“Yes, for a time.”
“I saw the Kid fooling with something there, saw him hurry away just as I turned the corner. And that minute you passed me; but it wasn’t very light, and you didn’t notice me.”
Billy was silent for a time. “Mumps, all this may help me some day, but not now. Will you keep track of that messenger?”
Mumps promised, and after some further discussion that was barren, they separated.
The second day Billy spent with the Scouts, visiting each troop, hearing of their scouting trips, watching the practice work, and with Mr. Streeter going over the plans for the great civic review of the Scouts, the Good Citizens’ Clubs, and the ceremony of accepting the successful flag design and awarding the prize.
The evening of the second day Billy went back to Tum-wah. He was not due till morning, but he had become already a part of the great activities incipient there, which his imagination could see perfected and powerful. He felt by proxy the responsibility and the joy of it.
Mr. Smith in his machine overtook Billy trudging up the hill, and took him in.
“Ought I to ride—be seen riding with—”
“Jump in! You should not have come back before time, but I’m glad you did. After to-night your job is over, and you’ll have a better one.”
“Why, what—what’s doing?” Billy began, too astonished even to realize the import of Mr. Smith’s remark.