urselves to change things."

"Well, I'll ask my father about it. Perhaps he can suggest a plan. He
used to be a boy himself once, and never forgets it either," was Paul's
conclusion, as they each bought an apple from the old woman to make her
forget her recent trouble, and then walked away, followed by her earnest
thanks.

"Say, but time just crawls along," observed William, dolefully; "because,
you see, I'm dying to get to work and win some of them merits you told us
about. Just set me the stunt of making water boil over a fire I have to
kindle, and I'll do it in three shakes of a lamb's tail. The rest of you
will be left hull down. And then there's lots of other jobs that look
good to me. Let's get a move on, and start the ball rolling. When's the
next meeting, Paul?"

"To-night, and once more at the barn where we were first. This time
I figure on having nearly twenty present, and that will make things
interesting."

"Same hour as before--eight o'clock?" asked Bobolink.

"Yes. And if any of you feel that you are qualified to take the
examination for the first degree, so as to become real tenderfeet in the
Scouts, why, I'll be in trim to put you through your sprouts," announced
the leader.

"That hits me," declared William; "for I've been studying to beat the
band, and believe I'll pass muster with flying colors. Me for the
tenderfoot class!"

"And I've just used up a whole ball of twine tying all those measly
knots," declared Nuthin'; after which his face brightened when he added:
"but I can do every one just like an old jack tar. My dad was once a
sailor you know, and that's where I've got the bulge on the rest of you.
So-long, boys; I'm going home to try again."

CHAPTER VI

A STRANGE SUGGESTION

"Who goes there?"

"A scout of the Red Fox Patrol!"

"Advance scout, and give the countersign!"

A figure came shuffling forward, bent over, and whispered a word in the
ear of the sentinel at the door of the old tobacco barn.

"Correct! Pass in, scout!" said the one on guard, solemnly.

But William chose to loiter by the door, and watch the gathering of the
clans, for the boys arrived rapidly after that, usually in pairs.

"Where's the other twin?" asked Paul, seeing William alone.

"Unavoidably detained, Captain. May be on deck later. Here comes another
bunch," and William stepped aside to allow the sentry to halt Andy Flinn,
who had arrived in company with Jud Elderkin, the latter as tall and