go? We can call a meeting this
afternoon and send our telegram to-night," said Romper.

"Right-o; good suggestion," said Jimmy.

"And I really think we should submit the whole thing to Mr. Ford and get
his opinion before we take definite action. If some one is joshing us,
he'll be able to see through it all right."

But subsequent events proved conclusively that the letter was not a joke.
The scouts called their meeting immediately, and after a careful study
of the troop's merit badge list, and a painful process of elimination,
the ten oldest and best fitted scouts of the troop were selected to
become members of the life-saving crew. Then Bruce, Romper and Jiminy
took the letter to Mr. Ford and gave him the whole details of the case.

Mr. Ford read the letter slowly, carefully considering every detail.
Then he laid it down and removed his glasses.

"Well, boys, if you want my opinion on the whole matter, I would say that
you were quite the luckiest lot of chaps I've ever heard of. I spent a
summer in Old Harbor Beach three years ago, and, of course, I met Mr.
Herrick. He is quite the finest man I ever hope to come in contact with;
big, stout and jovial, and as good-hearted as can be. If your parents
will let you, I would advise every one to accept the offer."

"Cracky, we are in luck, fellows. I move we telegraph our acceptance
right away," said Romper.

"I move we turn the matter over to Mr. Ford and let him telegraph. He's
our Scoutmaster, and I'm sure Mr. Herrick would feel better about the
whole thing if he found he was dealing with a grown-up person," said
Bruce.

"Right," said Jiminy and Romper.

"Well, if that's how the wind lies, I'll do it," said Mr. Ford; "only you
boys consult your parents first and tell me what they have to say."

"Whoop-e-e, we will see the Internationals!" exclaimed Jiminy.

"Yes, and we get a month at the seashore. When'll we start?" demanded
Romper.

"Just as soon as the money arrives. About Tuesday, I should guess," said
Bruce, as the lads left Mr. Ford's house.

It is hardly natural for ten thoroughly healthy scouts to be confined to
the restricted limits of a day coach for four solid hours without
becoming extremely weary of the monotony of it all. Bruce and the rest
of the members of Quarry Troop No. 1 became quite restive before the long
journey to Old Harbor Beach ended. Indeed, the lads were thoroughly
pleased when, after the engine whistle had emitted