Ere long the crowd began to gather about the large platform which Captain Josh and the scouts had built in front of their club-room.  Then it was that the performance began.  First came a staff-drill by all the boys.  They did it well, and were called upon to repeat it.  This was followed by signalling.  The scouts were lined up, each holding two small flags in his hands.  The captain in a deep voice called out the letters from A to Z, and not one boy made a mistake.  He next picked out letters at random, and closed by an exhibition of sending and receiving a short message.  One boy stood about fifty yards away, and sent words which were received by another at Headquarters.  This won the hearty approval of the spectators, which rejoiced the hearts of the scouts.  After this came military drill, and here the captain was in his element.  One would have thought that he was on board of the Roaring Bess, giving orders to his crew.  He paced up and down, shouting out in a tremendous voice, “Right—­turn!” “Form—­fours!” “Quick—­march!” “Mark—­time!” and so on.  It was really excellent the way the boys rose to the occasion, showing to all what training and discipline could accomplish.

They had barely finished their marching ere Rod darted suddenly away toward the front of the Anchorage, and as Whyn followed him with her eyes she saw that he was hurrying to meet a large auto which had just arrived.  Several people were in the car, and soon they were accompanying Rod to Headquarters, which they entered.

The watching girl was puzzled over this, and wondered who they could be.  They must be people Rod knew, and was expecting, she reasoned.  But why did they go into the club-house instead of staying outside?

Presently she saw Rod reappear and go straight to Parson Dan, who was sitting near a large willow tree.  A short whispered conversation ensued, and then the clergyman followed the boy into the building.  It seemed a long time to Whyn before the former came out again, and when he did, he at once mounted the platform, and motioned the people to be quiet.  This latter was hardly necessary, as all on the grounds had noticed the arrival of the strangers, and were naturally curious about them, especially as Rod seemed so excited and delighted.

“I have a great announcement to make,” the clergyman began, “and I myself can hardly believe it is true.  It seems that the scouts have sprung a complete surprise upon us of a most enjoyable nature, and I am almost overcome by their audacity.  In order to make this affair an unbounded success, they invited the noted singer, Miss Anna Royanna, to come here and sing.  She complied with the request, and is now here.”