"And I'll bet they're proud of you round there, too," Mr. Ellsworth added, as he followed them into the front hall. "I've got three full patrols—that is, two, I mean; and Connie Bennett expects to dig up another boy for us. Roy refused the job. Never had a kid of my own, but I'd like to have a soldier boy like you."
He helped Roscoe on with his big army ulster, and stood with a hand on either of Roscoe's shoulders.
"You tell your father when you get home that I congratulate him. Providence did him a good turn, as we scouts say."
"I dare say somebody or other did him a good turn," said Roscoe, almost in a tone of disgust.
"Tell him I said he ought to be proud to furnish Uncle Sam with such a soldier."
"Humph," said Roscoe, in the same mood; "it's a question who furnished Uncle Sam with the soldier."
"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Ellsworth, slightly puzzled.
"Oh, nothing in particular—I guess. I'm kind of tired—I'll be—glad when I get in bed...."