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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters, by Charles Henry Lerrigo.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters, by Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
+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 Treasure Hunters
+       The Lost Treasure of Buffalo Hollow
+
+Author: Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
+Illustrator: Charles L. Wrenn
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2007 [EBook #22644]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-000" id="illus-000"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-fpc.jpg" alt="A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened the hard earth." title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened the hard
+earth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Page 96)&nbsp;&nbsp;Frontispiece</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<table style="margin: auto; border: black 1px solid; width:25em" summary=""><tr><td>
+<p style=" font-size:2em; margin-top:1em;">THE BOY SCOUT</p>
+<p style=" font-size:2em; margin-bottom:0.25em;">TREASURE HUNTERS</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1em; margin-bottom:0.5em;">OR</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.2em;">THE LOST TREASURE</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.2em; margin-bottom:3em;">OF BUFFALO HOLLOW</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em;">BY</p>
+<p style=" font-size:1.1em; margin-bottom:2em;">CHARLES HENRY LERRIGO</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em; font-style:italic;">ILLUSTRATED BY</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.9em; margin-bottom:4em; font-style:italic;">CHARLES L. WRENN</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em; font-style:italic;">PUBLISHED WITH THE APPROVAL OF</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em; margin-bottom:3em; font-style:italic;">THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA</p>
+<div class='center'><img src='images/illus-emb.png' alt="emblem" /></div>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em; margin-top:2em;">PUBLISHERS</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em;">BARSE &amp; HOPKINS</p>
+<p style=" font-size:0.8em; margin-bottom:2em;">NEW YORK, N. Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NEWARK, N. J.</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<p class='center' style='font-size:smaller'>
+Copyright 1917<br />
+by<br />
+Barse &amp; Hopkins</p>
+<hr style='width:10%' />
+<p class='center' style='font-size:smaller'>The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters<br />
+Printed in the United States of America
+</p>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<p class='center' style='font-size:smaller'>
+TO MY SON<br />
+<span style='font-size:larger'>FRANK LERRIGO</span><br />
+IN THE HOPE THAT IT MAY<br />
+HELP HIM TO BE<br />
+A "GOOD SCOUT"<br />
+</p>
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2 class="toc"><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h2>
+<table border="0" width="500" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+<col style="width:15%;" />
+<col style="width:5%;"  />
+<col style="width:70%;" />
+<col style="width:10%;" />
+<tr>
+    <td align='right'><span style='font-size:x-small'>CHAPTER</span></td>
+    <td></td>
+    <td></td>
+    <td align='right'><span style='font-size:x-small'>PAGE</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">I</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GLEN MASON RUNS AWAY</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GLEN_MASON_RUNS_AWAY_97">9</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">II</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">A FRIEND AND A FOE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#A_FRIEND_AND_A_FOE_401">22</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">III</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">JOLLY BILL IS CONSIDERABLY UPSET</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#JOLLY_BILL_IS_CONSIDERABLY_UPSET_698">34</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">IV</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">HOW MOTHER CARES</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#HOW_MOTHER_CARES_980">46</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">V</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">TREACHEROUS INDIANS AT BUFFALO LAKE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#TREACHEROUS_INDIANS_AT_BUFFALO_LAKE_1229">56</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VI</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GETTING ACQUAINTED</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GETTING_ACQUAINTED_1510">68</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GLEN IS INITIATED</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GLEN_IS_INITIATED_1786">79</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VIII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">MATT BURTON'S TREASURE FIND</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#MATT_BURTONS_TREASURE_FIND_2084">91</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">IX</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GLEN ENLISTS</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GLEN_ENLISTS_2348">102</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">X</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">J. JERVICE AND HIS GANG</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#J_JERVICE_AND_HIS_GANG_2584">112</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XI</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GLEN FOLLOWS A FALSE TRAIL</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GLEN_FOLLOWS_A_FALSE_TRAIL_2777">120</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">THE BEE TREE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_BEE_TREE_3108">133</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">THE CHASE ON THE MOTOR-BIKE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_CHASE_ON_THE_MOTORBIKE_3395">144</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIV</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">SAFE AT CAMP BUFFALO</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#SAFE_AT_CAMP_BUFFALO_3651">154</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XV</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">STRENGTH AND LOYALTY</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#STRENGTH_AND_LOYALTY_4001">167</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVI</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">DETECTIVE MATTY</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#DETECTIVE_MATTY_4241">177</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">THE END OF THE JERVICE GANG</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_END_OF_THE_JERVICE_GANG_4556">189</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVIII</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">GLEN AND APPLE FIND THE CAVE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#GLEN_AND_APPLE_FIND_THE_CAVE_4928">203</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIX</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">BURIED IN THE CAVE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#BURIED_IN_THE_CAVE_5205">214</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XX</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">THE TREASURE OF BUFFALO LAKE</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_TREASURE_OF_BUFFALO_LAKE_5540">227</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXI</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">WHAT BECAME OF THEM</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#WHAT_BECAME_OF_THEM_5879">240</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2 class="loi"><a name="Illustrations" id="Illustrations"></a>Illustrations</h2>
+<table border="0"  width="500" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+<col style="width:80%;" />
+<col style="width:20%;" />
+<tr><td colspan='2' align='right'><span style='font-size:x-small'>PAGE</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened the hard earth.</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#illus-000"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">&#34;Brave Man!&#34; sneered the leader. &#34;Get me a little rope an&#39; I&#39;ll do him up scientific.&#34;</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#illus-001">130</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Glen watched the three walk back up the road at a lock-step gait.</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#illus-002">198</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">With the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of their surroundings.</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#illus-003">210</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class='full' />
+
+<h2>THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS</h2>
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a name="GLEN_MASON_RUNS_AWAY_97" id="GLEN_MASON_RUNS_AWAY_97"></a>
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_9" id="page_9" title="9"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<h3>GLEN MASON RUNS AWAY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>It was the supper hour at the State Industrial School for Boys, known to
+the general public as "The Reform School."</p>
+
+<p>Glen Mason sat on a long bench trying to hold the place next to him
+against the stealthy ravages of the boys who crowded him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where's Nixy?" he inquired angrily of his neighbor on the right. "Did
+he go to town again?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's back," the boy replied. "Just got in an' had to go up and change
+his clothes. Had the toothache again to-day, he told me. Here he comes,
+now."</p>
+
+<p>A lanky boy of fifteen or sixteen got into the vacant seat just as the
+chaplain rose to say grace. After grace no loud talking was permitted,
+but no objection was made
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_10" id="page_10" title="10"></a>
+to whispered conversations that did not
+become too noisy.</p>
+
+<p>"How's it come you go to town so often and I don't ever get to go,
+Nixy?" whispered Glen, the moment grace was ended.</p>
+
+<p>"One thing you don't have the toothache, another thing you get too many
+demerits. The fellows that get to town have to go thirty days without a
+black sign. You never could do it, Glen."</p>
+
+<p>"I could if I wanted. I'm twenty days now. Wouldn't hurt me to go
+another ten. If I went to town alone I'd never come back."</p>
+
+<p>"It ain't so easy, Glen. You have to wear your uniform so everybody
+knows what you are. If you aren't back by six o'clock they have the
+police after you. The old man made a great talk about his honor system,
+but as long as you have to wear your uniform there's plenty of people to
+watch you."</p>
+
+<p>"I could find a way to get around that," insisted Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, so could I. I've got one all planned out that I'm going to work
+some day. I'll get leave to go to the dentist late some afternoon. The
+car to come back leaves his office at five o'clock. He doesn't want to
+stay until five because he goes off to play golf. So he'll leave me in
+his waiting-room<a class="pagenum" name="page_11" id="page_11" title="11"></a> when he goes. I'll have a suit of overalls rolled up
+under my uniform. Soon as the doctor goes I'll change my clothes. You
+can't get out without being seen but I'll hide right there in the
+building till it closes and then get down the fire-escape."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess somebody'd see you go down and a policeman would get you."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess they wouldn't. I wouldn't try till late at night when there
+wasn't anybody around. Then I'd pick a dark night, and that fire-escape
+is in the back end of the building, so I guess there wouldn't nobody see
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mebbe there wouldn't. Supposin' you did get away. Where'd you go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'd have that all fixed. I'd put on my other clothes and pitch my
+uniform away and that night would get me twenty-five miles where
+nobody'd think of looking for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I dunno. I guess you'd be easy picked up. Anybody could tell you a
+mile off. All to do is to look for a broom handle out walking all by
+itself."</p>
+
+<p>"Broom handle yourself, Glen Mason. I've got the makings of a big man if
+ever I'd get enough to eat."</p>
+
+<p>"You go high enough up to be a big man, but you've stretched too much.
+If you'd ever learn
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_12" id="page_12" title="12"></a>
+to be a contortionist and tie yourself into three
+knots close together, you'd do better."</p>
+
+<p>"You're always saying something mean. I wish I hadn't told you my plan
+at all."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't do anything to your old plan."</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't so sure. 'Twouldn't be above ye to steal it."</p>
+
+<p>"I s'pose you dare me to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I dare ye to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"An' you think I'd steal a plan from a mate?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think you'd do anything."</p>
+
+<p>There were many who had just as poor an opinion of Glen. He himself
+found it remarkably easy to do mean and low acts and had almost ceased
+to wonder at himself. Every day seemed to find a lower level for his
+setting. Nixon had correctly guessed his thoughts. Already he was
+turning over in his mind the feasibility of Nixon's plan of escape and
+wondering if he could himself take advantage of it. He had been in the
+reform school over a year, but it had not reformed him. The new
+superintendent, with his kindness, had won the hearts of many of the
+most wayward boys, but no impression had he made on Glen. As a matter of
+fact the boy rather laughed at his foolishness. To put boys on their
+honor, to trust the merit boys to go into town without guard, all was
+new policy,<a class="pagenum" name="page_13" id="page_13" title="13"></a> and the only interest Glen had in it was to take advantage
+of it. Let him get one single chance to go to town alone and the reform
+school would see no more of him. Just what he would do he did not know.
+Sometimes a fleeting thought of going home to see the mother whose heart
+must be almost broken by his waywardness and the young sister and
+brother who were carefully guarded from knowledge of the disgrace he had
+brought upon them would come to him. But though he was supposed to be
+dead to impulses for reform there always crept into his mind the desire
+that his return home should be only when he had enough money and enough
+honor so that he should not be welcomed as a penitent but as a
+conquering hero. Glen was much given to great thoughts of the mighty
+things he would do and the high stations he would occupy. Unfortunately
+his pride of thought had never made him insist that his inclination
+yield to right instead of to desire. Glen Mason's fault was easily
+summed up&mdash;he desired always his own way and had so allowed this
+inclination to fill his life that he was utterly regardless of others.
+Given his own way he was a pleasant chum, a good friend and a brave
+comrade.</p>
+
+<p>When Glen wanted a thing very badly he would go to great lengths to get
+it. Having set for his<a class="pagenum" name="page_14" id="page_14" title="14"></a> goal the thirty days of good behavior marks he
+was bound to win it, though greatly to the surprise of the officers who
+had never known Glen to pass so long a time without fracturing a great
+number of rules. No sooner was his time up than he asked leave to go to
+town to visit the dentist.</p>
+
+<p>The Superintendent was rather disturbed by the request. He had been both
+pleased and surprised by Glen's good behavior. Now that the boy had
+earned the privilege of going to town without guard he did not wish to
+spoil his good work by a refusal to trust him. Yet he was suspicious. He
+asked that Glen be sent to the office.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you want to go to the dentist, Glen?" he asked kindly. "What
+attention do your teeth need?"</p>
+
+<p>Glen was confused. So far as he knew his teeth were sound as bullets. He
+had not sunk to the place where lies were easy of expression.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know just what, sir," he stammered, wishing that he could think
+of something. "The dentist will know what they need."</p>
+
+<p>This was as good an answer as he could have made, although stumbled on
+by chance.</p>
+
+<p>"You want the dentist to go over them to find what is the matter, do
+you?" said the soft-hearted superintendent.<a class="pagenum" name="page_15" id="page_15" title="15"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I want the dentist to find what is the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't a bad idea," said the superintendent. "It won't be necessary
+for you to go to town, though, for the dentist is coming out here next
+week."</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't want to wait until next week," cried Glen. "I want to go
+to-day. I want him to pull one out."</p>
+
+<p>"Which one?" inquired the superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>It made little difference to Glen which tooth he denoted for the
+sacrifice. Now that he had told the lie he would stay by it. He pointed
+to a big double tooth and resolved that he would remember it.</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent looked at the tooth and at the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you don't know how much that tooth is worth?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," agreed Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"A very conservative price is a hundred dollars, at your age. You
+wouldn't throw a hundred dollars away."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; but I want it pulled."</p>
+
+<p>It was all very well to talk of a hundred dollars, but when Glen had his
+mind set on a matter he would make any sacrifice.<a class="pagenum" name="page_16" id="page_16" title="16"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must not have it pulled. But have the dentist look at it. I
+will give you a pass for this afternoon. You will wear your uniform,
+walk to the car line and take the street car to the dentist's office.
+Let me ask you one thing, Glen. Don't forget to come back."</p>
+
+<p>It was as if the superintendent read his thoughts. Glen changed color
+and looked foolish. He could think of only one thing to say. "At what
+time, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will be in by six o'clock. As you go to town and see the boys at
+liberty on the streets remember that if you keep up your good behavior
+you may soon be paroled and be as free as they. All you have to do,
+Glen, is to keep it up."</p>
+
+<p>As he went to put on his uniform, the hated uniform that made it so hard
+for him to lose himself in the crowd, Glen realized better how it was
+that Nixon and some of the others who had been given liberty in town had
+never violated their trust. It seemed abominably mean and small to go
+back on a man like this. He actually began to have his own doubts. But
+it was very hard for Glen Mason to give up anything on which he had set
+his heart.</p>
+
+<p>There were several things went wrong which were quite disturbing. In the
+first place he was obliged to change his clothing under the eye of the<a class="pagenum" name="page_17" id="page_17" title="17"></a>
+physical director which utterly spoiled any scheme of hiding a suit of
+overalls under his uniform. The walk to the street car and the ride to
+the doctor's office would have been very enjoyable had not every one
+stared at him and his uniform. More than once he heard some one say
+"There goes a reform school boy." Then the dentist did all manner of
+things in his efforts to find the nonexistent aching tooth. Finally he
+did find an area of tenderness in an entirely different tooth to the one
+specified.</p>
+
+<p>"Does this tooth hurt you more than the others!" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It does," Glen agreed, quite truthfully, an involuntary "Ouch"
+following his words.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought as much," the doctor observed. "It is often hard to locate
+the pain definitely. The nerve reflexes are responsible for it. I will
+now drill into this and see what we find."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you have to drill?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely. Have to clean out all the old decayed tooth before I fill it. I
+often give the boys from the school a little sermon by telling them the
+bad has to be cleaned out before you get sound living."</p>
+
+<p>"Make it as easy as you can," Glen requested.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course. But cleaning out decay often hurts."<a class="pagenum" name="page_18" id="page_18" title="18"></a></p>
+
+<p>It did hurt but Glen would have fainted rather than make an outcry.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor stepped to the 'phone and called up the superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right with the Mason boy," he said. "I've done all I can
+to-day for him. I'm leaving now. What shall he do until time for his
+car."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to Glen as he received a reply.</p>
+
+<p>"You are to wait until five o'clock in my reception room and then take
+the inter-urban car," he said, locking the inner office when they passed
+out. "I am leaving a little early to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Before he left he stepped into a little closet which led out of the
+reception room and changed his office clothes. Glen's eyes sparkled. His
+problem was solved.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock Glen Mason rode down in the elevator to the ground floor
+and asked the elevator man how he could identify the inter-urban car.
+But instead of leaving the building he dodged back to the stairway as
+soon as the elevator had started on its return trip and ran stealthily
+up the stairs and again entered the dentist's reception room. It was
+empty. Glen boldly entered the little closet and dressing himself in the
+dentist's office clothes made a bundle of his uniform. The closet was
+both deep and high. He climbed to the top shelf<a class="pagenum" name="page_19" id="page_19" title="19"></a> and shoved his bundle
+far back over its wide surface against the wall. He dared not risk going
+out in the doctor's clothing in daylight. He must stay until the
+building was deserted and use the fire escape. His great fear was lest
+some one should come to the reception room. The only safeguard was
+concealment in the hot, dark closet. He waited hours without any
+disturbance. He felt sure that it must be almost midnight. Stealthily he
+opened the door of the closet and stepped to a window. It was still
+daylight, though the sun was setting. He returned to his closet.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been some hours afterward that he heard footsteps and
+voices outside the door. In sudden desperation he climbed up and lay
+flat on the wide shelf where he had hidden the uniform. Someone opened
+the door of the closet, glanced inside and shut it again.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you I took him down about five o'clock and showed him his car.
+He ain't here," said the voice of the elevator man.</p>
+
+<p>"I have to make sure," replied his companion.</p>
+
+<p>Glen knew the voice for that of one of the school officials. So already
+they were seeking him!</p>
+
+<p>After all was quiet Glen ventured to open the closet door and peep out.
+It was dark now but there were lights in the hall. After a long time<a class="pagenum" name="page_20" id="page_20" title="20"></a>
+they were extinguished and the building seemed deserted. The last late
+worker departed. The elevator ceased its rhythmic motion.</p>
+
+<p>Glen waited yet longer for a time and then crept down the hall to the
+fire-escape, which he made out by a red light. It was a dark night, but,
+nerved to the act, he made no hesitation as he swung himself out on to
+the iron bars. It was an old-fashioned escape, bars at wide intervals so
+close to the wall as to leave hardly a toe hold. Down, down he went, not
+daring to look to see where he was going but clinging fast and letting
+one step follow another. Then suddenly the ladder stopped. Feel as he
+would, in this direction or in that, there were no more steps. He had
+known of fire-escapes ending ten or twelve feet from the ground with an
+extension which might be lowered. But he found no extension. He looked
+down, but it was black night and he could see nothing but shadowy
+outlines. Looking up, the ladder soon disappeared in the darkness. There
+was no sense in mounting again. He let down his legs as far as he could
+reach, with his body balanced on his elbows, then he let himself hang by
+his hands and kicked out in the hope of finding some landing. There was
+nothing to be felt but the brick wall. His arms grew<a class="pagenum" name="page_21" id="page_21" title="21"></a> tired as he swung.
+His efforts to draw up again were ineffectual. In desperation he swung
+off into space.</p>
+
+<p>Splash! He was choking and gasping in water!</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_22" id="page_22" title="22"></a>
+<a name="A_FRIEND_AND_A_FOE_401" id="A_FRIEND_AND_A_FOE_401"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<h3>A FRIEND AND A FOE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Splashing about in his watery quarters Glen speedily discovered that he
+had fallen into an enormous rain barrel. He was able to reach the top
+with his hands, and lost no time in drawing himself up and crawling over
+the side. Then he stood in the shelter of the barrel and wrung a gallon
+or so of water out of the doctor's clothes. When the job was finished he
+had pretty well destroyed the identity of that suit of clothing. The
+draggled, wrinkled and stained garments bore no resemblance to the neat
+office suit. His mishap had given material help in effecting a disguise.</p>
+
+<p>He struck out away from the town and met no one to interfere with him as
+he walked along the quiet residence streets. Just at the edge of the
+city he was attracted by a great illumination. It was the electric
+lighting of a park, which even at that hour was thronged with visitors.
