The Scouts of Seal Island

PUBLISHED BY A. & C. BLACK, LTD., 4, 5 & 6 SOHO SQ., LONDON, W.
AGENTS New York THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Melbourne THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Toronto THE MACMILLAN COMPANY OF CANADA Bombay Calcutta Madras MACMILLAN AND COMPANY, LTD.

With eight Illustrations in Colour by ERNEST PRATER
A. & C. BLACK, LTD. 4, 5 AND 6 SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W.1
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN First Published in 1913 This Edition published in 1922 Reprinted in 1922, 1923, 1925, 1930

Lads, exclaimed Scoutmaster Leslie Trematon, I am sorry to announce a disappointment, but I trust you will receive the news like true Scouts and keep smiling.
The Scoutmaster paused to note the effect of his words. Practically every boy of the Otter and Wolf patrols knew what was coming, but one and all gave no sign of disgust at the shattering of their hopes. Two or three pursed their lips tightly, others set their jaws grimly, while a few looked at their comrades as if to gauge the state of their feelings on the matter.
We must, I'm afraid, give up all hope of our Cornish trip and set our minds upon a fortnight's camp at or in the neighbourhood of Southend, continued Mr Trematon. I had an idea, when I approached Sir Silas Gwinnear, that my application would be favourably considered, and that in less than a week's time you would be enjoying the pure bracing air of Seal Island. Unfortunately, Sir Silas does not see eye to eye with us. His opinion of Scouts in general is not a flattering one. Of course every man is entitled to his own opinion, but at the same time I sincerely trust that Sir Silas may be convinced that his estimate of the qualities of Scouts is inconsistent with facts. I would not hold your confidence if I did not read his letter to you. At the same time I feel sure you will make due allowances for the somewhat scathing strictures upon Boy Scouts in general.
Leslie Trematon, the third master of Collingwood College, was a tall, broad-shouldered muscular Cornishman of twenty-four years of age. He was just over six feet in height, his complexion was ruddy, though tanned by exposure to the sun, while his crisp, light brown hair and kindly blue eyes gave him a boyish appearance. He had been two years assistant master at Collingwood College, and, although a strict disciplinarian during school hours, was the idol of his scholars. Out of harness he was almost as one of them: full of spirit, keen on games, and sympathetic with lads who sought his confidence.