"My name is Wat Watson," announced the other with a smile. "It is an alterative sort of a name, but all I have. I have here," presenting a paper to Rand, "a challenge from the Highpoint Patrol."
"A challenge!" exclaimed Rand. "Not for an archery contest, I hope, or we are beaten before we begin. Master Watson, permit me to present Don Graeme, Jack Blake and his brother, Pepper, Dick Wilson, and last, but not least in his own estimation, Gerald Moore."
"I am heartily glad to meet you all," said Wat, shaking hands all around, "and hope I may often have the pleasure."
"The same to you," responded the boys.
"And may you live to be a hundred," added Gerald, "and may Oi be wid ye."
The paper which Nat had brought and which Rand had opened, ran:
"To the Uncas Patrol, Greeting:
"The Highpoint Patrol, of the Boy Scouts, hereby challenges the Uncas Patrol to a contest for the Scout championship of the Hudson, to be rowed by crews selected from said patrols, at such time and place as may be hereafter agreed upon.
"HIGHPOINT PATROL. JACK DUDLEY, Leader. TOM BROWN, Corporal."
"Well, boys, what do you say?" asked Rand, when he had finished reading the challenge. "After the prowess exhibited by their messenger, do you think we dare accept?" Whereupon there arose a babble of voices in which all sorts of opinions were expressed.