rganization up to this time. No one who had the ability to read the
papers could be without that knowledge. And Thad made it a point to
mention any number of interesting features connected with their work,
that rather opened his eyes, and kept him asking for more information.

Like many other people, Reuben Sparks had imagined that the movement had
to do with drilling American boys, so that they could become soldiers as
they grew up. He now learned, to his surprise, that there never could be
a greater mistake. Instead of teaching boys to fight, the principles of
the organization tend toward peace. The main thing advanced is to make
boys more manly, self-reliant, courteous, brave, self-sacrificing,
forgetting their own comfort when they can do a good deed, and relieve
distress; take care of themselves when in the woods; and perhaps save
the life of a comrade, should he be wounded by a carelessly used
hatchet; or come near drowning.

No wonder then that Reuben Sparks found himself intensely interested in
what Thad was telling him. His eyes were being opened to facts that he
had never dreamed could be connected with a simple organization of
growing lads. And many another who has scoffed at the silly idea of
trying to improve upon the breed of American boys, has been staggered
when brought face to face with many wonderful results that have already
sprung from this greatest of all upward movements.

Thad saw after a bit that his object had been accomplished. Bob White
had not been so busy tying his shoestring as Reuben imagined. On the
contrary he was scribbling something on a scrap of paper, which he held
doubled up in his hand when he worked his way to the rear of the
vehicle.

Undoubtedly the little missy who sat there so demurely beside Reuben
must have been slily watching his actions. And moreover, she surely
divined what Bob meant to do; for as Thad watched, he saw her left hand,
being the one further away from her guardian, quietly slip back, until
it came within easy touching distance of the scout who had sauntered up
there.

No doubt impulsive Bob must have pressed that little hand even as he
passed his note into its possession; for as he told Thad, he had always
loved his small cousin like a sister.

Fearing detection, the boy quickly moved away; and it was fortunate he
did, since Reuben in the midst of his questions glanced suspiciously
around, a minute later.

There was now no longer any reason for detain