fer you any reward for doing such a fine
thing; but I want you to buy something with this ten dollars, that every
time you look at it you'll remember little Tod Perkins, what owed his
life to you."

"Oh! I couldn't think of it, Mr. Perkins. Why, it was just pie to me, you
know. Please don't make me take it!" said the boy, still more confused;
but the farmer had already turned away to embrace his child, and there
seemed nothing for it but to accept the gift.

"Don't offend him by refusing, Paul; he means well, and perhaps you can
buy something with it that will serve as a reminder," said the doctor,
always trying to avoid hurting other people's feelings.

"Why, sure, what's to hinder you buying your scout's uniform with it?"
declared William at this juncture.

"You certain earned it, if anybody ever did work for what they got!"
avowed Bobolink, positively.

"Oh! w-w-why wasn't it m-m-me?" wailed Bluff, in pretended grief.

"Say, do you think you could have nailed that runaway horse, with such an
impediment twisting you up?" demanded Bobolink, grinning.

"Well, boys, since you say so, I suppose then I'll just have to accept
it, and call my outfit earned by the sweat of my brow," laughed Paul,
taking out his handkerchief to wipe his face from its collection of
perspiration and dust.

CHAPTER X

AN UNEXPECTED OFFER

Paul and his chum managed to break away finally, and walk toward the home
of the latter. Jack had his arm through that of the other, and it seemed
as though he felt happier over the recent exploit than the one who had
occupied the centre of the stage.

"My heart seemed to be up in my mouth just when you made that grab for
the bit. I believe I would have fallen in a fit if you had gone under,
Paul," said Jack, with a big sigh, as he pressed the arm he held.

"Well, I was a little worried myself that something might upset me just
then. But luck favored me, you know. I'm more than glad, because it would
have given my mother a bad shock if I'd been trampled on. But please drop
that subject, old fellow," said Paul, making a wry face.

"I will, since you ask it; but they won't forget it in the town for a
long time. Such things happen only once a year or more around dull old
Stanhope. To-night we meet to see how many have the money earned for the
suits; and I'm glad to say I can cover my needs. You're doubly supplied
now, with this windfall."

"Yes, and I wish I could help some other fellow out