“I began to think it all a dream that one Billy To-morrow brought me here this evening,” she chaffed.
“No dream; he’s arrived.”
“Yes? So has to-morrow—almost.”
Billy glanced at the clock. The chimes for eleven-thirty had already rung.
They laughed and “jollied,” delaying their departure with joyous nothings. Both Bess and May Nell felt a subtle change in Billy; he was not the same boy that had entered there so shortly before.
Thus did Mr. Smith galvanize to unsuspected power all who came into his presence. Billy went home lifted, ready to meet any future.
CHAPTER X
THE SCOUT
LONG before the alarm clock buzzed the rising hour, Billy was awake. He hopped out and hurried with his dressing, watching the sunrise meanwhile with some anxiety. It seemed more golden and opalescent than usual; or was it only because it was some time since he had seen it? Such a fine beginning was apt to end in rain, he remembered a little impatiently.
He was at the meeting-place before time, as were the five other eager ones. Two days! So short a time in which to win honors! Three patrols had failed to find the flag so cunningly hidden by Scoutmaster Streeter to test the troops. The Skwis-kwises (squirrels) had tried, the Chetwoots, and Billy’s troop, the Olympics. This was a joint patrol, and the honor of being its leader Billy had long coveted.