+The boy who had been shut up for a year and more looked hungrily through
+the great entrance way. It was free to all. He walked cautiously in,
+keeping a<a class="pagenum" name="page_23" id="page_23" title="23"></a> suspicious eye wide for policemen; for though he thought he
+was free he was in bondage to his guilty conscience.</p>
+
+<p>Of the many attractions the one which made the greatest appeal to
+Glen&mdash;and the only one he could afford, for his sole fortune was the
+nickel he had for car-fare&mdash;was the merry-go-round with its gaudy horses
+and its gurdy tunes. He bought a ticket and mounted one of the turbulent
+steeds with a little thrill of anticipatory pleasure. The music began,
+the movement gradually quickened, and he was just giving himself up to
+the pleasure of it when he saw working toward him, on the inside
+running-board, a man collecting tickets. On his coat was the nickeled
+badge of a constable. Glen did not know that he was a special officer
+for the sole purpose of protecting his own outfit against rowdies. In
+his eyes it was the approach of the law. Although they were now swinging
+round at a good rate he slipped from his horse and jumped, at peril of
+his neck. The sight of an official badge struck terror to his soul.</p>
+
+<p>So it was wherever he went. He saw in every man an officer. One might
+have supposed the park policed by an army. He had just dodged one of the
+two real park policemen when he overheard a momentous conversation.<a class="pagenum" name="page_24" id="page_24" title="24"></a></p>
+
+<p>A man from the bathhouse came by.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything doing, Jake?" he asked the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing much," replied the policeman. "They 'phoned us a boy got away
+from the reform school. They think he might just have come out to the
+park for fun and overstayed. Ain't seen any one, have ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if he's in here we'll get him as he goes out. I'll watch one gate
+and Barney the other."</p>
+
+<p>So they were on the look out for him. But there was nothing in his
+present clothing to suggest the reform school boy, and though he was
+hatless there were numbers of hatless boys in the park. There were many
+people of all kinds, in fact, and if he went with the crowd, he could
+surely slip out unnoticed. Yet he feared to attempt to pass the
+representative of the law at the gate. How conscience doth make cowards
+of us all!</p>
+
+<p>It was a good deed, done impulsively, that solved Glen's problem. An
+automobile was passing. The occupants were all watching the bathers in
+the lake, excepting a little chap of three who had seized the
+opportunity to climb over the door with the evident idea of jumping to
+the ground. When Glen saw him he was poised on the running board ready
+for his jump. Like a flash Glen jumped for the<a class="pagenum" name="page_25" id="page_25" title="25"></a> footboard of the moving
+car and interposed his body as an obstacle to the little fellow's leap.
+The women in the car screamed and the man who was driving stopped his
+car in surprise at the intrusion. It was only when Glen hauled the
+little boy up to view that they saw what he had done.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Jonathan Gates," said the man, offering Glen his hand, "and this
+is my wife and daughter. We don't know how to thank you for saving that
+little scamp from harm."</p>
+
+<p>"We might at least take you back into town," suggested Mrs. Gates.</p>
+
+<p>"But I am going west, into the country," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"That is still better," said Mr. Gates. "We live eight miles west of
+here and will take you wherever you say."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go just as far as you go," Glen replied. "I live away out west and
+am on my way on foot. Every mile is a help."</p>
+
+<p>They passed through the gates without any notice from the officer who
+was watching for an escaped Reform School boy, and Glen felt safe again.</p>
+
+<p>"We have not visited the park in a long while," explained Mrs. Gates,
+"and it was all new to us. That is why we lost sight of Jack. He was
+very<a class="pagenum" name="page_26" id="page_26" title="26"></a> anxious to run back and see the monkeys again."</p>
+
+<p>"I have never been there before at all," said Glen. "And I am glad I saw
+this monkey. I was passing and I just went in by chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Not chance," said Mr. Gates. "Let us say Providence. Our boy might have
+been badly hurt or even killed. Certainly you were led by Providence, or
+I would rather be more definite and say the hand of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh I don't know. I guess not," stammered Glen, greatly embarrassed. He
+wondered what Mr. Gates would say if he knew that he came to the park in
+running away from the reform school. He had not yet learned that the
+power of God may even overrule our evil for good. But he was quite
+willing to agree that his good fortune in meeting the Gates family might
+be God's providence.</p>
+
+<p>He felt his good fortune still more when Mrs. Gates insisted that he
+must stay with them at least one night. He yielded, thinking that he
+would get up very early and slip away before they were astir in the
+morning. But the excitement of the day had such an effect that he
+overslept and did not waken until called to breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>The effect of this family was something such as Glen had never known.
+All they knew of him was his name, but they took him at his word. They<a class="pagenum" name="page_27" id="page_27" title="27"></a>
+accepted his statements without a question&mdash;a most unusual thing in his
+experience. They showed him every kindness. At breakfast Mr. Gates
+heaped his plate with good things. They were so cordial in their
+invitation to stay and rest for awhile that he could not refuse them.
+They showed to him such a spirit of love as made him feel that, after
+all, Christian people were different from others, and to begin to be
+sorry that he had taken advantage of the good, old superintendent. They
+planted in his softened heart seeds of kindness and love which were
+bound to blossom.</p>
+
+<p>Glen stayed two days, and might have remained longer, but on the morning
+of the third day, coming down early, he picked up the day-old paper
+which Mr. Gates had been reading. It was folded back at a place which
+told of his disappearance from the reform school. He was ashamed to look
+again in their faces, so he stole out the back way, passed through the
+barn, and thus made his way out into the dusty road.</p>
+
+<p>His thoughts, as he trudged along, were far from cheerful. Although he
+had strong, boyish desires to fare forth into the world alone, he much
+disliked to leave this cheery home. Had he been a clean, honorable boy
+with a good record he might have stayed there and learned to be a man.<a class="pagenum" name="page_28" id="page_28" title="28"></a></p>
+
+<p>His gloomy thoughts were diverted by the sight of a man who seemed to be
+having troubles of his own. He was down at the side of an automobile,
+perspiring freely and vexed with the whole world as he unsuccessfully
+labored at changing a tire. The automobile was no ordinary car. It had a
+driver's seat in front and a closed car behind like the closed delivery
+wagons Glen had seen in town. Bright colored letters announced to the
+world that J. Jervice supplied the public with a full line of novelties,
+including rugs, curtains, rare laces and Jervice's Live Stock Condition
+Powders.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I help you," volunteered Glen. It is worthy of note that the
+service was freely offered before the man spoke so much as a word. It
+had not been Glen's habit to volunteer help. He was feeling the
+influence of the home he had just left.</p>
+
+<p>The offer was not kindly received. The man's reply was so churlish as to
+leave open the suspicion that he was not naturally a man of pleasant
+ways.</p>
+
+<p>"Garn away f'm here," he snarled. "I don't need no boys spyin' around my
+car."</p>
+
+<p>"Who's spyin'?" asked Glen defiantly. "You seem to need somebody pretty
+bad. You ain't man enough to strip that tire off."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor nobody else wouldn't be," declared the<a class="pagenum" name="page_29" id="page_29" title="29"></a> man. "Leastways nobody with
+jest one pair of hands. While I pry it off one end it slips back on the
+other. Are you strong?" he asked, stopping to look at Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm pretty stout for my age," admitted Glen, modestly, "but I don't
+want to help nor spy, if you don't want me."</p>
+
+<p>"I could use another pair of hands," the peddler admitted. "I can't pay
+you nothing for it, though, unless it be a ride to town."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I want," agreed Glen. "It's a bargain."</p>
+
+<p>The perspiration of Mr. J. Jervice had not been without occasion. The
+tire he was trying to change had done good service&mdash;it was, in fact, the
+very first tire that wheel had ever carried. Perhaps it cherished fond
+hopes of remaining in service as long as the wheel to which it clung&mdash;at
+least it resisted most strenuously all efforts to detach it. Both Glen
+and the man were moist with their efforts before it came away, and they
+accumulated still more dirt and moisture in applying its successor. But
+at last it was all done, and Glen had already mounted to the seat, while
+his companion was putting away his tools, when a cart drove up alongside
+and Glen recognized in the driver, Mr. Gates.<a class="pagenum" name="page_30" id="page_30" title="30"></a></p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" he asked, as Mr. Gates pulled up his horse.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" echoed Mr. J. Jervice; "this boy been doing
+anything?"</p>
+
+<p>It was not an unnatural question for there was something in Mr. Gates's
+look and in Glen's questioning tone that betokened affairs out of the
+ordinary; furthermore, Mr. J. Jervice seemed to be so suspicious of
+people in general that one might well think he had something to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>"The boy's all right," replied Mr. Gates. "I have something to say to
+him, that's all. If he will come over here we will drive on a few feet
+while I say it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen's thoughts flew back to the folded newspaper and he was instantly
+suspicious.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to get down," he said. "This gentleman's agreed to give me
+a ride to town and I don't want to keep him."</p>
+
+<p>"But I want you to stay," replied Mr. Gates. "I will take you to town if
+you wish, but first I want you to go back home with me and I will tell
+you something important."</p>
+
+<p>Glen felt one of his old, unrestrained passions rising within him.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you want," he cried. "I saw the<a class="pagenum" name="page_31" id="page_31" title="31"></a> newspaper. You want to
+send me back to the reform school."</p>
+
+<p>"I want to help you make a man of yourself," asserted Mr. Gates, unmoved
+by the boy's passion. "It's true I want you to go back to the school,
+but I will go with you and speak for you. You must go back because it is
+the only right way out. Let me tell you, Glen, you will never get over a
+trouble by running away from it. The manly and Christian thing to do is
+to go back. And that is why I want you to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"And of course you don't want the reward of ten dollars that's always
+paid for returning a boy. You wouldn't take the money, would you?"</p>
+
+<p>If the eyes of Mr. Gates were saddened by this mean sneer those of Mr.
+J. Jervice were not. They lightened with a sudden interest, and he
+jumped into the battle for the first time.</p>
+
+<p>"This boy's a goin' with me," he told Mr. Gates. "He's earned a ride and
+I promised it and I'm a man of my word. You be off, now, and leave him
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>"You are spoiling his best chance," said Mr. Gates. "I am not interested
+in the school or the reward. I am simply trying to do my duty to the
+boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you've done it," cried Mr. J. Jervice,<a class="pagenum" name="page_32" id="page_32" title="32"></a> as his car gathered
+headway. "Good-by to ye."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to Glen as the car got into its speed.</p>
+
+<p>"So you've run away from the reform school, eh? And he was goin' to make
+ten dollars taking you back?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he didn't want the ten dollars," said Glen, his rage all gone. "He
+treated me awful fine while I was at his house. I just said that because
+I was mad. But he can't get me to go back; nor nobody else unless they
+tie me up first."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know?" said Mr. J. Jervice. "Ten dollars is pretty near a
+week's pay for most men."</p>
+
+<p>"That wouldn't make any difference with him," said Glen. "He's straight
+as a string."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gates would have been gratified to know how deep an impression his
+Christian character had made on this boy who had flouted his kindness.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice was not inclined to conversation&mdash;he was puzzling over a
+problem something akin to that of the fox and the geese (he to be the
+fox). So they drove along in comparative silence until, topping a hill,
+Glen exclaimed at the sight of the buildings of a large town.</p>
+
+<p>"Are we almost there?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"About three miles yet," said Mr. J. Jervice. "What you going to do when
+we get there?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not sure, but I think I'd better leave you<a class="pagenum" name="page_33" id="page_33" title="33"></a> before we get to town.
+I don't believe Mr. Gates would telephone the police but somebody else
+might."</p>
+
+<p>"You can ride with me a couple o' miles yet. Tell ye what ye can do.
+S'pose'n you get inside. There's lots o' room and there's a ventilator
+back o' this seat will give ye air. You be real careful and not go
+fussing around disturbing things. There's things there I wouldn't want
+ye to touch."</p>
+
+<p>It seemed a good idea. Mr. J. Jervice unlocked the doors in the back and
+Glen stepped inside. The doors slammed behind him and he heard the heavy
+steel bar drop into its slots. Then he heard something like a laugh&mdash;a
+foxy laugh. Why should Mr. J. Jervice laugh? At once his suspicions were
+awakened.</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. J. Jervice climbed to his seat again Glen shouted to him through
+the ventilator.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop," he shouted. "I've changed my mind. I don't like being in here
+and I believe I'll take my chance with you on the front seat."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice paid no attention.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_34" id="page_34" title="34"></a>
+<a name="JOLLY_BILL_IS_CONSIDERABLY_UPSET_698" id="JOLLY_BILL_IS_CONSIDERABLY_UPSET_698"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<h3>JOLLY BILL IS CONSIDERABLY UPSET</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The treachery of Mr. J. Jervice was now very clear. He had decided that
+he himself would hand Glen over to the authorities and receive the ten
+dollars reward. Since Glen was almost as big as he, there had been some
+question how he should restrain the boy. He thought this all settled by
+his clever scheme, and the ten dollars practically in his pocket. No
+wonder he chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>But it is well for those who cage wild animals to be sure that the cage
+is properly prepared. Glen looked around in the gloom of the car. He
+knew it was useless to bump against those solid doors. The way out lay
+through Mr. J. Jervice, and the time for getting out was very brief. On
+a shelf lay a bundle of sticks. He pulled on one and found on the other
+end a flag. It was an emblem. The flag should bring him freedom.</p>
+
+<p>Glen found that the flag stick would just poke through the ventilator
+railing. Being effectively poked it struck Mr. J. Jervice neatly in the
+back<a class="pagenum" name="page_35" id="page_35" title="35"></a> of the neck, and the poke being vigorous, it aroused his attention
+quite thoroughly.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop that," he cried, hastily dodging. "Them flags is worth a quarter
+apiece, and you'll break the handle."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop and let me out," cried Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't stop now. I just made this change to accommodate you, remember.
+Stopping and starting is awfully expensive&mdash;takes as much gasoline as
+running a mile. We'll be in town in five minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"And then you think you will sell me for ten dollars. You'll lose money
+on it, Mr. Jervice. I have a sharp, open knife in my hand. I'm going to
+turn loose on everything in&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you dare," shouted Mr. Jervice.</p>
+
+<p>"But I will if you don't stop. You want to send me back to the reform
+school. All I'll get will be a little longer sentence. Will that pay you
+for your goods?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice reluctantly stopped his car. He saw ten dollars vanishing
+into the atmosphere. Whether Glen would have been as destructive as he
+threatened does not enter into this record. We are obliged to admit that
+at this time he was a wilful lad, and he was especially provoked at this
+man because he had dragged him from the counsel and<a class="pagenum" name="page_36" id="page_36" title="36"></a> aid of Mr. Gates
+for the sole purpose of his personal gain. It is enough for us to know
+that Mr. J. Jervice quite believed that a reform school boy with a knife
+was equal to anything.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything in here is in just as good order as when I came in," said
+Glen, when the doors were opened. "I earned this ride, so I don't owe
+you anything. Now you stand away off and let me get out."</p>
+
+<p>There was no need to be so emphatic. Mr. J. Jervice was neither a big
+man nor a brave man, and had no idea of offering any opposition. He
+stood well aside as Glen jumped from the car and ran away through the
+fields.</p>
+
+<p>One thing was very clear to Glen. Mr. J. Jervice would certainly reach
+town in a few minutes and just as certainly would advise the authorities
+to look out for him. He might even come back with the officer, knowing
+that the boy would have but a short start. Glen was standing by an
+abandoned stone quarry as these thoughts came to him. It contained many
+nooks and corners in which a boy might hide, and would be far safer for
+the present than tramping along the road or in the fields. So he picked
+out a secluded nook and lay there until evening. He watched eagerly for
+signs of an officer or Mr. J. Jervice, but also fruitlessly.<a class="pagenum" name="page_37" id="page_37" title="37"></a> Had he but
+known it he was perfectly safe, for Mr. J. Jervice was again having
+troubles of his own. Perhaps this was his day for trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Spending a whole day cooped up in a little niche about ten feet long by
+three wide, even though it be as high as the heavens, is dreary work for
+a boy. The time dragged terribly. In his work on the school farm Glen
+had learned to use the sun for a clock quite accurately, so there was no
+deceiving himself as to time. He had eaten a good breakfast before
+leaving the Gates' home so there was no occasion for excessive hunger,
+but he did get very thirsty. Looking down through the old quarry he
+fancied he saw a pump, and when the sun reached its noon zenith he crept
+cautiously down and satisfied his thirst. There was no one in sight, yet
+he felt afraid to venture toward the town before dark, and went back to
+his hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>On the way back he made a great find. Some careless workman had left a
+mallet and chisel lying by a huge slab of stone. They were rusted by the
+weather but otherwise in good condition. Glen took them to his hiding
+place and spent a great deal of the afternoon cleaning off the rust.
+Then he began work on a rough block of stone which lay near and was
+greatly gratified at the result of his<a class="pagenum" name="page_38" id="page_38" title="38"></a> labors. So the afternoon slipped
+away without the dreariness of the morning.</p>
+
+<p>He was hungry now and tired and consumed with loneliness. His thoughts
+turned to the pleasant home he had just left with a great longing. They
+had given him good treatment&mdash;the Gates family. He contrasted Mr. Gates
+with Mr. Jervice, stirring in his bosom a great indignation at the
+treachery of Jervice, and also awakening a great trust and confidence in
+Mr. Gates. Perhaps he was right after all. Perhaps it would be a good
+thing for him to go back to the school, serve out his time, and then try
+to make a man of himself. If the school had been close at hand he would
+have gone at once, for the supper-time picture which rose to his mind,
+with the crowd of boys ready for their plain but wholesome food was a
+very attractive one just now. Where his supper was to come from he did
+not know, for his only nickel had paid for the ticket to the
+merry-go-round.</p>
+
+<p>Now that it was dark enough to make his travel safe he picked up his
+chisel and mallet and climbed up the side of the quarry. The tools gave
+him an idea. They were marketable and would surely provide a supper for
+him. He looked them over as closely as the fading light would allow but
+found no marks or initials to indicate the owner.<a class="pagenum" name="page_39" id="page_39" title="39"></a> So he felt a little
+more certain of his plans as he hurried along the road toward the town.</p>
+
+<p>He had no intention of going to a big store and offering the tools for
+sale. His choice would be rather a small general shop where he could get
+both food and a hat in exchange for his offering. He felt that the lack
+of a hat as he walked through the streets would be sure to attract
+attention. He found just the place he needed at the very outskirts of
+the town, a little "general utility store" designed to supply the needs
+of the dwellers in outlying houses who did not wish to go to town for
+every purchase.</p>
+
+<p>But the dealer was suspicious of a bareheaded boy in a man's suit of
+clothes offering to trade a mallet and chisel for a meal and a straw
+hat.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get these things?" he asked, as he closely examined the
+tools.</p>
+
+<p>"I found them in the old quarry east of town," replied Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"You found them! They don't look like tools that have been lying around
+in an old quarry."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. Because I spent all afternoon cleaning them up."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope that's true, boy. I want to be fair with you. Wait a minute
+while I make a few inquiries."<a class="pagenum" name="page_40" id="page_40" title="40"></a></p>
+
+<p>He turned to the telephone; and even as he did so Glen fled through the
+open door. It was unfair, miserably unfair, he told himself as he ran,
+and the hot tears filled his eyes. He had found these tools all rusty,
+and spent all afternoon cleaning them, and now this man was bound to
+call up the police. He did not stop to think that if he had been an
+honest boy with a good record calling up the police would have meant
+nothing to him.</p>
+
+<p>Glen slowed his pace to a walk after a few blocks; a running boy was too
+conspicuous. Every time he saw a man in any kind of a uniform he dodged
+out of his way. A street-car conductor on his way home, who passed near
+to him, gave him a great scare. And at last came a policeman who really
+did start after him; at least he walked in his direction and when Glen
+started to run he ran too. Glen was terribly frightened. He ran madly,
+not once looking behind, and therefore ignorant of the fact that after
+one block the officer gave up the chase after a boy who was probably
+playing some foolish joke. It was a hot night but the sweat on Glen's
+face was caused as much by terror as by his exertion. He ran not knowing
+where he was going and at last hardly seeing. Then he swung around a
+sharp corner, came into collision with some kind of a vehicle, and
+rolled<a class="pagenum" name="page_41" id="page_41" title="41"></a> over and over with it and its occupant into the gutter.</p>
+
+<p>Glen lay panting from the chase he had given himself, for just a second,
+and in that second he felt a large hand grip his arm in a firm grasp.
