The Boy Scouts Patrol

aking in a somewhat indolent way; then suddenly he paused to

, and as light in complexion as the other was dark. The two were standing at the top of the road that wound down the side o

ed the first speak

d his companion briskly, "always

but what I was really going to say when you in

hail of another boy who was just then seen hurrying down th

gloomy, for it had rained during the night and the storm had not yet passed, but the boys havi

ze. His hair was a glowing red and with it went a temper so quick that the nickname, Pepper, that some chum had given him, was most appropriate. It is dou

aid you'd be gone

led Randolph, "only we knew you'

," laughed the other, "you

nd; "but almost always. What was the

ng rather reluctantly, "though I did stop for a bite. But even if I

always chasing for news. He'll be coming along presently with a whole bud

taking a pamphlet from his pocket and holding it out to his

you were always hungry, but if you are only beginning I foresee a famine ahead of us. And to think of all the good food that is w

" replied Pepper. "Though I never di

d Donald, "there isn't a

what?" as

ied Donald, setting off along the road a

n in which were three boys, came quickly around a turn in the road. It bore down on them so suddenly that only by

y at what obedience, neatness and order are Scout virtues. Endurance, self-rel

ays 'that makes me the ennui.' It sounds like a bo

on, it is about hunting, scouting, camping, tracking; and Colonel

ere the day. It is getting bright in the east and it looks like a clear day, after all. And I may also take occasion to remark that I haven't had my

"That suits me down to the ground.

" exclaimed

hed Rand. "It is supposed to r

do, Rand?" questioned

ugh I should like to well enough. Thi

" demanded Peppe

them! And you a graduate of number one. Really, Pepper Blake, I don'

about it," repli

ersisted Pepper. "I

en the ages of twelve and eighteen to train them in self-reliance, manhood and good citizenship. The movement is not essentially military," went on Rand, "but the military virtues of d

, Jim Rae!" he shouted to the

eckled face and a shock of aggressive red hair, mimicking Pepper, who, when excit

ver the road," went on Pepper, "why d-don't

ing youse mamma along to take care of youse. Get up, Bil

epper held firmly to the bri

t horse!" s

p, Jim," urged one of

" warned Pepper as Jim snapped the whip cl

lourishing the lash dangerously close to Pepper's f

d Pepper, "or I'll pull you out of there so q

ridle to jump toward the wagon, whereupon Jim changed his purpose and struck the horse with the whip. With a loud "g

Jim Rae, all right!" shouted Peppe

h and Donald had taken no part in the controversy, not exactly approving of Pepper's disp