And yet under it all there was the same abiding affection that generally may be found between twins.
"Hear! hear!" shouted the boys once more.
"Let's have it, Wallace, old sport. It's bound to be a jim-dandy idea!" declared a loud voice that seemed to spring from the ceiling; but no one was deceived, for they knew only too well how Bobolink could throw his voice pretty much where he pleased.
"Silence!"
When Paul, who in the absence of a regular scout master, occupied the chair, uttered this one word every sound ceased; and after that there was no excuse for Wallace to hesitate longer.
"Some of us have been talking it over, Mr. Chairman, and we would respectfully request that you name an early date when we can go out into the woods for several tests of skill. There is much keen rivalry among a number of us already, which can only be settled by an open trial. First of all there is the interesting water-boiling test of woodmanship. We want to know who is the leading light in that class so we may push him forward to enter the general competition with other Boy Scout troops. Am I understood, Mr. Chairman?"
"I think you have made your meaning plain, and the one particular competition you mention happens to be the most interesting of all," replied Paul.
"Then may we hope that you will name an early day for the trial to come off? Unfortunately school begins shortly now, and outside of Saturdays and holidays the several Fox patrols may not have much chance to practice before the grand trial comes off. Make it as early as possible, Mr. Chairman."
"How would to-morrow do?" asked Paul, only too anxious himself to ascertain how the boys would "toe the mark."
Wallace looked at his backers, and there were vigorous nods in answer to the question seen upon his face.