At once thirty scouts advanced, gave the full salute, and stood at attention.  When the Governor stepped to the front of the platform and held forth the written order for the bugle band, the scoutmaster refused to take it.

“We cannot accept it, sir,” he simply said.  “It doesn’t belong to us, but to that troop which did so much for the sick girl.”

The Governor was about to reply, when he was checked by an outburst of wild enthusiastic cheers.  The scouts could restrain themselves no longer.  With the greatest difficulty they had remained silent as the Governor told about what had been done for an invalid girl.  But now this generous act on the part of troop seven following immediately after, was more than they could stand.  They cheered at the top of their voices, and threw their hats high into the air.  It was some time before order could be restored, for all were talking at once, notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the scoutmasters to restrain them.

“Do you really wish to give up all claim to the prize?” the Governor asked troop seven, as soon as he could get a hearing.

“We do,” came as one from the thirty boys.  “We cannot accept it.”

“Is that the wish of the other troops?” the Governor asked.

The only answer was another outburst of cheering, if anything, more vehement than before.  Scarcely had they finished, when Captain Josh strode rapidly forward, and confronted the Governor.

“We can’t allow it,” he shouted.  “It’s not right.”  He could say no more, for another deafening uproar forbade further speech.

“It is no use for you to refuse, captain,” the Governor told him, when peace was once more restored.  “The troops won’t let you speak.  Bring your scouts up here.”

For a few seconds the captain hesitated.  Then he wheeled, and ordered his troop to advance.  Reaching the platform, the men there shook hands with each one of them.  No one could say a word, for again the troops had let loose.  The band struck up the air of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” and soon the assembled troops were singing the words for all they were worth.

To Rod the whole thing seemed like some wonderful dream.  He could not remember anything the Governor said after that.  He only heard the captain giving the order for them to leave the stand.  When they were dismissed, they were surrounded by such a crowd anxious to shake hands with them that the boys, and even the captain, were more bewildered than ever.  Rod was finally rescued by Anna Royanna, who placed her arm about his shoulder and led him away.  This loving act, and the look of pride in her eyes, spoke louder than many words.  That she was pleased was to him a greater reward than all the wild cheering of the scouts.

CHAPTER XXX

THE NIGHT RUN

It took the Hillcrest troop a long time to get settled down after the excitement of the Review.  Whenever they met at Headquarters they could do nothing but discuss everything that had taken place.  For awhile they were greatly puzzled as to how the Lieutenant-Governor had learned so much about them.  At last it leaked out that Anna Royanna had supplied the information.