e, Rod, what d'ye think I am? A saint? Git away to school now,
or ye'll be late. I'll think over what ye've said, and discuss it with
the troop this afternoon. Ye'll see the boys at school, so tell them to
meet here as soon as they git out. Ye'd better not tell them anything
about yer plan until I've had time to think it over fer awhile."

Rod found it very hard to keep his mind down to his lessons that day. He
was too much excited over the idea of helping Whyn. He wanted to speak
to the other scouts about it, and thus relieve his feelings. But he had
received the captain's order, and so must obey.

The rest of the scouts were most anxious to know what the special summons
meant, so it did not take them long to reach Headquarters as soon as
school was out. Their scoutmaster was there before them, who explained
in a few words why he had called them together.

"I want yez to decide this matter fer yerselves," he told them in
closing, "and I'll tell yez what I think about it when yez have made up
yer minds."

"Certainly we must give the money," Rod cried, as soon as the captain was
through. "It's for Whyn, and who wouldn't do anything for her? He has
no right to belong to this troop if he wouldn't."

"Let's give it," the rest shouted in unison; "every cent of it."

"But what about the prize?" the captain asked.

"Let it go," was the general response.

"And the motor-boat?"

"We can do without that, eh, boys?" This from Rod.

"Yes, yes. Hurrah for Whyn!" and the scouts in their loyal enthusiasm
threw their caps into the air, and shouted at the top of their voices.

Into the captain's eyes gleamed a light of joy and triumph. He felt at
that moment like a general whose men had consented to make a mighty
sacrifice for a great cause. He tried to say something, but the words
would not come. Instead, he stepped up to each scout, and reached out
his big right hand. This action on the part of their leader had more
effect in filling their hearts with pride than an outburst of eloquence.
They understood something of what the captain felt, and how pleased he
was at their decision.

"But remember, lads," he reminded them, "our money'll go only a little
way, and we mustn't git too excited jist yit."

"How much will it take?" one of the boys asked.

"I can't say fer sure. But I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it should
take two thousand dollars."

"Oh!" was the astonished exclamation from all. "Why will