, but he, too,
kept his head and held up his friend until help came.

"I like to think that the actions of those two boys was typical rather
than exceptional. I don't believe there is a scout here," his glance
swept the line of khaki-clad figures for an instant, "who, given the
chance to risk his life for another, would not respond exactly as these
boys did. When I heard of what they had done I applied to our national
council for honor medals such as are awarded to scouts for the saving of
life. They arrived some time ago, but I awaited this occasion to present
them. Scouts Dale Tompkins and Frank Sanson will please step forward."

Amid the thunder of applause that followed, Captain Chalmers turned and
faced the line of scouts again, two small square boxes in his hand.
Dazed, bewildered, and blushing furiously, Dale stood as if rooted to
the spot until Harry Vedder gave him a sharp dig in the ribs. Then he
stumbled forward a few steps, realized that another halting figure was
beside him, and, recovering a little, but with face still flushing, he
crossed the interminable space to where the captain stood.

One thing only was he thankful for at that moment--the heartening touch
of Sanson's shoulder against his own. To have faced the ordeal alone
would have been almost intolerable. He did not raise his eyes above the
third button on the captain's coat, and so he missed the look of pride
and approval the man bent on him as he pinned the silver cross upon the
boy's left breast.

"It is a great pleasure for me to give you this," he said, "and to thank
you in the name of the national council for having proved so great a
credit to the scouts."

Dale's hand went up, and he saluted. "Thank you, sir," he said in a low
tone.

"And remember, both of you," went on the captain, when he had placed the
second cross on Sanson's coat, "that it isn't the medal that counts, but
the deed which has earned it."

As the boys turned and marched back to their places the applause burst
out again with renewed vigor until it seemed as if it would never cease.
But at length it died away and the entertainment proceeded. Troop Three
started off with an exhibition of signaling which was swift, snappy,
and on the minute. Then came some tent-erecting, and, following that,
two troops combined to give an elaborate and graphic exhibition of their
expertness in first aid, which met with much favor. When this was over,
the troops who had finished lined