“Nothing much, sir,” he returned. “I was just thinking what a dub I am at that drill, and wishing–a complete uniform costs six-thirty, doesn’t it, Mr. Curtis?”
The scoutmaster nodded. “Would you like me to order one for you?”
Dale laughed a little wistfully. “I sure would!” he ejaculated fervently. “The trouble is I only have about four dollars and that isn’t enough.”
“Not quite,” The man hesitated an instant, his eyes on the boy’s face. “I’ll tell you what we can do, though,” he went on slowly. “If you like, I’ll advance the difference so that you can have it right away, and you can pay me back whenever it’s convenient.”
For a moment Dale did not speak. Then he shook his head regretfully. “It’s mighty good of you, sir, but I guess I’d better–” He paused abruptly, and a slow flush crept into his face. “Does a fellow have to have one? Would I be–that is, if I didn’t have one for a while, will it–make a lot of difference for the other fellows–will it look bad for the troop?”
Mr. Curtis laughed suddenly, and his hand tightened a bit on the boy’s shoulder. “Bless you, no!” he exclaimed. “Get rid of that notion right away. I thoroughly believe in every scout’s wanting a uniform, and working for it, and wearing it whenever he can, and being proud of it, but I’d hate awfully to have him feel that he was out of place in Troop Five without one. It’s the spirit that makes the scout, not clothes, and I’m just a little glad you didn’t accept my offer, Dale. Keep on saving for it, and, when you’ve enough, come to me. Meanwhile–you say you didn’t get the drill very well?”
“No, sir. I was rank.”
“That’s because you’re new to it, and to the crowd, and everything. It really isn’t hard. If you can come around to my house after supper to-morrow night, I’ll coach you up in half an hour so you can’t make a mistake next Friday if you try. That’ll put you on even terms with the rest of the troop, and make you forget this little matter of clothes. How about it?”
Dale’s eyes brightened. “That would be corking, sir! Of course I can come, only won’t it be a trouble to you?”
“Not a bit. Come any time after seven. You know where I live, don’t you?”