+But it was not the policeman. Beside him, with his head touching the
+curb, lay a strong young man. Across their bodies was the vehicle which
+Glen had overturned, something like a large baby buggy or a small
+invalid chair, with a steering wheel in front. No one came to their
+help, for Glen had instinctively selected the quiet streets and this one
+seemed deserted save for them two. Seeing no policeman in sight Glen
+gained confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"Let go of my arm," he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't afford to just yet," replied the young man. "It's the only
+thing I've got to remember you by, unless you count this big bump on the
+back of my head."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't mean to hurt you," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon not. I suppose it was thoughtless for me to get in your way.
+You must have been going somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me up. Please let me up, and I'll tell you all about it. I want you
+to help me. It isn't fair. I'm not getting a fair show."<a class="pagenum" name="page_42" id="page_42" title="42"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's the way, is it? Well, you're at the right shop. Nobody ever
+calls on Jolly Bill in vain. You get up and lift this automobile off my
+quivering frame and we'll see what we can do for you."</p>
+
+<p>Glen crawled out and managed to lift the vehicle off the young man's
+body.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you can get up, can't you," he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"With your kind assistance, noble sir." He raised himself to a sitting
+position as he spoke. "This is as far as I get without your aid."</p>
+
+<p>Glen hardly knew how to help, though the conveyance told him that the
+young man was a cripple.</p>
+
+<p>"How shall I help you?" he asked. "Are your legs paralyzed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Worse than that, young fellow. My legs are dead and buried."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm awfully sorry," said Glen, his heart stirred with sympathy. "I'm
+glad you have such strong arms. They certainly are alive."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the way to talk about it, boy. Don't worry about what's gone.
+Look at what you have left. That's what I try to do, and that's why they
+call me Jolly Bill. Now, a big heave and I can stand on my pegs while
+you bring my Billy-cart up this way."<a class="pagenum" name="page_43" id="page_43" title="43"></a></p>
+
+<p>He was quite skillful about getting into his cart once Glen had him in
+the right position.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I'll let you push me home, boy&mdash;two blocks ahead and one to your
+right&mdash;and meantime you may tell me the sad story of your eventful
+career."</p>
+
+<p>"Promise that you won't give me up," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Whew! That sounds awfully interesting. You must be a desperate
+character, and that perhaps explains your peculiar mode of rapid
+transit. I'm so curious I promise."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't so awfully bad," said Glen, feeling that his new friend was
+poking fun. "I ran away from the reform school, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know how bad that is," was the reply. "The question is are you
+reformed, are you reforming, or are you worse than ever?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want to reform," declared Glen, the first confession of the kind he
+had ever made.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose the best way to do it would be to go back to the school,"
+suggested Jolly Bill.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what Mr. Gates said," admitted Glen. "But I don't want to be
+taken back."</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds pretty fair. You don't want to be taken; you want to go. I
+want to go, but I have to be taken. I was hoping you were the boy to do
+some taking for me."<a class="pagenum" name="page_44" id="page_44" title="44"></a></p>
+
+<p>"You mean take you around," exclaimed Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"That's about what I mean. I'm an important personage and wherever I
+travel I have to have a body guard."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to do it better than anything in the world!"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you're just the boy if the reform school could wait for you a
+week or two. I have a plan that will make me a fortune; but I can't work
+it out without a strong, energetic boy to help me."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm the boy," shouted Glen. "Try me. What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You won't give my secret away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never. Upon my&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Upon your what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I suppose you'd say I didn't have any."</p>
+
+<p>"You were going to say upon your honor. Certainly you have honor. You
+make it every day. To prove my confidence I will tell you my secret. I
+was born in this neighborhood and lived here most of my life. A few
+years ago a terrible accident deprived me of my father and at the same
+time left me as you see me. I support my mother by selling real estate.
+Twenty miles or so from here I know of a great fortune. But it is hidden
+away, buried, choked up and forgotten. I have<a class="pagenum" name="page_45" id="page_45" title="45"></a> tried to get my friends
+to hunt this out for me but they do not see things my way. So I need a
+strong healthy boy to help me, and together we will find this
+treasure."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_46" id="page_46" title="46"></a>
+<a name="HOW_MOTHER_CARES_980" id="HOW_MOTHER_CARES_980"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<h3>HOW MOTHER CARES</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of
+finding such good friends as Glen had met. The reverse is more commonly
+true. Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance
+for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice
+variety. He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned
+to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an
+unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.</p>
+
+<p>Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she
+neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.</p>
+
+<p>"This is Glen Mason, mother," said Jolly Bill, when she came out to meet
+them. "After he had committed assault and battery on my delicate frame,
+I prevailed on him to bring home the mangled remains."</p>
+
+<p>"You are hurt, Willie!" she cried in alarm. "Your face is scratched and
+there is blood. Is it serious?"<a class="pagenum" name="page_47" id="page_47" title="47"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I shall recover," said Will. "I have been in rather worse accidents.
+Take a look at this other dusty, weary specimen. What do you recommend?"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon," she apologized to Glen. "I was anxious about my
+boy. I am every time he goes out. I'll just show you up to the bathroom.
+There is plenty of hot water and soap and towels, and I'll bring you a
+clean suit that Willie used to wear."</p>
+
+<p>Glen reddened with embarrassment at this goodness.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe you'd better not," he protested. "You don't know who I am."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know what size you are," she insisted. "This old suit of Willie's
+has been lying around for years, but it's perfectly good. Now you take
+and put it on."</p>
+
+<p>"Take it along and wear it," urged Jolly Bill. "It's been shut up in the
+closet so long it may turn two or three handsprings when it gets out in
+the sunshine, but otherwise it will fit you all right. Mother's kept the
+moth out of it long enough."</p>
+
+<p>Soaking in a tub of clean water after his hot and dusty day, with a nice
+suit of clean clothing ready to put on, Glen felt that he was indeed<a class="pagenum" name="page_48" id="page_48" title="48"></a>
+fortunate. He actually concluded that he was getting better treatment
+than he deserved. He was still embarrassed by the thought, when he went
+downstairs and found Will and his mother at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I've told mother all about you," announced Bill. "You have her official
+seal of approval."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind what he says," interrupted Mrs. Spencer. "A boy who wants to
+do right always has a place with me. But you get a reserved seat because
+you're going to help Willie."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I'll be able to. I'll surely try."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you're just the strong young fellow he needs. He's had the plan
+quite a while but so many people&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not so very many, mother," interrupted Will. "Very few people know of
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the people that you've told&mdash;you know how they have all acted or
+spoken as if it were a wild goose chase&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"They think so; that's their privilege."</p>
+
+<p>"No it isn't. They shouldn't think so. You've studied it out and you
+know it's as bright a thought as ever helped any man to a fortune and
+I'm glad this big boy is going to help you work it."</p>
+
+<p>"And then I'll be rich enough to buy you a<a class="pagenum" name="page_49" id="page_49" title="49"></a> home, and to go to that big
+hospital and get my old pegs fixed up so they can put artificial legs on
+me that I really can walk on."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm mighty glad to help," said Glen. "I'd do most anything for folks as
+good as you."</p>
+
+<p>"There, mother; that's an unsolicited testimonial to your particular
+brand of goodness," said Will. "He didn't talk a bit that way when he
+met me first. Acted quite abrupt and seemed to want to get away."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know you then," objected Glen. "I was trying to get away from
+everybody."</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty good horse-power you were putting into it, too," observed Will.
+"That reminds me, boy. It is now time for you to unroll the full history
+of your eventful career."</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't very much that matters, until a few days ago," began Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" asked Mrs. Spencer. "Did you say not much that matters?
+How old are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was fifteen last May."</p>
+
+<p>"Fifteen years ago last May! Don't you know, Glen, that something
+happened then that mattered a wonderful lot to one person, even if it
+didn't then matter much to you. And it's been mattering ever since, to
+her."<a class="pagenum" name="page_50" id="page_50" title="50"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Yes," agreed Glen, "my mother, you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I mean your mother. And your father, too, as long as he lived.
+Don't you suppose it mattered to them that their boy should be so&mdash;" she
+hesitated, groping for a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Pigheaded!" volunteered Glen.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Spencer looked shocked, and remonstrated: "Why, Glen! I didn't say
+anything of the kind&mdash;wayward was the word I wanted."</p>
+
+<p>But Jolly Bill clapped his hands in cheerful applause.</p>
+
+<p>"Good boy, Glen!" he exclaimed. "Pigheaded is the word. Bound to have
+your own way. Bound to have what you want. No self restraint at all. If
+you want it, nothing will do but you must have it, good or bad. Believe
+me, boy, that's the very word."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you wouldn't interrupt me, Willie," objected Mrs. Spencer. "I
+wasn't trying to preach a sermon to Glen and I don't know why you
+should. What I want to tell him is that every little thing about a boy
+matters to mother. It's always important to her what he does, and if he
+does wrong to-day she is sure that he certainly will do better
+to-morrow. Mother's going to be awfully glad when she hears about you,
+Glen, and I want you to tell me where I can write to her<a class="pagenum" name="page_51" id="page_51" title="51"></a> this very day.
+Now, go on and tell us about running away."</p>
+
+<p>Glen was interrupted occasionally.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did you say Gates?" cried Mrs. Spencer. "Was it Jonathan Gates?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I did hear his wife call him Jonathan once or twice, though
+mostly they all called him 'Father.'"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be they," said Mrs. Spencer. "They're just the people to take
+care of a boy that way. We know the Gateses very well and they're the
+salt of the earth. I wonder you ever had the heart to leave them."</p>
+
+<p>Glen told why he had left and then related his further adventures with
+J. Jervice, his final escape, and his day of dread lest he should be
+apprehended.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can tell you why Mr. J. Jervice didn't send after you," said
+Will. "It's been his busy day. I just read about it in the evening
+paper. Excepting that it was funny I wondered what excuse they had for
+giving it so much space. But I now see why it is important. Look at
+this!"</p>
+
+<p>He handed Glen the paper folded back to a column headed: "Peddler in
+Wrong Pew."</p>
+
+<p>"Every good citizen knows of the new license<a class="pagenum" name="page_52" id="page_52" title="52"></a> ordinance but not every
+peddler. One came briskly to the county clerk's office this morning. He
+was not too rushed to stop and sell a patent tie clip to a man at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>"'I'm a traveling merchant,' said he to our genial county clerk.</p>
+
+<p>"'Very good,' said the clerk. 'I see you are doing a little business.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Pretty fair,' agreed Mr. Peddler. 'But that ain't what&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'Hold on a bit,' interrupted the clerk. 'First thing is a license.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I've got something more important, just now,' urged the peddler. 'I
+want to tell you about&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'First things first,' persisted our efficient clerk. 'You must pay a
+license to peddle in this county.'</p>
+
+<p>"'But I don't want to peddle now. I want to lodge&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'One thing at a time. You may lodge longer than you want if you break
+our ordinances. Get your license. Five dollars!'</p>
+
+<p>"'But I don't want a license. I want to give information&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'No, no! You want to get information (our clerk is just bound to have
+his way). 'You should<a class="pagenum" name="page_53" id="page_53" title="53"></a> have information about our new license fee. Every
+peddler must pay it.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I'll not pay it. Five dollars is more'n I could make in a whole day,
+and I don't aim to be in your county that long. I'll go on.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Too late. You've made one sale that we know of. Five dollars or&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'I can't, Mister. I can't pay that. You, just forget about it an' I'll
+tell you how we can divide ten dollars, easy money.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Trying to bribe a county officer! That's worse and worse. Here, Mr.
+Sheriff, you'd better look after this man.'</p>
+
+<p>"The man's name was J. Jervice and he found five dollars in his clothing
+before the sheriff had fully clamped his grip. He went away in great
+wrath, taking with him not only the objectionable license but also the
+valuable secret which was worth ten dollars&mdash;easy money.</p>
+
+<p>"The honest merchant who has a regular route does not object to the
+license. The objections come from these itinerant peddlers, who claim
+that they are just passing through. Our county officers will insist upon
+payment. They do not fear to discourage their visits for these
+fly-by-nights are the very men who cheat our citizens, sometimes
+stealing under guise of a sale and sometimes<a class="pagenum" name="page_54" id="page_54" title="54"></a> stealing outright. We do
+not say that this peddler looked suspicious, but we observed our sheriff
+taking a good mental picture of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, Mr. J. Jervice," exulted Glen, as he laid down the paper. "I
+don't care if I never meet you again."</p>
+
+<p>"But I'm not sure that you won't," said Jolly Bill, with a purpose to
+tease. "Now that Mr. Jervice has had to pay a five dollar license fee,
+all because he loved you so and wanted to see you safe home, he'll be
+apt to look for you."</p>
+
+<p>"He'd better not come near this house," declared Mrs. Spencer,
+energetically. "I'll give him a piece of my mind if I see him, I can
+tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"I surely hope he'll come," said Jolly Bill. "He deserves all he can
+get."</p>
+
+<p>But neither Jolly Bill, Mrs. Spencer nor Glen were to be gratified with
+a sight of Mr. Jervice immediately, although they were by no means
+through with him.</p>
+
+<p>Later in the evening after Glen had given Mrs. Spencer very efficient
+aid in helping her crippled son to his bed on the ground floor, she
+showed the boy up to a cozy little bedroom where he was to spend the
+night.</p>
+
+<p>"Have a good night, son," she said. "I'm so glad you are going to help
+my boy, because you<a class="pagenum" name="page_55" id="page_55" title="55"></a> look like a boy with grit and determination, and
+I'll feel safe about him with you looking after him. It means a lot to
+us just now. It isn't so much that I care about the money, although
+Willie insists that I must have this home all clear of debt. But the
+main thing with me is to see my boy able to take care of himself.
+There's a place in New York where they can operate on him and then fix
+him up so he can walk all by himself. All we need is the money. It will
+be such a joy to me. Good night!"</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_56" id="page_56" title="56"></a>
+<a name="TREACHEROUS_INDIANS_AT_BUFFALO_LAKE_1229" id="TREACHEROUS_INDIANS_AT_BUFFALO_LAKE_1229"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<h3>TREACHEROUS INDIANS AT BUFFALO LAKE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>It was a couple of days later before Mr. William Spencer (sometimes
+known to his fellow citizens as Jolly Bill) fully explained to Glen the
+method by which he hoped to increase their fortunes. He had taken Glen
+into his home, had fed and provided for him and had given him some
+clothing. An automobile had brought them the twenty miles of their
+journey, early that morning, and had left them with their belongings at
+the house of a farmer, with whom Spencer was evidently on the best of
+terms. Now they stood on a knoll overlooking what seemed to Glen to be
+nothing but an immense field of growing corn.</p>
+
+<p>"There is our fortune," said Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"That field of corn?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Buffalo Hollow and I repeat that there lies our fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"And how are we to get it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is your job. That's why I brought you."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you expect me to do. Take a spade and dig?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps! We shall see. Sit down while I<a class="pagenum" name="page_57" id="page_57" title="57"></a> tell you about this place.
