s the trouble; I just don't know for sure. But when I caught Ted's
voice among the bunch I said to myself, they're up to no good; and I bet
it's Paul they are laying for."

"Hey! what's that? Who's laying for me, and where?" demanded the startled
boy.

"Listen, and I'll tell you all I learned. 'Taint much, but I know that
critter so well that I wouldn't put it past him to try and knock you out,
so that all our drilling in the woods would be upset, and his crowd get
an advantage."

"Oh! bosh! What's this you're giving me, Bobolink?"

"Yes, I expected you'd say that. Think I'm stringing you, don't you,
Paul? But I'm not, all the same. Listen again. Perhaps Ted and two of
his cronies have gone and dressed up in some old Hallowe'en toggery until
they look like a set of bears or hyenas just to frolic around a bit.
Well, mebbe they have; but tell me just why they are hiding close to
_your_ place?" continued the talkative yet determined Bobolink.

"When did you see them?" demanded the other.

"Not more'n eight minutes ago, Paul. Was comin' home myself. Been over
to Bluff's house to fix up some surprises we expect to play on all you
fellers later on, and show you what we know about this scoutin' business.
On the way home I turned in and passed your house. Often come that way,
you know," and the speaker paused as if for breath, or to hear Paul admit
the fact.

"Sure. Go on, you slow turtle. You've got me keyed up now to my top-notch
curiosity. Give us the rest of the yarn," said Paul, eagerly.

"Yarn! H'm! there you go, making out I'm hatching up a story. But take my
word for it, Paul, three fellers are hidin' in the bushes close to your
place, and expectin' some one to pass along in the dark. They started to
jump out at me, and then I heard Ted's voice growlin' to 'em to fade
away, that it wasn't the right one. Thought I'd just ask you if you could
explain what it meant. When your mother told me you was over with Jack I
saw a light, and that's what."

"Well, I'm glad you told me, Bobolink. A good scout is always on the
alert to do his comrade a clever turn; and I won't forget this. That
all?"

"But now I've told you, Paul, aren't you goin' to slip around the back
way, and let them fellers take it out waitin'? Three to one is too much.
They'll do you up, and make out 'twas only horseplay. Please give 'em the
slip, Paul. We need you in our business, you know."

"I'll see about it, Bobolink. Thanks, good-bye!" and Pau