"Well, Atherton, what do you want?" basked the Scoutmaster, as the Leader went up to him and saluted. "A suggestion for the camp, eh?"
"No, sir," replied Atherton. "I'm in a difficulty and want advice. Can I speak to you in the store-room, sir?"
"Certainly," assented Mr Trematon kindly. "Now, Atherton, what is it that's worrying you?"
The Scout told the story of his adventure, omitting nothing, although he put the account of his part of the rescue in as brief a form as possible.
"You had better come with me to the Head," said Mr Trematon, when Atherton had finished. "I think I can account for your reticence, and no doubt Mr Kane will see things in a similar light."
"Whatever possessed you to go without giving your name and address, Atherton?" asked the Rev. Septimus. "Don't you see you are putting obstacles in the way of the police?"
"I have thought of that since, sir," replied Atherton; "but at the time all I wanted was to make myself scarce."
"Make yourself scarce!" repeated the Head, reprovingly. "That is hardly the right way to express yourself:"
"Well, sir, you see I did not want any reward for my good turn."
"What a strange idea," remarked the Rev. Septimus Kane to his assistant.