+Buffalo Mound, over there, is the highest ground in this country. From
+its summit you can see into six counties. This big field before us is
+Buffalo Hollow. When I was a little chap I was told a great story about
+this by an old Indian. He said that years ago the Hollow was a beautiful
+lake fed by springs from Buffalo Mound. Some freighters carrying bullion
+camped here and were slaughtered by Indians. To hide the bullion until
+they could dispose of it they threw it in the lake. When they returned
+they could not find it readily, so they dammed the springs and drained
+the lake. Makes quite a romantic story, doesn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but did it ever happen?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe there is some record of such a thing, but my private opinion
+is that the draining was done by some stingy owner who had little use
+for a lake and thought he saw an opportunity to secure twenty acres of
+good bottom land. Probably he thought he was a great economist. But as a
+matter of fact he did a very foolish thing. This prairie country is
+poverty stricken so far as lakes and woods are concerned. In the town I
+live in there are many wealthy men who take their families long
+distances every summer in order to reach a lake. A twenty acre lake is<a class="pagenum" name="page_58" id="page_58" title="58"></a>
+only a pool in the lake country, but out here it is worth more than a
+gold mine."</p>
+
+<p>"And you think if you could make it a lake again you could sell it to
+these wealthy people?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know I could. I know an athletic club in town that would pay a big
+price for it. There are many of our wealthy men who would pay five
+hundred dollars for a hundred foot frontage, so that they might put up
+bungalows for summer residences. My plan is to find those choked
+springs, bring them again into their old channels, and convert the
+Hollow into a lake. Mr. Ryder, our farmer friend who now owns this farm,
+doesn't think much of my plan, and won't have anything to do with it any
+more than to sell me options on the land and the privilege of cutting
+this excellent stand of corn, and that is as far as my arrangements with
+him extend."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is the first thing for me to do?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent talk, that, my boy. What would you advise as to the first
+thing."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you can't do much exploring while the corn stands. It should
+be cut."</p>
+
+<p>"It should, and it must be cut in the old fashioned way. Did you ever
+cut corn in the old fashioned way?"<a class="pagenum" name="page_59" id="page_59" title="59"></a></p>
+
+<p>"You mean with a corn-knife. I helped cut a hundred acres at the school
+last fall."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's only about five acres of this land in corn so the
+contract is smaller. The first thing is to borrow a corn-knife of our
+friend Ryder."</p>
+
+<p>Glen's attack upon the field of corn began that very day. A year ago, at
+the reform school, he had hated this work; now, he enjoyed it. The corn
+was higher than his head, and the heavy stalks, piled on his left arm as
+he cut with his right, wore through his shirt and made an attempt upon
+his skin, but he did not complain. He was doing a work into which his
+heart entered, and so he was enjoying it.</p>
+
+<p>Spencer could give no help at all. There are people, with like
+misfortune to his, who are able to make some sort of a shift with
+crutches, but Will could not use them at all. As Mrs. Spencer had
+explained to Glen, there had been some trouble in the amputation. All
+that was needed was money to go to a famous hospital and have things
+properly arranged and a pair of artificial legs fitted that would enable
+him to walk, run, race, dance or play the pipe organ. Will hoped to be
+successful enough to command the money for this and meantime he intended
+to be happy in the prospect. So he sat and watched Glen<a class="pagenum" name="page_60" id="page_60" title="60"></a> work, made
+suggestions, cracked jokes and drew diagrams of the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>The day that Glen finished his work was very hot. He had been working
+hard in the hope of completing the job by nightfall and was wet and
+grimy with perspiration and dirt. As he carried an armful of stalks to
+the shock he noticed a boy standing there dressed in a khaki uniform of
+olive drab.</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't you like a little help?" asked the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I could use some," said Glen. "But I have only one knife."</p>
+
+<p>"You rest, then, and let me use it awhile. I know how to cut corn."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll spoil your pretty suit."</p>
+
+<p>"This kind doesn't spoil. It's a scout uniform."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it won't spoil for as long as you'll work," said Glen. "What
+are you doing here?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have a camp around the other side of the Mound. We only came
+yesterday or you would have seen some of us before now."</p>
+
+<p>He was cutting cornstalks with a practised hand and Glen decided that he
+could trust him.</p>
+
+<p>"You can go ahead for awhile. I'll go over and see what my partner
+says," he agreed.<a class="pagenum" name="page_61" id="page_61" title="61"></a></p>
+
+<p>"There's a boy scout over there," he told Spencer. "He wanted to help
+cut a piece, so I let him. Do you mind?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit. I'd like to get a whole troop of boy scouts to help. They
+ought to be some good at our game."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a troop of them camped the other side of the mound, this boy
+says. Maybe we could get them to help."</p>
+
+<p>Spencer straightened himself in his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Bright idea, Glen. To-night you shall push Jolly Bill and the old
+billy-cart over there, and we'll give them a chance to do a good turn."</p>
+
+<p>Glen went back to where the scout was working.</p>
+
+<p>"That's enough," he said. "You've given me quite a rest. We're coming
+over to see you to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will," the scout replied. "My father is the scout master and
+I know he'll be glad to have you come. His name is Newton."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you get along with the same name?" suggested Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"I surely do. And my other name is Corliss, but the fellows call me
+Apple."</p>
+
+<p>"Why's that. Is it your round face and red cheeks?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I couldn't help looking that way and the<a class="pagenum" name="page_62" id="page_62" title="62"></a> boys wouldn't throw it up
+to me. No, sir; they started to call me Core, then Apple-core, and so
+down to Apple."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a good name for you," said Glen. "Did I tell you I'd be bringing
+my partner over this evening, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's welcome. It's in our articles, you know. 'A scout is friendly.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, don't forget to ask him to tell some stories. Then you'll be glad
+we came."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll be glad, anyway," said Apple, politely, as he turned away. When
+Glen learned to know him better he found this sunny cheer and gentle
+courtesy to be characteristic of him at all times and places.</p>
+
+<p>It was no easy job to propel the old "billy-cart" over the fields, but
+Glen managed it. The scouts were just getting together for their evening
+camp-fire. They were all attracted by the queer vehicle and its jolly
+occupant and cheerfully and noisily responded to the introductions given
+by Apple Newton. Mr. Newton, the scout master, was just such a gentleman
+as one might expect Apple to have for a father and cordially welcomed
+both Spencer and Glen to their fellowship.</p>
+
+<p>A hint from Apple Newton that Mr. Spencer was a teller of stories drew
+forth a wild clamor<a class="pagenum" name="page_63" id="page_63" title="63"></a> from the boys for his services. His first story, a
+funny one, brought forth delirious applause&mdash;a "side-splitter" they
+voted it. Then he told them a story of adventure which held them
+spell-bound. They clamored yet for more.</p>
+
+<p>"Only one," stipulated the scout master. "It will soon be time to turn
+in."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you a short story about this country, but I cannot
+vouch for its truth. First I must tell you that I grew up a mile or two
+from here. There are still some Pottawatomie Indians here occasionally,
+I saw one yesterday. When I was a small boy there was quite a colony&mdash;a
+number who never had gone onto the reservation. I knew some of the old
+men pretty well and one of them used to tell me stories. The most
+remarkable story he ever told was the story of Buffalo Lake. Years ago
+the place now known as Buffalo Hollow was a twenty acre lake. Lakes of
+any size are so rare in this country that even one of twenty acres is
+sure to be preserved in tradition, so there is plenty of record to
+verify this part of his story. The remainder may be true. He insisted
+that it was.</p>
+
+<p>"It was late in the evening of a hot day. The freighters had been
+pushing along their tired horses for the last three hours, with their
+eyes<a class="pagenum" name="page_64" id="page_64" title="64"></a> steadfastly set on a clump of trees ahead&mdash;probably this clump in
+which we sit. When they reached the trees they no longer needed them for
+shade, for the sun had already set, but they were none the less glad of
+their leafy branches, glad of the green grass, glad of the cooling
+waters of the lake. They could scarcely restrain their tired but eager
+animals from plunging in as they were, and dragging their loads along,
+and once the harness was released the beasts made a wild dash for the
+water and reveled in its coolness. The men themselves lost no time in
+stripping off their clothing and taking the first swim of their trip.
+They swam and larked and sported until they were not only refreshed and
+rested but actually tired again. Then they ate a plentiful supper,
+spread their blankets around the treasure wagons and soon slept the
+sleep of exhaustion. Even the watch slept, for he, too, had borne the
+burden of the day and worn himself with the frolic of the evening. He
+felt no need of special caution for they were now in territory
+considered safe.</p>
+
+<p>"But the Indians had been following them for many days, eager for such
+an opportunity. They dreaded as well as hated these plainsmen. They had
+not dared to attack them on the open prairie.<a class="pagenum" name="page_65" id="page_65" title="65"></a> But now, one dark form
+after another slipped noiselessly from tree to tree, and very soon every
+tree sheltered a savage form and made cover for the marksmanship of an
+Indian brave in feathers and war-paint.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't dare to tell you the rest of this story as the old Pottawatomie
+told it to me, for it is near bedtime and these are the very trees
+between which the ghostly, ghastly figures flitted in the darkness. It
+is all past and gone now and you need have no fear. You boys on the
+outer edge who are crowding up to the light of the camp-fire are just as
+safe as the fellows in the middle. The thing to interest you is what the
+Indians did with the bullion, after they had massacred its guardians.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a government record that such a massacre actually occurred and
+that the bullion has never been recovered. The old Indian said that
+being unable to take the treasure away they rowed it out in the lake and
+buried it in its waters. They were chased out of the country and it was
+years before they dared to venture back. Then they tried to regain the
+treasure but without success. As a final measure they dammed up the
+springs and drained the lake. But the<a class="pagenum" name="page_66" id="page_66" title="66"></a> treasure was not there and so far
+as known it has never been found. What has become of it!"</p>
+
+<p>A moment of deep silence followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Supposing they didn't put it in the lake at all? Supposing they hid it
+in a cave?"</p>
+
+<p>It was Apple Newton who spoke and his speaking was the signal for a
+perfect babel of suggestions and guesses.</p>
+
+<p>Spencer held up his hand for silence.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not come here to search for this bullion; but I feel sure that it
+did exist and that it may exist yet. Your scout master has invited me to
+stay with you for a week. I will tell you all that I know about the
+country, and you will help me as much as possible in getting about. We
+will hunt for this treasure. I try to be generous, so I will say that
+the scout finding it may keep it."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a word to add," said Mr. Newton. "In this treasure hunt we must
+have system. Every scout desiring to enter will choose the section which
+he thinks most favorable, draw a map of it and present it for our
+approval. Afterwards he will give a full report of all his actions, how
+he has gone to work and what he has noted."</p>
+
+<p>And then came a third speaker who had been expected by no one. He
+stepped from behind a tree, and to the eyes of the boys he was tall and<a class="pagenum" name="page_67" id="page_67" title="67"></a>
+erect and to some of their eyes he wore feathers and war-paint.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys hunt gold! Boys hunt heap stone!" he said and disappeared.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_68" id="page_68" title="68"></a>
+<a name="GETTING_ACQUAINTED_1510" id="GETTING_ACQUAINTED_1510"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<h3>GETTING ACQUAINTED</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Most of the boys around the camp fire sat as if petrified for a few
+moments. Some of them clutched at their scalp locks, as if to make sure
+of their continued existence.</p>
+
+<p>The first scout to show real signs of recovery was a thin, lanky,
+freckled-faced hero of unheroic appearance, who spoke in a jerky fashion
+peculiarly his own.</p>
+
+<p>"Help!" he cried. "Help! Mother! Why'd my pa let me come to this wild
+place? Injuns! Robbers! Help!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, shut up, Chick-chick," cried a small boy. "You'll have 'em coming
+back."</p>
+
+<p>A contemptuous laugh came from a big, handsome boy who sat in the middle
+of the circle&mdash;big and handsome, yet with a supercilious look.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, kid," he assured the little fellow. "You are safe enough
+here. Chick-chick can't help having hysterics, but you're safe while I'm
+here."<a class="pagenum" name="page_69" id="page_69" title="69"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Sure, you're safe," echoed Chick-chick. "Ev'body's safe. Matty will
+protect you. Matty protects whole camp. Go after heap big Injun, Matty.
+Jes' disappeared northwest by south."</p>
+
+<p>"That's enough from you, Chick-chick," retorted the handsome scout, Matt
+Burton, who did not bear chaffing cheerfully. "I could go after that
+Indian if I cared to. And get him, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should anyone want to go after him," interrupted Apple Newton.
+"He's done nothing but suddenly appear and give some information that
+may be valuable."</p>
+
+<p>"He just came up from nowhere," said a scout. "I don't believe he's a
+real Indian at all&mdash;just a spirit."</p>
+
+<p>"He was right close to me," declared Chick-chick. "I smelled the
+spirits."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe he is a phantom Indian. I've heard of such things," said Apple
+Newton, ignoring Chick-chick's absurd remark. "I think it would be fine
+to have a phantom come purposely to get us started on the right track
+for the treasure hunt. 'Hunt heap stone' was what he said. We shall have
+to look for peculiar formations of stone."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe we'll find one that has a letter under<a class="pagenum" name="page_70" id="page_70" title="70"></a> it telling where to dig,"
+eagerly suggested one of the younger ones.</p>
+
+<p>"Likely thing," said another. "How long would a letter stand the
+weather? There'll be marks cut in the stone if there's anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Much you fellows know about Indian ways," boasted Matt Burton. "What
+did those Indians know about our language. Indians talk by signs and
+numbers. It will take a smart fellow to tell what it means when you find
+your heap stone."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, fellows. When you find it hike back an' ask Matty. He'll
+tell you."</p>
+
+<p>Matty was saved from delivering his angry response, for just then "taps"
+sounded. The scout master demanded prompt attention to all camp signals.
+It was understood that after taps there was to be no noise, no
+unnecessary conversation. All was to be quiet and orderly.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Newton would not hear of Glen pushing Jolly Bill back to the farm
+house.</p>
+
+<p>"We have an empty tent with two cots and bedding too&mdash;left here by
+members who were called home. You turn right in with us. We are glad to
+have you&mdash;both of you. I think we'll make Glen a scout."</p>
+
+<p>This invitation suited both of them splendidly. Spencer was pleased,
+and, as for Glen, he had<a class="pagenum" name="page_71" id="page_71" title="71"></a> never experienced anything so gratifying in
+his life. He was so excited that he could not sleep for some time, but
+lay on his comfortable cot thinking of the many happenings of the last
+few eventful days, and especially of the exciting story of the camp
+fire, and the dramatic appearance of the Indian. He was glad that he was
+here to help his good friend, Jolly Bill, but he felt that it would be
+much more glorious to help him by finding bars of bright, glistening
+bullion, than by looking for a lost lake.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was still dreaming of Indians when the bugle call aroused him, and
+he awakened to the glorious activities of a summer morning in a scout
+camp. Two scouts were in the tent almost before he had hopped out of his
+blankets and into his clothes.</p>
+
+<p>"We came to help our friend, Mr. Spencer," explained Apple Newton.</p>
+
+<p>"Want to wind up his machine an' put on some funny story records," added
+Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't tell funny stories before breakfast," objected Jolly Bill. "I'm
+hungry enough to eat Indian."</p>
+
+<p>"We have eggs for breakfast&mdash;fresh laid. We got 'em from the farmer
+yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"You're sure they're fresh?" asked Spencer.<a class="pagenum" name="page_72" id="page_72" title="72"></a> "I'm very particular about
+my eggs since I camped out a few years ago. One of our fellows wasn't
+much good about cooking, but he said he'd get the eggs. He came back
+pretty soon with a whole dozen. 'You're sure these are fresh?' I asked
+him. 'Dead positive' said he. So I started to break one into my pan, and
+about all there was that was still egg was the shell. 'What made you so
+positive these eggs were fresh?' I asked that chap after I let him come
+to a little. 'I could have sworn to it,' he said. 'I lifted the hen
+right off the nest myself and the eggs were warm yet.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Our eggs aren't laid by the dozen," said Apple, "and we know they're
+fresh because the farmer said so. Come on now, if you're ready. The
+scout master says we're to push your automobile right up to the end of
+the table, next to him."</p>
+
+<p>It was a jolly crowd at the table, and no less jolly was the squad
+acting that morning as waiters. The scout master believed it good
+discipline to teach every scout how to do the humblest duty as well as
+how to do the greatest, so each scout took his turn at waiting on table.
+Patrol leader Matt Burton was in charge of the waiter squad this
+morning. He was the one exception who<a class="pagenum" name="page_73" id="page_73" title="73"></a> showed that it did not agree well
+with every scout to do these menial tasks. He considered them beneath
+his dignity and never would have condescended to them had there been a
+way of escape. Since there was not, he had made the best of a bad job,
+and as he was very bright and a natural leader he had managed to reach
+the rank of Patrol Leader in spite of his disinclination to certain
+matters of work.</p>
+
+<p>"Bob said he had a special order for Mr. Spencer, Matt," said Apple,
+stepping to his side after he had wheeled the cart up to the table.
+"Tell him Mr. Spencer wants his eggs sure fresh and likes 'em soft."</p>
+
+<p>"You can just carry Mr. Spencer's order to Black Bob yourself," said
+Matt disgustedly. "I'm no waiter."</p>
+
+<p>"You won't be if the scout master hears you," said Apple, his good
+nature exhausted. "You'll be a traveler."</p>
+
+<p>"He surely will," observed Chick-chick. "I'll take care of Mr. Spencer,
+Apple. Leave him to me."</p>
+
+<p>"It's more in your line," insinuated Matt. "I guess it's about the same
+thing as waiting on your father's customers at his garage."</p>
+
+<p>"An' it's proud I am to do it," retorted Chick-chick.<a class="pagenum" name="page_74" id="page_74" title="74"></a> "I do it whenever
+they want anything I can handle, from gasoline to a new machine. Lem'me
+sell you a new car, Matty. Lem'me sell you one that'll make your blue
+blood bubble all over itself. Tell ye 'bout it jest as soon as I get
+those eggs."</p>
+
+<p>"We've just bought a new car," said Matt. "And I'd walk before I'd let
+my folks buy one of you, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe that fellow likes you," observed Glen, as he went up to
+the cook shack with Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"He surely don't disgrace himself by too much show of affection," agreed
+Chick-chick. "You musn't think it's because it's me, though. There's
+on'y one person Matty really loves. He's real smart, Matty is. You
+noticed he spoke so the men couldn't hear him."</p>
+
+<p>Black Bob had Mr. Spencer's eggs all ready.</p>
+
+<p>"These is for the ge'mman as told the stories last night," he announced.
+"He sure is quality, if they ain't much to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Give 'em to me, Bob," said Chick-chick. "I'm going to wait on Mr.
+Spencer."</p>
+
+<p>"You go away, you Henry Chicken," objected Black Bob. "I know all 'bout
+yore tricks. Bear<a class="pagenum" name="page_75" id="page_75" title="75"></a> Patrol is waitin' table dis yere mohnin' an' you
+ain't no Bear Patrol."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, here's Goosey," exclaimed Chick-chick, grabbing the shoulder of a
+small scout who had just appeared. "Goosey is in Bear Patrol, and he's a
+friend of mine, ain't you, Goosey?"</p>
+
+<p>"I surely am," declared the small scout. "Anything I can do for
+Chick-chick I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Hustle these eggs down to Mr. Spencer, Goosey, an' make it your
+business to wait on him. Bob won't give me a thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Not when you ain't on duty. Oh, I know you, Mr. Henry-chick," Bob
+affirmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Bob doesn't seem to trust you," said Glen. "Aren't you friendly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just best friends ever. Bob hasn't better friend 'n me in camp. I like
+Bob 'n I love his cakes an' pies. 'Tain't my fault if he doesn't always
+seem to reciprocate, is it, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"What dat 'bout recipe fo cake? Nev' you min', Mister Henry-chick. I
+knows you, I do."</p>
+
+<p>Bob shook a fist as he spoke, but the chuckle in his voice and the laugh
+in his eye were more apparent than the threat in his fist.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let's go back an' get ours while they're hot," said Chick-chick.
+"Goosey'll wait on Mr.<a class="pagenum" name="page_76" id="page_76" title="76"></a> Spencer. Good boy, Goosey. Goin' do something
+good for Goosey some day."</p>
+
+<p>He led Glen back to the long table of smooth boards laid on trestles
+which stood on the grassy level. The scouts were helping themselves from
+great bowls filled with eggs cooked in the shell, or from large platters
+on which eggs fried or poached were served, according to their
+preference. Bob was a good cook and gave them their choice. Glen, with
+an appetite that cared little for the fine points of preference, chose
+impartially from every dish that reached him. An occasional glance
+showed that the small scout known as Goosey was giving good attention to
+Jolly Bill, and not only he but Apple Newton and other scouts were
+endeavoring eagerly to anticipate his wants.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was mentally putting the fellows in their proper places on the
+shelves of his esteem. Apple Newton and the boy called Chick-chick he
+warmed to most particularly, and they were given prominent places. He
+liked young Goosey, as well as several other of the younger boys whose
+names he had not learned. There was a big fellow called Tom Scoresby
+that he believed that he would get along with pretty well. Just one
+scout he found no room for anywhere. That was Matt Burton.<a class="pagenum" name="page_77" id="page_77" title="77"></a> He hated
+him, he was quite sure. His unruly young heart only had one desire for
+Matt. He wanted just one good chance to measure strength with him and
+plant his hard, clenched fist right where that smile of insolence curled
+the handsome lips.</p>
+
+<p>Quite engrossed in his thoughts Glen did not notice that the boys around
+him had risen from the long bench on which they sat. Suddenly he heard
+Matt Burton's voice behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Get up," he said. "Can't you see that we want these places for the
+waiters."</p>
+
+<p>Glen slowly and deliberately turned around in his seat and looked at his
+questioner.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" he asked, and his voice was so aggressive that every
+scout in hearing distance turned to see what was up.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll find out who I am," replied Matt angrily. "Get up when I tell
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't have to get up when you tell me, nor lie down when you tell me,
+nor do anything when you tell me. Did you get that? What now?"</p>
+
+<p>Matt was getting very angry but he did not entirely forget his position.</p>
+
+<p>"If I call my patrol you'll get up mighty quick," he said. "I'd like to
+know who let you come here, anyway."<a class="pagenum" name="page_78" id="page_78" title="78"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Never mind about your patrol and don't fuss about who let me come here.
