Chippy was an easy winner at this game, and when a
thrower can hit the neck of a bottle dancing along with the stream he
isn't going to miss a boy.

'Hallo!' said No. 7, as something took him in the neck. No. 8 turned
to see what was the matter, and pop went a ball into his eye. A felt
hat rose from behind a neighbouring bush, and a finger beckoned.

'Why, it's the wharf-rat,' said No. 7. 'He's got us!'

They surrendered at once, for they could do no less, and Chippy sent
them to the rear, and crept on in search of fresh victims.

Suddenly he saw a patrol flag fluttering. Ah! that was the leader who
had bullyragged him. Chippy's heart gave a leap. If only he could bag
the proud leader, and show him that a scout could come out of Skinner's
Hole! That would be splendid. And Chippy went down flat on his face
and wriggled forward to work his way within firing distance.

CHAPTER VI

CHIPPY CHOPS THEM UP

Nearer and nearer crept Chippy to the vainglorious patrol-leader who
had spoken so scornfully of his ambition to become a boy scout.

Arthur Graydon was on the other side of a small open space, and Chippy
paused and peered from behind a holly-bush to see what chance there was
of a surprise shot. He waited a moment, and the chance that came was
excellent.

Arthur had just struck on the trail again. He threw back his head and
opened his mouth to its widest, and let out a tremendous howl to call
his patrol together from their wanderings. Suddenly his howl was
interrupted. Taking a most careful aim, Chippy let fly at the
wide-open mouth, and put the ball fairly on the mark.

Arthur spluttered with rage. He thought that one of his patrol was
having a lark with him.

'What's that game?' he yelled. 'Who's playing the fool?'

He looked angrily round, but his face became a picture of surprise when
Chippy walked quietly up to him and remarked:

'Yer outed. Step back wi' th' others I've a-took prisoners.'

'Where have you come from?' roared Arthur.

'Never mind,' returned Chippy, picking up his ball: 'that's my
business, I should fancy. I've got yer, and that's enough for now.'

There was a crashing through the bushes at a short distance away, and
Dick Elliott burst into the open. He saw Chippy, and it was an instant
duel. Dick fired first, but Chippy leapt aside as nimbly as a goat,
and the ball flew wide. Chippy feinted to throw, and Dick jumped.
Before he could move again, Chippy let fly