'We do,' cried Dick. 'We've won and earned fairly all the rest of our food. I'll tell you everything, and you shall judge for yourself, father. But it's too long a tale to go into now.'
Mr. Elliott stared through his goggles in wonder at the money. 'Well, Jim,' he said at last to his brother, 'these scouts of yours can look after themselves, it seems.'
'That's the chief thing that Baden-Powell's scouts are expected to learn,' said the instructor, smiling; 'it is quite clear that Dick and Slynn have picked up the art in great form.'
'Done the whole thing on two and sevenpence three-farthings!' repeated Mr. Elliott, his wonder growing as he thought it over. 'Dick, you'd better come into the business straight away. You'd be able, I should say, to give your uncle and myself most valuable advice on the subject of cutting down expenses.'
Dick laughed, for his father's surprise filled him with the utmost delight. Chippy, too, was on the broad grin.
'Here,' said Mr. Elliott suddenly, 'take it; it's yours. Share it up between you.' He poured gold, silver, and copper into the hat which Dick promptly held out for the money.
'I'm not going to say "no" to that offer, father,' said Dick; 'for I've a use for my half of the money.'
'Same here,' murmured Chippy; 'the party's name is Joseph Thatcher, Little Eston.'
'Now, Chippy,' cried Dick, 'how in the world did you know what was in my mind?'
The Raven chuckled. 'I knowed,' he murmured, and would say no more.