“You said a scout was not observant,” Pee-wee said, very solemn like. “You said it sarcastic, sort of. It was an insinuation. You said never to mention scouts to you again—didn’t you? You said I was a something-or-other.”
“You are,” Harry said; “deny it, if you can.”
“Who’s responsible for bringing this machine here? You said I was. I have won five hundred dollars! I saved—saved that what’s-her-name’s necklace for her. A scout is helpful—it says so. She has to thank the Boy Scouts if her necklace is safe. Those burglars are foiled! Maybe you think you can get the best of the Boy Scouts. Let those people hunt around all they want—inside and outside—they won’t find that punch bowl. Do you know why? Because all those things are safe in the hands of the 1st Bridgeboro Troop, Boy Scouts of America. That’s why. Look! Here’s the box of jewelry. Here’s the necklace. Here’s the silverware. It’s saved, because I started Brent Gaylong off in this automobile. A scout is—a scout is—efficient—so now!”
What did I tell you about Pee-wee? No matter what he does, he always lands right side up. He makes a mistake and turns out a hero.
You can’t beat him.
CHAPTER XV—WE MEET SHERLOCK HOLMES
Harry said, “Well, I guess it’s back to Crystal Falls for us. I hope we’ll find my car there. I don’t want to set a bad example to the Boy Scouts, but you see what a good turn one can do stealing an automobile. I hope you boys will always remember that.”
Brent said in that funny way of his, “I’ll never say another word against stealing; Pee-wee has taught me a lesson.”
“Do you think the burglars were in one of those houses when we started away in the car?”
“I think they were inside the house for a second haul when we rode away in their machine,” Brent said. “Make a good movie play, wouldn’t it?”