THE TROOPS DECIDE
A few days after the big thunder-storm, Captain Josh received an
official letter from the Provincial Secretary of the Boy Scouts. It
was so important that he at once called his own scouts to Headquarters
that he might place the whole matter before them. The boys were
naturally curious to know why they had been so hurriedly summoned, and
they accordingly lost no time in getting together.
The captain, seated at a little table, with the open letter before him,
seemed much puzzled, and all waited anxiously for him to speak.
"Boys," he began, looking keenly into their faces, "I've got a strange
letter here from the Provincial Secretary. He tells me that in two
weeks' time the Lieutenant-Governor wants to meet all the troops in the
province, review them, and give the prize which was offered last year.
Now, we all know about that, and so are not surprised. But the
Governor wants to come to Hillcrest to hold the Review, and so the
secretary asks me to make arrangements, that is, if I agree to the
plan. They will all come from the city on the mornin' boat, bring
their lunches with them, and, hold the Review near the wharf. Now,
what d'yez think about that?"
This was certainly astonishing news to the scouts. Several weeks ago
they would have given shouts of delight at the suggestion. But it was
different then. At that time they were almost sure of winning the
prize, and had often thought of the day when it would be presented to
them amid the cheers of the other scouts. But now such a thing was
impossible. Every cent of their savings had already been withdrawn
from the bank to help Whyn, and they had nothing to show at the Review
for all their efforts. They were, therefore, silent when the captain
finished speaking. The latter noted this, and surmised the reason.
"I know jist what ye're thinkin' about, lads," he continued. "We'll go
to that meetin' empty-handed, so to speak. But that needn't matter.
We know that we've done right, and I think we should fall in line with
the Governor's idea, and try to give the visitin' troops a good time."
"So do I," Rod replied. "Though we can't get the prize, it will be
nice to meet the other scouts, see how they march, and what they look
like. I think it will be great to have them come to Hillcrest."
"I wonder what made them think of coming here," Phil remarked. "They
never did it before."
"It is to give the scouts an outin', so the letter says," the captain
replied. "It is the Governor's treat, and he thought it would be so
nice to visit a place on the river where there is a troop. The
secretary wants to know why we have sent no account of what we have
done during the past year in connection with the prize-contest. He
says that all the other troops have done so, and he is surprised that
we have done nothin'."
"I guess there won't be anything to report now," Rod replied. "Don't
say anything about what we have done, captain, when you write."
"I don't intend to," and the old man glared upon the boys as if he had
been charged with some serious offence. "De' yez think that I'm goin'
to blab all about our good-turn? Not a bit of it. Let's git down to
business now, and arrange about that Review."
The following days passed very quickly. There were many things the
scouts had to do for the great event. The large field below the wharf
was obtained, and here boards were brought for the grand-stand, which
the captain was bound to have erected for the noted men who were
coming. Stately elm, beech, and birch trees stood at the back and
along the edge of the field, which would afford excellent shade should
the day be hot. Flags, too, were gathered, and these were to be hung
upon the grand-stand, while one big Union Jack was to surmount a pole
from the top of the tallest tree.
There was other work for the boys as well. They were not yet
second-class scouts, and the captain was most anxious that all should
pass the examination before the Review took place. He accordingly kept
the troop busy, and Doctor Travis was most helpful in his lectures and
in examining the boys. It was the day before the meeting when the
captain proudly presented each scout with his second-class badge.
"There, I'm thankful that's over," and he gave a deep sigh of relief.
"Yez kin hold up yer heads now among the rest. I wish it was the
first-class badge, though. Yez should have it by this time, and I
guess ye would if we hadn't spent so much time in earnin' money."
The morning of the Review was clear and warm, and the scouts in full
uniform were early on the grounds. The flags were all arranged, and
everything was in readiness for the meeting. Word had passed
throughout the parish that the Lieutenant-Governor was to be present,
and all during the morning people kept coming, some by motor-boats, and
others by teams. They brought their dinners with them, intending to
make a holiday of it. Even Tom Dunker was there with his family. He
had no use for Captain Josh or the scouts, but he did want to see the
Lieutenant-Governor, and hear what he had to say.
