initial commit of ebook 30453HEADmain

6 files changed, 10256 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/30453-0.txt b/30453-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee2cd0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/30453-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4926 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30453 ***
+
+The Boy Scout Fire Fighters
+
+Irving Crump
+
+Copyright 1917
+
+Barse and Company
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTERS
+    I. The Motorcycle Fire Brigade
+   II. The Firemen's Tournament
+  III. Boy Scouts to the Rescue
+   IV. When the Circus Came to Town
+    V. A Scout is Resourceful
+   VI. Helping to Make the Movies
+  VII. Ethan Allen Comes To Life Again
+ VIII. The Prize Contest
+   IX. Working to Win
+    X. The Boy from Arizona
+   XI. The Courage of a Coward
+  XII. The Scout Life Guards' Beach Patrol
+ XIII. The Day of the Big Race
+  XIV. When the Unexpected Happened
+   XV. A Narrow Escape
+  XVI. Quarry Troop's Christmas
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE MOTORCYCLE FIRE BRIGADE
+
+
+"By Jiminy, that was some fire for an old hay barn, wasn't it, fellows?"
+exclaimed Jiminy Gordon, as he entered the meeting room at headquarters.
+His eyes were flashing excitement and he was thoroughly out of breath
+from running up the long Otter Creek Hill.  "I stayed until the last
+spark was out," he said, as he dropped into a chair beside Bruce
+Clifford, leader of the Owl Patrol of Quarry Troop No. 1.
+
+"Some fire, is perfectly correct," said Bruce bitterly, "though it
+needn't have been anything more than an ordinary blaze.  I tell you the
+Woodbridge Fire Department needs a little pep, fellows."  This last was
+ addressed to the four other occupants of the room, Bud Weir, Romper Ryan,
+Babe Wilson and Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right," said Romper.
+
+"The way they went about it was a farce," said Bud.
+
+"Yes, they all had to have their red flannel shirts on," remarked Babe,
+the fat boy, sarcastically.
+
+"Say, did you see 'em scrapping over who should carry the fire trumpet?"
+laughed Romper.
+
+"Sure, and about six men were giving orders," put in Jiminy, who had
+caught the spirit of the remarks.
+
+"And no one obeyed any of 'em," supplemented Babe, sarcastic as usual.
+
+"But the finest exhibition of firemanship was when one of the nozzlemen
+let go of the only hose they got on the fire while he hunted through his
+pockets for a paper of tobacco or something else just as important," said
+Bruce.  "Of course the other nozzleman couldn't hold onto the hose alone
+and it twisted out of his hands.  The thing acted like a big black snake,
+fellows, and hit Chief Blaney a whack in the chest that knocked him
+sprawling.  Then it proceeded to wet down the whole fire department
+before some one captured it.  It was a scream.  Didn't any of you see
+it?"
+
+"I reached there in time to see Tom Hogan try to stop it and get a
+ducking for his trouble," laughed Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Oh, it is a shame," continued Bruce; "I know it isn't exactly proper to
+criticise, but then if they'd had a little system about it old Eli
+Osborne's barn would still be standing.  Now it's a heap of cinders.  I
+tell you any ordinary troop of Boy Scouts has more snap than the
+Woodbridge Fire Department.  I believe--  By Jove, fellows.  I've an idea!
+Let's organize a fire department of our own.  A motorcycle fire
+department.  I was reading in a magazine only the other day how they
+started one over in England somewhere.  How about it?"
+
+"Bully--how's it done?" demanded Bud Weir, leader of the Blue Heron Patrol.
+
+"Corking idea; let's get busy," exclaimed Jiminy Gordon.
+
+"Great!  Give us the details," shouted Romper.
+
+Bruce wrinkled his brow in deep thought for several moments, then his
+face lighted up with a smile.
+
+"Look here, fellows," he said enthusiastically, "three of us have
+motorcycles we got for Christmas, and Romper here and Ray Martin of the
+Flying Eagles have the machines they built themselves.  Then there's 'Old
+Nanc,' the automobile we built last Winter.  She's good enough to carry
+hose and hatchets and a couple of fellows besides.  We've the equipment.
+What do you say?  I'm dead sure my dad will let us borrow some fire
+extinguishers from the mill, and he has any amount of hose and other
+things to fit up a first-class brigade.  We'll get our equipment together
+and then drill like the dickens.  How about it?"
+
+"And we'll keep it a secret.  Won't tell a soul until we get a chance to
+spring a surprise on the whole town, eh, fellows?" suggested Bud.
+
+"Let's spring it at the tournament and convention next month.  The
+Champlain Valley Firemen's Association meets here this year, you know.
+Perhaps we can get first prize in the tournament, added Romper Ryan.
+
+"Whoo-o-o-pe!  Great!  Let's get busy," shouted Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right-o," said Bruce.  "But first of all let's tell our plan to
+Assistant Scoutmaster Ford."
+
+To be thoroughly familiar with Quarry Troop No. 1 you must know that it
+was composed of three patrols in Woodbridge, Vt., and that its members
+had created a reputation for themselves through their ability as
+mechanics and electricians.  Woodbridge has long been noted for its
+electrically operated marble quarries and its many machine shops and
+textile mills, and the boys of the town, as a result of their
+surroundings, were by nature of a mechanical turn.  Added to this, the
+Woodbridge Academy was one of the first institutions of the country to
+adopt a manual training course as part of its curriculum, and all the
+lads received an early drilling at the lathes and forges.
+
+Bruce Clifford, always the most self-reliant lad in town, first suggested
+that he and his fellows establish  "a troop of Engineers," and of course
+his proposal was received with enthusiasm by the Academy boys.  Bruce
+took the plan to his father, Samuel Clifford, and to his father's friend,
+Hamilton Townsend, a well-known consulting engineer in Woodbridge.  Mr.
+Townsend was delighted with the idea, and quickly consented to become the
+Scoutmaster, while Mr. Clifford, to foster the interest of the lads along
+mechanical lines, offered them the abandoned machine shop on the top of
+Otter Creek Hill for their headquarters.
+
+This was a real find for Bruce and his friends, for the old place had
+never been dismantled.
+
+Mr. Clifford was a builder of electrical stone cutting and polishing
+machines and for a long time he had maintained his business in the little
+two-story structure.  But four years previous he had erected a fine new
+concrete building just across the way, and abandoned the machine shop,
+intending to tear down the building and sell the old equipment for junk.
+
+This made ideal headquarters for a troop that desired to specialize in
+engineering.  On the first floor were the old hand-forges, bellows,
+lathes, work benches, planing machines, and various other appliances.
+They were all out of date, to be sure, and some slightly rusty, but still
+quite usable after they had been cleaned up.
+
+On the second floor of the building were two rooms, one of which was used
+for meetings, while the other was converted into a wire room for the loop
+telegraph line that the lads had built through the town.  This loop was
+connected with an instrument in the bedrooms of every member of the troop
+and the boys could be routed out of bed at midnight, if need be, by some
+one calling on any of the keys.  A wireless system had also been erected
+on the roof of the building by the wireless enthusiasts of the troop and
+the helix, spark-gap and various coils and keys were also set up in the
+wire room.
+
+Headquarters immediately became popular with every member of the troop
+and always some one was to be found pottering about in the machine shop,
+building something that he was particularly interested in.  Two of the
+boys, during the long Winter evenings, had made more or less serviceable
+motorcycles for themselves, and a half dozen of the young engineers had
+even essayed the construction of an automobile from old parts they were
+able to get for "a song" at various junk shops; indeed, some serviceable
+material was found in scrap heaps about town.
+
+How well they succeeded, a wheezing two-cylinder motor car attested.
+This turn-out was dubbed "Old Nanc" by the troop, and though it went far
+better down grade than it did on the level, the boys managed to get a
+great deal of fun out of it.  And it was not a bad looking machine either
+when it finally received several generous coats of red paint and enamel.
+
+Luckily, Austin Ford, the engineer in charge of the hydro-electric plant
+of the Woodbridge Quarry Company, became interested in the "Scout
+Engineers," and through him the officials of the quarry company were
+persuaded to allow the lads to use as much electric current as they
+required without cost.  The youngsters quickly built a transmission line
+to the electric station, which was located a few miles north of the town
+on a branch of Otter Creek.
+
+Mr. Ford's interest in the lads increased to admiration when he saw the
+business-like way in which they went about building the line, and he even
+offered them some practical engineering advice when they found themselves
+up against knotty problems.  This led to a more intimate relation with
+the young Cornell graduate, and in the end the boys suggested that he
+become the Assistant Scoutmaster.  This office rather pleased him, for in
+reality Austin Ford was little more than a big boy in the matter of
+pleasure.
+
+He quickly became a master of scout lore and at every opportunity he was
+afield with the lads or else in the shop at headquarters working out new
+engineering "stunts" (as he characterized them) for the Scouts to
+undertake.  The boys never failed to talk over each new undertaking with
+him, as, for instance, the troop's latest scheme, the organization of a
+motorcycle fire department.
+
+Indeed, on the very evening of the day Eli Osborn's barn was reduced to
+ashes, Bruce, Bud, Romper and several others visited Mr. Ford and
+outlined their plans.  Of course the Assistant Scoutmaster approved of
+such a very laudable Idea, but he did admonish the boys against
+criticising the present fire fighting force of Wood bridge, stating that
+though the men had their peculiarities the lads should remember that they
+were volunteers, doing their work without receiving a cent of pay because
+they recognized their duty to others.
+
+As to the equipment of the brigade, he left that all up to the boys,
+telling them, however, that whenever they had any difficulty they would
+find him ready to help them.  He also suggested that they visit the
+hydro-electric plant and take a few tools and some old sand buckets which
+they could paint over and use as bucket brigade equipment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE FIREMEN'S TOURNAMENT
+
+
+The two weeks following were mighty busy ones for Quarry Troop No. 1.
+First of all it was necessary for Bruce and his companions to find out
+exactly what in the matter of equipment they had at their disposal.  This
+could only be determined by a visit to Mr. Clifford's mill and several
+other places where they could borrow fire fighting apparatus and still
+not let the news of their secret organization leak out.
+
+Mr. Clifford, when he heard of the plan, was particularly delighted and
+he personally conducted the boys through the machine shop and mill,
+making numerous suggestions meanwhile.  First of all he found that he
+could spare eleven small, two-and-one-half gallon chemical extinguishers
+and still leave enough equipment to comply with the fire underwriters'
+laws, which call for a certain number of extinguishers for each floor.
+
+These eleven were enough to provide two for each motorcycle in the
+brigade and one for the automobile.  It seemed rather unfortunate to
+Bruce that they could only get one for "Old Nanc," for he had had a
+mental picture of the red automobile with a shining extinguisher on
+either side of the driver's seat.  Indeed, he was so keen on this
+artistic arrangement that he pleaded with his father to spare an
+additional tank.
+
+"Why, I'll tell you what you can have to balance up 'Old Nanc,'" said his
+father laughingly, when he heard Bruce's reason for wanting another
+extinguisher, "here's a light oxygen-acetylene tank equipment with a blow
+torch I've been using around the mill.  I'm going to get a new one of
+larger capacity, and if you polish this up it will look mighty
+business-like, I tell you.
+
+"These torches are being adopted by the city fire departments too.  You
+see they are composed of two tanks, one filled with oxygen and the other
+with acetylene gas.  These gases both flow through the same opening in
+the torch and unite before they strike the air.  If you touch a match to
+the end of the torch, _presto_, you have a thin blue flame, so hot that
+it will cut through the hardest steel.  The flame gives off a heat as
+high as 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit;  think of that!  It literally burns its
+way through the toughest metal and does the job before you can say
+'scat.' The city fire departments use them to burn the hinges off iron
+doors and window shutters in big warehouse fires.  Do you boys want it?
+It may come in handy, you know."
+
+"Want it!  You bet we do," shouted Jiminy Gordon eagerly.
+
+"Just the stuff," recommended Romper Ryan, who had been inspecting the
+apparatus, "handy and compact.  Doesn't weigh more than a hundred pounds.
+Two of us could handle it in fine shape.  We certainly _would_ like to
+have it."
+
+"All right," acquiesced Mr. Clifford, "it's yours."
+
+The good-natured manufacturer also gave the boys a set of old fire pails
+that needed fresh coats of paint, and several lengths of old but
+serviceable fire hose, not to mention a number of rusty fire hatchets,
+crowbars and pike poles.
+
+"How about ladders?" said Mr. Clifford as the boys were about to depart.
+
+"Gee, we never thought of 'em," said Bruce, surprised at such an
+omission.  Then as he considered the capacity of "Old Nanc," he
+continued: "But if we had them we wouldn't know how to carry them;
+we--you see, we can't afford to overload the auto or she will never be
+able to get started for a fire."
+
+"Ho, ho, that's right.  She'd be a regular tortoise," said Mr. Clifford.
+"But why don't you make a couple of scaling ladders?  I'll have the top
+hooks forged for you if you'll build the ladders.  They'll be light and
+serviceable and you can work up a mighty spectacular drill with them."
+
+"Great, we'll do it," said Bruce.  Then he added, "perhaps we _will_ have
+a real fire department after all."
+
+"Old Nanc" spent the busiest day of her career gathering up the loads of
+extinguishers, hose and other equipment before she was laid up for
+alteration, and the Scouts for many days thereafter found that their
+spare time was well taken up with their work at headquarters.
+
+From the hour that the Woodbridge Academy closed until ten o'clock in the
+evening they toiled like beavers.  Bruce, always a capable manager,
+divided the patrols into working squads and assigned them to the various
+tasks to be accomplished.  Those who were handy with carpentering tools
+he set to work making a new fire patrol body for the automobile.  Those
+who excelled at the forges he assigned to the task of making brackets and
+metal clamps with which to fasten the extinguishers onto the motorcycles.
+Some were appointed ladder makers, others were painters, and still
+others were buffers and polishers, who shined up the tarnished sides of
+the tanks and took the rust off the axes and pike heads.  And when they
+all became active the interior of headquarters was a veritable beehive
+for busyness.
+
+The boys did not devote all their time to building work, however, for
+they realized that to win honors at the firemen's tournament, in which
+they meant to compete, they would have to be well drilled in every branch
+of fire fighting.  Consequently every evening, just before dusk, the
+entire troop assembled in the field back of headquarters.
+
+Scaling ladder drills, first aid work, rescue work, bucket brigade
+drills, and hose coupling contests were indulged in until the lads worked
+with the precision and accuracy of trained fire fighters.  For the sake
+of unity Bruce had been appointed fire chief, having charge of all three
+patrols.  The entire squad was under his command and in a very few days
+he had systematized their work to the point where there was scarcely a
+lost motion or a false move.
+
+Indeed, the Scouts drilled with such vigor and enthusiasm that inside of
+an hour they would be completely tired out.  Then, while they were
+resting, Bruce would put them through a sharp oral drill on the rudiments
+of firemanship as set forth in the September number of _Boy's Life_
+until, to quote Jiminy Gordon, "They could say it backwards, or upside
+down, and do it blindfolded."
+
+Gradually after weeks of toil the fleet of fire fighting motorcycles
+assumed a business-like appearance.  And as for "Old Nanc" she, redolent
+with the odors of fresh red paint, loomed above them all exactly like a
+mother hen keeping a watchful eye on her brood of chicks.
+
+Each motorcycle was equipped with a fire extinguisher clamped on either
+side, just back of the seat.  Directly in the rear of the seat was a
+small red tool box in which hose-coupling wrenches and two sets of
+harness were kept.  This harness, devised by Mr. Ford, was made of canvas
+in the form of a sling to hold the extinguishers in position on a Scout's
+back.  In that way a boy could enter a burning building and carry an
+extinguisher with him, still having both hands free to operate the
+extinguisher hose.  On top of the tool box was strapped a short coil of
+hose with a small nozzle ready to be brought into action when coupled to
+the nearest street hydrant.
+
+"Old Nanc," besides carrying an extinguisher and the oxygen-acetylene
+blow torch tank, also contained the remaining hose, an equipment of axes,
+pike poles and scaling ladders, and provided accommodations for three
+Scouts and the driver besides.
+
+Until a few days before the tournament the Scouts were working on their
+equipment.  Indeed, the very last coat of varnish was put onto "Old Nanc"
+the Saturday afternoon preceding the tournament day, which fell on
+Wednesday.  All that remained to be done was to deck the machine with
+flags and bunting and she would be ready for the parade.  In truth, that
+very morning Bruce had gone on a motorcycle trip to St. Cloud City,
+twelve miles south of Woodbridge, to buy the necessary decorations.
+
+"By Jove, she looks like a real fire fighter, doesn't she?" said Romper
+Ryan, backing off, paint brush still in hand, to survey his own handiwork
+on the sides of "Old Nanc."
+
+"For downright good looks I think our equipment has it on anything
+Woodbridge ever experienced," said Jiminy Gordon enthusiastically.
+
+"Well, we'll sure create some sensation," said Bud.  "This is going to be
+a complete surprise to everybody.  Has Bruce heard from Chief Blaney yet?
+He sent him our entry for the tournament events last week, you know.  I
+wonder--Here he comes now!  I heard his siren.  That was a mighty quick
+trip to St. Cloud."
+
+Bud and several others rushed to the door.  Coming up the hill at top
+speed was Bruce, his motorcycle fairly flying.  When he caught sight of
+the group in front of the machine shop he began to wave a blue paper
+above his head.
+
+"Hi, fellows, here's our reply from Chief Blaney," he shouted as he
+jumped from his machine.  "I just got it at the house.  Haven't opened it
+yet.  Come on, gather 'round and hear what he has to say."
+
+With eager fingers he tore off the corner of the big envelope and ripped
+open the top.  And as he unfolded the letter every scout pressed closer
+to get a glimpse of its contents.  Bruce began to read aloud:
+
+Mr. Bruce Clifford, Chief of the Scout Engineers' Fire Department.
+
+Dear Sir: Your entry blank and fee for the tournament events reached me.
+I am returning your fee herewith for, unfortunately, your company cannot
+take part in the tournament.  In the first place your organization is
+only a juvenile company, and in the second place it is not an accredited
+member of the Woodbridge Fire Department.
+
+The fact that you have not a charter from the town authorities will also
+prevent your little department from taking an active part in fighting
+fires in this village, for the Champlain Valley Volunteer Firemen's
+Association has passed a ruling preventing any individual not wearing a
+badge of a recognized fire department from entering fire lines or
+participating in fire fighting work.  These rules are rigidly enforced by
+my department.  Very truly yours,
+
+(signed) W.T. Blaney,
+Chief Woodbridge F.D.
+
+"Well, what do you think of that!" exclaimed Romper disgustedly.
+
+"And after all our working and planning," said Jiminy bitterly.
+
+"Oh, we're only juveniles," said Bud sarcastically, turning away to hide
+his feelings.
+
+And as for Bruce, he could hardly believe his eyes.  He re-read the
+letter and when he finished he slowly tore it into little scraps and
+tossed them to the ground.
+
+"Well, fellows," he said with a grim smile, "I fancy 'Old Nanc' won't
+need the flags and bunting I ordered to-day.  And I guess our little fire
+department sort of busts up before it gets started.  If old Blaney is
+such a stickler for regulations they'll never let us fight any fires in
+this town.  Tough luck, isn't it?"
+
+Tournament day had been declared a holiday in Woodbridge.  Stores and
+factories were closed and the village decorated from stable to Town Hall
+with colored streamers, flags and bunting.  Since early morning fire
+companies had been arriving in town headed by bands and drum corps until
+the place was crowded with uniformed figures from every section of
+Vermont.
+
+But in spite of all this gaiety Bruce Clifford and the Boy Scout
+Engineers were dispirited.  Indeed, for the past week they had been very
+unhappy over the turn of affairs.  They tried their hardest to brace up
+and be good sports, but their disappointment was greater than they had
+expected.  On tournament day they wandered about with a cheerless air,
+watching the various companies file into the side streets to await the
+formation of the parade that would be conducted up Webster Avenue to the
+tournament grounds.
+
+They were not so downcast, however, as to ignore the fact that here was
+an excellent opportunity to view a number of fire fighting machines of
+all varieties.  Indeed, they inspected the equipment of every out-of-town
+company they ran across, and in the course of the morning had become
+partly familiar with everything, from an oldfashioned gooseneck hand
+engine to the latest type of hand-drawn chemical engine, the pride of the
+company from Middlebury.  This last appliance was an excellent piece of
+work and Bruce and his friends realized that even, with her new paint and
+shining brass, "Old Nanc" could not compare in general appearance with
+this costly equipment.
+
+Promptly at half-past ten the automobile in which was seated the Mayor,
+Fire Chief Blaney and several other dignitaries, swung into Webster
+avenue.  This was followed by the Woodbridge band and the parade to the
+tournament grounds was under way.  The Boy Scout Engineers reviewed the
+procession from the curb, and when it had passed they hurried by way of a
+short cut across the fields to the tournament grounds, reaching there
+just as the Mayor's car turned in at the big gate.
+
+A makeshift two-story frame building had been constructed in the very
+center of the enclosure, and the village authorities had erected a dozen
+temporary hydrants in a half circle about the front of the building.  The
+plan was to conduct the contests on the level stretch of turf before the
+grandstand, and as a finale set fire to the wooden structure and have a
+real demonstration of fire fighting.
+
+The procession of visiting companies made a circle of the grounds after
+entering the gate while the Mayor reviewed them from his automobile.
+Then after the various engines and hose carts had been parked at the far
+end of the field the Mayor prepared formally to open the ceremonies with
+a speech of welcome.  But he had hardly uttered two sentences when Bruce,
+for some unknown reason turned and looked down Webster avenue towards the
+town.  In the distance he saw a great cloud of black smoke mounting
+skyward above the roofs.  He grasped Bud Weir's arm and shouted:
+
+"Look!  Quick!  Afire!"
+
+And as if to verify his words the far-off clang of the village fire bell
+sounded.
+
+Instantly the tournament grounds were in a turmoil.  Every one raised a
+cry of fire!  In a twinkle the grandstand was empty, but before the crowd
+could reach Webster avenue the companies had begun to leave the
+enclosure.  With a rattle and a clang one engine after another swung into
+the broad avenue.  Then with the old hand equipment of the Woodbridge
+vamps in the van the whole aggregation hurled itself down the street
+toward the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+BOY SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Bruce Clifford and the other members of Quarry Troop No. 1, waited only
+to determine the location of the column of smoke that now extended clear
+across the sky, then, selecting the short cut across the field by which
+they had come, they hurried pellmell toward the scene of trouble.
+
+"It's down in the factories!" panted Romper as he ran.
+
+"Yes, I think it's Mayor Worthington's woolen mills," shouted Bud.
+
+"By Jove, I guess you're right," yelled Bruce as they turned into Willow
+Street and saw smoke pouring from the windows of the big brick building
+at the far end of the street.
+
+It was the worst fire that Woodbridge had experienced in years.  By the
+time the firemen reached the scene the whole west end of the building was
+enveloped in flames and a section of the slate roof had already caved in.
+From every window long tongues of red flames darted out like hideous
+serpents' tongues.  Great sparks shot skyward as sections of the west
+wall crumbled and fell into the red hot caldron that had once been the
+building's interior, and the heat was so intense that windows in the
+factory building across the street cracked and crumbled.
+
+It was a fortunate thing for Woodbridge that there was a score of
+visiting fire companies in town, or else the whole south section of the
+village would have been wiped out.  Chief Blaney, almost beside himself
+with anxiety, implored the visiting chiefs for their assistance.  And
+assist him they did.  Every company got its equipment into action and
+lines of hose were strung in some cases nearly half a mile.  There were
+at least a dozen hand engines and two steamers on the banks of Otter
+Creek supplying lines to the fire, not to mention the hundreds of feet of
+hose that were coupled to the village hydrant system in every direction.
+
+But all that the willing vamps could do seemed to no avail.  The fire
+demon was rampant.  He roared full cry through the long brick building,
+consuming everything in his path.  Section after section of roof sagged,
+then fell with a crash and a roar into the flames, sending aloft a shower
+of crackling sparks.
+
+"Thank heavens, this was a holiday.  There's no one in the building,"
+Bruce heard Chief Blaney cry as he hurried past in company with the
+foreman of a visiting company.
+
+But the rubber-coated fire fighter had hardly uttered the words when a
+shout went up from the crowd at the east end of the building, where the
+firm's office was located.  Men with blanched faces and trembling hands
+were pointing towards the big iron barred window that marked the counting
+room.
+
+"O-o-h!  It's old Uriah Watkins!" shrieked Blaney.
+
+Bruce looked and turned sick at the sight.  There, his wrinkled old face
+pressing against the bars, was the aged bookkeeper of the woolen mills.
+One hand was extended between the iron grating in frantic appeal.  The
+other clutched the precious ledgers that the old man had rashly rushed
+into the building to rescue.  His ashen face was set with a horrible
+expression, and his eyes stood out with terror.  Bruce saw his lips move,
+but could not hear his feeble voice above the roar of the flames.
+
+For a moment the scout stood panic stricken.  Then suddenly his lips
+pressed together and his face took on a determined look.  In a flash he
+turned to Bud and gave a few brief orders.  Then, elbowing their way
+through the jam and press about them, the youngsters disappeared and left
+Bruce there alone.
+
+In the meantime a score of vamps had been summoned by Chief Blaney to
+rescue the aged bookkeeper.  They attacked the heavy bars on the window
+with sledges and axes, but with no success.  They tried to pry away the
+bricks with crowbars, but this, too, failed, and it was quite apparent to
+all that if Uriah Watkins was to be saved it could be accomplished only
+by the slow and laborious task of sawing through the bars.  Could this be
+done?  Had they the time to accomplish the task?  Already a nearby
+section of the roof had caved in!  How long would it be before the flames
+reached the office and burned the old man alive?
+
+At this point the figure of a boy in Scout uniform broke through the fire
+lines and rushed up to the side of Chief Blaney.  Standing at attention,
+Bruce saluted in regulation Boy Scout fashion and asked briefly:
+
+"Chief, can the Boy Scout Engineers take a hand in this?  I'll have the
+bars cut in two minutes."
+
+"You will what--!  Why--!"
+
+"Yes, yes, we can do it; I've sent for our fire department--here come
+the Scouts now!"
+
+The shriek of sirens was heard above the din about the factory building
+and the great crowd beheld seven motorcycles tearing down the hill at top
+speed.  And just behind them bowled "Old Nanc" at her best.
+
+"Have I your permission to take a hand?" demanded Bruce.
+
+"Yes! yes! for goodness' sake do anything you can to free him!" cried the
+chief.
+
+The line of motorcycles stopped and hose lines were quickly strung.  But
+the red automobile rumbled on, to come to a halt within ten yards of the
+building.  Already two scouts were unlimbering the oxyhydrogen tanks and
+blow pipe equipment.  Bruce rushed forward to aid them, while Chief
+Blaney looked on quite puzzled for the moment.
+
+Working fast, but with the utmost coolness, Bruce donned a pair of
+asbestos gloves that came with the equipment and attached the blow pipe.
+Romper turned on the gases, while the young leader produced a match and
+ignited the torch.  Instantly a tiny blue flame shot out that hissed and
+sputtered in a threatening manner.
+
+As he advanced toward the window Bruce saw that the old bookkeeper had
+disappeared.  He knew from this that there was no time to be lost, for
+the man had probably fainted and would soon be overcome with smoke.
+Hastily he shot the blue flame at the base of the first bar.  There was a
+hiss and a shower of sparks as the flame met the cold metal.  Bruce
+pressed the blow pipe closer, while he watched with anxious eye the
+progress of the flame.
+
+The bar grew red, then gold, then white.  The heat was terrific.  The bar
+began to melt, slowly first, then faster, until the blue flame ate
+completely through.  Another was attacked, and still another, until the
+scout had cut a hole in the iron grating large enough for a man to pass
+through.
+
+Shouting to Romper to turn off the gas, he dropped the blow pipe, and
+plunging a handkerchief in a fire pail that stood near by, he tied the
+cloth over his nose and mouth.  Then he hoisted himself through the
+window and disappeared.
+
+Inside the smoke was thick and black, but Bruce could see flames dart
+through at the far end of the room, and he knew that in a few moments
+more the place would be seething.
+
+He groped vainly about for the old bookkeeper.  Where was he?  He had
+dropped under the window a moment ago.  Had he tried to crawl to the
+door?  What had happened?
+
+The smoke was so thick that even the moist handkerchief was of no avail.
+Bruce began to strangle.  Then suddenly he remembered the instructions in
+his Handbook.  The air was purest near the floor!
+
+He dropped to his hands and knees, and with his face to the boards he
+began to crawl about, blindly groping for the body of the old bookkeeper.
+His fingers clutched something.  He drew the object toward him and
+peered at it through the smoke.  It was Uriah Watkins doubled in a ball,
+though unconscious and almost suffocated, the faithful old man still
+clasped his precious ledgers.
+
+Bruce knew that unless the man reached the open air immediately he would
+perish.  Also he knew that if they were not both clear of the building in
+a few minutes they would be food for the flames which were even then
+thrusting spiteful tongues under the door at the other end of the room.
+
+Here again the instructions of the Handbook stood the scout in good
+stead.  He knew that it would be next to suicide to stand up and try to
+carry the prostrated form to the window.  The smoke was so thick even
+down there near the floor that he was gasping and choking.
+
+He twisted his hand into the old man's collar and began to crawl, face to
+the floor, back toward the gray space that marked the window through the
+smoke, hauling Uriah after him.  Foot by foot he dragged his burden.  In
+spite of the handkerchief the smoke was getting into his lungs.  His
+chest pained him dreadfully.  Oh, what wouldn't he give for a single breath
+of pure, fresh air!  The eight or ten feet to the side wall seemed like
+eight or ten miles.  Would he never reach there!
+
+Finally his hand struck the wall and he stood erect.  The draught caused
+by the open window was drawing thick smoke out of the building into the
+air.  Bruce knew he could not stand in that current of gases long.
+Pulling Uriah Watkins forward, he raised the limp form and forced it
+through the window ahead of him.  Willing hands seized the old bookkeeper
+and lifted him to safety.
+
+Then, dizzy and sick, Bruce clutched at the ledge and scrambled up.  But
+a dreadful nausea seized him as he knelt on the window sill.  His head
+whirled.  He lost his balance.  He knew he was falling backward into the
+burning building, but he was powerless to save himself.  He gave a
+stifled cry of terror, and in answer the loud voice of Chief Blaney
+boomed in his ear and strong arms encircled his waist.  Then everything
+grew black.
+
+The Boy Scout Engineers never forgot the shout that went up when Chief
+Blaney carried the unconscious form of Bruce to safety.  They were mighty
+proud of their leader.  But they were prouder still when, a week later,
+Bruce was summoned into the presence of Mayor Worthington and Chief
+Blaney and presented with a parchment charter which officially informed
+him that the fire company of Quarry Troop had been officially made a
+member of the Woodbridge Fire Department, to be known thereafter as
+Chemical Company No. 1, with Brewster W. Clifford as the Chief.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WHEN THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN
+
+
+Twelve Scouts, nearly half of Quarry Troop No. 1, now popularly known as
+the Boy Scout Engineers, were gathered in the meeting room at
+headquarters.  In fact, they had been literally driven there when the
+Woodbridge Academy let out at halt past two on Friday afternoon.  You
+see, it was raining so hard that there was no other place to go.  But,
+then, the old machine shop was the best place in the world for the boys,
+rain or shine, so _that_ didn't make much difference.  What really did
+matter was the monotony of it all.  For five days now the region round
+about Woodbridge had been literally deluged with a spring downpour.
+Otter Creek had swollen to twice its normal size, springs were gushing
+from most unheard-of places and rivulets were racing down hillsides that
+usually were, to quote Nipper Knapp, "dry as a smoked herring."
+
+"By George, I do wish this rain would let up.  What we want is a chance
+to get out of doors a bit.  I haven't stretched my legs in a week," said
+Romper Ryan glumly, as he gazed out of the big front window.
+
+"Well," said fat Babe Wilson with his usual sarcasm, "if it don't dry up
+soon the whole blamed world is liable to shrink."  Then, as an after
+thought, he added, "That might bring St. Cloud City so near Woodbridge
+that we could at least see the circus parade."
+
+"Aw-w, what'er you bringing up that circus subject for again," said
+Jiminy Gordon, who didn't like to be reminded of the pleasure he had
+decided to forego.
+
+"Yes," chorused two others who were equally reluctant about facing the
+sacrifice they had voted themselves;  "forget about that blooming
+circus."
+
+"Say, you fellows needn't hop on me just because I want to have a little
+fun with you," protested Babe.  "I'm as good a sport as any of you.
+Don't you suppose I agreed when you voted not to go to the circus.  I
+know it would be foolish to spend most of the thirty dollars in the
+troop's treasury for a day's outing.  You needn't talk, Jiminy Gordon;
+you were the first one to suggest the idea last week when you saw the man
+posting the bills."
+
+"Yes, I know I was," said Jiminy, somewhat embarrassed, "but I said it
+without thinking.  When we got to discussing it last night I saw how
+ridiculous it was.  By Jiminy, I'd rather see the money go toward a new
+camping outfit, or the lumber for the troop's power boat.  I wouldn't
+spend that thirty dollars to see three circuses, I wouldn't."
+
+Judging from the conversation, the circus question referred to had died a
+hard death.  To tell the truth, its demise had really been quite painful
+so far as most of the boys were concerned, for all of them had rather
+liked the idea of being able to enjoy "the World's Mightiest, Most
+Magnificent Combination of Clever Animals and Human Skill and Daring,"
+etc., which was booked to show in St. Cloud City a few days hence.
+
+For a week the temptation to spend the troop's thirty dollars had haunted
+the lads day and night, until finally with a great effort they had laid
+the ghost by a unanimous vote that the money must not be spent on the
+profitless amusement.  It really was a sacrifice, for every Scout had set
+his heart on a hike to St. Cloud and a day crowded full of gaiety and
+glitter, not to mention a stomach crowded fuller with peanuts, popcorn
+and lemonade.
+
+"Fellows, I am just as much disappointed as the rest," said Bruce
+Clifford, leader of the Owl patrol,  "but I think we decided wisely last
+night.  We can all do without going to the circus, even if it is the
+biggest one that has visited this neck of the woods in years.  The
+possibility of a new set of tents or the lumber for a motorboat appeals
+to me more than blowing the money in on a show; that is, it does when I
+stop and think soberly about it."
+
+"Right-o!" said Romper.
+
+"That's what I call common sense," asserted Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Just the way we all should look at it," insisted Bud Weir, leader of the
+Blue Heron patrol.  "And if we were to--sh!  Listen, fellows!  Some
+one's calling!" In an instant everybody was silent.
+
+Bruce inclined his head toward the wire room at the other end of the
+building where the headquarters' telegraph key and the instruments
+connected with the wireless aerials on the roof were located.  Out of the
+doorway seemed to tumble a confusion of dots and dashes quite
+unintelligible to any one not familiar with the Morse International Code.
+
+....-.-,....-.-,..-.-..-.-..-..--.
+
+"Headquarters, Ford calling," read Bruce.  "Fellows, Mr. Ford is trying
+to raise us.  Wonder what he wants!"
+
+He hurried into the wire room with the rest at his heels, and taking the
+low operator's chair opened the key and answered the call.  Then he
+closed it again and waited.  The boys were all attention, for most of
+them were second-class scouts and could "read" Morse well.
+
+"Mayor--Worthington--just--'phoned--me," clicked the instrument.
+"Wants--to--see--Scouts--at--Town--Hall--at--four--I--would--like--to--
+have--you--go. -- Ford--Asst--S'ct--M's't'r--3:10--p--m."
+
+"All--right--Shall--we--wear--uniforms--Bruce--L'd'r--Owl--P't'r'l--
+3:12--p--m," Bruce flashed back over the wire.
+
+"Yes--careful--don't--get--too--wet--G'd--by--Ford--3:14--p--m," came
+the answer.
+
+"Cracky!  Something interesting!  Wonder what's up!" said Bruce
+excitedly, as he began calling on the loop telegraph wire that was
+connected to an instrument in every Scout's home.
+
+The three patrols of Quarry Troop stood at attention in the broad
+corridor of the Woodbridge Town Hall, awaiting the coming of Mayor
+Worthington.  Their campaign hats were water-soaked, and rain dripped
+from the edge of their slickers and gathered in little pools about their
+feet.  They must have been uncomfortable.   But if they were, they gave
+no signs of it.  All their attention was riveted on the doors that led
+the way into the Mayor's private office.
+
+Presently these doors swung open, and the tall, broad-shouldered figure
+of the town's chief executive strode forth, followed by his secretary and
+Timothy Cockran, the Commissioner of Streets and Highways.  Every back
+stiffened and every hand went up in salute as these men advanced and took
+their position in front of Bruce, the recognized spokesman of the troop.
+The Mayor acknowledged the salute in quite the proper manner, as did the
+others; then, clearing his throat, he spoke.
+
+"Scouts, I have asked you here because you can be of service to
+Woodbridge.  The town needs you.  Are you willing to do a good turn for
+the welfare of us all?"
+
+"We're ready for anything, sir.  We try to do a good turn daily, rain or
+shine," said Bruce, once more saluting.
+
+And his answer was echoed by the score or more of brown-clad youths
+ranged in line beside him.
+
+"Thank you, Scouts," said Mr. Worthington, crisply.  "Now to business.
+The rains of the last few days have raised havoc in this end of Champlain
+Valley.  So much water has fallen that the high roads leading north and
+south on either side of the valley have been made dangerous by wash outs
+and landslides.  In several places the banks have slipped down from
+above, but the most dangerous sections are those where the roads have
+been washed away almost entirely.  Vehicles traveling at night are very
+apt to have serious upsets and the life and limb of the occupants are
+endangered, in spite of the fact that we have marked the washouts with
+red lanterns hung on short posts.
+
+"What I would like to have you boys do is to organize a road patrol to
+keep a careful watch over these red lamps and see that they are all
+lighted between the hours of nightfall and midnight at least.  After
+twelve o'clock there is hardly enough traffic to make the patrolling
+worth while.  The first patrol can light the lamps at a given hour and
+thereafter at certain intervals Scout patrols can visit each lamp and see
+that it is in good working order.  How would you like the job, boys?"
+
+"Fine!" shouted some.
+
+"Just the kind of work we like," cried others.
+
+"All right," said the Mayor, shortly.  "Scouts, you are hereby appointed
+Guardians of the High ways by order of the Mayor and the Commissioner of
+Streets and Highways.  Each morning at half past eight one of your number
+will be expected to make a report at the Town Hall of the night's work."
+
+"The Commissioner here has a map of these thoroughfares showing each
+washout and just where each lamp is located.  You can organize your
+patrols this afternoon and start to-night.  I think the storm will be
+somewhat abated by that time.  It is letting up a little now.  Good-day
+and good luck."
+
+Though the rain had decreased considerably the Scouts lost little time in
+getting from the Town Hall to Scout headquarters, where the details of
+organizing the road patrols were worked out.  It required the rest of the
+afternoon to do this, and the dinner hour arrived almost before the boys
+were aware of the time.
+
+"Say, fellows, this is going to be fine," said Bud Weir.  Then, glancing
+out of the window, he exclaimed:  "By Jove, the storm's nearly over; the
+clouds are breaking out there beyond the mountains.  This will be a fine
+night for--Cracky, fellows, I almost forgot; the circus comes through
+town to-night.  It will come down the valley from Collinsville and take
+the north road to St. Cloud."
+
+"By George, you're right," exclaimed Bruce.  "Say, fellows, that makes
+our work doubly important.  These heavy circus vans may get into trouble
+if all the lamps aren't in good order.  You fellows be sure and report
+for duty, will you?"
+
+"Don't worry; there'll be enough of us to patrol to-night.  I guess we're
+all going to stay up and see the circus go through town, if it isn't
+raining, aren't we, fellows?" asked Bud.  And from the chorus of
+affirmatives it was evident that few of the troop would be abed when the
+"World's Mightiest, Most Magnificent Combination of Clever Animals and
+Human Skill and Daring" rumbled through town.
+
+By seven o'clock the rain had stopped entirely and, when the
+lamp-lighting patrols started out in the gloaming, the storm clouds were
+fast disappearing in the southwest, their edges splashed with the gold
+and vermilion fire of the setting sun.
+
+Indeed, by the time the second patrol had reported back at headquarters
+and the third group of night watchers had started out, a big yellow moon
+had appeared and the stars were twinkling merrily up above.
+
+After the last patrol had been gone an hour the Scouts who, when their
+duties were finished, had gathered in headquarters, moved on to the top
+of Otter Creek hill.  They had decided that this would be the best place
+to watch the coming of the circus cavalcade.
+
+The valley presented a queer appearance at that hour.  Here and there
+were red lights standing out against the darkness, while from various
+points along the highway came the glow of tiny battery lamps as the
+Scouts signaled to each other.
+
+"They look like a lot of fireflies," said Bruce, after he had watched the
+series of dots and dashes that the boys were flashing back and forth.
+
+"Yes," said Bud, "just like mighty big fli--.  Hi, fellows, here comes the
+circus!  See 'em--that string of lights coming down Willow Street--hear
+that rumble of the wagons?"
+
+"Sure enough!" exclaimed Bruce, who was as enthusiastic as the rest.
+
+Up the long hill, in view of the group of wide-eyed and thoroughly
+interested boys, came the phantom-like caravan.  A string of swinging
+lanterns fastened to the center pole of each wagon marked its course.
+
+First in line were the grumbling and rumbling red and blue animal vans,
+followed by two rattling canvas wagons.  Then a troop of little black and
+white ponies appeared hitched in fours to light gilt and red vehicles
+that held all sorts of odds and ends.  In the rear of the ponies followed
+the camels; great, long-legged creatures that grunted at every stride as
+if they were indignant at being kept up so late.  Gaudy band wagons, the
+cook's outfit and a heterogeneous assortment of vehicles came next, all
+of them moving slowly up the hill while the drivers dozed in their seats.
+
+"Say, isn't it great?" cried Romper Ryan as he took in every little
+detail.
+
+"You bet it is!" returned Babe Wilson, breathlessly.  "I wonder where the
+elephants are.  Oh, here they come!"
+
+The clank of chains could be heard above the grumble of the wagons, and a
+moment later five huge elephants appeared out of the darkness.  They
+lumbered along sleepily, their massive heads and long trunks swaying from
+side to side at every stride.  The forelegs of each beast were chained
+together with stout links of iron, but there was little need of fetters,
+for the animals were apparently so docile that the idea of running away
+seemed farthest from their minds.   The leader of the drove was, of
+course, the largest and apparently the meekest, for as he scuffled by the
+Scouts the boys saw that he walked with his tiny eyes closed exactly as
+if he were asleep.
+
+A string of a dozen red vans followed the elephants, and at the very rear
+of the line was the big steam calliope.  It was muffled and silent now,
+out its driver was snoring lustily as if to keep its reputation.
+
+"Gee, but that was worth staying up to see," said Ray Martin, the first
+to find his tongue, after the cavalcade had passed on down the valley.
+
+"You bet it was," said Bruce.  "Jove, I'm almost sorry we decided--Say!
+Look!  Something has happened!  See the lights down there by the old
+quarry hole?  The circus has stopped!  Look, there are some signals!
+It's the patrol!  Can you read them?"
+
+"'We--need--help.  Elephant--in--in--'
+What the dickens is he talking about?  I couldn't get that last, could
+you, Bruce?" asked Bud Weir.
+
+"Yes; he said that an elephant is in the quarry hole.  By George, one of
+those big beasts has fallen down into Tollen's old quarry.  There was a
+washout down there.  Come on, fellows!" And the Scouts started at top
+speed down the North Valley road toward the scene of trouble.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A SCOUT IS RESOURCEFUL
+
+
+Bedlam reigned at the quarry hole.  A score of frantic circus men were
+shouting orders at each other, lanterns were bobbing about among the
+wagons, and every one was beside himself with excitement.  One little
+gray-haired man seemed almost distraught over the situation.  He was
+storming up and down the road, alternately roaring commands and
+delivering tirades against everything in general.  It was quite evident
+that he was the manager of the outfit.
+
+"Now we're in a fine mess," he thundered as he strode to the edge of the
+quarry and peered down into the darkness.  "It's so dogon dark down there
+we can't even see th' brute.  How'll we ever get him out?  That's what I
+want to know.  Hang the man who's responsible for this mess!  Gol-ding
+t'--_wush_--_phew_."
+
+His soliloquy on the brink of the quarry hole ended abruptly when with a
+snort the elephant shot a trunk full of water out of the darkness,
+bowling the little man over and drenching every thing and everybody.
+
+"Kill t' beast!  Kill him, Gol--ding his hide!" screamed the dripping
+manager as he picked himself up out of the mud.  But he was such a
+comical figure that every one shouted with laughter.
+
+To Bruce and the Scouts the whole situation was extremely humorous.
+Evidently the lead elephant had wandered into the washout and lost his
+footing.  The next thing he knew he had slid with a big splash into the
+quarry hole.  And then, having a fondness for water and seeing no way to
+climb up the twenty-foot wall of rocks, he had decided to stay there and
+have a thoroughly good time.
+
+But Bruce realized that they could not indulge their humor long, for as
+guardians of the road it was their duty to give all the assistance they
+could.  Hastily the patrol leader made an inspection of the pit by the
+light of his pocket flash.  He remembered a derrick on one side of the
+cut.  And he hastened to look that over, for already he was beginning to
+form plans for getting the beast out of trouble.
+
+He noted with satisfaction that the derrick had been only partly
+dismantled and that the rusty steel cable was coiled up in a pile beside
+the heavy upright.  Then he returned to the roadside and approached the
+agitated little manager.
+
+"We are the Guardians of the Highways for Woodbridge, sir," he said, "and
+we would--"
+
+"You are the WHAT!" roared the manager.
+
+"The Guardians of the Highways and--"
+
+"Well, why in tarnation didn't yuh guard 'em then?  I--I--I--"
+
+Bruce interrupted the sputtering manager by pointing to the red light.
+
+"There's our light.  We did our part.  It must have been your fault.  But
+no matter; we'll help you get the animal out of the quarry if you'll let
+us.
+
+"How'll yuh do it?  Haven't got a thing in my outfit t' pull him out
+with."
+
+"Oh, we'll do it all right," said Bruce.  Then briefly he outlined his
+plan to the skeptical circus manager.  And when he had finished talking
+the old man looked at him in amazement.
+
+"Can you do all that?" he demanded.
+
+"Sure we can," said Bruce.  "We're the Boy Scout Engineers.  Just loan me
+some of your canvas men who know how to rig a block and tackle and we'll
+have the elephant on his way to St. Cloud by daylight at the latest."
+
+"All right, I'll go you," said the manager.
+
+Bruce gathered about him all the Scouts not doing patrol duty.
+
+"Fellows," he said, "we can get the elephant out of the hole all right,
+but it will mean some hard work.  I want you, Romper, to go back to
+Woodbridge and tell the parents of every fellow here that we have serious
+work to do.  Tell them not to worry if we don't get back until late.
+Then I want the Owl Patrol to go to headquarters and get all the No. 10
+wire we have on hand, load it on a couple of wheelbarrows and start
+stringing a line from our switchboard in the machine shop down to the
+quarry hole here.
+
+"String it along the fences and where you have to cross Druery road put
+it overhead from tree to tree.  Remember, no monkeying with the telegraph
+or telephone poles!  We can be arrested for anything like that.  Romper,
+you can stop in and ask Mr. Ford if he won't go up to Headquarters and
+connect up the new line.  I don't think we should fuss with the
+switchboard at night.
+
+"Now, I want the Blue Herons to go to headquarters and disconnect the big
+five-horsepower motor on the lathe.  Load it aboard 'Old Nanc' and bring
+it down here as fast as you can.  On your way turn in at Druery road and
+run up to the Baldwin quarries.  Ask Dave Porter, the night foreman
+there, if you can borrow the largest and heaviest blasting mat he has.
+We'll need that.  Now hurry, fellows."
+
+The Scouts started off immediately, and Bruce turned to the circus
+manager.
+
+"Now, if you'll bring your canvas men along, I'll give them a good, hard
+job.  It's one we boys couldn't handle.  Are you ready?"
+
+"Sure!" said the manager.  Then to his men, "Come on, boys!"
+
+Bruce led the group around the quarry hole to the north side and pointed
+out the derrick and the coil of rusted steel cable.
+
+"Here's what we'll lift the elephant out with, providing the boom will
+hold and your men can string the heavy cable through the pulleys at
+night."
+
+"Huh! our end of it is no trick for a bunch of canvasbacks," said the
+foreman of the gang.  "Get busy, boys, quick now!  Some of you bring some
+gasoline torches so's we kin see!  Move now, you fellers!"
+
+In five minutes the circus men were working like beavers, weaving the
+cable through the pulleys, placing the heavy boom and getting the derrick
+fitted up for service.  The system and speed with which the trained tent
+riggers went about their task was nothing short of marvelous to Bruce.
+He watched them almost fascinated until the little manager came up and
+claimed his attention.
+
+"Look here you feller, I ain't sure your scheme is goin' t' work out,"
+said he, skeptically.  "How'er we goin' t' get some light into t' hole t'
+see the brute?  These gasoline torches can't be lowered down there.  The
+elephant would go wild and probably drowned hisself, an' if--"
+
+"I'm figuring on using the headlights of Old Nanc (that's the troop's
+automobile we built last winter) for searchlights.  They are powerful
+enough and can be turned anywhere we need 'em.  There, you can get a look
+at them now.  That's Old Nanc on her way here."
+
+Up the road sounded a siren, and the little manager turned to see two
+headlights bowling toward him.  It was Old Nanc loaded down with the
+heavy motor, blasting mat and tools.
+
+"Fine, Bud; you made a fast trip.  How are the wire stringers getting
+along?" shouted Bruce to the Scout who was driving the machine.
+
+"We passed them about a hundred and fifty yards from here.  They are
+coming along in fine shape."
+
+"Good," said Bruce.  "Now bring Old Nanc right up to the edge of the
+quarry hole.  We want to shine her headlights down into there and see
+what it looks like below.  Some of the circus men can unload the motor,
+and Nipper, you can show them how to set it up on the derrick platform.
+And while all this is going on, Babe, you take charge of making a sling.
+Take this blasting mat and get a couple of circus men to help you head a
+section of cable to each of the four corners.  Fasten the ends together
+around that rusty derrick hook attached to the end of the cable.  Hurry
+it, will you, fellows?"
+
+With the help of some of the "canvas-backs," the automobile was worked
+off of the road and into the field on the north side of the quarry hole
+near the derrick.  Then it was pushed cautiously toward the edge of the
+pit and its wheels blocked by some big pieces of marble so that it would
+not roll into the hole.  The rays of the headlights dispelled the
+darkness below immediately and there was His Highness the Elephant,
+almost submerged, looking up at them with his ridiculously small eyes.
+
+"Huh!  Consarn it!  I _knew_ you kids was playin' me fer a fool," roared
+the circus manager when he looked into the cut.  "How'er you're goin' to
+hitch anything around _that_ animal, I'd like to know?"
+
+"We don't intend to hitch anything around him.  We're going to make a
+sling of that big blasting mat and raise him out that way."
+
+"Yes!" roared the furious manager, "but how in tarnation are you going to
+get it _under_ his belly?  Think some one is going down there and dive
+between his legs with your blooming old sling, do yuh?  That animal is
+nearly all under water, remember."
+
+To tell the truth, that question _had_ been bothering Bruce from the
+first.  He had hoped that the water was only two or three feet deep.  But
+there was at least ten feet of drainage in the quarry hole!  He stood
+beside Old Nanc and bit his lips in his embarrassment.  Luck seemed
+against him.  Was everything going to fall through at the last moment?
+
+He did not answer the irate manager, but began to turn one of the
+headlights slowly so its rays illuminated the west wall of the hole.
+Then suddenly the light paused, and a smile crept over the boy's face.
+The white beams had revealed to him a shelf of marble two feet above the
+water-line and at least ten feet across, skirting the lower edge of the
+west wall.  He saw defeat turned into victory!
+
+"Will that elephant mind his trainer?"  Bruce demanded of the manager.
+
+"Huh!  Will he?  Well, you'd better guess he will!" stormed the man.
+
+"Then everything is simple.  You lower the trainer in a bo'son's chair
+over the west wall there and down to that ledge of marble.  He can coax
+the animal out of the water and up on the rocks, and after that we can
+send a couple more men down with the sling and they can do the rest.  See
+the plan?"
+
+"Well, I'll be hanged!  You win, young feller," said the manager, smiling
+for the first time since the accident.
+
+At this point the lads of the Owl Patrol reached the quarry hole
+trundling several empty wheelbarrows.  Jiminy Gordon was carrying the
+remains of the last roll of wire.
+
+"Here we are, Bruce, ready to connect up, but you'd better believe
+building a line at night is no easy job, by Jiminy."
+
+"Guess it isn't," said Bruce in a businesslike tone.  "Is Mr. Ford at
+headquarters?"
+
+"Yes, he's waiting to turn on the current whenever he gets your signal."
+
+"Great!" said Bruce.  "I was a little worried about that.  There isn't
+any real danger, but you might have made a ground or a short circuit and
+upset everything."  Then turning to Nipper Knapp, he shouted, "How about
+the motor, Nipper?"
+
+"Set and ready for connections," shouted the Scout.
+
+"Right-o!  Then we'll have Mr. Elephant out of the hole in a jiffy,"
+shouted Bruce, as he seized the two ends of the wires and began to bend
+them about the terminals of the motor.  He worked with speed and accuracy
+and the little circus manager could not help commenting on his skill as
+an electrician.
+
+"Hum!  I guess you lads know what you're doin', all right," he said.
+
+"Well, we hope our efforts are successful," said Bruce.  Then he added,
+"It's time you sent your trainer down there on the ledge to get the
+elephant out of the water."
+
+"Don't worry, son; we ain't losin' no time on our end of this game.  He's
+down there now an'--."
+
+Shouts of laughter from the crowd assembled around the edge of the hole
+interrupted the little manager.
+
+He and Bruce both looked up involuntarily.  Then they, too, burst into
+uproarious laughter at the spectacle.
+
+The trainer had gone down onto the ledge with an armful of bread loaves
+to tempt the elephant out of the water.  There he stood holding out a
+loaf invitingly while the elephant, still half submerged, held his great
+mouth open and his trunk aloft expecting the man to toss the bread toward
+him.  But this was not the trainer's intention.
+
+"Come on, Toby; come on.  Yuh gotta come out t' git this meal," he
+called.
+
+The elephant moved a little closer and waved his trunk aloft impatiently
+as if beckoning the trainer to toss the loaf.
+
+"Oh, no, yuh don't.  Come on out, Toby; come on--Hi! Go! ding yuh,
+leggo!-- Hi!  _Help!_ Help!"
+
+Toby had refused to be tempted any longer. The waving trunk descended
+and wrapped quickly about the trainer's leg.  Then slowly the animal
+began to pull the man toward the water.  The trainer was startled half
+to death.  He dropped the bread and began to struggle mightily, for the
+black water looked cold to him even though the elephant did seem to enjoy
+it.  He clutched at the smooth marble floor and tried to brace himself with
+his unincumbered leg, shouting lustily all the time.
+
+"Hi! help me!  Help!  Kill th' beast!  I don' wanna git a duckin'!
+I--I--got a cold in--my--" _Splash--blub--blub--blub--_
+
+Toby's black little eyes seemed to twinkle with mischief as he gave a
+final tug and plunged the trainer into the water.  Then while the man
+floundered about, the animal deliberately put his two front feet onto the
+edge of the shelf and reached out toward the pile of loaves.  One by one
+he picked them up and deftly slipped them into his mouth, disregarding
+the shouts of the trainer.
