t any of the Stanhope lads had ever
wandered that far afield, every expedition having given up before the
slopes of the lofty mountain were reached.

There were claims set forth by some fellows of Manchester, to the effect
that they had climbed half way up to the crest, and met with many
thrilling adventures among strange caves which they found abounding
there. But Stanhope boys always smiled, and looked very knowing when
they heard about this trip. They believed it originated mainly in the
imaginations of those rivals from the nearby town.

It can be seen, therefore, with what elation the announcement of William
was received. All felt that there was a glorious future beckoning them
on. Boys delight in adventure; and surely the mysterious mountain that
had so long been unknown ground to them, offered great possibilities.

Every one seemed to have some particular way of expressing his
satisfaction.

"The greatest thing ever!" exclaimed Albert Cypher, who by reason of his
name, was known among his comrades as Nuthin.

"Yes, all to the good! Back to the woods for me, and old Rattlesnake
Mountain to be the stamping ground for the Banner Boy Scouts!" chirped
Bobolink, making his voice seem to come from Wallace Carberry, who was
never known to indulge in the least bit of slang. Bobolink was trying
hard to be a ventriloquist, and occasionally he succeeded in a way to
bring roars of laughter from the crowd.

"W-w-whoop her up!" chanted Bluff Shipley, whose impediment of speech
often gave him much trouble, especially when he was at all excited.

One by one the assembled scouts were expressing their individual
opinions concerning the proposed pilgrimage, when Paul put it up to the
meeting to ratify.

A storm of "ayes" greeted the move that this report of the committee be
accepted; and the "hike" to Rattlesnake Mountain be made the basis of
their Summer campaign.

Hardly had the roar of voices that followed this acceptance died away
than there was a sudden and startling interruption to the proceedings. A
sentinel, who, in accordance with military tactics, had been posted
outside the church, came hurrying in, and whispered in the ear of the
chairman, who immediately arose.

"Comrades," said Paul, in a low but tense voice, "our sentry reports
that he has found a window in the back of the church basement open, and
looking in discovered moving figures. Our meeting has been spied upon by
those who want to learn our secrets.