Hugh carefully read every one of these reports, and they were numerous, for the boys had been extremely vigilant, as if to prove their right to be called Auxiliary Police. Hugh used his own discretion about keeping some of these reports. A few he smiled at, and made a mental note to warn the writer that it was not intended to enter into private property in order to spy around, but that the complaints must be of such things as offended the public eye or ear or nose; after which he tore these up.
The others he carefully filed with a good deal of satisfaction, to be later on submitted to Chief Wallis, after copies had been taken for the scout records. On the whole, Hugh believed the boys had made good that day, despite all the novelty of the thing, and the troubles they had met with. As time passed on and people came more and more to recognize them as a part of the regular system for carrying out the laws that were upon the books, much of this friction would die away, and the wheels of machinery could be expected to move more smoothly.
Hugh, feeling that he must not neglect his studies on account of this outside occupation, had just taken out his books, and was about to settle down to an hour or so of “grind,” when he heard the doorbell ring.
Then he caught a familiar voice asking if he were at home. It was Tom Sherwood, stationed that day at the most dangerous crossing in all Oakvale, and who Hugh understood, from all accounts, had acquitted himself splendidly.
The sound of Tom’s voice suddenly recalled to Hugh’s mind the fact that he had promised to help the other. It had been utterly impossible for Hugh to attempt anything along the lines he had suggested, concerning an interview with Benjy Sherwood, for his day had been crammed full of duties, great and small.
But when Tom burst into his room impetuously Hugh could see from his face that the other had more bad news to communicate.
CHAPTER VI.
THE PROMISE OF A SCOUT.
“Hello, Tom! Glad to have you drop around to see me!” was the friendly and cheery salute of the scout master, as he nodded to the newcomer.
Boys do not usually wait on ceremony when visiting, so Tom, without bothering to be asked to take a seat, dropped into an easy-chair.
Like most fellows of his age, Hugh had his room fitted up in as cozy a fashion as suited his fancy. There were the customary college flags decorating the walls, and some well-selected pictures that showed the bent of Hugh’s mind toward art, a small matter, perhaps, in the opinion of most people, but of moment with any one really desirous of knowing the nature of the boy who lives and sleeps inside those walls.