+
+But once in the water the man decided that he would stay in and drive the
+elephant out.
+
+"Hi, Jerry," he shouted.  "Throw me down the pike.  I'll git the blasted
+critter out o' here if it takes me all night!"
+
+Jerry tossed the short pike pole down onto the shelf and the trainer
+climbed out to get it.  When the elephant saw the pole he immediately
+began to wade across the quarry hole.
+
+"Oh, no, yuh don't, Toby.  I'll git yuh, now," shouted the man, as he
+plunged back into the water and began to swim toward the beast.
+
+"Git outa here, yuh brute," he thundered, when he came alongside the huge
+bulk.  And he accentuated his command by jabbing the pike deep into the
+beast's hide.  As meekly as a lamb the elephant turned around, after
+allowing the trainer to climb onto the top of his head, he waded toward
+the shelf and climbed out of the water without the slightest sign of
+rebellion.
+
+"There, consarn his pesky hide, he's out now," said the little manager to
+Bruce, who was still laughing over the comical antics of the big beast.
+
+"Good," said the lad.  Then, turning, he called to Babe, "Hi! how about
+the blasting mat sling--is it finished?"
+
+"Yes, it's ready," shouted the fat Scout.
+
+"Well, then, we're all in good shape," said the patrol leader, inspecting
+the outfit.  "Now for business.  Ho, Jiminy, flash Mr. Ford the signal."
+
+Instantly Gordon bounded out of the circle of light and climbed the
+nearest stone pile.  Then with his battery he began to flash the Morse
+code toward headquarters, where Mr. Ford was waiting.  The circus manager
+took the whole performance in with wide eyes.
+
+"Say, hang it all, you Scouts know a thing or two, don't yuh?"
+
+"Yes, we know enough to be fairly helpful," said Bruce modestly.  Then,
+as he saw Mr. Ford flash back his O.K., he said, "Now we'll let 'er go."
+
+He seized the reverse lever on the motor and threw it over.  The derrick
+drums squeaked a moment before settling down to a business-like grumble.
+Then the rusted steel cable, with the improvised blasting mat sling
+dangling at its end, was played out swiftly until the mass of woven rope
+settled down on the ledge beside the circus men, who were hard at work
+putting chains about the elephant's feet and trunk so that he could not
+squirm about in the sling.  The adjusting of the heavy affair was no easy
+task, but the men worked with a will and a few moments later Bruce caught
+their signal that all was ready.
+
+For a moment he paused with his hand on the starting switch.  He was
+almost afraid to throw it into position.  "Oh, if the boom will only
+hold," he whispered to himself, for to have his plans fail now would have
+been more than he could endure.
+
+He moved the switch.  There was a slight arc as contact was made.  Then
+slowly the motor began to turn.  The boom stiffened and creaked ominously
+as the cable tightened.  He pushed the switch over another notch.  The
+big animal was lifted off its feet!
+
+Would the boom hold?  Bruce and every member of the troop stood tense and
+silent, as they saw the big body of the elephant dangling over the pit.
+He was lifted a foot, two feet,  _five_ feet!  He was snorting and
+squirming in protest, and Bruce's heart almost stopped when he saw the
+boom give under his weight.
+
+"Oh, if he would only hold still!" muttered the boy.  "He'll smash the
+timber, sure."
+
+The patrol leader pushed the switch over still another notch and the
+motor began to hum and sputter.  The beast was raised ten feet, fifteen
+feet, eighteen, twenty.  Now he was on the level with the top of the
+quarry!
+
+Slowly the boom began to work in, creaking and snapping under the strain.
+Splinters were raising here and there on the timber.  Bruce knew it was
+only a matter of seconds now before the great stick would be shattered.
+The elephant was but a few feet from safety.  Canvas men were reaching
+out over the quarry's edge to seize the side of the sling.  They gripped
+it!  They pulled and tugged, and with a prodigious squeak the boom swung
+over.  Then with a crash it buckled, dropping the elephant on the very
+brink of the hole!
+
+Fortunately, the timber did not part entirely or some one would have been
+killed.  The lacing of steel derrick cable held it in place, and
+everything was safe.
+
+It took the Scouts and the circus men a brief instant to realize this,
+and when they did a cheer went up that must have waked the villagers in
+Woodbridge.
+
+The little circus manager was delighted.  He rushed up and grasped
+Bruce's hand.
+
+"Fine work, young feller!  Fine work, I say!  Now you Scouts all git home
+and tumble into bed.  My men will clean things up here in fine shape.
+It's half-past three.  Sleep 'til ten o'clock and by that time a couple
+of my best vans will be at that buildin' yuh call headquarters waitin' t'
+take yuh t' St. Cloud.  Yer goin' t' be my guests at t' circus er I'll
+know the reason why."
+
+"Gee, that's mighty good," said Bruce, excitedly.  "How about it,
+fellows?  We don't mind taking _that_ sort of pay for a good turn, do
+we?"
+
+"You bet we don't," shouted the Scouts, enthusiastically.  And a few
+moments later they fell in line and started off toward Woodbridge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+HELPING TO MAKE THE MOVIES
+
+
+"Whe-e-e-o-o-o! whe-e-e-o-o-o! whe-e-e-o-o-o!" screamed the siren as
+Bruce Clifford's motorcycle came to a halt in front of the Weir cottage
+on Willow Street.  Then:
+
+"Hi, Bud--bud-de-de!  Hello-o-o, Bud!  Come on, wake up!" shouted the
+leader of the Owl Patrol, cupping his hands about his mouth and directing
+his voice toward an upstairs window.  A moment later the window in
+question opened and Bud in his undershirt, with a towel in one hand and a
+cake of soap in the other, appeared.
+
+"What're you making such a row for?  I'm awake," he shouted rather
+irritably, for Bud really never became thoroughly cheerful until after he
+had had his breakfast.
+
+"Say, Bud, the highway bridge over Muddy Brook--the one just below the
+railroad tracks on Lake Road;  has gone down under a big motor truck full
+of scenery and things belonging to the Historical Motion Picture Company,
+the outfit that has been taking Revolutionary War pictures over near
+Ticonderoga.  The machine's half under water and the men need help.
+There's a chance for the Scouts to get busy.  Are you with us?"
+
+"You bet I am.  I'll be to headquarters in three winks," said the leader
+of the Blue Heron Patrol, considerably better natured.
+
+"Fine!  Hurry now!  I'm off to headquarters to call the rest of the
+fellows together," said Bruce, as he started his motorcycle and shot up
+the long incline that led to the machine-shop headquarters of Quarry
+Troop No. 1, of Woodbridge, popularly known as the Boy Scout Engineers.
+
+The leader of the Owls had left home a little after daylight that morning
+with fishing pole and creel strapped to his machine, for he intended
+trying the brown trout in Concord valley.  But when he reached the little
+highway bridge where the Lake Road crossed a shallow brook near the
+Rutland Railroad tracks, a situation presented itself that banished all
+thought of trout fishing.
+
+The ends of the bridge timbers had rotted away from dampness and under
+the weight of a big motor truck had parted from their stone pier.  Their
+collapse had projected the heavy vehicle front first into the stream, so
+that its hood was jammed against the abutment, while its hind wheels
+still remained on the sloping bridge floor.  The chauffeur and his two
+assistants stood surveying the scene in a most dejected attitude.
+
+Of course Bruce stopped at the stream and looked over the situation,
+asking innumerable questions.  But the men were not in a pleasant frame
+of mind and gave him only disagreeable answers, which nettled the scout
+to the point of exclaiming:
+
+"Huh, if you weren't so grouchy about it, I'd like to try help you get
+out of the mess you are in.  Maybe we could help a great deal.  I'm a
+member of the Boy Scout Engineers, and it is just our fun to lend a hand
+in a fix like this."
+
+The chauffeur looked at the lad in amazement for a moment.  Then he spoke
+in milder tones.
+
+"Excuse me, son.  I didn't mean t' be so nasty.  If you fellows will give
+us a hand, we'd be mighty much obliged.  I know what the scouts are.
+I've met 'em before."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said Bruce.  "We'll be here with block
+and tackle in less than an hour.  In the meantime, get your truck
+unloaded," and, turning about, he raced back to town, stopping only to
+awaken Bud Weir before reaching headquarters.
+
+Entering the home of the troop, he hurried to the wire-room on the second
+floor and began calling the scouts from breakfast.  The telegraph line
+leading from headquarters was a big loop that extended through the town
+and connected with an instrument in the home of every second class scout,
+and all the boys could be called to headquarters in a jiffy.
+
+When his summons had been answered by most of the boys, Bruce hurried
+downstairs and proceeded to get  "Old Nanc," the troop's homemade
+automobile, ready for service.  Into it he loaded all the manila rope he
+could lay hands on, as well as blocks and pulleys, chains, crowbars,
+axes, sledges and everything else that might come in handy.
+
+By the time this work was well under way the scouts began to arrive and
+lend a hand.  They came on motor cycle and on foot until there were
+twenty-odd gathered at headquarters.  And when they were all assembled,
+Bruce outlined briefly the situation at the Lake Road bridge and gave
+them his idea of how the task should be handled.  Of course, they were
+all eager to undertake the work, and in a few minutes they were on their
+way to the scene of trouble.
+
+The chauffeur and his men had done as Bruce suggested, and when the lads
+arrived they found two great stacks of canvas scenery by the roadside.
+They gave this only a moment's inspection, however, for they had work
+before them.  With as much system as a trained army corps they began to
+unload the coils of rope and the pulleys.  Then, under Bruce's direction,
+several wove the cordage into a block and tackle arrangement.  This done,
+a group headed by Romper Ryan removed shoes and stockings and began to
+ford the shallow stream, carrying the block and tackle with them.  In no
+time they had one of the pulleys lashed to a substantial maple tree by
+the roadside.  The other pulley was fastened to the back end of the
+automobile truck, which was still on the sloping floor of the bridge.
+
+When this was completed the single strand of rope on which they were to
+haul was passed back across the stream and attached to the rear axle of
+"Old Nanc."
+
+Then came the test of the boys' engineering skill.  At the request of
+Bruce the scouts all seized the rope to assist "Old Nanc" in hauling the
+big machine backward up the grade.  Bud, the official driver of the
+troop's automobile, climbed to his place and everything was ready.
+
+"Now, all together!  Pull!" shouted Bruce, and at the command every scout
+arched his shoulders and hauled his hardest, while "Old Nanc's" engine
+began to cough and grumble furiously.
+
+The tackle grew taut.  The pulleys squeaked and groaned and the bridge
+timbers protested in like manner as the big truck began to move.  Up it
+crawled, inch by inch.  Now the hood was out of water!  A moment later
+the rear wheels were onto the road!  Slowly but surely it was lifted out
+of the brook until, finally, with a mighty tug, the lads backed it clear
+off the bridge and safely onto the highway.
+
+"Fine!" shouted the chauffeur.  "I knew you scouts were the bully boys.
+But, say, fellows, how's the machine going to get across the stream!  We
+are bound for Woodbridge, you know, and we're on the wrong side of the
+busted bridge now."
+
+"Oh, maybe we can work that out some way," said Bruce.  "I guess we'll
+try to make a pair of shears out of a couple of fence rails, then hitch
+the block and tackle to the bridge floor and hoist it back to its proper
+level again.  The rest of the fellows will get all of the discarded
+railroad ties they can find along the tracks over yonder and build a
+square crib under the bridge.  They can lay the ties on top of each other
+in log cabin fashion and I guess that will hold up the bridge under your
+machine.  It will make the crossing safe until the town authorities can
+put new bridge timber in place, too."
+
+"Sounds mighty sensible," said the chauffeur.  "Will it take long?"
+
+"I don't think so.  It's only half past ten now.  Here comes the ten
+thirty Montreal Special," said Bruce, as the Canadian flyer shot around a
+bend in the railroad tracks, her whistle screaming her approach to the
+Woodbridge station.
+
+"Come on, then, let's get busy right away.  Perhaps we can have the
+machine into Woodbridge by noon," said the chauffeur.  Then, to his
+assistants, he called.  "Hi, you fellows, git over there to the railroad
+tracks and pick up some o' those old ties.  Go along with the scouts.
+They know old ones from new ones."
+
+All the lads, except two or three of the older boys, waded the brook and
+started out after crib building material.  The others remained to help
+Bruce rig up the shears and put the block and tackle into place.
+
+Fortunately, section gangs had been working on the railroad recently,
+putting in new ties, and there were any number of discarded timbers along
+the embankment.  These the lads appropriated, for they knew that the
+railroad men no longer wanted them and that sooner or later a bonfire
+would be made of them.  The heavy timbers were piled up on the bank of
+the brook as fast as the scouts could find them, and by the time Bruce
+and his helpers had hitched the block and tackle to the sagging bridge
+the crib builders were ready to begin work.
+
+Raising the bridge floor was accomplished quickly, for the wooden
+structure was nowhere near as heavy as the auto truck.  Indeed, "Old
+Nanc" managed to haul it up all alone.  This accomplished, the scouts
+waded into the water again, and, working in pairs, carried the railroad
+ties to a point just under the broken structure.  The first two ties were
+put up and down stream and weighted with stones to keep them from
+floating away.  Two more were then placed across the stream on top of the
+first set, exactly like logs in a cabin.  Then, like bees, the boys
+traveled back and forth to the bank, carrying the heavy ties, until
+finally the crib was constructed snugly under the bridge flooring with
+two heavy cross timbers resting safely on top.
+
+When the tackle was finally removed and the bridge platform settled into
+place and gave every indication of being safely propped up by the crib,
+the scouts gave a ringing cheer, for their efforts had been successful.
+
+And, as if in answer to the cheer, the loud honking of a motor horn was
+heard and a big red motor car containing one man and the driver came
+tearing down the road.
+
+"Here comes our manager, Mr. Dickle!" exclaimed the chauffeur when he saw
+the machine.
+
+Mr. Dickle proved to be a very businesslike and bustling individual.  He
+bounded from the car before it stopped, demanding at the same time to
+know all the particulars of what had happened.  It seems that he had seen
+the stalled motor truck from the window of the ten thirty train and had
+hired the first automobile he could find at the Woodbridge station and
+rushed to the scene of trouble.
+
+Briefly Bruce and the chauffeur told him all that had happened and all
+that had been done.
+
+"Rebuilt the bridge, eh?  Looks as if it would hold a steam engine now.
+That's bully," exclaimed Mr. Dickle.  "Now, if you fellows can tell me of
+a building equipped with electricity that I can rent for a studio for a
+couple of days, you will have done me another great favor.  We are going
+to make some historical films of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.
+Say, by the way, you fellows look intelligent.  How would you like to be
+my supes?  I'll pay you fifty cents a day.  How about it?"
+
+"What's a supe?" asked Bruce and Bud together.
+
+"Why, a supernumerary.  I want a number of people to take part in the
+production, as Green Mountain Boys or British soldiers or the mob, or
+roles like that, where good actors are not needed.  I have a big battle
+scene as a climax.  I'll need you in that surely."
+
+"In the movies, eh?  Whoope-e-e-e!  Fine!" exclaimed several, and the
+manager knew immediately that he would not have to look further for
+additional members for his cast.
+
+"And, say, about a studio; perhaps you could use the meeting room on the
+top floor of our headquarters building.  We have all the electricity you
+want, only there isn't much daylight for taking pictures.  There are only
+three windows, and--"
+
+"Tut, tut, never mind the daylight.  We don't need it in modern
+photography.  We'll go up and look at the place," said the manager.  Then
+to the chauffeur he shouted:  "Here, Jim, fasten a rope to the truck and
+I'll have this machine of mine tow you up to the scouts' headquarters."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ETHAN ALLEN COMES TO LIFE AGAIN
+
+
+For the next days the troop's headquarters on Otter Hill was the
+strangest place imaginable.  Passers by were surprised to find groups of
+real Indians in war paint, Colonial soldiers, British troopers and Green
+Mountain Boys in buckskin garments walking up and down in front of the
+building or sitting in the sun waiting for their turn to "go on" in the
+studio room upstairs.  These were the regular actors of the Historical
+Motion Picture Company, who had come to Woodbridge by train to take part
+in the Ethan Allen film which Mr. Dickle was making.
+
+To be sure, all this fascinated the scouts.  It was a decided pleasure to
+be allowed to circulate among such famous people.  Ethan Allen was a big,
+broad-shouldered actor whose name was known from coast to coast.  So was
+the individual who took the part of Captain Rember Baker, Captain Warner
+and Captain Warrington.  Anne Story was a girl whose face the boys had
+seen on a dozen different billboards, and there were any number of other
+well-known individuals in the troupe.  And there were real live Indians,
+too, who afforded the boys no end of interest.  Altogether, the advent of
+the motion picture company was a liberal education for the lads.
+
+But for knowledge of the technical nature, which the boys liked best, the
+interior of headquarters presented a world of opportunity.  When the
+company's electricians and stage carpenters had finished with their work
+in the big meeting room Bruce and his chums scarcely recognized it as the
+same place.  Two banks of a dozen electric lights as big as street arc
+lamps, and just as powerful, had been strung across the ceiling.  These,
+by means of reflectors, were made to flood the far end of the room, "the
+stage," with a steady white light.
+
+Behind the light was the camera man, grinding away steadily, taking
+sixteen pictures a second, while before the light were the actors playing
+their parts, now in a log cabin, now in a Colonial mansion and again in a
+courtroom at Albany, according to the way the scene shifters arranged the
+portable canvas scenery.
+
+Between the camera man and the actors, to the left of the stage, sat Mr.
+Dickle in his shirt sleeves, clutching a bundle of manuscript in one hand
+and a megaphone in the other.  Through this effective mouthpiece he
+directed each of the actors.  The members of the cast did their work
+entirely in pantomime, except when Mr. Dickle bawled a few lines at them,
+which they repeated so that the camera could register the action of their
+lips.
+
+It was all so perfectly wonderful to the scouts that they stood for hours
+watching the making of the film; that is, they stood still and watched
+while the actors and photographers were at work, but the moment business
+was suspended, while scenes were changed, they began to ask questions of
+every one in sight.
+
+They learned that the big lights were a new type of tungsten lamp filled
+with nitrogen gas which made them burn three times as bright as other
+lamps.  They discovered that the original photographs were only
+three-quarters of an inch long and they were magnified from thirty to
+fifty thousand times when they were projected onto a movie screen by the
+machine in the theater.  They found out also that raw film cost four
+cents a foot, that movie actors were paid as high as $20,000 a year, that
+there were nearly four hundred American firms making movies, that most of
+the films of the world were made in this country, that American "movies"
+were being shown in China, Australia, India and all sorts of far-off
+corners of the world, and that in one American city alone the "movie"
+theaters took in more than $40,000 a day in admission fees.
+
+All this and a great deal more did the inquisitive youngsters gather,
+until they became veritable motion picture encyclopedias.  Of course,
+chief among the men whom they questioned was Mr. Dickle.  In fact, every
+time the manager finished directing a scene, Bruce and several other
+scouts pounced upon him and began plying him with questions concerning
+the film industry, all of which he answered in great detail, for he
+appreciated the fact that they were boys who wanted to learn and
+understand.
+
+It was during one of these periods of catechising that he finally
+explained the big film he was making at the time.
+
+"This photoplay," he said, "is to be a feature production; five reels of
+1,000 feet each.  I'm going to give all the details of the troubles Ethan
+Allen and the Green Mountain Boys had with the authorities of New York
+State over the New Hampshire Grants.  Of course, you boys know the story.
+It's history."
+
+"You bet we do," said Bruce; "find a Vermont boy who hasn't read about
+the Green Mountain Boys."
+
+"Well, I'm glad you are so well informed.  It will help a little when you
+take your parts tomorrow afternoon.  I've finished the studio work on the
+film now, and all that remains are some exteriors in the vicinity of the
+Lake.  The film will wind up with a big battle between Allen and his
+Green Mountain Boys against the Sheriff of Albany, assisted by some
+Indians and Red Coats."
+
+"I want you fellows to be the original Green Mountain Scouts.  Your
+buckskins are all downstairs in the trunks.  They came by express this
+morning.  I'd expect you all to report here tomorrow at two thirty.  Get
+into the duds and come up to the lake.  You'll find us all ready for you
+up there with an automobile full of flintlock rifles and things.  The
+stage will all be set for the big battle around the mouth of the real
+Ethan Allen cave.  How does that suit you?"  It was a thrilling idea.
+
+"How does it suit?  Wow; were there ever fellows as lucky as we are?
+Just think of being in a real movie film; I tell you--"
+
+"Jiminy crickets, we'll have the time of our life, Mr. Dickle.  Why,
+we'll do it for nothing, just for the fun of the thing," exclaimed Gordon
+generously.
+
+"Oh, no, you won't; you'll get fifty cents each, and, besides, I'm paying
+you ten dollars a day for the use of this building.  Forty dollars is due
+you so far.  That should help the troop's treasury a little, eh, boys?"
+
+"You bet it will," said Bruce.  "Only we don't like--"
+
+"Tut, tut; that'll do.  I owe you money, and I'm going to pay it.  If you
+don't take it I'll give it to your Assistant Scout master, Mr. Ford.  I
+met him yesterday," said Mr. Dickle.  Then, to the actors, he called:
+"Next scene, gentlemen!  Ring the bell, Benny!" And Bruce and the scouts
+realized that it was time for them to leave.
+
+The following day Woodbridge witnessed the strangest scene in its
+history.  It was that of a score of Green Mountain Scouts, in buckskins
+and coon caps, traveling up the dusty road toward the Lake.  Some were
+astride motor cycles, a half-dozen were crowded into "Old Nanc" and the
+rest were walking.
+
+An hour after leaving headquarters they reached the lake shore.  Ethan
+Allen's cave was up a very steep grade from the water and the boys could
+see as they rounded the bend in the road dozens of Red Coats and Indians
+waiting for them.  Bruce and the lads on the motorcycles put on high
+speed and took the grade in whirlwind fashion but "Old Nanc" was not
+equal to the hill, so she was parked in a lot by the lakeside and the
+rest of the troop went up to the cave on foot.
+
+Immediately upon their arrival activities began.  Mr. Dickle formed them
+in line and marched them up beside the big automobile truck that stood in
+the middle of the road.  Here each lad was given a flintlock rifle and
+sent over to the mouth of the cave, where Ethan Allen and a half-dozen
+Green Mountain Boys were waiting, seated about a camp fire.
+
+"Now, boys," said the manager, when all had been served with guns and had
+taken their places, "those weapons of yours are only dummies.  I don't
+want you lads fooling with powder even in a sham battle.  I won't be
+responsible for your eyes.  My regular actors will do all the firing
+necessary, and they will make smoke enough to cover the film.  All I want
+you fellows to do is aim and pull the trigger.  Are you ready now,
+gentlemen?  Camera!"
+
+Mr. Dickle stood with his feet apart, megaphone in hand, in the middle of
+the road.  The camera man had set up his tripod on the rear end of the
+motor truck, which was held on the very brink of the grade by its brakes.
+At the word "Camera" he began to turn the crank of his machine rapidly,
+and almost before they knew it the Boy Scout Engineers were being
+photographed as part of a real feature film.
+
+Action followed swiftly.  While the lads were sitting about the fire an
+Indian came out of the woods.  It was Neshobee, the friendly Red Man of
+Judge Thompson's story.  He advanced to Ethan Allen, his hand extended
+aloft as a sign of friendship.  Then he began to talk, pointing into the
+bushes and up toward the leaves of the trees.  Instantly the Green
+Mountain Boys were alert!
+
+"The Red Coats and the Sheriff!" snapped Allen, and every man was
+crouching, gun in hand, waiting for the attack.  A Red Coat appeared in
+the bushes!
+
+Up went a dozen muskets, and the next instant there was a thundering
+roar!  The Red Coat disappeared!  But others came!  They bobbed up
+everywhere!  Behind bushes and trees!  From rocks and logs they sprang,
+advancing and firing in apparently deadly earnestness!  The roar of the
+musketry was deafening!  Bruce and his chums were thrilled with
+enthusiasm, and they snapped their guns at every enemy in sight!  On came
+the Red Coats and the Indians with the Sheriff of New York leading them!
+They advanced into the open, firing deliberately at the little group of
+defenders about the cave!  But their fire was answered with interest, and
+soldiers and Indians were stumbling and falling in all directions!
+
+And above all the din could be heard the voice of Mr. Dickle, the stage
+manager, roaring directions through his megaphone.  "Great scene!  Fine!
+Register excitement!  Fall down, Murphy!  Tumble over, there, Lisk;
+you're dead--tumble, I say.  Don't be afraid of your uniform.  I'll pay
+for that.  Fall!--fall!--fall!   Now, Green Mountain Boys, up and at 'em!
+Charge!  Charge!  Beat it, you Red Coats--you're licked.  Run! Git!  Beat
+it, I say!  After 'em, scouts, after 'em!  Fine!  Great scene!  All right;
+that'll do.  Quit firing."
+
+The roar of the flintlocks ceased and Bruce and the rest of the scouts
+stopped, thoroughly out of breath with excitement.  The Red Coats and
+Indians stopped also, and, turning about, rejoined their erstwhile
+enemies.  The "dead" and "wounded" stood up, too, and began to walk about
+and chat with the rest, all of which gave the scouts the impression that
+a "movie" battle was the only really pleasant kind of battle, after all.
+
+"Well, you scouts certainly filled the bill as Green Mountain Boys," said
+Mr. Dickle when the boys reached the road where he was standing.  "That
+will make a great scene.  Now, just as soon as Bob gets his stuff stowed
+away in the truck, we'll start for town."
+
+Bruce noticed that the camera man was having difficulty in getting his
+outfit in the truck unassisted, so he ran on ahead of the others to help
+him.
+
+"Here, Bruce," said the movie operator, "you get up in the wagon and I
+will hand the things to you and you can stow them under the seat."
+
+The camera man handed up the box-like machine, which Bruce started
+packing under the seat.  Just as the operator started back up the hill to
+get his tripod, in some unaccountable manner the brakes of the heavy
+truck loosened and the big vehicle started to roll slowly down the hill.
+So steep was the grade that the truck gained momentum at a terrific rate.
+
+Bob, the camera man, noticing what had happened, turned and ran swiftly
+down the hill.  But it had gained such headway that he couldn't overtake
+it.
+
+"Hi, there!" shrieked Mr. Dickle.  "Stop that trunk!  Stopit!  My film!
+It's all in the camera, and the truck's running away!  Stop it, some one!
+Save the film!"
+
+Bruce's first impulse was to jump from the truck and leave it to its
+fate, but when he heard the manager's frantic appeal to save the precious
+film he climbed quickly over the back of the high seat.  In another
+instant he grasped the steering wheel and jammed his foot down upon the
+brake lever.
+
+Then bang--! the brake band snapped and the truck lurched forward again!
+Bruce had applied the brake too suddenly, and the next moment he found
+himself in a runaway motor truck that could not be stopped until it
+reached level ground.
+
+The patrol leader felt like he was turning cold.  Before him stretched a
+long grade, and at the end a sharp turn!  If he did not make that turn
+the motor truck would crash against a rock or tree and kill him, or at
+best it would plunge into the Lake and then the film would be lost!
+Could he make the turn?
+
+On rushed the massive truck.  It had developed express train speed now
+and it rocked from side to side like a ship in a gale as it tore down the
+rough country road!  Bruce clutched the big steering wheel with deathlike
+grip and tried his mightiest to keep the cumbersome vehicle straight!
+He realized that a loose stone or a deep rut meant death to him and
+destruction to the motor car!  His teeth were clenched and his face was
+white!  The wind had whisked away his coonskin cap.
+
+"Oh, if I can only make that turn!  I must!  I've _got_ to!" he told
+himself, as he saw the distance to the foot of the hill being eaten up by
+the flying motor car.  Nearer and nearer came the turn.  It was a hundred
+yards away.  Now seventy, fifty, forty!  Would the truck stay on all four
+wheels or would it go plunging on madly, end over end, into the lake?
+Could he make it?  The road bent slightly now.  Brace followed the curve.
+Now came the turn.  Bruce tugged at the wheel.  The big truck swerved.
+It was skidding!  It was two wheels and ploughing up the dust in great
+clouds!  It was almost around!  It was around!  The road ahead of him was
+straight and clear!
+
+Bruce breathed a great sigh of relief.  And so did fifty individuals who
+had been watching the terrible race from the top of the hill.  They
+cheered loud and long when the big truck shot safely around the bend and
+headed up the level road toward Woodbridge.  Then all of them started
+down the grade pell mell, nor did they stop until they reached the place
+where the truck had finally stalled.  Then every one tried to shake the
+boy's hand.
+
+"By Jove, but for your nerve, Bruce, my boy, we'd have been minus film
+and motor truck.  For pure grit, I think you scouts take the prize.  I
+wish I could think of some way to repay you," cried Mr. Dickle, pumping
+Bruce around somewhat roughly.
+
+"Why--er--you see--we don't want any pay for what we do, but if it can be
+arranged, I--I--well, we sure would like to see that 'movie.' Can't you
+send one to the Woodbridge Theater?" said Bruce.
+
+"Huh, send one to the Woodbridge Theater!  Why, I'll bring the first
+release of it to Woodbridge myself and show it in your headquarters.
+How'll that suit you fellows?"
+
+And the enthusiastic replies of the scouts convinced the "movie" manager
+that he had hit the right idea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE PRIZE CONTEST
+
+
+"Well, fellows, there's this much about it, if we are going to build a
+real sure enough motorboat this year we've got to get a hustle on us and
+earn some money.  With the rent we received from the Historical Motion
+Picture Company and the money we secured from the circus ticket wagon we
+have just $73.75.  We need $94.00 to buy the motor alone, even with the
+reduction that Mr. Clifford can get for us.  And added to that is the
+expense of extra lumber and fittings, which will be at least thirty
+dollars more.  Now where do we stand, I'd like to know?"
+
+Thus did Bud Weir unburden his mind to the other boys of the Quarry
+Troop, sometimes called, because of their mechanical skill, the Boy Scout
+Engineers.
+
+All spring the scouts had been planning to build a motorboat to be used
+on Long Lake.  They had had their summer camp on the shores of this lake
+for the past two years, and they intended to have a camp there as usual
+this year, but they had decided to make it a construction camp and spend
+most of their time building a thirty-foot power boat, which would be the
+largest vessel on the lake.  The idea was to increase the troop's fund in
+the treasury as much as possible during the Winter and Spring and use the
+money to purchase a three horsepower gasoline motor, which they
+calculated would be large enough to drive the boat faster than any craft
+thereabout.
+
+But somehow the months had hurried past and the fund had not increased at
+a proportionate pace.  Indeed if it had not been for a windfall of forty
+odd dollars from the Historical Motion Picture Company, the treasury
+would have been in a very bad way.  The scouts really could not
+understand it at all.  They had worked hard, or at least they thought
+they had, and they had contributed every cent they had made toward the
+engine fund, but somehow the balance in the Woodbridge bank looked mighty
+small to the scouts.
+
+"What the dickens is the matter with us anyway, are we lazy?" queried
+Nipper Knapp, breaking the long silence that followed Bud's remark.
+
+"By jiminy, it looks that way to me," said Jiminy Gordon emphatically.
+
+"It's procrastination that--"
+
+"Whoops!  Hi! what was that word?  Ho, ho, say it again, Bruce," shouted
+Romper Ryan hilariously.
+
+"He's worked for months on that _Boys' Life Dictionary Contest_," said
+Ray Martin, "that's what's the matter with Bruce.  What does it mean?
+Maybe it's something to eat!"
+
+"Aw, say, quit your joshin' me," said Bruce, "that's a real word.  It
+means--ah--er--well--"
+
+"Sure it does, we knew it all the time, didn't we, Romper?" said Nipper
+Knapp.
+
+"That's exactly what it means," said Bud quite soberly.
+
+"Well, it means that we've been putting off work.  We haven't come down
+to brass tacks.  And now we're up against it and our motorboat
+proposition falls through," snapped Bruce.
+
+"Well, if that's what it means then you told the truth," said Bud,
+resuming his indignant attitude.  "We fellows haven't been on the job.  I
+haven't made a cent in three weeks and neither has any one of the rest of
+you.  Now be honest, have you?"
+
+"No, we haven't," said Dug Maston.
+
+"I guess we are actually growing lazy," said Romper solemnly.
+
+Then Babe Wilson, the sarcastic fat scout, added:
+
+"No, we haven't been lazy, we've just been waiting for opportunity to
+knock at our door--"
+
+(_Rap--rap--rap, rap--rap--rap--rap._)
+
+Babe looked startled and swallowed hard.  Then, his sense of humor
+bobbing to the surface again, he grinned.
+
+"That's Mr. Opportunity," he said.
+
+"No, it wasn't," said Romper, rushing to the window, "it was a blasted
+old bill poster tacking a sign on Headquarters-- Hi! git out o' there!
+This isn't an old barn!" he shouted to the bill poster.
+
+But that individual never heard him and kept tacking away until the bill
+was up.  Then he went on down the road whistling merrily.
+
+"Hang it, Headquarters will look like a billboard soon.  I'm going down
+to pull his blooming old sign off our wall," said Romper, as he
+disappeared through the doorway and stamped down the stairs.  But a few
+moments later he seemed to have changed his mind, for he was heard to
+shout:
+
+"Hi, fellows, come on down.  It's worth reading anyway."  And what the
+scouts read when they crowded about him was:
+
+$200 In Prizes for Brown Tail Moth Exterminators.
+
+The Town of Woodbridge is offering $200 in prizes to the individuals who
+can advance and demonstrate a practical method of exterminating the Brown
+Tail Moths that are infesting the trees in the township.  For particulars
+apply to Mayor's Office, Town Hall.
+
+Three Prizes Offered: $100 $60 $40.
+
+"Say, was that opportunity, after all?" asked Babe in wide-eyed amazement
+when he read the poster.
+
+And every boy looked at every other boy and wondered.
+
+If there are any who do not believe that boys can become genuinely
+interested in study, they should have visited the Quarry Troop
+headquarters a few days after the discovery of the work of the bill
+poster.  For at least three consecutive afternoons a dozen lads spent
+their time in the big meeting room on the second floor poring over dry
+looking pamphlets which bore the stamp of the Bureau of Entomology of the
+United States Department of Agriculture.
+
+They were all perusing this literature with the one purpose--to learn as
+much as they could about the habits of the brown tail moths, for they
+hoped in their study to discover some new and original way to exterminate
+the pest and thereby win one of the three generous prizes offered by the
+town authorities.  But though they pursued the subject relentlessly none
+of them seemed able to generate an idea that smacked of originality.
+
+"Aw, say, fellows, this will never do," said Babe Wilson.  "We can't
+compete in this contest.  We don't know anything about chemistry or
+things like that.  Why, we don't even know a Brown Tail moth when we see
+one."  He disconsolately tossed away his pamphlet and shoved his hands
+into his pockets.
+
+"Pshaw, don't give up so soon," said Bud Weir.  "This reading isn't very
+gay but all the same we are learning some things we should know.  And
+even if we are not familiar with chemistry, we may be able to figure out
+a way of getting rid of them by means of some mechanical appliance."
+
+"I think this is mighty interesting," said Bruce, looking up from his
+leaflet.  "I know now what's ailing those apple trees down back of our
+barn.  The Brown Tail moths are in them.  Listen to this: 'The principal
+injury caused by these moths is due to the feeding habits of the larva.
+They attack apple, pear, plum, oak, elm and willow trees.  If the
+infestation is bad the caterpillars are often numerous enough to devour
+the leaves as fast as the trees are able to develop them.  As the webs
+are made on the terminals the growth of the tree is frequently checked.'
+
+"Those apple trees of ours haven't had a full grown leaf on them this
+Spring and there are webs in the tops of them, too.  That's the work of
+Brown Tails all right."
+
+"The most interesting thing to me about these little codgers is the way
+they got here," said Romper Ryan.  "They came from Europe about 1897, so
+this book says.  Came over on some young trees imported here.  There
+couldn't have been more than a couple of cocoons, but look how they have
+spread since that time.  They were first seen in Somerville,
+Massachusetts, but now they are all over the New England States.  They
+are only just getting into Vermont, though."
+
+"This pamphlet says that the female moth flies a great distance," said
+Jiminy Gordon, growing enthusiastic about the subject, "and that the
+female Gipsy moth, which is another kind of pest, can't fly at all.  By
+jiminy, I thought all moths could fly, didn't you?  It also says that the
+female Brown Tail moth is attracted by strong lights and can be found
+fluttering around arc lamps almost any warm--"
+
+"Does it?  Where?  Where does it say they like strong light?" exclaimed
+Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Why, what the dickens struck you?  It says so right here.  Just listen:
+'These moths are attracted to strong light such as electric arc lights,
+as they fly at night it is often possible to secure many specimens around
+arc lamps in cities and towns during the latter part of June and the
+first half of July.  The--'"
+
+"Whoop!  That solves it!  I got it, fellows!  It's as easy as rolling off
+a log.  We win the $100 prize sure!" exclaimed Nipper Knapp excitedly.
+Then while the boys were looking at him in utter amazement he continued.
+
+"Listen, fellows!  I was running mother's electric vacuum cleaner this
+morning before I started to school.  I saw how easily the motor-driven
+fan sucked in everything in sight.   I held the nozzle near a fly on the
+window pane and _zipp--p-p_, in went Mr. Fly.  I thought right away that
+a big vacuum cleaner would make a fine moth catcher if we could only get
+near enough to the moths.  And I even figured out a plan for a large one
+which wouldn't cost very much and could be made mostly of wood.  But I
+knew it was foolish 'cause we couldn't get near the moths.  Then--"
+
+"Great!  I see your plan.  You are going to attract your moths by a light
+and then catch 'em with the suction cleaner," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"Sure, and here's how I'm going to do it.  I'm going to take one of the
+automobile's searchlights and shine it off on to some trees and then put
+the vacuum cleaner just under the light beams.  Then when Mr. Moth comes
+flying down the path of light and gets over the top of the
+sucker--_zing_, in he goes.  Get my idea?   Wait, I'll draw a plan of
+the thing for you," and, rushing over to the writing table in the corner,
+Nipper began to draw hastily while the scouts all crowded around him and
+watched.
+
+"There you are.  There's the whole plan of the thing.  Easy to make and
+easy to operate and I guess it's original all right."
+
+The drawings traveled from hand to hand, each lad scrutinizing them
+carefully for some fault in the mechanical detail.
+
+"Jiminy, I think you've struck it," exclaimed Gordon.
+
+"Struck it?  Why, man, he's got the first prize in his pocket right now,"
+insisted Romper as he looked over the plans.
+
+"Well, if it meets with your approval, fellows, let's get busy right now
+and build our moth trap."
+
+"Right-o.  No more procras--something-or-other, as Bruce said the other
+day.  We'll get busy immediately," said Bud Weir.
+
+"Well, first of all I think we should talk it over with Mr. Ford.  He
+will be able to see flaws in our plans where we can't, you know," said
+Nipper.
+
+"That was exactly my idea.  And, by the way, did you notice that the
+pamphlet from the Mayor's office named Mr. Ford among the members of the
+judging committee in this contest?" said Bruce.
+
+"Yes, I did," said Bud, "and for that reason I think he would like to see
+us boys try for the prize even though we don't win anything.  Come on,
+we'll go over and talk with him."
+
+Bud was quite right.  When Mr. Ford learned that the boys had become
+interested in the fight against the Brown Tail moth he was delighted.
+
+"That's the stuff, scouts.  Take an interest in everything in the nature
+of a public improvement.  If you grow up with that idea in mind you will
+make useful citizens," he said, when the boys informed him that they had
+been studying the Brown Tail moth campaign and intended to try for one of
+the town's prizes.
+
+"Well, I'm afraid that it was more of a selfish motive that led us to
+take an interest.  The troop needs one of those prizes to swell its
+treasury," said Bruce.
+
+"Never mind, many of the noblest works in this world resulted from the
+selfish desire on the part of some one who wanted to win some kind of a
+prize.  But I won't sermonize.  Let me see what you have in mind as a
+moth exterminator," said the Assistant Scoutmaster.
+
+The electrical engineer spent nearly half an hour in silent contemplation
+of Nipper's drawings after the plan had been explained to him.  Finally,
+his eyes sparkling with amusement, he laid the drawings onto his desk and
+remarked:
+
+"By Jove, you fellows are about the keenest observers I've met in some
+time.  It all grew out of watching a vacuum cleaner, eh?  Well, well,
+well, I think that idea is remarkable.  I'm certain it will work.  You
+should have it patented immediately.  Make another set of drawings for
+me, Nipper, and I'll send them down to my patent attorney in Washington.
+Perhaps you may have struck it richer than you expect.  You may be able
+to put the device on the market.   Who knows?  In the meantime get busy
+and build one and let me see how it works."
+
+"We are going down and buy the material right away," said Bruce,
+enthusiastically, "and father says he will have the suction fan made over
+in his shop.  It can be built of sheet iron and won't cost much, you
+know."
+
+"All right, go ahead.  I'll come over to headquarters now and then and
+watch you work," said Mr. Ford.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+WORKING TO WIN
+
+
+Not since the days preceding the Firemen's Tournament when the motorcycle
+fire department was being outfitted had the scout engineers been busier
+than they were the following few weeks.  Every afternoon after the
+academy let out, and every evening they could spare from their studies
+was devoted to the construction of the moth trap.  They worked with snap
+and vim, for upon the success of their product depended the possibility
+of a troop motorboat.
+
+And it was well that they had this enthusiasm, for a time limit had been
+set on the contest.  According to the information received from the
+Mayor's office the contest would close the last Monday in June and the
+five days following would be devoted to testing the various methods and
+appliances entered.  With the assistance of Mr. Ford the lads had already
+made their entry, sending drawings and details of their device to the
+committee of judges.  But in spite of their fast work It was apparent
+that they would not complete their contrivance until the middle or latter
+part of the week set for the test.
+
+They were determined that $100 of the $200 offered by the town should be
+added to the troop's account in the Woodbridge bank, however, and when
+scouts take that attitude in any matter one can rest assured of a period
+of industry.  They worked like beavers and the _rap, rap, rap_ of
+hammers, the _buzz-z-z_ of band and jigsaws and the _hum-m_ of motors
+could be heard in their workshop on the first floor of the headquarters
+building at almost any hour.
+
+Of course, the boys were not entirely sure that they would win first or
+even third prize, because there were any number of others competing for
+the same honors.  Indeed, farmers and even business men in and around
+Woodbridge were experimenting with chemical exterminators and various
+other ingenious devices and all of these would have an equal chance with
+the appliance invented by the boys.  But the lads were sportsmen enough
+to take their chances with the rest.  Indeed, they even went so far as to
+stake some of the precious motor money on the result, for they took
+fifteen dollars from the Woodbridge bank to pay for the lumber and other
+material needed to build Nipper's big vacuum pest catcher.
+
+"If we don't win that prize now all our chances for a motorboat are gone
+for sure," said Babe Wilson when Bud Weir announced the withdrawal of
+part of the fund.
+
+"Well, that isn't the way to look at it.  Just say we are going to win
+the prize and then get busy and work for it," insisted Bud, trying to
+instil confidence in the stout scout.
+
+Day by day the neatly finished boards grew to represent Nipper's idea of
+a moth exterminator.  And finally, after what seemed to the boys an
+unusually long time, the suction fan arrived from Bruce's father's mill.
+It was already attached to a one-quarter horsepower electric motor, for
+Mr. Clifford knew that none of the motors in the scouts' workshop were
+small enough to be used on a fan with six-inch blades.  By this time the
+lads had all but finished the big wooden trumpet and it was only
+necessary to set the fan, bolt the motor into place and give the whole
+thing a coat of paint.
+
+But already the last Monday of the month had passed and only a day or two
+remained in which the boys could test their machine before the judges.
+Day and night since the beginning of the week contestants had been
+claiming the attention of the judges with their schemes for
+extermination.  Most of these had been tried out and many were said to be
+very successful.  On one or two occasions the scouts had gone out to look
+over these tests, but to their mind none of them looked as effective as
+the moth trap they were building.
+
+On Thursday night Mr. Ford visited headquarters looking rather anxious,
+for he had heard very little from the boys during the last few days and
+he was afraid they were not going to put their machine together in time
+to appear before the judging committee with it.  He was greatly relieved
+to find that the lads were about to put the motor and fan in place and he
+realized that this marked almost the last stage of their work.
+
+"Well, boys, it looks all right to me," he said.
+"When are you going to be ready for the official tryout?"
+
+"Just as soon as we can put the automobile lamp into place.  We are
+building some iron brackets for that now.  We'll be all ready by tomorrow
+evening, I guess.  That will give us one full day leeway.  The tests can
+be conducted up to midnight Saturday, can't they?"
+
+"Sure, I'll see that the judges are ready for you.  I have an engagement
+that may keep me a little bit late, but I'll get there.  Where are you
+going to test it?"
+
+"Out on the back road here; down by the bend opposite Chipman's Hill,"
+said Nipper.
+
+"Fine, I'll be there.  Say, by the way, I was talking about your idea
+down town this evening and a reporter from the _Journal_ heard me.  He
+seemed very much interested when I told him about your work and he wants
+to come up and see the machine.  He'll probably be up some time
+to-morrow.  Perhaps I can get him up to see the test.  If I can
+I--Listen, is that some one coming?  Sure enough, perhaps it is he.
+Open the door, Bruce."
+
+Bruce swung open the big double door and Rogan, one of the reporters for
+the Woodbridge _Journal_ and the local correspondent for the St. Cloud
+_Call_, entered.
+
+"Hello, boys," he shouted good naturedly.  "Heard you have a new wrinkle
+in moth catchers.  Is that the machine?  Looks mighty businesslike.  Is
+it ready to test?  Well, if there isn't Mr. Ford.  How are you?  What do
+you think of the scout's invention?  How does it work?  Whose idea is it.
+Where--?"
+
+"Oh, goodness gracious, don't ask 'em so fast," said Bruce.  "We'll
+answer them one at a time and explain the machine to you if you'll give
+us a chance."
+
+"Sure.  Excuse me.  Go right ahead," said Hogan, his inquisitive blue
+eyes taking in everything in the room.
+
+Nipper had the honor of describing his own invention, which he did with
+no little pride.  And evidently Rogan was impressed for, after cross
+examining Mr. Ford and going into the device from every angle, he wrote a
+two-column story which appeared on the first page of the Journal the
+following morning.  Also he telephoned a story to the St. Cloud paper
+which the boys read the following afternoon.
+
+As soon as the Academy closed the next day the scouts hurried to
+headquarters, for they had a great deal to do before they could carry out
+the test that evening.  Two or three attended to the work of removing one
+of the searchlights from "Old Nanc" and putting it into place on top of
+the moth catcher, while the rest of the boys strung a temporary line of
+wire from the headquarters' switchboard to a point about two hundred
+yards up the road.  They intended to conduct the test there and throw the
+searchlight into the trees on Chipman Hill across the valley.
+
+It was dinner time when the wires were in place and the scouts, after a
+last look about, all went home to get something to eat and to wait the
+coming of darkness.
+
+They began to return to headquarters about half past seven.  Bruce,
+Nipper Knapp, and Ray Martin were the first to arrive and, to their
+surprise, they found at least two dozen people waiting outside of
+headquarters.
+
+"Well, what does this meant" inquired Bruce of Nipper.
+
+"Well, I guess they read Rogan's story in the Journal.  He said we were
+going to have a test to-night, you know."
+
+"Then we're going to have a gallery of spectators!  Oh, well, we don't
+mind, do we, boys?"
+
+"You bet we don't--if the thing will only work," said Nipper.
+
+Soon, other scouts arrived and presently an automobile rolled up to the
+door and four of the town's councilmen climbed out.  The party was
+composed of Mr. Bassett, Mr. Bates, Mr. Adams and Mr. Franklin, all
+members of the Mayor's committee of judges.  The lads were disappointed
+not to see Mr. Ford among them, but they felt confident that he would
+appear in time for the official test.
+
+The Councilmen looked over the moth trap with critical eyes and asked
+innumerable questions.  Then finally Mr. Bassett, chairman of the
+committee, spoke.
+
+"Well, Scouts, it surely looks like a good plan, but will it catch 'em,
+that's what we want to know?"
+
+"We are not certain of that ourselves, sir, but we'll take it out and
+test it.  Then we'll surely know," said Nipper.  In a few moments the
+moth catcher had been loaded into  "Old Nanc" and the scouts, judges and
+about one hundred townfolk who had gathered to see the demonstration,
+started up Otter Creek road.  By the time the boys had loaded the moth
+catcher into "Old Nanc" the entire troop was there.
+
+Twilight had gone and the stars were coming out when "Old Nanc" arrived
+at the appointed location.  Every one was extremely curious and the
+moment the moth catcher was put on the ground men and women alike began
+to inspect the contrivance closely.  It was fully twenty minutes before
+the boys could connect the wires to the searchlight and the motor.  Then
+a scout was sent post haste back to headquarters to throw the switch and
+let the current into the new line.
+
+When this was done Nipper, who was in charge on this occasion, took his
+place beside the contrivance.  Scouts with staffs were detailed to keep
+the small crowd back and away from the front of the machine.
+
+"Are you all ready, Nipper?" said Bruce.
+
+"Sure," said Nipper.  Then, "say, is Mr. Ford here?  I wish he was; I'd
+like to have him see this.  Oh, Bruce, if it will only work!  I'm getting
+as nervous as a cat."  He glanced toward the automobile where the four
+judges sat waiting.
+
+"Tut, tut, don't get fussed," said Bruce, trying hard to conceal his own
+suppressed excitement.
+
+"All right, here goes," said Nipper as he turned the lamp switch, and a
+moment later the motor switch.
+
+Instantly a long arm of light reached out across the valley and focused
+on the heavy growth of elm trees on the opposite hill side.  The motor
+began to hum and the fan to buzz loudly.  Every one was attention.  Every
+eye was riveted in the long shaft of light that stretched forth into the
+night.  A minute they waited, two minutes, five minutes!  Nothing
+happened!
+
+"Oh--this suspense is terrible," groaned Nipper.
+
+"You're right, it is," whispered Bruce.
+
+Every scout felt the same way.  Was it a failure?  Was their idea only
+visionary, alter all?  Oh, why didn't something happen to relieve the
+tension.  Why didn't--
+
+"Look!  There's a moth," said some one.
+
+"Where?" asked half a dozen breathlessly.
+
+"Out there!  Look!  Can't you see him?" said others.
+
+Sure enough, coming down the long pathway of light was a solitary moth
+winging its fitful way toward the lamp.  Now it was in the light and now
+it dodged out into the darkness.  But always it returned a few feet
+nearer to the waiting scouts.  It seemed irresistibly drawn toward the
+auto lamp.
+
+"Come on, come a little closer and we'll have you," whispered Nipper
+excitedly.
+
+On it came toward the upturned mouth of the vacuum.  It was ten feet
+away, then eight, seven, six.  Now it felt the air disturbance, for it
+began to flutter harder.  Then--_zipp_!
+
+It was caught in the air current and in a twinkle disappeared down the
+yawning month of the sucker.
+
+A mighty cheer went up.  But they were silenced quickly when another moth
+appeared.  But before this one had gone half way down the light shaft,
+two others came.  Then came two more, then three or four, until they were
+fluttering in the white light like so many scraps of paper.  And always
+when they reached a point over the opening of the sucker they were
+whisked out of sight like a flash, to be carried into the big bag at the
+other end of the machine.
+
+The crowd began to press in closer.  The men were talking loudly now and
+congratulating the young engineers, and as for Nipper and his comrades,
+well, they were pleased, and showed it by the smiles they wore.
+
+But just at this moment the sound of an automobile coming from the
+direction of headquarters was heard and the next instant Mr. Ford's car
+dashed up.
+
+"Hello, boys, how's she working?" he inquired and there was something in
+the tone of his voice that disturbed the scouts.
+
+"Why, it's running in great shape.  We have nearly half a bag full of
+moths now.  What's the matter?" queried Nipper.
+
+"Well, I have some bad news for you.  I'm sorry, fellows, but your little
+machine isn't as original as we thought it was.  Here's a telegram I
+received this evening from my attorneys in Washington.  They say that a
+machine like yours was invented in Germany several years ago and patented
+in this country, too.  They say several stories were printed about it in
+German and American magazines at the time.  That means that we can't put
+it on the market as we had visions of doing and--!"
+
+"Well, well, that's too bad," said deep-voiced Mr. Bassett, who had come
+out of the automobile with the other judges to hear what Mr. Ford had to
+say.  "Too bad they can't get a patent on it.  I thought the lads had an
+A-1 business proposition here and I was about to make 'em a spot cash
+offer for an interest in it.  Why, it's the best thing we've seen in all
+the tests.  No one has had anything anywhere near as good."
+
+"But--but--you don't mean we can't win the contest," stammered Nipper
+nervously, looking at Mr. Bassett.
+
+"Win!  Win!  Why, lads, you've won in a walk.  Hasn't he, gentlemen?  We
+haven't seen anything as good as this, have we?"
+
+"We certainly have not," said Mr. Adams.  "Of course, the boys win. They
+get the $100 prize, but that's a mighty small amount for such ingenuity.
+If it wasn't for that German inventor you could have made thousands of
+dollars out--"
+
+"Pshaw, we only wanted first prize," exclaimed Nipper Knapp.  Then he
+shouted, "Hi, fellows, we win, and we'll have our motorboat Whoope-e-e-e!
+Three cheers."  And all, including the men, joined in:
+"Hip--hip--hoo-ray!" the noise of which didn't bother the moths in the
+least as they kept on fluttering toward the light and disappearing into
+the trap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE BOY FROM ARIZONA
+
+
+"Say, fellows, I have the idea we--"
+
+"Jiminy!" interrupted Jiminy Gordon.  "Romper's got an idea--first he ever
+had in his life.  Come, spit it out, and if it isn't any better than the
+rest we've been listening to, we'll maul you--won't we, fellows?"
+
+"Bet we will," said Bud Weir.
+
+"We'll duck him in the creek," threatened Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Come on there, young man, let us know what's in your cranium.  None of
+the rest of us has been able to get even the glimmer of an intelligent
+suggestion," said Bruce Clifford.
+
+"Well, here it is," said Romper, getting to his feet.  "We'll furnish a
+climax to our part of the Fourth of July celebration by presenting
+Woodbridge with a city flag--we'll make the suggestion, get it approved by
+the village council, have old Granny Mastin make it and pres--"
+
+"Hi, hi, not so fast--you're rushing along like a train of cars--trying to
+dodge that ducking, aren't you?  Now, slower--what's this idea?  What do
+you mean by a city flag?  Never heard of such a thing before," said Ray
+Martin.
+
+"Huh, you haven't?  Well, you're a fine scout.  Don't you ever read the
+papers?" said Romper with disgust.
+
+"I've heard of it," interrupted Bruce, "and it's a bully suggestion.  A
+number of American cities have flags--a distinctive ensign, just like
+patrol flags that we scouts have.  New York has just adopted one, and I
+can't see why Woodbridge shouldn't have a flag of her own.  Romper's idea
+is a corker.  We can suggest a flag and get the approval of the
+Woodbridge council.  Then on the Fourth we can present it to the city and
+have grand old celebration.   Romper deserves a vote of thanks instead of
+a ducking."
+
+In truth, Romper had piloted Quarry Troop out of a most trying dilemma.
+Here is how matters stood before he suddenly became inspired: Woodbridge
+had been planning a safe and sane Fourth of July celebration, with a
+pageant, municipal night fireworks and various other forms of a good
+time.  All of which was to take place at the Firemen's Tournament Field
+on the outskirts of the town.  Quarry Troop had been invited to give an
+exhibition.
