly stepped over into the bushes and fished out thearticle in question, which he delivered to the officer. 

From Brad's pocket was taken the wad of bills which Ted had thought topurloin from the bag before he threw it and the rest of its contentsaway. 

"This is counterfeit money, boys, made from the plates in the bag. Theywere taking these things to Solus, who had written them that he hadsecured a nice quiet retreat where they might work undisturbed. So yousee, my boy, " said Mr. Pender to Ted, "if you had made way with thisit must have gotten you into a peck of trouble from the start. You'relucky to get out of it as easy as you do. "

Ted was looking anything but cheerful. 

"Oh! I knowed it was bad money all the while, sir, but I wanted to takeit to the chief of police in town. I ain't ever goin' to run up againstPaul Morrison and his crowd no more, after this white way they treatedme. Not much. I'm goin' to turn over a new leaf after this. But please, mister, get that key from him, and take these things off. Makes me squirmto just feel 'em. But, mister, I'm glad I didn't have to smoke, afterall, " and that seemed to be the burden of Ted's thanksgiving. 

As to his ever turning over that promised new leaf, well, Paul believedthey were more apt to find potatoes growing on apple trees than thatsuch a wonder should come about. 

"But I'm not satisfied yet, boys, " said the Government agent; "there's athird one to get; Solus Smithers, who is known to me by another name. Now, I wonder if I could leave these two prisoners in charge of severalof you, while the rest went with me in the car? I'll make use of therope, so they just can't possibly get away. "

It was presently decided that William, Wallace and Bobolink should stay, also Ted if he cared to remain. Paul and Jack would accompany Mr. Pender, so as to render any assistance needed. They could also bring back littleWillie Boggs, should he be found under the roof of the old farmhouse bythe mill pond. 

"The worst of it is I don't know how to handle a machine, " remarked thegentleman, after they had stepped out on to the road. 

"Both of us do, sir, " remarked Paul; "so if you will jump aboard we'llsoon be off. "

"Well, I'd just like to learn if there is anything you Boy Scouts don'tknow how to handle?" observed the pleased agent, as he saw the two lampsput back in position, though only one was allowed to remain lighted. 

It took them but a short time to draw close to the farmhouse by the pond. 

Mr. Pender jumped out and advanced through the darkness toward the door. Just as he reached it the boys, looking, saw it open. Then the voice ofSol Smithers came plainly to them. 

"Wall, did yuh run acrost the bag, Brad? I guessed 'twas on'y layin' downthe road a piece. But what yuh mean apushin' in on me thetaways?"

"You're my prisoner, Silas Westover. Don't try to run, or it will be theworse for you. I have plenty of help and your place is surrounded. Washand Brad are already in irons. Hold up your hands!" came in the sternvoice of Mr. Pender. 

Of course the man who had called himself Solus Smithers did not offer anyresistance, and he was quickly made a prisoner. When he found later thatone man, assisted by a parcel of Boy Scouts, had captured three desperatecharacters, he was about as mad as a hornet; but it was too late thento remedy matters. 

Paul and Jack immediately started a search for the missing Willie Boggs. The youngster was discovered fast asleep on a cot, just as the man whohad found him in the woods had lain him down. 

And when Mr. Pender saw this he nodded his head, and declared thatbecause Solus had shown that he possessed a tender heart, for all hisassumed fierceness, he would make it as easy for him when the case totrial, as he could. 

After Mr. Pender had searched the place, and accumulated what evidencehe needed, all of them got into the car, Willie still sound asleep. Thenthey started over the road for Stanhope. 

The town was reached at just one o'clock. At police headquarters Mr. Pender delivered his three prisoners for safe keeping. After that Paulagain took the red car out to bring in the remainder of the patrol, forthey were miles away from home. 

CHAPTER XXX

FOUND OUT AT LAST

"Why, hello! Paul! I didn't hear you ring. Did you fly in through thewindow?"

Jack sprang up from the easy chair he had been occupying in the libraryof his own home, when his chum suddenly appeared before him. 

It was about ten o'clock on the morning following the hunt for the lostboy; and the remarkable occurrences that had accompanied it up in thewoods above Stanhope. 

"Oh! you know I told you I might slip in by the back door this time; andthat is just what I did, " replied Paul, speaking in an unusually guardedtone. 

