The Boy Scout idea had worked its first wonder on the scrappy Art. All but Connie stood open-mouthed in wonder. Sammy Addington shook his head sadly. He would not invite Nick Apthorp at least.
When the box had been deposited in Conyers’ back yard and feverishly opened, thirteen bundles and a long package lay before the tingling boys. On top was a large envelope marked “Invoice,” directed to Mr. Trevor in care of “Mr. Alex Conyers.” It was unsealed. Connie opened it and spread it before the boys. It was a list of the contents of the box and read:
| To | 12 | Scout hats, khaki felt, wide stiff brim and chin strap | $3.25 |
| ” | 1 | Patrol Leader hat, ditto, with pugaree | .65 |
| ” | 12 | Scout shirts, khaki, brown, military pockets, official pattern | 4.68 |
| ” | 1 | Patrol Leader shirt, ditto, with collars, cuffs and buttons | .80 |
| ” | 12 | Scout belts, pigskin, rings and swivels | 2.60 |
| ” | 1 | Patrol Leader belt, cowhide, strap for shoulder | .65 |
| ” | 13 | Scout haversacks, khaki drill | 1.90 |
| ” | 13 | Scout ties, black, 5×36 inches | 1.30 |
| ” | 13 | Scout lanyards | .30 |
| ” | 13 | Scout knives with marlinspike | 3.25 |
| ” | 13 | Scout whistles | 2.08 |
| ” | 13 | “Billy” tins | 2.60 |
| ” | 13 | Combined knives and forks | 3.90 |
| ” | 2 | Semaphore signal flags | .30 |
| ” | 1 | Patrol flag, green, marked “WOLF” | .25 |
| ——— | |||
| $33.81 |
“Gee,” exclaimed Colly Craighead. “That’s a lot.”
“It’s two dollars and sixty cents for each boy,” protested Connie. “An’ we got ever’thing we need but tents an’ blankets an’ we can get them right here when we need them.”
Then unpacking began. Each package was marked with a boy’s name. And the contents of each were suited to that boy’s size and measurement. In the history of every boy present there had never come a happier moment. In five minutes the Conyers’ yard was ablaze with newly caparisoned youngsters; Connie, superior in his patrol leader hat, badge and cuffed shirt, and Sammy Addington, by gracious consent, as the Wolf standard bearer.
“Fall in,” shouted Patrol Leader Conyers at last and the smart uniforms lined up together for the first time. By fours and by file the squad marched and countermarched. After a half hour it was remembered that the manuals, furnished free, and a part of the equipment were yet unexamined. “Break ranks!” was ordered and the happy scouts returned to the shade of the wide maple tree where the books were distributed.
Then, like swarming bees, the recruits began to devour “Scoutcraft”: a scout’s work, his instructions, the scout laws, campaigning, camp life, tracking, woodcraft, the chivalry of scouts. They read again and again how General Baden-Powell had used the boys of Mafeking in the siege of that town to assist the too few soldiers; all about the scouts’ badges and medals for merit and bravery; what they meant and how to win them.
In the midst of this there came a shock. Some one discovered on the street outside, Hank Milleson and his friends—the Goosetowners’ delegation. But the committee was small. In addition to Hank there were Carrots Compton, Mart Clare and Buck Bluett. Nick Apthorp was not present. Seeing this Sammy Addington sprang up, seized the Wolf standard and came to a “present.” There was a snicker from the Goosetowners.