+
+So far as that was concerned, the boys were ready and willing to give
+exhibitions in almost any of the many branches of scouting at a moment's
+notice, for they were all well trained.  But the fact that the occasion
+was Independence Day and that there would be hundreds of strangers
+watching them made the lads eager to give an extra good performance and
+end with a grand flourish--something spectacular.
+
+Now, just what this climax was to be required deep thought, and half a
+dozen of the older scouts of the troop had gathered under the big maple
+in front of their machine-shop headquarters on Otter Creek hill to ponder
+the situation.  They had been sprawled in various attitudes in the shade
+of the old tree for more than half an hour, each one doing his utmost to
+think of something original.  All kinds of suggestions were advanced, but
+none was worth considering until Romper finally stirred up his flag idea.
+
+It did not take the wide-awake youngsters long to comprehend the
+spectacular element in this proposition, however, and presently they were
+talking away at a furious rate, planning the details.
+
+"Look here, why not make the order of events like this," said Bruce.
+"First we'll pitch a real scout camp and then put up our wireless outfit,
+just as we had decided.  Beforehand we'll erect a big pole and a little
+pole to hold the aerial.  'Old Nanc' can carry the outfit we have on the
+headquarters roof to Firemen's Field and we can borrow one of the
+batteries from Dad's electric truck and take that along to furnish our
+current.
+
+"Then, after the wireless is up and working, we can wind up the
+performance by presenting the town with a flag.  That should make a real
+hit, eh, fellows?  We'll get Mr. Ford to make a speech from the reviewing
+stand and then, after the Mayor has answered, we'll raise the flag on the
+big aerial pole and salute it.  How do you like that for a programme?"
+
+"Great," exclaimed several of the scouts.
+
+"Bully," said Bud.
+
+"Best ever," asserted Nipper Knapp.  "But say, here we've been talking
+about giving the town a flag, now what's it to look like?"
+
+"Jove, that's right," said Ray Martin.  "What sort of a flag is it to be?
+Let's make it green and purple, green to signify--ah--"
+
+"Yes, let's add pink, canary and sky blue," interrupted sarcastic Babe
+Wilson, "what do you think this is going to be, a rainbow?"
+
+"Well, I think we should talk the plan over with Mr. Ford and let him
+give our suggestion to the City Councilmen.  They may have some ideas as
+to what the Woodbridge flag should look like," said Bruce.
+
+"Sure," said Ray.
+
+"All right, I'll--"
+
+"Say, fellows," interrupted Romper in a whisper, while he watched a
+solitary figure coming up the road,  "here comes that chap we had at
+headquarters yesterday, Dick what's-his-name?"
+
+"Sure enough," said Bud Weir.  "Say, come on fellows, let's go inside; we
+don't want a 'fraid raid cat like him hanging around with us."
+
+"Aw, say, that isn't right," replied Bruce in an undertone.  "Don't snub
+a fellow like that.  I think it was sort of childish for him to be
+afraid, but he looks like a pretty good chap, at that."
+
+But the lad in question evidently did not intend to "hang around."
+Instead he made his way up Otter Creek hill, passed the group in front of
+headquarters with a nod and a cheerful "howdy" and continued on his way.
+He was a short, thickset youngster of about sixteen and he walked with a
+peculiar stride, for his legs were slightly bowed.
+
+Dick Austin was his name and he had come from his home in Arizona to
+spend his Summer vacation with an aunt in Woodbridge.
+
+Several of the scouts had met him at various places in the village since
+he had been in town, and had tried to make his acquaintance, but he
+seemed to keep to himself a great deal.  The day before the Fourth of
+July conference under the maple, however, two of the lads had encountered
+him on the street, and out of pure kindness of heart had invited him to
+accompany them to headquarters.
+
+But much to their surprise Dick did not like the machine shop at all.  He
+objected to the hum of motors and he jumped every time he saw the flashes
+from the wireless spark gap.  He refused to try a ride on the tandem seat
+of one of the troop's motorcycles, and when he received a slight shock
+after several of the boys had persuaded him to take hold of the handles of
+a static electric machine, he became thoroughly frightened.
+
+"Look year," he said with a decided southern accent, "I don't like this
+hear 'lectric business no how.  Hit's dangerous stuff an' I'm afeard o'
+hit.  Yo' see I ham 't been used t' hit down whar I lived an' I cain 't
+feel comfortable with a lot of machinery so close to me.  No, sirree, I'd
+rather leg it out o' here and git into t' open."
+
+Whereupon he left headquarters without waiting to listen to the scouts,
+who tried to explain that it was only high-tension electricity that was
+not at all dangerous and that there was no current of that nature at
+headquarters.
+
+Dick's attitude had quite surprised the Quarry Scouts.  How a normal boy
+could fail to be interested in machinery, know nothing about electricity,
+and actually refuse to ride on a motorcycle because the throbbing engine
+scared him, was more than they could understand.  They quickly decided
+that he was a coward and had already lost respect for him, as was evident
+from the caustic comments made by the group under the maple after he had
+passed.
+
+"Huh," said Ray Martin, "just imagine a fellow getting fidgety over a
+motor; regular girl."
+
+"It does seem queer," said Bruce.  Then getting to his feet and brushing
+the dust from his trousers he continued:
+
+"Say, fellows, if we are going to try this flag stunt I think it's up to
+us to get a wiggle on.  We've only two weeks to do the work in, you know.
+I'm going to see Mr. Ford now and talk it over with him.  Who wants to
+go along?"
+
+"I'll go," said Bud Weir.
+
+"So'll I," added Romper.
+
+"All right, come along," replied Bruce.  And five minutes later three
+motorcycles were scooting out toward the hydro-electric plant where Mr.
+Ford, the Quarry Troop's Assistant Scoutmaster, was superintendent.
+
+Two days later three lads in scout uniforms were to be seen in the
+ante-room of the Council Chamber in the Woodbridge Town Hall.  They
+composed the Flag Committee of the Quarry Troop and as they sat there in
+the straight-backed chairs they looked to be the most uncomfortable trio
+in all the State of Vermont.
+
+And they were uncomfortable.  You see, Bruce, Bud and Romper were waiting
+patiently the decision of the Councilmen, who were convening behind the
+closed doors of the room to their left.  It was the occasion of the
+regular weekly meeting of the body, but the fact that the town fathers
+were debating the adoption of a town flag made the session the most
+important in the history of Woodbridge, so far as the three scouts were
+concerned.
+
+"Huh, we've been sitting here just fifteen minutes; seems like fifteen
+hours," said Bruce in a husky whisper.  His eyes were on the big
+regulator clock that ticked away solemnly on the wall across the room.
+
+As for Bud and Romper, they remained silent, gazing nervously out the
+window.  A little later Romper said:  "Maybe they're going to turn us
+down and--" He was interrupted by the opening of the swinging doors that
+led to the Council Chamber.  Mr. Bennet, Mayor Worthington's secretary,
+appeared.
+
+"Scouts," he said, saluting, "the Mayor would like the pleasure of your
+presence in the Council Room."
+
+It required every ounce of self-control the scouts could summon to walk
+into that sanctum.  How they managed to travel the space from one room to
+the other without stumbling over rugs or doorsills will ever be a mystery
+to them.
+
+Presently, however, they found themselves at the lower end of the long
+mahogany table at which the nine officials were seated.  At the head was
+the dignified Mayor, while to the right and left were ranged the
+councilmen, all of whom the boys recognized when finally they became more
+accustomed to the surroundings.
+
+"Scouts," said the Mayor, and at the sound of his voice each lad saluted,
+"we have considered your plan to present the town of Woodbridge with a
+flag, and we have unanimously voted it an excellent idea.  Moreover, lads,
+we have adopted the design and colors of the proposed emblem."
+
+This good news helped to dispel the scouts' nervousness.  They were too
+attentive now to think of being timid.
+
+"We have decided," continued Mr. Worthington, "that the design shall be a
+blood red flag with a city seal in the center of it.  It shall be red
+because that is the color that signifies strength, fire, virility, and
+all that is healthy and normal.  And we shall follow the lead of other
+cities and have an official seal of the community; for the seal, we have
+decided on the pine tree of Vermont in the upper portion and a quarry
+derrick, signifying the marble industry of Woodbridge, below.  How do you
+like that, boys?"
+
+"Wonderful," exclaimed the three lads in unison.
+
+"Glad to hear it.  Now good luck to you and I hope our Fourth of July
+celebration is a big success," said the town's chief, dismissing them
+with a bow.
+
+The scouts were all smiles as they descended the broad steps of the town
+hall and started down the gravel path to the street, where they had left
+their motorcycles.
+
+"Jove, we'll have some celebration, eh, fellows?" said Romper.
+
+"You bet we will," assured Bud.
+
+"Yes, but we have a lot of work to do yet before everything will be
+ready," stated Bruce.  "We'll go over to Granny Mastin's right away and
+find out if she'll make the flag for us.  We'll get Nipper to drawn a
+design for her.  Then we'll have to come back and get the silk and
+whatever else she wants to do the work with.  And say, fellows, we'll
+have to erect our poles at Firemen's Field, do you realize that?  We'll
+be mighty busy for a while--hello, look who's inspecting our
+motorcycles."
+
+Bud and Romper looked up in time to see Dick Austin, the boy from
+Arizona, scrutinizing the three machines that were lined up at the curb.
+
+"Howdy," he said as they came up.  "I was just eyeing these here
+critters.  Look blamed ferocious, they do."
+
+"Would you like to ride on the tandem behind me?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Who, me?" exclaimed Dick.  "No, sirree, yo' cain't git me to straddle
+that there animal.  Ef 'twas a hoss I'd be tickled to death, but you
+cain't git a snorting machine under me."
+
+"Huh," said Bud, contemptuously, when Dick was out of earshot, "that
+sounds like a bluff to me.  Bet he's afraid of a horse, too."
+
+"Oh, I don't know," said Bruce, as he started his engine, "he has the
+legs of a horseman and he comes from Arizona, you know."
+
+"Yes, but he's a scared cat," asserted Romper as the trip got under way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE COURAGE OF A COWARD
+
+
+Woodbridge was a profusion of bunting and streamers on Independence Day.
+Almost every building, from the meanest little stores on Stone Street to
+the big business blocks on Willow and State Streets, was gay with flags
+and emblems.  The thoroughfares were thronged with people, too.  Summer
+folk from the cities, mingled with the easily distinguished farmers who
+had come to town for the celebration, and these with the residents made
+the population of the town almost double its normal size.
+
+Soon after the dinner hour the crowd all began to move in one direction,
+for everybody was headed for the exhibition grounds.
+
+Firemen's Field was an ideal place for the celebration.  It was in a
+broad unfenced stretch of valley bottom on the outskirts of town and a
+grandstand had been erected there for the Firemen's Tournament in the
+spring, so well remembered by the "smoke-eaters" of Quarry Troop.  A deep
+woods stretched along the west side of the field and Otter Creek formed
+the southern boundary, while the highway to St. Cloud ran across its
+northern extreme.  There were several acres of broad green lawn in front
+of the grandstand, and the only obstructions in the whole area were the
+tall and short poles the scouts had erected.  These, however, had been
+placed so as not to interfere with the dancing and other events scheduled
+for the day.
+
+The grandstand was filled to capacity long before the hour set for the
+beginning of the ceremonies, and by the time the Mayor and various other
+officials had entered their special reviewing stand hundreds of people
+were massed in a semicircle about the field.
+
+To one side of the entrance was a group of gay colored tents or marquees,
+about which were crowded hundreds of tiny tots, all arrayed in the gaudy
+carnival dress.  Some were ladies of the French courts, some were garbed
+in Colonial costumes and some were masquerading as bears or as wolves.
+One group was wearing the wooden shoes and frocks of Holland, another
+group was costumed as Russian peasants and still others were dressed to
+represent German, Swedish, Danish and Irish folk.  The Campfire Girls
+were there, too, in a special little marquee by themselves, and to the
+right of their location was the Quarry Troop, every lad in full uniform,
+and looking very important.
+
+"Corking crowd, eh, Bruce?" said Nipper Knapp, who stood watching the
+bank of faces in the grandstand.
+
+"You bet it is.  Say, we'll have to do our finest.  Not a hitch to-day,
+fellows," said Bruce.
+
+"Right-o," asserted half a dozen members of the troop enthusiastically.
+
+Then every one became silent, for the director of the carnival had taken
+the center of the field.  A moment he stood there and surveyed his
+performers, then he gave the signal for the music, and presently the
+grand march was under way.
+
+Hundreds of youngsters ranging from tiny tots who were to take part in a
+Mother Goose scene, to the stalwart scouts themselves, formed in line and
+paraded around the field, passing in front of the stands.
+
+A very impressive scene representing the signing of the Declaration of
+Independence was the first number on the program.  In this, several
+academy boys took the parts of John Hancock, John Adams and John
+Dickinson, and the members of the First Congress.
+
+Immediately following came the folk dances, in which scores of pretty
+girls in costumes executed the national dances of the various foreign
+countries.  These little maids tripped lightly to the fantastic dance
+music of the people of the old world for fully twenty minutes and as the
+last group began the final steps of a pretty Scotch fantasy Bruce stood
+up and mustered the scouts in line.
+
+"We're next, fellows.  Now do your finest.  Are the tents ready and the
+rest of the equipment in order?  How's 'Old Nanc'?" he called.
+
+But it was needless to ask the question, for the lads had been ready for
+fully fifteen minutes.
+
+"How about the flag?" asked Bruce, as the little girls danced their way
+off the field and the band changed to a martial air.
+
+"All safe," said Romper, who had been appointed custodian of the precious
+bunting.
+
+"Fine!" said the leader of the Owl patrol.
+
+Bugler Benson sounded the call, "Forward, scouts," and the brown-clad
+column started toward the tall pole near the center of the field, where
+Mr. Ford, in Scoutmaster's uniform, stood waiting.  They marched in scout
+order with "Old Nanc," laden with the wireless equipment trundling slowly
+behind them.
+
+For a moment the lads stood in line in front of the grandstand and
+saluted, then at a word from Mr. Ford they broke ranks, and presently a
+scout camp was growing before the surprised spectators' eyes.  Tents were
+erected in a jiffy, scouts were scuttling here and there with camp
+equipment, cooking utensils and firewood.   Some were mixing dough, some
+frying bacon, some cutting wood and some carrying pails of water.  Within
+ten minutes a model scout camp had appeared in the center of Firemen's
+Field.
+
+But presently the spectators discovered that they were doing something
+even more interesting than building camp.  A half dozen scouts under the
+direction of Bruce were unloading queer looking sections of electrical
+apparatus from the troop's home-made automobile.
+
+While this was being done, Bud Weir strapped on his climbing spurs and
+began to climb the tall pole, carrying the end of a good strong manila
+halyard.  This he wove through the pulley at the top and soon the scouts
+were hoisting one end of the wireless aerials up to him.  This was
+quickly adjusted, as was the machinery on the ground, and in a few
+minutes the wireless station had been assembled and Bruce was at the key,
+flashing crackling messages into the air.
+
+Applause came from the grandstand, but before the clapping died away, the
+lads lined up in front of the taller of the two poles again and Romper
+produced a roll of shining red silk from one of the tents.  With this
+under his arm he took his place before the flagpole and waited, one hand
+upon the new halyard, which still remained in the pulley.  At this sign
+Mr. Ford stood out and, removing his campaign hat, faced the spectators
+and the reviewing stand.
+
+"Honored Mayor, ladies and gentlemen," he said, "the boys of Quarry Troop
+No. 1 have been granted the privilege by the Town Council to present
+Woodbridge with a city flag.  It is our--"
+
+The Assistant Scoutmaster paused here.  In the crowd before him he saw
+scores of frightened faces.  He saw men pointing and heard women cry out
+in terror.  He saw children cower and scamper for the protection of the
+grandstand.
+
+Instantly all turned and looked across the field toward the strip of
+woods that bordered it, and what they saw paralyzed them with horror.
+
+There on the edge of the wood that bordered the west of the field,
+shaking his massive head menacingly and pawing the ground, stood Ponto,
+the great black and white bull of the Lyman stock farm.  The most savage
+animal in Woodbridge had broken through his barrier and, attracted by the
+applause of the people, had wandered through the woods to Firemen's
+Field.  And the wrath that kindled in his wicked eyes as he stood and
+watched the assemblage made even the bravest scout shudder.  For a moment
+the lads stood as if robbed of their presence of mind by the unfamiliar
+emergency.  But the next instant they were stirred to action by the rush
+of some one running and a cry:
+
+"Quick, scouts, take care of the children.  Get these year kiddies out o'
+danger.  I'll 'tend to the bull."
+
+This was from a stocky lad with legs slightly bowed, who pushed through
+the group of boys and laid hold of the halyard of the flagpole.  In an
+instant he had whipped out his jack-knife and severed the rope.  Then he
+began to haul it out of the pulley overhead, meanwhile shouting for the
+scouts to quiet the already panic-stricken crowd and hurry the children
+out of danger.
+
+Bruce gave one look at the boy from Arizona and in his eyes saw something
+that told him he was master of the situation.  Then he turned to the
+scouts.
+
+"He can handle the bull, boys," he cried; "come, work fast, get the
+children back."
+
+And the next instant the scouts, armed with their staffs, began to herd
+the tiny tots behind the grandstand, leaving Dick Austin alone in the
+center of the field.
+
+The lad from Arizona was working frantically.  With his knife he cut the
+flag from the rope and with the line thus freed began to weave a bowline
+knot into one end.  This he made to serve as the ring for a lariat, and
+presently he had a fifteen-foot loop spread out before him on the ground.
+Then with his eyes on the enraged bull he coiled the rest of the rope
+into his left hand.  And all the time he worked his plucky face wore a
+grim smile.
+
+As for the bull, he stood there grunting and pawing the sod furiously,
+his fiery eyes fastened on the lone figure.
+
+But it was not in Dick Austin's make-up to flee from a bull.  Instead, he
+shouted:
+
+"Come on, you old son-of-a-gun," and he actually kicked the red silk flag
+into the air to tantalize the animal.  This was too much for the beast.
+When he saw the red flag flaunted at him by this puny human he let out a
+bellow and charged.
+
+Dick was on his toes in an instant.  With a twist of his hand he started
+the loop circling about his head, while his eyes were fastened on the
+enraged animal charging toward him with lowered head.
+
+Nearer he came!  Dick could see the red in his distended nostrils; he
+could see the cords and arteries in his massive neck and shoulders
+standing out under his velvety skin.  He could feel the ground tremble
+under the pounding of his heavy feet.  The next instant those short,
+ugly, black tipped horns might be buried into his flesh and he would be
+tossed into the air.  And if he dropped limp and helpless he would be
+stamped to death.  The beast was twenty feet away now.  His head dropped
+lower for the final plunge.  He lunged his great body forward.
+
+But the boy was not there!  Like a panther, Dick had leaped behind the
+flag-pole, but not until he had hurled the whistling loop straight at the
+charging animal's feet.  Then with a quick turn he snubbed the line about
+the pole.
+
+The next instant the great beast's legs were jerked out from under him
+and with a roar of rage he turned a complete somersault and crashed to the
+ground, every bit of his wrath jarred out of him by the stunning impact.
+
+In a twinkle Dick came from behind the pole and with the lariat still in
+his hands rushed toward the prostrate animal.  Two dexterous twists were
+all he made and the hind legs of the bull were lashed as fast as the
+front ones and savage Ponto was helpless.
+
+After the members of the Quarry Troop had viewed the municipal fireworks
+in front of Town Hall that night they gathered at headquarters to discuss
+the day's events before going home.  But there was only one event to be
+discussed, and that was on the lips of every individual in town.
+
+"By Jove, I called him a coward," said Bud Weir.  "But if there's a
+fellow among us who has as much sand as he had--I--I---well, by cracky,
+there isn't any."
+
+"Well," said Bruce thoughtfully.  "It's this way--ah--er--I mean-- Aw,
+shucks, I can't express it the way I want to, but he surely didn't shirk
+the duty for which he was prepared.  He told me this morning that
+lassoing cattle (roping he calls it) and riding horses is part of a day's
+work where he comes from."
+
+"I don't care if he is skittish about machinery," said Romper Ryan
+emphatically, "I'm going to see that Dick Austin becomes a scout before
+he leaves Woodbridge; he's the kind of a chap we need."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SCOUT LIFE GUARDS' BEACH PATROL
+
+
+Bruce and two companions, Romper Ryan and Jiminy Gordon, were passing the
+Post Office just as Morton McCabe, the little old man who delivered mail
+in the southern district of Woodbridge, came down the broad stone steps.
+
+"How are you, Mr. McCabe?" saluted Bruce.
+
+"Hello, boys; fine, fine, thanks.  Say, did you get your letter?" said
+the diminutive postman, Who always talked very fast and tried to crowd as
+many sentences as he could into a single breath.
+
+"Letter?" demanded Bruce, "what letter?"
+
+"Why, I left a letter up at headquarters for you this morning.  It was
+addressed to you, care of Quarry Troop No. 1, of Woodbridge.  Came from
+Old Harbor Beach, Maine.  Saw the postmark.  Big letter.  Looked
+important."
+
+"Is that so?  Thank you, Mr. McCabe," said Brace.
+
+"Who do you know at Old Harbor Beach, Bruce?" asked Romper.
+
+"That's what I was wondering.  I can't figure it out.  The letter must be
+meant for all of us, or else it wouldn't have been mailed to
+headquarters.  Come on, fellows, we'll see what it is."
+
+Ten minutes later the three lads arrived at headquarters.  There was the
+big blue envelope sticking under the door.  Bruce picked it up and ripped
+it open, while his companions crowded around and looked over his shoulder.
+Hastily the patrol leader's eyes ran through the first paragraph.  Then,
+as if he could not believe what he had read, he started to go over it
+again.
+
+"Out loud, out loud.  Don't be so blamed stingy," said Romper, who was
+eager to hear the news it contained.
+
+"I--er--aw, say, this must be a joke.  Gee, if it isn't, it's the
+biggest piece of luck the troop has had in some time.  Listen, fellows:"
+
+Bruce Clifford, Chief of the Motor Cycle Fire Department, Woodbridge, Vt.
+
+My Dear Bruce: From what I have heard of your motor cycle fire department
+I have come to the conclusion that the members of your troop are exactly
+the boys I need to help me this summer.  I would like to hire the
+services of ten scouts to take charge of a motorcycle life-saving corps I
+am organizing at Old Harbor Beach.
+
+I own all the bathing concessions here and we have a strip of the finest
+beach along the Atlantic Coast.  It is fifteen miles long, just as firm
+as concrete.  The bathing here is treacherous at times, however, and
+there have been several lives lost far this summer.  I do not care to
+have any more such accidents and I want a good crew of life savers to
+help me.  This crew will cover the beach on especially designed
+motorcycles.  I know you scouts are trained in first aid work and are
+well fitted for these duties, and that is why I am eager to have your
+services.  Of course I want only the ten best swimmers in the troop.
+
+It is necessary that you come to Old Harbor Beach at once, as the
+International Automobile Races will be held here next week, and these
+with several large conventions will bring thousands of people to Old
+Harbor from now until the end of the summer.  I will pay transportation
+for ten scouts and will board you and pay each of you $5.00 a week.  If
+these terms are satisfactory, wire me at once and I will send a cheek to
+cover expenses.
+
+Very truly yours,
+J. Arthur Herrick,
+President,
+Old Harbor Improvement Association.
+
+"By Jiminy, what do you think of that?" exclaimed Gordon in amazement.
+
+"Jove, I can't believe it.  Seems like a--well, I think some one is making
+fun of us," said Bruce.  "Wait, I'll read it over again and see if I can
+see a joker in it somewhere."  Once more he read it aloud, while Romper
+and Jiminy Gordon listened.
+
+"Sounds mighty good on second reading," asserted Romper.
+
+"It sure does," exclaimed Gordon enthusiastically, "and just think,
+fellows, if we go we can see the Internationals.  Jove, I was looking
+over the entry list in the paper this morning.  The best automobile
+drivers in the world will be there--St. Clare, Dublan, Osterhout,
+and--and--best of all, Dan Dacy, the American, who has been smashing
+all of the old records.  The papers say Dacy is the favorite.  He's going
+to make a new record in everything from five to fifteen miles and trim
+the Frenchmen and the Germans an--"
+
+"Oh, say, quit!  We're not there yet.  Gee, you almost make me believe
+I'm really going," said Romper.
+
+"But what's to prevent?" demanded Jiminy.
+
+"Well--well--I don't know, unless this letter is a joke."
+
+"We'll find out if it is or not by sending a wire immediately," said
+Bruce, who had been thinking the situation over.
+
+"Yes, but first why not get the troop together and see if we can get ten
+good swimmers whose parents will let them go?  We can call a meeting this
+afternoon and send our telegram to-night," said Romper.
+
+"Right-o; good suggestion," said Jimmy.
+
+"And I really think we should submit the whole thing to Mr. Ford and get
+his opinion before we take definite action.  If some one is joshing us,
+he'll be able to see through it all right."
+
+But subsequent events proved conclusively that the letter was not a joke.
+The scouts called their meeting immediately, and after a careful study
+of the troop's merit badge list, and a painful process of elimination,
+the ten oldest and best fitted scouts of the troop were selected to
+become members of the life-saving crew.  Then Bruce, Romper and Jiminy
+took the letter to Mr. Ford and gave him the whole details of the case.
+
+Mr. Ford read the letter slowly, carefully considering every detail.
+Then he laid it down and removed his glasses.
+
+"Well, boys, if you want my opinion on the whole matter, I would say that
+you were quite the luckiest lot of chaps I've ever heard of.  I spent a
+summer in Old Harbor Beach three years ago, and, of course, I met Mr.
+Herrick.  He is quite the finest man I ever hope to come in contact with;
+big, stout and jovial, and as good-hearted as can be.  If your parents
+will let you, I would advise every one to accept the offer."
+
+"Cracky, we are in luck, fellows.  I move we telegraph our acceptance
+right away," said Romper.
+
+"I move we turn the matter over to Mr. Ford and let him telegraph.  He's
+our Scoutmaster, and I'm sure Mr. Herrick would feel better about the
+whole thing if he found he was dealing with a grown-up person," said
+Bruce.
+
+"Right," said Jiminy and Romper.
+
+"Well, if that's how the wind lies, I'll do it," said Mr. Ford; "only you
+boys consult your parents first and tell me what they have to say."
+
+"Whoop-e-e, we will see the Internationals!" exclaimed Jiminy.
+
+"Yes, and we get a month at the seashore.  When'll we start?" demanded
+Romper.
+
+"Just as soon as the money arrives.  About Tuesday, I should guess," said
+Bruce, as the lads left Mr. Ford's house.
+
+It is hardly natural for ten thoroughly healthy scouts to be confined to
+the restricted limits of a day coach for four solid hours without
+becoming extremely weary of the monotony of it all.  Bruce and the rest
+of the members of Quarry Troop No. 1 became quite restive before the long
+journey to Old Harbor Beach ended.  Indeed, the lads were thoroughly
+pleased when, after the engine whistle had emitted a prolonged shriek,
+the conductor poked his head in at the door and drawled--"'Old
+Har-b-o-r--, Old Harbor Beach!  Next stop Port Junction."
+
+"Thank goodness we're here at last," exclaimed Nipper Knapp, as he began
+to gather his luggage together.
+
+"That's the best news I've heard to-day," insisted Bud Weir, swinging his
+suitcase to his shoulder and crowding out into the aisle with the rest of
+the scouts.
+
+A stout good-natured looking man with a little five-year-old girl in a
+bathing suit perched on his shoulder and a big collie dog romping by his
+side, was easily the most conspicuous individual on the long station
+platform.  Bruce caught sight of him as he descended the steps of the
+coach.
+
+"That's Mr. Herrick, or I'm a duffer at guessing," he said to Romper, who
+was just behind him.
+
+"You're not a duffer, for here he comes to welcome us," said Ray Martin,
+who had overheard the remark.
+
+Indeed, as soon as the big man saw the group of uniformed scouts leaving
+the train he hurried toward them.
+
+"Hello, there, boys.  I'm the one you're looking for, I guess.  My name's
+Herrick."
+
+"My name is Bruce Clifford, Mr. Herrick," said the patrol leader,
+extending his hand, "and these are the life-savers you have been looking
+for."
+
+"Good, I'll learn your names later, boys, and if I don't, I'll give you
+names that'll be just as good, won't I, May?  Boys, this is my daughter
+May.  Now come along with me to my office on the pier and I'll outline
+just what my plans are.  I want you to go on guard as soon as you can,
+for the crowd at the beach is getting larger with every train that pulls
+in.  The Internationals start to-morrow, you know.  The racing cars are
+all here.  For a week past they have been tearing up and down the beach
+from sunrise until the bathers begin to turn out for their morning dip.
+Sort of tuning up for the big events."
+
+"Will we be able to see the races?" asked Gordon eagerly.
+
+"I don't see why not.  They start to-morrow and will last for three
+days," replied Mr. Herrick.
+
+"Won't that be great," exclaimed several as they fell in line behind Mr.
+Herrick and accompanied him through the resort toward the pier.
+
+Old Harbor Beach was like all other high-class watering places along the
+Atlantic Coast, only a great deal larger than the average.  At least a
+dozen tremendous hotels were located on the heights back of the beach.
+There were the usual number of shore restaurants and candy stores, too,
+and a board walk that stretched along the entire waterfront.  Below this
+was a great wide beach of pure white sand as firm as a well-paved road,
+and fairly crowded with bathers.  This beach was known throughout the
+world as an automobile race course, and many a speed record had been made
+on it.
+
+"So this is the famous Old Harbor Beach race course?" said Jiminy, as he
+eyed the straightaway.
+
+"That's what it is, son, and if you'll look away down there you'll see a
+number of low green sheds.  Those are the garages where the speed maniacs
+store their high-powered cars."
+
+"Jiminy!" whispered Gordon, thoroughly awed.
+
+Mr. Herrick's office was in the big white building at the shore end of
+the steel recreation pier.  Without any ceremony he ushered the lads into
+the room and had them make themselves at home.  This invitation the
+scouts accepted by promptly taking a seat on whatever was handiest,
+including window sills, tables and even the floor; Mr. Herrick sat down
+at his desk, while the collie curled up at his feet and his daughter took
+her place on his knee.
+
+"Scouts," he said, "there have been three very sad occurrences at the
+beach this Summer, and while in each case the fault lay entirely with the
+bather, I feel very much disturbed by the accidents, and I don't want any
+more to take place this year.  I have called upon you boys to help me
+prevent them.  Remember, from now on you lads are the guardians of the
+lives of bathers at Old Harbor Beach."  He spoke the last sentence very
+impressively.
+
+"Here's my plan," he continued after a pause.  "Last Winter I was out to
+California, and at one of the beaches I saw a motorcycle life-saving
+corps that had been organized by an old-time lifesaver.  It pleased me so
+much that I decided to have the same sort of a patrol on my beach.  I
+ordered two motorcycles built along the lines of the machines used there.
+They arrived here two days ago and are now in their garages waiting for
+you.  These cars are equipped with all kinds of life-saving and first-aid
+devices, including a stretcher, a pulmotor, bandages and medicines of all
+kinds.  There will be two men to a motorcycle; a driver and a man on the
+tandem seat, ready to spring from the wheel and plunge into the surf and
+make a rescue.  He should be the best swimmer of the pair, of course.
+
+"All along the beach I have had signal towers built, each of which will
+be manned by a scout.  He will keep constant vigil, and, at the first
+sign of trouble in his vicinity, he will flash a warning to the next
+tower.  The scouts in that tower will flash the signal on until it
+reaches the lookout at the garage.  Then the motorcycle will be off to
+the scene of trouble, tearing down the beach at a mile-a-minute clip.
+How does that strike you?"
+
+"Great," exclaimed several of the scouts in unison.
+
+"Well, don't get the idea that it's all fun.  Indeed, it's mighty serious
+business, I'll have you know.  On your quickness to respond to an alarm
+and upon your bravery and cool-headedness in a crisis will depend a human
+life, perhaps several of them," said Mr. Herrick.
+
+"We realize that," said Bruce soberly.
+
+"I guess you'll do, all right.  I've heard a great deal about you Vermont
+scouts and I guess you'll be able to do what I ask of you and do it
+right.  Now, if you are ready, we'll go down to one of the garages; there
+are two of them.  If you will look out of the window you will see one
+about a mile down the beach there.  The other is a mile to the north of
+us.  The distance between the two stations includes all of the beach
+reserved for bathers and it will give each machine about a mile to
+patrol.
+
+"The garages have just been completed.  Each will contain sleeping
+accommodations for five boys.  You will divide your crew into two
+patrols, with a leader for each patrol.  One patrol will occupy the north
+station and the other the south.  There will be two life savers and three
+watchmen to each patrol.  Do you understand?"
+
+"Indeed, we do," said Bruce.
+
+"Good," said Mr. Herrick.  Then, after sending his little daughter out on
+to the beach to romp with her collie companion, he continued: "Come on
+and we'll inspect your new quarters."   And, with Mr. Herrick in the lead
+the scouts filed out upon the pier and down a long iron stairway to the
+beach below.
+
+Through crowds of bathers the lads made their way until they arrived at a
+long, low structure built near the board walk.  This was the south
+station.
+
+Carpenters and painters were putting the finishing touches on to the
+building, and it looked to the scouts as if they were going to have a
+capital home in which to spend the month of August.
+
+Inside the big double doors were two rooms.  The rear room was equipped
+with five white iron beds and several chiffoniers and wash stand, while
+the front apartment contained the life guard's motorcycle.
+
+"Jimmy, look at that machine," exclaimed Gordon, who was the first one to
+enter the building.
+
+"Cracky, it's the best make on the market, too," said Nipper Knapp,
+examining the maker's name plate.
+
+"Bet it will burn up the beach, eh, fellows?" said Romper.
+
+"It sure will.  It's a two-cylinder tandem.  It'll make fifty miles an
+hour, or I'm no judge," said Bruce enthusiastically.
+
+"Like it, boys?" queried Mr. Herrick, who had been watching them as they
+inspected the apparatus.
+
+"Like it!  Gee, we couldn't help but like it.  It's a corker.  But what's
+that side car paraphernalia, that long box and the cigar-shaped tin can
+and the reel with wire cable on it, and all that?"
+
+"I'll explain that to you right away," said Mr. Herrick.  "That long,
+flat-topped box on the side car serves several purposes.  When you want
+to take an unconscious person to the emergency hospital over on Beach
+Avenue you can use the box as a stretcher.  Just put your patient on to
+the top of it and while the man on the tandem seat holds him fast the
+driver can rush the machine off to its destination at top speed; regular
+mile-a-minute ambulance service, you see.
+
+"Under that flat top are a lot of interesting things.  The box contains
+several compartments in which are all sorts of first-aid preparations,
+including bandages, medicines, aromatic stimulants and the like.  And,
+last of all, there is a pulmotor."
+
+"Oh, I've heard of the pulmotor and always wanted to see one in use,"
+said Bud.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you how they work," said Mr. Herrick.  "It is the latest
+thing in the way of first-aid appliances.  It pumps oxygen into the lungs
+of an unconscious person automatically.  Firemen and life savers all over
+the world are using them now.  That blue tank there contained oxygen.
+This machinery under the glass covering is a pump that works by the
+pressure of the oxygen.  A little of the oxygen escapes from the tank and
+moves the pump, which forces the life-giving gas into those long pipes.
+That muzzle at the end of the pipes is placed over the victim's mouth and
+nose, and in that way the oxygen enters the lungs.  You boys can study
+the directions for its use on the cover of the box here.  When you have a
+pulmotor around you won't have to resort to the artificial respiration
+drill described in your Handbook.  Try it out on each other until you
+know exactly how to handle it."
+
+"You bet we will.  We'll work out a regular rescue exercise, won't we,
+fellows?" said Bruce.
+
+"Right-o!" exclaimed half a dozen lads in unison.
+
+"Fine.  Now, I'll explain the way a rescue is made by the California life
+savers.  That reel of wire cable and the cigar-shaped float attached to
+the rear end of the side car is a very important factor in rescue work.
+The float has a life belt attached to it, as you can see.  When a rescue
+is to be made the motorcycle comes to a stop at the water's edge and the
+man on the tandem seat leaps off and seizes the float.  He buckles the
+life belt on to him as he plunges into the water and the man on shore
+reels out the cable as the rescuer swims to the person in trouble.  When
+the life saver reaches the man or woman he is after he does not have to
+struggle to keep afloat, for the buoy holds him on top of the water.  If
+he has to dive for the drowning one, he merely unbuckles the life belt
+and when he comes to the surface the buoy is right there for him to seize
+hold of, or, if he chose to, he could strap it fast to the one he is
+trying to save.  The wire cable is very light, but very strong, and when
+the buoy is made fast to any one, the man on shore hauls away and drags
+the body out, just as he would haul out a big fish."
+
+"Jove, but _that's_ an outfit for you," exclaimed Romper.
+
+"Well, I'm glad you like it, Scouts.  The outfit in the north station is
+identically the same.  I didn't spare any money to have your equipment
+the finest."
+
+"That's mighty good of you," said Bruce.
+
+"Why, it's to my own interest, lads.  A single life saved is worth more
+to me than all the money I've put into this scheme.  Now it's up to you
+boys to make good my investment."
+
+"We'll do it," shouted the scouts in unison.
+
+"Alright, boys, that's all I ask.  I'll leave you now.  You can organize
+your own patrols and select your own leaders without my help.  When you
+get hungry, go to the Pine Grove Hotel I've arranged to have all your
+meals served to you there.
+
+"You can spend the rest of the afternoon becoming familiar with the
+apparatus, and I guess you'll have all the time you want to practice
+during the next two or three days, for while the races are on no bathers
+will be allowed on the beach.  Well, good-by and good luck to you."
+
+And the genial bath house proprietor left the scouts to their own devices.
+
+"Jiminy, fellows, I can't believe it.  Some one pinch me, please.  I want
+to see if I'm awake.  Just think of being in charge of such an outfit,"
+said Gordon after Mr. Herrick had left.
+
+"It does seem like a dream, doesn't it?" said Bruce, examining the
+contents of the first-aid chest that formed the body of the side car.
+"Come on, let's dig into this and see what we have to work with."
+
+That invitation was unnecessary, for several of the lads were rummaging
+through the chest while others were inspecting the machine and still
+others were wandering through the building looking their new quarters
+over.  So occupied were they in this pleasant occupation that they
+completely forgot the time.  Indeed, it was after six o'clock before they
+realized it.  And since six o'clock was the dinner hour at the hotel the
+lads hustled off up the beach to find their boarding place.
+
+For an hour after they left the hotel the scouts wandered through the
+resort acquainting themselves with the place.  At eight they all returned
+to the south station, for they realized that they still had a great deal
+to do that evening.
+
+When the electric lights were lit and the scouts were comfortably
+situated in the bedroom of the Station, Bruce called a meeting.  The four
+best swimmers were selected first.  They were Jiminy, Romper, Bud and
+Bruce.  After a vote Jiminy and Bruce were selected to man the motorcycle
+in the south station, while the two others were appointed operators of
+the apparatus in the north station.  The six remaining lads were
+appointed lookouts to man the beach towers.  Three were attached to the
+north station crew, of which Bud was made leader, and the other three
+were appointed members of Bruce's south station crew.
+
+Before the meeting adjourned it was decided that all ten scouts remain in
+the south station for the night, since there would be very little work
+for them to do next day.  Bruce also thought it wise to have all the lads
+together while they were learning to use the pulmotor and becoming
+familiar with their apparatus.  Then, too, the south station was better
+located to afford the lads a view of the automobile races next morning,
+which counted for a great deal.
+
+By sleeping two in a bed and disregarding any slight discomforts the ten
+lads found that they could occupy quarters meant to accommodate only
+five.  And after a round of pillow fights and similar nocturnal
+diversions they were finally all tucked in and ready for sleep.
+
+"Well, good-night, fellows.  Hope we all sleep comfortably," shouted
+Romper after the lights had been turned out.
+
+"Good-night yourself," shouted Jiminy.  Then he added, "Hi, fellows, the
+Internationals to-morrow!  Whoop--e-e-e!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE DAY OF THE BIG RACE
+
+
+Bang--bang-bankety-bang-bang-bang!  The ten scouts bounded out of bed at
+once.  All were wide eyed with excitement and wonder.
+
+"What the dickens!  An earthquake!" demanded Bud Weir.
+
+Jiminy Gordon was the first one to the window.
+
+"Gee whiz, look at him go!"
+
+"Look at who--what?"
+
+"Why that was one of the racing cars," said Jiminy.  "They are tuning up
+for the big races to-day.  Guess it was a foreign car from the racket it
+made.  All the mufflers off.  Couldn't make out just which car it was
+though.  Going so fast it looked just like a gray streak.  I--"
+
+"Bnr-r-r-r-r bumpety-boom-boom-boom-b a n g bang-bang!"
+
+"Whoopee-e-e, here's another one," screamed Jiminy.
+
+The ten scouts rushed to the front door of the building, ignoring the
+fact that they were clad only in pajamas and night shirts, and waved to
+the passing racer.
+
+"Cracky, look at him tear up the beach," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"Rather early in the morning to risk one's neck, eh?  It's only four
+o'clock.  Guess they are doing their last tuning up before the events
+start," said Jiminy.
+
+"Say, how do they race?" asked fat Babe Wilson.  "Do they line 'em up
+like a lot of sprinters and start  'em when a pistol is fired?"
+
+"Well, they may do some match racing tomorrow, but to-day I think they
+will hold their time trials.  They will race to see who can make the best
+time over the course," said Jiminy.
+
+"How fast can they go?" asked Ray Martin.
+
+"Oh, they can make a mile in half a minute.  The world's record for a
+mile is twenty-five and one-half seconds," said Gordon, who was more or
+less of an authority on automobiles among the members of the Quarry
+Troop.
+
+"Gee Whizz!  Say what can they make fifteen miles in?  How long will it
+take 'em to go the full length of the beach?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Well, the world's record for fifteen miles is just ten minutes flat.
+That's an old record and Dan Dacy says he's going to smash it to
+smithereens to-day.  Hope he does.  Say, fellows, what do you say to
+going down and looking over the garages before breakfast?"
+
+"Fine, let's get some clothes on and we'll start right away," said
+Romper.
+
+Dressing was only a matter of a few minutes and presently the troop was
+on its way down the boardwalk toward the point where the series of
+green-peaked roofs located the garages of the speed maniacs.  Although it
+was not yet five o'clock in the morning there were scores of people on
+the board walk all headed in the same direction.
+
+"Say, this is going to be a big day all right," said Ray Martin, as he
+noted the enthusiasm that prevailed.
+
+"Right-o, just look at the crowd down there at the garages already this
+morning," said Bruce.
+
+About each of the low houses were grouped dozens of curiosity seekers.
+The scouts soon joined the throng and began to inspect the quarters of
+the races.  Each garage contained a big sullen looking car about which
+was grouped half a dozen mechanics.  These men were tinkering here,
+tightening a bolt there, or wiping and polishing the great machines as if
+they were so many sacred elephants.  Mechanical parts, pumps, jacks,
+boxes of tools, cans of oil, extra tires and wheels, cushions and
+innumerable odds and ends were scattered about each building and
+everybody seemed to be keyed up to an extreme nervous pitch.  On every
+side could be heard remarks about the cars and drivers, their records and
+their chances for winning the various events.
+
+The excitement was infectious and before they realized it the scouts were
+as thoroughly interested as every one else.  They began to talk
+automobiles to all with whom they came in contact and soon picked up a
+great deal of information about the notables who were to take part in the
+races.
+
+"Say, Bruce," said Jiminy Gordon suddenly, "there's Dan Dacy.  See him.
+That big, tall, light-haired fellow down there.  I've seen his picture so
+many times that I almost feel as if know him.  Come on, we'll go down and
+see his machine.  That must be his garage--yes, it is.  See the sign over
+the door.  Vix-Benson, it says.  That's the car he's going to drive."
+
+The scouts followed Jiminy and Bruce and soon found themselves part of a
+very large crowd gathered about the famous driver's headquarters.  Dacy
+was the favorite American in the race and since he was to operate one of
+the best known American cars everybody was enthusiastic to see him carry
+off the honors of the event in which he was entered.  He was standing by
+the door of his garage watching his attendants tinker with his machine,
+when the scouts came up.  The lads pushed their way through the crowd to
+reach the rope railing about the entrance to the garage, and when the
+tall racer saw them, he smiled and waved his hand.
+
+"How are you, Scouts?" he said good-naturedly.  Then without waiting for
+an answer he came over to the rope.
+
+"Where are you fellows from?" he demanded.
+
+"Woodbridge, Vermont, sir," said Bruce.
+
+"Woodbridge, Vermont?  Well, you came a long way to see the races, didn't
+you?" he said, a boyish smile playing about the corners of his mouth.
+
+"Well, not exactly.  You see we are here on business.  That is, we've
+been hired as life guards at Old Harbor.  We're going to patrol the beach
+for the rest of the Summer.
+
+"Oh-ho, so you are the chaps Mr. Herrick was telling me about--have
+motorcycles and all that sort of rigging, eh?  Say, boys, that's a great
+scheme.  I saw the original motor cycle life guards work out in
+California last year, and they're great, too.  Hope you have luck."  Then
+after shaking hands with Bruce and Jiminy and two or three other scouts,
+he turned and entered the garage, for one of his mechanics had called
+him.
+
+And although Dan Dacy did not realize it, this spirit of democracy had
+won him ten thoroughly capable rooters, for the scouts were more than
+pleased with his friendship.
+
+"Say isn't he a corking fine chap," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"I should say he was; a regular pippin' I'd call him," said Jiminy
+stoutly.  And he looked at his companions as if he dared any one of them
+to deny it.
+
+The crowd about the garage was growing to tremendous proportions, and it
+was all that the scouts could do to extricate themselves.  When they
+finally reached the open beach again, Bruce looked at his watch.
+
+"Say, fellows, it's getting late," he exclaimed; "it's six o'clock and we
+haven't had any breakfast.  I think we will have to hustle over to the
+hotel if we want to get back to quarters and have a drill before the
+races start."
+
+"Right-o," exclaimed Babe Wilson, "I know it's getting late because my
+stomach feels all shriveled up for want of something to eat."
+
+"Huh, that stomach of yours," said Jiminy Gordon in disgust, as he took a
+lingering look toward the garages.  A moment later he fell in line with
+the rest of the lads, who started up the board walk toward the hotel.
+
+On their way back the scouts paid a brief visit to the north station, but
+they all returned to Bruce's domain at half-past seven, for the north
+station crew was rather eager to stay in the vicinity of the lower
+station for a better view of the races.  Then, too, they had decided the
+night before that it would be well for all of them to practice their
+first aid work together.
+
+There was very little need for the lookouts to man their tower during
+this practice work, for they needed no drilling since all of their
+signaling would be done with signal flags and the semaphore signal code
+which is part of the examination for all second class scouts.
+
+That being the case, Bruce decided that all of the lads would devote the
+morning to operating the pulmotor, while the four life savers made
+frequent plunges into the surf so as to become accustomed to swimming
+with the aid of the buoy.  One after another the lads operated the
+pulmotor upon a supposed victim until each had learned the proper method
+of adjusting and strapping fast the mouthpiece, and which screws to turn
+to start and stop the oxygen pump.  An hour of this practice work was
+quite sufficient, and when it was finished Bruce and Jiminy and Bud and
+Romper, turn about, took the motor cycle for short dashes up the beach
+and indulged in a mock rescue At ten o'clock the drilling was stopped,
+for the racing automobiles began to appear on the beach in final
+preparation for the races which were scheduled to start at eleven.
+
+"Say, fellows, that rescue work is some fun," said Jiminy Gordon, as he
+emerged from the surf for the last time and came toward the station.
+
+"You bet it is," said Bruce, as he shut off the power of the motorcycle
+and wheeled the machine into its quarters.
+
+"And the water is just snappy enough to feel good, too.  You know, I
+think I'll stay in my bathing suit all day, even though there won't be
+any bathers to rescue.  I want to get tanned up right away," added
+Jiminy.
+
+"Good idea," exclaimed several, with enthusiasm, and forthwith they all
+donned the special maroon bathing suits that Mr. Herrick had provided for
+his life guards.  But it is hard to tell whether it was the desire to
+acquire a good coat of tan or the opportunity afforded them to display
+their rather pretentious bathing suits, that moved them to take this
+step.  However, fifteen minutes later, a group of ten uniformed and more
+or less self-conscious beach guards were sunning themselves in front of
+the south station in full view of the thousands of people who were
+gathering on the board walk to view the races.
+
+By eleven o'clock the crowd had increased to a veritable horde.
+Thousands lined the board walk from the garages to the finish line and
+hundreds of automobiles were parked in every roadway.  Special guards,
+composed of the local troop of boy scouts with their staffs and a troop
+of militia from Portland had been detailed to keep the sightseers orderly
+and in position on the board walk.  They were all having their hands full
+accomplishing the task, however, for the automobile enthusiasts began to
+get restless as the time for the start of the races drew near.
+
+At five minutes after eleven the band on the recreation pier, which had
+been blaring forth popular airs for an hour, ceased, and a moment later
+the judges made their appearance on the beach.  This was a signal for
+prolonged cheering on the part of the crowd.  But the noise stopped When
+a single individual carrying a black and white flag stepped out into the
+course and began wigwagging.  He was signaling to another individual at
+the garages, who in turn transmitted his signal to the starting line in
+the dim distance down the beach.
+
+"That means everything is ready.  The first car will start in a moment,"
+said Jiminy Gordon nervously.
+
+Every one was gazing down the beach, where a tiny black blotch on the
+sand marked the dozen or more racing cars held ready for the start.  Then
+when every one was waiting tense and silent--boom! came the muffled echo
+of the starting gun. --They're off! cried the crowd, and far, far down
+the beach the scouts could see the tiniest black speck coming toward
+them.  Soon they heard a curious far-off drone which developed quickly
+into a grumble, then into a fusillade of loud bangs as the racing car
+approached.  The scouts were all on their feet now, nervous and
+expectant.
+
+"Osterhout, the German," cried the spectators, as the long, low racer
+drew near.
+
+Then almost before the scouts could wink, it had roared past, its hood
+enveloped in blue flames and its driver bending low over the steering
+gear.
+
+"Gee whiz!" was all that the amazed scouts could say when the big car
+roared across the line.
+
+A brief but tense silence followed the finish of the run, for the crowd
+waited while the judges, by means of an elaborate system of telephone
+communicated with the starters, fixed the time.  Presently, however, the
+huge scoreboard on the recreation pier displayed: Osterhout, two minutes
+34 seconds.  This announcement was greeted by a roar, for the German had
+equaled the world record for five miles.
+
+"Cracky," cried Jimmy Gordon, "Dan Dacy will have to go some to beat
+that.  Just think, if Osterhout had been one-fifth of a second faster
+he'd have smashed the world's record.  Gosh, I wish--"
+
+Boom!  Here comes another one!
+
+Silence reigned in the vast crowd again and every eye followed the black
+speck.  "Du Blon," guessed some;  "St. Clare," said others; "Wolverton,"
+asserted several enthusiasts.
+
+But before the big racer had traveled half of the course the hum of its
+engines ceased and the black speck gradually came to a halt.  Wolverton
+it proved to be and his car had developed engine trouble.  The Stafford
+car was out of the race.
+
+St. Clare and Du Blon followed in quick cession, each of them driving
+their madly flying vehicles to the limit of endurance, but each fell
+behind Osterhout's mark by several seconds.  McCalkin, the ruddy-faced
+Irish driver, was the next sensation.  His was the smallest car of the
+race in point of length.  Indeed, it looked as if it had collided with a
+telegraph pole and lost most of its hood.  But under that snub nose were
+concealed six perfectly good cylinders that spat fire all the way down
+the course and shot the car over the finish line two seconds better than
+the world's record.  What a roar of applause greeted the boyish driver
+when the figures were displayed!  Even the scouts forgot for a moment
+that they were rooting exclusively for Dan Dacy and burst forth in a
+ringing cheer.
+
+But presently their attention was diverted from this achievement, for
+word was passed from the judges' stand that Dan Dacy with his Vix-Benson
+was the next contestant.
+
+"Dan Dacy next!" was the word that passed from mouth to mouth through the
+crowd.  Every one was a-tip-toe with excitement.  All eyes were strained
+on the starting line.
+
+"Gee, I hope he comes through with a new record," said Bruce anxiously.
+
+"He will," asserted Jiminy Gordon positively.
+
+Boom!  Five thousand pairs of eyes were fastened on the tiny black speck
+that detached itself from the black blot far down the beach, and sped
+northward.  Ten thousand ears were strained to catch the first far-off
+hum of the motor Dacy was coming.  His Vix-Benson was burning up the
+beach.  Now the scouts caught the buzz of the motor.  It grew louder with
+the passing of every second.  Like a black projectile the car came on,
+flames from the throbbing cylinders licking about the hood.
+
+"Dacy!  Dacy!  Danny Dacy!  Make it a new record!" screamed the
+electrified crowd while he was yet two miles from the finish line.
+Unquestionably he was the favorite.
+
+On came the roaring racer.  The car was just a gray blur that hardly
+seemed to touch the beach, and begoggled Dan Dacy looked like the hooded
+messenger of death.
+
+Then with an ear-splitting roar the great machine passed the scouts on
+the last mile of the course!
+
+"By Jiminy, it's a new record or I'll-- Oh mercy!  Look!  Look!  She'll
+be killed!"
+
+The scouts stood transfixed with horror.  Up the beach in the very path
+of the flying motor stood little May Herrick, clutching a red rubber ball
+in her hand and looking at the coming machine with horror written in
+every line of her childish face.
+
+The whole situation was clear.  The tot had dropped her ball, which had
+rolled out onto the sloping beach.  With her mind only on rescuing the
+plaything, she had pulled herself out of her nurse's grasp and run out
+onto the race course.  And then when she found herself in the path of
+certain death she had become panic-stricken.
+
+Dan Dacy's heart must have leapt to his throat when he saw the little one
+in his way.  But if it did it in no way affected his nerve.  He knew that
+to turn the steering wheel but an inch meant certain destruction to the
+careening car and a broken neck for himself perhaps.  Yet he braved this
+hideous fate and wrenched at the steering gear.
+
+There was a terrific roar, a crash of shattered metal and in a cloud of
+sand the big gray racer turned abruptly and plunged end over end down the
+beach into the curling breakers.  The crowd gave vent to a shriek of
+alarm when they saw Dan Dacy's limp form shoot clear of the wreck and go
+whirling, arms and legs flying out toward the point where the combers
+were breaking.
+
+Like every one of the five thousand witnesses of the tragedy, the scouts
+stood paralyzed for a moment--but only for a moment--Bruce was the first
+to gather his scattered wits.
+
+"Quick, Jiminy!  We'll get him!  Come!  He may still be alive!  The rest
+of you fellows follow on foot!"
+
+While he was speaking, Bruce rushed into the station and started the
+motor cycle.  Jiminy was right behind him and an instant later the
+powerful machine was making forty miles an hour over the sandy beach.
+Bruce bent low over the handle bars while Jiminy clung on and sought to
+buckle the life buoy belt about his waist.
+
+When the machine reached the wrecked motor car Bruce brought it to an
+abrupt stop.  But already Jimmy had leaped from the machine and plunged
+into the water.  With powerful overhand strokes he breasted the breakers.
+He seemed to shoot through the water, so mighty were his efforts.
