e was a little more confusion, for the movement was newer
and more complicated than the other. Raven patrol took position as
before, though spreading out a bit and gathering in a boy from each
of the other patrols to form the ends of the larger wedge. The Eagle
and Beaver patrols then swung around against either side of the wedge,
each boy covering the space between the two lads behind him. The final
manoeuver thus presented a double row of scouts linked together by
their lowered staves into a formation that would be equally effective in
pushing through a dense crowd or withstanding the pressure of their
assaults.

"Good!" smiled Mr. Curtis. "A bit slow, of course, but we'll get it
all right. Now, fellows, I'd like to have a full attendance next week.
Captain Chalmers will address the troop on a special matter, and I think
by that time I'll have a rather pleasant surprise for you. Has any one
any questions to ask before we break up?"

Court Parker saluted, his face serious save for an irrepressible twinkle
in his eyes. "Couldn't you--er--tell us about the surprise to-night,
sir?" he asked. "Next week's an awful long time off, you know."

The scoutmaster smiled. "You'll enjoy it all the more when it comes," he
returned. "Besides, it isn't quite ready to be told yet. I think that's
all to-night, fellows. Patrol-leaders dismiss their patrols."

As the crowd poured out of the building a chorus of eager speculation
arose.

"Wonder if it's anything to do with camp," suggested Frank Sanson.

"How could it be?" objected Dale Tompkins, his arm across Ranny Phelps's
shoulder. "Camp couldn't be much better than it was last summer; and
if he's had word we can't use the place--well, that wouldn't be exactly
pleasant."

"Right, old scout!" approved Ranny. Then his face grew suddenly serious.
"Do you suppose it could be about--the war?" he ventured.

There was a momentary silence. In Hillsgrove, as in most other parts
of the country, war and rumors of war had been plentiful of late. The
ruthless German submarine campaign had been on for weeks. Only a few
days before, the severing of diplomatic relations with that government
had made a great stir. Everywhere people were wondering what would be the
next step, and, according to temperament or conviction, were complaining
of governmental sloth or praising the President's diplomacy. In all
of this the boys had naturally taken more or less part, wondering,
speculating, planning--a