"Union up," replied Jack.
"What does it mean with the Union down?"
"Signal of distress."
"Very good," commended the colonel, "and now about the knots?" producing some pieces of rope. "Can you tie them?"
"Like an old salt," replied Pepper.
The boys set to work on the knots and in a few minutes had them all tied, to the colonel's satisfaction, whereupon he proceeded to administer the Scout's oath.
"Raise your right hands, with the thumb resting on the nail of the little finger, the other three fingers pointing upward. This represents the three promises of the oath. Now, repeat after me: On my honor I promise that I will do my best:
"1. To do my duty to God and my country.
"2. To help other people at all times.
"3. To obey the Scout law.