oon so that the women could
have a little chat together. It is getting late now, and we must hurry
back to the city. This accident has delayed us. So, good-bye, madam.
I trust you soon will be well. I shall see about the carriage at once."

With that, he left the house, closely followed by Rod, leaving Miss
Arabella speechless upon the sofa.

CHAPTER XII

SCOUT WORK

Two weeks after the scout book arrived the Hillcrest troop of boy
scouts was formed, with Captain Josh as scoutmaster, and Rod as patrol
leader. Whyn had much to do with this, and her enthusiasm inspired and
encouraged the others. News soon spread among the rest of the boys in
the parish of what was taking place, and it was not long before several
more asked to become members. The Scout Commissioner and the Secretary
of the Province visited Hillcrest, explained many things, and started
the work along proper lines.

Deep in his heart Captain Josh was delighted with the boys. They no
longer feared him, though he was as gruff as ever. But they soon found
that this gruffness was only on the surface, and that in reality he was
deeply interested in their welfare. He studied the scout book
thoroughly until he knew it from cover to cover. He was determined
that his troop, even though it was known as the "Lone Patrol," was to
be well trained, and a credit to the parish. He did not wish to have
too many boys at first, but to drill the ones he had chosen until they
were proficient in every part of the scout work.

Whenever the captain was in doubt as to what he should do, he always
consulted with Whyn, for he found that she had excellent ideas, and
remembered so much of what her brother Douglas had told her. Her joy
was even greater than the captain's when she learned that a troop was
to be formed, and she planned all sorts of things for the boys to do.

Just as the work was well under way, Mrs. Sinclair informed the Britts
that she and Whyn must leave for the city. She had her work to do
there without which they could not live. Then it was that the captain
showed his hand. He had been thinking over this very matter for some
time, and had discussed it with his wife.

"Let Whyn stay with us, Mrs. Sinclair," he suggested. "I do not see
how we can get along without her."

"But I cannot afford that, captain," the widow replied.

"Can't afford what?"

"To pay her board."

"Who said anything about paying?" the captain demanded. "She's