OT OF RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAIN 155
XVII JOE DECLINES TO TELL 164
XVIII A CLOSE CALL 173
XIX INDIAN PICTURE WRITING 184
XX CAMP SURPRISE 193
XXI THE LIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN 202
XXII THE NIGHT ALARM 211
XXIII WHAT THE EYES OF A SCOUT MAY SEE 219
XXIV THE STRANGEST FISHING EVER KNOWN 230
XXV PAUL LAYS DOWN HIS BURDEN 239
XXVI THE SUCKER-HOLE 247
XXVII GATHERING CLOUDS 256
XXVIII THE GREAT STORM 264
XXIX A PANIC-STRICKEN CROWD 272
XXX THE UNDERGROUND REFUGE 280
XXXI THE BOY SCOUTS AS EXPLORERS 286
XXXII THE TIN BOX AGAIN 293
XXXIII WHAT PAUL FOUND--CONCLUSION 302

PREFACE

DEAR BOYS:

While this volume is complete in itself, it forms a second link in the
chain of books issued under the general title, "The Banner Boy Scouts
Series." You will, no doubt, be glad to find most of the old favorites
on parade once more; and perhaps make the acquaintance of several new
characters who figure in these pages.

In the preceding volume, "The Banner Boy Scouts; or, The Struggle for
Leadership," I endeavored to interest my readers in an account of the
numerous trials and adventures that befell Paul and his chums when
forming the first Red Fox Patrol. You will remember how the mystery of
the disappearing coins continued to puzzle Paul and Jack almost up to
the very conclusion of the story. And doubtless you were also ready to
admit that, hard pressed by jealous rivals at home, as well as forced to
compete with two neighboring troops who longed to possess the prize
banner, the Stanhope scouts certainly did have a warm time of it, right
up to the close of the tournament.

The wonderful way in which they carried off first honors at that same
competition certainly ought to inspire all Boy Scouts to emulate their
example, and never be satisfied with half-hearted efforts. I sincerely
hope and trust the stirring happenings that fall to the lot of Paul and
his chums, as related between the covers of the present volume, may give
every reader the same amount of pleasure that I have experienced in
writing them.

Cordially yours,