seven following immediately
after, was more than they could stand. They cheered at the top of
their voices, and threw their hats high into the air. It was some time
before order could be restored, for all were talking at once,
notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the scoutmasters to restrain
them.

"Do you really wish to give up all claim to the prize?" the Governor
asked troop seven, as soon as he could get a hearing.

"We do," came as one from the thirty boys. "We cannot accept it."

"Is that the wish of the other troops?" the Governor asked.

The only answer was another outburst of cheering, if anything, more
vehement than before. Scarcely had they finished, when Captain Josh
strode rapidly forward, and confronted the Governor.

"We can't allow it," he shouted. "It's not right." He could say no
more, for another deafening uproar forbade further speech.

"It is no use for you to refuse, captain," the Governor told him, when
peace was once more restored. "The troops won't let you speak. Bring
your scouts up here."

For a few seconds the captain hesitated. Then he wheeled, and ordered
his troop to advance. Reaching the platform, the men there shook hands
with each one of them. No one could say a word, for again the troops
had let loose. The band struck up the air of "For They Are Jolly Good
Fellows," and soon the assembled troops were singing the words for all
they were worth.

To Rod the whole thing seemed like some wonderful dream. He could not
remember anything the Governor said after that. He only heard the
captain giving the order for them to leave the stand. When they were
dismissed, they were surrounded by such a crowd anxious to shake hands
with them that the boys, and even the captain, were more bewildered
than ever. Rod was finally rescued by Anna Royanna, who placed her arm
about his shoulder and led him away. This loving act, and the look of
pride in her eyes, spoke louder than many words. That she was pleased
was to him a greater reward than all the wild cheering of the scouts.

CHAPTER XXX

THE NIGHT RUN

It took the Hillcrest troop a long time to get settled down after the
excitement of the Review. Whenever they met at Headquarters they could
do nothing but discuss everything that had taken place. For awhile
they were greatly puzzled as to how the Lieutenant-Governor had learned
so much about them. At last it leaked out that Anna Royanna had
supplied the informa