“What do you say we agree not to tell the fellows that we were lost and—and—asked our way?” said Artie.
“All right,” said Tom, “we’re the three leaders and no one knows it but us. We’ll keep quiet.”
“If Pee-wee should ever hear of this,” said Roy, “and find out that we asked our way—G-o-o-dni-ight!”
CHAPTER XVIII
THE TRAGIC ADVENTURE OF THE FRECKLED SCOUT
The salesman was busy waiting on two boys, both scouts, one of whom was evidently buying a new outfit. Tom expressed surprise at this, since the uniform which he was wearing seemed almost new.
“I suppose the new one is for Sundays,” said Artie.
“We should worry,” said Roy.
The boy who was doing the purchasing was of a trim physique, with very red hair and he had as many freckles upon his cheerful countenance as there are stars in the quiet sky. There was much joking, which the Bridgeboro boys could not hear, between these boys and the salesman, and while waiting for the purchase to be wrapped the three formed a little laughing group.
The freckled boy, in particular, interested the waiting scouts who were attracted by his trim figure, his jaunty manner and the shiny redness of his rather curly hair.
“Well, I wish you luck,” said the salesman as they left him; “it’s some stunt!”