on box ready, and every scout is privileged to
drop in pennies and nickels that he has earned. No others accepted; and
no larger amount at one time from any boy desired. Have already enough to
pay for two of the cans; and hope to increase the order soon!"

Cheers greeted this announcement. Others, who had heard about the good
work being started by Numbers Seven and Eight of the Red Fox patrol,
arose to announce that their mothers had promised to throw all sorts of
opportunities for earning money in their way, if it was to be devoted
to such a fine purpose.

"The Women's Club is to bring this thing up at its next meeting. My
mother says it shames them to know that the boys of the town are taking
such a leading part in cleaning it up," said Bobolink, when he found an
opening.

"Who's next to report?" asked Jack, who had charge of this end of the
meeting; while the "honorable secretary" made notes, and filed away the
various papers submitted.

Immediately all eyes were turned toward Bobolink and Bluff, which team
was known as Three and Four.

Bluff started to rise, when a groan greeted him; but he was not dismayed.

"Our r-r-report will be d-d-delivered b-b-by my c-c-confederate!" he
simply said, and subsided with a grin, as though he thought he had
hoodwinked his friends.

Bobolink arose slowly. When he chose he could be very tantalizing; though
in an emergency none might excel him in speedy action. But when he had
something to tell that he knew was being eagerly awaited, he liked to
keep his chums in suspense just as long as he dared.

Immediately all sounds died away. Every one seemed to know that Numbers
Three and Four had been delegated to attempt an actual scouting trip that
morning, into a hostile territory, so as to learn what progress a rival
camp was making in the various degrees of efficiency.

They had already heard about Manchester, and a few believed that they
would have little difficulty in excelling that town when it came down
to an actual test.

With Aldine it was different. From all sources had come hints to the
effect that the troop in that town was working most faithfully, with an
eye on that coveted banner. And every scout in Paul's patrol felt wild to
know how much truth there might be in these reports.

CHAPTER XXII

SCOUTING IN EARNEST

"Hurry up, old molasses! Winter's coming."

"Hit up the pace, won't you, please, Bobby?"

Bobolink grinned. This was apparently just what