When the _River Queen_ at last appeared in sight, the wharf was black
with people. As the steamer drew near and gave forth two raucous
blasts, a band on board began to play the National Anthem. When this
was ended, the scouts, crowding the bow, gave three cheers and a
"tiger." Flags were flying fore and aft, and as the river was like a
mirror, the _River Queen_ presented a perfect picture of majestic
gracefulness as if proud of the load she was carrying.
Captain Josh with his scouts kept guard at the outer edge of the wharf,
and stood at attention as the various troops filed ashore. When at
last the Lieutenant-Governor and several noted men came out, the boys
gave the full salute, and then preceded them to the main highway where
the other scouts were already lined up. Then down the road they all
marched, the band going before, playing a lively air, the Governor, and
others in carriages, followed by a long line of scouts, with the
Hillcrest troop leading. It was a proud moment for Captain Josh, as he
marched ahead of the procession. Drawn to his full height, and with
his long beard sweeping his breast, he might have been taken for a
great warrior of olden days leading his men into action.
After the troops had reached the grounds they disbanded, and then
various games were begun. Baseball came first between two crack teams.
Those not interested in this made for the shore, where, protected by
thick trees, they were able to enjoy a good swim.
When the baseball match was over it was time for dinner. Soon the
smoke of numerous fires rose above the trees near the shore where the
scouts boiled water, cooked eggs and meat like old veterans. It was a
scene of gay festivity, mingled with much laughter and fun. All kinds
of mistakes were made, due to ignorance of cooking or the excitement of
the moment. One patrol put their tea into their can with the cold
water, and boiled all together. Some boys mixed their coffee with salt
instead of sugar. But all mistakes and the bantering which followed,
were taken in good part, for no one felt like getting angry, no matter
what happened.
The Hillcrest troop took no part in the games. They were content to
stand by and watch. They knew nothing about baseball such as is played
in the city, and were accordingly greatly interested, noting
everything, and determined that they, too, would learn to play in the
proper manner. But when it came to making a fire and preparing dinner,
they easily led all the rest. Here they felt more at home, and were
able to give considerable assistance to the less fortunate.
During the morning the Lieutenant-Governor, and the three who
accompanied him, enjoyed themselves in their own way. They viewed the
baseball game with much interest in the cool shade of a large tree, and
then strolled to the shore to watch the scouts as they prepared their
dinners. As they were seated upon a log, thinking it about time to go
back to the steamer lying at the wharf where they were to have dinner,
Captain Josh approached, and lifted his hat. He had disappeared
shortly after the steamer's arrival, and no one knew what had become of
him. The Governor at once rose to his feet, and held out his hand.
"You are Captain Britt, I believe," he began. "I have heard of you,
and am very glad to meet you. We have been enquiring for you."
"Had other business on hand, sir," the captain replied, giving the
Governor's hand a vigorous shake. "But I'm mighty glad to meet you."
"Allow me to introduce my friends," and the Governor turned to his
three companions, "Senator Knobbs, Judge Sterling, and our Provincial
Secretary, Mr. Laird."
"Glad to meet yez all," the captain exclaimed, as he gave the hand of
each a hearty grip. "It isn't every day our parish is so honoured.
Now, what about dinner? Yez must be hungry by this time."
"We are about to go back to the steamer," the secretary replied. "They
have made ready for us there."
"Dinner on the steamer!" the captain cried in surprise. "Whoever heard
of sich a thing at an outin' like this. Now, look here, I want yez to
be my guests to-day, at a real out-of-doors meal. Yez kin eat on a
steamer at any time. Will yez come? Everything is ready."
"But what about the dinner on the boat?" the Governor enquired.
"Oh, I'll send one of the scouts to tell them that ye're invited
elsewhere. Will that do?"
