Imagine, then, the utter amazement of his comrades when he so coolly declared that he might be able to lead them to a hidden shack.
Elmer, if surprised, did not allow this fact to interfere with his plain duty.
"Come here, Landy," he said, and the stout new recruit hastened to do as he was ordered.
Of course Landy would not have been human, and a boy, had he been able to repress the grin that forced itself upon his rosy countenance.
Perhaps he remembered saying not so very long ago that the time might come when he would be able to prove his ability to carry the name of a scout.
Of course at the time Landy could never have even dreamed the opening would arrive so soon. That made it all the more welcome. Perhaps now, some of the fellows who loved to tease him, and say that he was too fat and slow-witted to ever be a shining success in the Hickory Hill troop, would change their tune.
Landy's hour had come. He was in the lime light, and occupied the center of the stage.
Mindful of the respect due his superior officer, Landy saluted as he clicked his heels together, and stood at attention before the scout master.
"You say you can show us where there is a hidden shack or cabin, do you, Number Eight?"
Elmer frequently addressed the boys by the number they held in their patrol, and as Landy was the last one admitted into the Wolf Patrol he went as Number Eight.