"That's a fact!" exclaimed Jack, beginning to show signs of excitement;"and I remember that at the same time you promised--"

"I'd try my best to solve the puzzle about those disappearing old coins, and tell you to-day, " said his chum, breaking in. "Well, perhaps I may, though my most promising clue has turned out a bit of a fizzle. "

"But you have another up your sleeve, you said?" continued Jack, eagerly. 

"Yes, I believe I have, " Paul admitted. "Some time later, when we getthis queer affair off our hands, I want to talk with you about a lot ofthings connected with this scout movement. I got some good ideas from abunch of papers left at our house for me. Guess who remembered us insuch a bully way?"

"Give it up. I might mention every gentleman in town, and then some, "laughed Jack; "for they're all watching what we're doing, with interest. But go on and tell me who it was, Paul. "

"Mr. Peleg Growdy, " came the surprising answer. 

"Well, you don't say?" exclaimed his chum, delight showing in his voice;"so the old man has really seen a great light, has he? I guess he'staking more interest in our troop than anybody else in town. That night'swork was the best thing that ever happened for the boys of Stanhope, aswell as for Peleg. I take off my cap to him after this, Paul. "

"But wait; that isn't all. You know that Si Growdy is a nephew of his?Well, he's without a home no longer. Peleg sent for him, and they had along talk. Si told me this morning that he's really been adopted by hisuncle, and is going to make his home with him. What d'ye think of that, Jack?"

"Just immense, that's what, " declared his companion, slapping a hand onPaul's shoulder; "I'm glad we went there and cleaned up the old man'sdooryard. Some of the boys thought it silly at the time; but theyunderstand things better now. He was just needing something like that totouch his heart. Up to then he thought all boys were pests. We opened hiseyes some, eh?"

"That's right, we did. But about those coins!" said Paul, smiling oncemore. 

"Yes, first tell me who it was you suspected that has turned outinnocent?" asked his chum. 

"There he lies yonder, sleeping, with one eye open and watching us!"remarked Paul, pointing across the room. 

"What! Carlo! You actually suspected him of taking my coins? Why, Paul, whatever put that notion into your head?" demanded Jack, in sheerastonishment. 

"Well, " returned Paul; "perhaps it was silly, but then you've taught himto fetch a basket from the baker's, and do lots of stunts. I didn't knowbut what the sly old chap might be helping himself to your coins, andpalming them off on the butcher for a supply of bones. "

"That would have been the limit!" gasped his friend. "But you found outthat he was innocent, did you?"

"I finally went in and talked with Mr. Griggs; but he said Carlo justcame in once in a while, looking so pitifully at him, that he didn't havethe heart to refuse a bone. So none of your lost coins have gone into histill, Jack. "

"Oh! that would have been the queerest thing ever, had he done it. Butnow about the other clue you have--tell me about it, Paul, " continuedthe anxious one. Paul had seated himself where he could keep an eye downthe street in front of the house. And while his chum was talking he hadsmiled as if he might have discovered something out there that pleasedhim very much. 

"Come right up to your den with me, Jack, and leave Carlo shut in here, "he said, rising; "and when we get upstairs open the window to air theroom. Then I shall ask you to let me hide there behind something, whileyou go downstairs, pass out, and along the street in plain view. "

"Say, that's a mighty queer thing to do, " ventured the other. 

"It's all a part of my plan. You must leave the door of the den open too. And Jack, after you get around the corner I want you to sneak back to therear of the house, and come up again, crawling into the den here, ifeverything is quiet. "

"Oh! all right, if you say so, Paul, " Jack observed; "but you've sure gotme guessing to beat the band, right now. Here's the window open. Nowshall I get busy, and meander off?"

"Right away. Please carry it out just as I said. You ought to be backhere inside of six or seven minutes; and I guess that will be time enoughbefore the circus begins, Jack. "

So the owner of the little den at the top of the house gave his chum onelast look of bewilderment, and turning, hastened down the stairs. 

Paul, with a glance around, chose a certain corner for his hiding-place. Here he could see without exposing himself to view; and squatting down heprepared to await developments. 

A minute later he got up, and moved an old screen partly across thefloor, so that it hid the open door. When Jack returned, he could crawlalongside the hiding boy without showing himself to any one in the room, or beyond the window. 

Hardly had five minutes crept by when Paul heard a slight sound. It camefrom the stairs, and he smiled, knowing that his chum had lost no time incarrying out his part of the plot. 

