Well were the Otters named, it seemed, for they certainly carried off more than their share of the water games. Alec Sands appeared to be very well pleased with the way things were turning out. He went around from time to time with a broad grin on his face, and had a knowing wink for all of his friends whenever he chanced to meet them. It was as much as saying that the whole affair was a walkover for the Otters, who were far superior to any other patrol in the troop.
Whenever Hugh had to exercise his authority as acting scout master, Alec’s face took on a sneering look. Billy observed this several times, and he was fully convinced that the smart leader of the Otter patrol had once more allowed the spirit of envy to eat into his heart.
“He’s sore because we elected Hugh to fill the place of the assistant scout master instead of him,” he told Bud, as they prepared for the tracking game, in which they felt sure the Wolf boys would come out ahead, thanks to the knowledge Hugh had along these lines.
“I wouldn’t be much surprised if what you say turns out to be so, Billy,” was the other’s reply; “and it’s a burning shame, too, because he’s a really clever scout, only for that failing.”
Billy heaved a sigh.
“It seems as though we all have a failing of some kind,” he lamented. “They say that with me it’s a propensity to eat too much,—that’s the word my father uses to explain it,—so I reckon that is my weak spot; but let me tell you privately, Bud, I’m not straining myself trying to reform.”
“But how do you think we’re going to come out of these contests?” asked Bud. “The Otters had a regular cinch on points this afternoon. They’ve certainly worked hard enough, and I give them credit for all they’ve done.”
“Oh! we’ll just walk away with the tracking contests, and that will help boost our count some,” Billy confidently told him. “Besides, what’s the use of worrying over things and losing your appetite?”
“It’s a pity they didn’t have an eating contest, Billy,” laughed Bud. “We all know who can lead the troop there.”
“Those flapjacks did smell mighty good to me, Bud; and I had a couple on the sly!”