+
+Thirty feet out he saw something bobbing upon the surface of the water.
+It was Dacy's leather helmet.  Toward this Jiminy headed and the water
+fairly boiled with the struggle he was making to reach the spot.  In a
+few seconds he was near enough to reach out and grasp the black object.
+But he let go of it immediately and the next moment he was seen to
+prepare for a dive under the surface.  A few feet away he had seen some
+air bubbles coming to the top.
+
+In a jiffy he had unbuckled the life buoy.  Then like a seal the lithe
+youngster sought the dark green depths, following the line of bubbles.
+Down he swam, deeper and deeper, for on the white, sandy bottom he could
+see a dark, shapeless mass turning round and round with the action of the
+water.  He reached out to seize it and his lingers slipped from the
+driver's leather jacket.  Again he tried, and his hand closed about the
+cold wrist of the unconscious man.
+
+Then he turned and started to struggle upward, dragging his heavy burden
+after him.  It was hard work--terrible work, for he had dived deep and he
+was badly in need of air.  His lungs felt as if they would burst.  The
+blood pressure in his neck and head was almost unbearable.  At first he
+could make no headway.  The drowning man seemed to hold fast to the
+bottom.  But he fought hard for he realized that if he let go of Dacy he
+would have difficulty in finding him with a second dive.  Every moment
+was precious, too.  There might still be a spark of life in the limp form
+he was trying to rescue.
+
+Up, up, he struggled.  Above he could see the light of day.  Great green
+bubbles raced past him.  Only a few feet now.  Only a second or two
+longer.  Thus did he spur himself onward until suddenly his head shot
+clear of the waves, and, with a-gasp, he filled his tortured lungs with
+new air.  Ten feet away danced the cigar-shaped float with its life belt,
+and swimming toward him from the crowded beach were two other scouts
+ready to help.
+
+Jimmy summoned every ounce of his remaining strength and held the head of
+the unconscious man above the water.  And when the spectators saw that he
+had actually made the rescue a cheer louder and longer than any that had
+greeted the racers rent the air.
+
+It was hard work and Jiminy was at the point of exhaustion, yet he tried
+his utmost to buckle the life belt about poor Dacy.  But while he fumbled
+with the straps the two other scouts arrived and relieved him of the
+task.  Quickly the belt was adjusted and the sign flashed to Bruce, who
+seized the steel cable and hauled away.
+
+Then the two lads turned their attention to Jiminy and between them aided
+him into shallow water.
+
+By the time the three swimmers reached the beach the scouts had cleared
+Dacy's lungs of water and had started the pulmotor.  For twenty minutes
+the lads worked valiantly, doing everything that they could to bring back
+life in the unconscious man, while the anxious crowd looked on.
+
+Finally their efforts were rewarded.  Dacy's eyelids quivered several
+times, then slowly opened, whereat the crowd gave a mad cry of joy and
+the scouts had all they could do to keep them from pressing closer.
+
+But one man did break through the circle of guards and the lads let him
+pass.  He was Mr. Herrick.  Tears of joy coursed down his good natured
+face when he saw that Dacy was still alive, and before the scouts could
+restrain him he seized the prostrate man's hand and squeezed it while he
+murmured:
+
+"Dacy, Dacy, thank goodness you are still alive.  I was afraid you had
+sacrificed your life to save that little girl of mine."
+
+Then turning toward Bruce, he said, "Scouts, I don't know how to thank
+you for this.  I--"
+
+"Don't try to thank us, Mr. Herrick," said Bruce, "but you can help us
+put him onto the side car.  I think we should get to a doctor's right
+away, for there may be some broken bones or internal injuries."
+
+And a few moments later the life guard's motorcycle was carrying its
+first patient to the emergency hospital.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED
+
+
+Whack--"Nine-hundred-en-ten;" whack--"nine-hundred-en-'leven," whack,
+"Zare ees almoost une tousan trees what you boys mus' cut awraty.  What
+you zink of zat?" said Paul Nez, the big French-Canadian lumber cruiser,
+as he hacked a blaze into a six-inch poplar and left his short hatchet
+wedged fast while he felt through his pockets for a handkerchief.
+
+"Et will take you all ze Wintair for ze work mebbe, huh?" he continued,
+as he blew his nose with a loud blast.
+
+"George!  I shouldn't wonder if it would take us a couple of months at
+least," said Bruce Clifford as he sat down upon a stump and pushed his
+hat back upon his head.
+
+"Yes, snow will be thick through here when we finally finish, I guess,"
+added Jiminy Gordon, surveying the forest.
+
+"Well, the Doctair Lyman he say he not such great rush," smiled the
+Canadian.  Then he paused and seemed to search into the very heart of the
+wood with his coal black eyes, and all this time he kept sniffing the
+air.
+
+"Camp 'round here sure.  One no good camp too, mebby," said he finally as
+he pointed toward the west.
+
+"I thought I smelled the smoke of a camp fire," said Bruce.
+
+"So did I," added Jiminy.
+
+"I smell heem smoke, I smell heem scraps, too.  No good camp, no know
+woods.  Mebby heem get seek.  Come on.  We all through now.  We find 'em
+wood road now soon.  Doctair Lyman heem line run cross by that blaze over
+tair; you see heem, huh?  Heem end of Doctair Lyman's wood."
+
+"So that's the line, eh?  Well, twenty-five acres of woods is a lot of
+territory, isn't it, Bruce?" said Jimmy, as he picked up his scout
+hatchet and slipped into his belt.
+
+The Canadian wrenched his hatchet free from the poplar and started
+swinging westward between the trees and the two Quarry Troop scouts fell
+in behind him in single file.  And as they walked on the smell of the
+camp lire, and the tainted odor that emanates from a camp's garbage dump
+grew stronger to their nostrils.
+
+Then presently the camp itself loomed up at the very side of the wood
+road for which the Canadian lumberman was headed.
+
+A single wall tent of large proportions was the most conspicuous thing
+about the place.  This had its flaps pinned back and in the doorway,
+reclining on a collapsible canvas camp chair with a bandage-swathed foot
+propped up on a soap box sat one of the occupants.
+
+The woodsman and the two Quarry Scouts needed only a glance at the little
+clearing to know that those who had built it here knew nothing at all
+about the woods and were, moreover, very disorderly by nature.  Blankets
+lay in a confused heap among leaves and twigs instead of being hung up to
+dry; empty cans, paste board boxes and scraps of paper littered the
+place; fire burned entirely too near a dry brush pile and there was no
+stone fireplace to hold it in check; loose papers were scattered about
+and to make matters even worse, the pots and pans that had been used to
+cook the last meal lay on the ground unwashed.
+
+It was indeed a bungle of a camp but if the single occupant realized it
+he did not seem to care a whit for he sat serenely in the doorway of the
+tent so interested in a book that he did not hear Paul Nez and his young
+companions approaching.
+
+"'Allo, you get heem broke foot, mebby?" said Paul with a grin as he
+moved toward the tent.
+
+The camper looked up with a start, and then smiled.  "Yes, I twisted my
+right ankle yesterday by falling down a gully, and ouch--don't make me
+move 'cause it hurts like sin.  Glad it isn't sprained though.  It ought
+to be well in four or five days.  Anything you want?  Anything we can do
+for you?  If there is, go ahead and do it yourself.  The rest of the
+fellows are off partridge hunting.  What do you want, provisions,
+matches?  I'll tell you where they are and you can help yourself.  I
+can't move."
+
+"We don't want heem nothin'.  We go out of woods now right off, down wood
+road.  Why you don't fix heem camp up good?  Look um fire--poor, bad, very
+worse.  Some day heem catch bush so, leaves mebby, and then heem timber
+fire.  Burn out heem woods.  Look um pans, pots, dirty dishes.  Not good
+for smell.  Not good for men in heem woods.  Blankets, look um all get
+lousy.  Not very good camp, heem," said the Canadian, plainly showing
+his disgust at the general disorder about the place.
+
+"I know it, old chap.  It looks like the sloppiest kind of a place to me,
+but then I'm not supposed to know anything about camps and woods.  I come
+from Boston, you see.  The other fellows are the campers.  They are
+Vermonters, from St. Cloud City," said the man in the doorway
+sarcastically.
+
+"Huh, a deuced of a lot they know about the woods and camping," said
+Bruce in disgust as he surveyed the scene.
+
+"They know more about keeping a pig sty," said Jiminy Gordon as he picked
+up the blankets and, shaking them free of the dust, hung them onto the
+branch of a nearby hemlock.
+
+"Thanks, old chap, those blankets on the ground worried me a lot.  And if
+you don't mind, will you scrape up a few of those papers?  Jack and Bart
+(they are the fellows who are camping with me) run off every morning and
+leave a mess like that behind.  They are off hunting most of the day and
+here I have to sit like a blooming invalid until they come back.  But I
+don't mind so long as I have a good book.  Thanks, that looks much
+better, doesn't it?  I'm much obliged to you fellows--ah--er, what're
+your names anyway--mine's Dave--Dave Connors."
+
+The two scouts introduced themselves and then because Paul Nez had
+started down the wood road they waved farewell to the camper with the
+injured foot and hustled to catch up to the timber cruiser.
+
+"When you come into heem woods for cut um down?" asked the Canadian when
+the scouts finally caught up with him.
+
+"Why we are going to start cutting right away," said Bruce.  "You see we
+get a fall vacation and that will help a lot.  School closes tomorrow and
+remains closed until next Monday.  The whole troop is coming up to Long
+Lake tomorrow afternoon after school closes, to start a camp and remain
+here the whole week.  Then after that we are going to come up every
+Friday night and work all day Saturday until our contract is completed
+and we have enough lumber to build our log camp."  They swung along down
+the wood toward Long Lake where they met the main highway that led back
+toward Woodbridge and Scout Headquarters.
+
+The members of the Quarry Troop of Woodbridge had taken upon themselves a
+real contract.  Indeed they felt that they had suddenly all become
+genuine business men as a result of a bargain they had made with the
+leading physician of the village, for you see their little stroke of
+dickering had put them in the way of securing material for a real log
+cabin on the shores of Long Lake, a site for the cabin, and a chance to
+make a little money for the troop treasury besides.  It had come about
+this way.
+
+Mr. Ford, the Assistant Scoutmaster of the Quarry Troop, had learned from
+Dr. Lyman that he intended to cut a great deal of the standing timber on
+his tract of twenty-five acres bordering the lake.  This he intended to
+dispose of as pulp wood, the only purpose it was really good for.  Mr.
+Ford had imparted this information to Bruce Clifford and Jiminy Gordon
+that same evening and it was not long before the leader of the Owl Patrol
+and his chum had discovered the possibilities of a business deal.
+
+Accordingly after the next meeting the two lads visited Dr. Lyman and
+made him a proposition to the effect that the scouts would cut his pulp
+wood and take their pay in trees.   These trees, the lads explained, were
+to be felled and used to construct a log cabin on the lake shore.  As
+part of the bargain they asked for permission to use a section of Dr.
+Lyman's land that bordered the lake as a site for their camp.
+
+The plan struck the physician as being capital and he was particularly
+pleased to find that the boys were eager to earn their pleasure with good
+hard work.  In fact he was so pleased that he made a bargain whereby the
+boys would get one cord of wood in every four cut and they could have
+their wood either in trees or in cord wood lengths, just as they desired.
+Under this arrangement it was quite apparent that the boys would have
+more than enough lumber to build their log cabin and Dr. Lyman told them
+that he would buy whatever extra wood fell to their share and pay for it
+at the market price of pulp wood.
+
+Moreover, to help the boys, the physician arranged to have Paul Nez, an
+experienced timber cruiser, traverse the woods, blazing each tree of the
+proper pulp wood species and size thus giving the boys a clear idea of
+what timber to cut and what to leave standing.  And Bruce and Jiminy were
+asked to accompany him so that they might become familiar with the forest.
+
+Tramping the length and breadth of twenty-five acres of wood land,
+blazing every tree between six and eight inches, was not the easiest sort
+of work the scouts had ever undertaken, and when they finally arrived at
+Woodbridge at four o'clock in the afternoon they were "plum tuckered," to
+quote Jiminy.
+
+However, a brief rest and a hearty evening meal put them in fine shape
+once more and they were able to get to the troop headquarters betimes
+that evening, for a meeting had been called at which plans were to be
+laid for the start of the lumber camp.
+
+Mr. Ford was at headquarters to hear the details of the cruise from
+Jiminy and Bruce, and he also gave the scouts some expert advice as to
+the equipment they would want for the beginning of the camp on the
+morrow.
+
+Among other things he suggested that they build a winter camp immediately
+by putting up lean-tos with thatched roofs on the shores of the lake.
+These would be warmer than their tents and would make more or less
+comfortable quarters until along toward snow time, when the big log cabin
+the lads hoped to build would be well on its way toward completion.
+Then, too, these structures could be left in the woods and would always
+be ready for the boys, whereas if they used their tents they would have
+to make and break camp every Saturday.  The Assistant Scoutmaster also
+made out lists of provisions, clothes and equipment for the boys and they
+spent a busy evening getting everything together and in shape for an
+early start next morning.
+
+In the weird half light of dawn next day, long before Woodbridge was
+awake and stirring, nearly a score of scouts were hustling toward
+headquarters on the crown of Otter Hill.  Every lad was in uniform and
+most of them wore mackinaws or sweaters to keep out the early morning
+chill.
+
+Also each carried the family ax, and over his shoulder blanket roll and
+haversack.
+
+"Old Nanc," the troop's automobile, stood in front of the old machine
+shop piled high with tarpaulins, cooking utensils, provisions, and a
+dozen and one other things that the scouts used in their summer camp, and
+in the driver's seat was Brad Henshaw, Dr. Lyman's chauffeur.  Several of
+the boys found room for themselves on the running board; the others went
+on their motorcycles, which were to be brought back in the car, for there
+was no safe place in camp for such things.
+
+It was with considerable groaning and grumbling that the home-made
+automobile finally got under way, but when she was safely started the
+rest of the expedition followed in her wake, and trundled on toward their
+destination.
+
+A little after sun-up found the lads at the lake shore.  Here "Old Nanc"
+and the cycles were halted, for there was no chance of her making her way
+along the uneven wood road that skirted the lake for half a mile before
+it turned and entered the heart of the forest.
+
+At this point the scouts detrained, as it were, and deposited all their
+luggage on the ground.  Then, having unloaded the automobile, they
+proceeded to reload her, this time with her brood of gasoline-fed
+ducklings.  This done the outfit was turned over to Brad again who
+immediately started back to Woodbridge.
+
+For an hour after the departure of the automobile the scouts were as busy
+as bees carrying their paraphernalia to the camp site which they had
+picked out on the lake shore at the point where the wood road turned and
+entered the forest.  Here was a little stretch of high ground that had
+been partly cleared by wind-falls and Bruce and Jiminy had selected it as
+an ideal location for the camp and site for the troop's future log cabin
+headquarters.
+
+With practically three patrols at work it did not take the lads long to
+clear away the underbrush and fallen logs in the open space.  Indeed the
+whack, whack of their hatchets and the heavier cluck, cluck of their axes
+could be heard on all sides of the clearing and in a surprisingly short
+time a big space had been made ready for the camp.  Dozens of young
+cedars and fir trees were felled for the lean-tos and in short order the
+lads were busy with hammers and nails putting up the frame-work of six of
+these shelters.
+
+They worked with a will and the little forest settlement grew apace.
+After the frame work of the structures was completed the scouts set to
+work with clasp knives and hatchets and stripped the cedars and firs of
+their branches.  Then with this material they began to thatch the sides
+and roof of the lean-tos working the twigs in and out until they formed a
+thickly matted protection against the weather.  They worked with a will
+in spite of cut and blistered fingers and pitch blackened hands until it
+began to look as if they would have their little lumbering village
+finished and ready for occupancy by mid-afternoon.
+
+At half past eleven Romper Ryan, Ray Martin and Buster Benson knocked off
+shelter-building, for they had been appointed cooks for the camp. Hastily
+they put together a big stone fireplace well away from any leaves and
+underbrush, and after they had a good fire going they began preparing the
+first meal at the Quarry Scout lumber camp.
+
+The three lads elected to the commissary department were the best cooks
+in the troop, and they did themselves proud on that particular occasion,
+for when Romper finally sounded his call to quarters on the bottom of the
+tin dishpan there were stacks of golden brown country sausages, snowy
+white boiled potatoes, savory strips of fried bacon, three big pots of
+steaming hot coffee and last, but not least, nearly a hundred chocolate
+doughnuts which Jiminy Gordon's mother had contributed just by way of
+showing the boys how much she thought of them.
+
+In a jiffy seventeen youngsters were assembled in line, tin plate and cup
+in hand.  One by one they filed past the three cooks and received their
+portions, and shortly after they were all sitting cross legged on the
+ground, each devoting his full attention to filling a vacant space just
+under his belt.  The only sound that could be heard was the scraping of
+knives and forks against the tin plates, and now and then a grunt of
+satisfaction, for their work in the open had given the lads appetites of
+young sharks.
+
+"Um-m-m, Jiminy, that was some feed!" grunted Jiminy Gordon as he put
+down his plate and wiped his mouth on his handkerchief.
+
+"You said it, only I wish I could have just one more helping of sausages
+and maybe a little more potatoes;  I think I'd feel entirely satisfied
+then," said fat Babe Wilson, looking pleadingly at Romper.
+
+"Aw give him enough to eat, Romper, he's only had three helpings already,"
+jeered Bud Weir.
+
+"Sorry, Babe, but you've cleaned us out.  There isn't a potato or a
+sausage left," said Romper.
+
+"Gee, that's a fine note.  Want to starve him?" said Ray Martin,
+sarcastically.
+
+"Hi, don't you talk.  You got your share before we did.  Pretty soft
+being a cook.  I'd like to have that job myself," snorted Babe Wilson.
+
+"You leave Ray alone, Babe.  He's some cook, he is.  So is Romper, too,
+only he lets his old fire smoke.  Look at that yellow haze up there among
+the trees.  Did your fire make all that smoke, Romper?" said Bruce.
+
+"My fire--why--blame it all it's out.  It's plum down to ashes--and,
+gee!  I didn't heat any dish water.  Hi, Buster, what did you let that
+fire go out for?  I told you to put some wood on and heat water."
+
+"I--I--aw, I was so hungry I forgot about it.  Never mind I'll build it
+again.  I--"
+
+"Say, Romper, is your fire really out?" queried Bruce, looking at the
+fireplace.  Then he added:
+
+"Sure enough, but by gollies I smell some--I hope it isn't--gee, look
+over to the west there above the trees: Is that smoke?  Is it?  Say,
+fellows, can it be a forest fire?  Gee, I hope not."
+
+"Forest fire!" exclaimed half a dozen scouts.
+
+Every lad jumped to his feet immediately and looked in the direction
+Bruce was pointing.  And there they beheld a pall of yellow smoke hanging
+low above the tree tops.  They could smell it, too.  The pungent odor of
+burning hemlock was so strong as to be unmistakable.  Then for the first
+time the lads noted that the sunlight seemed dimmed too.
+
+"Jove, I believe it _is_ a forest fire," cried Bud Weir.
+
+"I'll bet--say, fellows, look at those big jack rabbits, and there's a
+fox, and look at the birds.  It's a forest fire all right, or those
+animals wouldn't be running out in the open like that and streaking it
+for the lake.  Cracky what'll we do?  I-- Hi, Bruce, what's getting you,
+you're as pale as a ghost?"
+
+Every lad turned toward the leader of the Owl Patrol, who stood as if
+stricken dumb with horror.  But even as they gazed at him he shook off
+the mental fetters and immediately became a lad of action.
+
+"Fellows," he cried, "listen!  There's a man in there--in the fire.
+Perhaps three of them.  Jiminy, you remember, Dave--Dave,
+what's-his-name--Connors.  You know, the fellow in camp over there with
+the twisted ankle.  We saw him yesterday.  He's probably in there yet.
+We must get him out.  He can't move, and a forest fire's about the most
+terrible thing in the world.  Quick, fellows!  Get your blankets and wet
+'em in the lake.  Quick, now!  Follow me!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A NARROW ESCAPE
+
+
+As usual Dave Connors awoke to find himself alone in camp that morning.
+Jack and Bart, his camping companions, had left at dawn and gone out
+partridge hunting exactly as they had done every day since Dave fell down
+into the gully and twisted his ankle.  They were thoughtful enough to
+leave the coffee pot within reach of Dave's cot, however, along with some
+fried strips of bacon, bread and butter and a couple of boiled eggs, so
+that the injured man did not have to hobble about to get his own
+breakfast.
+
+Dave dashed a cup of water over his hands and splashed a little in his
+face by way of performing his toilet and then sitting on the edge of his
+cot, proceeded to devour what was before him eagerly, for, although his
+foot was injured, his appetite was entirely healthy.
+
+"Um--m--m that was good," he muttered as he wiped his mouth on his sleeve
+and looked down at his bandaged foot.
+
+"Now if my old kick was in good order I'd go for a long tramp with a gun
+but--Ah,--ouch--still sore and swollen.  Guess I won't be able to hobble
+about for a couple of days yet," he reflected as he felt of the injured
+member.
+
+Then steadying himself on the edge of the cot with the assistance of a
+cane that Jack cut for him three days before, he hobbled to the tent
+doorway and looked out.
+
+"Jove, what a corking day!  It's a shame I had to get laid up right at
+the beginning of the trip.  But I'll be all right in a couple of days and
+I suppose I can stand it as long as my books hold out.  But, blame it
+all, look at this camp.  Jack and Bart are the sloppiest fellows I ever
+saw.  Look at the blankets on the ground again and the papers scattered
+everywhere.  And look at the big fire they've left.  What for, I wonder?
+I wish I could get out there and clean up the place.  I'll speak to them
+to-night.  I don't think such conditions are sanitary.  I--I--ouch, blast
+it, I can't clean up the place," and with a look of disgust the man from
+Boston limped over to his camp chair and picked up the book that had held
+his interest the day before.
+
+How long he had been reading he did not know; perhaps an hour, perhaps
+two.  But suddenly he was aroused by a strange, unnatural cracking sound.
+He looked up with a start, and his eyes dilated with horror at what he saw.
+
+There, not ten feet from him, creeping and writhing through the dried
+grass and leaves and darting long yellow tongues toward him menacingly,
+wormed a streak of fire.
+
+It was like a serpent that had crawled out of the embers and sought to
+catch him unawares.  Slowly it moved forward, fanned by the fall breeze
+until it was a big V extending across the camp clearing, with each arm
+burning.
+
+On it advanced, licking up everything in its path.  Here it consumed a
+leaf, there a scrap of paper, and each time it devoured something it
+waxed stronger and more threatening.  Even while Dave sat there staring
+at it, it reached a dried branch.  With a crackle this burst into flame,
+setting fire in turn to a sheet of newspaper nearby.  Instantly this was
+a burning torch.  Dave tried to knock it out with his cane.  But before
+he could reach it a gust of wind seized and whirled it across the
+opening, flinging it spitefully against a fir tree.
+
+With a hiss and a crackling roar this blazed up.  In a moment it was a
+column of fire stretching skyward.  The sight was terrible to behold.
+Then like a whirlwind the arms of fire reached out and enveloped another
+tree, and sparks flying with the wind lodged in a spruce nearby and
+converted it into a roaring furnace.   And thus in the space of a minute
+a forest fire was started!
+
+The scorching heat of the burning spruce brought Dave to his senses.  He
+saw before him a hideous fate.  Heedless of the pain in his foot he
+jumped up.  His handkerchief be plunged into a pail of drinking water
+just inside the tent door, then with this wrapped about his face and
+mouth and with his stout cane in hand, he scrambled across the clearing
+and into the long wood road that led eastward through the forest toward
+the lake, half a mile distant.
+
+Oh, if he could run!  If he could only have the use of his injured foot
+for fifteen minutes, he thought, as he limped on.  Behind him he could
+hear the roar of the fire as it reached out and gathered energy by
+licking up tree after tree.  The air was filled with smoke, pungent and
+nauseating.  All about in the forest on either side of the road livid
+tongues upleaping, consuming everything and growing stronger every
+moment.
+
+On hobbled the man from Boston, trying desperately to make time; trying
+mightily to cheat the fire demons that shrieked and roared behind him.
+And he was not the only one that was fleeing from the seething furnace
+that once had been a cool autumn woods.  Three deer whisked by him like
+flashes of the fire itself.  Rabbits, skunks and foxes darted here and
+there among the trees, all headed for the safety of the lake.  And a big
+black bear lumbered by, grunting with every gallop.  How Dave envied
+them.  They would be safe.  Would he?
+
+Forward he hurried, braving excruciating pain in his injured limb to save
+his life.  Acrid smoke blasts swept down upon him and almost stifled him.
+On every side he could feel the heat of the flames.  Once a spark
+dropped upon his shoulder and fired his shirt.  With a cry he beat it out
+and strove harder.  The pain in his foot was unbearable.  It made the
+perspiration stand out upon his forehead.  It made him whirl with
+giddiness.  But on he plunged, fighting the fire, the smoke and the pain
+and striving his hardest to gain the lake.
+
+Once he thought of Jack and Bart and grew very bitter, for somehow the
+fire seemed the result of their carelessness.  Would they be trapped by
+it?  They had two good strong legs.  They would save themselves, he
+hoped.  So must he!  Gritting his teeth and stifling a groan, he tried to
+gallop, using the cane and injured foot in unison.  It was painful, but
+he must make time--he must go fast, faster.
+
+The fire was close behind.  It was gaining.  He could hear its triumphant
+roar.  It would catch him soon.  Only a few minutes and a fiery arm would
+reach out like a python and wrap about him.  The thought made him shudder.
+
+"No!  No!  It must not reach me!" he cried in horror and leapt forward.
+But his cane slipped and jammed between his legs.  He tripped and lost
+his balance.  In a mad effort to save himself from falling he put his
+injured foot forward.  His entire weight came down upon it and the ankle
+snapped.  The pain was more than he could stand.  With a cry of agony he
+sank into a limp heap.
+
+Bruce's startling revelation that there was a life to be saved spurred
+the scouts to action.  One more glance in the direction of the smoke pall
+to the westward and in a twinkle every lad had his blanket in hand and
+was sousing it into the lake.  Handkerchiefs were doused too, for the
+youngsters knew well that the smoke would soon be so thick that they would
+need this kind of protection.
+
+And while the rest were thus occupied, Bruce held a hasty conference with
+Jiminy, and the two boys quickly cut scout staffs.  With these in hand
+they waved the troop forward and started off at a mad pace up the wood
+road to meet the advancing forest fire.
+
+On they raced, the smoke growing heavier and more pungent as they neared
+the flames.  They could hear the deep toned muttering of the
+conflagration.  And all the way along the road they were breasting a tide
+of forest dwellers, deer, rabbit, bears, and a host of smaller animals,
+all scurrying away from the roaring doom behind them.
+
+Soon the lads were in the zone of flying sparks.  Here and there along
+the road small fires were being started.  These were quickly beaten out,
+for the boys were determined not to have their retreat cut off.  As they
+moved forward Bruce's heart grew heavy, for he could see that already the
+flames had swept by the camping site of Dave Connors and his companions.
+The patrol leader hoped fervently that the injured youth had been able to
+keep ahead of the rushing fire.
+
+They were approaching the fire belt.  Their eyes smarted from the smoke.
+They could feel the heat on every hand.  They pulled their hats low to
+protect their foreheads and pushed on.  Fire was everywhere.  Here and
+there pine trees burst into flames with a hiss and a roar, and now and
+then blazing branches would come hurling through space to fall with a
+crash in the roadway.
+
+Bruce began to be worried.  Had he brought the scouts out on a dangerous
+but useless mission?  Had Dave Connors come down the wood road, or had he
+gone wandering blindly through the forest to be trapped and burned to
+death?  Perhaps even now he was a charred mass somewhere back there in
+that seething forest.  The smoke was so thick that the boys could not see
+two feet ahead of them, but they struggled forward, beating out menacing
+tongues of flames on every hand, hoping to keep the roadway open for a
+retreat.
+
+Through the smoke they groped; bending low and breathing through their
+wet handkerchiefs.  Their eyes burned.  Their lungs pained with the gases
+they had inhaled, but they pushed on until suddenly with a cry Bruce
+stumbled and pitched forward.
+
+But he was on his feet in an instant, and examining the apparently
+lifeless mass in the roadway that had tripped him.  Then with a shout of
+delight, he summoned Jiminy and in an instant a coat stretcher was made
+with the aid of the scout staffs they had cut.  Then with the limp form
+of Dave Connors between them the two scouts started struggling back
+toward the lake.  Away from the fire they raced with the troop behind
+them still beating out the menacing sparks and flames.
+
+Forward they hurried, but as they advanced this time their way grew
+easier and the smoke less pungent.  Soon they were among the refugees
+again.  Rabbits, mink and foxes scuttled along with them, and the boys
+had to turn out to keep from treading on some of the smaller animals who
+could not travel as fast as their bigger woods neighbors.  The heat of
+the fire was left behind and falling sparks no longer bothered them.
+Their way to the lake was clear.
+
+A few minutes later they reached the knoll upon which their lumber camp
+was being constructed.  Here they paused long enough to permit Bruce and
+Jiminy to administer first aid to the unconscious Dave Connors.  And
+while the lads were reviving him, others gathered together hatchets,
+axes, cooking utensils and whatever else they could conveniently carry,
+and bidding farewell to their doomed camp they made ready for a plunge
+into the shallows of the lake.
+
+All that afternoon and a good part of the evening, the scouts stood
+shoulder deep in the cool waters and watched the landscape burn.  Acres
+and acres of woodland with thousands of dollars' worth of timber was
+consumed before their eyes.  Dave watched it sadly, for he knew that all
+this ruin had been wrought by him and his careless camping companions.
+
+Every shallow of the lake was crowded with animal life of all kinds, and
+the lads knew that thousands of forest dwellers must have perished in
+that inferno.  They stood among deer and bears and other more timid
+forest dwellers, but the fear of man and the natural enmity toward each
+other was completely blotted out by the greater fear of the fire, and a
+seeming sense of comradeship born of common danger.
+
+Night came, and the sky was a livid pink.  The lake had checked the
+fire's advance to the eastward and the wind had driven the flames north
+toward the mountains.  Further and further away traveled the flames
+painting the sky a sinister color and producing a spectacle that the
+scouts never forgot.
+
+At midnight, though the woods still smoldered, the boys contemplated
+leaving the shallows in which they had been standing and going ashore,
+for they argued that if the heat from the embers was not too intense they
+could work along the margin of the lake until they reached the opposite
+shore.
+
+But while they were contemplating this, off across the lake they saw
+lights advancing toward them.  They heard shouts, too, and they shouted
+in answer, and it was not long before they had guided a flotilla of small
+boats toward them.  This proved to be a rescuing party organized and
+headed by the anxious Mr. Ford and old Dr. Lyman, who were almost
+distracted until they made doubly certain that every lad was safe and
+whole of limb and body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+QUARRY TROOP'S CHRISTMAS
+
+
+"Whew-w-w!  Hi, shut that door--good night! want to freeze us out?" shouted
+Romper Ryan, as he glared across the workshop at Bruce Clifford and Bud
+Weir.
+
+"Aw, don't get fidgety.  You won't ever freeze the way you're hanging
+over that forge.  What's the matter, Romper?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Busted the frame of my snowshoe.  Trying to make a little brace for it
+and get it fixed up before you fellows arrived."
+
+"When'll you be ready?  Where are the rest of the fellows?"
+
+"They're upstairs.  I'll be ready in a jiffy now."
+
+The two scouts crossed the shop and made their way noisily up the wooden
+stairs to the meeting room, where they found half a dozen lads in an
+animated discussion as to where the biggest and best Christmas trees were
+to be found.
+
+"I tell you the forest fire cleaned everything out of the Long Lake
+district," asserted Ray Martin.
+
+"Well, I suppose you want us to go all the way over into Bland County
+this cold day," said fat Babe Wilson sarcastically.
+
+"Speaking of forest fires," said Bruce, who had come into the room just
+in time to hear Ray Martin's remark; "speaking of forest fires, did any
+of you fellows see the Northern Lights last night up back of Haystack
+Mountain?  Father and I thought first it _was_ a forest fire.  The sky was
+all pink and white.  But we concluded it must have been the reflection of
+the Aurora Borealis.  You can see 'em this time of year, you know.  Snow
+helps their reflection, Pop says."
+
+"Is that what it was?  I saw it too, and when I saw the red glow in the
+sky I just naturally thought of that Long Lake fire last month.  Say, by
+the way I got a postal card from that fellow in Boston, we rescued.
+Remember?  Dave Connors is his name--Gollies, every time I think of
+forest fires I shudder.  He sure had a close squeak and so did we.
+That's why that glow in the sky last night sort of made an impression on
+me.  I wondered if any one was caught in it, same as we were nearly
+caught?" said Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Aw, I tell you it wasn't a fire.  It was the Northern Lights back of
+Haystack Mountain.  Dad said so, and he knows, and, say, speaking of
+Haystack Mountain," added Bruce,  "why not go up there for our tree?  If
+this is going to be the town's Christmas tree it must be a whopper.  Most
+all of that land up there belongs to the people Mr. Ford works for and he
+has permission from them to cut as many trees as we need.  How about it?"
+
+"By Jiminy! that's just what I said, Bruce," cried Jiminy Gordon, "and
+Romper agrees with me."
+
+"Sure I do," said Romper, suddenly making his appearance from the
+workshop, his mended snowshoe in hand.
+
+"Then it's Haystack Mountain.  Come on, fellows, get ready; half the
+morning will be gone before we start," said Bruce, and in a twinkle a
+half-score of scouts were donning mackinaws and sweaters and making
+themselves generally secure against a temperature that hovered very close
+to the zero mark.  And five minutes later the entire crew, armed with
+axes and snowshoe-shod were to be seen leaving headquarters in single
+file and heading up Otter Creek Valley over three feet of December snow.
+
+Woodbridge had once more honored the Quarry Troop.  But the lads had
+earned the honor by suggesting that the town hold a public celebration in
+the square in front of the Town Hall on Christmas Eve.  Moreover, they
+had worked their hardest to gain the interest of village officials,
+ministers, and men and women of the community in such a celebration and
+it could well be said that through the efforts of the khaki-clad
+youngsters, Woodbridge, as a community, would for the first time welcome
+the coming of Christmas.  Neighbors and friends, rich and poor, young and
+old, would stand shoulder to shoulder this Christmas Eve and sing the joy
+and happiness of the Yuletide.
+
+And for their share in the organization work the scouts had been granted
+the privilege of providing the town with a big community Christmas tree,
+which was to stand in the center of the square and be decorated from
+bottom to tip with colored electric lights.  This decorating was an
+affair of the Quarry Scouts also.  They had been given the commission by
+Mayor Worthington and the councilmen to do all the electric wiring and
+the stringing of the bulbs.
+
+Of course the lads welcomed such an important task, for they were eager
+to demonstrate how useful they could be.  Also they were pleased to
+display their knowledge of mechanics.  So it can be easily understood why
+Bruce and his chums were eager to get an early start the Saturday morning
+a week before Christmas.  They intended to search the woods for the
+tallest and straightest fir tree in the township.
+
+In spite of the fact that their ears tingled with the bitter cold and the
+wind whistled through the valley, whirling the powdery crystals of snow
+into their faces, the scouts were a happy lot of youngsters as they swung
+their way northward.  Who could be other than happy with Christmas but a
+week off?  Snowballs flew thick and fast among them, and now and then
+snowshoe races were run, too.
+
+The lads chose the valley bottom for their journey and avoided the
+highway which swung to the left and made a wide detour before the byroad
+that approached Haystack Mountain joined it.  With this route the lads
+could cut down the journey at least three miles and then, too, they had
+fine snow for shoeing.
+
+Soon they had left the open and entered the hardwood belt from which all
+the firs and other evergreens had long since been trimmed.  Snowshoeing
+through the woods was not so much of a lark, for the lads had no trail to
+follow and must needs work their way between half-covered underbrush.
+The snow was softer here, too, and their shoes dragged.  But most of
+their surplus energy had been worked off by this time and they were
+willing to settle down to single file.  Each took his turn breaking a
+trail.
+
+On they traveled for more than an hour, always keeping the shoulder of
+Haystack Mountain, which loomed up above the tree line, their objective.
+About half a mile from the mountain they suddenly came clear of the woods
+and into the highway.  Here a brief conference was held as to the
+advisability of trying to climb the shoulder of the mountain or taking
+the road which led around.  The last route was decided upon, because up
+here the thoroughfare was little traveled and was practically unbroken.
+Indeed, they saw signs of very few sleighs having passed there since the
+snowstorm four days previous.
+
+Away they swung, keeping an eye out on either side of the road for a
+Christmas tree, but they did not find a fir tall enough to be used for
+the town's tree.
+
+Soon they were around the shoulder of the mountain and traveling west.
+The woods were thicker here and trees more numerous.  But there was a
+peculiar odor of burnt wood in the air, too, which all the scouts
+detected.
+
+"Cracky!  I believe your Northern Light was a forest fire, or--or--say,
+isn't that smoke rising above those trees there?" demanded Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right, by go lies!" shouted Bruce, "but--oh, I know, now.  There's a
+little farm in there.  It's been vacant for--no, it hasn't, by jingoes!
+an old lady has been living there all Fall.  I've seen her in town.
+Nanny Haskells, they call her.  Cracky! come on, fellows, maybe the poor
+old soul has been burned to death!"
+
+The scouts were off at a gallop, stirring up the snow like a whirlwind as
+they loped along the road.  Soon they came to an unbroken lane through
+the woods.  Into this they turned and a hundred yards further on they
+emerged into the little farm clearing.  What a sight met their eyes.
+
+In a smoldering, smoking heap of charred ruins lay what remained of an
+old-fashioned farmhouse and barn that had stood there for years.  The
+fire had burned itself out, except here and there where glowing coals
+showed themselves.  Only two blackened timbers remained standing.  And in
+this picture of devastation, looking the most lonesome and pathetic
+figure in the world, wandered the tiniest, most old-fashioned and
+motherly looking woman the lads had ever seen.
+
+She seemed all but distracted with her misery, for she went about
+wringing her hands and sobbing as if her heart were broken.  Here and
+there she picked her way, peering into the smoking ashes and now and then
+poking among them for a trinket or a keepsake that the fire had only
+blackened.  It was a pathetic sight indeed, and the sturdy scouts all
+felt heavy hearted as they watched her.
+
+Finally Bruce left the group and went toward her.  Then for the first
+time the little woman looked up, startled at first.  But when she saw the
+uniforms the lads wore she was no longer frightened.  In truth, she
+seemed to welcome them as the only sympathetic human beings she had seen
+to whom she could tell her woes.
+
+"Oh, boys, boys, it's gone, all, all gone.  Look--my old home all in
+ruins.  Oh, dear! oh, dear!  I'm so miserable.  What shall I ever do?
+Why should this be taken from me, too?  They took--they took
+her--her--and, oh, dear! oh, dear! what shall I do?" she cried.
+
+Bruce put his hands out to comfort her as best he could and the little
+lady came toward him and laid her head upon his chest, sobbing as if her
+heart was broken.  But the all-night strain on one so old had been too
+great and presently she became very quiet, so quiet indeed that Bruce
+became frightened and looked down into her face.  And instantly he
+realized that she was completely worn out.
+
+"Here, fellows," he called in a business-like tone, "the poor old lady is
+all in.  We must take her to town and get her into the hospital.  Come,
+fellows, quickly now.  You, Jiminy, and Nipper, make a coat
+stretcher--cut some staffs--strong ones.  The three of us will take her
+back to town.  The rest of you fellows go after the Christmas tree.  But
+first lend us a jacket or a sweater or two to bundle the old lady in."
+
+In a twinkle the scouts were busy.  Staffs were cut, the stretcher
+constructed and old Nanny made comfortable with extra coats and sweaters
+that the more warmly clad scouts could spare.  Then, as the three lads
+started townward, Bruce shouted:
+
+"Hi, Bud, see that you get a whopping big tree.  A thirty footer, if you
+can.  We'll be back in an hour or so to help you.  So long."
+
+Crisp weather and an additional snowstorm during the week that preceded
+the holidays gave the youngsters of the Vermont town full assurance of a
+white Christmas.  And they would have been mightily disappointed lads if
+such had not been the case, for what would a Community Christmas
+celebration and a town Christmas tree be like without snow everywhere?
+It was good packing snow, too, as numerous snow fights at noon time, on
+the academy campus, attested.
+
+But, aside from these noon-day diversions, the Quarry Scouts had little
+time to indulge in Winter sports that week.  The hills about town were
+just right for coasting and the broad Champlain Valley stretched north
+and south to be explored on snowshoes, skis, and with sleigh-riding
+parties, but the scouts could not find time to enjoy these opportunities.
+Rather, they found their fun in anticipating a good time after
+Christmas, providing the snow lasted, for they had work to do.  There was
+the big Christmas tree to be erected and trimmed.
+
+It was a monster tree.  Thirty-two feet from base to tip, and as it lay
+there in front of the town hall waiting to be elevated into position, it
+commanded the admiration of the whole town.  Thursday afternoon, after
+the carpenters had finished a big platform and grandstand, the lads
+erected timber shears and block and tackle and set the tree into place in
+the very center of the pavilion, which was to accommodate the mayor, town
+officials, visitors, the orchestra and a host of school children who were
+to sing carols.
+
+"Wow, it looks great," said Nipper Knapp, surveying the tall fir proudly,
+"and won't it look corking after we get it all trimmed to-morrow
+afternoon?"
+
+"Yes, but mind you, fellows, we'll have to work like everything
+to-morrow.  All the wiring has to be strung and all the lights put on
+between one o'clock in the afternoon and half past four.  It'll be some
+job," said Bud Weir.
+
+"You're right it will," said Bruce, "thank goodness we have everything
+shipshape up at headquarters to get a good start.  There's more than
+enough wire in the lot Mr. Ford sent over.  And I guess we must have put
+on about three thousand lamp sockets during the last few days, haven't
+we?"
+
+"Two thousand and eighty-seven," corrected Romper, "and it's a good thing
+school lets out at noon to-morrow."
+
+"It'll be a sight for sore eyes.  Say, fellows, I'll tell you what.
+Let's bring old Nanny Haskell down and give her a seat on the visitors'
+stand.  I guess Mr. Ford could arrange that for us.  It might cheer the
+poor old soul up a little.  How is she to-day?  Any one been up to the
+hospital?"
+
+"Sure, Romper and I were up there.  She's all well and ready to leave,
+but the poor thing hasn't any place to go to, it seems.  She's bluer than
+all git out, too.  Jiminy, but I feel sorry for her," said Jiminy Gordon.
+
+"Well, then, by gollies! we'll see if we can't make her happy on
+Christmas Eve at least.  We'll have her all bundled up and bring her down
+here.  Listening to the kids sing and all the fun and things might help
+her spirit a little."
+
+"Fine idea, if she'll come," said Bruce.
+
+"Oh, we'll arrange that, all right, I think," replied Romper.  "I'll go
+up to the hospital to-morrow.  Perhaps Mr. Ford will go along, and we can
+talk it over with Doctor Bassett."
+
+"Good enough; I'll go with you.  And now let's go home and get some
+supper, fellows.  It's getting dark," said Bruce.  And presently the
+scouts were tramping off through the snowy Winter twilight to their
+respective homes.
+
+Fortunately, Mr. Clifford allowed Bruce the use of Blossom, his big black
+trotting horse, and a light box sleigh, or otherwise the lads would have
+had to make a dozen trips up the steep, snow-covered Otter Hill to
+headquarters to get their coils of wire and boxes of lamps to town next
+day.
+
+As it was, the spirited animal had to haul three sleigh-loads of
+equipment to the Town Hall before the scouts could even start the task of
+decorating.  As soon as the coils of wire arrived a dozen scouts began to
+swarm the big Christmas tree, looping the wires from branch to branch and
+fastening them securely.  Other scouts followed in their wake and screwed
+red, white and blue, green and yellow lamps into the vacant sockets.  And
+while all this was going on, a crew of linemen and meter-setters from the
+local electric light company were running an extension, or service line,
+from the nearest street wires, for the electric company had promised to
+furnish current free for the evening's celebration.
+
+The square was a very busy place for several hours that afternoon, and
+every one was working with a will for he realized that he must be
+finished before dusk came.  By half past three, however, the scouts found
+that they could ease up a little for, with the arrival of one more load
+of colored lamps from headquarters, the tree would be thoroughly
+decorated even to the shining electrically illuminated star on top which
+Jiminy Gordon placed there with the help of an extra long ladder.
+
+"Whoope-e-e! almost through.  Don't it look fine, eh?  And here comes
+Bruce with the last load of lamps.  Come on, fellows, and help unload the
+sleigh," shouted Bud Weir as Jiminy finally reached the ground after he
+had finished wiring the big star in place.
+
+"Right-o-o! and last man to the curb is no good," shouted Nipper Knapp,
+starting to run.  Next moment there was a scurry of scouts through the
+snow that covered the square and a pell-mell race to the curb where Bruce
+drew up the panting Blossom with a jingle of bells and a shower of
+powdery snow.
+
+"Whoa there, Blossom," he shouted.  Then to the scouts, "Come on, you
+duffers, and get these things unloaded.  I want to get the horse into the
+stable so I can do some work, too."
+
+The "duffers" arrived with a rush and in a twinkle the boxes were being
+removed from the sleigh in a manner quite violent, and this to the
+imminent peril of the contents.
+
+"Hi, not so bloomin' reckless," shouted Bruce, "don't smash 'em, whatever
+you do.  They are the last colored lamps in town and we need 'em.  And,
+say--listen--what's the fuss up the street?  Hear 'em shoutin'?  Gee,
+it's a runaway an' here it comes--no--no--it's going to turn down High
+Street toward the railroad--an'--cracky!  fellows, there's a freight
+pulling out of the siding!  See the smoke!  And there's a woman and a
+girl in the cutter!  Wow! Look at those chumps up the street shoutin'
+and wavin' their arms.  That's no way to stop a horse!  Those women will
+be killed.  Hi, Bud, hop in here.  Come on, we've got to stop 'em.  I'm
+goin' after 'em with Blossom.  Geet_yap_ there, Blossom.  Git, now, that's
+t' girl.  Go!"
+
+There could be no mistaking the fact that the horse and cutter coming
+down the street was a runaway.  The big animal was almost mad with
+fright.  His eyes bulged out until the whites showed and its nostrils
+were distended with fear.  And, to make matters worse, there were a dozen
+men and boys shouting and waving their hands in a foolish effort to stop
+the horse.  But all that they accomplished was to make the animal still
+more frightened.
+
+Fortunately, Bud's mind acted as quickly as Bruce's.  He came into the
+sleigh with a bound, but almost before he landed Bruce had Blossom under
+way.  Just a touch of the whip was all that was needed and the nervous
+trotter shot forward like a flash of lightning.  A moment later she was a
+jet black streak flying toward the corner of High Street around which the
+runaway cutter had just disappeared.
+
+Almost in the wink of an eye Blossom reached the corner and swept around
+it at a gallop while the sleigh careened first on one runner and then
+upon the other, each time on the brink of turning over and pitching its
+occupants into the snowbanks that lined the road.  But the scouts gave no
+heed to this.  All their attention was on the flying cutter a hundred
+yards ahead and upon the railroad crossing half a mile down the road.
+The freight train had left the siding, and at the moment the scouts
+rounded the corner she was chugging her way slowly toward the crossing.
+Of course, the gates were down but this only added to the peril.  The
+runaway horse was blind with fright.  He would plunge into the gates,
+tear through them and probably kill himself and the women in the sleigh
+by dashing headlong into the freight train.
+
+"Go it, Bruce, go it.  We _must_ save them.  They'll be killed if we
+don't," cried the half frantic Bud.
+
+And Bruce, pale of face but determined, cut Blossom with the whip to urge
+her forward.  Rarely was the trotter treated that way and when the cut
+came she leapt forward like a deer.  Then her racing instinct seemed to
+come back to her.  She knew what was wanted.  The horse ahead must be
+passed.  She stretched her long legs to their utmost and the pace she set
+made the light sleigh pitch and rock like a ship in a gale.  Bruce never
+used the whip again.  Indeed, he tossed it into the road, for he must
+needs use two hands to govern the flying horse.
+
+The animal ahead was flying, too, and it was a question for a few moments
+whether the scouts could make up the distance.  But Blossom was at her
+best.  Faster and faster she went while town folk stood on the sidewalk
+and gaped in amazement at the pace she held.  The hundred yard lead was
+cut down to fifty, now to forty, thirty-five, thirty.  Bruce and Bud
+could see the look of terror on the faces of the girl and the woman in
+the cutter.  Also they could see the reason for the accident.  The reins
+had parted and one short length dangled over the horse's side and slapped
+him continually on the ribs while the longer section dragged under the
+cutter.
+
+"We'll make it, Bud, we'll make it.  We've _got_ to make it.  I'll drive
+like mad.  We'll start to pass them and I'll run Blossom as close as I
+dare and then when we get abreast of the horse you hang out upon the
+running-board, and jump for the shafts of the cutter.  Get astride the
+horse's back and grab those reins.  Get ready, Bud!  Out on the
+running-board, now!  Hurry!" cried Bruce.
+
+Blossom was drawing abreast of the cutter.  Bud clung to the
+running-board and crouched for a spring.
+
+"Go it, Blossom," cried Bruce.  "Good old girl, go it.  Go on, go on.
+Get ready, Bud--steady--ready now--_jump_!"
+
+Bud reached far out and leaped.  One foot struck the shafts.  He threw
+himself forward and grasped the runaway's mane and in an instant he had
+swung himself astride the horse's back.  For a moment all that he could
+do was cling to the swaying animal And when the horse felt the extra
+weight drop upon him he bounded forward like a stag uttering a shrill
+whinny of fear.
+
+For a fleeting moment the lad thought of the peril of his position.  But
+when he recalled that the lives of two women depended upon him, he became
+active.  Reaching forward he grasped the broken line and the long one and
+forced the bit home into the horse's mouth.  The animal snorted and
+plunged.  Bud pulled back again.  The runaway reared and pawed the air,
+snorting and shaking its massive bead.  "Whoa," cried the scout, "whoa,
+boy, steady now," and it seemed as if the animal recognized the authority
+in his command for the next time the lad reined in the panic-stricken
+horse slowed up and presently came to a complete standstill and stood
+trembling like a leaf.
+
+Then, when the scout looked up for the first time, there, not twenty
+yards away, was the railroad crossing, with the freight train rumbling
+slowly by.
+
+"Fine work, Bud, fine," cried Bruce, who had pulled in on Blossom the
+moment the scout had jumped from the sleigh.  "Fine work,
+and--and--gee! but it was a narrow escape."
+
+Indeed it had been a narrow escape.  Bud realized it as well as Bruce.
+And so did the woman and the little girl in the cutter, for their faces
+were white and they hardly had strength enough left to step from the
+cutter when Bruce tried to assist them.
+
+"Goodness me, what a day--what a day," said the woman, trembling with
+nervousness.  And when the little girl heard this she began to cry.
+
+"Oh, mother, I'm unhappy, too," she wept.  "Poor Nanny, poor Nanny, just
+think she's been burned to death, and all because you and father sent me
+to school last September.  Oh, mother, mother, it's terrible.  And then
+the horse acting up like that.  I--I--oh, Mr.--er--Mr. Boy Scout, do you
+know anything about old Nanny--Nanny Haskell?  She was my dear nurse.
+Last Fall she left our house in St. Cloud because my father and mother
+sent me to school down in Boston.  She--she--oh, dear!--she said she
+wouldn't live in St. Cloud without me, because she would be too
+lonesome, so she came back to her old farm in the woods here, where she
+hadn't been for ten years, and--now--oh, dear!  oh, dear;--it burned
+down--and--Nanny must have been burned to death."
+
+"Why--why--no--no, she wasn't burned to death," said Bruce, when he fully
+understood, "she--she--why she's over in the Woodbridge hospital.  That
+big building over there on Willow Street.  We found her and took her
+there, and she wasn't a bit hurt, only sick, that's all."
+
+"What! is she alive--really--honest--Nanny Haskell--boy, you're sure?"
+cried the woman excitedly.  "We--we--came over to-day to get her and
+bring her back to St. Cloud.  We wanted to tell her that Genevieve had
+come home from Boston to stay, and that we wanted her to come back with
+us on Christmas Eve and live with us for good.  Are you sure--?"
+
+"Yes, yes, I'm sure.  I helped bring her into town," said Bruce.
+
+"Then come, mother, come.  I must see old Nanny and cheer her up.  The
+boys will take care of the horse and put him in a stable.  Won't you,
+boys?" said Genevieve, excitedly.
+
+"Sure--Bud will fix the reins and drive him to the hotel stable.  Come
+into my sleigh and I'll take you to the hospital," said Bruce.
+
+A cold wind was driving powdery flakes out of the darkness overhead when
+the Woodbridge town folk began to gather in the square to celebrate their
+first community Christmas.  The scouts were there early, for, besides the
+fact that several of them had the task of taking care of the electric
+switches that controlled the lights on the big tree, the rest of the
+troop had been delegated to police the square.
+
+The ceremonies were supposed to begin at eight o'clock, but by half-past
+seven the big platform was filled with visitors, officials and prominent
+townsmen.  The orchestra had arrived, too, and taken its place, and the
+chorus of four hundred school children stood waiting, song books in hand.
+The big square was literally jammed by joyous men and women and
+shivering, though none the less enthusiastic, youngsters.  And over these
+thousand or more silence reigned and every eye was fastened on the tall
+somber looking tree.
+
+Then came the signal from the Mayor.  The next moment the orchestra
+leader swung his baton and the orchestra rang forth.  Simultaneously the
+voices of the children took up the opening bars of a good old English
+Christmas carol.  This was the cue the four scouts at the switches were
+waiting for.  One by one they jammed the tiny rubber covered connections
+home and in circuits of eight and twelve, the colored lamps on the great
+tree began to twinkle until it was a blaze of glory from the lowermost
+branches to the great glittering star on the top.
+
+What a wave of applause greeted this illumination.  Then some one in the
+throng took up the carol the children were singing and in a moment
+thousands of throats were pouring forth the happiness of Yuletide.  The
+people's enthusiasm seemed boundless.
+
+But though the lights of the great tree revealed joyous countenances
+everywhere, the scouts could single out three in the group on the
+platform that seemed far happier than the rest.  In truth, tears of joy
+were coursing down old Nanny Haskell's cheeks as she sat there hugging
+the form of Genevieve to her and listening to the rejoicing of the vast
+throng.  And close beside them, her arm about the old nurse's shoulder,
+sat a very happy mother.
+
+All through the ceremonies they stayed, lingering even till the lights on
+the big tree began to go out in groups.  And when the star on the top,
+after a preliminary wink, went dark too, they turned and made their way
+slowly across the square to where their cutter, a hired driver in the
+seat, stood waiting.
+
+"Well, fellows," said Bruce, as with a jingle of bells the sleigh started
+in the direction of St. Cloud City, "I guess old Nanny's Christmas won't
+be such a sad one after all, thanks to Bud, here."
+
+And then with boisterous shouts of "Merry Christmas, everybody," the
+scouts all started for home.
