Bluff was no longer to be repressed; but sprang erect.

“I d-d-discovered that they always w-w-went to a p-p-particular p-p-place; and w-w-when we s-s-saw that noble tree, why, we j-j-just l-l-looked at each other, and s-s-shook hands.  Then we c-c-climbed up before the f-f-first eagle f-f-flew that way.  T-t-thank you gentlemen f-f-for your k-k-kind attention.”

“Wow! he got that in pat, all right.  When Bluff makes up his mind to hustle he can beat the band.  I move a vote of thanks to these most efficient scouts,” said Wallace, pushing forward.

They were given with a will; after which other reports came to show what was being accomplished in numerous lines.

The troop photographers produced their prints, which were passed around for examination, and brought forth an abundance of good words.  To see themselves in the new suits of khaki made many a fellow’s heart thrill with pride.

“We must have a meeting every day up to the beginning of school,” declared the acting scout master, finally; “for these busy Eagles have stolen a march on us while we slept; and we’ve just got to hustle now to catch up.”

“But we’ve got some mighty fine things to our credit already, and don’t you forget it, boys.  I haven’t heard of a horse being stopped, and a child’s life saved over in Aldine or Manchester,” declared Wallace, with a proud glance toward Paul.

“Or any account of the rival troops attending a fire in a body, and working to beat the band until their new uniforms were next to ruined,” spoke up Nuthin’.

“I guess the boys of Manchester must feel pretty small when they listen to the story of how a Red Fox scout walked right into a burning building, and snatched up a baby that had been forgotten; hey, how about that, fellers?” shouted William, pointing his finger at Jack.

“We’re hitting up the pace.  We’re going strong, and bound to make things hustle right up to Thanksgiving Day!  Every fellow do his level best to bring that banner home to Stanhope!” cried Jud Elderkin.

“We can do it!” yelled half a dozen in chorus.

“Why, its easy money, boys.  Just organized, and not a second class scout in the troop yet, but look at what we’ve done.  Give us a little time, and we’re going to make the Beavers and Bald Eagles, and all the rest of ’em, sit up and take notice!” avowed Nuthin’.

“And wait until you hear the inspiring sound of my bugle, which I expect to have at the next meeting,” said Bobolink, proudly.

“Huh! that won’t h-h-hold a c-c-candle to my d-d-drum!” declared Bluff, waving his arms wildly, as though he could already imagine the great fun in store when that instrument came to hand.

And so the meeting broke up, with the scouts disbanding for the day.  Some lingered to try once more the various stunts that interested them most.  It seemed as if every fellow’s heart might be wrapped up in the desire to win that coveted trophy, and bring the banner to his home town.