o that it would debar him from being present
when the long-looked-for-competition took place.

"But," said Mr. Gordon, as he shook Paul by the hand earnestly; "I firmly
believe that you will be able to fill my place so well that my absence
will not make the slightest difference," and Paul, of course, simply said
he would do his best.

The fellows of Stanhope Troop knew full well what that "best" meant.

But as the boys of Manchester Troop and that of Aldine as well, learned
through some of their energetic scouts, what a strong bid these patrols
of the Fox were going to make, in the hope of winning that coveted
banner, they seemed to be stirred to make new endeavors.

Paul managed to keep advised of pretty much all that was going on; since
this was a part of a scout's duty; though no mean advantage was ever
taken of the rival camps--he would not stand for that. In a quiet way he
had learned how their meetings became more frequent, and the desire to
excel, that had threatened to dwindle away for lack of rivalry, grew more
keen.

Paul was glad of it. Competition is the life of trade; but it also
encourages boys to do their level best. There would be a brave fight for
that banner; and no walk-over. The troop that won it might well be proud
of the honor. And Paul was still full of faith. He watched his scouts go
through their various interesting stunts with a growing conviction that
they must stand at the head when the day came for the meeting, and the
report of the committee appointed to make the test was declared.

He knew that fortune had been very kind in allowing himself and Jack to
make a heavy score in favor of Stanhope Troop. The stopping of the
runaway horse, and the saving of the baby at the fire would bring them
many points. Then there was the wonderful letter from Washington, on
official paper too, in which Mr. Jared Pender told the story of how much
he had been helped by the Red Fox patrol in his task of capturing those
desperate rascals who were flooding the whole country with their bogus
money.

But Paul was determined that, aside from the help afforded by these
glorious deeds, the boys of Stanhope should excel all others in their
knowledge of woodcraft, and the valuable things every boy with red blood
in his veins should possess.

So they kept up the good work after the scout master had left them.

Long since had Bobolink received his bugle, and William his drum. Both
proved very able in managing th