+You come and make me get up, all by yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Matt looked at the brown skin and the strong tough features of the
+obstinate boy a long minute, as if making up his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well," he said, "I suppose if you're a guest you must do as you
+please."</p>
+
+<p>"Since you're so nice about it," said Glen, "the seat's yours. Do what
+you want with it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen knew in his heart that there would be a clash with Matt Burton if
+he stayed long in that camp. He felt also that he had not come out of
+this first brush with entire distinction. Matt had been in the wrong and
+had shown that he was angry, yet he had a certain discipline which had
+enabled him to control his temper, and the issue had ended in defeat for
+the undisciplined waif who might well have been victorious had they come
+to blows.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_79" id="page_79" title="79"></a>
+<a name="GLEN_IS_INITIATED_1786" id="GLEN_IS_INITIATED_1786"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<h3>GLEN IS INITIATED</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Strange to say, with the passing of the morning, Glen found himself
+unhappy, though he should have been abundantly content. Strange, for
+with all these boys to help, his tasks would be greatly lightened, and
+to join in the fun of this crowd should be joy beyond compare. But Glen
+did not want fun just now. There was something much more precious to
+him, which he felt in danger of losing, and although he himself could
+not have explained its substance, it was none the less real. It was the
+trust and dependence of Will Spencer. For the first time in his life
+Glen had been really trusted and really needed by some one. He had taken
+up the burden like a man and rejoiced in it. Now he felt that his
+opportunities would be dissipated among the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, Glen?" asked Spencer. "Why are you moping around
+with a face like the reverse side of a frying-pan? You ought to be right
+out with the bunch, egging 'em on."<a class="pagenum" name="page_80" id="page_80" title="80"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I guess no one has any use for me," said Glen disconsolately. "I
+guess I might as well go back to the school."</p>
+
+<p>"To the school! And leave me in the lurch?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't need me any more. You don't tell me anything."</p>
+
+<p>"What haven't I told you, boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you were telling Apple all about that Indian who came last night,
+but you didn't tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nonsense, boy. You are peeved too easily. That Indian was just old
+Joe Marrowfat, who had followed me up from the farm. Apple is romantic
+and he wanted a string of stuff about the noble red man's noble
+antecedents. I need you, all the time, to be the mainspring of this
+business."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me what I can do and I'm only too glad to get at it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, for one thing you must mix with the boys. Be jolly with 'em.
+'Laugh and the world laughs with you.' That's my motto. That's the way I
+get along. Someone must be around with these boys to keep 'em going, or
+their hunt won't last long. Get them interested in finding the location
+of the springs. To-day they are all looking for big stones because of
+what Joe said. There's enough big stones around here to keep them busy.<a class="pagenum" name="page_81" id="page_81" title="81"></a>
+Tell them the fellow who finds the treasure may get some gold but the
+boy who finds a spring gets twenty dollars sure. Get them to survey the
+Hollow and search for marks to show where the old stream used to run in.
+You ought to be up on your toes every minute. I'm sorry you aren't a
+scout."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I could be," suggested Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? Get Apple to teach you the knots and the scout law, and I'll
+teach you the rest. I'll speak to the scout master and see if they won't
+initiate you to-night."</p>
+
+<p>The remainder of the day Glen was too busy to mope. When the camp fire
+came he was at hand as a candidate for tenderfoot initiation which the
+scout master had agreed to give. Mr. Newton had ideas of his own about
+initiation ceremonies. He believed in making them interesting and
+impressive to candidate and scouts alike, and he devised a new ceremony
+of initiation for special occasions.</p>
+
+<p>This occasion was unusual, for since none but scouts came to camp,
+initiations were not needed. It was also unusual in being conducted in
+the open, which was necessary because the camp had no assembly tent. Mr.
+Newton was glad of the diversion, for the day had been very sultry, a<a class="pagenum" name="page_82" id="page_82" title="82"></a>
+storm threatened, and many of the scouts were afflicted with that
+uneasy, depressed feeling which seems to be absorbed from the atmosphere
+at such times.</p>
+
+<p>"All scouts on tent duty," he announced after supper. "Rain threatens.
+See that trenches are clear. Slacken tent ropes a little, especially
+where they are new. See that nothing in the tents touches the walls.
+Have your beds all ready to turn in. You will then all assemble at the
+camp-fire for initiation ceremonies."</p>
+
+<p>The camp had lanterns and one or two oil torches but Mr. Newton
+preferred to go back to nature for his light at this ceremony. The night
+was cool as the storm drew near, and the camp-fire was allowed to flare
+up in a crackling blaze which spread its light over the wide open circle
+and threw mysterious shadows among the big trees beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Newton took his stand with his back to a massive elm at the edge of
+the circle.</p>
+
+<p>"The candidate may present himself," he announced; and Glen marched out
+and stood before him, with much more of a feeling of solemnity than he
+had felt on occasions when he had stood before persons of far greater
+authority.</p>
+
+<p>"Who desires to bear the lights which shall<a class="pagenum" name="page_83" id="page_83" title="83"></a> lighten the way of this
+candidate as he enters the mysteries of scoutcraft?" called the scout
+master.</p>
+
+<p>"We desire to bear the lights," came simultaneously from two of the
+tallest scouts. They stepped to the fire, selected each a blazing torch
+and ranged themselves under the tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is sponsor for this candidate?" was the next question.</p>
+
+<p>"I, First class scout Corliss Newton, am his sponsor," proclaimed Apple,
+stepping forward, his pleasant eyes alight with earnest gravity.</p>
+
+<p>"It is well. The sponsor may take his stand to the candidate's left. Who
+desires to bear the scout law to this applicant."</p>
+
+<p>Twelve scouts arose as one&mdash;the older scouts they were&mdash;those not likely
+to be confused by bashfulness or to spoil the ceremony by their own
+self-consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>"Let the bearer administer article I. A scout is trustworthy!"</p>
+
+<p>Forth strode a scout bigger than Glen. Laying his hand on Glen's lips,
+he said: "No lies proceed from trustworthy lips, no deceit from
+trustworthy tongue, he lives by the breath of honor and his lips are
+sealed to all but words of truth."</p>
+
+<p>"The bearer of article 2. A scout is loyal!"</p>
+
+<p>This scout bore aloft the flag of the camp, which<a class="pagenum" name="page_84" id="page_84" title="84"></a> had been
+requisitioned for the purpose. He placed the staff in Glen's hands as he
+said: "Loyal to the flag and to all it represents. Loyal to all scouts
+and all officials. Loyal to home, to parents and authorities, and loyal
+to Almighty God."</p>
+
+<p>The wind was swirling through the branches of the trees now and the few
+stars which had shone were blotted out by the clouds, but the initiation
+proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>"The bearer of article 3. A scout is helpful!"</p>
+
+<p>This bearer, coming forward, took Glen's hands and raised them up as he
+recited: "These hands and the body they represent are pledged to lift up
+righteousness and tear down iniquity. They will do at least one good
+turn to somebody every day."</p>
+
+<p>"The bearer of article 4. A scout is friendly!"</p>
+
+<p>Glen was glad to see Chick-chick coming forward with a cheerful grin on
+his face. He stood between Glen and Apple and around the shoulders of
+each he placed an arm, while he and Apple shouted aloud: "All friends!
+All brothers!" And immediately every scout rose to his feet and together
+they echoed: "Brothers all!"</p>
+
+<p>But the first rain drops were spatting among the leaves and Scout Master
+Newton raised his hand.<a class="pagenum" name="page_85" id="page_85" title="85"></a></p>
+
+<p>"We must abbreviate our ceremony," he announced. "The remaining bearers
+will repeat their sections of the scout law after me as I read. The
+twelve will then form an inner circle around us, and all other scouts
+will make strong our defenses with an outer circle as we give this
+candidate the scout oath."</p>
+
+<p>In their order the remaining eight advanced with their salutations:</p>
+
+<p>A scout is courteous.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is kind.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is obedient.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is thrifty.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is brave.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is clean.</p>
+
+<p>A scout is reverent.</p>
+
+<p>They formed the inner circle and around them all the scouts arose and
+joined hands to form the outer guard. The lightning became more vivid in
+its flashes and the mutterings of thunder changed to rumbling and
+roaring as they stood there. The big drops of rain began to thicken but
+they paid no heed.</p>
+
+<p>"The candidate will hold up his right hand, palm to the front, thumb
+resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other three fingers
+upright<a class="pagenum" name="page_86" id="page_86" title="86"></a> and together, which constitutes the scout sign."</p>
+
+<p>Glen stood at attention with his hand raised as directed.</p>
+
+<p>"The candidate will now repeat after me the scout oath."</p>
+
+<p>"'On my honor I will do my best:</p>
+
+<p>"'To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law;</p>
+
+<p>"'To help other people at all times;</p>
+
+<p>"'To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
+straight.'</p>
+
+<p>"Scout you are now admitted into our ranks as a tenderfoot, which is our
+first step and one from which you may go on to acquire merit and honor.
+We are brothers all. The skies may be heavy above us, the storms may
+threaten, the thunder roar and the lightning flash but we extend to you
+the cheer of scout fellowship and the welcome of scout comradeship. And
+as you meet the inevitable storms of life we believe that your
+remembrance of this law and oath will help you to weather them all
+triumphantly."</p>
+
+<p>The rain was beginning to fall in earnest now.</p>
+
+<p>"Dismiss troop!" called the scout master; and the boys, a second before
+in impressive order, made a wild scramble for their tents. Glen ran<a class="pagenum" name="page_87" id="page_87" title="87"></a> to
+the assistance of Will Spencer, who had been an interested spectator of
+the ceremony, seated in his "billy-cart" at the edge of the circle, but
+Mr. Newton waved him to his tent.</p>
+
+<p>"I will look after this man," he declared. "He is my guest and I am rain
+proof."</p>
+
+<p>Glen turned into his blankets that night a Boy Scout of America. He
+awoke to a sunny morning and discovered that he was still Glen Mason.
+Almost the first thing, he was in trouble with his patrol leader, Matt
+Burton. It is only fair to Glen to say that Burton's treatment was of a
+character sure to antagonize a boy of Glen's nature. From the first
+there had been a feeling of ill-will between them, a feeling that had
+been manifest in looks and silent expressions as well as in one sharp
+interchange of words. Now, to Glen's disgust, he found himself assigned
+to Burton's patrol, and the very first work for which he was detailed
+was that of camp cleaning.</p>
+
+<p>Glen went at his detail with poor spirit; picking up old papers,
+fragments, trash of every kind, a hateful work to him. Perhaps he would
+have made open rebellion but for Apple Newton, who though not in the
+same patrol was helping in the work.</p>
+
+<p>"Get busy at it, Glen," Apple counseled. "It<a class="pagenum" name="page_88" id="page_88" title="88"></a> isn't a ten minute job if
+you hustle. Beats washing dishes all to pieces. Every scout has to take
+his turn. Get busy."</p>
+
+<p>But, filled with the thought that Burton had put him to this work to
+humiliate him, Glen did not carry through his task to great advantage.
+He was glad that the morning swim came immediately after, and glad to be
+able to make a cleaner dive and a longer swim than Burton, who was
+himself among the best. Therein lay the trouble, Glen was a born leader,
+and although his opportunities for leading had been few he was quick to
+assert himself. Burton was also a leader and one who had been given
+ample opportunity. Neither boy had yet learned that the first element in
+leadership is the ability to serve; neither had learned that the
+greatest leader is the one who counts no service too mean for his
+personal attention.</p>
+
+<p>When the treasure hunt began there were no further restrictions for the
+morning, and Glen's spirit was rejoiced at Apple's invitation that he
+bear him company. The sunny-faced, open-hearted boy won the love of
+everyone, but in Glen Mason he had stirred a real worship.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to call you something, Glen," he said. "Your name's all
+right, but the boys are<a class="pagenum" name="page_89" id="page_89" title="89"></a> sure to name you over so we may as well do it
+now. Let's ask Chick-chick. He's good at names."</p>
+
+<p>"What's his real name?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"His real name is Henry Henry. His father liked Henry so well for a
+surname that he had him christened Henry, too. We began by calling him
+Hen Hen, but that didn't go very well so we call him Chick-chick."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't mind s'long as y' don't call me Biddy chick," explained
+Chick-chick, who had just come up. "Now what kind o' Mason are
+you&mdash;Stonemason, Brickmason or Mason Fruit Jar."</p>
+
+<p>"Brick's the best," declared Apple. "Matches his hair, too. Let's call
+him Brick."</p>
+
+<p>"Right it is. Brick for Mason. Where ye goin' to find treasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can come along, Chick. We're going to look for signs of
+water-courses running into the Hollow."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't come, then. I'm going with Goosey to look for a heap rock.
+We're after gold, we are."</p>
+
+<p>All the morning the two boys explored the Hollow. Many times they traced
+deceptive depressions in the earth's surface which gave some intimation
+of having served at some time as a waterway,<a class="pagenum" name="page_90" id="page_90" title="90"></a> but never was there any
+reward for their efforts. At noon, hot and dusty, they made their way
+back to the camp. A great group of excited boys stood there
+gesticulating and shouting, and in the center of the group stood Matt
+Burton.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the excitement?" asked Apple of the first boy they reached.</p>
+
+<p>"Excitement isn't the word," he replied. "Matt Burton has found the
+treasure!"</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_91" id="page_91" title="91"></a>
+<a name="MATT_BURTONS_TREASURE_FIND_2084" id="MATT_BURTONS_TREASURE_FIND_2084"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<h3>MATT BURTON'S TREASURE FIND</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>When they heard the remarkable news that Matt Burton had discovered the
+treasure the curiosity of the two boys was beyond measure. They were
+pushing their way eagerly toward the group to get the full news when a
+running noose dropped from the overhanging limb of a great tree and
+neatly entwined them. Their progress was checked.</p>
+
+<p>"That's Chick-chick," said Apple, without looking up. "He's always
+playing some kind of a trick. Let go your hold of that rope,
+Chick-chick."</p>
+
+<p>The joker dropped down from the branch almost on top of them.</p>
+
+<p>"I was just fixing a swing when ye came 'long," he explained, in his
+jerky fashion. "Too good a chance to miss, it was, and worked fine, it
+did. Don't be in a hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"You loosen this rope and let us go. We want to get the news."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tain't s' important as you think. Gives the<a class="pagenum" name="page_92" id="page_92" title="92"></a> Great an' Only Matty a
+chance t' spread himself. Come on to dinner; you'll hear all 'bout it."</p>
+
+<p>Dinner was indeed ready and the boys were filling up the long table, for
+Mr. Newton had decreed that no action should be taken on Matt's
+discovery until after dinner.</p>
+
+<p>When all was cleared away and the boys were ready to dismiss he made the
+announcement: "Burton will now tell us of his discovery; the site he
+selected, how he has worked and what he has found."</p>
+
+<p>"Rah for the Great and Only," yelled Chick-chick, and, the designated
+title being popularly known and approved, the "rah" was given before
+Matt began to speak.</p>
+
+<p>There was no embarrassment about Matt Burton as he rose to speak. He was
+about fifteen years old, tall, straight and handsome. A mass of dark
+brown hair with well-set eyes of the same shade and regular features
+gave vigor to his head and face. He was of good family and had been
+reared in a home of refinement and taught to feel at ease under all
+circumstances. He accepted his nickname of "The Great and Only Matty"
+with some complacency, as being not inappropriate, especially since his
+pitching was the star feature of their baseball playing. A wise father
+had sent<a class="pagenum" name="page_93" id="page_93" title="93"></a> him to the scouts to "get acquainted with himself" but so far
+the process had not reached perfection. He began to talk with a smile of
+confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"I know a lot about buried treasure from what I've read and heard tell
+of," said he, "so I decided to work out my own plans. Chick-chick and
+Goosey offered to come with me, but I had ideas of my own. I knew a few
+things about how to look. I knew it was no good to look on top of the
+ground&mdash;might as well look up in trees. Then I knew there's always a
+false scent thrown out to put searchers off the track. I figured that
+the false scent was probably the story of the lake. So instead of
+choosing any place in the Hollow I looked around until I found a heap of
+rock near the timber. And then I chose one hundred feet from the timber
+line southeast of the Hollow. I knew that the heap of rock wouldn't be
+the only sign&mdash;there's always a second sign given in a treasure hunt.
+Usually, in all the books I've read, the second sign is a tree or some
+tall object which casts a shadow at a certain hour of the day at just
+the point where you ought to dig."</p>
+
+<p>"What hour?" shouted a boy.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm coming to that. I looked around for the rock heap and decided to
+pace off a hundred feet.<a class="pagenum" name="page_94" id="page_94" title="94"></a> I got no results worth while until I tried it
+due south. This time it brought me to an old stump of a very peculiar
+appearance that might have been there a hundred years. It was about ten
+feet high, and of course the length of its shadow was different at
+different times of the day. The only guide I had was in the heap of
+rock. There were four rocks in it. As there is no sun at four o'clock in
+the morning it was a sure thing that I must choose four in the
+afternoon. So I waited until four o'clock and at the exact spot where
+the peculiar knobby head of that stump threw its shadow I commenced to
+dig."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were listening in strained silence. One of the younger ones
+squeaked "Rah for Matty!" but drew no response.</p>
+
+<p>"I dug until supper time," continued Matt. "It was hard work, but I made
+a pretty good hole though I found nothing. Nobody had been around to
+bother me. I just stuck up a couple of sticks at supper time and came
+in. This morning I was late getting to work. Digging alone so hard
+yesterday had taken off some of my appetite, and I didn't dream of what
+I was going to find so I didn't hurry much. But I found the ground
+turned up easier and I had hardly dug twenty minutes before my spade
+struck something that<a class="pagenum" name="page_95" id="page_95" title="95"></a> gave out a metallic ring. I scraped away the dirt
+until I could see a metal object like the lid of a box about fourteen by
+eighteen inches. The ground all around it was hard and I could not get
+it loose. I tried to get my fingers under it but couldn't do it. The
+dinner call was sounded. I wouldn't have come only I was obliged to have
+some help anyway, and I thought I'd better tell the scout master all
+about it and have him see fair play."</p>
+
+<p>"Which the scout master will proceed to do," added Mr. Newton. "We will
+follow Matt to the scene of his explorations which we hope will turn out
+to be the treasure, although one box fourteen by eighteen inches would
+not hold a great deal of bullion. Still there may be other boxes. Who
+were the boys who wanted to work with you, Matt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chick-chick and Goosey," replied Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You two boys may take a pick and a spade and help Matt get
+his box out."</p>
+
+<p>The boys did not respond willingly.</p>
+
+<p>"We don't want to," said Chick-chick. "He didn't want us yesterday and
+he won't want us to-day. Let Brick Mason and Apple do it."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like that spirit, Henry, but we'll excuse you. Corliss and Glen
+will do the work."<a class="pagenum" name="page_96" id="page_96" title="96"></a></p>
+
+<p>"You don't seem very much excited over this find," said Glen to Spencer,
+as he pushed him along in his billy-cart.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd be more excited if they found a gushing spring, my boy. I don't
+excite easily over buried gold."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we'll soon see. If I get hold of that pick I'll soon have that
+box loose."</p>
+
+<p>Matt Burton did not really relish Glen's aid, but he could offer no
+valid objection. A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened
+the hard earth, and Apple and Matt quickly spaded it out. As soon as a
+grip could be obtained Matt seized the box. It certainly was heavy,
+especially since he could not yet get a good grip on it. Apple lifted
+one side and slowly but with great excitement they brought the
+mysterious box from its hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>A look of disgust swept the features of Matt Burton as he looked at his
+treasure and read the white letters on the side of the box.</p>
+
+<p>From the edge of the pit came a roar of laughter from Black Bob, the
+cook, who had been eagerly watching the proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah ben missin' that yere bread box since yis'day two days gone," he
+shouted. "Dat ah is mah treasure. Bring her up yere!"<a class="pagenum" name="page_97" id="page_97" title="97"></a></p>
+
+<p>Glen, on his knees, had thrown open the lid of the box. As he saw its
+contents to be damp earth, tightly tamped, his roar of laughter equaled
+that of Black Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Wow!" he shouted. "Look at this. The treasure's name is Mud!"</p>
+
+<p>Matt's look of disgust had changed to fiery anger.</p>
+
+<p>"You're the one who put this trick up on me," he shouted. "You've been
+rubbing me wrong ever since we let you in here from nowhere. Now I'm
+going to pay you up!"</p>
+
+<p>He made a wild lunge forward at Glen, and in a second the two were
+locked in a rough and tumble conflict in the narrow confines of the pit.
