I was afraid
Westy would say something and I didn't want him to, because--well,
you'll see. So now I'll copy what Mr. Ellsworth said. Oh, jiminy, you
could hear a pin drop, everyone was so quiet. He said, "Wesleigh
(that's Westy, you know), I have been asked by your own patrol to give
you this public reproof, and I speak for the whole troop as well, when
I remind you that your action today in absenting yourself and thereby
avoiding your share of the work we had undertaken to do, was
unscoutlike and unworthy of you, and unworthy of the patrol whose fine
traditions you were bound to guard and support. You knew that to be
entitled to your share of the pleasure of this purposed cruise, you
would have to do your share of the work. You knew that to--day was set
apart for concerted effort by the whole troop to make this boat ready for
starting next Saturday. You knew that at the urgent request of some of
you boys I arranged to spend the day helping you. You were one of the
boys who asked me to do this. You remember?"

"We meet here to-night after a hard day's work, pleasant as work always
is, but hard nevertheless. You will have the satisfaction of knowing
that you will occupy a bunk which your companions have made ready for
you, and that you did not yourself hammer so much as a single nail.
Arthur Ivan Arlen and Wigley Weigand, both weary and one lame, after
a frightful experience, were here and helped to make the boat safe and
comfortable for you. They were loyal to the Raven Patrol. I hope you may
be moved to appreciate the interest and spirit which they displayed while
you were playing ball.

"When you have an opportunity, Wesleigh, I would like to have you read
the scout laws again and bear in mind particularly your obligation of
loyalty to your scoutmaster, which of course, means to your scout
duties--your troop and your patrol. I kept my word with you to--day and
you did not keep your word with me. The house-boat is ready for our
cruise, and I hope that you, along with all the members of the troop will
find the trip enjoyable. That is all, Wesleigh, unless you have something
to say."

Oh, gee, you should have heard the silence--I don't mean heard it--but
there wasn't a sound. Then Westy said, "I haven't got anything to say."
And then he sat down.

I knew that it was time then for me to do what I wanted to do, but I
couldn't get up because I felt all shaky. I was holding to the pole of
the Silver Fox emblem that wa