of your speech, Lance, but I really don't
understand what you mean about Tory," she returned.

"Don't you? Well, nothing important. Only Tory is one of the people
who has talent and charm and things are going to be fairly easy for
her compared to you and me. When the time comes for her to study art
she will have her chance. Most people are fond of her. At present in
our family old Don and father will do pretty much anything she asks.
So I thought maybe you and I might be kind of special friends, Ouida.
I may probably get into a scrape some day and not know the best way
out and want your help."

"You can always count on me, Lance, if for no other reason than
because you are Dorothy's favorite brother," Louise answered simply.

Observing that Miss Mason's car had arrived and several others, Lance
and Louise moved toward the newcomers.

Three members of the Boy Scout Council and three other members of the
girls had driven out with Mr. Fenton. It was rare in the history of
the Scout movement that the girls and boys should take part in the
same entertainment and the subject was being seriously considered.

CHAPTER XVI

THE GREEK SPIRIT

"What is the Greek spirit, Mr. Fenton?" During one of the rehearsals
for the presentation of Odysseus, Lance McClain made this inquiry.

No one else among the group of boys and girls surrounding Mr. Fenton
at the moment would have asked the question. Yet, overhearing Lance, a
number of them stood waiting for the answer.

The weeks of outdoor work and study had awakened new ideas and
interests.

Mr. Fenton did not reply immediately; instead, he appeared to be
considering the question deeply.

Frequently he had talked of the Greek spirit. Therefore, what did he
actually mean?

"I am glad you put that query to me, Lance," he returned finally.
"Half a dozen times since we began our rehearsals I have spoken of the
'Greek spirit.' I have emphasized the wish that we reveal it in the
presentation of our tableaux. One ought not to talk glibly and be
unable to offer a simple definition.

"At least I can tell you what the 'Greek spirit' means to me and why I
want us to give expression to it in our pageant.

"Try not to be bored if I discuss the subject seriously for a few
moments. You know I have been a student, not a speaker, all my life,
and there are times when we all wish for the gift of tongues."

Observing that Mr. Fenton was addressing not Lance alone who had asked
the