+
+The End
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Boy Scout Fire Fighters, by Irving Crump
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30453 ***
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a892db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #30453 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/30453)
diff --git a/old/30453.txt b/old/30453.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec8c3a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/30453.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5314 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Scout Fire Fighters, by Irving Crump
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Scout Fire Fighters
+
+Author: Irving Crump
+
+Release Date: November 11, 2009 [EBook #30453]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SCOUT FIRE FIGHTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jim Ludwig
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Scout Fire Fighters
+
+Irving Crump
+
+Copyright 1917
+
+Barse and Company
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTERS
+    I. The Motorcycle Fire Brigade
+   II. The Firemen's Tournament
+  III. Boy Scouts to the Rescue
+   IV. When the Circus Came to Town
+    V. A Scout is Resourceful
+   VI. Helping to Make the Movies
+  VII. Ethan Allen Comes To Life Again
+ VIII. The Prize Contest
+   IX. Working to Win
+    X. The Boy from Arizona
+   XI. The Courage of a Coward
+  XII. The Scout Life Guards' Beach Patrol
+ XIII. The Day of the Big Race
+  XIV. When the Unexpected Happened
+   XV. A Narrow Escape
+  XVI. Quarry Troop's Christmas
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE MOTORCYCLE FIRE BRIGADE
+
+
+"By Jiminy, that was some fire for an old hay barn, wasn't it, fellows?"
+exclaimed Jiminy Gordon, as he entered the meeting room at headquarters.
+His eyes were flashing excitement and he was thoroughly out of breath
+from running up the long Otter Creek Hill.  "I stayed until the last
+spark was out," he said, as he dropped into a chair beside Bruce
+Clifford, leader of the Owl Patrol of Quarry Troop No. 1.
+
+"Some fire, is perfectly correct," said Bruce bitterly, "though it
+needn't have been anything more than an ordinary blaze.  I tell you the
+Woodbridge Fire Department needs a little pep, fellows."  This last was
+ addressed to the four other occupants of the room, Bud Weir, Romper Ryan,
+Babe Wilson and Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right," said Romper.
+
+"The way they went about it was a farce," said Bud.
+
+"Yes, they all had to have their red flannel shirts on," remarked Babe,
+the fat boy, sarcastically.
+
+"Say, did you see 'em scrapping over who should carry the fire trumpet?"
+laughed Romper.
+
+"Sure, and about six men were giving orders," put in Jiminy, who had
+caught the spirit of the remarks.
+
+"And no one obeyed any of 'em," supplemented Babe, sarcastic as usual.
+
+"But the finest exhibition of firemanship was when one of the nozzlemen
+let go of the only hose they got on the fire while he hunted through his
+pockets for a paper of tobacco or something else just as important," said
+Bruce.  "Of course the other nozzleman couldn't hold onto the hose alone
+and it twisted out of his hands.  The thing acted like a big black snake,
+fellows, and hit Chief Blaney a whack in the chest that knocked him
+sprawling.  Then it proceeded to wet down the whole fire department
+before some one captured it.  It was a scream.  Didn't any of you see
+it?"
+
+"I reached there in time to see Tom Hogan try to stop it and get a
+ducking for his trouble," laughed Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Oh, it is a shame," continued Bruce; "I know it isn't exactly proper to
+criticise, but then if they'd had a little system about it old Eli
+Osborne's barn would still be standing.  Now it's a heap of cinders.  I
+tell you any ordinary troop of Boy Scouts has more snap than the
+Woodbridge Fire Department.  I believe--  By Jove, fellows.  I've an idea!
+Let's organize a fire department of our own.  A motorcycle fire
+department.  I was reading in a magazine only the other day how they
+started one over in England somewhere.  How about it?"
+
+"Bully--how's it done?" demanded Bud Weir, leader of the Blue Heron Patrol.
+
+"Corking idea; let's get busy," exclaimed Jiminy Gordon.
+
+"Great!  Give us the details," shouted Romper.
+
+Bruce wrinkled his brow in deep thought for several moments, then his
+face lighted up with a smile.
+
+"Look here, fellows," he said enthusiastically, "three of us have
+motorcycles we got for Christmas, and Romper here and Ray Martin of the
+Flying Eagles have the machines they built themselves.  Then there's 'Old
+Nanc,' the automobile we built last Winter.  She's good enough to carry
+hose and hatchets and a couple of fellows besides.  We've the equipment.
+What do you say?  I'm dead sure my dad will let us borrow some fire
+extinguishers from the mill, and he has any amount of hose and other
+things to fit up a first-class brigade.  We'll get our equipment together
+and then drill like the dickens.  How about it?"
+
+"And we'll keep it a secret.  Won't tell a soul until we get a chance to
+spring a surprise on the whole town, eh, fellows?" suggested Bud.
+
+"Let's spring it at the tournament and convention next month.  The
+Champlain Valley Firemen's Association meets here this year, you know.
+Perhaps we can get first prize in the tournament, added Romper Ryan.
+
+"Whoo-o-o-pe!  Great!  Let's get busy," shouted Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right-o," said Bruce.  "But first of all let's tell our plan to
+Assistant Scoutmaster Ford."
+
+To be thoroughly familiar with Quarry Troop No. 1 you must know that it
+was composed of three patrols in Woodbridge, Vt., and that its members
+had created a reputation for themselves through their ability as
+mechanics and electricians.  Woodbridge has long been noted for its
+electrically operated marble quarries and its many machine shops and
+textile mills, and the boys of the town, as a result of their
+surroundings, were by nature of a mechanical turn.  Added to this, the
+Woodbridge Academy was one of the first institutions of the country to
+adopt a manual training course as part of its curriculum, and all the
+lads received an early drilling at the lathes and forges.
+
+Bruce Clifford, always the most self-reliant lad in town, first suggested
+that he and his fellows establish  "a troop of Engineers," and of course
+his proposal was received with enthusiasm by the Academy boys.  Bruce
+took the plan to his father, Samuel Clifford, and to his father's friend,
+Hamilton Townsend, a well-known consulting engineer in Woodbridge.  Mr.
+Townsend was delighted with the idea, and quickly consented to become the
+Scoutmaster, while Mr. Clifford, to foster the interest of the lads along
+mechanical lines, offered them the abandoned machine shop on the top of
+Otter Creek Hill for their headquarters.
+
+This was a real find for Bruce and his friends, for the old place had
+never been dismantled.
+
+Mr. Clifford was a builder of electrical stone cutting and polishing
+machines and for a long time he had maintained his business in the little
+two-story structure.  But four years previous he had erected a fine new
+concrete building just across the way, and abandoned the machine shop,
+intending to tear down the building and sell the old equipment for junk.
+
+This made ideal headquarters for a troop that desired to specialize in
+engineering.  On the first floor were the old hand-forges, bellows,
+lathes, work benches, planing machines, and various other appliances.
+They were all out of date, to be sure, and some slightly rusty, but still
+quite usable after they had been cleaned up.
+
+On the second floor of the building were two rooms, one of which was used
+for meetings, while the other was converted into a wire room for the loop
+telegraph line that the lads had built through the town.  This loop was
+connected with an instrument in the bedrooms of every member of the troop
+and the boys could be routed out of bed at midnight, if need be, by some
+one calling on any of the keys.  A wireless system had also been erected
+on the roof of the building by the wireless enthusiasts of the troop and
+the helix, spark-gap and various coils and keys were also set up in the
+wire room.
+
+Headquarters immediately became popular with every member of the troop
+and always some one was to be found pottering about in the machine shop,
+building something that he was particularly interested in.  Two of the
+boys, during the long Winter evenings, had made more or less serviceable
+motorcycles for themselves, and a half dozen of the young engineers had
+even essayed the construction of an automobile from old parts they were
+able to get for "a song" at various junk shops; indeed, some serviceable
+material was found in scrap heaps about town.
+
+How well they succeeded, a wheezing two-cylinder motor car attested.
+This turn-out was dubbed "Old Nanc" by the troop, and though it went far
+better down grade than it did on the level, the boys managed to get a
+great deal of fun out of it.  And it was not a bad looking machine either
+when it finally received several generous coats of red paint and enamel.
+
+Luckily, Austin Ford, the engineer in charge of the hydro-electric plant
+of the Woodbridge Quarry Company, became interested in the "Scout
+Engineers," and through him the officials of the quarry company were
+persuaded to allow the lads to use as much electric current as they
+required without cost.  The youngsters quickly built a transmission line
+to the electric station, which was located a few miles north of the town
+on a branch of Otter Creek.
+
+Mr. Ford's interest in the lads increased to admiration when he saw the
+business-like way in which they went about building the line, and he even
+offered them some practical engineering advice when they found themselves
+up against knotty problems.  This led to a more intimate relation with
+the young Cornell graduate, and in the end the boys suggested that he
+become the Assistant Scoutmaster.  This office rather pleased him, for in
+reality Austin Ford was little more than a big boy in the matter of
+pleasure.
+
+He quickly became a master of scout lore and at every opportunity he was
+afield with the lads or else in the shop at headquarters working out new
+engineering "stunts" (as he characterized them) for the Scouts to
+undertake.  The boys never failed to talk over each new undertaking with
+him, as, for instance, the troop's latest scheme, the organization of a
+motorcycle fire department.
+
+Indeed, on the very evening of the day Eli Osborn's barn was reduced to
+ashes, Bruce, Bud, Romper and several others visited Mr. Ford and
+outlined their plans.  Of course the Assistant Scoutmaster approved of
+such a very laudable Idea, but he did admonish the boys against
+criticising the present fire fighting force of Wood bridge, stating that
+though the men had their peculiarities the lads should remember that they
+were volunteers, doing their work without receiving a cent of pay because
+they recognized their duty to others.
+
+As to the equipment of the brigade, he left that all up to the boys,
+telling them, however, that whenever they had any difficulty they would
+find him ready to help them.  He also suggested that they visit the
+hydro-electric plant and take a few tools and some old sand buckets which
+they could paint over and use as bucket brigade equipment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE FIREMEN'S TOURNAMENT
+
+
+The two weeks following were mighty busy ones for Quarry Troop No. 1.
+First of all it was necessary for Bruce and his companions to find out
+exactly what in the matter of equipment they had at their disposal.  This
+could only be determined by a visit to Mr. Clifford's mill and several
+other places where they could borrow fire fighting apparatus and still
+not let the news of their secret organization leak out.
+
+Mr. Clifford, when he heard of the plan, was particularly delighted and
+he personally conducted the boys through the machine shop and mill,
+making numerous suggestions meanwhile.  First of all he found that he
+could spare eleven small, two-and-one-half gallon chemical extinguishers
+and still leave enough equipment to comply with the fire underwriters'
+laws, which call for a certain number of extinguishers for each floor.
+
+These eleven were enough to provide two for each motorcycle in the
+brigade and one for the automobile.  It seemed rather unfortunate to
+Bruce that they could only get one for "Old Nanc," for he had had a
+mental picture of the red automobile with a shining extinguisher on
+either side of the driver's seat.  Indeed, he was so keen on this
+artistic arrangement that he pleaded with his father to spare an
+additional tank.
+
+"Why, I'll tell you what you can have to balance up 'Old Nanc,'" said his
+father laughingly, when he heard Bruce's reason for wanting another
+extinguisher, "here's a light oxygen-acetylene tank equipment with a blow
+torch I've been using around the mill.  I'm going to get a new one of
+larger capacity, and if you polish this up it will look mighty
+business-like, I tell you.
+
+"These torches are being adopted by the city fire departments too.  You
+see they are composed of two tanks, one filled with oxygen and the other
+with acetylene gas.  These gases both flow through the same opening in
+the torch and unite before they strike the air.  If you touch a match to
+the end of the torch, _presto_, you have a thin blue flame, so hot that
+it will cut through the hardest steel.  The flame gives off a heat as
+high as 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit;  think of that!  It literally burns its
+way through the toughest metal and does the job before you can say
+'scat.' The city fire departments use them to burn the hinges off iron
+doors and window shutters in big warehouse fires.  Do you boys want it?
+It may come in handy, you know."
+
+"Want it!  You bet we do," shouted Jiminy Gordon eagerly.
+
+"Just the stuff," recommended Romper Ryan, who had been inspecting the
+apparatus, "handy and compact.  Doesn't weigh more than a hundred pounds.
+Two of us could handle it in fine shape.  We certainly _would_ like to
+have it."
+
+"All right," acquiesced Mr. Clifford, "it's yours."
+
+The good-natured manufacturer also gave the boys a set of old fire pails
+that needed fresh coats of paint, and several lengths of old but
+serviceable fire hose, not to mention a number of rusty fire hatchets,
+crowbars and pike poles.
+
+"How about ladders?" said Mr. Clifford as the boys were about to depart.
+
+"Gee, we never thought of 'em," said Bruce, surprised at such an
+omission.  Then as he considered the capacity of "Old Nanc," he
+continued: "But if we had them we wouldn't know how to carry them;
+we--you see, we can't afford to overload the auto or she will never be
+able to get started for a fire."
+
+"Ho, ho, that's right.  She'd be a regular tortoise," said Mr. Clifford.
+"But why don't you make a couple of scaling ladders?  I'll have the top
+hooks forged for you if you'll build the ladders.  They'll be light and
+serviceable and you can work up a mighty spectacular drill with them."
+
+"Great, we'll do it," said Bruce.  Then he added, "perhaps we _will_ have
+a real fire department after all."
+
+"Old Nanc" spent the busiest day of her career gathering up the loads of
+extinguishers, hose and other equipment before she was laid up for
+alteration, and the Scouts for many days thereafter found that their
+spare time was well taken up with their work at headquarters.
+
+From the hour that the Woodbridge Academy closed until ten o'clock in the
+evening they toiled like beavers.  Bruce, always a capable manager,
+divided the patrols into working squads and assigned them to the various
+tasks to be accomplished.  Those who were handy with carpentering tools
+he set to work making a new fire patrol body for the automobile.  Those
+who excelled at the forges he assigned to the task of making brackets and
+metal clamps with which to fasten the extinguishers onto the motorcycles.
+Some were appointed ladder makers, others were painters, and still
+others were buffers and polishers, who shined up the tarnished sides of
+the tanks and took the rust off the axes and pike heads.  And when they
+all became active the interior of headquarters was a veritable beehive
+for busyness.
+
+The boys did not devote all their time to building work, however, for
+they realized that to win honors at the firemen's tournament, in which
+they meant to compete, they would have to be well drilled in every branch
+of fire fighting.  Consequently every evening, just before dusk, the
+entire troop assembled in the field back of headquarters.
+
+Scaling ladder drills, first aid work, rescue work, bucket brigade
+drills, and hose coupling contests were indulged in until the lads worked
+with the precision and accuracy of trained fire fighters.  For the sake
+of unity Bruce had been appointed fire chief, having charge of all three
+patrols.  The entire squad was under his command and in a very few days
+he had systematized their work to the point where there was scarcely a
+lost motion or a false move.
+
+Indeed, the Scouts drilled with such vigor and enthusiasm that inside of
+an hour they would be completely tired out.  Then, while they were
+resting, Bruce would put them through a sharp oral drill on the rudiments
+of firemanship as set forth in the September number of _Boy's Life_
+until, to quote Jiminy Gordon, "They could say it backwards, or upside
+down, and do it blindfolded."
+
+Gradually after weeks of toil the fleet of fire fighting motorcycles
+assumed a business-like appearance.  And as for "Old Nanc" she, redolent
+with the odors of fresh red paint, loomed above them all exactly like a
+mother hen keeping a watchful eye on her brood of chicks.
+
+Each motorcycle was equipped with a fire extinguisher clamped on either
+side, just back of the seat.  Directly in the rear of the seat was a
+small red tool box in which hose-coupling wrenches and two sets of
+harness were kept.  This harness, devised by Mr. Ford, was made of canvas
+in the form of a sling to hold the extinguishers in position on a Scout's
+back.  In that way a boy could enter a burning building and carry an
+extinguisher with him, still having both hands free to operate the
+extinguisher hose.  On top of the tool box was strapped a short coil of
+hose with a small nozzle ready to be brought into action when coupled to
+the nearest street hydrant.
+
+"Old Nanc," besides carrying an extinguisher and the oxygen-acetylene
+blow torch tank, also contained the remaining hose, an equipment of axes,
+pike poles and scaling ladders, and provided accommodations for three
+Scouts and the driver besides.
+
+Until a few days before the tournament the Scouts were working on their
+equipment.  Indeed, the very last coat of varnish was put onto "Old Nanc"
+the Saturday afternoon preceding the tournament day, which fell on
+Wednesday.  All that remained to be done was to deck the machine with
+flags and bunting and she would be ready for the parade.  In truth, that
+very morning Bruce had gone on a motorcycle trip to St. Cloud City,
+twelve miles south of Woodbridge, to buy the necessary decorations.
+
+"By Jove, she looks like a real fire fighter, doesn't she?" said Romper
+Ryan, backing off, paint brush still in hand, to survey his own handiwork
+on the sides of "Old Nanc."
+
+"For downright good looks I think our equipment has it on anything
+Woodbridge ever experienced," said Jiminy Gordon enthusiastically.
+
+"Well, we'll sure create some sensation," said Bud.  "This is going to be
+a complete surprise to everybody.  Has Bruce heard from Chief Blaney yet?
+He sent him our entry for the tournament events last week, you know.  I
+wonder--Here he comes now!  I heard his siren.  That was a mighty quick
+trip to St. Cloud."
+
+Bud and several others rushed to the door.  Coming up the hill at top
+speed was Bruce, his motorcycle fairly flying.  When he caught sight of
+the group in front of the machine shop he began to wave a blue paper
+above his head.
+
+"Hi, fellows, here's our reply from Chief Blaney," he shouted as he
+jumped from his machine.  "I just got it at the house.  Haven't opened it
+yet.  Come on, gather 'round and hear what he has to say."
+
+With eager fingers he tore off the corner of the big envelope and ripped
+open the top.  And as he unfolded the letter every scout pressed closer
+to get a glimpse of its contents.  Bruce began to read aloud:
+
+Mr. Bruce Clifford, Chief of the Scout Engineers' Fire Department.
+
+Dear Sir: Your entry blank and fee for the tournament events reached me.
+I am returning your fee herewith for, unfortunately, your company cannot
+take part in the tournament.  In the first place your organization is
+only a juvenile company, and in the second place it is not an accredited
+member of the Woodbridge Fire Department.
+
+The fact that you have not a charter from the town authorities will also
+prevent your little department from taking an active part in fighting
+fires in this village, for the Champlain Valley Volunteer Firemen's
+Association has passed a ruling preventing any individual not wearing a
+badge of a recognized fire department from entering fire lines or
+participating in fire fighting work.  These rules are rigidly enforced by
+my department.  Very truly yours,
+
+(signed) W.T. Blaney,
+Chief Woodbridge F.D.
+
+"Well, what do you think of that!" exclaimed Romper disgustedly.
+
+"And after all our working and planning," said Jiminy bitterly.
+
+"Oh, we're only juveniles," said Bud sarcastically, turning away to hide
+his feelings.
+
+And as for Bruce, he could hardly believe his eyes.  He re-read the
+letter and when he finished he slowly tore it into little scraps and
+tossed them to the ground.
+
+"Well, fellows," he said with a grim smile, "I fancy 'Old Nanc' won't
+need the flags and bunting I ordered to-day.  And I guess our little fire
+department sort of busts up before it gets started.  If old Blaney is
+such a stickler for regulations they'll never let us fight any fires in
+this town.  Tough luck, isn't it?"
+
+Tournament day had been declared a holiday in Woodbridge.  Stores and
+factories were closed and the village decorated from stable to Town Hall
+with colored streamers, flags and bunting.  Since early morning fire
+companies had been arriving in town headed by bands and drum corps until
+the place was crowded with uniformed figures from every section of
+Vermont.
+
+But in spite of all this gaiety Bruce Clifford and the Boy Scout
+Engineers were dispirited.  Indeed, for the past week they had been very
+unhappy over the turn of affairs.  They tried their hardest to brace up
+and be good sports, but their disappointment was greater than they had
+expected.  On tournament day they wandered about with a cheerless air,
+watching the various companies file into the side streets to await the
+formation of the parade that would be conducted up Webster Avenue to the
+tournament grounds.
+
+They were not so downcast, however, as to ignore the fact that here was
+an excellent opportunity to view a number of fire fighting machines of
+all varieties.  Indeed, they inspected the equipment of every out-of-town
+company they ran across, and in the course of the morning had become
+partly familiar with everything, from an oldfashioned gooseneck hand
+engine to the latest type of hand-drawn chemical engine, the pride of the
+company from Middlebury.  This last appliance was an excellent piece of
+work and Bruce and his friends realized that even, with her new paint and
+shining brass, "Old Nanc" could not compare in general appearance with
+this costly equipment.
+
+Promptly at half-past ten the automobile in which was seated the Mayor,
+Fire Chief Blaney and several other dignitaries, swung into Webster
+avenue.  This was followed by the Woodbridge band and the parade to the
+tournament grounds was under way.  The Boy Scout Engineers reviewed the
+procession from the curb, and when it had passed they hurried by way of a
+short cut across the fields to the tournament grounds, reaching there
+just as the Mayor's car turned in at the big gate.
+
+A makeshift two-story frame building had been constructed in the very
+center of the enclosure, and the village authorities had erected a dozen
+temporary hydrants in a half circle about the front of the building.  The
+plan was to conduct the contests on the level stretch of turf before the
+grandstand, and as a finale set fire to the wooden structure and have a
+real demonstration of fire fighting.
+
+The procession of visiting companies made a circle of the grounds after
+entering the gate while the Mayor reviewed them from his automobile.
+Then after the various engines and hose carts had been parked at the far
+end of the field the Mayor prepared formally to open the ceremonies with
+a speech of welcome.  But he had hardly uttered two sentences when Bruce,
+for some unknown reason turned and looked down Webster avenue towards the
+town.  In the distance he saw a great cloud of black smoke mounting
+skyward above the roofs.  He grasped Bud Weir's arm and shouted:
+
+"Look!  Quick!  Afire!"
+
+And as if to verify his words the far-off clang of the village fire bell
+sounded.
+
+Instantly the tournament grounds were in a turmoil.  Every one raised a
+cry of fire!  In a twinkle the grandstand was empty, but before the crowd
+could reach Webster avenue the companies had begun to leave the
+enclosure.  With a rattle and a clang one engine after another swung into
+the broad avenue.  Then with the old hand equipment of the Woodbridge
+vamps in the van the whole aggregation hurled itself down the street
+toward the village.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+BOY SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Bruce Clifford and the other members of Quarry Troop No. 1, waited only
+to determine the location of the column of smoke that now extended clear
+across the sky, then, selecting the short cut across the field by which
+they had come, they hurried pellmell toward the scene of trouble.
+
+"It's down in the factories!" panted Romper as he ran.
+
+"Yes, I think it's Mayor Worthington's woolen mills," shouted Bud.
+
+"By Jove, I guess you're right," yelled Bruce as they turned into Willow
+Street and saw smoke pouring from the windows of the big brick building
+at the far end of the street.
+
+It was the worst fire that Woodbridge had experienced in years.  By the
+time the firemen reached the scene the whole west end of the building was
+enveloped in flames and a section of the slate roof had already caved in.
+From every window long tongues of red flames darted out like hideous
+serpents' tongues.  Great sparks shot skyward as sections of the west
+wall crumbled and fell into the red hot caldron that had once been the
+building's interior, and the heat was so intense that windows in the
+factory building across the street cracked and crumbled.
+
+It was a fortunate thing for Woodbridge that there was a score of
+visiting fire companies in town, or else the whole south section of the
+village would have been wiped out.  Chief Blaney, almost beside himself
+with anxiety, implored the visiting chiefs for their assistance.  And
+assist him they did.  Every company got its equipment into action and
+lines of hose were strung in some cases nearly half a mile.  There were
+at least a dozen hand engines and two steamers on the banks of Otter
+Creek supplying lines to the fire, not to mention the hundreds of feet of
+hose that were coupled to the village hydrant system in every direction.
+
+But all that the willing vamps could do seemed to no avail.  The fire
+demon was rampant.  He roared full cry through the long brick building,
+consuming everything in his path.  Section after section of roof sagged,
+then fell with a crash and a roar into the flames, sending aloft a shower
+of crackling sparks.
+
+"Thank heavens, this was a holiday.  There's no one in the building,"
+Bruce heard Chief Blaney cry as he hurried past in company with the
+foreman of a visiting company.
+
+But the rubber-coated fire fighter had hardly uttered the words when a
+shout went up from the crowd at the east end of the building, where the
+firm's office was located.  Men with blanched faces and trembling hands
+were pointing towards the big iron barred window that marked the counting
+room.
+
+"O-o-h!  It's old Uriah Watkins!" shrieked Blaney.
+
+Bruce looked and turned sick at the sight.  There, his wrinkled old face
+pressing against the bars, was the aged bookkeeper of the woolen mills.
+One hand was extended between the iron grating in frantic appeal.  The
+other clutched the precious ledgers that the old man had rashly rushed
+into the building to rescue.  His ashen face was set with a horrible
+expression, and his eyes stood out with terror.  Bruce saw his lips move,
+but could not hear his feeble voice above the roar of the flames.
+
+For a moment the scout stood panic stricken.  Then suddenly his lips
+pressed together and his face took on a determined look.  In a flash he
+turned to Bud and gave a few brief orders.  Then, elbowing their way
+through the jam and press about them, the youngsters disappeared and left
+Bruce there alone.
+
+In the meantime a score of vamps had been summoned by Chief Blaney to
+rescue the aged bookkeeper.  They attacked the heavy bars on the window
+with sledges and axes, but with no success.  They tried to pry away the
+bricks with crowbars, but this, too, failed, and it was quite apparent to
+all that if Uriah Watkins was to be saved it could be accomplished only
+by the slow and laborious task of sawing through the bars.  Could this be
+done?  Had they the time to accomplish the task?  Already a nearby
+section of the roof had caved in!  How long would it be before the flames
+reached the office and burned the old man alive?
+
+At this point the figure of a boy in Scout uniform broke through the fire
+lines and rushed up to the side of Chief Blaney.  Standing at attention,
+Bruce saluted in regulation Boy Scout fashion and asked briefly:
+
+"Chief, can the Boy Scout Engineers take a hand in this?  I'll have the
+bars cut in two minutes."
+
+"You will what--!  Why--!"
+
+"Yes, yes, we can do it; I've sent for our fire department--here come
+the Scouts now!"
+
+The shriek of sirens was heard above the din about the factory building
+and the great crowd beheld seven motorcycles tearing down the hill at top
+speed.  And just behind them bowled "Old Nanc" at her best.
+
+"Have I your permission to take a hand?" demanded Bruce.
+
+"Yes! yes! for goodness' sake do anything you can to free him!" cried the
+chief.
+
+The line of motorcycles stopped and hose lines were quickly strung.  But
+the red automobile rumbled on, to come to a halt within ten yards of the
+building.  Already two scouts were unlimbering the oxyhydrogen tanks and
+blow pipe equipment.  Bruce rushed forward to aid them, while Chief
+Blaney looked on quite puzzled for the moment.
+
+Working fast, but with the utmost coolness, Bruce donned a pair of
+asbestos gloves that came with the equipment and attached the blow pipe.
+Romper turned on the gases, while the young leader produced a match and
+ignited the torch.  Instantly a tiny blue flame shot out that hissed and
+sputtered in a threatening manner.
+
+As he advanced toward the window Bruce saw that the old bookkeeper had
+disappeared.  He knew from this that there was no time to be lost, for
+the man had probably fainted and would soon be overcome with smoke.
+Hastily he shot the blue flame at the base of the first bar.  There was a
+hiss and a shower of sparks as the flame met the cold metal.  Bruce
+pressed the blow pipe closer, while he watched with anxious eye the
+progress of the flame.
+
+The bar grew red, then gold, then white.  The heat was terrific.  The bar
+began to melt, slowly first, then faster, until the blue flame ate
+completely through.  Another was attacked, and still another, until the
+scout had cut a hole in the iron grating large enough for a man to pass
+through.
+
+Shouting to Romper to turn off the gas, he dropped the blow pipe, and
+plunging a handkerchief in a fire pail that stood near by, he tied the
+cloth over his nose and mouth.  Then he hoisted himself through the
+window and disappeared.
+
+Inside the smoke was thick and black, but Bruce could see flames dart
+through at the far end of the room, and he knew that in a few moments
+more the place would be seething.
+
+He groped vainly about for the old bookkeeper.  Where was he?  He had
+dropped under the window a moment ago.  Had he tried to crawl to the
+door?  What had happened?
+
+The smoke was so thick that even the moist handkerchief was of no avail.
+Bruce began to strangle.  Then suddenly he remembered the instructions in
+his Handbook.  The air was purest near the floor!
+
+He dropped to his hands and knees, and with his face to the boards he
+began to crawl about, blindly groping for the body of the old bookkeeper.
+His fingers clutched something.  He drew the object toward him and
+peered at it through the smoke.  It was Uriah Watkins doubled in a ball,
+though unconscious and almost suffocated, the faithful old man still
+clasped his precious ledgers.
+
+Bruce knew that unless the man reached the open air immediately he would
+perish.  Also he knew that if they were not both clear of the building in
+a few minutes they would be food for the flames which were even then
+thrusting spiteful tongues under the door at the other end of the room.
+
+Here again the instructions of the Handbook stood the scout in good
+stead.  He knew that it would be next to suicide to stand up and try to
+carry the prostrated form to the window.  The smoke was so thick even
+down there near the floor that he was gasping and choking.
+
+He twisted his hand into the old man's collar and began to crawl, face to
+the floor, back toward the gray space that marked the window through the
+smoke, hauling Uriah after him.  Foot by foot he dragged his burden.  In
+spite of the handkerchief the smoke was getting into his lungs.  His
+chest pained him dreadfully.  Oh, what wouldn't he give for a single breath
+of pure, fresh air!  The eight or ten feet to the side wall seemed like
+eight or ten miles.  Would he never reach there!
+
+Finally his hand struck the wall and he stood erect.  The draught caused
+by the open window was drawing thick smoke out of the building into the
+air.  Bruce knew he could not stand in that current of gases long.
+Pulling Uriah Watkins forward, he raised the limp form and forced it
+through the window ahead of him.  Willing hands seized the old bookkeeper
+and lifted him to safety.
+
+Then, dizzy and sick, Bruce clutched at the ledge and scrambled up.  But
+a dreadful nausea seized him as he knelt on the window sill.  His head
+whirled.  He lost his balance.  He knew he was falling backward into the
+burning building, but he was powerless to save himself.  He gave a
+stifled cry of terror, and in answer the loud voice of Chief Blaney
+boomed in his ear and strong arms encircled his waist.  Then everything
+grew black.
+
+The Boy Scout Engineers never forgot the shout that went up when Chief
+Blaney carried the unconscious form of Bruce to safety.  They were mighty
+proud of their leader.  But they were prouder still when, a week later,
+Bruce was summoned into the presence of Mayor Worthington and Chief
+Blaney and presented with a parchment charter which officially informed
+him that the fire company of Quarry Troop had been officially made a
+member of the Woodbridge Fire Department, to be known thereafter as
+Chemical Company No. 1, with Brewster W. Clifford as the Chief.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WHEN THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN
+
+
+Twelve Scouts, nearly half of Quarry Troop No. 1, now popularly known as
+the Boy Scout Engineers, were gathered in the meeting room at
+headquarters.  In fact, they had been literally driven there when the
+Woodbridge Academy let out at halt past two on Friday afternoon.  You
+see, it was raining so hard that there was no other place to go.  But,
+then, the old machine shop was the best place in the world for the boys,
+rain or shine, so _that_ didn't make much difference.  What really did
+matter was the monotony of it all.  For five days now the region round
+about Woodbridge had been literally deluged with a spring downpour.
+Otter Creek had swollen to twice its normal size, springs were gushing
+from most unheard-of places and rivulets were racing down hillsides that
+usually were, to quote Nipper Knapp, "dry as a smoked herring."
+
+"By George, I do wish this rain would let up.  What we want is a chance
+to get out of doors a bit.  I haven't stretched my legs in a week," said
+Romper Ryan glumly, as he gazed out of the big front window.
+
+"Well," said fat Babe Wilson with his usual sarcasm, "if it don't dry up
+soon the whole blamed world is liable to shrink."  Then, as an after
+thought, he added, "That might bring St. Cloud City so near Woodbridge
+that we could at least see the circus parade."
+
+"Aw-w, what'er you bringing up that circus subject for again," said
+Jiminy Gordon, who didn't like to be reminded of the pleasure he had
+decided to forego.
+
+"Yes," chorused two others who were equally reluctant about facing the
+sacrifice they had voted themselves;  "forget about that blooming
+circus."
+
+"Say, you fellows needn't hop on me just because I want to have a little
+fun with you," protested Babe.  "I'm as good a sport as any of you.
+Don't you suppose I agreed when you voted not to go to the circus.  I
+know it would be foolish to spend most of the thirty dollars in the
+troop's treasury for a day's outing.  You needn't talk, Jiminy Gordon;
+you were the first one to suggest the idea last week when you saw the man
+posting the bills."
+
+"Yes, I know I was," said Jiminy, somewhat embarrassed, "but I said it
+without thinking.  When we got to discussing it last night I saw how
+ridiculous it was.  By Jiminy, I'd rather see the money go toward a new
+camping outfit, or the lumber for the troop's power boat.  I wouldn't
+spend that thirty dollars to see three circuses, I wouldn't."
+
+Judging from the conversation, the circus question referred to had died a
+hard death.  To tell the truth, its demise had really been quite painful
+so far as most of the boys were concerned, for all of them had rather
+liked the idea of being able to enjoy "the World's Mightiest, Most
+Magnificent Combination of Clever Animals and Human Skill and Daring,"
+etc., which was booked to show in St. Cloud City a few days hence.
+
+For a week the temptation to spend the troop's thirty dollars had haunted
+the lads day and night, until finally with a great effort they had laid
+the ghost by a unanimous vote that the money must not be spent on the
+profitless amusement.  It really was a sacrifice, for every Scout had set
+his heart on a hike to St. Cloud and a day crowded full of gaiety and
+glitter, not to mention a stomach crowded fuller with peanuts, popcorn
+and lemonade.
+
+"Fellows, I am just as much disappointed as the rest," said Bruce
+Clifford, leader of the Owl patrol,  "but I think we decided wisely last
+night.  We can all do without going to the circus, even if it is the
+biggest one that has visited this neck of the woods in years.  The
+possibility of a new set of tents or the lumber for a motorboat appeals
+to me more than blowing the money in on a show; that is, it does when I
+stop and think soberly about it."
+
+"Right-o!" said Romper.
+
+"That's what I call common sense," asserted Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Just the way we all should look at it," insisted Bud Weir, leader of the
+Blue Heron patrol.  "And if we were to--sh!  Listen, fellows!  Some
+one's calling!" In an instant everybody was silent.
+
+Bruce inclined his head toward the wire room at the other end of the
+building where the headquarters' telegraph key and the instruments
+connected with the wireless aerials on the roof were located.  Out of the
+doorway seemed to tumble a confusion of dots and dashes quite
+unintelligible to any one not familiar with the Morse International Code.
+
+....-.-,....-.-,..-.-..-.-..-..--.
+
+"Headquarters, Ford calling," read Bruce.  "Fellows, Mr. Ford is trying
+to raise us.  Wonder what he wants!"
+
+He hurried into the wire room with the rest at his heels, and taking the
+low operator's chair opened the key and answered the call.  Then he
+closed it again and waited.  The boys were all attention, for most of
+them were second-class scouts and could "read" Morse well.
+
+"Mayor--Worthington--just--'phoned--me," clicked the instrument.
+"Wants--to--see--Scouts--at--Town--Hall--at--four--I--would--like--to--
+have--you--go. -- Ford--Asst--S'ct--M's't'r--3:10--p--m."
+
+"All--right--Shall--we--wear--uniforms--Bruce--L'd'r--Owl--P't'r'l--
+3:12--p--m," Bruce flashed back over the wire.
+
+"Yes--careful--don't--get--too--wet--G'd--by--Ford--3:14--p--m," came
+the answer.
+
+"Cracky!  Something interesting!  Wonder what's up!" said Bruce
+excitedly, as he began calling on the loop telegraph wire that was
+connected to an instrument in every Scout's home.
+
+The three patrols of Quarry Troop stood at attention in the broad
+corridor of the Woodbridge Town Hall, awaiting the coming of Mayor
+Worthington.  Their campaign hats were water-soaked, and rain dripped
+from the edge of their slickers and gathered in little pools about their
+feet.  They must have been uncomfortable.   But if they were, they gave
+no signs of it.  All their attention was riveted on the doors that led
+the way into the Mayor's private office.
+
+Presently these doors swung open, and the tall, broad-shouldered figure
+of the town's chief executive strode forth, followed by his secretary and
+Timothy Cockran, the Commissioner of Streets and Highways.  Every back
+stiffened and every hand went up in salute as these men advanced and took
+their position in front of Bruce, the recognized spokesman of the troop.
+The Mayor acknowledged the salute in quite the proper manner, as did the
+others; then, clearing his throat, he spoke.
+
+"Scouts, I have asked you here because you can be of service to
+Woodbridge.  The town needs you.  Are you willing to do a good turn for
+the welfare of us all?"
+
+"We're ready for anything, sir.  We try to do a good turn daily, rain or
+shine," said Bruce, once more saluting.
+
+And his answer was echoed by the score or more of brown-clad youths
+ranged in line beside him.
+
+"Thank you, Scouts," said Mr. Worthington, crisply.  "Now to business.
+The rains of the last few days have raised havoc in this end of Champlain
+Valley.  So much water has fallen that the high roads leading north and
+south on either side of the valley have been made dangerous by wash outs
+and landslides.  In several places the banks have slipped down from
+above, but the most dangerous sections are those where the roads have
+been washed away almost entirely.  Vehicles traveling at night are very
+apt to have serious upsets and the life and limb of the occupants are
+endangered, in spite of the fact that we have marked the washouts with
+red lanterns hung on short posts.
+
+"What I would like to have you boys do is to organize a road patrol to
+keep a careful watch over these red lamps and see that they are all
+lighted between the hours of nightfall and midnight at least.  After
+twelve o'clock there is hardly enough traffic to make the patrolling
+worth while.  The first patrol can light the lamps at a given hour and
+thereafter at certain intervals Scout patrols can visit each lamp and see
+that it is in good working order.  How would you like the job, boys?"
+
+"Fine!" shouted some.
+
+"Just the kind of work we like," cried others.
+
+"All right," said the Mayor, shortly.  "Scouts, you are hereby appointed
+Guardians of the High ways by order of the Mayor and the Commissioner of
+Streets and Highways.  Each morning at half past eight one of your number
+will be expected to make a report at the Town Hall of the night's work."
+
+"The Commissioner here has a map of these thoroughfares showing each
+washout and just where each lamp is located.  You can organize your
+patrols this afternoon and start to-night.  I think the storm will be
+somewhat abated by that time.  It is letting up a little now.  Good-day
+and good luck."
+
+Though the rain had decreased considerably the Scouts lost little time in
+getting from the Town Hall to Scout headquarters, where the details of
+organizing the road patrols were worked out.  It required the rest of the
+afternoon to do this, and the dinner hour arrived almost before the boys
+were aware of the time.
+
+"Say, fellows, this is going to be fine," said Bud Weir.  Then, glancing
+out of the window, he exclaimed:  "By Jove, the storm's nearly over; the
+clouds are breaking out there beyond the mountains.  This will be a fine
+night for--Cracky, fellows, I almost forgot; the circus comes through
+town to-night.  It will come down the valley from Collinsville and take
+the north road to St. Cloud."
+
+"By George, you're right," exclaimed Bruce.  "Say, fellows, that makes
+our work doubly important.  These heavy circus vans may get into trouble
+if all the lamps aren't in good order.  You fellows be sure and report
+for duty, will you?"
+
+"Don't worry; there'll be enough of us to patrol to-night.  I guess we're
+all going to stay up and see the circus go through town, if it isn't
+raining, aren't we, fellows?" asked Bud.  And from the chorus of
+affirmatives it was evident that few of the troop would be abed when the
+"World's Mightiest, Most Magnificent Combination of Clever Animals and
+Human Skill and Daring" rumbled through town.
+
+By seven o'clock the rain had stopped entirely and, when the
+lamp-lighting patrols started out in the gloaming, the storm clouds were
+fast disappearing in the southwest, their edges splashed with the gold
+and vermilion fire of the setting sun.
+
+Indeed, by the time the second patrol had reported back at headquarters
+and the third group of night watchers had started out, a big yellow moon
+had appeared and the stars were twinkling merrily up above.
+
+After the last patrol had been gone an hour the Scouts who, when their
+duties were finished, had gathered in headquarters, moved on to the top
+of Otter Creek hill.  They had decided that this would be the best place
+to watch the coming of the circus cavalcade.
+
+The valley presented a queer appearance at that hour.  Here and there
+were red lights standing out against the darkness, while from various
+points along the highway came the glow of tiny battery lamps as the
+Scouts signaled to each other.
+
+"They look like a lot of fireflies," said Bruce, after he had watched the
+series of dots and dashes that the boys were flashing back and forth.
+
+"Yes," said Bud, "just like mighty big fli--.  Hi, fellows, here comes the
+circus!  See 'em--that string of lights coming down Willow Street--hear
+that rumble of the wagons?"
+
+"Sure enough!" exclaimed Bruce, who was as enthusiastic as the rest.
+
+Up the long hill, in view of the group of wide-eyed and thoroughly
+interested boys, came the phantom-like caravan.  A string of swinging
+lanterns fastened to the center pole of each wagon marked its course.
+
+First in line were the grumbling and rumbling red and blue animal vans,
+followed by two rattling canvas wagons.  Then a troop of little black and
+white ponies appeared hitched in fours to light gilt and red vehicles
+that held all sorts of odds and ends.  In the rear of the ponies followed
+the camels; great, long-legged creatures that grunted at every stride as
+if they were indignant at being kept up so late.  Gaudy band wagons, the
+cook's outfit and a heterogeneous assortment of vehicles came next, all
+of them moving slowly up the hill while the drivers dozed in their seats.
+
+"Say, isn't it great?" cried Romper Ryan as he took in every little
+detail.
+
+"You bet it is!" returned Babe Wilson, breathlessly.  "I wonder where the
+elephants are.  Oh, here they come!"
+
+The clank of chains could be heard above the grumble of the wagons, and a
+moment later five huge elephants appeared out of the darkness.  They
+lumbered along sleepily, their massive heads and long trunks swaying from
+side to side at every stride.  The forelegs of each beast were chained
+together with stout links of iron, but there was little need of fetters,
+for the animals were apparently so docile that the idea of running away
+seemed farthest from their minds.   The leader of the drove was, of
+course, the largest and apparently the meekest, for as he scuffled by the
+Scouts the boys saw that he walked with his tiny eyes closed exactly as
+if he were asleep.
+
+A string of a dozen red vans followed the elephants, and at the very rear
+of the line was the big steam calliope.  It was muffled and silent now,
+out its driver was snoring lustily as if to keep its reputation.
+
+"Gee, but that was worth staying up to see," said Ray Martin, the first
+to find his tongue, after the cavalcade had passed on down the valley.
+
+"You bet it was," said Bruce.  "Jove, I'm almost sorry we decided--Say!
+Look!  Something has happened!  See the lights down there by the old
+quarry hole?  The circus has stopped!  Look, there are some signals!
+It's the patrol!  Can you read them?"
+
+"'We--need--help.  Elephant--in--in--'
+What the dickens is he talking about?  I couldn't get that last, could
+you, Bruce?" asked Bud Weir.
+
+"Yes; he said that an elephant is in the quarry hole.  By George, one of
+those big beasts has fallen down into Tollen's old quarry.  There was a
+washout down there.  Come on, fellows!" And the Scouts started at top
+speed down the North Valley road toward the scene of trouble.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A SCOUT IS RESOURCEFUL
+
+
+Bedlam reigned at the quarry hole.  A score of frantic circus men were
+shouting orders at each other, lanterns were bobbing about among the
+wagons, and every one was beside himself with excitement.  One little
+gray-haired man seemed almost distraught over the situation.  He was
+storming up and down the road, alternately roaring commands and
+delivering tirades against everything in general.  It was quite evident
+that he was the manager of the outfit.
+
+"Now we're in a fine mess," he thundered as he strode to the edge of the
+quarry and peered down into the darkness.  "It's so dogon dark down there
+we can't even see th' brute.  How'll we ever get him out?  That's what I
+want to know.  Hang the man who's responsible for this mess!  Gol-ding
+t'--_wush_--_phew_."
+
+His soliloquy on the brink of the quarry hole ended abruptly when with a
+snort the elephant shot a trunk full of water out of the darkness,
+bowling the little man over and drenching every thing and everybody.
+
+"Kill t' beast!  Kill him, Gol--ding his hide!" screamed the dripping
+manager as he picked himself up out of the mud.  But he was such a
+comical figure that every one shouted with laughter.
+
+To Bruce and the Scouts the whole situation was extremely humorous.
+Evidently the lead elephant had wandered into the washout and lost his
+footing.  The next thing he knew he had slid with a big splash into the
+quarry hole.  And then, having a fondness for water and seeing no way to
+climb up the twenty-foot wall of rocks, he had decided to stay there and
+have a thoroughly good time.
+
+But Bruce realized that they could not indulge their humor long, for as
+guardians of the road it was their duty to give all the assistance they
+could.  Hastily the patrol leader made an inspection of the pit by the
+light of his pocket flash.  He remembered a derrick on one side of the
+cut.  And he hastened to look that over, for already he was beginning to
+form plans for getting the beast out of trouble.
+
+He noted with satisfaction that the derrick had been only partly
+dismantled and that the rusty steel cable was coiled up in a pile beside
+the heavy upright.  Then he returned to the roadside and approached the
+agitated little manager.
+
+"We are the Guardians of the Highways for Woodbridge, sir," he said, "and
+we would--"
+
+"You are the WHAT!" roared the manager.
+
+"The Guardians of the Highways and--"
+
+"Well, why in tarnation didn't yuh guard 'em then?  I--I--I--"
+
+Bruce interrupted the sputtering manager by pointing to the red light.
+
+"There's our light.  We did our part.  It must have been your fault.  But
+no matter; we'll help you get the animal out of the quarry if you'll let
+us.
+
+"How'll yuh do it?  Haven't got a thing in my outfit t' pull him out
+with."
+
+"Oh, we'll do it all right," said Bruce.  Then briefly he outlined his
+plan to the skeptical circus manager.  And when he had finished talking
+the old man looked at him in amazement.
+
+"Can you do all that?" he demanded.
+
+"Sure we can," said Bruce.  "We're the Boy Scout Engineers.  Just loan me
+some of your canvas men who know how to rig a block and tackle and we'll
+have the elephant on his way to St. Cloud by daylight at the latest."
+
+"All right, I'll go you," said the manager.
+
+Bruce gathered about him all the Scouts not doing patrol duty.
+
+"Fellows," he said, "we can get the elephant out of the hole all right,
+but it will mean some hard work.  I want you, Romper, to go back to
+Woodbridge and tell the parents of every fellow here that we have serious
+work to do.  Tell them not to worry if we don't get back until late.
+Then I want the Owl Patrol to go to headquarters and get all the No. 10
+wire we have on hand, load it on a couple of wheelbarrows and start
+stringing a line from our switchboard in the machine shop down to the
+quarry hole here.
+
+"String it along the fences and where you have to cross Druery road put
+it overhead from tree to tree.  Remember, no monkeying with the telegraph
+or telephone poles!  We can be arrested for anything like that.  Romper,
+you can stop in and ask Mr. Ford if he won't go up to Headquarters and
+connect up the new line.  I don't think we should fuss with the
+switchboard at night.
+
+"Now, I want the Blue Herons to go to headquarters and disconnect the big
+five-horsepower motor on the lathe.  Load it aboard 'Old Nanc' and bring
+it down here as fast as you can.  On your way turn in at Druery road and
+run up to the Baldwin quarries.  Ask Dave Porter, the night foreman
+there, if you can borrow the largest and heaviest blasting mat he has.
+We'll need that.  Now hurry, fellows."
+
+The Scouts started off immediately, and Bruce turned to the circus
+manager.
+
+"Now, if you'll bring your canvas men along, I'll give them a good, hard
+job.  It's one we boys couldn't handle.  Are you ready?"
+
+"Sure!" said the manager.  Then to his men, "Come on, boys!"
+
+Bruce led the group around the quarry hole to the north side and pointed
+out the derrick and the coil of rusted steel cable.
+
+"Here's what we'll lift the elephant out with, providing the boom will
+hold and your men can string the heavy cable through the pulleys at
+night."
+
+"Huh! our end of it is no trick for a bunch of canvasbacks," said the
+foreman of the gang.  "Get busy, boys, quick now!  Some of you bring some
+gasoline torches so's we kin see!  Move now, you fellers!"
+
+In five minutes the circus men were working like beavers, weaving the
+cable through the pulleys, placing the heavy boom and getting the derrick
+fitted up for service.  The system and speed with which the trained tent
+riggers went about their task was nothing short of marvelous to Bruce.
+He watched them almost fascinated until the little manager came up and
+claimed his attention.
+
+"Look here you feller, I ain't sure your scheme is goin' t' work out,"
+said he, skeptically.  "How'er we goin' t' get some light into t' hole t'
+see the brute?  These gasoline torches can't be lowered down there.  The
+elephant would go wild and probably drowned hisself, an' if--"
+
+"I'm figuring on using the headlights of Old Nanc (that's the troop's
+automobile we built last winter) for searchlights.  They are powerful
+enough and can be turned anywhere we need 'em.  There, you can get a look
+at them now.  That's Old Nanc on her way here."
+
+Up the road sounded a siren, and the little manager turned to see two
+headlights bowling toward him.  It was Old Nanc loaded down with the
+heavy motor, blasting mat and tools.
+
+"Fine, Bud; you made a fast trip.  How are the wire stringers getting
+along?" shouted Bruce to the Scout who was driving the machine.
+
+"We passed them about a hundred and fifty yards from here.  They are
+coming along in fine shape."
+
+"Good," said Bruce.  "Now bring Old Nanc right up to the edge of the
+quarry hole.  We want to shine her headlights down into there and see
+what it looks like below.  Some of the circus men can unload the motor,
+and Nipper, you can show them how to set it up on the derrick platform.
+And while all this is going on, Babe, you take charge of making a sling.
+Take this blasting mat and get a couple of circus men to help you head a
+section of cable to each of the four corners.  Fasten the ends together
+around that rusty derrick hook attached to the end of the cable.  Hurry
+it, will you, fellows?"
+
+With the help of some of the "canvas-backs," the automobile was worked
+off of the road and into the field on the north side of the quarry hole
+near the derrick.  Then it was pushed cautiously toward the edge of the
+pit and its wheels blocked by some big pieces of marble so that it would
+not roll into the hole.  The rays of the headlights dispelled the
+darkness below immediately and there was His Highness the Elephant,
+almost submerged, looking up at them with his ridiculously small eyes.
+
+"Huh!  Consarn it!  I _knew_ you kids was playin' me fer a fool," roared
+the circus manager when he looked into the cut.  "How'er you're goin' to
+hitch anything around _that_ animal, I'd like to know?"
+
+"We don't intend to hitch anything around him.  We're going to make a
+sling of that big blasting mat and raise him out that way."
+
+"Yes!" roared the furious manager, "but how in tarnation are you going to
+get it _under_ his belly?  Think some one is going down there and dive
+between his legs with your blooming old sling, do yuh?  That animal is
+nearly all under water, remember."
+
+To tell the truth, that question _had_ been bothering Bruce from the
+first.  He had hoped that the water was only two or three feet deep.  But
+there was at least ten feet of drainage in the quarry hole!  He stood
+beside Old Nanc and bit his lips in his embarrassment.  Luck seemed
+against him.  Was everything going to fall through at the last moment?
+
+He did not answer the irate manager, but began to turn one of the
+headlights slowly so its rays illuminated the west wall of the hole.
+Then suddenly the light paused, and a smile crept over the boy's face.
+The white beams had revealed to him a shelf of marble two feet above the
+water-line and at least ten feet across, skirting the lower edge of the
+west wall.  He saw defeat turned into victory!
+
+"Will that elephant mind his trainer?"  Bruce demanded of the manager.
+
+"Huh!  Will he?  Well, you'd better guess he will!" stormed the man.
+
+"Then everything is simple.  You lower the trainer in a bo'son's chair
+over the west wall there and down to that ledge of marble.  He can coax
+the animal out of the water and up on the rocks, and after that we can
+send a couple more men down with the sling and they can do the rest.  See
+the plan?"
+
+"Well, I'll be hanged!  You win, young feller," said the manager, smiling
+for the first time since the accident.
+
+At this point the lads of the Owl Patrol reached the quarry hole
+trundling several empty wheelbarrows.  Jiminy Gordon was carrying the
+remains of the last roll of wire.
+
+"Here we are, Bruce, ready to connect up, but you'd better believe
+building a line at night is no easy job, by Jiminy."
+
+"Guess it isn't," said Bruce in a businesslike tone.  "Is Mr. Ford at
+headquarters?"
+
+"Yes, he's waiting to turn on the current whenever he gets your signal."
+
+"Great!" said Bruce.  "I was a little worried about that.  There isn't
+any real danger, but you might have made a ground or a short circuit and
+upset everything."  Then turning to Nipper Knapp, he shouted, "How about
+the motor, Nipper?"
+
+"Set and ready for connections," shouted the Scout.
+
+"Right-o!  Then we'll have Mr. Elephant out of the hole in a jiffy,"
+shouted Bruce, as he seized the two ends of the wires and began to bend
+them about the terminals of the motor.  He worked with speed and accuracy
+and the little circus manager could not help commenting on his skill as
+an electrician.
+
+"Hum!  I guess you lads know what you're doin', all right," he said.
+
+"Well, we hope our efforts are successful," said Bruce.  Then he added,
+"It's time you sent your trainer down there on the ledge to get the
+elephant out of the water."
+
+"Don't worry, son; we ain't losin' no time on our end of this game.  He's
+down there now an'--."
+
+Shouts of laughter from the crowd assembled around the edge of the hole
+interrupted the little manager.
+
+He and Bruce both looked up involuntarily.  Then they, too, burst into
+uproarious laughter at the spectacle.
+
+The trainer had gone down onto the ledge with an armful of bread loaves
+to tempt the elephant out of the water.  There he stood holding out a
+loaf invitingly while the elephant, still half submerged, held his great
+mouth open and his trunk aloft expecting the man to toss the bread toward
+him.  But this was not the trainer's intention.
+
+"Come on, Toby; come on.  Yuh gotta come out t' git this meal," he
+called.
+
+The elephant moved a little closer and waved his trunk aloft impatiently
+as if beckoning the trainer to toss the loaf.
+
+"Oh, no, yuh don't.  Come on out, Toby; come on--Hi! Go! ding yuh,
+leggo!-- Hi!  _Help!_ Help!"
+
+Toby had refused to be tempted any longer. The waving trunk descended
+and wrapped quickly about the trainer's leg.  Then slowly the animal
+began to pull the man toward the water.  The trainer was startled half
+to death.  He dropped the bread and began to struggle mightily, for the
+black water looked cold to him even though the elephant did seem to enjoy
+it.  He clutched at the smooth marble floor and tried to brace himself with
+his unincumbered leg, shouting lustily all the time.
+
+"Hi! help me!  Help!  Kill th' beast!  I don' wanna git a duckin'!
+I--I--got a cold in--my--" _Splash--blub--blub--blub--_
+
+Toby's black little eyes seemed to twinkle with mischief as he gave a
+final tug and plunged the trainer into the water.  Then while the man
+floundered about, the animal deliberately put his two front feet onto the
+edge of the shelf and reached out toward the pile of loaves.  One by one
+he picked them up and deftly slipped them into his mouth, disregarding
+the shouts of the trainer.
