The room became silent.
"First in each division of work," he said, "will count five points, second three points, and third one point. The patrol having the greatest number of points at the finish will have five credits to its blackboard score; the second patrol, three points; the third patrol nothing. Two things will count, speed and neatness—and, oh yes, care. I say speed, but I also warn you to use your heads."
Use their heads? What did that mean? But before the scouts had much time to think about it, the first event was called.
This was bandaging. Two scouts from each patrol stepped forward, ready.
Wally and Alex represented the Wolves.
"Arm sling," called Mr. Wall.
Quickly, deftly, the slings were made. There was little to choose, it seemed to the watching scouts.
"Head bandage," called the Scoutmaster.
Again there was quick work. But this time the Fox boys slipped a moment.
Warning calls came from their patrol. Bobbie yelled a "Go it, Wally." The
Fox scouts finished only a second behind the others.
"Broken collar bone," was the next command.
This time one of the Eagles dropped a bandage. There was a shout from the scouts. The shouting increased as the Fox bandager fumbled the binding knots. Wally worked coolly and rapidly. He was the first to finish in this particular test.