Mr. Ellsworth said, awful funny, “Yes, I’m the evil genius.”

“And I understand fires are part of this scout rigmarole,” Mr. Slausen said.

“Yes, indeed,” Mr. Ellsworth said; “we’re all strong for the campfire. Had your place insured, I suppose, Mr. Slausen?”

“Lucky I did,” he said.

“We just want to give these lads a chance to explain their presence there,” Chief O’Day said.

Mr. Ellsworth just said, “Oh, I see.”

I just looked straight at Mr. Ellsworth and I said, “I can’t tell, Mr. Ellsworth, on account of a scout law. If Westy wants to tell, let him do it.”

“Thanks. Nothing doing,” said Westy.

“What is the law, Roy?” Mr. Ellsworth asked me, very kind and nice.

I said, “It’s the one about a scout’s honor being trusted.”