So Jack came sliding in, and was soon nestling down at Paul's side, brimming over with curiosity, yet deterred from asking questions by thefact that Paul had put up a warning finger. 

Several more minutes passed by, when Jack was thrilled to see somethingmoving in the direction of the partly open window. It seemed to be along cane fishing rod, that had a dark colored lump at the end of it. 

The rod continued to advance slowly into the den. It was, of course, inthe hands of some one perched in the window of the attic belonging to theempty house so close by; and Jack could easily guess now who that personmust be. 

Scissors Dempsey, once his friend, but latterly a crony of Ted Slavin!

Now the end of the rod seemed to hover above the little box containingall that were left of Jack's old coins. And even as he and Paul lookedthey saw it descend until the light box was tilted partly over, when thepoint of the long rod was pushed into it vigorously. Jack was remindedsomewhat of a human hand groping about. And then, as the fishing pole wasrapidly withdrawn, he saw one of his few remaining old coins sticking tothe black lump at its terminus!

The game was now clear. Scissors, inspired by a love of fun, or a desireto mystify Jack, perhaps make him suspect that one of his chums wastaking the coins, had come every day into this empty house belonging tohis father. Whenever he found the window in Jack's den open he amusedhimself with this strange fishing. 

Paul beckoned to his chum, and then silently crept out of the den, whichhe was easily enabled to do, thanks to the screen he had placed to coverthe open door. 

Once down on the next landing Jack clutched his sleeve. 

"Well, would you dream of such a thing as that?" exclaimed the latter, nearly ready to explode with laughter, yet feeling a bit angry at thesame time. "What under the sun d'ye suppose he's doing such a stunt for, Paul?"

"We'd better put it up to Scissors, " replied the other, quickly. 

"Then you suggest waiting for him as he comes out, and telling him weknow all about his fishing for my coins?" asked Jack. 

"Come along. He might be satisfied with just one to-day. You see it'sgetting harder, with so few left in the box, " and Paul led the waydownstairs again. 

"But what's he got on the end of that pole?" demanded his chum. 

"I think it must be a lump of rather soft tar, or pitch, " came Paul'sanswer, readily enough. "I found a little on one of the coins left thelast time we examined them; and you said that the fourth stuck to theside of the box. Yes, that's what it is. Now, let's wait over by thefront door, for that's the way he goes in. "

Five minutes later the front door of the empty house opened, and a tallboy, with spindly legs, came slily out. He stopped to turn a key in thelock. Then, as he wheeled, it was to find himself facing two fellows whowere probably the very last boys in Stanhope he expected to see. 

"Just in time to explain how you came to think of that clever littlefishing dodge of yours, Scissors, " remarked Paul; "and to give back allthose old coins you've been raking in so smartly. Thought it lots of fun, didn't you? And meant to twist my chum up so he'd think one of his owncrowd had been taking them?"

"Yes, " Jack said, in turn, looking as angry as he could; "and if youdon't turn every blessed copper piece over to me right away, there'sgoing to be trouble at your house, understand that, Scissors?"

The guilty one turned red in the face. Then he laughed as though hewanted to consider it a joke. 

"Oh! come off!" he exclaimed, with a gesture of disgust; "can't you takea little fun, Jack? Of course I meant to give 'em all back again, afterI'd had my sport out of the game, and got the last coin. They're upstairshere, right now. Come along in, and I'll show you. The slick trick isgone up in smoke now, anyway; since you got on to my curves. But Iwouldn't make such a big fuss over nothing. "

"It wasn't the coins, because they don't count for much; but just thinkhow I felt at even suspecting that some fellow who was my friend had beentaking them, " said Jack, as he and Paul followed Scissors into the emptyhouse. 

And from the sneer on the other's face as he looked back, Paul wasinclined to believe that this was just what he had been doing the thingfor. He disliked Jack as much now as he had once cared for him; and wouldprobably enjoy nothing better than to see him turn on some friend, perhaps even his best chum. 

The coins were found, as he had said, in a marble-bag in the attic. WhileJack was counting them, Paul knelt at the window, and experimented withthe long fishing rod he found on the floor. He discovered that he couldmanage to tilt the little box on the table quite easily, though it neededsome labor before he brought one of the coins across the open space, glued to the pitch at the point of the rod. 

"All there, ain't they?" demanded Scissors. 