+But the scout master reached down from above and seized each by the
+collar, and Apple valiantly pushed himself in between their belligerent
+forms.</p>
+
+<p>"Enough of that, boys," said Mr. Newton. "Climb out of that hole. Glen,
+what have you to say to this charge."</p>
+
+<p>But Glen was spared from making an answer, for Henry Henry stood forth
+and spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"He didn't do it, Mr. Newton. It was me," confessed Chick-chick, more
+convincing than grammatical. "Goosey was in it with me. When Matt turned
+us down yesterday we thought we'd give<a class="pagenum" name="page_98" id="page_98" title="98"></a> him something to dig for. Never
+dreamed he'd make big blow 'bout it. Just s'posed be little joke all t'
+himself. We came last night, dug down to hard pan; cut hole s' near
+exact size o' bread box as we could, made it heavy with dirt and turned
+it in upside down. Just joke, Mr. Newton."</p>
+
+<p>And as "just a joke" it did not seem so very reprehensible, for a good
+joke that does no harm is not out of place in a scout camp. Mr. Newton
+had a private conversation with Henry Henry about his joke, but
+Chick-chick never told the boys what he said. The scout master also had
+a private conversation with Matt Burton and this also was kept a secret,
+but though it may have done Matt good it did not improve his attitude
+toward "Brick" Mason.</p>
+
+<p>In most things Glen found the succeeding days marked by such happiness
+as he had never before enjoyed. He was a boy among boys. No one asked
+about his past. Scouts are taught to live in the present. It is not what
+they have been, but what they are and are aiming to be that carries
+weight. He found his word accepted as truth and so he made strong
+efforts to make it true. He did not spend his days in perfect harmony.
+The old disposition to have everything his own way still existed and
+many an angry word flared up<a class="pagenum" name="page_99" id="page_99" title="99"></a> and many times he was near the fighting
+line, but this had been so much a part of his every day living for so
+many years that it troubled him but little. Even with Matt Burton he had
+not come to blows, though Matt continued to assign to him disagreeable
+tasks, so markedly indeed, that Mr. Newton announced that he would make
+all assignments himself, henceforth. The treasure hunt proceeded with
+more or less zest but neither real nor fancied treasure was discovered.
+Nevertheless it supplied a new interest each day, and Glen
+enthusiastically did his share in keeping the interest alive. Every part
+of every day was in vivid contrast to the dull monotonous life he had
+been living. And yet he was not satisfied, there remained an eager
+longing for something, he knew not what; a great unsatisfied craving.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was always a sound sleeper. He dreamed of the camp one night. The
+tussle with Matt Burton had really come, at last. He seemed to do very
+well at first but Matt had seized a pickax (the very one used in
+unearthing the bread box) and was beating him about the head with it.
+Fortunately he awoke before he was badly damaged. Spencer was reaching
+over from his cot and tapping his face with his cane.</p>
+
+<p>"Get up, Brick! Get up! Brick is a good name<a class="pagenum" name="page_100" id="page_100" title="100"></a> for you, my hard-baked
+friend. Get up! This tent will be in the next county in five minutes.
+Get up! You would sleep on, and come to no harm if we were carried
+twenty miles, but being slightly crippled, I'd be sure to struggle and
+get hurt. Get up!"</p>
+
+<p>The wind was blowing furiously and the tent almost capsized. Glen was
+out of bed in a flash, wide awake. He knew where to get a heavy hammer
+and made short work of driving home the stakes and securing the flapping
+canvas.</p>
+
+<p>"Not very clever of you to plant your tent stakes so the first strong
+wind would blow them out of the ground," said Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"The wind didn't blow them out, and the strain of the ropes didn't pull
+them out. I fixed those stakes just before I went to bed. Who do you
+suppose yanked them up?"</p>
+
+<p>"I never was good at riddles," replied Spencer. "Maybe it was Mr.
+Newton."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Glen, "or Apple! Just like 'em. Try another guess."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm afraid I would say something that might excite you. Go to
+sleep. Every one has troubles, but it's no good weeping about 'em.
+'Laugh and the world laughs with you.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't any troubles and I can afford to<a class="pagenum" name="page_101" id="page_101" title="101"></a> laugh," said Glen. "The
+day's beginning to break but I think I'll take a Sunday morning snooze."</p>
+
+<p>And over in the county into which Will Spencer had predicted they would
+be blown a man was just awaking from his snooze. He had slept all night
+in an automobile, as he frequently did. The automobile was no ordinary
+car. It had a driver's seat in front and a closed car behind. Bright
+colored letters announced to the world that J. Jervice supplied the
+public with a full line of novelties, including rugs, curtains, rare
+laces and Jervice's Live Stock Condition Powders.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice yawned and stretched, and rubbed his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I'll get on to Buffalo Center to-day," he soliloquized. "The
+boss didn't say to come until to-morrow an' the rest o' the gang won't
+be there until night, anyway. That'll give me a chance to do a nice
+little business at that Boy Scout Camp I hear they've got there. It's
+Sunday but I reckon I can sell a few things. Ought to get rid of some
+flags and knives and a little tinware."</p>
+
+<p>It was nice that Glen could feel that he had no troubles, but perhaps he
+did not know of the intentions of Mr. Jervice.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_102" id="page_102" title="102"></a>
+<a name="GLEN_ENLISTS_2348" id="GLEN_ENLISTS_2348"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<h3>GLEN ENLISTS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Sunday morning in camp. The fierce wind of the night had been succeeded
+by a restful quiet; the sun shone bright in an atmosphere cooled and
+freshened by the storm. Glen Mason both felt and saw a difference
+throughout all the camp on this quiet morning; no one expected noise or
+bustle; no one projected expeditions or sports; the peaceful rest of a
+holy day marked the camp in its earliest hours.</p>
+
+<p>Black Bob had cooked his eggs and bacon according to a special formula
+which he announced as "extra for Sunday," and thereby did he make his
+contribution to the hallowing of the day. After breakfast was the
+regular time for announcement of the "order of the day" by the
+scoutmaster, and for any special remarks, any complaints, any petitions
+or suggestions.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going to have a good day to-day, boys," said Mr. Newton. "We
+have had a mighty fine week with our swimming and fishing and hikes, and
+some of us, too, have found some 'treasure,'<a class="pagenum" name="page_103" id="page_103" title="103"></a> if not exactly what we
+were searching for. This morning, after camp duties, every boy will find
+a quiet spot apart from any disturbance and write a letter home. Tell
+the folks how you feel, what you eat, what you do, how you sleep. Tell
+them about the treasure hunt, tell them about last night's storm. I hope
+the boy who got something special out of our 'near cyclone' last night
+will tell his mother about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was it?" came a chorus of voices.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't bother about that," replied Mr. Newton. "Perhaps there was more
+than one."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not 'shamed of it," piped up Chick-chick. "I'm it. Got Mr. Newton
+out o' bed, I did, I was s' scared. Always have been scared 'bout
+wind&mdash;born that way. But Mr. Newton says, 'D'ye know who walketh upon
+the wings of the wind?' An' I said, 'Death'; an' he said, 'God! It's in
+the hundred an' fourth Psalm.' S' then he said, 'You c'n stay in my tent
+till the blow is over,' an' I said, 'No. I'll go back to me tent like
+Christian. With God on the wings I'm safe.' An' as I went back saw Brick
+Mason outside his tent swingin' hammer, an' I says, 'Ain't ye scared,
+Brick?' an' he says, 'No. I ain't scared. I'm mad.' An' that's all is to
+it, 'cept'n 'bout the feller I saw when I first went out."<a class="pagenum" name="page_104" id="page_104" title="104"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Now that's fine, boys," said Mr. Newton. "There's a double victory in
+that. Don't slight your letters. Make them long and newsy. Remember
+there will be Sunday School around the long table at ten o'clock. This
+afternoon a man is coming from town who has been all around the world
+and has seen the battles of great nations as a war correspondent. He
+will speak at three o'clock. By special request we will hold our
+camp-fire to-night at the summit of Buffalo Mound. Every scout will
+carry an armful of firewood and his blankets, as a part of the plan is
+to spend the night in a bivouac on mother earth. Now to your letters."</p>
+
+<p>Glen sat looking out of his tent, just out of the glare of the sun.
+Writing letters home was no novelty to him. At the school you were
+supposed to do it at least once a month, and for a good letter you got
+ten merits, but no boy ever wrote what he thought because your letters
+were all read by the house officer. If he should write a letter home
+to-day some reform school officer would be inquiring at the camp for him
+day after to-morrow. But he would write some kind of a letter&mdash;it would
+look queer if he did not, with all the other boys writing. He would
+write just exactly what he thought, too, for once, and the mere<a class="pagenum" name="page_105" id="page_105" title="105"></a> fact
+that the letter was never to be mailed need make no difference.</p>
+
+<p>For once (he wrote) I am being treated about right. There is just one
+chap here doesn't treat me right and his time's coming. But I don't hate
+him as bad as it seems like I would, and I don't want to get in bad with
+the scoutmaster so I don't know as I'll do much. The Scoutmaster's a
+Christian and I've got more use for Christians than I ever had before.
+Mr. Newton sure treats me fine. Apple's a Christian, he says I ought to
+be, too, and he's surely a peach. Mr. Gates is a Christian and nobody
+ever treated me better. The old Supe is a Christian and I guess he would
+have treated me right if I'd let him. Jolly Bill treats me fine, too,
+and I don't know why he isn't one but it makes you feel as if him being
+such a good fellow certainly ought to be. He says laugh and the world
+laughs with you but it wouldn't have done much good to tell Chick-chick
+that last night and it wouldn't have made him brave enough to go back to
+his tent and fight it out. Chick-chick talked right up this morning.
+He's never said anything about being one before but he's always acted
+like one&mdash;kind of on the square. That's the kind I'm going to be; I mean
+I would be if ever I got to be one, but I suppose I'd have to go back to
+the school and I don't know about that. But I'd like to feel like Apple
+and him, so sure-like and so safe. I think you'd better try to get me a
+job and maybe I can work under another name. Everybody has to work and
+I'm going to hold up my end. I wouldn't like to be like that J. Jervice
+man with his tricks&mdash;the man that tried to sell me. I'd tell you all
+about him but it would take a long time and this letter ain't ever going
+to be sent, anyway. I'm going to do better than send a letter. Just as
+soon as it's safe I'm coming to see you and I'm going to fix it so I can
+earn a living for you and you won't have to work any more. So that's all
+for this time anyway.</p>
+
+<p>His letter had not been written as easily as it<a class="pagenum" name="page_106" id="page_106" title="106"></a> reads, and all the
+other boys had finished and were making a clamor for envelopes and
+stamps, a disturbance in which Glen did not join since his letter was
+never to be mailed.</p>
+
+<p>He would have tried to escape the afternoon talk, but Will Spencer
+claimed him.</p>
+
+<p>"Push my old billy-cart right up alongside that speaker," he demanded.
+"If he's done half they say he has I want to hear him."</p>
+
+<p>So Glen was not only present but in a prominent place where he was bound
+to hear all that the speaker had to say. And a very interesting
+narrative it was, though we have no space in this story for anything but
+the few very last words.</p>
+
+<p>"And so it came about," said the war correspondent, "that after seeing
+all sorts of soldiers in all manner of warfare, it fell to my lot to see
+this one brave man holding up his banner against great hordes of
+invaders in a crowded inland city of China, and he was single-handed.
+And I was obliged to admit that he was the bravest soldier I had seen;
+and since the appeal came to me so directly I volunteered. And thus it
+happened that one who had been a reporter of scenes of carnage turned to
+write the message of the Cross. And now I am going about enlisting
+recruits for the army of righteousness and right glad I am<a class="pagenum" name="page_107" id="page_107" title="107"></a> that so many
+of you are in that army, and right glad I shall be to talk with any of
+you who need help."</p>
+
+<p>Many of the boys came to say a word to the speaker as they dispersed.
+Glen stood there, next to Spencer's cart. He would not have said a word
+had he been threatened with torture, but he was greatly concerned and
+both his hand and heart throbbed with the hope that some one would
+respond to the eloquent plea that had stirred him so deeply. When the
+boys all had gone the response came from the least expected place. It
+was from Jolly Bill who had lain in his cart in thrilled interest.</p>
+
+<p>"I've half a mind to do it, Glen," he whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you must, Bill. It's just the one thing you need," urged Glen, as
+earnestly as though he were himself an exhorter.</p>
+
+<p>"How is it?" asked Spencer, turning to the speaker. "You would hardly
+care to enlist half a man, would you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the war correspondent. "We don't care to do things by halves,
+but we're mighty glad to enlist a whole man like you. Whatever accident
+you have suffered hasn't cut you off from being a man after God's own
+heart. Shake hands on that."<a class="pagenum" name="page_108" id="page_108" title="108"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I've been finding it pretty empty to 'Laugh and the world laughs with
+you,'" admitted Spencer. "It's a hollow laugh a great deal of the time.
+It doesn't ring true. I want a peace that will help me to have cheer
+regardless of whether the world laughs with me or at me. I've known it
+for a long time but this last week especially I've felt the need of the
+kind of religion Mr. Newton practices."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the same kind that Apple has," ventured Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"It is for you, too," said the war correspondent. "It is for every one
+who will have it."</p>
+
+<p>"You see, though, you don't know me," said Glen. "I've been a pretty
+hard case."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us about it," came the invitation.</p>
+
+<p>His mouth once opened Glen's story came rapidly, and in the glow of
+confession he held nothing back, but his hearers were neither alienated
+nor offended.</p>
+
+<p>"There's only one thing about a boy like you," said the speaker. "It
+isn't how bad you have been. You can't have been so bad but Jesus has
+cleared your debt. The one thing is, are you through with it all, are
+you willing to turn away from yourself and enlist under the banner of
+the cross?"<a class="pagenum" name="page_109" id="page_109" title="109"></a></p>
+
+<p>Glen's face worked with emotion such as he had not felt in many years.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what to do," he said, huskily. "I'm all up in the air. I'd
+like to be a man like what you told about and like these people that
+have been good to me lately. I'd do it even if I wouldn't like some of
+the things I'd have to swallow. But I don't understand what I'd have to
+do. I've never done anything of the kind."</p>
+
+<p>"You're a good deal like the soldier enlisting, son. He doesn't
+understand anything. All he knows is that he wants to enlist himself.
+And that's all you need to know. Your commander will see to the rest.
+You won't learn everything in a day. You'll make mistakes; you'll break
+rules; you'll have to be disciplined. But that is all in the bargain.
+The only question is will you enlist?"</p>
+
+<p>And Glen enlisted!</p>
+
+<p>The war correspondent was compelled to leave, but before doing so he
+gave Glen much assurance on many subjects.</p>
+
+<p>"About your school," he said. "I hesitate to advise you. I know your
+Superintendent and will telephone to him to-morrow. Stay with Mr. Newton
+until you hear from him."</p>
+
+<p>The scoutmaster walked with his guest through<a class="pagenum" name="page_110" id="page_110" title="110"></a> the woods to his car.
