they've hurt our Nat, it's going to be a bad day for them, that's
all," blustered Red, as he pounded his club against an inoffensive
stone.

"Now, start out, fellows, and let's see who'll be the lucky one to
discover this hidden shack where these men must stay nights," Elmer
concluded.

"Say, hold on here! Is _that_ what you're looking for--a hidden shack?
Why, I can take you to one right now," called out a voice.

The speaker was Landy Smith.

CHAPTER VII.

THE AMBITION OF LANDY.

Every boy became suddenly stationary when this surprising intelligence
broke from the lips of the new member, who, like three others in the
troop, did not wear a khaki uniform.

Elmer had several times let his eye fall on the stout boy, as though
trying to guess what his manner indicated.

He had seen Landy come up last of all, panting so for breath that not
one word had he spoken while the scout master was explaining things.

Landy was not only a tenderfoot scout, but he had in a number of ways
proven his right to the title of greenhorn.

Imagine, then, the utter amazement of his comrades when he so coolly
declared that he might be able to lead them to a hidden shack.

Elmer, if surprised, did not allow this fact to interfere with his plain
duty.

"Come here, Landy," he said, and the stout new recruit hastened to do as
he was ordered.

Of course Landy would not have been human, and a boy, had he been able
to repress the grin that forced itself upon his rosy countenance.

Perhaps he remembered saying not so very long ago that the time might
come when he would be able to prove his ability to carry the name of a
scout.

Of course at the time Landy could never have even dreamed the opening
would arrive so soon. That made it all the more welcome. Perhaps now,
some of the fellows who loved to tease him, and say that he was too fat
and slow-witted to ever be a shining success in the Hickory Hill troop,
would change their tune.

Landy's hour had come. He was in the lime light, and occupied the center
of the stage.

Mindful of the respect due his superior officer, Landy saluted as he
clicked his heels together, and stood at attention before the scout
master.

"You say you can show us where there is a hidden shack or cabin, do you,
Number Eight?"

Elmer frequently addressed the boys by the number they held in their
patrol, and as Landy was the last one admitted into the Wolf Patrol he
went as Number Eight.

"Yes, s