The noise became subdued. The scouts began to leave. One group, talking excitedly, passed him and he drew back behind the tree.
Then a man stepped out through the doorway and came his way. Tim drew a quick breath and walked out into the roadway.
"Hello, Mr. Wall."
"Hello, Tim. Coming my way?"
"Yes, sir."
They fell into step.
"It was my fault the Wolves lost tonight," the boy said huskily.
"Anybody can make that mistake—once," Mr. Wall told him.
"It was my fault," Tim said stubbornly. What he wanted to say next didn't come so easily. "How—" He hesitated. "How does a fellow get to be a better scout?"
Mr. Wall's hand fell on his shoulder. "Tim, it's all in the way a fellow handles the laws and the oath. If he lives up to them, he's all right. He's a real scout."