"Yes, " replied Jack; "though so sticky I'll have to wash them insomething like benzine. Perhaps you did do it for a lark, Scissors; butI'll make sure that a screen is in that window whenever it's open afterthis. "

"Huh! I guess the feller that invented this racket could get up somethin'just as good if he wanted, " and that was all Scissors ever said aboutit to the boy he had wronged. 

Jack, having recovered his property, did not care to do anything furtherabout the robbery. Later on Scissors himself told his cronies, thinkingit to his credit; and they more than a few times tried to joke Jack abouthis disappearing coins. But he took it all in good humor, and after awhile the thing was apparently forgotten, because the boys of Stanhopehad many other things of importance to engage their undivided attention. 

CHAPTER XXXI

WELL DONE STANHOPE TROOP!--CONCLUSION

Days and weeks passed. 

In season and out, the boys of industrious Stanhope Troop worked. Neverhad the good people known such a wave of enthusiasm to sweep over thetown on the Bushkill. It seemed as catching as the measles, this spiritof energy, and a desire to do things worth while, which had takenpossession of most of the boys. 

Parents got together, and conferring, admitted that this new fad was byall odds the best thing that had ever happened. They determined toencourage it to the limit. Even those who were doubtful at the start, found themselves obliged to admit that never before had Stanhopepresented such a clean appearance; and not within the recollectionof the oldest inhabitant had boys been so obliging. 

After the Stanhope Troop had been fully received into the Nationalorganization an efficient scout master was finally secured in the personof a young man by the name of Alec Gordon. He had lately come fromvisiting across the water, where he had enjoyed the personal acquaintanceof several leading lights in the scout movement in England. Besides that, he was naturally fond of the woods, and best of all, filled with a deeplove for the boy of to-day. 

Under his guidance the troop prospered, and made rapid progress along thelines started by Paul. The only trouble about the whole matter was thatMr. Gordon, being a traveling man, was liable to be called away just whenhis presence might be most needed. 

Several times this had occurred, and feeling the need of leaving a deputyto fill his place, he put it up to the boys themselves. Of course therehad not been a dissenting vote; and Paul was elected to play the part ofguide, should an emergency arise; and in this way he became assistantscout master of the troop. 

They need have no fear concerning his ability to fill the rôle. Hehad proven equal to the task before now; and there were not a few, particularly among those acknowledging the magical Red Fox as theirtotem, who secretly cherished a belief that Paul knew more about thesecrets of Nature than any _two_ mature scout masters. 

Every chance that offered the scouts were abroad, as busy as bees in thehoney season; only instead of laying up sweets these energetic chapssought new information. They followed the trails of fox, 'coon andrabbit; they watched the habits of the noisy crows holding a caucus inthe woods; they kept company with the red squirrel and the frolicsomechipmunk as they stored away the chestnuts and juicy hickories for theirwinter's supply of food. 

And on every occasion they labored to make themselves perfect in thosebranches of wood lore, and the knowledge of useful things, which theyexpected would play a prominent part in the approaching competition. 

Just as Paul and Wallace had predicted, it was found that nearly everyfellow had a love for Nature and her wonderful secrets somewhere in hissystem; even though with a few this breath had to be fanned vigorously inorder to keep it alive. 

Of course they were annoyed again and again by Ted Slavin and his enviousfollowers; for the bully of the town had drifted back to his old ways, asmight have been expected. 

When peaceful tactics failed to stop these malicious tricks, the scoutmaster personally appealed to the authorities, and a warning was issuedthat, for a time at least, dismayed the disturbers of the meetings. Butwhen they could do so in secret, they never lost an opportunity to playsome sly trick. 

Another thing that had been anticipated came to pass. This was the utterfailure of Ward's cronies to maintain any interest in the duties ofscouts. Those twelve cardinal virtues that must at all times be held upbefore the fellow who expects to become and remain a Boy Scout in goodstanding, failed to appeal to these rough and ready chaps. It wouldindeed require a revolution in boy nature to make Ted Slavin, or hiscrony, Scissors, trustworthy, loyal, helpful to others, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient to his superior officers, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent!

Just a few days before Thanksgiving the scout master came to Paul withthe distressing news that he had received an imperative summons from hisfirm to go out on the road; so that it would debar him from being presentwhen the long-looked-for-competition took place. 

"But, " said Mr. Gordon, as he shook Paul by the hand earnestly; "I firmlybelieve that you will be able to fill my place so well that my absencewill not make the slightest difference, " and Paul, of course, simply saidhe would do his best. 