+They had scarcely left before the camp had a visitor in the person of
+Mr. J. Jervice. The boys crowded around him with great interest, for
+although obliged to leave his car he had brought with him many diverting
+trifles, for Mr. J. Jervice had no objection to Sunday trade if
+conducted on a cash basis.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was still talking to Will Spencer. He was too much occupied with
+his recent great experience to be easily diverted, and did not even see
+his old friend Jervice. But Mr. J. Jervice having nothing of the kind to
+occupy his attention was quick both to see and to speak. Matt Burton was
+one of those who heard him speak.</p>
+
+<p>"The reform school boy!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"You say he has run away from the reform school?"</p>
+
+<p>"He said so himself," asserted Mr. J. Jervice, "and don't forget that I
+am the one who gets the reward."</p>
+
+<p>"You may take him along with you back to where he came. The cheek of the
+fellow! Come on, scouts, let's run him out. The scoutmaster isn't here
+but I'm a patrol leader and I know what to do. Let's run him out."</p>
+
+<p>"Who's that you're going to run out?" asked Glen, coming up, attracted
+by the loud talking.<a class="pagenum" name="page_111" id="page_111" title="111"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to run you out, you cheat of a runaway from the reform
+school. You are a common thief, for all we know. You may be any kind&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Alas for Glen's discipline. Alas for his good resolves. Had he been
+right in thinking that the service of Jesus was not for such as he? He
+flew at Matt with the velocity and ferocity of a tiger. His strength was
+that of a man, for he had worked hard at all kinds of manual labor. Two
+or three quick, stinging blows and his passion came to a terrified end
+as he saw Matt fall to the ground, white and unconscious.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_112" id="page_112" title="112"></a>
+<a name="J_JERVICE_AND_HIS_GANG_2584" id="J_JERVICE_AND_HIS_GANG_2584"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<h3>J. JERVICE AND HIS GANG</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mr. Newton, returning to the camp he had left in such quiet peace, found
+one boy white-faced and sober endeavoring to restore another who lay
+prostrate on the ground, while some of the excited scouts were earnestly
+trying to recall their first aid suggestions and others stood in anxious
+contemplation. A pailful of cold water was being carried to the scene by
+Chick-chick, but the victim of the fight was mercifully spared its
+revivifying shock, for just as Mr. Newton came up he opened his eyes and
+murmured, "Where am I?"</p>
+
+<p>"All scouts are excused excepting Glen and Matt," announced Mr. Newton,
+taking in the situation the more readily because of his previous
+knowledge of Burton's baiting tendencies. "If there is to be any
+fighting in this camp it will have to be done under my personal
+supervision and according to my rules."</p>
+
+<p>As the scouts strolled off to the timber Matt sat up and looked around
+him.<a class="pagenum" name="page_113" id="page_113" title="113"></a></p>
+
+<p>"He's an escaped reform school boy, Mr. Newton," he began at once.</p>
+
+<p>"And I suppose you told him so?" asked Mr. Newton.</p>
+
+<p>"I know I'm everything that's bad," said Glen, bitterly. "I told you it
+was no good for me to enlist."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to back out?" asked the scoutmaster keenly.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to but I suppose I'll have to."</p>
+
+<p>"It rests with you. Your past record has nothing to do with it and would
+have nothing if it were black as night. Do you want to back out?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. And I'm sorry I got mad and hit Matt."</p>
+
+<p>"That speech shows that you have enlisted, boy. Matt," said the
+scoutmaster, turning to the boy who was much bewildered by the
+conversation as he had been by the blow, "you hear Glen's apology. Now
+it's your turn."</p>
+
+<p>"But what I said is true," insisted Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"And Glen admits it and has told me all about it. None the less you owe
+him an apology for throwing it in his face, just as much as he owed you
+one for putting his fist in your face."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't apologize to anybody," said Matt, with an ugly frown. "I can go
+home if you like."<a class="pagenum" name="page_114" id="page_114" title="114"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It shall be as Glen says," decided Mr. Newton.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't have anything against you, Matt," said Glen, in as gentle a
+tone as ever he used in his life. "I started in to be a Christian this
+afternoon, and part of it is being decent like Apple and Mr. Newton."</p>
+
+<p>"I've nothing to do with a reform school boy," said Matt, and he rose
+unsteadily to his feet and walked moodily away.</p>
+
+<p>"You're bound to have a lot of that, Glen," said Mr. Newton. "It's part
+of your discipline. And one of the things you will find hardest to learn
+will be to take your medicine and take it quietly."</p>
+
+<p>Glen knew that. His new resolves had not changed his old impulses. If
+any one flung a taunt at him his impulse would be to fling back a blow.
+His determination would have to be just a little quicker than his
+impulse. Meantime he found lots of pleasure in the companionship of
+Apple and Chick-chick and several others. There was a new bond of
+fellowship between them, a bond which Glen would have found it quite
+impossible to state in words but which was none the less genuine and
+fixed. This bond was to mean much<a class="pagenum" name="page_115" id="page_115" title="115"></a> in the next few days for they were to
+be days of peril and adventure for Glen.</p>
+
+<p>Glen's adventures grew out of his being discovered at camp by Mr. J.
+Jervice. Mr. Jervice had withdrawn behind some bushes when he saw the
+conflict beginning between Matt and Glen. Strange to say, any form of
+conflict was repugnant to the body of J. Jervice although the soul of
+him rejoiced in it. Let him be safely out of the way and he exulted in
+scenes of violence, but most cautiously he avoided any close proximity.
+He believed in playing safe.</p>
+
+<p>When Jervice noted the vigor that Glen was able to put into his swinging
+blows and then saw Matt stretched out on the ground, he felt very
+certain that business called him in another direction. No telling upon
+whom that wild boy might next turn his fury. So he withdrew deeper into
+the bushes, and as he caught a view of Mr. Newton hurrying up he decided
+on still more active measures, and scampered away as fast as his pack
+and the undergrowth would let him.</p>
+
+<p>Jervice was decidedly peeved with Glen. This escaped reform school boy,
+who should be just the same to him as ten dollars in the bank, had made
+for him nothing but trouble. J. J. seldom<a class="pagenum" name="page_116" id="page_116" title="116"></a> cherished grudges&mdash;it was
+poor business, being bad for one's judgment. But if ever he held a
+grudge it was against the person who hurt his pocket-book and as Jervice
+now figured it Glen had worsted him at least twenty dollars' worth. The
+items were: First, ten dollars which he should have secured as a reward;
+second, five dollars which he had been obliged to pay as license fee;
+third, five dollars he had expected to make on his sales at Camp
+Buffalo.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty dollars is no slight loss to any one, and although J. Jervice did
+not toil as hard for his money as most people he loved it much better.
+He made his money in various ways, some of them not nearly so honest as
+peddling. He had some friends who were engaged in a rather peculiar
+business. They went to any place where they understood money had been
+gathered together, and quietly took it away. They generally notified Mr.
+Jervice where they would be, and he then came along with his car, loaded
+the plunder behind a secret partition and carried it away at his
+leisure.</p>
+
+<p>The business of J. Jervice in this particular locality, however, was
+somewhat of a variation from the usual procedure. Some friends of Mr.
+Jervice's friends had done business in this neighborhood<a class="pagenum" name="page_117" id="page_117" title="117"></a> before. They
+had met with misfortune and now suffered confinement at the hands of
+certain stern authorities who would not even allow them to go out long
+enough to settle up the loose ends of their affairs. Not having a J.
+Jervice in their service they had cached certain products of their toil
+in a cave the secret of which had been disclosed to them by a dissolute
+Indian. Shut up as they were their only recourse had been to commission
+the capable man who happened to lead the Jervice gang to recover for
+them the property for which they had risked their liberty.</p>
+
+<p>This, therefore, had brought to Buffalo Center, first of all, a hard,
+desperate man, who was the leader of the gang, then J. Jervice with his
+autocar, and, shortly to follow, various other whose characters were
+more widely known than commended.</p>
+
+<p>Incidentally the leader had found that the little bank at Buffalo Center
+had its safe loaded with the sum of ten thousand dollars, which had been
+placed therein for the convenience of a certain wheat buyer in making
+some deals. This being rather in the line of work in which he had been
+most successful the leader had decided to relieve this congestion of
+cash and had so notified Mr. Jervice as soon as they met.<a class="pagenum" name="page_118" id="page_118" title="118"></a></p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice was thinking these things over as he went back to his
+car. He had stopped running now that he was well clear of the camp. He
+was walking slowly as one who is studying some great problem. It was not
+the problem of transportation. This was his especial job and he knew
+what to do about it. But this boy&mdash;this boy who owed him twenty dollars!
+He began to see how he could get his money's worth. A plan formed in his
+mind for using him.</p>
+
+<p>That night the friends of Mr. Jervice arrived in the neighborhood and
+gathered without undue ostentation at his camping-place.</p>
+
+<p>They fell into a very solemn conference and they said many things with
+which we are not greatly concerned. But Mr. Jervice made some remarks
+which were more than interesting, and showed that though slight in frame
+and deficient in courage he was a mighty plotter.</p>
+
+<p>"About that window you wanted me to get through," he said. "I can't get
+through that place."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you can," insisted a big man who seemed to be the leader. "What's
+more, you're the only runt in the gang, an' you'll have to do it. Us big
+men can't train down to a hundred an' fifty pounds to get through that
+window."<a class="pagenum" name="page_119" id="page_119" title="119"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Well, it ain't right for me to do it," objected Mr. Jervice. "It ain't
+safe for me to be 'round the place, I tell you. I ain't very strong an'
+I might break my neck."</p>
+
+<p>"You'd never do it more'n once, Jervice, so don't let that worry you.
+You got to do this 'cause nobody else can't git through."</p>
+
+<p>"But I've got a better scheme."</p>
+
+<p>"Spit it out, an' don't waste no time talkin' nonsense, neither."</p>
+
+<p>"I've found a boy. He's strong an' active an' fairly big, but he ain't
+so big he couldn't git through. He'd be just the one for it."</p>
+
+<p>"What do we want with boys? How would we be squaring him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's the kind that wouldn't need much squaring. A little piece o' money
+'d keep him quiet. He's jest run off f'm the reform school."</p>
+
+<p>"You're dead sure about him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know how to make sure," said Mr. Jervice. "A reform school runaway is
+just what we want."</p>
+
+<p>In which conclusion Mr. Jervice showed that he was not as clever as
+supposed.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_120" id="page_120" title="120"></a>
+<a name="GLEN_FOLLOWS_A_FALSE_TRAIL_2777" id="GLEN_FOLLOWS_A_FALSE_TRAIL_2777"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<h3>GLEN FOLLOWS A FALSE TRAIL</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Morning mail was a great institution in camp. Two scouts, specially
+detailed, brought it from the Buffalo Center post-office, in a U. S.
+mail pouch. Mr. Newton opened and distributed it, and happy were the
+fellows who received letters with which they could retreat to some
+corner and feast themselves not only once, but sometimes twice and
+thrice, while pleased smiles circled their countenances.</p>
+
+<p>Because Glen expected none he was all the more surprised when a letter
+was handed to him. It was a mysterious letter, indeed. The envelope was
+mysterious, if a dirty and crumpled condition spelled mystery. The
+writing and spelling were mysterious&mdash;most mysterious. Finally the
+contents of the letter enjoined mystery.</p>
+
+<p>"Say nuffin to noboddy burn this at once," it cautioned. "This is
+important. Your forchoon is maid and you git part of a big tressure if
+you do exackly as told. Don't say a word to noboddy<a class="pagenum" name="page_121" id="page_121" title="121"></a> but cum at ten
+o'clock to the blazed oke wich is just south of your camp if you tell
+anyboddy or bring anyboddy you wont get to no nuffin about it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen's first impulse was to show the document to Jolly Bill. As Bill was
+busy in conversation with Mr. Newton he had time to think it over. It
+was something about the treasure, quite evidently. Very likely it was a
+trick. Some one was trying to get a laugh on him. Very well. Glen was
+not at all displeased. He would let them do their worst. It showed that
+they had taken him in among them and were treating him exactly as one of
+themselves. He was gratified. He would go along and see it through. If
+they could make him bite, all right.</p>
+
+<p>There was no difficulty in locating the blazed oak which stood close to
+the camp. Glen had no watch, but he went early enough to be quite sure
+of being there by ten o'clock. Then he waited and waited. He was about
+to give it up as a hoax, when a man slipped quietly out of the woods and
+advanced toward him. Glen fell into a position of defense as he saw that
+it was his old enemy, Jervice.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, don't go actin' up," begged Mr. Jervice. "I ain't goin' to do
+nothin' only tell you how<a class="pagenum" name="page_122" id="page_122" title="122"></a> to git into a good thing. I'm the man as
+wrote that letter."</p>
+
+<p>"You are!" exclaimed Glen. "What do <i>you</i> know about the treasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know all about it," Jervice assured him confidentially. "I'm the only
+feller that can help you git a slice. They's jest one question&mdash;are you
+willin' to go in an' will you keep mum. I don't tell nothin' till you
+tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I willing? Are you crazy? You bet I'm willing. Try me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, listen here then. I thought you'd be the feller. Who can I get as
+is good an' strong an' yet not much over boys' size, thinks I. Then I
+thinks of you. 'That reform school boy,' I says to myself. 'He's the
+very feller. Likely he's done this kind of a job before.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I've never had anything to do with treasure before, and I don't know
+what you mean," said Glen. "Hurry up and tell about it. I want to be
+back at camp for the swim at eleven o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Come over to my car," invited the artful Jervice. "It ain't very far
+an' we won't be in no danger of being interrupted."</p>
+
+<p>"How's that boy you hit?" asked the peddler as they journeyed. "That was
+a awful crack you give him."<a class="pagenum" name="page_123" id="page_123" title="123"></a></p>
+
+<p>"He's all right and able to be about," Glen assured him. "I'm sorry I
+hit him."</p>
+
+<p>Neither Glen nor Jervice knew that Matt was not only able to be about
+but was at that moment within ten feet of them, being, in fact, just
+that distance above their heads in a tree which seemed to him to offer
+such facilities as wild bees might desire in choosing a home. He kept
+very quiet in his "honey tree" and looked down on them with contempt for
+both.</p>
+
+<p>"Up to some tricks," he muttered to himself.</p>
+
+<p>The J. Jervice autowagon was not so very far away, but the two were well
+out of range of Matt's vision before they reached it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, to begin with," said J. Jervice. "Are you one o' them scouts or
+ain't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," replied Glen. "I'm a tenderfoot."</p>
+
+<p>"Tenderfoot, eh! Reckon you ain't so tender. Well, why don't ye wear one
+o' them uniforms, so's to make ye look like one?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't any uniform, yet. Perhaps I could borrow one. What's that got
+to do with a treasure hunt?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's got a whole lot to do with it. People knows that boys wearing them
+uniforms is straight, an' we want you to look straight as a string."<a class="pagenum" name="page_124" id="page_124" title="124"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to get one as soon as I can," Glen assured him. "I want to
+look straight&mdash;that is part of the oath, 'physically strong, mentally
+awake and morally straight.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know nothink about no oaths like that," objected Mr. Jervice,
+in a dubious tone which indicated that he might know more about other
+varieties. "We don't care about yer being so straight&mdash;jest so ye look
+straight."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, hurry up and tell about the treasure," urged Glen. "Remember I
+want to be back by eleven o'clock. You're awfully slow."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm comin' to that. Remember this now&mdash;you mustn't never tell nobody
+nothink about it."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean&mdash;never tell anybody?" asked Glen. "I guess we know as
+much about it as you do."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i> know about it!" Mr. Jervice seemed incredulous. "What do you know
+about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we know what Mr. Spencer told us the other night," insisted Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"What was that?" asked Mr. Jervice cautiously. "Sit down here an' tell
+me about it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen sat down on the back step of the car and told the story of the lost
+treasure as he remembered it.</p>
+
+<p>"So that's the treasure story, is it?" came a<a class="pagenum" name="page_125" id="page_125" title="125"></a> deep voice from the side
+of the car. There stepped into view a man whom Glen had not seen before.
+He was evidently associated with Mr. Jervice, but he did not in the
+least resemble him, for instead of being a cringy weakling, he was big
+and strong and hard.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the story as Mr. Spencer told it to us," replied Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, that's mighty interesting to me," said the man. "Happened right
+around this neighborhood, too? I'll bet them Indians put that treasure
+in a cave an' hain't never done nothing about it since 'cause they
+couldn't sell bullion without giving themselves away."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they'd find it hard to sell," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"You bet they'd find it hard to sell. They'd just been obliged to leave
+it in the cave. Bet it's the same cave we're lookin' for. You know any
+caves around here, boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," replied Glen. "I haven't seen a cave in this country."</p>
+
+<p>"You know something about the country?"</p>
+
+<p>"A little bit," Glen cautiously admitted. "I've only been here a few
+days."</p>
+
+<p>"Get that chart, Jervice, an' we'll see what he reckernises," ordered
+the leader.<a class="pagenum" name="page_126" id="page_126" title="126"></a></p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. Jervice offered some protest and the two held a whispered
+conversation of which Glen was evidently the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, shut up," exclaimed the big man, at last. "I can take care of the
+kid all right. You git the chart."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jervice thereupon dived into the car and soon returned with a rough
+map which he opened out before the leader.</p>
+
+<p>"Lookahere, boy, look at this," commanded the man. "This remind ye of
+any place around your camp?"</p>
+
+<p>Glen looked at the chart and saw many things which had become familiar
+to his eyes in the last few days. There was an elevation that was
+undoubtedly Buffalo Mound, certain wavy lines that depicted a stream
+down its west side could scarcely mean anything but Buffalo Creek. A big
+star was quite conspicuous midway along the course of the stream and
+Glen was curiously examining words which he made out to be "Deep
+Springs" and "Twin Elms" when Mr. Jervice put his thumb over the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind 'bout readin' that too close," objected Mr. Jervice, "what
+we want to know is did you ever see a place like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I have," admitted Glen.<a class="pagenum" name="page_127" id="page_127" title="127"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know ye have?" insisted the big man in a harsh voice. "Ain't
+that the place where yer camp is?"</p>
+
+<p>"It looks something like it," said Glen. "It's open country, open to
+everybody. Why don't you go and see?"</p>
+
+<p>"There's reasons, boy. Some on 'em you wouldn't understand. We don't
+mind telling you some of the trouble. Did ye know that all o' that
+treasure was claimed by the heirs?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whose heirs?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Heirs of the freighters as the Indians took it away from. Did you know
+that a lot o' that bullion had been got out and was held in the bank
+here at Buffalo Center?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Spencer said nothing about it," replied Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Because he don't know nothink 'bout it," said J. Jervice. "We know
+because we represent the heirs. Now if you want to help us, your share
+will be a hundred dollars; but, remember, you say nothink to nobuddy."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't say anything," Glen promised, rashly.</p>
+
+<p>"If you do you'll be in as bad as anybuddy, so yer better not. If yer
+goin' to help, fust thing is to go back to camp an' git one o' them
+suits like they call scout suits."<a class="pagenum" name="page_128" id="page_128" title="128"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I reckon I can borrow one," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Then ye'll go down to Buffalo Center an' look out for the Bank. Walk
+right in as if ye owned it, jest like a reg'lar boy scout might do."</p>
+
+<p>"I can do that," agreed Glen. "But what's that got to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's got a plenty. When nobuddy ain't lookin' much you take a good look
+at a little winder that's clear in the back. You'll see it ain't got no
+bars over it like the other winders. It's jest 'bout big enough to let a
+boy through."</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" asked Glen, beginning to feel that it wasn't well at all, and
+that this plan Mr. Jervice was unfolding had to do with a very different
+treasure than he had supposed.</p>
+
+<p>"Jest imagine you've been dropped through that winder an' landed on the
+floor. You've got to go f'm there to the front an' unbolt the door. We
+can handle the lock all right but they got old fashioned bolts inside.
+So just wait aroun' an' figure how you'd git acrost the room without
+knockin' nothink over, an' look particular at the fastenings on that
+front door so you'll&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop right there," interrupted Glen. "I won't do anything of the kind."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter of you, backin' out<a class="pagenum" name="page_129" id="page_129" title="129"></a> thaterway?" exclaimed Mr.
+Jervice. "Ain't I explained to you that the bank's got our bullion."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not that green," retorted Glen. "You want to rob the bank. I'm
+through with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, boy!" The strong hand of the big leader closed over his
+shoulder. "Not yet you ain't. We can't let you go off thinkin' that way
+about us."</p>
+
+<p>Glen wriggled around until he could look into the face of the man who
+held him. His spirits dropped. It was no weak, trifling face such as J.
+Jervice exhibited. A hard, rough look&mdash;a cruel, remorseless look&mdash;a
+mean, ugly look&mdash;all these things he read in that face.</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe ye'll know me when ye see me agen," said the man.</p>
+
+<p>Glen made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't figurin' on you seein' much more o' me, though, nor any of us.