+
+But once in the water the man decided that he would stay in and drive the
+elephant out.
+
+"Hi, Jerry," he shouted.  "Throw me down the pike.  I'll git the blasted
+critter out o' here if it takes me all night!"
+
+Jerry tossed the short pike pole down onto the shelf and the trainer
+climbed out to get it.  When the elephant saw the pole he immediately
+began to wade across the quarry hole.
+
+"Oh, no, yuh don't, Toby.  I'll git yuh, now," shouted the man, as he
+plunged back into the water and began to swim toward the beast.
+
+"Git outa here, yuh brute," he thundered, when he came alongside the huge
+bulk.  And he accentuated his command by jabbing the pike deep into the
+beast's hide.  As meekly as a lamb the elephant turned around, after
+allowing the trainer to climb onto the top of his head, he waded toward
+the shelf and climbed out of the water without the slightest sign of
+rebellion.
+
+"There, consarn his pesky hide, he's out now," said the little manager to
+Bruce, who was still laughing over the comical antics of the big beast.
+
+"Good," said the lad.  Then, turning, he called to Babe, "Hi! how about
+the blasting mat sling--is it finished?"
+
+"Yes, it's ready," shouted the fat Scout.
+
+"Well, then, we're all in good shape," said the patrol leader, inspecting
+the outfit.  "Now for business.  Ho, Jiminy, flash Mr. Ford the signal."
+
+Instantly Gordon bounded out of the circle of light and climbed the
+nearest stone pile.  Then with his battery he began to flash the Morse
+code toward headquarters, where Mr. Ford was waiting.  The circus manager
+took the whole performance in with wide eyes.
+
+"Say, hang it all, you Scouts know a thing or two, don't yuh?"
+
+"Yes, we know enough to be fairly helpful," said Bruce modestly.  Then,
+as he saw Mr. Ford flash back his O.K., he said, "Now we'll let 'er go."
+
+He seized the reverse lever on the motor and threw it over.  The derrick
+drums squeaked a moment before settling down to a business-like grumble.
+Then the rusted steel cable, with the improvised blasting mat sling
+dangling at its end, was played out swiftly until the mass of woven rope
+settled down on the ledge beside the circus men, who were hard at work
+putting chains about the elephant's feet and trunk so that he could not
+squirm about in the sling.  The adjusting of the heavy affair was no easy
+task, but the men worked with a will and a few moments later Bruce caught
+their signal that all was ready.
+
+For a moment he paused with his hand on the starting switch.  He was
+almost afraid to throw it into position.  "Oh, if the boom will only
+hold," he whispered to himself, for to have his plans fail now would have
+been more than he could endure.
+
+He moved the switch.  There was a slight arc as contact was made.  Then
+slowly the motor began to turn.  The boom stiffened and creaked ominously
+as the cable tightened.  He pushed the switch over another notch.  The
+big animal was lifted off its feet!
+
+Would the boom hold?  Bruce and every member of the troop stood tense and
+silent, as they saw the big body of the elephant dangling over the pit.
+He was lifted a foot, two feet,  _five_ feet!  He was snorting and
+squirming in protest, and Bruce's heart almost stopped when he saw the
+boom give under his weight.
+
+"Oh, if he would only hold still!" muttered the boy.  "He'll smash the
+timber, sure."
+
+The patrol leader pushed the switch over still another notch and the
+motor began to hum and sputter.  The beast was raised ten feet, fifteen
+feet, eighteen, twenty.  Now he was on the level with the top of the
+quarry!
+
+Slowly the boom began to work in, creaking and snapping under the strain.
+Splinters were raising here and there on the timber.  Bruce knew it was
+only a matter of seconds now before the great stick would be shattered.
+The elephant was but a few feet from safety.  Canvas men were reaching
+out over the quarry's edge to seize the side of the sling.  They gripped
+it!  They pulled and tugged, and with a prodigious squeak the boom swung
+over.  Then with a crash it buckled, dropping the elephant on the very
+brink of the hole!
+
+Fortunately, the timber did not part entirely or some one would have been
+killed.  The lacing of steel derrick cable held it in place, and
+everything was safe.
+
+It took the Scouts and the circus men a brief instant to realize this,
+and when they did a cheer went up that must have waked the villagers in
+Woodbridge.
+
+The little circus manager was delighted.  He rushed up and grasped
+Bruce's hand.
+
+"Fine work, young feller!  Fine work, I say!  Now you Scouts all git home
+and tumble into bed.  My men will clean things up here in fine shape.
+It's half-past three.  Sleep 'til ten o'clock and by that time a couple
+of my best vans will be at that buildin' yuh call headquarters waitin' t'
+take yuh t' St. Cloud.  Yer goin' t' be my guests at t' circus er I'll
+know the reason why."
+
+"Gee, that's mighty good," said Bruce, excitedly.  "How about it,
+fellows?  We don't mind taking _that_ sort of pay for a good turn, do
+we?"
+
+"You bet we don't," shouted the Scouts, enthusiastically.  And a few
+moments later they fell in line and started off toward Woodbridge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+HELPING TO MAKE THE MOVIES
+
+
+"Whe-e-e-o-o-o! whe-e-e-o-o-o! whe-e-e-o-o-o!" screamed the siren as
+Bruce Clifford's motorcycle came to a halt in front of the Weir cottage
+on Willow Street.  Then:
+
+"Hi, Bud--bud-de-de!  Hello-o-o, Bud!  Come on, wake up!" shouted the
+leader of the Owl Patrol, cupping his hands about his mouth and directing
+his voice toward an upstairs window.  A moment later the window in
+question opened and Bud in his undershirt, with a towel in one hand and a
+cake of soap in the other, appeared.
+
+"What're you making such a row for?  I'm awake," he shouted rather
+irritably, for Bud really never became thoroughly cheerful until after he
+had had his breakfast.
+
+"Say, Bud, the highway bridge over Muddy Brook--the one just below the
+railroad tracks on Lake Road;  has gone down under a big motor truck full
+of scenery and things belonging to the Historical Motion Picture Company,
+the outfit that has been taking Revolutionary War pictures over near
+Ticonderoga.  The machine's half under water and the men need help.
+There's a chance for the Scouts to get busy.  Are you with us?"
+
+"You bet I am.  I'll be to headquarters in three winks," said the leader
+of the Blue Heron Patrol, considerably better natured.
+
+"Fine!  Hurry now!  I'm off to headquarters to call the rest of the
+fellows together," said Bruce, as he started his motorcycle and shot up
+the long incline that led to the machine-shop headquarters of Quarry
+Troop No. 1, of Woodbridge, popularly known as the Boy Scout Engineers.
+
+The leader of the Owls had left home a little after daylight that morning
+with fishing pole and creel strapped to his machine, for he intended
+trying the brown trout in Concord valley.  But when he reached the little
+highway bridge where the Lake Road crossed a shallow brook near the
+Rutland Railroad tracks, a situation presented itself that banished all
+thought of trout fishing.
+
+The ends of the bridge timbers had rotted away from dampness and under
+the weight of a big motor truck had parted from their stone pier.  Their
+collapse had projected the heavy vehicle front first into the stream, so
+that its hood was jammed against the abutment, while its hind wheels
+still remained on the sloping bridge floor.  The chauffeur and his two
+assistants stood surveying the scene in a most dejected attitude.
+
+Of course Bruce stopped at the stream and looked over the situation,
+asking innumerable questions.  But the men were not in a pleasant frame
+of mind and gave him only disagreeable answers, which nettled the scout
+to the point of exclaiming:
+
+"Huh, if you weren't so grouchy about it, I'd like to try help you get
+out of the mess you are in.  Maybe we could help a great deal.  I'm a
+member of the Boy Scout Engineers, and it is just our fun to lend a hand
+in a fix like this."
+
+The chauffeur looked at the lad in amazement for a moment.  Then he spoke
+in milder tones.
+
+"Excuse me, son.  I didn't mean t' be so nasty.  If you fellows will give
+us a hand, we'd be mighty much obliged.  I know what the scouts are.
+I've met 'em before."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said Bruce.  "We'll be here with block
+and tackle in less than an hour.  In the meantime, get your truck
+unloaded," and, turning about, he raced back to town, stopping only to
+awaken Bud Weir before reaching headquarters.
+
+Entering the home of the troop, he hurried to the wire-room on the second
+floor and began calling the scouts from breakfast.  The telegraph line
+leading from headquarters was a big loop that extended through the town
+and connected with an instrument in the home of every second class scout,
+and all the boys could be called to headquarters in a jiffy.
+
+When his summons had been answered by most of the boys, Bruce hurried
+downstairs and proceeded to get  "Old Nanc," the troop's homemade
+automobile, ready for service.  Into it he loaded all the manila rope he
+could lay hands on, as well as blocks and pulleys, chains, crowbars,
+axes, sledges and everything else that might come in handy.
+
+By the time this work was well under way the scouts began to arrive and
+lend a hand.  They came on motor cycle and on foot until there were
+twenty-odd gathered at headquarters.  And when they were all assembled,
+Bruce outlined briefly the situation at the Lake Road bridge and gave
+them his idea of how the task should be handled.  Of course, they were
+all eager to undertake the work, and in a few minutes they were on their
+way to the scene of trouble.
+
+The chauffeur and his men had done as Bruce suggested, and when the lads
+arrived they found two great stacks of canvas scenery by the roadside.
+They gave this only a moment's inspection, however, for they had work
+before them.  With as much system as a trained army corps they began to
+unload the coils of rope and the pulleys.  Then, under Bruce's direction,
+several wove the cordage into a block and tackle arrangement.  This done,
+a group headed by Romper Ryan removed shoes and stockings and began to
+ford the shallow stream, carrying the block and tackle with them.  In no
+time they had one of the pulleys lashed to a substantial maple tree by
+the roadside.  The other pulley was fastened to the back end of the
+automobile truck, which was still on the sloping floor of the bridge.
+
+When this was completed the single strand of rope on which they were to
+haul was passed back across the stream and attached to the rear axle of
+"Old Nanc."
+
+Then came the test of the boys' engineering skill.  At the request of
+Bruce the scouts all seized the rope to assist "Old Nanc" in hauling the
+big machine backward up the grade.  Bud, the official driver of the
+troop's automobile, climbed to his place and everything was ready.
+
+"Now, all together!  Pull!" shouted Bruce, and at the command every scout
+arched his shoulders and hauled his hardest, while "Old Nanc's" engine
+began to cough and grumble furiously.
+
+The tackle grew taut.  The pulleys squeaked and groaned and the bridge
+timbers protested in like manner as the big truck began to move.  Up it
+crawled, inch by inch.  Now the hood was out of water!  A moment later
+the rear wheels were onto the road!  Slowly but surely it was lifted out
+of the brook until, finally, with a mighty tug, the lads backed it clear
+off the bridge and safely onto the highway.
+
+"Fine!" shouted the chauffeur.  "I knew you scouts were the bully boys.
+But, say, fellows, how's the machine going to get across the stream!  We
+are bound for Woodbridge, you know, and we're on the wrong side of the
+busted bridge now."
+
+"Oh, maybe we can work that out some way," said Bruce.  "I guess we'll
+try to make a pair of shears out of a couple of fence rails, then hitch
+the block and tackle to the bridge floor and hoist it back to its proper
+level again.  The rest of the fellows will get all of the discarded
+railroad ties they can find along the tracks over yonder and build a
+square crib under the bridge.  They can lay the ties on top of each other
+in log cabin fashion and I guess that will hold up the bridge under your
+machine.  It will make the crossing safe until the town authorities can
+put new bridge timber in place, too."
+
+"Sounds mighty sensible," said the chauffeur.  "Will it take long?"
+
+"I don't think so.  It's only half past ten now.  Here comes the ten
+thirty Montreal Special," said Bruce, as the Canadian flyer shot around a
+bend in the railroad tracks, her whistle screaming her approach to the
+Woodbridge station.
+
+"Come on, then, let's get busy right away.  Perhaps we can have the
+machine into Woodbridge by noon," said the chauffeur.  Then, to his
+assistants, he called.  "Hi, you fellows, git over there to the railroad
+tracks and pick up some o' those old ties.  Go along with the scouts.
+They know old ones from new ones."
+
+All the lads, except two or three of the older boys, waded the brook and
+started out after crib building material.  The others remained to help
+Bruce rig up the shears and put the block and tackle into place.
+
+Fortunately, section gangs had been working on the railroad recently,
+putting in new ties, and there were any number of discarded timbers along
+the embankment.  These the lads appropriated, for they knew that the
+railroad men no longer wanted them and that sooner or later a bonfire
+would be made of them.  The heavy timbers were piled up on the bank of
+the brook as fast as the scouts could find them, and by the time Bruce
+and his helpers had hitched the block and tackle to the sagging bridge
+the crib builders were ready to begin work.
+
+Raising the bridge floor was accomplished quickly, for the wooden
+structure was nowhere near as heavy as the auto truck.  Indeed, "Old
+Nanc" managed to haul it up all alone.  This accomplished, the scouts
+waded into the water again, and, working in pairs, carried the railroad
+ties to a point just under the broken structure.  The first two ties were
+put up and down stream and weighted with stones to keep them from
+floating away.  Two more were then placed across the stream on top of the
+first set, exactly like logs in a cabin.  Then, like bees, the boys
+traveled back and forth to the bank, carrying the heavy ties, until
+finally the crib was constructed snugly under the bridge flooring with
+two heavy cross timbers resting safely on top.
+
+When the tackle was finally removed and the bridge platform settled into
+place and gave every indication of being safely propped up by the crib,
+the scouts gave a ringing cheer, for their efforts had been successful.
+
+And, as if in answer to the cheer, the loud honking of a motor horn was
+heard and a big red motor car containing one man and the driver came
+tearing down the road.
+
+"Here comes our manager, Mr. Dickle!" exclaimed the chauffeur when he saw
+the machine.
+
+Mr. Dickle proved to be a very businesslike and bustling individual.  He
+bounded from the car before it stopped, demanding at the same time to
+know all the particulars of what had happened.  It seems that he had seen
+the stalled motor truck from the window of the ten thirty train and had
+hired the first automobile he could find at the Woodbridge station and
+rushed to the scene of trouble.
+
+Briefly Bruce and the chauffeur told him all that had happened and all
+that had been done.
+
+"Rebuilt the bridge, eh?  Looks as if it would hold a steam engine now.
+That's bully," exclaimed Mr. Dickle.  "Now, if you fellows can tell me of
+a building equipped with electricity that I can rent for a studio for a
+couple of days, you will have done me another great favor.  We are going
+to make some historical films of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.
+Say, by the way, you fellows look intelligent.  How would you like to be
+my supes?  I'll pay you fifty cents a day.  How about it?"
+
+"What's a supe?" asked Bruce and Bud together.
+
+"Why, a supernumerary.  I want a number of people to take part in the
+production, as Green Mountain Boys or British soldiers or the mob, or
+roles like that, where good actors are not needed.  I have a big battle
+scene as a climax.  I'll need you in that surely."
+
+"In the movies, eh?  Whoope-e-e-e!  Fine!" exclaimed several, and the
+manager knew immediately that he would not have to look further for
+additional members for his cast.
+
+"And, say, about a studio; perhaps you could use the meeting room on the
+top floor of our headquarters building.  We have all the electricity you
+want, only there isn't much daylight for taking pictures.  There are only
+three windows, and--"
+
+"Tut, tut, never mind the daylight.  We don't need it in modern
+photography.  We'll go up and look at the place," said the manager.  Then
+to the chauffeur he shouted:  "Here, Jim, fasten a rope to the truck and
+I'll have this machine of mine tow you up to the scouts' headquarters."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ETHAN ALLEN COMES TO LIFE AGAIN
+
+
+For the next days the troop's headquarters on Otter Hill was the
+strangest place imaginable.  Passers by were surprised to find groups of
+real Indians in war paint, Colonial soldiers, British troopers and Green
+Mountain Boys in buckskin garments walking up and down in front of the
+building or sitting in the sun waiting for their turn to "go on" in the
+studio room upstairs.  These were the regular actors of the Historical
+Motion Picture Company, who had come to Woodbridge by train to take part
+in the Ethan Allen film which Mr. Dickle was making.
+
+To be sure, all this fascinated the scouts.  It was a decided pleasure to
+be allowed to circulate among such famous people.  Ethan Allen was a big,
+broad-shouldered actor whose name was known from coast to coast.  So was
+the individual who took the part of Captain Rember Baker, Captain Warner
+and Captain Warrington.  Anne Story was a girl whose face the boys had
+seen on a dozen different billboards, and there were any number of other
+well-known individuals in the troupe.  And there were real live Indians,
+too, who afforded the boys no end of interest.  Altogether, the advent of
+the motion picture company was a liberal education for the lads.
+
+But for knowledge of the technical nature, which the boys liked best, the
+interior of headquarters presented a world of opportunity.  When the
+company's electricians and stage carpenters had finished with their work
+in the big meeting room Bruce and his chums scarcely recognized it as the
+same place.  Two banks of a dozen electric lights as big as street arc
+lamps, and just as powerful, had been strung across the ceiling.  These,
+by means of reflectors, were made to flood the far end of the room, "the
+stage," with a steady white light.
+
+Behind the light was the camera man, grinding away steadily, taking
+sixteen pictures a second, while before the light were the actors playing
+their parts, now in a log cabin, now in a Colonial mansion and again in a
+courtroom at Albany, according to the way the scene shifters arranged the
+portable canvas scenery.
+
+Between the camera man and the actors, to the left of the stage, sat Mr.
+Dickle in his shirt sleeves, clutching a bundle of manuscript in one hand
+and a megaphone in the other.  Through this effective mouthpiece he
+directed each of the actors.  The members of the cast did their work
+entirely in pantomime, except when Mr. Dickle bawled a few lines at them,
+which they repeated so that the camera could register the action of their
+lips.
+
+It was all so perfectly wonderful to the scouts that they stood for hours
+watching the making of the film; that is, they stood still and watched
+while the actors and photographers were at work, but the moment business
+was suspended, while scenes were changed, they began to ask questions of
+every one in sight.
+
+They learned that the big lights were a new type of tungsten lamp filled
+with nitrogen gas which made them burn three times as bright as other
+lamps.  They discovered that the original photographs were only
+three-quarters of an inch long and they were magnified from thirty to
+fifty thousand times when they were projected onto a movie screen by the
+machine in the theater.  They found out also that raw film cost four
+cents a foot, that movie actors were paid as high as $20,000 a year, that
+there were nearly four hundred American firms making movies, that most of
+the films of the world were made in this country, that American "movies"
+were being shown in China, Australia, India and all sorts of far-off
+corners of the world, and that in one American city alone the "movie"
+theaters took in more than $40,000 a day in admission fees.
+
+All this and a great deal more did the inquisitive youngsters gather,
+until they became veritable motion picture encyclopedias.  Of course,
+chief among the men whom they questioned was Mr. Dickle.  In fact, every
+time the manager finished directing a scene, Bruce and several other
+scouts pounced upon him and began plying him with questions concerning
+the film industry, all of which he answered in great detail, for he
+appreciated the fact that they were boys who wanted to learn and
+understand.
+
+It was during one of these periods of catechising that he finally
+explained the big film he was making at the time.
+
+"This photoplay," he said, "is to be a feature production; five reels of
+1,000 feet each.  I'm going to give all the details of the troubles Ethan
+Allen and the Green Mountain Boys had with the authorities of New York
+State over the New Hampshire Grants.  Of course, you boys know the story.
+It's history."
+
+"You bet we do," said Bruce; "find a Vermont boy who hasn't read about
+the Green Mountain Boys."
+
+"Well, I'm glad you are so well informed.  It will help a little when you
+take your parts tomorrow afternoon.  I've finished the studio work on the
+film now, and all that remains are some exteriors in the vicinity of the
+Lake.  The film will wind up with a big battle between Allen and his
+Green Mountain Boys against the Sheriff of Albany, assisted by some
+Indians and Red Coats."
+
+"I want you fellows to be the original Green Mountain Scouts.  Your
+buckskins are all downstairs in the trunks.  They came by express this
+morning.  I'd expect you all to report here tomorrow at two thirty.  Get
+into the duds and come up to the lake.  You'll find us all ready for you
+up there with an automobile full of flintlock rifles and things.  The
+stage will all be set for the big battle around the mouth of the real
+Ethan Allen cave.  How does that suit you?"  It was a thrilling idea.
+
+"How does it suit?  Wow; were there ever fellows as lucky as we are?
+Just think of being in a real movie film; I tell you--"
+
+"Jiminy crickets, we'll have the time of our life, Mr. Dickle.  Why,
+we'll do it for nothing, just for the fun of the thing," exclaimed Gordon
+generously.
+
+"Oh, no, you won't; you'll get fifty cents each, and, besides, I'm paying
+you ten dollars a day for the use of this building.  Forty dollars is due
+you so far.  That should help the troop's treasury a little, eh, boys?"
+
+"You bet it will," said Bruce.  "Only we don't like--"
+
+"Tut, tut; that'll do.  I owe you money, and I'm going to pay it.  If you
+don't take it I'll give it to your Assistant Scout master, Mr. Ford.  I
+met him yesterday," said Mr. Dickle.  Then, to the actors, he called:
+"Next scene, gentlemen!  Ring the bell, Benny!" And Bruce and the scouts
+realized that it was time for them to leave.
+
+The following day Woodbridge witnessed the strangest scene in its
+history.  It was that of a score of Green Mountain Scouts, in buckskins
+and coon caps, traveling up the dusty road toward the Lake.  Some were
+astride motor cycles, a half-dozen were crowded into "Old Nanc" and the
+rest were walking.
+
+An hour after leaving headquarters they reached the lake shore.  Ethan
+Allen's cave was up a very steep grade from the water and the boys could
+see as they rounded the bend in the road dozens of Red Coats and Indians
+waiting for them.  Bruce and the lads on the motorcycles put on high
+speed and took the grade in whirlwind fashion but "Old Nanc" was not
+equal to the hill, so she was parked in a lot by the lakeside and the
+rest of the troop went up to the cave on foot.
+
+Immediately upon their arrival activities began.  Mr. Dickle formed them
+in line and marched them up beside the big automobile truck that stood in
+the middle of the road.  Here each lad was given a flintlock rifle and
+sent over to the mouth of the cave, where Ethan Allen and a half-dozen
+Green Mountain Boys were waiting, seated about a camp fire.
+
+"Now, boys," said the manager, when all had been served with guns and had
+taken their places, "those weapons of yours are only dummies.  I don't
+want you lads fooling with powder even in a sham battle.  I won't be
+responsible for your eyes.  My regular actors will do all the firing
+necessary, and they will make smoke enough to cover the film.  All I want
+you fellows to do is aim and pull the trigger.  Are you ready now,
+gentlemen?  Camera!"
+
+Mr. Dickle stood with his feet apart, megaphone in hand, in the middle of
+the road.  The camera man had set up his tripod on the rear end of the
+motor truck, which was held on the very brink of the grade by its brakes.
+At the word "Camera" he began to turn the crank of his machine rapidly,
+and almost before they knew it the Boy Scout Engineers were being
+photographed as part of a real feature film.
+
+Action followed swiftly.  While the lads were sitting about the fire an
+Indian came out of the woods.  It was Neshobee, the friendly Red Man of
+Judge Thompson's story.  He advanced to Ethan Allen, his hand extended
+aloft as a sign of friendship.  Then he began to talk, pointing into the
+bushes and up toward the leaves of the trees.  Instantly the Green
+Mountain Boys were alert!
+
+"The Red Coats and the Sheriff!" snapped Allen, and every man was
+crouching, gun in hand, waiting for the attack.  A Red Coat appeared in
+the bushes!
+
+Up went a dozen muskets, and the next instant there was a thundering
+roar!  The Red Coat disappeared!  But others came!  They bobbed up
+everywhere!  Behind bushes and trees!  From rocks and logs they sprang,
+advancing and firing in apparently deadly earnestness!  The roar of the
+musketry was deafening!  Bruce and his chums were thrilled with
+enthusiasm, and they snapped their guns at every enemy in sight!  On came
+the Red Coats and the Indians with the Sheriff of New York leading them!
+They advanced into the open, firing deliberately at the little group of
+defenders about the cave!  But their fire was answered with interest, and
+soldiers and Indians were stumbling and falling in all directions!
+
+And above all the din could be heard the voice of Mr. Dickle, the stage
+manager, roaring directions through his megaphone.  "Great scene!  Fine!
+Register excitement!  Fall down, Murphy!  Tumble over, there, Lisk;
+you're dead--tumble, I say.  Don't be afraid of your uniform.  I'll pay
+for that.  Fall!--fall!--fall!   Now, Green Mountain Boys, up and at 'em!
+Charge!  Charge!  Beat it, you Red Coats--you're licked.  Run! Git!  Beat
+it, I say!  After 'em, scouts, after 'em!  Fine!  Great scene!  All right;
+that'll do.  Quit firing."
+
+The roar of the flintlocks ceased and Bruce and the rest of the scouts
+stopped, thoroughly out of breath with excitement.  The Red Coats and
+Indians stopped also, and, turning about, rejoined their erstwhile
+enemies.  The "dead" and "wounded" stood up, too, and began to walk about
+and chat with the rest, all of which gave the scouts the impression that
+a "movie" battle was the only really pleasant kind of battle, after all.
+
+"Well, you scouts certainly filled the bill as Green Mountain Boys," said
+Mr. Dickle when the boys reached the road where he was standing.  "That
+will make a great scene.  Now, just as soon as Bob gets his stuff stowed
+away in the truck, we'll start for town."
+
+Bruce noticed that the camera man was having difficulty in getting his
+outfit in the truck unassisted, so he ran on ahead of the others to help
+him.
+
+"Here, Bruce," said the movie operator, "you get up in the wagon and I
+will hand the things to you and you can stow them under the seat."
+
+The camera man handed up the box-like machine, which Bruce started
+packing under the seat.  Just as the operator started back up the hill to
+get his tripod, in some unaccountable manner the brakes of the heavy
+truck loosened and the big vehicle started to roll slowly down the hill.
+So steep was the grade that the truck gained momentum at a terrific rate.
+
+Bob, the camera man, noticing what had happened, turned and ran swiftly
+down the hill.  But it had gained such headway that he couldn't overtake
+it.
+
+"Hi, there!" shrieked Mr. Dickle.  "Stop that trunk!  Stopit!  My film!
+It's all in the camera, and the truck's running away!  Stop it, some one!
+Save the film!"
+
+Bruce's first impulse was to jump from the truck and leave it to its
+fate, but when he heard the manager's frantic appeal to save the precious
+film he climbed quickly over the back of the high seat.  In another
+instant he grasped the steering wheel and jammed his foot down upon the
+brake lever.
+
+Then bang--! the brake band snapped and the truck lurched forward again!
+Bruce had applied the brake too suddenly, and the next moment he found
+himself in a runaway motor truck that could not be stopped until it
+reached level ground.
+
+The patrol leader felt like he was turning cold.  Before him stretched a
+long grade, and at the end a sharp turn!  If he did not make that turn
+the motor truck would crash against a rock or tree and kill him, or at
+best it would plunge into the Lake and then the film would be lost!
+Could he make the turn?
+
+On rushed the massive truck.  It had developed express train speed now
+and it rocked from side to side like a ship in a gale as it tore down the
+rough country road!  Bruce clutched the big steering wheel with deathlike
+grip and tried his mightiest to keep the cumbersome vehicle straight!
+He realized that a loose stone or a deep rut meant death to him and
+destruction to the motor car!  His teeth were clenched and his face was
+white!  The wind had whisked away his coonskin cap.
+
+"Oh, if I can only make that turn!  I must!  I've _got_ to!" he told
+himself, as he saw the distance to the foot of the hill being eaten up by
+the flying motor car.  Nearer and nearer came the turn.  It was a hundred
+yards away.  Now seventy, fifty, forty!  Would the truck stay on all four
+wheels or would it go plunging on madly, end over end, into the lake?
+Could he make it?  The road bent slightly now.  Brace followed the curve.
+Now came the turn.  Bruce tugged at the wheel.  The big truck swerved.
+It was skidding!  It was two wheels and ploughing up the dust in great
+clouds!  It was almost around!  It was around!  The road ahead of him was
+straight and clear!
+
+Bruce breathed a great sigh of relief.  And so did fifty individuals who
+had been watching the terrible race from the top of the hill.  They
+cheered loud and long when the big truck shot safely around the bend and
+headed up the level road toward Woodbridge.  Then all of them started
+down the grade pell mell, nor did they stop until they reached the place
+where the truck had finally stalled.  Then every one tried to shake the
+boy's hand.
+
+"By Jove, but for your nerve, Bruce, my boy, we'd have been minus film
+and motor truck.  For pure grit, I think you scouts take the prize.  I
+wish I could think of some way to repay you," cried Mr. Dickle, pumping
+Bruce around somewhat roughly.
+
+"Why--er--you see--we don't want any pay for what we do, but if it can be
+arranged, I--I--well, we sure would like to see that 'movie.' Can't you
+send one to the Woodbridge Theater?" said Bruce.
+
+"Huh, send one to the Woodbridge Theater!  Why, I'll bring the first
+release of it to Woodbridge myself and show it in your headquarters.
+How'll that suit you fellows?"
+
+And the enthusiastic replies of the scouts convinced the "movie" manager
+that he had hit the right idea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE PRIZE CONTEST
+
+
+"Well, fellows, there's this much about it, if we are going to build a
+real sure enough motorboat this year we've got to get a hustle on us and
+earn some money.  With the rent we received from the Historical Motion
+Picture Company and the money we secured from the circus ticket wagon we
+have just $73.75.  We need $94.00 to buy the motor alone, even with the
+reduction that Mr. Clifford can get for us.  And added to that is the
+expense of extra lumber and fittings, which will be at least thirty
+dollars more.  Now where do we stand, I'd like to know?"
+
+Thus did Bud Weir unburden his mind to the other boys of the Quarry
+Troop, sometimes called, because of their mechanical skill, the Boy Scout
+Engineers.
+
+All spring the scouts had been planning to build a motorboat to be used
+on Long Lake.  They had had their summer camp on the shores of this lake
+for the past two years, and they intended to have a camp there as usual
+this year, but they had decided to make it a construction camp and spend
+most of their time building a thirty-foot power boat, which would be the
+largest vessel on the lake.  The idea was to increase the troop's fund in
+the treasury as much as possible during the Winter and Spring and use the
+money to purchase a three horsepower gasoline motor, which they
+calculated would be large enough to drive the boat faster than any craft
+thereabout.
+
+But somehow the months had hurried past and the fund had not increased at
+a proportionate pace.  Indeed if it had not been for a windfall of forty
+odd dollars from the Historical Motion Picture Company, the treasury
+would have been in a very bad way.  The scouts really could not
+understand it at all.  They had worked hard, or at least they thought
+they had, and they had contributed every cent they had made toward the
+engine fund, but somehow the balance in the Woodbridge bank looked mighty
+small to the scouts.
+
+"What the dickens is the matter with us anyway, are we lazy?" queried
+Nipper Knapp, breaking the long silence that followed Bud's remark.
+
+"By jiminy, it looks that way to me," said Jiminy Gordon emphatically.
+
+"It's procrastination that--"
+
+"Whoops!  Hi! what was that word?  Ho, ho, say it again, Bruce," shouted
+Romper Ryan hilariously.
+
+"He's worked for months on that _Boys' Life Dictionary Contest_," said
+Ray Martin, "that's what's the matter with Bruce.  What does it mean?
+Maybe it's something to eat!"
+
+"Aw, say, quit your joshin' me," said Bruce, "that's a real word.  It
+means--ah--er--well--"
+
+"Sure it does, we knew it all the time, didn't we, Romper?" said Nipper
+Knapp.
+
+"That's exactly what it means," said Bud quite soberly.
+
+"Well, it means that we've been putting off work.  We haven't come down
+to brass tacks.  And now we're up against it and our motorboat
+proposition falls through," snapped Bruce.
+
+"Well, if that's what it means then you told the truth," said Bud,
+resuming his indignant attitude.  "We fellows haven't been on the job.  I
+haven't made a cent in three weeks and neither has any one of the rest of
+you.  Now be honest, have you?"
+
+"No, we haven't," said Dug Maston.
+
+"I guess we are actually growing lazy," said Romper solemnly.
+
+Then Babe Wilson, the sarcastic fat scout, added:
+
+"No, we haven't been lazy, we've just been waiting for opportunity to
+knock at our door--"
+
+(_Rap--rap--rap, rap--rap--rap--rap._)
+
+Babe looked startled and swallowed hard.  Then, his sense of humor
+bobbing to the surface again, he grinned.
+
+"That's Mr. Opportunity," he said.
+
+"No, it wasn't," said Romper, rushing to the window, "it was a blasted
+old bill poster tacking a sign on Headquarters-- Hi! git out o' there!
+This isn't an old barn!" he shouted to the bill poster.
+
+But that individual never heard him and kept tacking away until the bill
+was up.  Then he went on down the road whistling merrily.
+
+"Hang it, Headquarters will look like a billboard soon.  I'm going down
+to pull his blooming old sign off our wall," said Romper, as he
+disappeared through the doorway and stamped down the stairs.  But a few
+moments later he seemed to have changed his mind, for he was heard to
+shout:
+
+"Hi, fellows, come on down.  It's worth reading anyway."  And what the
+scouts read when they crowded about him was:
+
+$200 In Prizes for Brown Tail Moth Exterminators.
+
+The Town of Woodbridge is offering $200 in prizes to the individuals who
+can advance and demonstrate a practical method of exterminating the Brown
+Tail Moths that are infesting the trees in the township.  For particulars
+apply to Mayor's Office, Town Hall.
+
+Three Prizes Offered: $100 $60 $40.
+
+"Say, was that opportunity, after all?" asked Babe in wide-eyed amazement
+when he read the poster.
+
+And every boy looked at every other boy and wondered.
+
+If there are any who do not believe that boys can become genuinely
+interested in study, they should have visited the Quarry Troop
+headquarters a few days after the discovery of the work of the bill
+poster.  For at least three consecutive afternoons a dozen lads spent
+their time in the big meeting room on the second floor poring over dry
+looking pamphlets which bore the stamp of the Bureau of Entomology of the
+United States Department of Agriculture.
+
+They were all perusing this literature with the one purpose--to learn as
+much as they could about the habits of the brown tail moths, for they
+hoped in their study to discover some new and original way to exterminate
+the pest and thereby win one of the three generous prizes offered by the
+town authorities.  But though they pursued the subject relentlessly none
+of them seemed able to generate an idea that smacked of originality.
+
+"Aw, say, fellows, this will never do," said Babe Wilson.  "We can't
+compete in this contest.  We don't know anything about chemistry or
+things like that.  Why, we don't even know a Brown Tail moth when we see
+one."  He disconsolately tossed away his pamphlet and shoved his hands
+into his pockets.
+
+"Pshaw, don't give up so soon," said Bud Weir.  "This reading isn't very
+gay but all the same we are learning some things we should know.  And
+even if we are not familiar with chemistry, we may be able to figure out
+a way of getting rid of them by means of some mechanical appliance."
+
+"I think this is mighty interesting," said Bruce, looking up from his
+leaflet.  "I know now what's ailing those apple trees down back of our
+barn.  The Brown Tail moths are in them.  Listen to this: 'The principal
+injury caused by these moths is due to the feeding habits of the larva.
+They attack apple, pear, plum, oak, elm and willow trees.  If the
+infestation is bad the caterpillars are often numerous enough to devour
+the leaves as fast as the trees are able to develop them.  As the webs
+are made on the terminals the growth of the tree is frequently checked.'
+
+"Those apple trees of ours haven't had a full grown leaf on them this
+Spring and there are webs in the tops of them, too.  That's the work of
+Brown Tails all right."
+
+"The most interesting thing to me about these little codgers is the way
+they got here," said Romper Ryan.  "They came from Europe about 1897, so
+this book says.  Came over on some young trees imported here.  There
+couldn't have been more than a couple of cocoons, but look how they have
+spread since that time.  They were first seen in Somerville,
+Massachusetts, but now they are all over the New England States.  They
+are only just getting into Vermont, though."
+
+"This pamphlet says that the female moth flies a great distance," said
+Jiminy Gordon, growing enthusiastic about the subject, "and that the
+female Gipsy moth, which is another kind of pest, can't fly at all.  By
+jiminy, I thought all moths could fly, didn't you?  It also says that the
+female Brown Tail moth is attracted by strong lights and can be found
+fluttering around arc lamps almost any warm--"
+
+"Does it?  Where?  Where does it say they like strong light?" exclaimed
+Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Why, what the dickens struck you?  It says so right here.  Just listen:
+'These moths are attracted to strong light such as electric arc lights,
+as they fly at night it is often possible to secure many specimens around
+arc lamps in cities and towns during the latter part of June and the
+first half of July.  The--'"
+
+"Whoop!  That solves it!  I got it, fellows!  It's as easy as rolling off
+a log.  We win the $100 prize sure!" exclaimed Nipper Knapp excitedly.
+Then while the boys were looking at him in utter amazement he continued.
+
+"Listen, fellows!  I was running mother's electric vacuum cleaner this
+morning before I started to school.  I saw how easily the motor-driven
+fan sucked in everything in sight.   I held the nozzle near a fly on the
+window pane and _zipp--p-p_, in went Mr. Fly.  I thought right away that
+a big vacuum cleaner would make a fine moth catcher if we could only get
+near enough to the moths.  And I even figured out a plan for a large one
+which wouldn't cost very much and could be made mostly of wood.  But I
+knew it was foolish 'cause we couldn't get near the moths.  Then--"
+
+"Great!  I see your plan.  You are going to attract your moths by a light
+and then catch 'em with the suction cleaner," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"Sure, and here's how I'm going to do it.  I'm going to take one of the
+automobile's searchlights and shine it off on to some trees and then put
+the vacuum cleaner just under the light beams.  Then when Mr. Moth comes
+flying down the path of light and gets over the top of the
+sucker--_zing_, in he goes.  Get my idea?   Wait, I'll draw a plan of
+the thing for you," and, rushing over to the writing table in the corner,
+Nipper began to draw hastily while the scouts all crowded around him and
+watched.
+
+"There you are.  There's the whole plan of the thing.  Easy to make and
+easy to operate and I guess it's original all right."
+
+The drawings traveled from hand to hand, each lad scrutinizing them
+carefully for some fault in the mechanical detail.
+
+"Jiminy, I think you've struck it," exclaimed Gordon.
+
+"Struck it?  Why, man, he's got the first prize in his pocket right now,"
+insisted Romper as he looked over the plans.
+
+"Well, if it meets with your approval, fellows, let's get busy right now
+and build our moth trap."
+
+"Right-o.  No more procras--something-or-other, as Bruce said the other
+day.  We'll get busy immediately," said Bud Weir.
+
+"Well, first of all I think we should talk it over with Mr. Ford.  He
+will be able to see flaws in our plans where we can't, you know," said
+Nipper.
+
+"That was exactly my idea.  And, by the way, did you notice that the
+pamphlet from the Mayor's office named Mr. Ford among the members of the
+judging committee in this contest?" said Bruce.
+
+"Yes, I did," said Bud, "and for that reason I think he would like to see
+us boys try for the prize even though we don't win anything.  Come on,
+we'll go over and talk with him."
+
+Bud was quite right.  When Mr. Ford learned that the boys had become
+interested in the fight against the Brown Tail moth he was delighted.
+
+"That's the stuff, scouts.  Take an interest in everything in the nature
+of a public improvement.  If you grow up with that idea in mind you will
+make useful citizens," he said, when the boys informed him that they had
+been studying the Brown Tail moth campaign and intended to try for one of
+the town's prizes.
+
+"Well, I'm afraid that it was more of a selfish motive that led us to
+take an interest.  The troop needs one of those prizes to swell its
+treasury," said Bruce.
+
+"Never mind, many of the noblest works in this world resulted from the
+selfish desire on the part of some one who wanted to win some kind of a
+prize.  But I won't sermonize.  Let me see what you have in mind as a
+moth exterminator," said the Assistant Scoutmaster.
+
+The electrical engineer spent nearly half an hour in silent contemplation
+of Nipper's drawings after the plan had been explained to him.  Finally,
+his eyes sparkling with amusement, he laid the drawings onto his desk and
+remarked:
+
+"By Jove, you fellows are about the keenest observers I've met in some
+time.  It all grew out of watching a vacuum cleaner, eh?  Well, well,
+well, I think that idea is remarkable.  I'm certain it will work.  You
+should have it patented immediately.  Make another set of drawings for
+me, Nipper, and I'll send them down to my patent attorney in Washington.
+Perhaps you may have struck it richer than you expect.  You may be able
+to put the device on the market.   Who knows?  In the meantime get busy
+and build one and let me see how it works."
+
+"We are going down and buy the material right away," said Bruce,
+enthusiastically, "and father says he will have the suction fan made over
+in his shop.  It can be built of sheet iron and won't cost much, you
+know."
+
+"All right, go ahead.  I'll come over to headquarters now and then and
+watch you work," said Mr. Ford.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+WORKING TO WIN
+
+
+Not since the days preceding the Firemen's Tournament when the motorcycle
+fire department was being outfitted had the scout engineers been busier
+than they were the following few weeks.  Every afternoon after the
+academy let out, and every evening they could spare from their studies
+was devoted to the construction of the moth trap.  They worked with snap
+and vim, for upon the success of their product depended the possibility
+of a troop motorboat.
+
+And it was well that they had this enthusiasm, for a time limit had been
+set on the contest.  According to the information received from the
+Mayor's office the contest would close the last Monday in June and the
+five days following would be devoted to testing the various methods and
+appliances entered.  With the assistance of Mr. Ford the lads had already
+made their entry, sending drawings and details of their device to the
+committee of judges.  But in spite of their fast work It was apparent
+that they would not complete their contrivance until the middle or latter
+part of the week set for the test.
+
+They were determined that $100 of the $200 offered by the town should be
+added to the troop's account in the Woodbridge bank, however, and when
+scouts take that attitude in any matter one can rest assured of a period
+of industry.  They worked like beavers and the _rap, rap, rap_ of
+hammers, the _buzz-z-z_ of band and jigsaws and the _hum-m_ of motors
+could be heard in their workshop on the first floor of the headquarters
+building at almost any hour.
+
+Of course, the boys were not entirely sure that they would win first or
+even third prize, because there were any number of others competing for
+the same honors.  Indeed, farmers and even business men in and around
+Woodbridge were experimenting with chemical exterminators and various
+other ingenious devices and all of these would have an equal chance with
+the appliance invented by the boys.  But the lads were sportsmen enough
+to take their chances with the rest.  Indeed, they even went so far as to
+stake some of the precious motor money on the result, for they took
+fifteen dollars from the Woodbridge bank to pay for the lumber and other
+material needed to build Nipper's big vacuum pest catcher.
+
+"If we don't win that prize now all our chances for a motorboat are gone
+for sure," said Babe Wilson when Bud Weir announced the withdrawal of
+part of the fund.
+
+"Well, that isn't the way to look at it.  Just say we are going to win
+the prize and then get busy and work for it," insisted Bud, trying to
+instil confidence in the stout scout.
+
+Day by day the neatly finished boards grew to represent Nipper's idea of
+a moth exterminator.  And finally, after what seemed to the boys an
+unusually long time, the suction fan arrived from Bruce's father's mill.
+It was already attached to a one-quarter horsepower electric motor, for
+Mr. Clifford knew that none of the motors in the scouts' workshop were
+small enough to be used on a fan with six-inch blades.  By this time the
+lads had all but finished the big wooden trumpet and it was only
+necessary to set the fan, bolt the motor into place and give the whole
+thing a coat of paint.
+
+But already the last Monday of the month had passed and only a day or two
+remained in which the boys could test their machine before the judges.
+Day and night since the beginning of the week contestants had been
+claiming the attention of the judges with their schemes for
+extermination.  Most of these had been tried out and many were said to be
+very successful.  On one or two occasions the scouts had gone out to look
+over these tests, but to their mind none of them looked as effective as
+the moth trap they were building.
+
+On Thursday night Mr. Ford visited headquarters looking rather anxious,
+for he had heard very little from the boys during the last few days and
+he was afraid they were not going to put their machine together in time
+to appear before the judging committee with it.  He was greatly relieved
+to find that the lads were about to put the motor and fan in place and he
+realized that this marked almost the last stage of their work.
+
+"Well, boys, it looks all right to me," he said.
+"When are you going to be ready for the official tryout?"
+
+"Just as soon as we can put the automobile lamp into place.  We are
+building some iron brackets for that now.  We'll be all ready by tomorrow
+evening, I guess.  That will give us one full day leeway.  The tests can
+be conducted up to midnight Saturday, can't they?"
+
+"Sure, I'll see that the judges are ready for you.  I have an engagement
+that may keep me a little bit late, but I'll get there.  Where are you
+going to test it?"
+
+"Out on the back road here; down by the bend opposite Chipman's Hill,"
+said Nipper.
+
+"Fine, I'll be there.  Say, by the way, I was talking about your idea
+down town this evening and a reporter from the _Journal_ heard me.  He
+seemed very much interested when I told him about your work and he wants
+to come up and see the machine.  He'll probably be up some time
+to-morrow.  Perhaps I can get him up to see the test.  If I can
+I--Listen, is that some one coming?  Sure enough, perhaps it is he.
+Open the door, Bruce."
+
+Bruce swung open the big double door and Rogan, one of the reporters for
+the Woodbridge _Journal_ and the local correspondent for the St. Cloud
+_Call_, entered.
+
+"Hello, boys," he shouted good naturedly.  "Heard you have a new wrinkle
+in moth catchers.  Is that the machine?  Looks mighty businesslike.  Is
+it ready to test?  Well, if there isn't Mr. Ford.  How are you?  What do
+you think of the scout's invention?  How does it work?  Whose idea is it.
+Where--?"
+
+"Oh, goodness gracious, don't ask 'em so fast," said Bruce.  "We'll
+answer them one at a time and explain the machine to you if you'll give
+us a chance."
+
+"Sure.  Excuse me.  Go right ahead," said Hogan, his inquisitive blue
+eyes taking in everything in the room.
+
+Nipper had the honor of describing his own invention, which he did with
+no little pride.  And evidently Rogan was impressed for, after cross
+examining Mr. Ford and going into the device from every angle, he wrote a
+two-column story which appeared on the first page of the Journal the
+following morning.  Also he telephoned a story to the St. Cloud paper
+which the boys read the following afternoon.
+
+As soon as the Academy closed the next day the scouts hurried to
+headquarters, for they had a great deal to do before they could carry out
+the test that evening.  Two or three attended to the work of removing one
+of the searchlights from "Old Nanc" and putting it into place on top of
+the moth catcher, while the rest of the boys strung a temporary line of
+wire from the headquarters' switchboard to a point about two hundred
+yards up the road.  They intended to conduct the test there and throw the
+searchlight into the trees on Chipman Hill across the valley.
+
+It was dinner time when the wires were in place and the scouts, after a
+last look about, all went home to get something to eat and to wait the
+coming of darkness.
+
+They began to return to headquarters about half past seven.  Bruce,
+Nipper Knapp, and Ray Martin were the first to arrive and, to their
+surprise, they found at least two dozen people waiting outside of
+headquarters.
+
+"Well, what does this meant" inquired Bruce of Nipper.
+
+"Well, I guess they read Rogan's story in the Journal.  He said we were
+going to have a test to-night, you know."
+
+"Then we're going to have a gallery of spectators!  Oh, well, we don't
+mind, do we, boys?"
+
+"You bet we don't--if the thing will only work," said Nipper.
+
+Soon, other scouts arrived and presently an automobile rolled up to the
+door and four of the town's councilmen climbed out.  The party was
+composed of Mr. Bassett, Mr. Bates, Mr. Adams and Mr. Franklin, all
+members of the Mayor's committee of judges.  The lads were disappointed
+not to see Mr. Ford among them, but they felt confident that he would
+appear in time for the official test.
+
+The Councilmen looked over the moth trap with critical eyes and asked
+innumerable questions.  Then finally Mr. Bassett, chairman of the
+committee, spoke.
+
+"Well, Scouts, it surely looks like a good plan, but will it catch 'em,
+that's what we want to know?"
+
+"We are not certain of that ourselves, sir, but we'll take it out and
+test it.  Then we'll surely know," said Nipper.  In a few moments the
+moth catcher had been loaded into  "Old Nanc" and the scouts, judges and
+about one hundred townfolk who had gathered to see the demonstration,
+started up Otter Creek road.  By the time the boys had loaded the moth
+catcher into "Old Nanc" the entire troop was there.
+
+Twilight had gone and the stars were coming out when "Old Nanc" arrived
+at the appointed location.  Every one was extremely curious and the
+moment the moth catcher was put on the ground men and women alike began
+to inspect the contrivance closely.  It was fully twenty minutes before
+the boys could connect the wires to the searchlight and the motor.  Then
+a scout was sent post haste back to headquarters to throw the switch and
+let the current into the new line.
+
+When this was done Nipper, who was in charge on this occasion, took his
+place beside the contrivance.  Scouts with staffs were detailed to keep
+the small crowd back and away from the front of the machine.
+
+"Are you all ready, Nipper?" said Bruce.
+
+"Sure," said Nipper.  Then, "say, is Mr. Ford here?  I wish he was; I'd
+like to have him see this.  Oh, Bruce, if it will only work!  I'm getting
+as nervous as a cat."  He glanced toward the automobile where the four
+judges sat waiting.
+
+"Tut, tut, don't get fussed," said Bruce, trying hard to conceal his own
+suppressed excitement.
+
+"All right, here goes," said Nipper as he turned the lamp switch, and a
+moment later the motor switch.
+
+Instantly a long arm of light reached out across the valley and focused
+on the heavy growth of elm trees on the opposite hill side.  The motor
+began to hum and the fan to buzz loudly.  Every one was attention.  Every
+eye was riveted in the long shaft of light that stretched forth into the
+night.  A minute they waited, two minutes, five minutes!  Nothing
+happened!
+
+"Oh--this suspense is terrible," groaned Nipper.
+
+"You're right, it is," whispered Bruce.
+
+Every scout felt the same way.  Was it a failure?  Was their idea only
+visionary, alter all?  Oh, why didn't something happen to relieve the
+tension.  Why didn't--
+
+"Look!  There's a moth," said some one.
+
+"Where?" asked half a dozen breathlessly.
+
+"Out there!  Look!  Can't you see him?" said others.
+
+Sure enough, coming down the long pathway of light was a solitary moth
+winging its fitful way toward the lamp.  Now it was in the light and now
+it dodged out into the darkness.  But always it returned a few feet
+nearer to the waiting scouts.  It seemed irresistibly drawn toward the
+auto lamp.
+
+"Come on, come a little closer and we'll have you," whispered Nipper
+excitedly.
+
+On it came toward the upturned mouth of the vacuum.  It was ten feet
+away, then eight, seven, six.  Now it felt the air disturbance, for it
+began to flutter harder.  Then--_zipp_!
+
+It was caught in the air current and in a twinkle disappeared down the
+yawning month of the sucker.
+
+A mighty cheer went up.  But they were silenced quickly when another moth
+appeared.  But before this one had gone half way down the light shaft,
+two others came.  Then came two more, then three or four, until they were
+fluttering in the white light like so many scraps of paper.  And always
+when they reached a point over the opening of the sucker they were
+whisked out of sight like a flash, to be carried into the big bag at the
+other end of the machine.
+
+The crowd began to press in closer.  The men were talking loudly now and
+congratulating the young engineers, and as for Nipper and his comrades,
+well, they were pleased, and showed it by the smiles they wore.
+
+But just at this moment the sound of an automobile coming from the
+direction of headquarters was heard and the next instant Mr. Ford's car
+dashed up.
+
+"Hello, boys, how's she working?" he inquired and there was something in
+the tone of his voice that disturbed the scouts.
+
+"Why, it's running in great shape.  We have nearly half a bag full of
+moths now.  What's the matter?" queried Nipper.
+
+"Well, I have some bad news for you.  I'm sorry, fellows, but your little
+machine isn't as original as we thought it was.  Here's a telegram I
+received this evening from my attorneys in Washington.  They say that a
+machine like yours was invented in Germany several years ago and patented
+in this country, too.  They say several stories were printed about it in
+German and American magazines at the time.  That means that we can't put
+it on the market as we had visions of doing and--!"
+
+"Well, well, that's too bad," said deep-voiced Mr. Bassett, who had come
+out of the automobile with the other judges to hear what Mr. Ford had to
+say.  "Too bad they can't get a patent on it.  I thought the lads had an
+A-1 business proposition here and I was about to make 'em a spot cash
+offer for an interest in it.  Why, it's the best thing we've seen in all
+the tests.  No one has had anything anywhere near as good."
+
+"But--but--you don't mean we can't win the contest," stammered Nipper
+nervously, looking at Mr. Bassett.
+
+"Win!  Win!  Why, lads, you've won in a walk.  Hasn't he, gentlemen?  We
+haven't seen anything as good as this, have we?"
+
+"We certainly have not," said Mr. Adams.  "Of course, the boys win. They
+get the $100 prize, but that's a mighty small amount for such ingenuity.
+If it wasn't for that German inventor you could have made thousands of
+dollars out--"
+
+"Pshaw, we only wanted first prize," exclaimed Nipper Knapp.  Then he
+shouted, "Hi, fellows, we win, and we'll have our motorboat Whoope-e-e-e!
+Three cheers."  And all, including the men, joined in:
+"Hip--hip--hoo-ray!" the noise of which didn't bother the moths in the
+least as they kept on fluttering toward the light and disappearing into
+the trap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE BOY FROM ARIZONA
+
+
+"Say, fellows, I have the idea we--"
+
+"Jiminy!" interrupted Jiminy Gordon.  "Romper's got an idea--first he ever
+had in his life.  Come, spit it out, and if it isn't any better than the
+rest we've been listening to, we'll maul you--won't we, fellows?"
+
+"Bet we will," said Bud Weir.
+
+"We'll duck him in the creek," threatened Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Come on there, young man, let us know what's in your cranium.  None of
+the rest of us has been able to get even the glimmer of an intelligent
+suggestion," said Bruce Clifford.
+
+"Well, here it is," said Romper, getting to his feet.  "We'll furnish a
+climax to our part of the Fourth of July celebration by presenting
+Woodbridge with a city flag--we'll make the suggestion, get it approved by
+the village council, have old Granny Mastin make it and pres--"
+
+"Hi, hi, not so fast--you're rushing along like a train of cars--trying to
+dodge that ducking, aren't you?  Now, slower--what's this idea?  What do
+you mean by a city flag?  Never heard of such a thing before," said Ray
+Martin.
+
+"Huh, you haven't?  Well, you're a fine scout.  Don't you ever read the
+papers?" said Romper with disgust.
+
+"I've heard of it," interrupted Bruce, "and it's a bully suggestion.  A
+number of American cities have flags--a distinctive ensign, just like
+patrol flags that we scouts have.  New York has just adopted one, and I
+can't see why Woodbridge shouldn't have a flag of her own.  Romper's idea
+is a corker.  We can suggest a flag and get the approval of the
+Woodbridge council.  Then on the Fourth we can present it to the city and
+have grand old celebration.   Romper deserves a vote of thanks instead of
+a ducking."
+
+In truth, Romper had piloted Quarry Troop out of a most trying dilemma.
+Here is how matters stood before he suddenly became inspired: Woodbridge
+had been planning a safe and sane Fourth of July celebration, with a
+pageant, municipal night fireworks and various other forms of a good
+time.  All of which was to take place at the Firemen's Tournament Field
+on the outskirts of the town.  Quarry Troop had been invited to give an
+exhibition.
