The Boy Scout

Copyright, 1914, by Charles Scribner's Sons
Published May, 1914

A rule of the Boy Scouts is every day to do some one a good turn. Not because the copy-books tell you it deserves another, but in spite of that pleasing possibility. If you are a true scout, until you have performed your act of kindness your day is dark. You are as unhappy as is the grown-up who has begun his day without shaving or reading the New York Sun . But as soon as you have proved yourself you may, with a clear conscience, look the world in the face and untie the knot in your kerchief.
Jimmie Reeder untied the accusing knot in his scarf at just ten minutes past eight on a hot August morning after he had given one dime to his sister Sadie. With that she could either witness the first-run films at the Palace, or by dividing her fortune patronize two of the nickel shows on Lenox Avenue. The choice Jimmie left to her. He was setting out for the annual encampment of the Boy Scouts at Hunter's Island, and in the excitement of that adventure even the movies ceased to thrill. But Sadie also could be unselfish. With a heroism of a camp-fire maiden she made a gesture which might have been interpreted to mean she was returning the money.
I can't, Jimmie! she gasped. I can't take it off you. You saved it, and you ought to get the fun of it.
I haven't saved it yet, said Jimmie. I'm going to cut it out of the railroad fare. I'm going to get off at City Island instead of at Pelham Manor and walk the difference. That's ten cents cheaper.
Sadie exclaimed with admiration:
An' you carryin' that heavy grip!
Aw, that's nothin', said the man of the family.
Good-by, mother. So long, Sadie.
To ward off further expressions of gratitude he hurriedly advised Sadie to take in The Curse of Cain rather than The Mohawks' Last Stand, and fled down the front steps.