and did the best I could and always
told the fellows to be loyal and how disgrace spills all over just like
Mr. Ellsworth himself told us.

"Anyway, Mr. Ellsworth," I said, "I can't say it as good as I'd like to,
because--you know--"

"Take your time, Roy," he said.

"Anyway, you remember how you spoke about the laws." I was holding tight
to the Silver Fox standard and it kind of helped me to speak, and I guess
pretty soon my voice didn't shake. "I know all the laws," I said, "and I
think more about them than I do about stunts and adventures and things--"

"How about baseball?" a fellow said, but I didn't pay any attention
to him, and Mr. Ellsworth frowned at him.

"And only to-night I looked at them," I said, "and I made marks next to
two of them." Then I fumbled in my pocket and got out the Handbook, and
I reminded myself of a lawyer. Anyway I could see Mr. Bennett smile at
Mr. Ellsworth. "Gee, I wouldn't say anything against the laws, that's
one sure thing," I said, "because they're all dandy laws, you can bet.
But maybe a fellow might not know which one to obey because he can't
obey them all at once, can he?"

Mr. Ellsworth said he didn't know about that and he looked kind of
surprised. I should worry, I wasn't scared now. "Suppose he's on his
way to obey Law 8 and keep his word and be loyal to his troop and his
scoutmaster," I said. "That's Law 8, isn't it?"

Mr. Ellsworth looked surprised and said, "yes." And Mr. Bennett was
smiling with and awful funny kind of a smile.

"And suppose while he's on his way he runs plunk into another law.
Goodnight! What's he going to do? Maybe you don't know which law I mean
by another one. It's number 3, and I can say it without even looking at
the book. Even if they elect--"

I guess Mr. Ellsworth could see my voice was I trembling, because he
said, "Take your time, Roy, you have us interested."

I have to admit I was feeling bad, but anyway I said the law right off
without looking at the book.

3. A SCOUT IS HELPFUL.

He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons,
and share the home duties. He must do at least one good turn to
somebody everyday.

"Maybe you never noticed that the part about good turns is printed in
italics. You know what italics mean--you learn that in the Second Grade.
It means that that special thing IS emphasized, see?"

Mr. Ellsworth was smiling a little, but anyway he was listening and so
was Mr. Bennett. Gee, I didn't