heir several viewpoints. The elder Harrison boy led the two to one
side and pointed out a scant bushel basket of the green ammunition.
Others explained the plans for the morning's fun.

"Silvey 'n I'll be generals of the armies," said John, when the babel
had diminished. Sid raised his voice in protest.

"Give somebody else a chance. Let Red and me be it this time."

Silvey shouted derisively. "'Member the time you got hit in the eye with
a snowball? Went home, bawling 'Ma-m-a-a, Ma-m-a-a.' Fine general you'll
make!"

Sid brandished his fists with a show of braggadocio. "Want to fight
about it?"

"Na-a-w," came the sneering reply. "Don't fight with cowards."

John turned upon the pair imperiously. "Silvey'n I'll be generals, just
as I said. Cut out the quarreling. If you don't like it, you don't have
to. Want to quit?"

Sid mumbled a sulky denial and retreated to the outer edge of the little
group. There he poured out his troubles to the elder Harrison boy. John
and Bill were always bossing things; ought to let him lead once in a
while; thought they were the earth, anyway.

John shot him a keen glance and whirled upon Silvey.

"First choose!" he shouted.

"'Tain't fair," objected his rival. "I wasn't ready. Draw lots."

Perry Alford plucked a half-dozen blades of grass of varying lengths and
folded them carefully. Then he held one, tightly closed, chubby hand
first to Bill and then to John. The leaders compared their prizes.
Silvey gave an exultant yell and beckoned to a gawky, loosely jointed
lad who stood a little apart from the rest of the gang.

"Come on, Skinny! You're on my side."

Skinny's long arms made him a welcome addition to any force and a
warrior to be feared at all times. Occasionally he performed feats of
marksmanship which not even the two redoubtable leaders could equal.

The group of boys drew closer. Perry Alford lagged with seeming
nonchalance, a step in the rear of his more eager play-fellows. Sid
DuPree picked up a pebble and threw it unerringly toward a railroad
fence post as John eyed him regretfully.

If only that youngster had not such a reputation for quitting under
fire, time and again during their many mimic battles! Then his glance
fell upon Red Brown's impudent, freckled face and he smiled. Here was a
warrior with a temperament to delight the leader of a forlorn hope.

"Come on, Red!"

Sid was promptly seized upon by the rival commander.

"Perry Alford," said John.