Part 2 (1/2)

The Scout Scribe wrote the points upon the board.

”The Fox patrol, all scouts present and two scouts-untidy--fourteen points. The Wolf patrol a perfect score--sixteen points.”

Silence in the patrols.

”Break ranks,” the Scoutmaster ordered.

Instantly there was a babel of excited talk. Scouts who had cost their patrols points through untidiness were upbraided by their comrades. Andy caught Don's arm.

”We're off in the lead,” he chuckled.

”It's staying in the lead that counts,” said Don.

The shrill of Mr. Wall's whistle brought the scouts to attention again.

”Tonight we take up the theory of building a bridge with staves and cords,” the Scoutmaster said. ”The Fox patrol was to have provided two logs.”

The Fox patrol hustled outdoors and returned in a moment with their burden.

The scouts set to work to build a bridge from one log to the other. Mr.

Wall walked about, watching but offering no advice. After an hour the bridge was completed.

”Scouts Lally and Davidson,” said Mr. Wall, ”see if it will hold you.”

Tim and Alex stepped out on the structure. It held. A cheer started and died. For the bridge was sagging. Abruptly it gave.

”Ten minutes for examination to see where the fault lies.” The Scoutmaster took out his watch. ”Next meeting we'll try again.”

Ten minutes later the las.h.i.+ngs were untied, the staves were back in their wall racks, and the logs were outdoors. Each scout was sure he knew just what was wrong with that bridge and no two scouts agreed.

”Squat!” came the next order.

There was a rush for camp stools piled in a corner. Still grouped by patrols, the scouts faced Mr. Wall.

”The Wolf patrol,” he said, ”is to select a new leader. So long as Patrol Leader Morris will not serve under his successor, the Council of Patrol Leaders feels that he should not vote in this election. The Scout Scribe will distribute pencils and paper. Each member of the Wolf patrol will write the name of his candidate. When I call his name, he will deposit his ballot, folded, in my hat. The patrol leaders will count the ballots.”

Don's throat was dry. When he received his paper and pencil his hand shook. He wrote ”Andy Ford” quickly, and folded the paper. He caught a glimpse of Tim sending sharp glances from face to face.

”a.s.sistant Patrol Leader Ford,” Mr. Wall called.

Andy went up and dropped his ballot.

”Scout Lally.”

Tim voted, came back to his stool and sat biting his lips.

Finally all the votes were in. The patrol leaders carried the hat aside, counted the votes, and came back to Mr. Wall.