ir," the tenderfoot replied, quite enjoying the fact that fifteen
pairs of eager eyes were riveted upon him right then and there.

Landy looked redder than usual, but for all that he seemed able to
command his voice, for it did not tremble a particle.

"You arrived later than the rest when I sounded the assembly on the
bugle," went on Elmer; "was that because you were some little distance
away?"

"Yes, sir, I was just going to peek in through the window of that funny
little cabin I found when I heard the call. But I didn't look, sir,
because I knew _a scout's duty was to obey_!"

"Hear, hear!" said Red, in a low voice.

"That was well done, Number Eight," Elmer continued, "and I hope you
will always keep your duty before your mind. Do you think you could lead
us to where you saw that hidden shack?"

"I expect I can, sir; anyhow, I'm ready to try," Landy promptly
answered.

Several of the scouts exchanged nods and glances. Why, they had never
before dreamed that the fat boy had so much business about him. He acted
just as might one who had been a member of the troop a whole month,
instead of but a few days.

It was plain to be seen that his becoming a scout was going to be the
making of Philander Smith. Already there was a great change in his ways.
He was throwing off his weaknesses, and beginning to think for himself.

"All right," said Elmer; "suppose you come with me, then, Number Eight,
and try to go back over your own trail. That might be the quickest way
to get there."

"But how about us, Mr. Scout Master; do we keep up the formation as
arranged?" asked Mark.

"No, for the present that is all off," Elmer replied, "the whole of you
fall in behind; and don't forget to keep an eye out for your sticks. But
no talking above a whisper, remember. This may turn out to be serious
business."

The scouts already realized this. Still his words of caution entailing
silence were well placed, for boys as a rule do love to chatter.

And so the whole troop started off, with Elmer and Landy in the lead,
the latter hardly knowing whether to be tickled at the attention he was
receiving, or worried because he presently began to doubt his ability to
"deliver the goods."

Strange how all sections of the woods look alike to a fellow who is a
novice in the art of picking his way. Landy had imagined that he was
just soaking in valuable information while following the lead of Matty
or Elmer. But when the crisis arose, and h