The fellows of Stanhope Troop knew full well what that "best" meant. 

But as the boys of Manchester Troop and that of Aldine as well, learnedthrough some of their energetic scouts, what a strong bid these patrolsof the Fox were going to make, in the hope of winning that covetedbanner, they seemed to be stirred to make new endeavors. 

Paul managed to keep advised of pretty much all that was going on; sincethis was a part of a scout's duty; though no mean advantage was evertaken of the rival camps--he would not stand for that. In a quiet way hehad learned how their meetings became more frequent, and the desire toexcel, that had threatened to dwindle away for lack of rivalry, grew morekeen. 

Paul was glad of it. Competition is the life of trade; but it alsoencourages boys to do their level best. There would be a brave fight forthat banner; and no walk-over. The troop that won it might well be proudof the honor. And Paul was still full of faith. He watched his scouts gothrough their various interesting stunts with a growing conviction thatthey must stand at the head when the day came for the meeting, and thereport of the committee appointed to make the test was declared. 

He knew that fortune had been very kind in allowing himself and Jack tomake a heavy score in favor of Stanhope Troop. The stopping of therunaway horse, and the saving of the baby at the fire would bring themmany points. Then there was the wonderful letter from Washington, onofficial paper too, in which Mr. Jared Pender told the story of how muchhe had been helped by the Red Fox patrol in his task of capturing thosedesperate rascals who were flooding the whole country with their bogusmoney. 

But Paul was determined that, aside from the help afforded by theseglorious deeds, the boys of Stanhope should excel all others in theirknowledge of woodcraft, and the valuable things every boy with red bloodin his veins should possess. 

So they kept up the good work after the scout master had left them. 

Long since had Bobolink received his bugle, and William his drum. Bothproved very able in managing these musical instruments, and the shrillnotes of the one, and the roll of the other, had become very familiar andacceptable sounds in Stanhope these fall days, when the first snow madeits appearance. 

Already had they planned a great camp for the next summer, and there wastalk of a grand hike into the almost unknown, to them, country far to thenorth. What strange adventures were destined to befall them during thiseventful outing, together with the fun that William and Bobolink affordedthe troop, will be recounted in the next volume, to be called: "TheBanner Boy Scouts on a Tour; or, The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain. "

Even at school the teachers noticed that things seemed to move along muchmore smoothly than ever before. Some of them were inclined to suspectthat a miracle had been wrought in boy nature; until it was shown thatthere were still quite a number of transgressors, and that not one of thebad ones belonged to the scouts. That opened their eyes, and after suchevidence they were one and all heartily in favor of the organization thatkept lads interested, taught them every noble duty that would make thembetter men later on, caused them to be manly, heroic, self-confident intime of sudden peril, and able to stand up for their rights. 

Thanksgiving came at last. 

The entire county showed a keen interest in the rivalry of the threetroops for leadership. Each had its sturdy backers, who believed theirhome company to be the best; and hence when the choice of situation fellto Manchester, it looked as though nearly the entire population ofStanhope and Aldine had also gathered to cheer their favorites on. 

The competition was keenly contested. A dozen different events had beenscheduled some time back by the committee, as the more important elementsthat would enter into the struggle; and the scout master of each patrolhad been notified, so that he might select those most competent tosucceed. 

Scout master Gordon, and later on his deputy, Paul, had been working withthose who excelled in these various lines. Nothing was left undone tomake them proficient in their work. When the critical time came, andbefore the eyes of thousands they lined up before the committee to takethe test, Paul believed that success was sure to come. 

Football was in the air for the afternoon; but that morning every schoolflag fluttered in that densely packed field where the arena was laid. Scores upon scores of pretty girls clapped their hands, and sangpatriotic songs that had reference to their particular town, whenevera Stanhope, a Manchester or an Aldine competitor started to prove hissuperior knowledge of the arts of woodcraft. 

Wallace Carberry brought the first honors to the Red Fox patrol. He hadhis quart of water boiling a full minute before either of his rivals;and retired amid thunderous applause. Wallace would show up in severalother events, for he was the mainstay of Paul's contesting delegation. 

Then came other interesting object lessons. Many present failed tounderstand altogether what they signified; but they were patriotic, andready to cheer the victor to the echo. 

