ther delicacies beloved
of youth, to be crammed into the confined space of the shoulder
haversack.

But that was to be looked for, since this was their first real hike.
After one experience every fellow might be expected to know better, and
scoff at the idea of a true scout going hungry as long as camp stores
abounded, and a fire could be kindled.

With each passing minute the tumult grew apace. Fathers and mothers
gathered to witness the triumphal passing of the troop, in which their
own boy must of course appear to be the one particular star.

By eight o'clock several hundred people had congregated near the old
church. For one morning, business in Stanhope was forgotten or stood
still, for neither clerks nor proprietors seemed to evince any desire to
show up.

Those boys who did not belong to the troop pretended to scoff at the
idea of undertaking such a wearisome march; but this was pretty much
make-believe. Deep down in their hearts they were bitterly envious of
the good fortune that had befallen their comrades; for few boys there
are but who yearn to get out _somewhere_, once in a while, and meet with
some sort of adventure.

Bluff was kept busy displaying his skill as a drummer. He always had a
group of admirers of both sexes around him. And Bluff showed his wisdom
by saying never a word. Silence with him was golden, because, as he
himself was wont to say, he "never opened his mouth, but what he put his
foot in it."

And there was Bobolink gripping that shiny bugle nervously, and keeping
one eye on the scout leader the while. When Paul gave the signal he
would be primed for his part in the proceedings.

Finally, as far as a careful count went, it seemed as though all who
meant to start out on the long tour had arrived.

Paul made a gesture to the official bugler, and immediately Bobolink
raised his instrument to his lips. The roll of the drum had become
familiar music to those listening hundreds; but when the clear notes of
the bugle floated through the morning air there was an instantaneous
raising of hats, and hardly had the assembly call died away than a
stupendous cheer seemed to make the very church tremble.

"Fall in! fall in, fellows!"

Every boy knew his place.

At the head of the double line stood the flag bearer, Wallace Carberry
carrying the glorious Stars and Stripes, while further back, Tom Betts
waved the beautiful prize banner which Stanhope Troop had fairly won in
the preceding Autum