ed with some
of his followers. He had sent for more manuals, besides a price list of
uniforms, and other equipments necessary to the complete organization of
the Fox Patrol and Stanhope Troop No. 1.

Leading citizens began to take an interest in the movement, as they
grew to understand its true significance. Stanhope seemed to be fairly
sizzling with a new and novel energy. Even the meeting of the Women's
Club that afternoon was given up partly to a discussion of the merits of
the Boy Scout wave then sweeping over the land; and ladies who had been
decidedly averse to such a thing found their eyes opened to its
beneficial accompaniments.

As was to be expected, the recruiting was not confined to Paul and his
chums. Ted Slavin and Ward Kenwood were just as vigorously employed; and
several times in the course of the day the rivals ran across each other
while engaged in thus drumming up new subjects for initiation.

On such occasions there was apt to be something in the way of verbal
fireworks passing between the opposing scouts. Ted Slavin seldom knew how
to bridle that tongue of his; and Ward Kenwood seemed to be in a nasty
humor himself.

To tell the truth there had long been a sort of rivalry between Paul and
Ward over the smiles of pretty Arline Blair; and latterly the high school
girl seemed to be giving young Morrison more than his share of her
company.

That afternoon about four o'clock, as Paul and two of his chums were
passing along one of the side streets of the town they came upon a scene
that caused a sudden halt.

The blustering voice of Ted Slavin was what first drew their attention;
and it seemed to come from around the next corner. Then followed a
quavering voice, pleading in its tone.

Paul looked at his friends, and his brow darkened.

"It's old Mother Martha, the market woman who sells things in her little
stall around here. And some of those mean skunks are plaguing her, like
they often do, she tells me, stealing her apples, and laughing at her,
because she's lame with the rheumatism, and can't chase after 'em!" said
William, who happened to be one of the trio brought to a halt so
suddenly.

"Come on, then; we can't stand that!" exclaimed Paul.

The boys hurriedly turned the corner, to find that what William had
suggested seemed to be the actual truth.

Ted and a follower were hovering near the poor old woman. The fact that
Ted was contentedly munching a red apple told that he had already