nd leggings.

"Don't forget that I've just got to have a bugle, fellows. What use is it
to be elected bugler if you can't bugle?" exclaimed Bobolink.

"And m-m-me for a d-d-d-d-d-drum!" echoed Bluff, excitedly; when he was
immediately pounced upon as usual, and pounded several times on the back.

"Yes, do get Bluff something he can beat. I've heard him drum, and he's
just a corker at it. It keeps him from talking, you know," laughed Tom
Betts.

"Hello!" exclaimed Nuthin' suddenly; "look who's here, fellows!"

All eyes were immediately turned toward the door, and focussed upon the
figure that stood just within the barn, having entered while they were
boisterously exchanging these compliments.

"Why, it's Mr. Growdy!" said Paul.

"Old Peleg!" echoed Bobolink, in a hushed tone.

One and all stared at the crusty old farmer, who for years had avoided
all boys as though he thought them a dangerous breed of animals which it
were safer to let severely alone.

When Paul saw the amused smile creeping over the rugged and seamed face
of the old farmer he understood that Peleg had really experienced a
wonderful change of heart, dating from that night when the new Boy Scouts
cleaned up his dooryard as an object lesson.

And now Peleg was coming slowly forward, looking a bit awkward; since he
had never been accustomed to facing an audience, and especially one
composed of boys.

They made way for him, so that presently he found himself completely
surrounded by an eager throng.

"Glad to see you, Mr. Growdy," said Paul, holding out his hand
impulsively; and to the surprise of the others it was eagerly seized upon
by the calloused fingers of the toiler in the fields; "these are the
friends I spoke to you about. And this is the Fox Patrol of the newly
organized Boy Scouts."

Peleg grinned, and acknowledged the introduction by ducking his touseled
head.

"Glad to meet ye, boys. I've be'n hearin' quite considerable 'bout what
ye was adoin' over here, an' I thort as how I'd jest drap in to see ye
all; sorter like returnin' yer call, so to speak!" he said, again
allowing a humorous look to appear upon his face.

And somehow the boys instantly concluded that when Peleg allowed the
lines of his severe face to relax, he was rather a jolly old chap after
all.

"Hurrah! Three cheers for Mr. Peleg Growdy!" exclaimed one of those who
felt relieved to think that his coming meant no trouble after all.

But the farmer raised his h