down, since every fellow felt that he had won the right to wear it in its proper position.
"Give them three cheers!" he called, as the caravan drew near the bend in the road that would shut it from view.
There was a lusty response from more than a score of healthy lungs, while both drum and bugle added to the racket. Presently, the dust hanging like a cloud at the turn was the only sign left of the passing of the circus. But the memory of the humane deed they had done would remain with the boys a long time.
Once again they were on the move. Dobbin had managed to survive the near presence of those unfamiliar animals, and seemed to put more vigor than formerly into his work. Perhaps he was anxious to place as much distance as possible between his own person and the terrifying beasts of the jungle.
When noon arrived the young scouts found themselves about five miles away from town. This was really further than a number of the lads had ever been in this direction. Still, there had been no rush, and Paul knew that his command must be in pretty good shape thus far.
Most of them appeared to be merry enough, and joked as they walked. William especially seemed light hearted; and since nothing like order
was maintained during the steady tramp, he enlivened the way with his songs and squibs.
It was different with Paul. Pretty much all the responsibility weighed upon his young shoulders, since Mr. Gordon trusted to him to carry the troop to the place selected for the camp, wherever that might be.
He had scores of things to think of, and must always be on the alert to keep his finger on the pulse of the entire score of lads.
When they made their noon halt they had reached another spring known to Paul, though some little distance away from the road.