“I don’t believe they ever could.  Still, there’s no law in the land to prevent any lot of boys from forming a patrol, and calling themselves scouts.  That’s my way of looking at it,” was the answer the leader gave.

The lads were now on their way home, the lantern having been secured, and extinguished, lest it invite another bombardment on the part of their tormentors, doubtless still hovering somewhere nearby.

No further attack came, however, for which some of them were possibly sorry, particularly William and Bluff, who delighted in strenuous action at all times.

On the border of the town the seven separated into three groups, the twins going off arm in arm, Bluff, Bobolink and A. Cypher forming another; while Paul and his particular chum made up the third.

“Well,” said Paul, as they headed for the house of his comrade, which chanced to come before his own, “what do you think of my scheme, Jack?”

“Immense, that’s what.  I’m only astonished that nobody else took up with the idea before.  Poor old Stanhope seems to be away behind the times, Paul.”

“Well, I don’t know.  We’ve had lots going on this summer to take up our time; and then most of us were away during part of the vacation.  There are other towns just as slow to catch on,” returned the other, loyal to the place of his birth.

“But now that the ball has been started rolling, just watch how fast it gathers force.  I know how you go at these things.  And of all the fellows I ever met, you are the one best fitted to lead in this thing, if I understand the game right.  Why, it’s just going to fit in with the things you’ve preached and practiced for years.”

“That’s why it appealed so strongly to me, after I really understood what the many duties of a scout were supposed to be.  But what’s the matter with you, Jack?”

“Eh?  With me?  Oh, nothing much, Paul.”

But the other knew better, for he had noticed a frown come over Jack’s usually smiling countenance more than once that evening, when the other thought he was not observed; and from this Paul felt positive his chum was worrying about something.

“Of course, if you think it best not to take me in on it, I’m the last one to bother you, old chap,” he went on, when Jack interrupted him.

“It wasn’t that, Paul, not in the least.  To tell the truth I’ve been thinking it over, and just about made up my mind that I must tell some one, or I’d never sleep easy.  And of all my friends you’re the one closest to me.  Yes, I’m going to confess that there is something that puzzles me, and fills me with alarm.”

“Say, is it as bad as that, Jack?  But how is it you don’t want to go to your own folks?  You’ve got one of the best dads I ever knew, and your mother, well, few are in the same class with her.”

“That’s just it, Paul.  I’d hate to have either of them know anything about this trouble.”