"How do you like us," asked Fly, looking down at his khaki trousers, while the others looked up expectantly.
"You look like regular soldiers," commented Mrs. Windham, who had joined the captain and his wife at the window.
"Your suits are very pretty," put in Mrs. Crawford.
"Ha—Ha!—your mother says the suits are pretty," reiterated the captain. "Guess that's handing it to you."
"Oh, as for us," retorted Fred. "We're just plain handsome."
"Tell Phipps he's spoiling the whole bunch of you," enjoined the captain, as the party started down the road that led to the ranch.
They had been unable to bring all their new equipment, but the canteens were strapped on and each boy carried his Remington. The whistles, drinking cups and penknives were safely stowed away in trouser pockets. On their shirts were pinned the new Boy Scout badges.
"Sorry Hawke couldn't go," said Dunk. The aviator had some business letters on hand, and chose to remain at the Fort.
"Ever develop that picture you took in the mountains?" asked Fly of Fred.
"Yes, but it was no good. Something the matter with the plate. Hawke's got the proof," responded Fred. "Order, now," he added, with pretended severity. "Remember, left, right, left, right, ready," and the boys started off in correct step.