+
+So far as that was concerned, the boys were ready and willing to give
+exhibitions in almost any of the many branches of scouting at a moment's
+notice, for they were all well trained.  But the fact that the occasion
+was Independence Day and that there would be hundreds of strangers
+watching them made the lads eager to give an extra good performance and
+end with a grand flourish--something spectacular.
+
+Now, just what this climax was to be required deep thought, and half a
+dozen of the older scouts of the troop had gathered under the big maple
+in front of their machine-shop headquarters on Otter Creek hill to ponder
+the situation.  They had been sprawled in various attitudes in the shade
+of the old tree for more than half an hour, each one doing his utmost to
+think of something original.  All kinds of suggestions were advanced, but
+none was worth considering until Romper finally stirred up his flag idea.
+
+It did not take the wide-awake youngsters long to comprehend the
+spectacular element in this proposition, however, and presently they were
+talking away at a furious rate, planning the details.
+
+"Look here, why not make the order of events like this," said Bruce.
+"First we'll pitch a real scout camp and then put up our wireless outfit,
+just as we had decided.  Beforehand we'll erect a big pole and a little
+pole to hold the aerial.  'Old Nanc' can carry the outfit we have on the
+headquarters roof to Firemen's Field and we can borrow one of the
+batteries from Dad's electric truck and take that along to furnish our
+current.
+
+"Then, after the wireless is up and working, we can wind up the
+performance by presenting the town with a flag.  That should make a real
+hit, eh, fellows?  We'll get Mr. Ford to make a speech from the reviewing
+stand and then, after the Mayor has answered, we'll raise the flag on the
+big aerial pole and salute it.  How do you like that for a programme?"
+
+"Great," exclaimed several of the scouts.
+
+"Bully," said Bud.
+
+"Best ever," asserted Nipper Knapp.  "But say, here we've been talking
+about giving the town a flag, now what's it to look like?"
+
+"Jove, that's right," said Ray Martin.  "What sort of a flag is it to be?
+Let's make it green and purple, green to signify--ah--"
+
+"Yes, let's add pink, canary and sky blue," interrupted sarcastic Babe
+Wilson, "what do you think this is going to be, a rainbow?"
+
+"Well, I think we should talk the plan over with Mr. Ford and let him
+give our suggestion to the City Councilmen.  They may have some ideas as
+to what the Woodbridge flag should look like," said Bruce.
+
+"Sure," said Ray.
+
+"All right, I'll--"
+
+"Say, fellows," interrupted Romper in a whisper, while he watched a
+solitary figure coming up the road,  "here comes that chap we had at
+headquarters yesterday, Dick what's-his-name?"
+
+"Sure enough," said Bud Weir.  "Say, come on fellows, let's go inside; we
+don't want a 'fraid raid cat like him hanging around with us."
+
+"Aw, say, that isn't right," replied Bruce in an undertone.  "Don't snub
+a fellow like that.  I think it was sort of childish for him to be
+afraid, but he looks like a pretty good chap, at that."
+
+But the lad in question evidently did not intend to "hang around."
+Instead he made his way up Otter Creek hill, passed the group in front of
+headquarters with a nod and a cheerful "howdy" and continued on his way.
+He was a short, thickset youngster of about sixteen and he walked with a
+peculiar stride, for his legs were slightly bowed.
+
+Dick Austin was his name and he had come from his home in Arizona to
+spend his Summer vacation with an aunt in Woodbridge.
+
+Several of the scouts had met him at various places in the village since
+he had been in town, and had tried to make his acquaintance, but he
+seemed to keep to himself a great deal.  The day before the Fourth of
+July conference under the maple, however, two of the lads had encountered
+him on the street, and out of pure kindness of heart had invited him to
+accompany them to headquarters.
+
+But much to their surprise Dick did not like the machine shop at all.  He
+objected to the hum of motors and he jumped every time he saw the flashes
+from the wireless spark gap.  He refused to try a ride on the tandem seat
+of one of the troop's motorcycles, and when he received a slight shock
+after several of the boys had persuaded him to take hold of the handles of
+a static electric machine, he became thoroughly frightened.
+
+"Look year," he said with a decided southern accent, "I don't like this
+hear 'lectric business no how.  Hit's dangerous stuff an' I'm afeard o'
+hit.  Yo' see I ham 't been used t' hit down whar I lived an' I cain 't
+feel comfortable with a lot of machinery so close to me.  No, sirree, I'd
+rather leg it out o' here and git into t' open."
+
+Whereupon he left headquarters without waiting to listen to the scouts,
+who tried to explain that it was only high-tension electricity that was
+not at all dangerous and that there was no current of that nature at
+headquarters.
+
+Dick's attitude had quite surprised the Quarry Scouts.  How a normal boy
+could fail to be interested in machinery, know nothing about electricity,
+and actually refuse to ride on a motorcycle because the throbbing engine
+scared him, was more than they could understand.  They quickly decided
+that he was a coward and had already lost respect for him, as was evident
+from the caustic comments made by the group under the maple after he had
+passed.
+
+"Huh," said Ray Martin, "just imagine a fellow getting fidgety over a
+motor; regular girl."
+
+"It does seem queer," said Bruce.  Then getting to his feet and brushing
+the dust from his trousers he continued:
+
+"Say, fellows, if we are going to try this flag stunt I think it's up to
+us to get a wiggle on.  We've only two weeks to do the work in, you know.
+I'm going to see Mr. Ford now and talk it over with him.  Who wants to
+go along?"
+
+"I'll go," said Bud Weir.
+
+"So'll I," added Romper.
+
+"All right, come along," replied Bruce.  And five minutes later three
+motorcycles were scooting out toward the hydro-electric plant where Mr.
+Ford, the Quarry Troop's Assistant Scoutmaster, was superintendent.
+
+Two days later three lads in scout uniforms were to be seen in the
+ante-room of the Council Chamber in the Woodbridge Town Hall.  They
+composed the Flag Committee of the Quarry Troop and as they sat there in
+the straight-backed chairs they looked to be the most uncomfortable trio
+in all the State of Vermont.
+
+And they were uncomfortable.  You see, Bruce, Bud and Romper were waiting
+patiently the decision of the Councilmen, who were convening behind the
+closed doors of the room to their left.  It was the occasion of the
+regular weekly meeting of the body, but the fact that the town fathers
+were debating the adoption of a town flag made the session the most
+important in the history of Woodbridge, so far as the three scouts were
+concerned.
+
+"Huh, we've been sitting here just fifteen minutes; seems like fifteen
+hours," said Bruce in a husky whisper.  His eyes were on the big
+regulator clock that ticked away solemnly on the wall across the room.
+
+As for Bud and Romper, they remained silent, gazing nervously out the
+window.  A little later Romper said:  "Maybe they're going to turn us
+down and--" He was interrupted by the opening of the swinging doors that
+led to the Council Chamber.  Mr. Bennet, Mayor Worthington's secretary,
+appeared.
+
+"Scouts," he said, saluting, "the Mayor would like the pleasure of your
+presence in the Council Room."
+
+It required every ounce of self-control the scouts could summon to walk
+into that sanctum.  How they managed to travel the space from one room to
+the other without stumbling over rugs or doorsills will ever be a mystery
+to them.
+
+Presently, however, they found themselves at the lower end of the long
+mahogany table at which the nine officials were seated.  At the head was
+the dignified Mayor, while to the right and left were ranged the
+councilmen, all of whom the boys recognized when finally they became more
+accustomed to the surroundings.
+
+"Scouts," said the Mayor, and at the sound of his voice each lad saluted,
+"we have considered your plan to present the town of Woodbridge with a
+flag, and we have unanimously voted it an excellent idea.  Moreover, lads,
+we have adopted the design and colors of the proposed emblem."
+
+This good news helped to dispel the scouts' nervousness.  They were too
+attentive now to think of being timid.
+
+"We have decided," continued Mr. Worthington, "that the design shall be a
+blood red flag with a city seal in the center of it.  It shall be red
+because that is the color that signifies strength, fire, virility, and
+all that is healthy and normal.  And we shall follow the lead of other
+cities and have an official seal of the community; for the seal, we have
+decided on the pine tree of Vermont in the upper portion and a quarry
+derrick, signifying the marble industry of Woodbridge, below.  How do you
+like that, boys?"
+
+"Wonderful," exclaimed the three lads in unison.
+
+"Glad to hear it.  Now good luck to you and I hope our Fourth of July
+celebration is a big success," said the town's chief, dismissing them
+with a bow.
+
+The scouts were all smiles as they descended the broad steps of the town
+hall and started down the gravel path to the street, where they had left
+their motorcycles.
+
+"Jove, we'll have some celebration, eh, fellows?" said Romper.
+
+"You bet we will," assured Bud.
+
+"Yes, but we have a lot of work to do yet before everything will be
+ready," stated Bruce.  "We'll go over to Granny Mastin's right away and
+find out if she'll make the flag for us.  We'll get Nipper to drawn a
+design for her.  Then we'll have to come back and get the silk and
+whatever else she wants to do the work with.  And say, fellows, we'll
+have to erect our poles at Firemen's Field, do you realize that?  We'll
+be mighty busy for a while--hello, look who's inspecting our
+motorcycles."
+
+Bud and Romper looked up in time to see Dick Austin, the boy from
+Arizona, scrutinizing the three machines that were lined up at the curb.
+
+"Howdy," he said as they came up.  "I was just eyeing these here
+critters.  Look blamed ferocious, they do."
+
+"Would you like to ride on the tandem behind me?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Who, me?" exclaimed Dick.  "No, sirree, yo' cain't git me to straddle
+that there animal.  Ef 'twas a hoss I'd be tickled to death, but you
+cain't git a snorting machine under me."
+
+"Huh," said Bud, contemptuously, when Dick was out of earshot, "that
+sounds like a bluff to me.  Bet he's afraid of a horse, too."
+
+"Oh, I don't know," said Bruce, as he started his engine, "he has the
+legs of a horseman and he comes from Arizona, you know."
+
+"Yes, but he's a scared cat," asserted Romper as the trip got under way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE COURAGE OF A COWARD
+
+
+Woodbridge was a profusion of bunting and streamers on Independence Day.
+Almost every building, from the meanest little stores on Stone Street to
+the big business blocks on Willow and State Streets, was gay with flags
+and emblems.  The thoroughfares were thronged with people, too.  Summer
+folk from the cities, mingled with the easily distinguished farmers who
+had come to town for the celebration, and these with the residents made
+the population of the town almost double its normal size.
+
+Soon after the dinner hour the crowd all began to move in one direction,
+for everybody was headed for the exhibition grounds.
+
+Firemen's Field was an ideal place for the celebration.  It was in a
+broad unfenced stretch of valley bottom on the outskirts of town and a
+grandstand had been erected there for the Firemen's Tournament in the
+spring, so well remembered by the "smoke-eaters" of Quarry Troop.  A deep
+woods stretched along the west side of the field and Otter Creek formed
+the southern boundary, while the highway to St. Cloud ran across its
+northern extreme.  There were several acres of broad green lawn in front
+of the grandstand, and the only obstructions in the whole area were the
+tall and short poles the scouts had erected.  These, however, had been
+placed so as not to interfere with the dancing and other events scheduled
+for the day.
+
+The grandstand was filled to capacity long before the hour set for the
+beginning of the ceremonies, and by the time the Mayor and various other
+officials had entered their special reviewing stand hundreds of people
+were massed in a semicircle about the field.
+
+To one side of the entrance was a group of gay colored tents or marquees,
+about which were crowded hundreds of tiny tots, all arrayed in the gaudy
+carnival dress.  Some were ladies of the French courts, some were garbed
+in Colonial costumes and some were masquerading as bears or as wolves.
+One group was wearing the wooden shoes and frocks of Holland, another
+group was costumed as Russian peasants and still others were dressed to
+represent German, Swedish, Danish and Irish folk.  The Campfire Girls
+were there, too, in a special little marquee by themselves, and to the
+right of their location was the Quarry Troop, every lad in full uniform,
+and looking very important.
+
+"Corking crowd, eh, Bruce?" said Nipper Knapp, who stood watching the
+bank of faces in the grandstand.
+
+"You bet it is.  Say, we'll have to do our finest.  Not a hitch to-day,
+fellows," said Bruce.
+
+"Right-o," asserted half a dozen members of the troop enthusiastically.
+
+Then every one became silent, for the director of the carnival had taken
+the center of the field.  A moment he stood there and surveyed his
+performers, then he gave the signal for the music, and presently the
+grand march was under way.
+
+Hundreds of youngsters ranging from tiny tots who were to take part in a
+Mother Goose scene, to the stalwart scouts themselves, formed in line and
+paraded around the field, passing in front of the stands.
+
+A very impressive scene representing the signing of the Declaration of
+Independence was the first number on the program.  In this, several
+academy boys took the parts of John Hancock, John Adams and John
+Dickinson, and the members of the First Congress.
+
+Immediately following came the folk dances, in which scores of pretty
+girls in costumes executed the national dances of the various foreign
+countries.  These little maids tripped lightly to the fantastic dance
+music of the people of the old world for fully twenty minutes and as the
+last group began the final steps of a pretty Scotch fantasy Bruce stood
+up and mustered the scouts in line.
+
+"We're next, fellows.  Now do your finest.  Are the tents ready and the
+rest of the equipment in order?  How's 'Old Nanc'?" he called.
+
+But it was needless to ask the question, for the lads had been ready for
+fully fifteen minutes.
+
+"How about the flag?" asked Bruce, as the little girls danced their way
+off the field and the band changed to a martial air.
+
+"All safe," said Romper, who had been appointed custodian of the precious
+bunting.
+
+"Fine!" said the leader of the Owl patrol.
+
+Bugler Benson sounded the call, "Forward, scouts," and the brown-clad
+column started toward the tall pole near the center of the field, where
+Mr. Ford, in Scoutmaster's uniform, stood waiting.  They marched in scout
+order with "Old Nanc," laden with the wireless equipment trundling slowly
+behind them.
+
+For a moment the lads stood in line in front of the grandstand and
+saluted, then at a word from Mr. Ford they broke ranks, and presently a
+scout camp was growing before the surprised spectators' eyes.  Tents were
+erected in a jiffy, scouts were scuttling here and there with camp
+equipment, cooking utensils and firewood.   Some were mixing dough, some
+frying bacon, some cutting wood and some carrying pails of water.  Within
+ten minutes a model scout camp had appeared in the center of Firemen's
+Field.
+
+But presently the spectators discovered that they were doing something
+even more interesting than building camp.  A half dozen scouts under the
+direction of Bruce were unloading queer looking sections of electrical
+apparatus from the troop's home-made automobile.
+
+While this was being done, Bud Weir strapped on his climbing spurs and
+began to climb the tall pole, carrying the end of a good strong manila
+halyard.  This he wove through the pulley at the top and soon the scouts
+were hoisting one end of the wireless aerials up to him.  This was
+quickly adjusted, as was the machinery on the ground, and in a few
+minutes the wireless station had been assembled and Bruce was at the key,
+flashing crackling messages into the air.
+
+Applause came from the grandstand, but before the clapping died away, the
+lads lined up in front of the taller of the two poles again and Romper
+produced a roll of shining red silk from one of the tents.  With this
+under his arm he took his place before the flagpole and waited, one hand
+upon the new halyard, which still remained in the pulley.  At this sign
+Mr. Ford stood out and, removing his campaign hat, faced the spectators
+and the reviewing stand.
+
+"Honored Mayor, ladies and gentlemen," he said, "the boys of Quarry Troop
+No. 1 have been granted the privilege by the Town Council to present
+Woodbridge with a city flag.  It is our--"
+
+The Assistant Scoutmaster paused here.  In the crowd before him he saw
+scores of frightened faces.  He saw men pointing and heard women cry out
+in terror.  He saw children cower and scamper for the protection of the
+grandstand.
+
+Instantly all turned and looked across the field toward the strip of
+woods that bordered it, and what they saw paralyzed them with horror.
+
+There on the edge of the wood that bordered the west of the field,
+shaking his massive head menacingly and pawing the ground, stood Ponto,
+the great black and white bull of the Lyman stock farm.  The most savage
+animal in Woodbridge had broken through his barrier and, attracted by the
+applause of the people, had wandered through the woods to Firemen's
+Field.  And the wrath that kindled in his wicked eyes as he stood and
+watched the assemblage made even the bravest scout shudder.  For a moment
+the lads stood as if robbed of their presence of mind by the unfamiliar
+emergency.  But the next instant they were stirred to action by the rush
+of some one running and a cry:
+
+"Quick, scouts, take care of the children.  Get these year kiddies out o'
+danger.  I'll 'tend to the bull."
+
+This was from a stocky lad with legs slightly bowed, who pushed through
+the group of boys and laid hold of the halyard of the flagpole.  In an
+instant he had whipped out his jack-knife and severed the rope.  Then he
+began to haul it out of the pulley overhead, meanwhile shouting for the
+scouts to quiet the already panic-stricken crowd and hurry the children
+out of danger.
+
+Bruce gave one look at the boy from Arizona and in his eyes saw something
+that told him he was master of the situation.  Then he turned to the
+scouts.
+
+"He can handle the bull, boys," he cried; "come, work fast, get the
+children back."
+
+And the next instant the scouts, armed with their staffs, began to herd
+the tiny tots behind the grandstand, leaving Dick Austin alone in the
+center of the field.
+
+The lad from Arizona was working frantically.  With his knife he cut the
+flag from the rope and with the line thus freed began to weave a bowline
+knot into one end.  This he made to serve as the ring for a lariat, and
+presently he had a fifteen-foot loop spread out before him on the ground.
+Then with his eyes on the enraged bull he coiled the rest of the rope
+into his left hand.  And all the time he worked his plucky face wore a
+grim smile.
+
+As for the bull, he stood there grunting and pawing the sod furiously,
+his fiery eyes fastened on the lone figure.
+
+But it was not in Dick Austin's make-up to flee from a bull.  Instead, he
+shouted:
+
+"Come on, you old son-of-a-gun," and he actually kicked the red silk flag
+into the air to tantalize the animal.  This was too much for the beast.
+When he saw the red flag flaunted at him by this puny human he let out a
+bellow and charged.
+
+Dick was on his toes in an instant.  With a twist of his hand he started
+the loop circling about his head, while his eyes were fastened on the
+enraged animal charging toward him with lowered head.
+
+Nearer he came!  Dick could see the red in his distended nostrils; he
+could see the cords and arteries in his massive neck and shoulders
+standing out under his velvety skin.  He could feel the ground tremble
+under the pounding of his heavy feet.  The next instant those short,
+ugly, black tipped horns might be buried into his flesh and he would be
+tossed into the air.  And if he dropped limp and helpless he would be
+stamped to death.  The beast was twenty feet away now.  His head dropped
+lower for the final plunge.  He lunged his great body forward.
+
+But the boy was not there!  Like a panther, Dick had leaped behind the
+flag-pole, but not until he had hurled the whistling loop straight at the
+charging animal's feet.  Then with a quick turn he snubbed the line about
+the pole.
+
+The next instant the great beast's legs were jerked out from under him
+and with a roar of rage he turned a complete somersault and crashed to the
+ground, every bit of his wrath jarred out of him by the stunning impact.
+
+In a twinkle Dick came from behind the pole and with the lariat still in
+his hands rushed toward the prostrate animal.  Two dexterous twists were
+all he made and the hind legs of the bull were lashed as fast as the
+front ones and savage Ponto was helpless.
+
+After the members of the Quarry Troop had viewed the municipal fireworks
+in front of Town Hall that night they gathered at headquarters to discuss
+the day's events before going home.  But there was only one event to be
+discussed, and that was on the lips of every individual in town.
+
+"By Jove, I called him a coward," said Bud Weir.  "But if there's a
+fellow among us who has as much sand as he had--I--I---well, by cracky,
+there isn't any."
+
+"Well," said Bruce thoughtfully.  "It's this way--ah--er--I mean-- Aw,
+shucks, I can't express it the way I want to, but he surely didn't shirk
+the duty for which he was prepared.  He told me this morning that
+lassoing cattle (roping he calls it) and riding horses is part of a day's
+work where he comes from."
+
+"I don't care if he is skittish about machinery," said Romper Ryan
+emphatically, "I'm going to see that Dick Austin becomes a scout before
+he leaves Woodbridge; he's the kind of a chap we need."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SCOUT LIFE GUARDS' BEACH PATROL
+
+
+Bruce and two companions, Romper Ryan and Jiminy Gordon, were passing the
+Post Office just as Morton McCabe, the little old man who delivered mail
+in the southern district of Woodbridge, came down the broad stone steps.
+
+"How are you, Mr. McCabe?" saluted Bruce.
+
+"Hello, boys; fine, fine, thanks.  Say, did you get your letter?" said
+the diminutive postman, Who always talked very fast and tried to crowd as
+many sentences as he could into a single breath.
+
+"Letter?" demanded Bruce, "what letter?"
+
+"Why, I left a letter up at headquarters for you this morning.  It was
+addressed to you, care of Quarry Troop No. 1, of Woodbridge.  Came from
+Old Harbor Beach, Maine.  Saw the postmark.  Big letter.  Looked
+important."
+
+"Is that so?  Thank you, Mr. McCabe," said Brace.
+
+"Who do you know at Old Harbor Beach, Bruce?" asked Romper.
+
+"That's what I was wondering.  I can't figure it out.  The letter must be
+meant for all of us, or else it wouldn't have been mailed to
+headquarters.  Come on, fellows, we'll see what it is."
+
+Ten minutes later the three lads arrived at headquarters.  There was the
+big blue envelope sticking under the door.  Bruce picked it up and ripped
+it open, while his companions crowded around and looked over his shoulder.
+Hastily the patrol leader's eyes ran through the first paragraph.  Then,
+as if he could not believe what he had read, he started to go over it
+again.
+
+"Out loud, out loud.  Don't be so blamed stingy," said Romper, who was
+eager to hear the news it contained.
+
+"I--er--aw, say, this must be a joke.  Gee, if it isn't, it's the
+biggest piece of luck the troop has had in some time.  Listen, fellows:"
+
+Bruce Clifford, Chief of the Motor Cycle Fire Department, Woodbridge, Vt.
+
+My Dear Bruce: From what I have heard of your motor cycle fire department
+I have come to the conclusion that the members of your troop are exactly
+the boys I need to help me this summer.  I would like to hire the
+services of ten scouts to take charge of a motorcycle life-saving corps I
+am organizing at Old Harbor Beach.
+
+I own all the bathing concessions here and we have a strip of the finest
+beach along the Atlantic Coast.  It is fifteen miles long, just as firm
+as concrete.  The bathing here is treacherous at times, however, and
+there have been several lives lost far this summer.  I do not care to
+have any more such accidents and I want a good crew of life savers to
+help me.  This crew will cover the beach on especially designed
+motorcycles.  I know you scouts are trained in first aid work and are
+well fitted for these duties, and that is why I am eager to have your
+services.  Of course I want only the ten best swimmers in the troop.
+
+It is necessary that you come to Old Harbor Beach at once, as the
+International Automobile Races will be held here next week, and these
+with several large conventions will bring thousands of people to Old
+Harbor from now until the end of the summer.  I will pay transportation
+for ten scouts and will board you and pay each of you $5.00 a week.  If
+these terms are satisfactory, wire me at once and I will send a cheek to
+cover expenses.
+
+Very truly yours,
+J. Arthur Herrick,
+President,
+Old Harbor Improvement Association.
+
+"By Jiminy, what do you think of that?" exclaimed Gordon in amazement.
+
+"Jove, I can't believe it.  Seems like a--well, I think some one is making
+fun of us," said Bruce.  "Wait, I'll read it over again and see if I can
+see a joker in it somewhere."  Once more he read it aloud, while Romper
+and Jiminy Gordon listened.
+
+"Sounds mighty good on second reading," asserted Romper.
+
+"It sure does," exclaimed Gordon enthusiastically, "and just think,
+fellows, if we go we can see the Internationals.  Jove, I was looking
+over the entry list in the paper this morning.  The best automobile
+drivers in the world will be there--St. Clare, Dublan, Osterhout,
+and--and--best of all, Dan Dacy, the American, who has been smashing
+all of the old records.  The papers say Dacy is the favorite.  He's going
+to make a new record in everything from five to fifteen miles and trim
+the Frenchmen and the Germans an--"
+
+"Oh, say, quit!  We're not there yet.  Gee, you almost make me believe
+I'm really going," said Romper.
+
+"But what's to prevent?" demanded Jiminy.
+
+"Well--well--I don't know, unless this letter is a joke."
+
+"We'll find out if it is or not by sending a wire immediately," said
+Bruce, who had been thinking the situation over.
+
+"Yes, but first why not get the troop together and see if we can get ten
+good swimmers whose parents will let them go?  We can call a meeting this
+afternoon and send our telegram to-night," said Romper.
+
+"Right-o; good suggestion," said Jimmy.
+
+"And I really think we should submit the whole thing to Mr. Ford and get
+his opinion before we take definite action.  If some one is joshing us,
+he'll be able to see through it all right."
+
+But subsequent events proved conclusively that the letter was not a joke.
+The scouts called their meeting immediately, and after a careful study
+of the troop's merit badge list, and a painful process of elimination,
+the ten oldest and best fitted scouts of the troop were selected to
+become members of the life-saving crew.  Then Bruce, Romper and Jiminy
+took the letter to Mr. Ford and gave him the whole details of the case.
+
+Mr. Ford read the letter slowly, carefully considering every detail.
+Then he laid it down and removed his glasses.
+
+"Well, boys, if you want my opinion on the whole matter, I would say that
+you were quite the luckiest lot of chaps I've ever heard of.  I spent a
+summer in Old Harbor Beach three years ago, and, of course, I met Mr.
+Herrick.  He is quite the finest man I ever hope to come in contact with;
+big, stout and jovial, and as good-hearted as can be.  If your parents
+will let you, I would advise every one to accept the offer."
+
+"Cracky, we are in luck, fellows.  I move we telegraph our acceptance
+right away," said Romper.
+
+"I move we turn the matter over to Mr. Ford and let him telegraph.  He's
+our Scoutmaster, and I'm sure Mr. Herrick would feel better about the
+whole thing if he found he was dealing with a grown-up person," said
+Bruce.
+
+"Right," said Jiminy and Romper.
+
+"Well, if that's how the wind lies, I'll do it," said Mr. Ford; "only you
+boys consult your parents first and tell me what they have to say."
+
+"Whoop-e-e, we will see the Internationals!" exclaimed Jiminy.
+
+"Yes, and we get a month at the seashore.  When'll we start?" demanded
+Romper.
+
+"Just as soon as the money arrives.  About Tuesday, I should guess," said
+Bruce, as the lads left Mr. Ford's house.
+
+It is hardly natural for ten thoroughly healthy scouts to be confined to
+the restricted limits of a day coach for four solid hours without
+becoming extremely weary of the monotony of it all.  Bruce and the rest
+of the members of Quarry Troop No. 1 became quite restive before the long
+journey to Old Harbor Beach ended.  Indeed, the lads were thoroughly
+pleased when, after the engine whistle had emitted a prolonged shriek,
+the conductor poked his head in at the door and drawled--"'Old
+Har-b-o-r--, Old Harbor Beach!  Next stop Port Junction."
+
+"Thank goodness we're here at last," exclaimed Nipper Knapp, as he began
+to gather his luggage together.
+
+"That's the best news I've heard to-day," insisted Bud Weir, swinging his
+suitcase to his shoulder and crowding out into the aisle with the rest of
+the scouts.
+
+A stout good-natured looking man with a little five-year-old girl in a
+bathing suit perched on his shoulder and a big collie dog romping by his
+side, was easily the most conspicuous individual on the long station
+platform.  Bruce caught sight of him as he descended the steps of the
+coach.
+
+"That's Mr. Herrick, or I'm a duffer at guessing," he said to Romper, who
+was just behind him.
+
+"You're not a duffer, for here he comes to welcome us," said Ray Martin,
+who had overheard the remark.
+
+Indeed, as soon as the big man saw the group of uniformed scouts leaving
+the train he hurried toward them.
+
+"Hello, there, boys.  I'm the one you're looking for, I guess.  My name's
+Herrick."
+
+"My name is Bruce Clifford, Mr. Herrick," said the patrol leader,
+extending his hand, "and these are the life-savers you have been looking
+for."
+
+"Good, I'll learn your names later, boys, and if I don't, I'll give you
+names that'll be just as good, won't I, May?  Boys, this is my daughter
+May.  Now come along with me to my office on the pier and I'll outline
+just what my plans are.  I want you to go on guard as soon as you can,
+for the crowd at the beach is getting larger with every train that pulls
+in.  The Internationals start to-morrow, you know.  The racing cars are
+all here.  For a week past they have been tearing up and down the beach
+from sunrise until the bathers begin to turn out for their morning dip.
+Sort of tuning up for the big events."
+
+"Will we be able to see the races?" asked Gordon eagerly.
+
+"I don't see why not.  They start to-morrow and will last for three
+days," replied Mr. Herrick.
+
+"Won't that be great," exclaimed several as they fell in line behind Mr.
+Herrick and accompanied him through the resort toward the pier.
+
+Old Harbor Beach was like all other high-class watering places along the
+Atlantic Coast, only a great deal larger than the average.  At least a
+dozen tremendous hotels were located on the heights back of the beach.
+There were the usual number of shore restaurants and candy stores, too,
+and a board walk that stretched along the entire waterfront.  Below this
+was a great wide beach of pure white sand as firm as a well-paved road,
+and fairly crowded with bathers.  This beach was known throughout the
+world as an automobile race course, and many a speed record had been made
+on it.
+
+"So this is the famous Old Harbor Beach race course?" said Jiminy, as he
+eyed the straightaway.
+
+"That's what it is, son, and if you'll look away down there you'll see a
+number of low green sheds.  Those are the garages where the speed maniacs
+store their high-powered cars."
+
+"Jiminy!" whispered Gordon, thoroughly awed.
+
+Mr. Herrick's office was in the big white building at the shore end of
+the steel recreation pier.  Without any ceremony he ushered the lads into
+the room and had them make themselves at home.  This invitation the
+scouts accepted by promptly taking a seat on whatever was handiest,
+including window sills, tables and even the floor; Mr. Herrick sat down
+at his desk, while the collie curled up at his feet and his daughter took
+her place on his knee.
+
+"Scouts," he said, "there have been three very sad occurrences at the
+beach this Summer, and while in each case the fault lay entirely with the
+bather, I feel very much disturbed by the accidents, and I don't want any
+more to take place this year.  I have called upon you boys to help me
+prevent them.  Remember, from now on you lads are the guardians of the
+lives of bathers at Old Harbor Beach."  He spoke the last sentence very
+impressively.
+
+"Here's my plan," he continued after a pause.  "Last Winter I was out to
+California, and at one of the beaches I saw a motorcycle life-saving
+corps that had been organized by an old-time lifesaver.  It pleased me so
+much that I decided to have the same sort of a patrol on my beach.  I
+ordered two motorcycles built along the lines of the machines used there.
+They arrived here two days ago and are now in their garages waiting for
+you.  These cars are equipped with all kinds of life-saving and first-aid
+devices, including a stretcher, a pulmotor, bandages and medicines of all
+kinds.  There will be two men to a motorcycle; a driver and a man on the
+tandem seat, ready to spring from the wheel and plunge into the surf and
+make a rescue.  He should be the best swimmer of the pair, of course.
+
+"All along the beach I have had signal towers built, each of which will
+be manned by a scout.  He will keep constant vigil, and, at the first
+sign of trouble in his vicinity, he will flash a warning to the next
+tower.  The scouts in that tower will flash the signal on until it
+reaches the lookout at the garage.  Then the motorcycle will be off to
+the scene of trouble, tearing down the beach at a mile-a-minute clip.
+How does that strike you?"
+
+"Great," exclaimed several of the scouts in unison.
+
+"Well, don't get the idea that it's all fun.  Indeed, it's mighty serious
+business, I'll have you know.  On your quickness to respond to an alarm
+and upon your bravery and cool-headedness in a crisis will depend a human
+life, perhaps several of them," said Mr. Herrick.
+
+"We realize that," said Bruce soberly.
+
+"I guess you'll do, all right.  I've heard a great deal about you Vermont
+scouts and I guess you'll be able to do what I ask of you and do it
+right.  Now, if you are ready, we'll go down to one of the garages; there
+are two of them.  If you will look out of the window you will see one
+about a mile down the beach there.  The other is a mile to the north of
+us.  The distance between the two stations includes all of the beach
+reserved for bathers and it will give each machine about a mile to
+patrol.
+
+"The garages have just been completed.  Each will contain sleeping
+accommodations for five boys.  You will divide your crew into two
+patrols, with a leader for each patrol.  One patrol will occupy the north
+station and the other the south.  There will be two life savers and three
+watchmen to each patrol.  Do you understand?"
+
+"Indeed, we do," said Bruce.
+
+"Good," said Mr. Herrick.  Then, after sending his little daughter out on
+to the beach to romp with her collie companion, he continued: "Come on
+and we'll inspect your new quarters."   And, with Mr. Herrick in the lead
+the scouts filed out upon the pier and down a long iron stairway to the
+beach below.
+
+Through crowds of bathers the lads made their way until they arrived at a
+long, low structure built near the board walk.  This was the south
+station.
+
+Carpenters and painters were putting the finishing touches on to the
+building, and it looked to the scouts as if they were going to have a
+capital home in which to spend the month of August.
+
+Inside the big double doors were two rooms.  The rear room was equipped
+with five white iron beds and several chiffoniers and wash stand, while
+the front apartment contained the life guard's motorcycle.
+
+"Jimmy, look at that machine," exclaimed Gordon, who was the first one to
+enter the building.
+
+"Cracky, it's the best make on the market, too," said Nipper Knapp,
+examining the maker's name plate.
+
+"Bet it will burn up the beach, eh, fellows?" said Romper.
+
+"It sure will.  It's a two-cylinder tandem.  It'll make fifty miles an
+hour, or I'm no judge," said Bruce enthusiastically.
+
+"Like it, boys?" queried Mr. Herrick, who had been watching them as they
+inspected the apparatus.
+
+"Like it!  Gee, we couldn't help but like it.  It's a corker.  But what's
+that side car paraphernalia, that long box and the cigar-shaped tin can
+and the reel with wire cable on it, and all that?"
+
+"I'll explain that to you right away," said Mr. Herrick.  "That long,
+flat-topped box on the side car serves several purposes.  When you want
+to take an unconscious person to the emergency hospital over on Beach
+Avenue you can use the box as a stretcher.  Just put your patient on to
+the top of it and while the man on the tandem seat holds him fast the
+driver can rush the machine off to its destination at top speed; regular
+mile-a-minute ambulance service, you see.
+
+"Under that flat top are a lot of interesting things.  The box contains
+several compartments in which are all sorts of first-aid preparations,
+including bandages, medicines, aromatic stimulants and the like.  And,
+last of all, there is a pulmotor."
+
+"Oh, I've heard of the pulmotor and always wanted to see one in use,"
+said Bud.
+
+"Well, I'll tell you how they work," said Mr. Herrick.  "It is the latest
+thing in the way of first-aid appliances.  It pumps oxygen into the lungs
+of an unconscious person automatically.  Firemen and life savers all over
+the world are using them now.  That blue tank there contained oxygen.
+This machinery under the glass covering is a pump that works by the
+pressure of the oxygen.  A little of the oxygen escapes from the tank and
+moves the pump, which forces the life-giving gas into those long pipes.
+That muzzle at the end of the pipes is placed over the victim's mouth and
+nose, and in that way the oxygen enters the lungs.  You boys can study
+the directions for its use on the cover of the box here.  When you have a
+pulmotor around you won't have to resort to the artificial respiration
+drill described in your Handbook.  Try it out on each other until you
+know exactly how to handle it."
+
+"You bet we will.  We'll work out a regular rescue exercise, won't we,
+fellows?" said Bruce.
+
+"Right-o!" exclaimed half a dozen lads in unison.
+
+"Fine.  Now, I'll explain the way a rescue is made by the California life
+savers.  That reel of wire cable and the cigar-shaped float attached to
+the rear end of the side car is a very important factor in rescue work.
+The float has a life belt attached to it, as you can see.  When a rescue
+is to be made the motorcycle comes to a stop at the water's edge and the
+man on the tandem seat leaps off and seizes the float.  He buckles the
+life belt on to him as he plunges into the water and the man on shore
+reels out the cable as the rescuer swims to the person in trouble.  When
+the life saver reaches the man or woman he is after he does not have to
+struggle to keep afloat, for the buoy holds him on top of the water.  If
+he has to dive for the drowning one, he merely unbuckles the life belt
+and when he comes to the surface the buoy is right there for him to seize
+hold of, or, if he chose to, he could strap it fast to the one he is
+trying to save.  The wire cable is very light, but very strong, and when
+the buoy is made fast to any one, the man on shore hauls away and drags
+the body out, just as he would haul out a big fish."
+
+"Jove, but _that's_ an outfit for you," exclaimed Romper.
+
+"Well, I'm glad you like it, Scouts.  The outfit in the north station is
+identically the same.  I didn't spare any money to have your equipment
+the finest."
+
+"That's mighty good of you," said Bruce.
+
+"Why, it's to my own interest, lads.  A single life saved is worth more
+to me than all the money I've put into this scheme.  Now it's up to you
+boys to make good my investment."
+
+"We'll do it," shouted the scouts in unison.
+
+"Alright, boys, that's all I ask.  I'll leave you now.  You can organize
+your own patrols and select your own leaders without my help.  When you
+get hungry, go to the Pine Grove Hotel I've arranged to have all your
+meals served to you there.
+
+"You can spend the rest of the afternoon becoming familiar with the
+apparatus, and I guess you'll have all the time you want to practice
+during the next two or three days, for while the races are on no bathers
+will be allowed on the beach.  Well, good-by and good luck to you."
+
+And the genial bath house proprietor left the scouts to their own devices.
+
+"Jiminy, fellows, I can't believe it.  Some one pinch me, please.  I want
+to see if I'm awake.  Just think of being in charge of such an outfit,"
+said Gordon after Mr. Herrick had left.
+
+"It does seem like a dream, doesn't it?" said Bruce, examining the
+contents of the first-aid chest that formed the body of the side car.
+"Come on, let's dig into this and see what we have to work with."
+
+That invitation was unnecessary, for several of the lads were rummaging
+through the chest while others were inspecting the machine and still
+others were wandering through the building looking their new quarters
+over.  So occupied were they in this pleasant occupation that they
+completely forgot the time.  Indeed, it was after six o'clock before they
+realized it.  And since six o'clock was the dinner hour at the hotel the
+lads hustled off up the beach to find their boarding place.
+
+For an hour after they left the hotel the scouts wandered through the
+resort acquainting themselves with the place.  At eight they all returned
+to the south station, for they realized that they still had a great deal
+to do that evening.
+
+When the electric lights were lit and the scouts were comfortably
+situated in the bedroom of the Station, Bruce called a meeting.  The four
+best swimmers were selected first.  They were Jiminy, Romper, Bud and
+Bruce.  After a vote Jiminy and Bruce were selected to man the motorcycle
+in the south station, while the two others were appointed operators of
+the apparatus in the north station.  The six remaining lads were
+appointed lookouts to man the beach towers.  Three were attached to the
+north station crew, of which Bud was made leader, and the other three
+were appointed members of Bruce's south station crew.
+
+Before the meeting adjourned it was decided that all ten scouts remain in
+the south station for the night, since there would be very little work
+for them to do next day.  Bruce also thought it wise to have all the lads
+together while they were learning to use the pulmotor and becoming
+familiar with their apparatus.  Then, too, the south station was better
+located to afford the lads a view of the automobile races next morning,
+which counted for a great deal.
+
+By sleeping two in a bed and disregarding any slight discomforts the ten
+lads found that they could occupy quarters meant to accommodate only
+five.  And after a round of pillow fights and similar nocturnal
+diversions they were finally all tucked in and ready for sleep.
+
+"Well, good-night, fellows.  Hope we all sleep comfortably," shouted
+Romper after the lights had been turned out.
+
+"Good-night yourself," shouted Jiminy.  Then he added, "Hi, fellows, the
+Internationals to-morrow!  Whoop--e-e-e!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE DAY OF THE BIG RACE
+
+
+Bang--bang-bankety-bang-bang-bang!  The ten scouts bounded out of bed at
+once.  All were wide eyed with excitement and wonder.
+
+"What the dickens!  An earthquake!" demanded Bud Weir.
+
+Jiminy Gordon was the first one to the window.
+
+"Gee whiz, look at him go!"
+
+"Look at who--what?"
+
+"Why that was one of the racing cars," said Jiminy.  "They are tuning up
+for the big races to-day.  Guess it was a foreign car from the racket it
+made.  All the mufflers off.  Couldn't make out just which car it was
+though.  Going so fast it looked just like a gray streak.  I--"
+
+"Bnr-r-r-r-r bumpety-boom-boom-boom-b a n g bang-bang!"
+
+"Whoopee-e-e, here's another one," screamed Jiminy.
+
+The ten scouts rushed to the front door of the building, ignoring the
+fact that they were clad only in pajamas and night shirts, and waved to
+the passing racer.
+
+"Cracky, look at him tear up the beach," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"Rather early in the morning to risk one's neck, eh?  It's only four
+o'clock.  Guess they are doing their last tuning up before the events
+start," said Jiminy.
+
+"Say, how do they race?" asked fat Babe Wilson.  "Do they line 'em up
+like a lot of sprinters and start  'em when a pistol is fired?"
+
+"Well, they may do some match racing tomorrow, but to-day I think they
+will hold their time trials.  They will race to see who can make the best
+time over the course," said Jiminy.
+
+"How fast can they go?" asked Ray Martin.
+
+"Oh, they can make a mile in half a minute.  The world's record for a
+mile is twenty-five and one-half seconds," said Gordon, who was more or
+less of an authority on automobiles among the members of the Quarry
+Troop.
+
+"Gee Whizz!  Say what can they make fifteen miles in?  How long will it
+take 'em to go the full length of the beach?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Well, the world's record for fifteen miles is just ten minutes flat.
+That's an old record and Dan Dacy says he's going to smash it to
+smithereens to-day.  Hope he does.  Say, fellows, what do you say to
+going down and looking over the garages before breakfast?"
+
+"Fine, let's get some clothes on and we'll start right away," said
+Romper.
+
+Dressing was only a matter of a few minutes and presently the troop was
+on its way down the boardwalk toward the point where the series of
+green-peaked roofs located the garages of the speed maniacs.  Although it
+was not yet five o'clock in the morning there were scores of people on
+the board walk all headed in the same direction.
+
+"Say, this is going to be a big day all right," said Ray Martin, as he
+noted the enthusiasm that prevailed.
+
+"Right-o, just look at the crowd down there at the garages already this
+morning," said Bruce.
+
+About each of the low houses were grouped dozens of curiosity seekers.
+The scouts soon joined the throng and began to inspect the quarters of
+the races.  Each garage contained a big sullen looking car about which
+was grouped half a dozen mechanics.  These men were tinkering here,
+tightening a bolt there, or wiping and polishing the great machines as if
+they were so many sacred elephants.  Mechanical parts, pumps, jacks,
+boxes of tools, cans of oil, extra tires and wheels, cushions and
+innumerable odds and ends were scattered about each building and
+everybody seemed to be keyed up to an extreme nervous pitch.  On every
+side could be heard remarks about the cars and drivers, their records and
+their chances for winning the various events.
+
+The excitement was infectious and before they realized it the scouts were
+as thoroughly interested as every one else.  They began to talk
+automobiles to all with whom they came in contact and soon picked up a
+great deal of information about the notables who were to take part in the
+races.
+
+"Say, Bruce," said Jiminy Gordon suddenly, "there's Dan Dacy.  See him.
+That big, tall, light-haired fellow down there.  I've seen his picture so
+many times that I almost feel as if know him.  Come on, we'll go down and
+see his machine.  That must be his garage--yes, it is.  See the sign over
+the door.  Vix-Benson, it says.  That's the car he's going to drive."
+
+The scouts followed Jiminy and Bruce and soon found themselves part of a
+very large crowd gathered about the famous driver's headquarters.  Dacy
+was the favorite American in the race and since he was to operate one of
+the best known American cars everybody was enthusiastic to see him carry
+off the honors of the event in which he was entered.  He was standing by
+the door of his garage watching his attendants tinker with his machine,
+when the scouts came up.  The lads pushed their way through the crowd to
+reach the rope railing about the entrance to the garage, and when the
+tall racer saw them, he smiled and waved his hand.
+
+"How are you, Scouts?" he said good-naturedly.  Then without waiting for
+an answer he came over to the rope.
+
+"Where are you fellows from?" he demanded.
+
+"Woodbridge, Vermont, sir," said Bruce.
+
+"Woodbridge, Vermont?  Well, you came a long way to see the races, didn't
+you?" he said, a boyish smile playing about the corners of his mouth.
+
+"Well, not exactly.  You see we are here on business.  That is, we've
+been hired as life guards at Old Harbor.  We're going to patrol the beach
+for the rest of the Summer.
+
+"Oh-ho, so you are the chaps Mr. Herrick was telling me about--have
+motorcycles and all that sort of rigging, eh?  Say, boys, that's a great
+scheme.  I saw the original motor cycle life guards work out in
+California last year, and they're great, too.  Hope you have luck."  Then
+after shaking hands with Bruce and Jiminy and two or three other scouts,
+he turned and entered the garage, for one of his mechanics had called
+him.
+
+And although Dan Dacy did not realize it, this spirit of democracy had
+won him ten thoroughly capable rooters, for the scouts were more than
+pleased with his friendship.
+
+"Say isn't he a corking fine chap," exclaimed Bruce.
+
+"I should say he was; a regular pippin' I'd call him," said Jiminy
+stoutly.  And he looked at his companions as if he dared any one of them
+to deny it.
+
+The crowd about the garage was growing to tremendous proportions, and it
+was all that the scouts could do to extricate themselves.  When they
+finally reached the open beach again, Bruce looked at his watch.
+
+"Say, fellows, it's getting late," he exclaimed; "it's six o'clock and we
+haven't had any breakfast.  I think we will have to hustle over to the
+hotel if we want to get back to quarters and have a drill before the
+races start."
+
+"Right-o," exclaimed Babe Wilson, "I know it's getting late because my
+stomach feels all shriveled up for want of something to eat."
+
+"Huh, that stomach of yours," said Jiminy Gordon in disgust, as he took a
+lingering look toward the garages.  A moment later he fell in line with
+the rest of the lads, who started up the board walk toward the hotel.
+
+On their way back the scouts paid a brief visit to the north station, but
+they all returned to Bruce's domain at half-past seven, for the north
+station crew was rather eager to stay in the vicinity of the lower
+station for a better view of the races.  Then, too, they had decided the
+night before that it would be well for all of them to practice their
+first aid work together.
+
+There was very little need for the lookouts to man their tower during
+this practice work, for they needed no drilling since all of their
+signaling would be done with signal flags and the semaphore signal code
+which is part of the examination for all second class scouts.
+
+That being the case, Bruce decided that all of the lads would devote the
+morning to operating the pulmotor, while the four life savers made
+frequent plunges into the surf so as to become accustomed to swimming
+with the aid of the buoy.  One after another the lads operated the
+pulmotor upon a supposed victim until each had learned the proper method
+of adjusting and strapping fast the mouthpiece, and which screws to turn
+to start and stop the oxygen pump.  An hour of this practice work was
+quite sufficient, and when it was finished Bruce and Jiminy and Bud and
+Romper, turn about, took the motor cycle for short dashes up the beach
+and indulged in a mock rescue At ten o'clock the drilling was stopped,
+for the racing automobiles began to appear on the beach in final
+preparation for the races which were scheduled to start at eleven.
+
+"Say, fellows, that rescue work is some fun," said Jiminy Gordon, as he
+emerged from the surf for the last time and came toward the station.
+
+"You bet it is," said Bruce, as he shut off the power of the motorcycle
+and wheeled the machine into its quarters.
+
+"And the water is just snappy enough to feel good, too.  You know, I
+think I'll stay in my bathing suit all day, even though there won't be
+any bathers to rescue.  I want to get tanned up right away," added
+Jiminy.
+
+"Good idea," exclaimed several, with enthusiasm, and forthwith they all
+donned the special maroon bathing suits that Mr. Herrick had provided for
+his life guards.  But it is hard to tell whether it was the desire to
+acquire a good coat of tan or the opportunity afforded them to display
+their rather pretentious bathing suits, that moved them to take this
+step.  However, fifteen minutes later, a group of ten uniformed and more
+or less self-conscious beach guards were sunning themselves in front of
+the south station in full view of the thousands of people who were
+gathering on the board walk to view the races.
+
+By eleven o'clock the crowd had increased to a veritable horde.
+Thousands lined the board walk from the garages to the finish line and
+hundreds of automobiles were parked in every roadway.  Special guards,
+composed of the local troop of boy scouts with their staffs and a troop
+of militia from Portland had been detailed to keep the sightseers orderly
+and in position on the board walk.  They were all having their hands full
+accomplishing the task, however, for the automobile enthusiasts began to
+get restless as the time for the start of the races drew near.
+
+At five minutes after eleven the band on the recreation pier, which had
+been blaring forth popular airs for an hour, ceased, and a moment later
+the judges made their appearance on the beach.  This was a signal for
+prolonged cheering on the part of the crowd.  But the noise stopped When
+a single individual carrying a black and white flag stepped out into the
+course and began wigwagging.  He was signaling to another individual at
+the garages, who in turn transmitted his signal to the starting line in
+the dim distance down the beach.
+
+"That means everything is ready.  The first car will start in a moment,"
+said Jiminy Gordon nervously.
+
+Every one was gazing down the beach, where a tiny black blotch on the
+sand marked the dozen or more racing cars held ready for the start.  Then
+when every one was waiting tense and silent--boom! came the muffled echo
+of the starting gun. --They're off! cried the crowd, and far, far down
+the beach the scouts could see the tiniest black speck coming toward
+them.  Soon they heard a curious far-off drone which developed quickly
+into a grumble, then into a fusillade of loud bangs as the racing car
+approached.  The scouts were all on their feet now, nervous and
+expectant.
+
+"Osterhout, the German," cried the spectators, as the long, low racer
+drew near.
+
+Then almost before the scouts could wink, it had roared past, its hood
+enveloped in blue flames and its driver bending low over the steering
+gear.
+
+"Gee whiz!" was all that the amazed scouts could say when the big car
+roared across the line.
+
+A brief but tense silence followed the finish of the run, for the crowd
+waited while the judges, by means of an elaborate system of telephone
+communicated with the starters, fixed the time.  Presently, however, the
+huge scoreboard on the recreation pier displayed: Osterhout, two minutes
+34 seconds.  This announcement was greeted by a roar, for the German had
+equaled the world record for five miles.
+
+"Cracky," cried Jimmy Gordon, "Dan Dacy will have to go some to beat
+that.  Just think, if Osterhout had been one-fifth of a second faster
+he'd have smashed the world's record.  Gosh, I wish--"
+
+Boom!  Here comes another one!
+
+Silence reigned in the vast crowd again and every eye followed the black
+speck.  "Du Blon," guessed some;  "St. Clare," said others; "Wolverton,"
+asserted several enthusiasts.
+
+But before the big racer had traveled half of the course the hum of its
+engines ceased and the black speck gradually came to a halt.  Wolverton
+it proved to be and his car had developed engine trouble.  The Stafford
+car was out of the race.
+
+St. Clare and Du Blon followed in quick cession, each of them driving
+their madly flying vehicles to the limit of endurance, but each fell
+behind Osterhout's mark by several seconds.  McCalkin, the ruddy-faced
+Irish driver, was the next sensation.  His was the smallest car of the
+race in point of length.  Indeed, it looked as if it had collided with a
+telegraph pole and lost most of its hood.  But under that snub nose were
+concealed six perfectly good cylinders that spat fire all the way down
+the course and shot the car over the finish line two seconds better than
+the world's record.  What a roar of applause greeted the boyish driver
+when the figures were displayed!  Even the scouts forgot for a moment
+that they were rooting exclusively for Dan Dacy and burst forth in a
+ringing cheer.
+
+But presently their attention was diverted from this achievement, for
+word was passed from the judges' stand that Dan Dacy with his Vix-Benson
+was the next contestant.
+
+"Dan Dacy next!" was the word that passed from mouth to mouth through the
+crowd.  Every one was a-tip-toe with excitement.  All eyes were strained
+on the starting line.
+
+"Gee, I hope he comes through with a new record," said Bruce anxiously.
+
+"He will," asserted Jiminy Gordon positively.
+
+Boom!  Five thousand pairs of eyes were fastened on the tiny black speck
+that detached itself from the black blot far down the beach, and sped
+northward.  Ten thousand ears were strained to catch the first far-off
+hum of the motor Dacy was coming.  His Vix-Benson was burning up the
+beach.  Now the scouts caught the buzz of the motor.  It grew louder with
+the passing of every second.  Like a black projectile the car came on,
+flames from the throbbing cylinders licking about the hood.
+
+"Dacy!  Dacy!  Danny Dacy!  Make it a new record!" screamed the
+electrified crowd while he was yet two miles from the finish line.
+Unquestionably he was the favorite.
+
+On came the roaring racer.  The car was just a gray blur that hardly
+seemed to touch the beach, and begoggled Dan Dacy looked like the hooded
+messenger of death.
+
+Then with an ear-splitting roar the great machine passed the scouts on
+the last mile of the course!
+
+"By Jiminy, it's a new record or I'll-- Oh mercy!  Look!  Look!  She'll
+be killed!"
+
+The scouts stood transfixed with horror.  Up the beach in the very path
+of the flying motor stood little May Herrick, clutching a red rubber ball
+in her hand and looking at the coming machine with horror written in
+every line of her childish face.
+
+The whole situation was clear.  The tot had dropped her ball, which had
+rolled out onto the sloping beach.  With her mind only on rescuing the
+plaything, she had pulled herself out of her nurse's grasp and run out
+onto the race course.  And then when she found herself in the path of
+certain death she had become panic-stricken.
+
+Dan Dacy's heart must have leapt to his throat when he saw the little one
+in his way.  But if it did it in no way affected his nerve.  He knew that
+to turn the steering wheel but an inch meant certain destruction to the
+careening car and a broken neck for himself perhaps.  Yet he braved this
+hideous fate and wrenched at the steering gear.
+
+There was a terrific roar, a crash of shattered metal and in a cloud of
+sand the big gray racer turned abruptly and plunged end over end down the
+beach into the curling breakers.  The crowd gave vent to a shriek of
+alarm when they saw Dan Dacy's limp form shoot clear of the wreck and go
+whirling, arms and legs flying out toward the point where the combers
+were breaking.
+
+Like every one of the five thousand witnesses of the tragedy, the scouts
+stood paralyzed for a moment--but only for a moment--Bruce was the first
+to gather his scattered wits.
+
+"Quick, Jiminy!  We'll get him!  Come!  He may still be alive!  The rest
+of you fellows follow on foot!"
+
+While he was speaking, Bruce rushed into the station and started the
+motor cycle.  Jiminy was right behind him and an instant later the
+powerful machine was making forty miles an hour over the sandy beach.
+Bruce bent low over the handle bars while Jiminy clung on and sought to
+buckle the life buoy belt about his waist.
+
+When the machine reached the wrecked motor car Bruce brought it to an
+abrupt stop.  But already Jimmy had leaped from the machine and plunged
+into the water.  With powerful overhand strokes he breasted the breakers.
+He seemed to shoot through the water, so mighty were his efforts.