On account of the lateness of the season several events that might havetaken place at another time were debarred, such as swimming, fishing, andsports peculiar to the good old summer time. 

Nevertheless, there were plenty of others equally as interesting. Threeboys entered as contestants in the rapid photography class. They took asnap shot at a given word, darted into separate prepared dark rooms, developed their plates, dried the same, each after his own fashion, andpresented a completed picture before the other competitions were done. 

Meanwhile three others showed just how a scout should learn to follow adifficult trail, where all manner of obstacles stood in the way. Whilethe crowd could not fully understand just how this was done, thecommittee seemed unanimous in awarding the victory once more to Wallace, for he had not made a single error, and he finished ahead of his rivals. 

Others were set to work tying ten difficult knots, and the fun waxed fastand furious as they worked their nimble fingers, keeping an eye on eachother the while. 

In another place three tents were given to squads of boys from eachpatrol, and at the word they set to work to erect the same, dig a waterdrain in case of rain, and have everything in "apple-pie" shape. Thecommittee gave plain warning that it was not speed alone that would counthere, but the general ship-shape condition following the carrying out ofthe conditions. 

And again the boys of the Stanhope Troop came in winners by a goodmargin. 

Manchester drew a prize when the contest of landing a big fish came on. A boy played the part of the fish, and fought with all his strength andcunning to keep from being reeled in. But big Carl Evans, the Manchesterfisherman, proved to be too strong and able for those who competed, andhad his fish landed minutes ahead. 

The archers then took a turn. Here Aldine presented a clever expert, whohad made this his especial hobby for some years. He could not be headed, though the other fellows from Stanhope and Manchester really made a verycreditable showing. 

One of the most interesting exhibitions of the morning, and one thatexcited considerable cheering, was the "first aid to the injured. "

A boy was supposed to have fallen overboard into the river. In each caseseveral contestants pretended to drag him out, placing him face downward, with his arms above his head, and his face a little to one side. Then oneof the rescuers knelt astride the body, allowing his hands to press uponthe spaces between the short ribs. By pressing downward the air wasforced from the other's lungs, to creep in again when this was relaxed;and in this fashion an artificial respiration was induced that shouldgrow stronger as minutes passed. 

Of course, as no boy was so accommodating as to fall into the cold watersof the Bushkill for the occasion, the contestants finished at the sametime. The committee, after mature consultation, awarded the victory tothe team accomplishing their work in the most business-like fashion. Aldine was so fortunate as to receive the award, and her people shoutedthemselves hoarse. 

In athletics the three competing troops proved very nearly even; andbrought out rounds of cheers as they followed one another in carryingout the several events scheduled. 

Possibly when William proved his great superiority as a camp cook, bymaking the batter, and cooking a luscious flap-jack long before any otherfellow could accomplish the feat, his victory was the most popular one ofthe day. Fully five score of fellows made motions to prove they werestarved, and that a bite from the airy pancake would possibly serve asa life saver. But after the committee had tested it, William calmlydevoured the balance, to the tune of mingled groans and cheers. 

Last of all came the wig-wagging contest, when boys sent and receivedmessages fashioned by the committee, the nature of which was unknown atthe other end. In this Stanhope again made a record that put her boys inthe van, for Paul had secured and studied the army manual on using thesignal flags, and to good advantage. 

After the twelfth and last event had been completed, the committee wentinto session, examined the papers they already held, and finallyannounced that Stanhope had carried off the prize with six clean events, the others being equally divided between the two clever troops from theother towns. 

It was undoubtedly a popular victory, judging from the record-breakingvolume of noise that greeted the announcement. What else the chairmanwould have said, with regard to the great good the establishment of thesepatrols had brought to the county, was drowned in the wild clamor. 

Paul, acting for the absent scout master, accepted the beautiful bannerpresented by the good old Quaker who loved peace above all things. He wasimmediately swept off his feet, and carried in triumph around the field, waving the emblem that would from that hour stamp the Stanhope Troop asthe Banner Boy Scouts of the county. 

Little Paul cared that some frowned, or that Ward Kenwood sneered as theprocession marched past. Close by he could see the happy face of Arline, together with those of his parents; and it satisfied him to know thatthrough his unflagging perseverance he had been able to land his scoutsin the van. 

Other trials and contests would doubtless have to be encountered; butwith that banner to encourage then the Fox patrols could meet eachemergency as it arose, and struggle on through difficulties to a glorioussuccess. 

THE END