"I shall be delighted to go with you, and I know that my friends will,
too. It is very kind of you to ask us."
Calling to Rod, who was not far off, the captain sent him at once to
the steamer. Then bidding the men to follow him, he left the shore,
crossed the field, and entered the forest at the back of the
grand-stand. Here a trail led off to the left, and after a few
minutes' walk they came to a little brook gurgling down through the
forest. Tall trees formed an arch over the water, birds twittered and
sang, while a squirrel high up on a branch scolded noisily at the
intruders. A few rods along the brook brought into view a grassy spot
under the shade of a large maple tree. As the three strangers looked,
their eyes opened wide with surprise, for there before them was a
tempting repast spread upon a fair white linen cloth.
"Sit down, gentlemen," the captain ordered, "while I make tea."
"This is great!" the Governor exclaimed, as he seated himself upon the
ground, and leaned back against the bole of the tree.
"It certainly is," the Judge assented. "It reminds me of my boyhood
days. This is good of you," and he turned to the captain, "to take all
this trouble for us."
"It's only a pleasure, I assure yez," the captain returned. "Much
nicer than the steamer, eh? Fall to, now. Ye'll find them trout
rather good. Caught them myself in the brook. Betsey'll be right
pleased if ye'll try her biscuit and pie. She was afraid they wouldn't
be good. Have some tea, sir?" and he held the tea-pot over the
Governor's cup. "Not too strong, eh? That's good. Ye'll find cream
and sugar right there. Help yerselves, now, and don't be backward."
"Well, that's the best meal I've had in a long time," the Senator
remarked, as he finished, and drew forth his cigar case and passed it
around. "You didn't do all this yourself, did you, captain?"
"Should say not," was the reply. "Betsey, that's my woman, did the
cookin', but Miss Royanna helped me fix things up here. It was her
idea, not mine."
"Miss Royanna, did you say?" the Governor queried. "It seems to me
I've heard that name before."
"Sure ye have. She's the great singer. Anna Royanna, she's generally
called. She's livin' with us fer awhile. Greatest woman out."
"Strange," the Governor mused. Then he shot a swift glance toward the
secretary, but that young man was staring hard at the captain.
"There is certainly some tone to all this," and the Judge gave a hearty
laugh. "We little expected to have our dinner served by such a noted
person, and to be waited upon by a worthy sea-captain, did we, sir?"
and he turned toward the Governor.
But the latter had risen to his feet, as if suddenly aroused by some
pressing engagement.
"Come," he ordered, "let's get back. It's time for the Review to
begin. The scouts will be getting impatient."
It took them but a few minutes to return to the grand-stand where
Parson Dan was waiting to receive them. He and the Governor were old
friends, and hearty was the greeting between the two. Then the call
was sounded, summoning the scouts. Soon they were lined up according
to troops before the stand, where the officials were already seated,
with the clergyman by their side. They invited Captain Josh to a seat
on the platform, but he refused, saying that he preferred to remain
with his boys.
After the band had played a couple of inspiring national airs, the
speeches began. They were not long, but full of interest, dealing with
the scout movement. The Senator spoke first, and was followed by the
Judge. Parson Dan was asked to say a few words, but he declined,
saying that the boys wanted to hear the Governor, and not a prosy old
parson.
When the Governor at last arose, he was greeted with great cheers. All
the people had crowded as close as possible, so as not to miss a word
of the address of the prominent man who had come into their midst.
Near the platform stood Anna Royanna. The speeches mattered very
little to her, for it was Rod's face she was watching. She noted the
eager interested look in his eyes, and his erect bearing as he stood at
attention at the head of his patrol. How few the Hillcrest scouts were
compared with the others, and a slight smile lightened the woman's face
as she thought of the surprise which perhaps was in store for them.
The Governor at first complimented the scouts upon their neat smart
appearance, and what an excellent thing the movement was. He then
referred to the prize which had been offered a year before, and that
the time had at last arrived when it was to be awarded. At these words
the assembled troops stood straighter than ever, eager and intense to
hear the name of the successful troop.
