OR

The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain

By GEORGE A. WARREN

AUTHOR OF "THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS," "THE MUSKET BOYS OF OLD BOSTON," "THE MUSKET BOYS UNDER WASHINGTON," ETC.

ILLUSTRATED

THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING CO.

AKRON, OHIO NEW YORK

MADE IN U. S. A.

Copyright, 1912, by Cupples & Leon Company


CHAPTER PAGE
I The Open Door[1]
II The Mystery of the Tin Box[11]
III Breaking Up the Scouts' Meeting[22]
IV Catching a Tartar[35]
V Getting Ready for the Great "Hike"[46]
VI On Guard[55]
VII "Be Prepared!"[66]
VIII Repulsing the Enemy[76]
IX Returning Good for Evil[87]
X Off on the Long Tour[98]
XI The Coming of the Circus Caravan[107]
XII A Camp by the Roadside[118]
XIII When the Moon Went Down[127]
XIV The Chase[138]
XV Left in the Lurch[147]
XVI At the Foot of Rattlesnake Mountain[155]
XVII Joe Declines to Tell[164]
XVIII A Close Call[173]
XIX Indian Picture Writing[184]
XX Camp Surprise[193]
XXI The Light of the Mountain[202]
XXII The Night Alarm[211]
XXIII What the Eyes of a Scout May See[219]
XXIV The Strangest Fishing Ever Known[230]
XXV Paul Lays Down His Burden[239]
XXVI The Sucker-Hole[247]
XXVII Gathering Clouds[256]
XXVIII The Great Storm[264]
XXIX A Panic-Stricken Crowd[272]
XXX The Underground Refuge[280]
XXXI The Boy Scouts as Explorers[286]
XXXII The Tin Box Again[293]
XXXIII What Paul Found—Conclusion[302]

PREFACE

Dear Boys:

While this volume is complete in itself, it forms a second link in the chain of books issued under the general title, "The Banner Boy Scouts Series." You will, no doubt, be glad to find most of the old favorites on parade once more; and perhaps make the acquaintance of several new characters who figure in these pages.

In the preceding volume, "The Banner Boy Scouts; or, The Struggle for Leadership," I endeavored to interest my readers in an account of the numerous trials and adventures that befell Paul and his chums when forming the first Red Fox Patrol. You will remember how the mystery of the disappearing coins continued to puzzle Paul and Jack almost up to the very conclusion of the story. And doubtless you were also ready to admit that, hard pressed by jealous rivals at home, as well as forced to compete with two neighboring troops who longed to possess the prize banner, the Stanhope scouts certainly did have a warm time of it, right up to the close of the tournament.

The wonderful way in which they carried off first honors at that same competition certainly ought to inspire all Boy Scouts to emulate their example, and never be satisfied with half-hearted efforts. I sincerely hope and trust the stirring happenings that fall to the lot of Paul and his chums, as related between the covers of the present volume, may give every reader the same amount of pleasure that I have experienced in writing them.

Cordially yours,

George A. Warren.


THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS ON A TOUR

CHAPTER I