ing."

There was a rush, a clatter--a bench was overturned--in ten seconds not a
boy remained seated.

"Fine!" smiled Mr. Curtis. "I thought I could count on you. When Mr.
Thornton comes on Friday we'll show him something that will surprise
him. And we'll give those folks at the rally something to think about,
too."

"But are we still going to have the rally, sir?" asked Bob Gibson.

Mr. Curtis laughed. "Of course we are," he said emphatically. "You
mustn't think, Bob, that a state of war is going to disrupt the entire
country. That would be hysterical. There'll be unusual doings, of course.
Things will be a bit different in many ways. But school and chores
and all the ordinary routine of your daily lives must go on as they
always have. Suppose we get out now and work up a little program for
Mr. Thornton's benefit."

The days that followed, so radically different from anything the boys
had planned, showed up their spirit admirably. Of course there were
grumblers; those develop in any situation where discipline is involved.
There were many moments of weariness and discouragement, too, when it
seemed as if proficiency could never be attained. But underneath it
all, stirring, invigorating, that wonderful sense of service--service to
another, service to their country, perhaps, upheld and strengthened
them. What they were doing was not merely play. Some day or other, far
away or near, it would be of value; and the measure of that value no
man could tell.

Mr. Thornton was due to reach camp Friday afternoon. The _Aquita_, in
charge of Wesley Becker and another scout, went over to meet him, and as
soon as the motor-boat was seen returning, a bugle blast summoned the
others hastily from their tents.

"Fall in!" ordered Mr. Curtis, crisply. "Phelps will take charge while I
go down to the dock."

Only their eyes moved, but these followed him to the landing and they saw
Mr. Thornton step ashore and pause for a moment or two of conversation
before heading for the parade-ground. The banker's face looked tired
and his shoulders drooped a little. But as he caught sight of the scouts
drawn up in a straight, soldierly line behind the colors his head went
up and his eyes brightened with surprise and interest.

"'Tention, troop!" called Mr. Curtis, sharply. "Right
dress!--Front!--Present arms!"

The "arms" were, of course, their staves, but the manoeuver was
executed with a snap and precision which many a company of militia