have a strip of the finest
beach along the Atlantic Coast. It is fifteen miles long, just as firm
as concrete. The bathing here is treacherous at times, however, and
there have been several lives lost far this summer. I do not care to
have any more such accidents and I want a good crew of life savers to
help me. This crew will cover the beach on especially designed
motorcycles. I know you scouts are trained in first aid work and are
well fitted for these duties, and that is why I am eager to have your
services. Of course I want only the ten best swimmers in the troop.

It is necessary that you come to Old Harbor Beach at once, as the
International Automobile Races will be held here next week, and these
with several large conventions will bring thousands of people to Old
Harbor from now until the end of the summer. I will pay transportation
for ten scouts and will board you and pay each of you $5.00 a week. If
these terms are satisfactory, wire me at once and I will send a cheek to
cover expenses.

Very truly yours,
J. Arthur Herrick,
President,
Old Harbor Improvement Association.

"By Jiminy, what do you think of that?" exclaimed Gordon in amazement.

"Jove, I can't believe it. Seems like a--well, I think some one is making
fun of us," said Bruce. "Wait, I'll read it over again and see if I can
see a joker in it somewhere." Once more he read it aloud, while Romper
and Jiminy Gordon listened.

"Sounds mighty good on second reading," asserted Romper.

"It sure does," exclaimed Gordon enthusiastically, "and just think,
fellows, if we go we can see the Internationals. Jove, I was looking
over the entry list in the paper this morning. The best automobile
drivers in the world will be there--St. Clare, Dublan, Osterhout,
and--and--best of all, Dan Dacy, the American, who has been smashing
all of the old records. The papers say Dacy is the favorite. He's going
to make a new record in everything from five to fifteen miles and trim
the Frenchmen and the Germans an--"

"Oh, say, quit! We're not there yet. Gee, you almost make me believe
I'm really going," said Romper.

"But what's to prevent?" demanded Jiminy.

"Well--well--I don't know, unless this letter is a joke."

"We'll find out if it is or not by sending a wire immediately," said
Bruce, who had been thinking the situation over.

"Yes, but first why not get the troop together and see if we can get ten
good swimmers whose parents will let them