"I have the list before me," the Governor continued, as he arranged his
eye-glasses, "and I consider it a very creditable one indeed, showing
most plainly how active the scouts have been. The committee has gone
most carefully over the reports received, and has examined the
bank-books accompanying them. I wish that I had time to read to you
the many and ingenious ways in which the different troops have raised
their money, and I sincerely wish that all could win the prize.
According to this list there is one troop which leads all the others,
having earned the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. The account of
how this was raised is splendid, and by the rules laid down, that troop
has won the prize."
Here the Governor paused, and a breathless stillness reigned as all
waited to hear the name of the fortunate troop.
"I understand, however," the speaker slowly continued, "that there is
only one troop present which did not send in a report of its doings
during the last year. This, perhaps, seems strange to you, and I have
good reason to ask the scout-master of that troop to step forward and
give some explanation. I would really do so if I did not have the full
information myself, and before presenting the prize, I am going to tell
you something about that troop."
Then in a few words he told what the delinquent troop had done; how
they had raised almost four hundred dollars, and how they had done it.
He next told about the sick girl, and that the scouts of this troop had
freely given every cent of the money they had earned to send her to a
specialist in New York. There was a strong note of pathos in the
Governor's voice as he mentioned the sick girl and the act of loving
sacrifice on the part of the troop. He was a master of speech, and his
words thrilled the hearts of his listeners.
"You now know," he said in conclusion, "why that troop has made no
report. The prize was within their grasp. They had to decide between
it and the life of a sick girl. They chose the nobler course, and so
they are not the winners to-day. I wanted you to know this before we
go any further. I shall now proceed to present the flag, and I ask
troop number seven to step forward."
At once thirty scouts advanced, gave the full salute, and stood at
attention. When the Governor stepped to the front of the platform and
held forth the written order for the bugle band, the scoutmaster
refused to take it.
"We cannot accept it, sir," he simply said. "It doesn't belong to us,
but to that troop which did so much for the sick girl."
The Governor was about to reply, when he was checked by an outburst of
wild enthusiastic cheers. The scouts could restrain themselves no
longer. With the greatest difficulty they had remained silent as the
Governor told about what had been done for an invalid girl. But now
this generous act on the part of troop seven following immediately
after, was more than they could stand. They cheered at the top of
their voices, and threw their hats high into the air. It was some time
before order could be restored, for all were talking at once,
notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the scoutmasters to restrain
them.
"Do you really wish to give up all claim to the prize?" the Governor
asked troop seven, as soon as he could get a hearing.
"We do," came as one from the thirty boys. "We cannot accept it."
"Is that the wish of the other troops?" the Governor asked.
The only answer was another outburst of cheering, if anything, more
vehement than before. Scarcely had they finished, when Captain Josh
strode rapidly forward, and confronted the Governor.
"We can't allow it," he shouted. "It's not right." He could say no
more, for another deafening uproar forbade further speech.
"It is no use for you to refuse, captain," the Governor told him, when
peace was once more restored. "The troops won't let you speak. Bring
your scouts up here."
For a few seconds the captain hesitated. Then he wheeled, and ordered
his troop to advance. Reaching the platform, the men there shook hands
with each one of them. No one could say a word, for again the troops
had let loose. The band struck up the air of "For They Are Jolly Good
Fellows," and soon the assembled troops were singing the words for all
they were worth.
To Rod the whole thing seemed like some wonderful dream. He could not
remember anything the Governor said after that. He only heard the
captain giving the order for them to leave the stand. When they were
dismissed, they were surrounded by such a crowd anxious to shake hands
with them that the boys, and even the captain, were more bewildered
than ever. Rod was finally rescued by Anna Royanna, who placed her arm
about his shoulder and led him away. This loving act, and the look of
pride in her eyes, spoke louder than many words. That she was pleased
was to him a greater reward than all the wild cheering of the scouts.