and not a few among them caught the spirit of the plan.

"D'you think the Chief'll let us do it?" asked one. "You know,
we're due in camp by the first of next week."

"Oh, I think he will. You know he has already promised to give us
a course in geology this summer, and a lesson in surveying this
section. Then he's always willing to give us a chance to put what
we've learned into practical use."

"We'll ask him when he gets here at two o'clock."

So the matter remained open; and Blake and Cooper, who had stopped
playing, resumed their interrupted game. The others watched them,
forgetting more serious affairs.---All but Tom, who felt restive
and impatient to enlist the services of the constable, and to
carry out his other idea. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it
was after half-past one. In about half an hour the train would
arrive, bringing the Chief and perhaps a few more scouts. He
decided to stroll over to the station and meet them and submit
his plan for Denmead's approval.

With Tom Sherwood to think was to act. He left his friends at the
hotel, and telling Rawson where he was going, set out in the
direction of the station. His way took him first along Main Street
and thence down one of the narrower side streets or lanes which
branched off on each side.

Oakvale was scarcely more than a large village, but it boasted
many shops, two drugstores, a public school, a post office, and
four saloons. As Tom passed one of these haunts he saw a group
of men standing on the corner. They were gathered around a
rough-looking specimen of humanity who stood with one leg thrown
across the top of a low hydrant haranguing his boon companions.

"An' Perkins says ter me, 'Now, jist yeou hold yer hosses an' keep
yer shirt on, Bill,' says he. 'We don't want no foolin' with thet
kid.' Waal, I didn't like ther way he spoke, and so I got kind-er
huffy, and he says, 'Here! take yer pay, and git aout! Beat it!'
And here I am!"

"Fired again, eh, Bill?" said one of the loungers.

There was a loud guffaw, and another man dealt Bill a resounding
slap on the back. Whereupon the sidewalk meeting adjourned. As
they passed between the swinging doors of the saloon, Tom touched
the last man on the arm.

"Can you tell me where the constable's office is, sir?" he inquired
politely.

"I'm Constable Thompson," replied the man, displaying his badge, for
he realized that a Boy Scout would require some proof of the
statemen