made an upward spring; the lump of
sugar was thrown into the air, and as it came down one quick snap secured
it, after which there was a crunching of canine teeth, and a look of
bliss appeared on Carlo's dog face.

"There's the supper gong. Come on down to the bathroom and wash up, Paul!
And you come, too, old dog. No more sugar here; see, the drawer is empty.
Carlo never comes up here without sniffing at that drawer, and looking at
me knowingly. Go ahead, Paul, and I'll put out the lamp."

So they went downstairs, and after a while sought the dining room, where
Paul met both parents of his chum, as well as a gentleman who was
visiting Mr. Stormways.

"Mr. Jared Pender, an old schoolmate of mine, and with whom I made
several voyages abroad years ago," said Mr. Stormways. "He is in the
employ of the Government now, and has to make visits all over the
country, you know."

Paul had once met a gentleman who was a post-office inspector, and
somehow took it for granted that Mr. Pender might be engaged in some
similar business; at any rate it concerned him not at all he concluded,
just what the gentleman's private affairs might be, and he gave the
subject little thought.

CHAPTER XIX

THE WARNING OVER THE WIRE

After supper the two boys once more ascended to the snuggery near the
roof.

There was no further reference made to either the disappearance of the
old coins, or Paul's little heart trouble with his girl chum.

They had a number of books loaned them by the good old minister and which
were full of interesting facts connected with the wonderful Boy Scout
movement, especially over in England, where it originated.

Paul was deeply interested in picking out all features that would appeal
to American lads. Until they had found the right party to take the
position of troop master he wished to play the part of scout leader in
such fashion that no one could pick a flaw with his management.

Usually it is some adult to whom this important position is entrusted
from the start; Paul, however, had long been known to be so deeply
interested in many of the branches which concern life in the open, that
his mates were only too glad to have him occupy the exalted position of
leader for the time being.

When they knew as much as Paul did, they believed they would be well
qualified to pass for a first-class scout's assignment.

So Paul, with the assistance of his comrade, was selecting many
interesting competitions