s wanted so badly by my grandfather might take me
into the fighting zone. Now Rob, as the leader of the Eagle Patrol,
volunteered to stand by me, and I gladly accepted his assistance. When
you asked to go along I was afraid the hardships of the trip might be
too much for one of your peculiar build. That's all, I give you my word
for it, Tubby."

"My 'peculiar build,' as you call it, Merritt," chuckled the other,
considerably mollified by the explanation offered, "has gotten me into a
peck of trouble, I admit. But you never saw me show the white feather,
did you?"

"Never, Tubby!" admitted the boy addressed, who was a rather thoughtful
looking young chap, of athletic build, though possibly not quite the
equal of Rob Blake, the leader of the scout patrol to which all of them
belonged. "It was mighty good of you two to back me up when I'd decided
to take the risk alone. But unless that precious paper can be recovered,
my grandfather, you know, stands to lose what he says is an enormous
amount of money."

"He's got plenty in reserve, I understand, Merritt," observed Blake.
"What a grand thing that turned out for your folks when Grandfather
Merritt, who had cut your dad out of his will many years ago after he
married against his wishes, repented of his cruelty, and paid you an
unexpected visit to get acquainted. Little did you think, when you stood
up for that old fellow who was being snowballed so unmercifully by a
bunch of village boys, that it was your own grandfather."

"Yes," added Tubby, "you know they say a good action is never thrown
away. That's why I'm always watching for my opportunities. Some day I
hope to win the admiration of a crank millionaire who should, of course,
make me his heir."

"Well, here we are landed in Antwerp, and with a lot of sights to gather
in before we set out in the direction of Brussels to find your man.
Every minute counts, so let's get busy, and begin to wander around."

"That's right, Rob," said Merritt. "Suppose you lead the way."

These boys, who were all dressed in the well-known khaki that
distinguishes scouts in nearly every country of the world, had just
landed from a steamer that reached Antwerp from the shores of England.

They had managed to get themselves and few belongings conveyed to a fair
hotel by means of a vehicle drawn by a broken-down horse; all of the
best animals as well as such automobiles as were deemed worth taking
having been commandeered by the Governme