signal
wig-wagging until we are able to send messages back and forth. Besides
that, we can form a long line across the woods, and comb nearly every bit
of it, looking into every stack of brush and waste to see if Willie has
lain down. And mother, think if we should just find him, how glad you'd
be that we went out!"

"Indeed, I should! I shall pray that you succeed, my boy. And it does you
great credit that you are so earnest in your desire to help others. Sit
down, and I'll wait on you myself," and Mrs. Morrison bustled away toward
the kitchen as she spoke.

As Paul was hastily devouring his supper, for he was as hungry as a wolf,
who should come in but the doctor. And of course he had to be told;
though Paul's mother took this task upon herself, giving the boy a chance
to eat.

Through the window Paul could see that already several fellows had
gathered; and other lanterns were meanwhile coming like giant fireflies
through the gathering gloom of the night.

The prospect of bringing his scout troop into action for such a good
cause was particularly pleasing to the boy who temporarily filled the
office of leader. Spurred to do their very best by a recollection of the
vows they had so recently taken, the members of Stanhope Troop might be
depended on to bring credit to their organization.

By the time Paul issued from the house there were a full dozen of his
chums present. He was glad to see that all the original charter members
forming the Red Fox patrol were on hand. They happened to live closer
than others who had joined later; and boys of a particular community
generally flock together.

Immediately a great hubbub ensued. Those who did not know what all the
fuss was about had to be "put wise," as William said. And Paul was called
upon to explain his plans for the tracking of little Willie Boggs, who
had become as a chip on the torrent, a wanderer in that mysterious
forest, the end of which few Stanhope fellows had ever reached in their
wanderings up over the hills.

There were now fourteen present, and Paul determined not to wait for any
more of the troop to come to time.

"Fall in!"

Down the street they marched, the lanterns flickering as they swung to
and fro.

No wonder people, rushing to the doors as shouts arose, began to ask
eagerly if the lost child had been recovered.

"It's the Boy Scouts; and they're going out to join the hunt!" some one
shouted.

"Oh! they're about a mile behind Ted and hi