Say, that stumped Mr. Norton. He couldn't tell us.
"I'd like very much to give you one, William," he went on, after a little, turning to Bill. "You showed yourself a hero and you have done everything except the hike. How would it do to give you the badge now, with the understanding that you will make good on the hike later, when you get well?"
Skinny swelled all up when Mr. Norton gave him the badge, and I guess anybody would. He didn't know what to do or say at first, but in a minute he came to his senses. He jumped to his feet and gave the Scout salute. It was great to see him.
"Fellers," said he, turning to us with his arms folded, while Mr. Norton looked on, wondering what was going to happen.
"Who are going to be the best Boy Scouts in America, or England, either?"
"We are!" we shouted.
"Who is the best Scoutmaster that ever happened?"
"Mr. Norton!" we yelled.
"Who is great stuff, if he did sprain his ankle on Greylock?"
"Bill Wilson!"