ing how successfully a method of communication had been
established between the scouts in camp, and Aleck, when the latter was
being held a prisoner up on that shelf of rock, Step Hen had had his
eyes opened. He realized what a really valuable thing a little
knowledge along these lines was apt to prove, at most any time. And he
had then and there resolved to improve his scanty share of information
whenever the chance came.

Right now he was secretly glad that since that occasion he had been
asking some questions along the line of acquiring information. He had
even had half an hour's practice with Thad, early in the morning,
sending and receiving messages.

How fortunate that was, Step Hen reflected, just now, when he found
himself placed in a position where a knowledge of wigwag work was
going to prove of the utmost importance to the boy whom the scouts had
taken in charge.

At the same time it was with considerable nervousness that he started
in to ask his first question. He meant to inquire if the one answering
him were Thad himself; but when he had made the last letter of the
message Step Hen was afraid it might seem so bungled that all he would
receive might be the well-known signal:

"Don't understand--repeat message!"

But to his delight there came the three letters:

"Yes."

Encouraged by this, Step Hen became more ambitious. He spelled out his
own name, and added a few more words:

"This is Step Hen--something important!"

Then he almost held his breath as he waited to see what effect this
would have. The answer began to come back, slowly and positively, Thad
allowing plenty of time for the other to make sure of every sign. And
staring eagerly, unconsciously spelling aloud just as he received the
message, Step Hen caught this:

"All right--understand--let us have news."

"It's going splendidly, Toby!" cried Step Hen, almost ready to jump up
and down, in his excitement and joy, despite his wearied condition.
"Thad's taking it, word for word. I reckon I c'n make him understand
_something_, even if I am such a big bungler at this thing. But I tell
you right now, after this I'm going in for wigwag work the hardest you
ever saw. It's the greatest stunt a scout can follow up. Why, it's
worth everything else at such a time as this. Now to tell him about
the two men headed that way, and how they're after Aleck Rawson."

With that Step Hen once more applied himself to the task before him.
His heart was se