And so, whenever he and Don were together, on the baseball field or in
Don's yard, he found himself weighing every word and act.
Friday night's meeting brought no change in the score. Each troop, eager and keen, reported faultlessly. The blackboard read:
PATROL POINTS
Eagle 122-1/2
Fox 127
Wolf 124-1/2
Tonight there was silence when the scores were posted. The contest had grown too tight for mere noise and bluster. A false step now by any patrol might drop it hopelessly to the rear. When Mr. Wall's commands still held the scouts in ranks, the faces they turned to him were boyishly sober.
"I am going to keep a promise," the Scoutmaster said, "that I made some time ago. Next week's meeting will be held in Lonesome Woods."
The sober faces were suddenly aglow.
"Attention!" came the low voices of the patrol leaders. The ranks stood firm.
"It will be part of an overnight hike. We will leave here Thursday afternoon at one o'clock."
A quick murmur—then silence.