ere is much keen rivalry among a
number of us already, which can only be settled by an open trial. First
of all there is the interesting water-boiling test of woodmanship. We
want to know who is the leading light in that class so we may push him
forward to enter the general competition with other Boy Scout troops. Am
I understood, Mr. Chairman?"

"I think you have made your meaning plain, and the one particular
competition you mention happens to be the most interesting of all,"
replied Paul.

"Then may we hope that you will name an early day for the trial to come
off? Unfortunately school begins shortly now, and outside of Saturdays
and holidays the several Fox patrols may not have much chance to practice
before the grand trial comes off. Make it as early as possible, Mr.
Chairman."

"How would to-morrow do?" asked Paul, only too anxious himself to
ascertain how the boys would "toe the mark."

Wallace looked at his backers, and there were vigorous nods in answer to
the question seen upon his face.

"It seems to be the unanimous consensus of opinion, Mr. Chairman, that
to-morrow would suit first rate. Please give us the hour for assembling,
and you can depend on our being on deck," Wallace remarked.

"Two o'clock ought to answer. That will give us plenty of time to try out
a lot of stunts I shall arrange for."

"Where shall we meet?" asked Jud Elderkin.

"H-h-how about our b-b-barn, fellows?" queried Bluff, grinning.

There was an instantaneous howl of derision, and every right hand went up
so that the thumb and forefinger might compress a nose.

"Another year might do, Bluff!" called one.

"What isn't fit for storing tobacco can't be a proper meeting place for
respectable Boy Scouts!" declared another, energetically.

"Oh! he's only bluffing, fellows; don't mind him!"

"In fancy I can smell it now," sang another, mockingly.

"We'll meet just outside this very blacksmith shop, and at two sharp,"
declared the chairman, decisively; "and any scout who is tardy will
be given one or more bad marks that he must carry as a load in the
competition. Punctuality is a leading trait in Stanhope Troop No. 1,
you understand. Any other proposition?"

The boys began to talk among themselves, and for a short time there was
a constant buzz that sounded like a big hive of bees.

Jack found himself in contact with Paul while this was going on. He had
been doing his duty to the best of his ability as he understood it; and