ed auto, and talked with the gentleman who has the glass
eye!" said the boy, trying in vain to keep his eager voice from trembling
with excitement.

CHAPTER XXIV

A CALL FOR HELP

Mr. Pender swooped down and seized Paul's hand, which he squeezed so
heartily that he almost made the tears come to the boy's eyes.

"That sounds good to me, my boy. Please tell me about it. Where was it at
the time? And do you think it can have gone beyond Stanhope? I hope you
didn't give the gentleman any idea that you had ever heard a word about
him or his car?"

"Oh! I give you my word, sir, that they never dreamed I knew a thing
about them. A scout has to learn how to keep his feelings in check, you
see, Mr. Pender. I acted just as naturally as Jack did; and he knew
nothing."

"Well, tell me about it now, please."

Stopping at the corner, Paul started in to relate all the incidents
connected with that meeting on the road. The gentleman hung upon every
word. He certainly looked pleased, and Paul realized that he had done
something worth while. To his credit be it said that never once had he
entertained the thought of receiving any sort of reward for his services.

"All this is of the greatest importance to me, my boy. I am frank to
tell you that the successful capture of those two men you have so ably
described, thanks to your scout training, will mean much to me. And
depend upon it, if success rewards my efforts, I shall certainly remember
that you gave me very valuable assistance in the undertaking."

"Then you think I might have a reward, don't you, Mr. Pender?" he said.

"I most positively do, and right now and here I'm willing to promise
you--"

"Wait a little, Mr. Pender. There's only one thing you could do to pay me
for the little assistance I have been to you. Some time later on, after
you get back to Washington, write me a letter on your official paper,
stating just what aid the Boy Scouts of the Red Fox patrol were to you
in furthering the ends of justice. That's all any of us could accept,
sir."

"By Jove! I'm proud to know such boys, and proud to shake hands
with the fine scout leader at their head!" exclaimed the Government
representative, as he cordially thrust out his digits.

But "once bit, twice shy"; and Paul shook his head as he caressed his
fingers.

"Excuse me, won't you, Mr. Pender; but once at a time is enough. I expect
to have a lot of use for my right hand to-night, sir," he laughed.

"O