rk yesterday. He had
a field glass, and was hidden where he could see all that went on."

It was Jud Elderkin who made this astonishing declaration; and what he
said created quite a stir among the assembled scouts.

"All right. We didn't go there expecting to steal any of their thunder,
fellows," said Bobolink.

"Of course not," asserted the nearest scouts.

"Well, how did you find it?" demanded William.

"I didn't see that they had anything on us. Of course they did lots of
things better, because they've had a heap more experience; but there's
time between now and Thanksgiving for the scouts of the Stanhope troop to
get a move on, and shake all rivals out of their boots. That's all," and
Bobolink made a sudden duck to get out of the lime-light.

"Hurrah! Well done, Three and Four of the Red Fox patrol! Whenever we've
got any more climbing to do, we know where to get the monkeys!" cried
William, with a mock bow in the direction of the blushing Bluff, and the
grinning Bobolink.

"I congratulate the scouts on the way they carried out their mission. It
was worthy of the annals of Cooper. May I ask how they learned just where
the camp of the Aldine Troop was to be pitched?" asked Paul.

Bluff was no longer to be repressed; but sprang erect.

"I d-d-discovered that they always w-w-went to a p-p-particular
p-p-place; and w-w-when we s-s-saw that noble tree, why, we j-j-just
l-l-looked at each other, and s-s-shook hands. Then we c-c-climbed up
before the f-f-first eagle f-f-flew that way. T-t-thank you gentlemen
f-f-for your k-k-kind attention."

"Wow! he got that in pat, all right. When Bluff makes up his mind to
hustle he can beat the band. I move a vote of thanks to these most
efficient scouts," said Wallace, pushing forward.

They were given with a will; after which other reports came to show what
was being accomplished in numerous lines.

The troop photographers produced their prints, which were passed around
for examination, and brought forth an abundance of good words. To see
themselves in the new suits of khaki made many a fellow's heart thrill
with pride.

"We must have a meeting every day up to the beginning of school,"
declared the acting scout master, finally; "for these busy Eagles have
stolen a march on us while we slept; and we've just got to hustle now to
catch up."

"But we've got some mighty fine things to our credit already, and don't
you forget it, boys. I haven't heard of a horse being sto