+
+Thirty feet out he saw something bobbing upon the surface of the water.
+It was Dacy's leather helmet.  Toward this Jiminy headed and the water
+fairly boiled with the struggle he was making to reach the spot.  In a
+few seconds he was near enough to reach out and grasp the black object.
+But he let go of it immediately and the next moment he was seen to
+prepare for a dive under the surface.  A few feet away he had seen some
+air bubbles coming to the top.
+
+In a jiffy he had unbuckled the life buoy.  Then like a seal the lithe
+youngster sought the dark green depths, following the line of bubbles.
+Down he swam, deeper and deeper, for on the white, sandy bottom he could
+see a dark, shapeless mass turning round and round with the action of the
+water.  He reached out to seize it and his lingers slipped from the
+driver's leather jacket.  Again he tried, and his hand closed about the
+cold wrist of the unconscious man.
+
+Then he turned and started to struggle upward, dragging his heavy burden
+after him.  It was hard work--terrible work, for he had dived deep and he
+was badly in need of air.  His lungs felt as if they would burst.  The
+blood pressure in his neck and head was almost unbearable.  At first he
+could make no headway.  The drowning man seemed to hold fast to the
+bottom.  But he fought hard for he realized that if he let go of Dacy he
+would have difficulty in finding him with a second dive.  Every moment
+was precious, too.  There might still be a spark of life in the limp form
+he was trying to rescue.
+
+Up, up, he struggled.  Above he could see the light of day.  Great green
+bubbles raced past him.  Only a few feet now.  Only a second or two
+longer.  Thus did he spur himself onward until suddenly his head shot
+clear of the waves, and, with a-gasp, he filled his tortured lungs with
+new air.  Ten feet away danced the cigar-shaped float with its life belt,
+and swimming toward him from the crowded beach were two other scouts
+ready to help.
+
+Jimmy summoned every ounce of his remaining strength and held the head of
+the unconscious man above the water.  And when the spectators saw that he
+had actually made the rescue a cheer louder and longer than any that had
+greeted the racers rent the air.
+
+It was hard work and Jiminy was at the point of exhaustion, yet he tried
+his utmost to buckle the life belt about poor Dacy.  But while he fumbled
+with the straps the two other scouts arrived and relieved him of the
+task.  Quickly the belt was adjusted and the sign flashed to Bruce, who
+seized the steel cable and hauled away.
+
+Then the two lads turned their attention to Jiminy and between them aided
+him into shallow water.
+
+By the time the three swimmers reached the beach the scouts had cleared
+Dacy's lungs of water and had started the pulmotor.  For twenty minutes
+the lads worked valiantly, doing everything that they could to bring back
+life in the unconscious man, while the anxious crowd looked on.
+
+Finally their efforts were rewarded.  Dacy's eyelids quivered several
+times, then slowly opened, whereat the crowd gave a mad cry of joy and
+the scouts had all they could do to keep them from pressing closer.
+
+But one man did break through the circle of guards and the lads let him
+pass.  He was Mr. Herrick.  Tears of joy coursed down his good natured
+face when he saw that Dacy was still alive, and before the scouts could
+restrain him he seized the prostrate man's hand and squeezed it while he
+murmured:
+
+"Dacy, Dacy, thank goodness you are still alive.  I was afraid you had
+sacrificed your life to save that little girl of mine."
+
+Then turning toward Bruce, he said, "Scouts, I don't know how to thank
+you for this.  I--"
+
+"Don't try to thank us, Mr. Herrick," said Bruce, "but you can help us
+put him onto the side car.  I think we should get to a doctor's right
+away, for there may be some broken bones or internal injuries."
+
+And a few moments later the life guard's motorcycle was carrying its
+first patient to the emergency hospital.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENED
+
+
+Whack--"Nine-hundred-en-ten;" whack--"nine-hundred-en-'leven," whack,
+"Zare ees almoost une tousan trees what you boys mus' cut awraty.  What
+you zink of zat?" said Paul Nez, the big French-Canadian lumber cruiser,
+as he hacked a blaze into a six-inch poplar and left his short hatchet
+wedged fast while he felt through his pockets for a handkerchief.
+
+"Et will take you all ze Wintair for ze work mebbe, huh?" he continued,
+as he blew his nose with a loud blast.
+
+"George!  I shouldn't wonder if it would take us a couple of months at
+least," said Bruce Clifford as he sat down upon a stump and pushed his
+hat back upon his head.
+
+"Yes, snow will be thick through here when we finally finish, I guess,"
+added Jiminy Gordon, surveying the forest.
+
+"Well, the Doctair Lyman he say he not such great rush," smiled the
+Canadian.  Then he paused and seemed to search into the very heart of the
+wood with his coal black eyes, and all this time he kept sniffing the
+air.
+
+"Camp 'round here sure.  One no good camp too, mebby," said he finally as
+he pointed toward the west.
+
+"I thought I smelled the smoke of a camp fire," said Bruce.
+
+"So did I," added Jiminy.
+
+"I smell heem smoke, I smell heem scraps, too.  No good camp, no know
+woods.  Mebby heem get seek.  Come on.  We all through now.  We find 'em
+wood road now soon.  Doctair Lyman heem line run cross by that blaze over
+tair; you see heem, huh?  Heem end of Doctair Lyman's wood."
+
+"So that's the line, eh?  Well, twenty-five acres of woods is a lot of
+territory, isn't it, Bruce?" said Jimmy, as he picked up his scout
+hatchet and slipped into his belt.
+
+The Canadian wrenched his hatchet free from the poplar and started
+swinging westward between the trees and the two Quarry Troop scouts fell
+in behind him in single file.  And as they walked on the smell of the
+camp lire, and the tainted odor that emanates from a camp's garbage dump
+grew stronger to their nostrils.
+
+Then presently the camp itself loomed up at the very side of the wood
+road for which the Canadian lumberman was headed.
+
+A single wall tent of large proportions was the most conspicuous thing
+about the place.  This had its flaps pinned back and in the doorway,
+reclining on a collapsible canvas camp chair with a bandage-swathed foot
+propped up on a soap box sat one of the occupants.
+
+The woodsman and the two Quarry Scouts needed only a glance at the little
+clearing to know that those who had built it here knew nothing at all
+about the woods and were, moreover, very disorderly by nature.  Blankets
+lay in a confused heap among leaves and twigs instead of being hung up to
+dry; empty cans, paste board boxes and scraps of paper littered the
+place; fire burned entirely too near a dry brush pile and there was no
+stone fireplace to hold it in check; loose papers were scattered about
+and to make matters even worse, the pots and pans that had been used to
+cook the last meal lay on the ground unwashed.
+
+It was indeed a bungle of a camp but if the single occupant realized it
+he did not seem to care a whit for he sat serenely in the doorway of the
+tent so interested in a book that he did not hear Paul Nez and his young
+companions approaching.
+
+"'Allo, you get heem broke foot, mebby?" said Paul with a grin as he
+moved toward the tent.
+
+The camper looked up with a start, and then smiled.  "Yes, I twisted my
+right ankle yesterday by falling down a gully, and ouch--don't make me
+move 'cause it hurts like sin.  Glad it isn't sprained though.  It ought
+to be well in four or five days.  Anything you want?  Anything we can do
+for you?  If there is, go ahead and do it yourself.  The rest of the
+fellows are off partridge hunting.  What do you want, provisions,
+matches?  I'll tell you where they are and you can help yourself.  I
+can't move."
+
+"We don't want heem nothin'.  We go out of woods now right off, down wood
+road.  Why you don't fix heem camp up good?  Look um fire--poor, bad, very
+worse.  Some day heem catch bush so, leaves mebby, and then heem timber
+fire.  Burn out heem woods.  Look um pans, pots, dirty dishes.  Not good
+for smell.  Not good for men in heem woods.  Blankets, look um all get
+lousy.  Not very good camp, heem," said the Canadian, plainly showing
+his disgust at the general disorder about the place.
+
+"I know it, old chap.  It looks like the sloppiest kind of a place to me,
+but then I'm not supposed to know anything about camps and woods.  I come
+from Boston, you see.  The other fellows are the campers.  They are
+Vermonters, from St. Cloud City," said the man in the doorway
+sarcastically.
+
+"Huh, a deuced of a lot they know about the woods and camping," said
+Bruce in disgust as he surveyed the scene.
+
+"They know more about keeping a pig sty," said Jiminy Gordon as he picked
+up the blankets and, shaking them free of the dust, hung them onto the
+branch of a nearby hemlock.
+
+"Thanks, old chap, those blankets on the ground worried me a lot.  And if
+you don't mind, will you scrape up a few of those papers?  Jack and Bart
+(they are the fellows who are camping with me) run off every morning and
+leave a mess like that behind.  They are off hunting most of the day and
+here I have to sit like a blooming invalid until they come back.  But I
+don't mind so long as I have a good book.  Thanks, that looks much
+better, doesn't it?  I'm much obliged to you fellows--ah--er, what're
+your names anyway--mine's Dave--Dave Connors."
+
+The two scouts introduced themselves and then because Paul Nez had
+started down the wood road they waved farewell to the camper with the
+injured foot and hustled to catch up to the timber cruiser.
+
+"When you come into heem woods for cut um down?" asked the Canadian when
+the scouts finally caught up with him.
+
+"Why we are going to start cutting right away," said Bruce.  "You see we
+get a fall vacation and that will help a lot.  School closes tomorrow and
+remains closed until next Monday.  The whole troop is coming up to Long
+Lake tomorrow afternoon after school closes, to start a camp and remain
+here the whole week.  Then after that we are going to come up every
+Friday night and work all day Saturday until our contract is completed
+and we have enough lumber to build our log camp."  They swung along down
+the wood toward Long Lake where they met the main highway that led back
+toward Woodbridge and Scout Headquarters.
+
+The members of the Quarry Troop of Woodbridge had taken upon themselves a
+real contract.  Indeed they felt that they had suddenly all become
+genuine business men as a result of a bargain they had made with the
+leading physician of the village, for you see their little stroke of
+dickering had put them in the way of securing material for a real log
+cabin on the shores of Long Lake, a site for the cabin, and a chance to
+make a little money for the troop treasury besides.  It had come about
+this way.
+
+Mr. Ford, the Assistant Scoutmaster of the Quarry Troop, had learned from
+Dr. Lyman that he intended to cut a great deal of the standing timber on
+his tract of twenty-five acres bordering the lake.  This he intended to
+dispose of as pulp wood, the only purpose it was really good for.  Mr.
+Ford had imparted this information to Bruce Clifford and Jiminy Gordon
+that same evening and it was not long before the leader of the Owl Patrol
+and his chum had discovered the possibilities of a business deal.
+
+Accordingly after the next meeting the two lads visited Dr. Lyman and
+made him a proposition to the effect that the scouts would cut his pulp
+wood and take their pay in trees.   These trees, the lads explained, were
+to be felled and used to construct a log cabin on the lake shore.  As
+part of the bargain they asked for permission to use a section of Dr.
+Lyman's land that bordered the lake as a site for their camp.
+
+The plan struck the physician as being capital and he was particularly
+pleased to find that the boys were eager to earn their pleasure with good
+hard work.  In fact he was so pleased that he made a bargain whereby the
+boys would get one cord of wood in every four cut and they could have
+their wood either in trees or in cord wood lengths, just as they desired.
+Under this arrangement it was quite apparent that the boys would have
+more than enough lumber to build their log cabin and Dr. Lyman told them
+that he would buy whatever extra wood fell to their share and pay for it
+at the market price of pulp wood.
+
+Moreover, to help the boys, the physician arranged to have Paul Nez, an
+experienced timber cruiser, traverse the woods, blazing each tree of the
+proper pulp wood species and size thus giving the boys a clear idea of
+what timber to cut and what to leave standing.  And Bruce and Jiminy were
+asked to accompany him so that they might become familiar with the forest.
+
+Tramping the length and breadth of twenty-five acres of wood land,
+blazing every tree between six and eight inches, was not the easiest sort
+of work the scouts had ever undertaken, and when they finally arrived at
+Woodbridge at four o'clock in the afternoon they were "plum tuckered," to
+quote Jiminy.
+
+However, a brief rest and a hearty evening meal put them in fine shape
+once more and they were able to get to the troop headquarters betimes
+that evening, for a meeting had been called at which plans were to be
+laid for the start of the lumber camp.
+
+Mr. Ford was at headquarters to hear the details of the cruise from
+Jiminy and Bruce, and he also gave the scouts some expert advice as to
+the equipment they would want for the beginning of the camp on the
+morrow.
+
+Among other things he suggested that they build a winter camp immediately
+by putting up lean-tos with thatched roofs on the shores of the lake.
+These would be warmer than their tents and would make more or less
+comfortable quarters until along toward snow time, when the big log cabin
+the lads hoped to build would be well on its way toward completion.
+Then, too, these structures could be left in the woods and would always
+be ready for the boys, whereas if they used their tents they would have
+to make and break camp every Saturday.  The Assistant Scoutmaster also
+made out lists of provisions, clothes and equipment for the boys and they
+spent a busy evening getting everything together and in shape for an
+early start next morning.
+
+In the weird half light of dawn next day, long before Woodbridge was
+awake and stirring, nearly a score of scouts were hustling toward
+headquarters on the crown of Otter Hill.  Every lad was in uniform and
+most of them wore mackinaws or sweaters to keep out the early morning
+chill.
+
+Also each carried the family ax, and over his shoulder blanket roll and
+haversack.
+
+"Old Nanc," the troop's automobile, stood in front of the old machine
+shop piled high with tarpaulins, cooking utensils, provisions, and a
+dozen and one other things that the scouts used in their summer camp, and
+in the driver's seat was Brad Henshaw, Dr. Lyman's chauffeur.  Several of
+the boys found room for themselves on the running board; the others went
+on their motorcycles, which were to be brought back in the car, for there
+was no safe place in camp for such things.
+
+It was with considerable groaning and grumbling that the home-made
+automobile finally got under way, but when she was safely started the
+rest of the expedition followed in her wake, and trundled on toward their
+destination.
+
+A little after sun-up found the lads at the lake shore.  Here "Old Nanc"
+and the cycles were halted, for there was no chance of her making her way
+along the uneven wood road that skirted the lake for half a mile before
+it turned and entered the heart of the forest.
+
+At this point the scouts detrained, as it were, and deposited all their
+luggage on the ground.  Then, having unloaded the automobile, they
+proceeded to reload her, this time with her brood of gasoline-fed
+ducklings.  This done the outfit was turned over to Brad again who
+immediately started back to Woodbridge.
+
+For an hour after the departure of the automobile the scouts were as busy
+as bees carrying their paraphernalia to the camp site which they had
+picked out on the lake shore at the point where the wood road turned and
+entered the forest.  Here was a little stretch of high ground that had
+been partly cleared by wind-falls and Bruce and Jiminy had selected it as
+an ideal location for the camp and site for the troop's future log cabin
+headquarters.
+
+With practically three patrols at work it did not take the lads long to
+clear away the underbrush and fallen logs in the open space.  Indeed the
+whack, whack of their hatchets and the heavier cluck, cluck of their axes
+could be heard on all sides of the clearing and in a surprisingly short
+time a big space had been made ready for the camp.  Dozens of young
+cedars and fir trees were felled for the lean-tos and in short order the
+lads were busy with hammers and nails putting up the frame-work of six of
+these shelters.
+
+They worked with a will and the little forest settlement grew apace.
+After the frame work of the structures was completed the scouts set to
+work with clasp knives and hatchets and stripped the cedars and firs of
+their branches.  Then with this material they began to thatch the sides
+and roof of the lean-tos working the twigs in and out until they formed a
+thickly matted protection against the weather.  They worked with a will
+in spite of cut and blistered fingers and pitch blackened hands until it
+began to look as if they would have their little lumbering village
+finished and ready for occupancy by mid-afternoon.
+
+At half past eleven Romper Ryan, Ray Martin and Buster Benson knocked off
+shelter-building, for they had been appointed cooks for the camp. Hastily
+they put together a big stone fireplace well away from any leaves and
+underbrush, and after they had a good fire going they began preparing the
+first meal at the Quarry Scout lumber camp.
+
+The three lads elected to the commissary department were the best cooks
+in the troop, and they did themselves proud on that particular occasion,
+for when Romper finally sounded his call to quarters on the bottom of the
+tin dishpan there were stacks of golden brown country sausages, snowy
+white boiled potatoes, savory strips of fried bacon, three big pots of
+steaming hot coffee and last, but not least, nearly a hundred chocolate
+doughnuts which Jiminy Gordon's mother had contributed just by way of
+showing the boys how much she thought of them.
+
+In a jiffy seventeen youngsters were assembled in line, tin plate and cup
+in hand.  One by one they filed past the three cooks and received their
+portions, and shortly after they were all sitting cross legged on the
+ground, each devoting his full attention to filling a vacant space just
+under his belt.  The only sound that could be heard was the scraping of
+knives and forks against the tin plates, and now and then a grunt of
+satisfaction, for their work in the open had given the lads appetites of
+young sharks.
+
+"Um-m-m, Jiminy, that was some feed!" grunted Jiminy Gordon as he put
+down his plate and wiped his mouth on his handkerchief.
+
+"You said it, only I wish I could have just one more helping of sausages
+and maybe a little more potatoes;  I think I'd feel entirely satisfied
+then," said fat Babe Wilson, looking pleadingly at Romper.
+
+"Aw give him enough to eat, Romper, he's only had three helpings already,"
+jeered Bud Weir.
+
+"Sorry, Babe, but you've cleaned us out.  There isn't a potato or a
+sausage left," said Romper.
+
+"Gee, that's a fine note.  Want to starve him?" said Ray Martin,
+sarcastically.
+
+"Hi, don't you talk.  You got your share before we did.  Pretty soft
+being a cook.  I'd like to have that job myself," snorted Babe Wilson.
+
+"You leave Ray alone, Babe.  He's some cook, he is.  So is Romper, too,
+only he lets his old fire smoke.  Look at that yellow haze up there among
+the trees.  Did your fire make all that smoke, Romper?" said Bruce.
+
+"My fire--why--blame it all it's out.  It's plum down to ashes--and,
+gee!  I didn't heat any dish water.  Hi, Buster, what did you let that
+fire go out for?  I told you to put some wood on and heat water."
+
+"I--I--aw, I was so hungry I forgot about it.  Never mind I'll build it
+again.  I--"
+
+"Say, Romper, is your fire really out?" queried Bruce, looking at the
+fireplace.  Then he added:
+
+"Sure enough, but by gollies I smell some--I hope it isn't--gee, look
+over to the west there above the trees: Is that smoke?  Is it?  Say,
+fellows, can it be a forest fire?  Gee, I hope not."
+
+"Forest fire!" exclaimed half a dozen scouts.
+
+Every lad jumped to his feet immediately and looked in the direction
+Bruce was pointing.  And there they beheld a pall of yellow smoke hanging
+low above the tree tops.  They could smell it, too.  The pungent odor of
+burning hemlock was so strong as to be unmistakable.  Then for the first
+time the lads noted that the sunlight seemed dimmed too.
+
+"Jove, I believe it _is_ a forest fire," cried Bud Weir.
+
+"I'll bet--say, fellows, look at those big jack rabbits, and there's a
+fox, and look at the birds.  It's a forest fire all right, or those
+animals wouldn't be running out in the open like that and streaking it
+for the lake.  Cracky what'll we do?  I-- Hi, Bruce, what's getting you,
+you're as pale as a ghost?"
+
+Every lad turned toward the leader of the Owl Patrol, who stood as if
+stricken dumb with horror.  But even as they gazed at him he shook off
+the mental fetters and immediately became a lad of action.
+
+"Fellows," he cried, "listen!  There's a man in there--in the fire.
+Perhaps three of them.  Jiminy, you remember, Dave--Dave,
+what's-his-name--Connors.  You know, the fellow in camp over there with
+the twisted ankle.  We saw him yesterday.  He's probably in there yet.
+We must get him out.  He can't move, and a forest fire's about the most
+terrible thing in the world.  Quick, fellows!  Get your blankets and wet
+'em in the lake.  Quick, now!  Follow me!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A NARROW ESCAPE
+
+
+As usual Dave Connors awoke to find himself alone in camp that morning.
+Jack and Bart, his camping companions, had left at dawn and gone out
+partridge hunting exactly as they had done every day since Dave fell down
+into the gully and twisted his ankle.  They were thoughtful enough to
+leave the coffee pot within reach of Dave's cot, however, along with some
+fried strips of bacon, bread and butter and a couple of boiled eggs, so
+that the injured man did not have to hobble about to get his own
+breakfast.
+
+Dave dashed a cup of water over his hands and splashed a little in his
+face by way of performing his toilet and then sitting on the edge of his
+cot, proceeded to devour what was before him eagerly, for, although his
+foot was injured, his appetite was entirely healthy.
+
+"Um--m--m that was good," he muttered as he wiped his mouth on his sleeve
+and looked down at his bandaged foot.
+
+"Now if my old kick was in good order I'd go for a long tramp with a gun
+but--Ah,--ouch--still sore and swollen.  Guess I won't be able to hobble
+about for a couple of days yet," he reflected as he felt of the injured
+member.
+
+Then steadying himself on the edge of the cot with the assistance of a
+cane that Jack cut for him three days before, he hobbled to the tent
+doorway and looked out.
+
+"Jove, what a corking day!  It's a shame I had to get laid up right at
+the beginning of the trip.  But I'll be all right in a couple of days and
+I suppose I can stand it as long as my books hold out.  But, blame it
+all, look at this camp.  Jack and Bart are the sloppiest fellows I ever
+saw.  Look at the blankets on the ground again and the papers scattered
+everywhere.  And look at the big fire they've left.  What for, I wonder?
+I wish I could get out there and clean up the place.  I'll speak to them
+to-night.  I don't think such conditions are sanitary.  I--I--ouch, blast
+it, I can't clean up the place," and with a look of disgust the man from
+Boston limped over to his camp chair and picked up the book that had held
+his interest the day before.
+
+How long he had been reading he did not know; perhaps an hour, perhaps
+two.  But suddenly he was aroused by a strange, unnatural cracking sound.
+He looked up with a start, and his eyes dilated with horror at what he saw.
+
+There, not ten feet from him, creeping and writhing through the dried
+grass and leaves and darting long yellow tongues toward him menacingly,
+wormed a streak of fire.
+
+It was like a serpent that had crawled out of the embers and sought to
+catch him unawares.  Slowly it moved forward, fanned by the fall breeze
+until it was a big V extending across the camp clearing, with each arm
+burning.
+
+On it advanced, licking up everything in its path.  Here it consumed a
+leaf, there a scrap of paper, and each time it devoured something it
+waxed stronger and more threatening.  Even while Dave sat there staring
+at it, it reached a dried branch.  With a crackle this burst into flame,
+setting fire in turn to a sheet of newspaper nearby.  Instantly this was
+a burning torch.  Dave tried to knock it out with his cane.  But before
+he could reach it a gust of wind seized and whirled it across the
+opening, flinging it spitefully against a fir tree.
+
+With a hiss and a crackling roar this blazed up.  In a moment it was a
+column of fire stretching skyward.  The sight was terrible to behold.
+Then like a whirlwind the arms of fire reached out and enveloped another
+tree, and sparks flying with the wind lodged in a spruce nearby and
+converted it into a roaring furnace.   And thus in the space of a minute
+a forest fire was started!
+
+The scorching heat of the burning spruce brought Dave to his senses.  He
+saw before him a hideous fate.  Heedless of the pain in his foot he
+jumped up.  His handkerchief be plunged into a pail of drinking water
+just inside the tent door, then with this wrapped about his face and
+mouth and with his stout cane in hand, he scrambled across the clearing
+and into the long wood road that led eastward through the forest toward
+the lake, half a mile distant.
+
+Oh, if he could run!  If he could only have the use of his injured foot
+for fifteen minutes, he thought, as he limped on.  Behind him he could
+hear the roar of the fire as it reached out and gathered energy by
+licking up tree after tree.  The air was filled with smoke, pungent and
+nauseating.  All about in the forest on either side of the road livid
+tongues upleaping, consuming everything and growing stronger every
+moment.
+
+On hobbled the man from Boston, trying desperately to make time; trying
+mightily to cheat the fire demons that shrieked and roared behind him.
+And he was not the only one that was fleeing from the seething furnace
+that once had been a cool autumn woods.  Three deer whisked by him like
+flashes of the fire itself.  Rabbits, skunks and foxes darted here and
+there among the trees, all headed for the safety of the lake.  And a big
+black bear lumbered by, grunting with every gallop.  How Dave envied
+them.  They would be safe.  Would he?
+
+Forward he hurried, braving excruciating pain in his injured limb to save
+his life.  Acrid smoke blasts swept down upon him and almost stifled him.
+On every side he could feel the heat of the flames.  Once a spark
+dropped upon his shoulder and fired his shirt.  With a cry he beat it out
+and strove harder.  The pain in his foot was unbearable.  It made the
+perspiration stand out upon his forehead.  It made him whirl with
+giddiness.  But on he plunged, fighting the fire, the smoke and the pain
+and striving his hardest to gain the lake.
+
+Once he thought of Jack and Bart and grew very bitter, for somehow the
+fire seemed the result of their carelessness.  Would they be trapped by
+it?  They had two good strong legs.  They would save themselves, he
+hoped.  So must he!  Gritting his teeth and stifling a groan, he tried to
+gallop, using the cane and injured foot in unison.  It was painful, but
+he must make time--he must go fast, faster.
+
+The fire was close behind.  It was gaining.  He could hear its triumphant
+roar.  It would catch him soon.  Only a few minutes and a fiery arm would
+reach out like a python and wrap about him.  The thought made him shudder.
+
+"No!  No!  It must not reach me!" he cried in horror and leapt forward.
+But his cane slipped and jammed between his legs.  He tripped and lost
+his balance.  In a mad effort to save himself from falling he put his
+injured foot forward.  His entire weight came down upon it and the ankle
+snapped.  The pain was more than he could stand.  With a cry of agony he
+sank into a limp heap.
+
+Bruce's startling revelation that there was a life to be saved spurred
+the scouts to action.  One more glance in the direction of the smoke pall
+to the westward and in a twinkle every lad had his blanket in hand and
+was sousing it into the lake.  Handkerchiefs were doused too, for the
+youngsters knew well that the smoke would soon be so thick that they would
+need this kind of protection.
+
+And while the rest were thus occupied, Bruce held a hasty conference with
+Jiminy, and the two boys quickly cut scout staffs.  With these in hand
+they waved the troop forward and started off at a mad pace up the wood
+road to meet the advancing forest fire.
+
+On they raced, the smoke growing heavier and more pungent as they neared
+the flames.  They could hear the deep toned muttering of the
+conflagration.  And all the way along the road they were breasting a tide
+of forest dwellers, deer, rabbit, bears, and a host of smaller animals,
+all scurrying away from the roaring doom behind them.
+
+Soon the lads were in the zone of flying sparks.  Here and there along
+the road small fires were being started.  These were quickly beaten out,
+for the boys were determined not to have their retreat cut off.  As they
+moved forward Bruce's heart grew heavy, for he could see that already the
+flames had swept by the camping site of Dave Connors and his companions.
+The patrol leader hoped fervently that the injured youth had been able to
+keep ahead of the rushing fire.
+
+They were approaching the fire belt.  Their eyes smarted from the smoke.
+They could feel the heat on every hand.  They pulled their hats low to
+protect their foreheads and pushed on.  Fire was everywhere.  Here and
+there pine trees burst into flames with a hiss and a roar, and now and
+then blazing branches would come hurling through space to fall with a
+crash in the roadway.
+
+Bruce began to be worried.  Had he brought the scouts out on a dangerous
+but useless mission?  Had Dave Connors come down the wood road, or had he
+gone wandering blindly through the forest to be trapped and burned to
+death?  Perhaps even now he was a charred mass somewhere back there in
+that seething forest.  The smoke was so thick that the boys could not see
+two feet ahead of them, but they struggled forward, beating out menacing
+tongues of flames on every hand, hoping to keep the roadway open for a
+retreat.
+
+Through the smoke they groped; bending low and breathing through their
+wet handkerchiefs.  Their eyes burned.  Their lungs pained with the gases
+they had inhaled, but they pushed on until suddenly with a cry Bruce
+stumbled and pitched forward.
+
+But he was on his feet in an instant, and examining the apparently
+lifeless mass in the roadway that had tripped him.  Then with a shout of
+delight, he summoned Jiminy and in an instant a coat stretcher was made
+with the aid of the scout staffs they had cut.  Then with the limp form
+of Dave Connors between them the two scouts started struggling back
+toward the lake.  Away from the fire they raced with the troop behind
+them still beating out the menacing sparks and flames.
+
+Forward they hurried, but as they advanced this time their way grew
+easier and the smoke less pungent.  Soon they were among the refugees
+again.  Rabbits, mink and foxes scuttled along with them, and the boys
+had to turn out to keep from treading on some of the smaller animals who
+could not travel as fast as their bigger woods neighbors.  The heat of
+the fire was left behind and falling sparks no longer bothered them.
+Their way to the lake was clear.
+
+A few minutes later they reached the knoll upon which their lumber camp
+was being constructed.  Here they paused long enough to permit Bruce and
+Jiminy to administer first aid to the unconscious Dave Connors.  And
+while the lads were reviving him, others gathered together hatchets,
+axes, cooking utensils and whatever else they could conveniently carry,
+and bidding farewell to their doomed camp they made ready for a plunge
+into the shallows of the lake.
+
+All that afternoon and a good part of the evening, the scouts stood
+shoulder deep in the cool waters and watched the landscape burn.  Acres
+and acres of woodland with thousands of dollars' worth of timber was
+consumed before their eyes.  Dave watched it sadly, for he knew that all
+this ruin had been wrought by him and his careless camping companions.
+
+Every shallow of the lake was crowded with animal life of all kinds, and
+the lads knew that thousands of forest dwellers must have perished in
+that inferno.  They stood among deer and bears and other more timid
+forest dwellers, but the fear of man and the natural enmity toward each
+other was completely blotted out by the greater fear of the fire, and a
+seeming sense of comradeship born of common danger.
+
+Night came, and the sky was a livid pink.  The lake had checked the
+fire's advance to the eastward and the wind had driven the flames north
+toward the mountains.  Further and further away traveled the flames
+painting the sky a sinister color and producing a spectacle that the
+scouts never forgot.
+
+At midnight, though the woods still smoldered, the boys contemplated
+leaving the shallows in which they had been standing and going ashore,
+for they argued that if the heat from the embers was not too intense they
+could work along the margin of the lake until they reached the opposite
+shore.
+
+But while they were contemplating this, off across the lake they saw
+lights advancing toward them.  They heard shouts, too, and they shouted
+in answer, and it was not long before they had guided a flotilla of small
+boats toward them.  This proved to be a rescuing party organized and
+headed by the anxious Mr. Ford and old Dr. Lyman, who were almost
+distracted until they made doubly certain that every lad was safe and
+whole of limb and body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+QUARRY TROOP'S CHRISTMAS
+
+
+"Whew-w-w!  Hi, shut that door--good night! want to freeze us out?" shouted
+Romper Ryan, as he glared across the workshop at Bruce Clifford and Bud
+Weir.
+
+"Aw, don't get fidgety.  You won't ever freeze the way you're hanging
+over that forge.  What's the matter, Romper?" asked Bruce.
+
+"Busted the frame of my snowshoe.  Trying to make a little brace for it
+and get it fixed up before you fellows arrived."
+
+"When'll you be ready?  Where are the rest of the fellows?"
+
+"They're upstairs.  I'll be ready in a jiffy now."
+
+The two scouts crossed the shop and made their way noisily up the wooden
+stairs to the meeting room, where they found half a dozen lads in an
+animated discussion as to where the biggest and best Christmas trees were
+to be found.
+
+"I tell you the forest fire cleaned everything out of the Long Lake
+district," asserted Ray Martin.
+
+"Well, I suppose you want us to go all the way over into Bland County
+this cold day," said fat Babe Wilson sarcastically.
+
+"Speaking of forest fires," said Bruce, who had come into the room just
+in time to hear Ray Martin's remark; "speaking of forest fires, did any
+of you fellows see the Northern Lights last night up back of Haystack
+Mountain?  Father and I thought first it _was_ a forest fire.  The sky was
+all pink and white.  But we concluded it must have been the reflection of
+the Aurora Borealis.  You can see 'em this time of year, you know.  Snow
+helps their reflection, Pop says."
+
+"Is that what it was?  I saw it too, and when I saw the red glow in the
+sky I just naturally thought of that Long Lake fire last month.  Say, by
+the way I got a postal card from that fellow in Boston, we rescued.
+Remember?  Dave Connors is his name--Gollies, every time I think of
+forest fires I shudder.  He sure had a close squeak and so did we.
+That's why that glow in the sky last night sort of made an impression on
+me.  I wondered if any one was caught in it, same as we were nearly
+caught?" said Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Aw, I tell you it wasn't a fire.  It was the Northern Lights back of
+Haystack Mountain.  Dad said so, and he knows, and, say, speaking of
+Haystack Mountain," added Bruce,  "why not go up there for our tree?  If
+this is going to be the town's Christmas tree it must be a whopper.  Most
+all of that land up there belongs to the people Mr. Ford works for and he
+has permission from them to cut as many trees as we need.  How about it?"
+
+"By Jiminy! that's just what I said, Bruce," cried Jiminy Gordon, "and
+Romper agrees with me."
+
+"Sure I do," said Romper, suddenly making his appearance from the
+workshop, his mended snowshoe in hand.
+
+"Then it's Haystack Mountain.  Come on, fellows, get ready; half the
+morning will be gone before we start," said Bruce, and in a twinkle a
+half-score of scouts were donning mackinaws and sweaters and making
+themselves generally secure against a temperature that hovered very close
+to the zero mark.  And five minutes later the entire crew, armed with
+axes and snowshoe-shod were to be seen leaving headquarters in single
+file and heading up Otter Creek Valley over three feet of December snow.
+
+Woodbridge had once more honored the Quarry Troop.  But the lads had
+earned the honor by suggesting that the town hold a public celebration in
+the square in front of the Town Hall on Christmas Eve.  Moreover, they
+had worked their hardest to gain the interest of village officials,
+ministers, and men and women of the community in such a celebration and
+it could well be said that through the efforts of the khaki-clad
+youngsters, Woodbridge, as a community, would for the first time welcome
+the coming of Christmas.  Neighbors and friends, rich and poor, young and
+old, would stand shoulder to shoulder this Christmas Eve and sing the joy
+and happiness of the Yuletide.
+
+And for their share in the organization work the scouts had been granted
+the privilege of providing the town with a big community Christmas tree,
+which was to stand in the center of the square and be decorated from
+bottom to tip with colored electric lights.  This decorating was an
+affair of the Quarry Scouts also.  They had been given the commission by
+Mayor Worthington and the councilmen to do all the electric wiring and
+the stringing of the bulbs.
+
+Of course the lads welcomed such an important task, for they were eager
+to demonstrate how useful they could be.  Also they were pleased to
+display their knowledge of mechanics.  So it can be easily understood why
+Bruce and his chums were eager to get an early start the Saturday morning
+a week before Christmas.  They intended to search the woods for the
+tallest and straightest fir tree in the township.
+
+In spite of the fact that their ears tingled with the bitter cold and the
+wind whistled through the valley, whirling the powdery crystals of snow
+into their faces, the scouts were a happy lot of youngsters as they swung
+their way northward.  Who could be other than happy with Christmas but a
+week off?  Snowballs flew thick and fast among them, and now and then
+snowshoe races were run, too.
+
+The lads chose the valley bottom for their journey and avoided the
+highway which swung to the left and made a wide detour before the byroad
+that approached Haystack Mountain joined it.  With this route the lads
+could cut down the journey at least three miles and then, too, they had
+fine snow for shoeing.
+
+Soon they had left the open and entered the hardwood belt from which all
+the firs and other evergreens had long since been trimmed.  Snowshoeing
+through the woods was not so much of a lark, for the lads had no trail to
+follow and must needs work their way between half-covered underbrush.
+The snow was softer here, too, and their shoes dragged.  But most of
+their surplus energy had been worked off by this time and they were
+willing to settle down to single file.  Each took his turn breaking a
+trail.
+
+On they traveled for more than an hour, always keeping the shoulder of
+Haystack Mountain, which loomed up above the tree line, their objective.
+About half a mile from the mountain they suddenly came clear of the woods
+and into the highway.  Here a brief conference was held as to the
+advisability of trying to climb the shoulder of the mountain or taking
+the road which led around.  The last route was decided upon, because up
+here the thoroughfare was little traveled and was practically unbroken.
+Indeed, they saw signs of very few sleighs having passed there since the
+snowstorm four days previous.
+
+Away they swung, keeping an eye out on either side of the road for a
+Christmas tree, but they did not find a fir tall enough to be used for
+the town's tree.
+
+Soon they were around the shoulder of the mountain and traveling west.
+The woods were thicker here and trees more numerous.  But there was a
+peculiar odor of burnt wood in the air, too, which all the scouts
+detected.
+
+"Cracky!  I believe your Northern Light was a forest fire, or--or--say,
+isn't that smoke rising above those trees there?" demanded Nipper Knapp.
+
+"Right, by go lies!" shouted Bruce, "but--oh, I know, now.  There's a
+little farm in there.  It's been vacant for--no, it hasn't, by jingoes!
+an old lady has been living there all Fall.  I've seen her in town.
+Nanny Haskells, they call her.  Cracky! come on, fellows, maybe the poor
+old soul has been burned to death!"
+
+The scouts were off at a gallop, stirring up the snow like a whirlwind as
+they loped along the road.  Soon they came to an unbroken lane through
+the woods.  Into this they turned and a hundred yards further on they
+emerged into the little farm clearing.  What a sight met their eyes.
+
+In a smoldering, smoking heap of charred ruins lay what remained of an
+old-fashioned farmhouse and barn that had stood there for years.  The
+fire had burned itself out, except here and there where glowing coals
+showed themselves.  Only two blackened timbers remained standing.  And in
+this picture of devastation, looking the most lonesome and pathetic
+figure in the world, wandered the tiniest, most old-fashioned and
+motherly looking woman the lads had ever seen.
+
+She seemed all but distracted with her misery, for she went about
+wringing her hands and sobbing as if her heart were broken.  Here and
+there she picked her way, peering into the smoking ashes and now and then
+poking among them for a trinket or a keepsake that the fire had only
+blackened.  It was a pathetic sight indeed, and the sturdy scouts all
+felt heavy hearted as they watched her.
+
+Finally Bruce left the group and went toward her.  Then for the first
+time the little woman looked up, startled at first.  But when she saw the
+uniforms the lads wore she was no longer frightened.  In truth, she
+seemed to welcome them as the only sympathetic human beings she had seen
+to whom she could tell her woes.
+
+"Oh, boys, boys, it's gone, all, all gone.  Look--my old home all in
+ruins.  Oh, dear! oh, dear!  I'm so miserable.  What shall I ever do?
+Why should this be taken from me, too?  They took--they took
+her--her--and, oh, dear! oh, dear! what shall I do?" she cried.
+
+Bruce put his hands out to comfort her as best he could and the little
+lady came toward him and laid her head upon his chest, sobbing as if her
+heart was broken.  But the all-night strain on one so old had been too
+great and presently she became very quiet, so quiet indeed that Bruce
+became frightened and looked down into her face.  And instantly he
+realized that she was completely worn out.
+
+"Here, fellows," he called in a business-like tone, "the poor old lady is
+all in.  We must take her to town and get her into the hospital.  Come,
+fellows, quickly now.  You, Jiminy, and Nipper, make a coat
+stretcher--cut some staffs--strong ones.  The three of us will take her
+back to town.  The rest of you fellows go after the Christmas tree.  But
+first lend us a jacket or a sweater or two to bundle the old lady in."
+
+In a twinkle the scouts were busy.  Staffs were cut, the stretcher
+constructed and old Nanny made comfortable with extra coats and sweaters
+that the more warmly clad scouts could spare.  Then, as the three lads
+started townward, Bruce shouted:
+
+"Hi, Bud, see that you get a whopping big tree.  A thirty footer, if you
+can.  We'll be back in an hour or so to help you.  So long."
+
+Crisp weather and an additional snowstorm during the week that preceded
+the holidays gave the youngsters of the Vermont town full assurance of a
+white Christmas.  And they would have been mightily disappointed lads if
+such had not been the case, for what would a Community Christmas
+celebration and a town Christmas tree be like without snow everywhere?
+It was good packing snow, too, as numerous snow fights at noon time, on
+the academy campus, attested.
+
+But, aside from these noon-day diversions, the Quarry Scouts had little
+time to indulge in Winter sports that week.  The hills about town were
+just right for coasting and the broad Champlain Valley stretched north
+and south to be explored on snowshoes, skis, and with sleigh-riding
+parties, but the scouts could not find time to enjoy these opportunities.
+Rather, they found their fun in anticipating a good time after
+Christmas, providing the snow lasted, for they had work to do.  There was
+the big Christmas tree to be erected and trimmed.
+
+It was a monster tree.  Thirty-two feet from base to tip, and as it lay
+there in front of the town hall waiting to be elevated into position, it
+commanded the admiration of the whole town.  Thursday afternoon, after
+the carpenters had finished a big platform and grandstand, the lads
+erected timber shears and block and tackle and set the tree into place in
+the very center of the pavilion, which was to accommodate the mayor, town
+officials, visitors, the orchestra and a host of school children who were
+to sing carols.
+
+"Wow, it looks great," said Nipper Knapp, surveying the tall fir proudly,
+"and won't it look corking after we get it all trimmed to-morrow
+afternoon?"
+
+"Yes, but mind you, fellows, we'll have to work like everything
+to-morrow.  All the wiring has to be strung and all the lights put on
+between one o'clock in the afternoon and half past four.  It'll be some
+job," said Bud Weir.
+
+"You're right it will," said Bruce, "thank goodness we have everything
+shipshape up at headquarters to get a good start.  There's more than
+enough wire in the lot Mr. Ford sent over.  And I guess we must have put
+on about three thousand lamp sockets during the last few days, haven't
+we?"
+
+"Two thousand and eighty-seven," corrected Romper, "and it's a good thing
+school lets out at noon to-morrow."
+
+"It'll be a sight for sore eyes.  Say, fellows, I'll tell you what.
+Let's bring old Nanny Haskell down and give her a seat on the visitors'
+stand.  I guess Mr. Ford could arrange that for us.  It might cheer the
+poor old soul up a little.  How is she to-day?  Any one been up to the
+hospital?"
+
+"Sure, Romper and I were up there.  She's all well and ready to leave,
+but the poor thing hasn't any place to go to, it seems.  She's bluer than
+all git out, too.  Jiminy, but I feel sorry for her," said Jiminy Gordon.
+
+"Well, then, by gollies! we'll see if we can't make her happy on
+Christmas Eve at least.  We'll have her all bundled up and bring her down
+here.  Listening to the kids sing and all the fun and things might help
+her spirit a little."
+
+"Fine idea, if she'll come," said Bruce.
+
+"Oh, we'll arrange that, all right, I think," replied Romper.  "I'll go
+up to the hospital to-morrow.  Perhaps Mr. Ford will go along, and we can
+talk it over with Doctor Bassett."
+
+"Good enough; I'll go with you.  And now let's go home and get some
+supper, fellows.  It's getting dark," said Bruce.  And presently the
+scouts were tramping off through the snowy Winter twilight to their
+respective homes.
+
+Fortunately, Mr. Clifford allowed Bruce the use of Blossom, his big black
+trotting horse, and a light box sleigh, or otherwise the lads would have
+had to make a dozen trips up the steep, snow-covered Otter Hill to
+headquarters to get their coils of wire and boxes of lamps to town next
+day.
+
+As it was, the spirited animal had to haul three sleigh-loads of
+equipment to the Town Hall before the scouts could even start the task of
+decorating.  As soon as the coils of wire arrived a dozen scouts began to
+swarm the big Christmas tree, looping the wires from branch to branch and
+fastening them securely.  Other scouts followed in their wake and screwed
+red, white and blue, green and yellow lamps into the vacant sockets.  And
+while all this was going on, a crew of linemen and meter-setters from the
+local electric light company were running an extension, or service line,
+from the nearest street wires, for the electric company had promised to
+furnish current free for the evening's celebration.
+
+The square was a very busy place for several hours that afternoon, and
+every one was working with a will for he realized that he must be
+finished before dusk came.  By half past three, however, the scouts found
+that they could ease up a little for, with the arrival of one more load
+of colored lamps from headquarters, the tree would be thoroughly
+decorated even to the shining electrically illuminated star on top which
+Jiminy Gordon placed there with the help of an extra long ladder.
+
+"Whoope-e-e! almost through.  Don't it look fine, eh?  And here comes
+Bruce with the last load of lamps.  Come on, fellows, and help unload the
+sleigh," shouted Bud Weir as Jiminy finally reached the ground after he
+had finished wiring the big star in place.
+
+"Right-o-o! and last man to the curb is no good," shouted Nipper Knapp,
+starting to run.  Next moment there was a scurry of scouts through the
+snow that covered the square and a pell-mell race to the curb where Bruce
+drew up the panting Blossom with a jingle of bells and a shower of
+powdery snow.
+
+"Whoa there, Blossom," he shouted.  Then to the scouts, "Come on, you
+duffers, and get these things unloaded.  I want to get the horse into the
+stable so I can do some work, too."
+
+The "duffers" arrived with a rush and in a twinkle the boxes were being
+removed from the sleigh in a manner quite violent, and this to the
+imminent peril of the contents.
+
+"Hi, not so bloomin' reckless," shouted Bruce, "don't smash 'em, whatever
+you do.  They are the last colored lamps in town and we need 'em.  And,
+say--listen--what's the fuss up the street?  Hear 'em shoutin'?  Gee,
+it's a runaway an' here it comes--no--no--it's going to turn down High
+Street toward the railroad--an'--cracky!  fellows, there's a freight
+pulling out of the siding!  See the smoke!  And there's a woman and a
+girl in the cutter!  Wow! Look at those chumps up the street shoutin'
+and wavin' their arms.  That's no way to stop a horse!  Those women will
+be killed.  Hi, Bud, hop in here.  Come on, we've got to stop 'em.  I'm
+goin' after 'em with Blossom.  Geet_yap_ there, Blossom.  Git, now, that's
+t' girl.  Go!"
+
+There could be no mistaking the fact that the horse and cutter coming
+down the street was a runaway.  The big animal was almost mad with
+fright.  His eyes bulged out until the whites showed and its nostrils
+were distended with fear.  And, to make matters worse, there were a dozen
+men and boys shouting and waving their hands in a foolish effort to stop
+the horse.  But all that they accomplished was to make the animal still
+more frightened.
+
+Fortunately, Bud's mind acted as quickly as Bruce's.  He came into the
+sleigh with a bound, but almost before he landed Bruce had Blossom under
+way.  Just a touch of the whip was all that was needed and the nervous
+trotter shot forward like a flash of lightning.  A moment later she was a
+jet black streak flying toward the corner of High Street around which the
+runaway cutter had just disappeared.
+
+Almost in the wink of an eye Blossom reached the corner and swept around
+it at a gallop while the sleigh careened first on one runner and then
+upon the other, each time on the brink of turning over and pitching its
+occupants into the snowbanks that lined the road.  But the scouts gave no
+heed to this.  All their attention was on the flying cutter a hundred
+yards ahead and upon the railroad crossing half a mile down the road.
+The freight train had left the siding, and at the moment the scouts
+rounded the corner she was chugging her way slowly toward the crossing.
+Of course, the gates were down but this only added to the peril.  The
+runaway horse was blind with fright.  He would plunge into the gates,
+tear through them and probably kill himself and the women in the sleigh
+by dashing headlong into the freight train.
+
+"Go it, Bruce, go it.  We _must_ save them.  They'll be killed if we
+don't," cried the half frantic Bud.
+
+And Bruce, pale of face but determined, cut Blossom with the whip to urge
+her forward.  Rarely was the trotter treated that way and when the cut
+came she leapt forward like a deer.  Then her racing instinct seemed to
+come back to her.  She knew what was wanted.  The horse ahead must be
+passed.  She stretched her long legs to their utmost and the pace she set
+made the light sleigh pitch and rock like a ship in a gale.  Bruce never
+used the whip again.  Indeed, he tossed it into the road, for he must
+needs use two hands to govern the flying horse.
+
+The animal ahead was flying, too, and it was a question for a few moments
+whether the scouts could make up the distance.  But Blossom was at her
+best.  Faster and faster she went while town folk stood on the sidewalk
+and gaped in amazement at the pace she held.  The hundred yard lead was
+cut down to fifty, now to forty, thirty-five, thirty.  Bruce and Bud
+could see the look of terror on the faces of the girl and the woman in
+the cutter.  Also they could see the reason for the accident.  The reins
+had parted and one short length dangled over the horse's side and slapped
+him continually on the ribs while the longer section dragged under the
+cutter.
+
+"We'll make it, Bud, we'll make it.  We've _got_ to make it.  I'll drive
+like mad.  We'll start to pass them and I'll run Blossom as close as I
+dare and then when we get abreast of the horse you hang out upon the
+running-board, and jump for the shafts of the cutter.  Get astride the
+horse's back and grab those reins.  Get ready, Bud!  Out on the
+running-board, now!  Hurry!" cried Bruce.
+
+Blossom was drawing abreast of the cutter.  Bud clung to the
+running-board and crouched for a spring.
+
+"Go it, Blossom," cried Bruce.  "Good old girl, go it.  Go on, go on.
+Get ready, Bud--steady--ready now--_jump_!"
+
+Bud reached far out and leaped.  One foot struck the shafts.  He threw
+himself forward and grasped the runaway's mane and in an instant he had
+swung himself astride the horse's back.  For a moment all that he could
+do was cling to the swaying animal And when the horse felt the extra
+weight drop upon him he bounded forward like a stag uttering a shrill
+whinny of fear.
+
+For a fleeting moment the lad thought of the peril of his position.  But
+when he recalled that the lives of two women depended upon him, he became
+active.  Reaching forward he grasped the broken line and the long one and
+forced the bit home into the horse's mouth.  The animal snorted and
+plunged.  Bud pulled back again.  The runaway reared and pawed the air,
+snorting and shaking its massive bead.  "Whoa," cried the scout, "whoa,
+boy, steady now," and it seemed as if the animal recognized the authority
+in his command for the next time the lad reined in the panic-stricken
+horse slowed up and presently came to a complete standstill and stood
+trembling like a leaf.
+
+Then, when the scout looked up for the first time, there, not twenty
+yards away, was the railroad crossing, with the freight train rumbling
+slowly by.
+
+"Fine work, Bud, fine," cried Bruce, who had pulled in on Blossom the
+moment the scout had jumped from the sleigh.  "Fine work,
+and--and--gee! but it was a narrow escape."
+
+Indeed it had been a narrow escape.  Bud realized it as well as Bruce.
+And so did the woman and the little girl in the cutter, for their faces
+were white and they hardly had strength enough left to step from the
+cutter when Bruce tried to assist them.
+
+"Goodness me, what a day--what a day," said the woman, trembling with
+nervousness.  And when the little girl heard this she began to cry.
+
+"Oh, mother, I'm unhappy, too," she wept.  "Poor Nanny, poor Nanny, just
+think she's been burned to death, and all because you and father sent me
+to school last September.  Oh, mother, mother, it's terrible.  And then
+the horse acting up like that.  I--I--oh, Mr.--er--Mr. Boy Scout, do you
+know anything about old Nanny--Nanny Haskell?  She was my dear nurse.
+Last Fall she left our house in St. Cloud because my father and mother
+sent me to school down in Boston.  She--she--oh, dear!--she said she
+wouldn't live in St. Cloud without me, because she would be too
+lonesome, so she came back to her old farm in the woods here, where she
+hadn't been for ten years, and--now--oh, dear!  oh, dear;--it burned
+down--and--Nanny must have been burned to death."
+
+"Why--why--no--no, she wasn't burned to death," said Bruce, when he fully
+understood, "she--she--why she's over in the Woodbridge hospital.  That
+big building over there on Willow Street.  We found her and took her
+there, and she wasn't a bit hurt, only sick, that's all."
+
+"What! is she alive--really--honest--Nanny Haskell--boy, you're sure?"
+cried the woman excitedly.  "We--we--came over to-day to get her and
+bring her back to St. Cloud.  We wanted to tell her that Genevieve had
+come home from Boston to stay, and that we wanted her to come back with
+us on Christmas Eve and live with us for good.  Are you sure--?"
+
+"Yes, yes, I'm sure.  I helped bring her into town," said Bruce.
+
+"Then come, mother, come.  I must see old Nanny and cheer her up.  The
+boys will take care of the horse and put him in a stable.  Won't you,
+boys?" said Genevieve, excitedly.
+
+"Sure--Bud will fix the reins and drive him to the hotel stable.  Come
+into my sleigh and I'll take you to the hospital," said Bruce.
+
+A cold wind was driving powdery flakes out of the darkness overhead when
+the Woodbridge town folk began to gather in the square to celebrate their
+first community Christmas.  The scouts were there early, for, besides the
+fact that several of them had the task of taking care of the electric
+switches that controlled the lights on the big tree, the rest of the
+troop had been delegated to police the square.
+
+The ceremonies were supposed to begin at eight o'clock, but by half-past
+seven the big platform was filled with visitors, officials and prominent
+townsmen.  The orchestra had arrived, too, and taken its place, and the
+chorus of four hundred school children stood waiting, song books in hand.
+The big square was literally jammed by joyous men and women and
+shivering, though none the less enthusiastic, youngsters.  And over these
+thousand or more silence reigned and every eye was fastened on the tall
+somber looking tree.
+
+Then came the signal from the Mayor.  The next moment the orchestra
+leader swung his baton and the orchestra rang forth.  Simultaneously the
+voices of the children took up the opening bars of a good old English
+Christmas carol.  This was the cue the four scouts at the switches were
+waiting for.  One by one they jammed the tiny rubber covered connections
+home and in circuits of eight and twelve, the colored lamps on the great
+tree began to twinkle until it was a blaze of glory from the lowermost
+branches to the great glittering star on the top.
+
+What a wave of applause greeted this illumination.  Then some one in the
+throng took up the carol the children were singing and in a moment
+thousands of throats were pouring forth the happiness of Yuletide.  The
+people's enthusiasm seemed boundless.
+
+But though the lights of the great tree revealed joyous countenances
+everywhere, the scouts could single out three in the group on the
+platform that seemed far happier than the rest.  In truth, tears of joy
+were coursing down old Nanny Haskell's cheeks as she sat there hugging
+the form of Genevieve to her and listening to the rejoicing of the vast
+throng.  And close beside them, her arm about the old nurse's shoulder,
+sat a very happy mother.
+
+All through the ceremonies they stayed, lingering even till the lights on
+the big tree began to go out in groups.  And when the star on the top,
+after a preliminary wink, went dark too, they turned and made their way
+slowly across the square to where their cutter, a hired driver in the
+seat, stood waiting.
+
+"Well, fellows," said Bruce, as with a jingle of bells the sleigh started
+in the direction of St. Cloud City, "I guess old Nanny's Christmas won't
+be such a sad one after all, thanks to Bud, here."
+
+And then with boisterous shouts of "Merry Christmas, everybody," the
+scouts all started for home.
+
+The End
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Boy Scout Fire Fighters, by Irving Crump
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SCOUT FIRE FIGHTERS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 30453.txt or 30453.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/3/0/4/5/30453/
+
+Produced by Jim Ludwig
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/old/30453.zip b/old/30453.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae53fb0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/30453.zip