last few days have raised havoc in this end of Champlain
Valley. So much water has fallen that the high roads leading north and
south on either side of the valley have been made dangerous by wash outs
and landslides. In several places the banks have slipped down from
above, but the most dangerous sections are those where the roads have
been washed away almost entirely. Vehicles traveling at night are very
apt to have serious upsets and the life and limb of the occupants are
endangered, in spite of the fact that we have marked the washouts with
red lanterns hung on short posts.

"What I would like to have you boys do is to organize a road patrol to
keep a careful watch over these red lamps and see that they are all
lighted between the hours of nightfall and midnight at least. After
twelve o'clock there is hardly enough traffic to make the patrolling
worth while. The first patrol can light the lamps at a given hour and
thereafter at certain intervals Scout patrols can visit each lamp and see
that it is in good working order. How would you like the job, boys?"

"Fine!" shouted some.

"Just the kind of work we like," cried others.

"All right," said the Mayor, shortly. "Scouts, you are hereby appointed
Guardians of the High ways by order of the Mayor and the Commissioner of
Streets and Highways. Each morning at half past eight one of your number
will be expected to make a report at the Town Hall of the night's work."

"The Commissioner here has a map of these thoroughfares showing each
washout and just where each lamp is located. You can organize your
patrols this afternoon and start to-night. I think the storm will be
somewhat abated by that time. It is letting up a little now. Good-day
and good luck."

Though the rain had decreased considerably the Scouts lost little time in
getting from the Town Hall to Scout headquarters, where the details of
organizing the road patrols were worked out. It required the rest of the
afternoon to do this, and the dinner hour arrived almost before the boys
were aware of the time.

"Say, fellows, this is going to be fine," said Bud Weir. Then, glancing
out of the window, he exclaimed: "By Jove, the storm's nearly over; the
clouds are breaking out there beyond the mountains. This will be a fine
night for--Cracky, fellows, I almost forgot; the circus comes through
town to-night. It will come down the valley from Collinsville and take
the north road to St. Cloud."

"By