u want to, he doesn't care," he added, still swinging.

Mr. Robin Hood did not seem as much at ease as his young companion. He
seemed rather troubled and glanced sideways at Gilbert.

"We should worry about his name if he doesn't want to give it, hey?"
Hervey said, winking at Gilbert. "What's in a name?"

Gilbert was shrewd enough not to mention Tom but to give his visit the
dignity of highest authority.

"Well, this is a big surprise to me," he said, "and I'm mighty glad it's
this way," he added with a deep note of sincerity and relief in his
voice. "I was sent from the office to find you and give you this note. I
tracked you to the pond and I thought--golly, I'm glad it isn't so--but
I thought you went down in the quicksand. I near got into it myself."

"Me?"

"Yes, how did you----"

"Easiest thing in the world. I knew if I could get to the log--did you
see the log?"

"It isn't there now."

"I knew if I could get to that I could jump from it to the pond."

"And did you?"

"Surest thing. I kept chucking the suit-case ahead and stepping on it. I
had an old board, too. I guess they're both gone down by now."

"Yes."

"When I got to the log I was all hunk--for half a minute. 'One to get
ready,' that's what I said. Oh, boy, going down. Toys and stationery in
the basement."

Just in that moment Gilbert thought of the bird.

"Yes?" he urged, "and then?"

"One to get ready,
One to jump high,
One to light in the pond or die."

"And you did it? I heard you were reckless. Here, read the note,"
Gilbert said with unconcealed admiration. The wandering minstrel had
made another capture.

He was, however, a little sobered as he opened the envelope. He had
never been the subject of an official missive before. He had never been
honored by a courier. He had won badges and had an unique reputation for
stunts. But when the momentary sting had passed it cannot be said that
he left camp with any fond regrets. On the other hand, he bore the camp
and his scoutmaster no malice now. He who forgets orders may also forget
grievances. In Hervey's blithe nature there was no room for abiding
malice.

"What are they trying to hand me now?" he asked, reading the notice.

"I don't know anything about it," said Gilbert; "I think you have to
come back, don't you?"

"Sure, I've got the Gold Cross wished on me."

"The cross?" said Gilbert in admiring surprise. "What for?"

"Search me. They're going to test some m