+D'ye know what I'm goin' to do with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Send me back to the reform school?" guessed Glen, wishing from the
+bottom of his heart that he might get off so easily.</p>
+
+<p>The man laughed as if at an excellent joke.</p>
+
+<p>"You're funny, boy&mdash;positive funny, you are. Sendin' you to the
+penitentiary would be easy along o' what I'm goin' to do to you."<a class="pagenum" name="page_130" id="page_130" title="130"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I've never hurt you," cried Glen. "Let me go."</p>
+
+<p>"It ain't safe, boy. They's jest one way you c'n make it safe. Come in
+along of us an' do what we do. You wouldn't be a reform school runaway
+if you hadn't never been up to nothink. This'll be easy for you."</p>
+
+<p>It was a temptation that would have tried boys of firmer principle than
+Glen. This man might do something awful to him if he resisted. He was on
+the point of yielding&mdash;and then came the vision of Matt Burton, white
+and unconscious, and the recollection of his agony as he thought that he
+had murdered Matt and lost his first chance to walk straight. Was it
+better to choose one evil than another?</p>
+
+<p>"Do what you want to," he said bravely, to the big man. "I'm going to be
+a true scout, if you&mdash;if you kill me for it."</p>
+
+<p>There was murder in the man's appearance, evidently enough, for J.
+Jervice eagerly protested. "You don't want to do no murder, now. Murder
+means hangin'!"</p>
+
+<p>"Shut up!" commanded the leader. "Look what ye got us into. What can we
+do with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to hide him till we git away," said Jervice.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-001" id="illus-001"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-131.jpg" alt="&#34;Brave Man!&#34; sneered the leader. &#34;Get me a little rope an&#39; I&#39;ll do him up scientific.&#34; Page 131" title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">&#34;Brave Man!&#34; sneered the leader. &#34;Get me a little rope an&#39; I&#39;ll do him up scientific.&#34; Page 131</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_131" id="page_131" title="131"></a>"No good trying to hide him round here. Them scouts will be missin' him
+when he don't get to his meals an' swarm all over here. You run over to
+the city&mdash;it's only twenty-four miles. You ought to be back easy by
+night. You know who to leave him with."</p>
+
+<p>"He's a desperate hard boy to manage," complained J. Jervice with some
+recollection of previous dealings. "I'm afeared one man can't handle
+him."</p>
+
+<p>The leader laughed significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"One <i>man</i> could," he declared. "But that ain't saying the kid wouldn't
+be too much for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Tie him up," urged Mr. Jervice. "I can handle him when he's tied."</p>
+
+<p>"Brave man!" sneered the leader. "Get me a little rope an' I'll do him
+up scientific."</p>
+
+<p>He was as good as his word. When his scientific job was finished the
+only thing Glen could do without restraint was to perspire. He could
+make a few muffled noises, but no intelligible sound could he utter.</p>
+
+<p>"Now chuck him inside the car, please," begged Mr. Jervice. "He'll be
+quiet now."</p>
+
+<p>"Quiet enough," said the leader. "But hustle your car out of here and
+get him twenty miles away<a class="pagenum" name="page_132" id="page_132" title="132"></a> as quick as you can. We don't want no scouts
+trackin' around while he's here."</p>
+
+<p>Glen's spirits took another slump. It was bad enough to be captured, but
+his faith had been great in the scouts' deliverance. Following him
+twenty or thirty miles was another thing.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_133" id="page_133" title="133"></a>
+<a name="THE_BEE_TREE_3108" id="THE_BEE_TREE_3108"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<h3>THE BEE TREE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Matt's presence in the tree beneath which Glen walked with J. Jervice
+was neither accident nor coincidence. He had business there&mdash;business
+which he considered important, which he did not wish, to share either
+with J. Jervice or Glen Mason or any other person. At least he did not
+wish to share it right at that moment; later on would be another story.</p>
+
+<p>Matt was making a bee tree. Perhaps you did not know that bee trees
+could be made, nor how to make them. Matt himself was not very clear on
+either of these heads. He was experimenting, and back of his experiment
+was a desire to get even with Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>Henry Henry, commonly called Chick-chick, did not desire to shine as a
+great athlete, sport leader, a water witch, or in any of the other
+specialties in which Matt reveled, but he did pretend to know a little
+something about beetles, bugs, butterflies and bees. He had long
+cherished an ambition to find a "bee tree." At last night's camp<a class="pagenum" name="page_134" id="page_134" title="134"></a> fire
+he had announced his positive belief, based on observations of the day,
+that such a tree was somewhere in the vicinity of the blazed oak. He had
+watched the bees until dark without definitely locating his tree but he
+had not given up.</p>
+
+<p>Matt decided that it would be a great pity to let all Chick-chick's
+efforts go for nothing. He proposed to help find such a tree, or to put
+Chick-chick in the way of it so that he would be bound to find it. He
+wanted the find to be public, and the interest in it to be so popular
+that all thought of buried treasure&mdash;especially treasure buried in a
+bread-box&mdash;would be obliterated forever from the minds of those in camp.</p>
+
+<p>Matt had gone to some little trouble in his fixing. He had neatly
+lettered a sign: "Wild honey. Prepared by the Honey Bees for
+Chick-chick." This he stuck into the bottom of the hollow limb, only an
+end protruding. Then he put in a good chunk of honeycomb, begged from
+Bob. From a small jar he then released some half dozen bees which he had
+allowed himself to borrow from Mr. Ryder's hives. His supposition was
+that these bees would fill up and fly back to the hives. Soon they would
+return bringing their mates with them. In a short time a steady stream
+of bees would be passing in and out of that hollow<a class="pagenum" name="page_135" id="page_135" title="135"></a> limb, which would be
+just the time for Chick-chick to make his proud discovery and announce
+it.</p>
+
+<p>After Matt had fixed the tree to his satisfaction his chief trouble was
+to lead Chick-chick to make the discovery in a perfectly natural manner.
+The best opportunity came as they went back to camp after the morning
+swim. Chick-chick was always a wanderer, likely at any moment to dart
+off in sudden pursuit of something. This morning it was a butterfly, and
+to Matt's delight he ran in the direction of the loaded tree. The crowd
+joined in the pursuit. They were within a short distance of Matt's tree
+before they gave it up.</p>
+
+<p>"How about that bee tree you were going to get, Chick-chick?" suggested
+Matt. "Round here somewhere, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" asked Chick-chick. "Why not. Why ain't this good place as any
+for bee make her happy cupboard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Show it to us, Chick-chick. You're hiding it. We know what you are
+trying to do. You want to keep all that honey for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Chick-chick wants all the honey for himself," chimed the chorus. "Lead
+us to your bee tree, Chick-chick. Don't be selfish."</p>
+
+<p>"A'right, boys. There's bee tree in these woods. I don't want
+dinner&mdash;want bee tree. All<a class="pagenum" name="page_136" id="page_136" title="136"></a> who feel just so an' similar follow me. Here
+flies honey-bee right now. Watch her!"</p>
+
+<p>And the bee sailed right to Matt's tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, look at the bees buzzing around that hole. Let me get at it," cried
+an excited scout.</p>
+
+<p>"Not too familiar," warned Chick-chick. "Bees have feelin's. D'ye never
+hear the piece:</p>
+
+<p style='margin-left:4em;'>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"How doth the little honey bee</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In self defense excel.</span><br />
+She gives her life for one sharp sting<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet hath she spent it well."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Leave it to the expert, fellows," cried Matt. "Let him get at it. Make
+way for the sum of all knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"It's me he means," modestly admitted Chick-chick. "He wants me to
+tackle this peculiar tree. Peculiar tree an' peculiar bees!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why peculiar?"</p>
+
+<p>"They've done changed theirselves since I saw 'em yes'day. To-day
+they're Italians&mdash;the nicest kind of tame bees we have. Yes'day they was
+wild, black Germans&mdash;nothing like this."</p>
+
+<p>"What changed 'em?"</p>
+
+<p>"Jes' naturally smart, reckon. See, they scratched the bark gettin' up
+tree, too. Here's place one of 'em rested number nine shoe an' cut<a class="pagenum" name="page_137" id="page_137" title="137"></a> bark
+through. Most remarkable honey bees ever heard of."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you go up an' find out about 'em?"</p>
+
+<p>"Answer me this botanical riddle first. What's difference between tree
+and a plant?"</p>
+
+<p>"We give it up."</p>
+
+<p>"You too, Matt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I give it up. What is it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Matty, Great an' Only; in this case ain't no difference. This is
+tree an' plant too. 'Tain't a bee tree but it's bee plant, see. Watch
+the bees. Ought to be comin' in loaded an' goin' away light. But they
+ain't&mdash;they're doing just totherwise. Somebody's put some stuff up
+there. Who d'ye reckon?"</p>
+
+<p>But Matt was already stealing away.</p>
+
+<p>"Let him go," directed Chick-chick. "Bees are all buzzing 'stung' they
+are. But no stinger in me."</p>
+
+<p>After that, no one cared further what the tree held. They rushed back to
+camp, for the dinner hour was upon them and their appetites were brisk
+from their swim.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner was almost ended when Chick-chick, who was acting as a waiter,
+was called to the end of the table where the scoutmaster sat with Will
+Spencer.<a class="pagenum" name="page_138" id="page_138" title="138"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Spencer is wondering about Glen Mason," said Mr. Newton. "He hasn't
+come in, yet, for dinner. Was he at the swim?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. I haven't seen Brick since morning."</p>
+
+<p>The scoutmaster rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Mason has not appeared at dinner. Has any one seen him since ten
+o'clock?"</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer; the boys waited in silence. At last Chick-chick
+held out a crumpled sheet of paper.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't seen him, but here's what found near tree where Matt thought
+he'd found bee tree," he explained.</p>
+
+<p>It was the note from J. Jervice. Mr. Newton read it in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know who could have written such a note," he remarked, handing
+it to Jolly Bill.</p>
+
+<p>Then Matt Burton found his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I was in the neighborhood where the note was dropped this morning and I
+saw Mason in company with the very disreputable peddler fellow who came
+here Sunday. They seemed very intimate and were going off together."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by going off together?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean they were just walking along through the woods like they'd
+always known each other and were planning something. The thought came<a class="pagenum" name="page_139" id="page_139" title="139"></a>
+to me that they might be accomplices and the peddler had sent the boy
+into our camp just to work something up."</p>
+
+<p>"He sure did it," volunteered Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"Something up and something down," suggested an irresponsible listener.</p>
+
+<p>"That's enough, boys." Mr. Newton brought them sharply to order. "Burton
+has no right to such a guess nor you to such remarks. They don't make
+for harmony. They aren't helpful. You may all go now, except the patrol
+leaders and assistants and the signal corps."</p>
+
+<p>When the little group had collected Mr. Newton continued his remarks.</p>
+
+<p>"Glen Mason is a scout&mdash;a member of this troop&mdash;and we are responsible
+for him in more ways than one. Mr. Spencer and I know enough about him
+to be sure that there is no reason why he should go away with the
+peddler excepting under misrepresentation. Perhaps nothing out of the
+way has happened, but we have just a suspicion that Jervice is making an
+effort to get Glen into his hands for a reward which he thinks he will
+get."</p>
+
+<p>"He'll have a sweet time holding him in his hands after he gets him,"
+interrupted Jolly Bill.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless he has help," corrected Mr. Newton.<a class="pagenum" name="page_140" id="page_140" title="140"></a> "And this is not
+improbable. Because of this I want the scouts to divide into groups of
+four and explore the territory I lay out. Each patrol leader and each
+assistant will take three boys. Signal and make for headquarters at once
+if you find anything. If there is any need of a rescue don't attempt it
+without me. Henry may start at the place where he found the note."</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened that a short time later, Chick-chick, Goosey and two
+other scouts were making a careful search around the bee tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything's trampled flat around here. That crowd this morning did
+it," announced Chick-chick. "Every fellow spread out ten yards to his
+left."</p>
+
+<p>It was Goosey who found the trail.</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is," he cried. "It's Brick's trail all right. Mr. Spencer said
+to look for marks of heel plate on the right shoe and here it is. There
+was somebody with him."</p>
+
+<p>The ground being soft and damp in spots there was no difficulty in
+following the trail. It led them to an open glen which showed a recent
+camp fire and the travel of many feet. Leading off toward the road were
+the broad depressions made by the tires of an automobile.</p>
+
+<p>"My find, now," cried Chick-chick. "Here's<a class="pagenum" name="page_141" id="page_141" title="141"></a> where we do some real fine
+work, an' we can do it on the run, we can. See the tracks. What are
+they?"</p>
+
+<p>"Automobile tracks," yelled the squad.</p>
+
+<p>"What kind of a tire made 'em?"</p>
+
+<p>There was no enthusiastic shout this time.</p>
+
+<p>"An automobile tire," ventured Goosey.</p>
+
+<p>"Jes' so, Goosey. Jes' so! It was rubber one, too, why don't you say?
+Good, safe guess&mdash;rubber."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Chick-chick. Be as funny as you want. If my father ran a
+garage I reckon I'd know something about tires, too."</p>
+
+<p>"'Scuse me! You certainly right, Goosey. Who ought know automobile tires
+if not me. What I want you see is these tires can be followed anywhere
+'cause they're non-skid with that peculiar bar formation. They'll show
+up on road so we can follow on dead run, we can."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know we want to follow? What makes you suppose Mason has
+gone in the car? Maybe we'll find his tracks going on away from here."</p>
+
+<p>"Bright thought, Goosey. Ev'body look for tracks leading 'way from
+here."</p>
+
+<p>They searched industriously but in vain.</p>
+
+<p>"No good," decided Chick-chick. "Got old<a class="pagenum" name="page_142" id="page_142" title="142"></a> Brick in their wagon, all
+right, all right. We must go after him, we must."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Newton said not to attempt any rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"We ain't was going to. Back to headquarters an' report an' me for my
+motor-bike. Mr. Newton mebbe can get a car in Buffalo Center an' mebbe
+he can't; but no heavy old buzz-wagon can get where my motor-bike can't
+catch 'em."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Newton agreed to Chick-chick's plan of chase rather more readily
+than he had expected.</p>
+
+<p>"It's perhaps as good a thing as we can do," he asserted, discussing the
+plan with Will Spencer. "I have a good many of the younger scouts in my
+especial care and cannot afford to leave camp on a wild goose chase."</p>
+
+<p>"Motor-bike carries two," suggested Chick-chick. "Apple go with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You and Corliss may go. Don't do anything foolish. If you overtake
+the car get the peddler to stop. If Glen is a captive use your coolest
+judgment about interfering. The man may be armed and it would be far
+better to push on to the nearest town and get help than to risk a
+bullet. Of course, if Glen should be going of his own wish you must just
+come back and tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"No fear of that," said Spencer.<a class="pagenum" name="page_143" id="page_143" title="143"></a></p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do if he isn't to be seen and the peddler won't let us
+look inside?" asked Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"A scout's judgment and ingenuity ought to be worth something in such a
+case," replied Mr. Newton. "I prefer not to instruct you. I'm not
+sending you two big fellows out as messenger boys but as scouts. Use all
+the knowledge and courage and skill that you have, but don't take
+unnecessary risks."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_144" id="page_144" title="144"></a>
+<a name="THE_CHASE_ON_THE_MOTORBIKE_3395" id="THE_CHASE_ON_THE_MOTORBIKE_3395"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<h3>THE CHASE ON THE MOTOR-BIKE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The boys felt the importance of their commission as they rode away from
+the camp on the motorcycle. They had no difficulty picking up the track
+of the autocar. It ran directly to the village and on through.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's find out what the old car looks like," suggested Apple. "Maybe,
+too, they can tell us just how long ago it passed."</p>
+
+<p>There was no difficulty in getting a description of the car&mdash;one
+enthusiastic person even went so far as to detail all the various
+articles advertised by J. Jervice for sale.</p>
+
+<p>"How many people were riding?" asked Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"A little man at the steering wheel and a big fellow perched up next to
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you see a boy on it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No boy anywhere unless he was inside. Of course we couldn't tell about
+inside. It's jest like a wagon in a circus parade&mdash;nice paint on the
+outside an' the inside left to yore 'magination."<a class="pagenum" name="page_145" id="page_145" title="145"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Two men on the wagon&mdash;one a big fellow!" exclaimed Apple, as they left
+the fount of information. "We'll have to be pretty careful what we do."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure will," agreed Chick-chick. "They got over an hour's start, so
+we'll have to go some&mdash;Hello, have they been stopping here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like it. There's marks that show a man got off the car."</p>
+
+<p>"The big man," said Chick-chick. "Look where the tracks are headed,
+Apple. He's gone back to the village. Didn't get back on car at all.
+Good for us."</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick had correctly guessed. After J. Jervice and his car were
+safely through the village the big man had alighted.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm goin' back to lie aroun' an' meet the other fellows," he said to
+Jervice. "You beat it along with your car. You can stop an' do a little
+tradin' when ye get to the next county. That'll prove you wasn't
+anywheer around if anythink should happen to-night. But be sure you git
+rid of the kid an' start back so's to git here by midnight."</p>
+
+<p>Apple and Chick-chick took up the trail with renewed confidence now that
+they felt they had only Jervice to reckon with. They had seen him<a class="pagenum" name="page_146" id="page_146" title="146"></a> at
+the scout camp last Sunday and had no great respect for his dimensions
+or prowess.</p>
+
+<p>It was late in the afternoon when first they saw the peddler's car in
+the road ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's trail along kind o' slow and watch him awhile," suggested Apple.
+"Maybe he'll be stopping somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>As it happened this guess was well founded. Mr. J. Jervice had two
+reasons for stopping. One was that he wanted himself to be seen a good,
+long distance away from the bank, so that he could prove that he was far
+distant from that region if any robbery occurred. The other was a
+natural cupidity which sorely regretted the necessity of hurriedly
+passing prosperous farm houses where perfectly good money was all ready
+to exchange for his wares.</p>
+
+<p>A mile further on a splendid house came into view. Everything about it
+spelled prosperity&mdash;its barns, and silos and windmills and fences all
+showed that the residents believed in having what they needed and had
+money to spend on their needs. The bait was irresistible. Mr. Jervice
+stopped his car at the side of the road, clambered down from his seat
+and went to lift the bars from the rear door.<a class="pagenum" name="page_147" id="page_147" title="147"></a></p>
+
+<p>Two boys on a motorcycle ditched their wheel a hundred yards away and
+crept cautiously up.</p>
+
+<p>"He's going to the house to try to sell something," whispered Apple. "We
+must keep him from locking those back doors so we can look inside."</p>
+
+<p>"We sure will," vowed Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>Crouching in the bushes at the side of the road their pulses throbbed in
+great excitement as they observed that the peddler addressed some one
+inside the car. His tone was low so they did not catch the words, but
+they heard a mumble and saw his cruel laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll teach him to laugh," whispered Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"But supposing he shuts and locks that rear door before he goes up to
+the house."</p>
+
+<p>"That's up to us. We'll watch him. If he locks it we must catch him as
+he goes through that orchard and get the key away."</p>
+
+<p>They watched in great anxiety. Mr. Jervice closed the rear doors of his
+van and put the heavy bars in their slots, but, secure in the isolation
+of his surroundings, he did not apply the padlock. Wherein, Mr. Jervice
+committed a grievous error.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely was he concealed within the orchard<a class="pagenum" name="page_148" id="page_148" title="148"></a> than the two scouts rushed
+to the car, lifted the bar and swung back the door. There lay their new
+comrade, helplessly trussed and gagged, faint and weary with the close
+confinement, almost ready to collapse.</p>
+
+<p>"Water!" he gasped, as Apple took the gag from his mouth. "Get me a
+drink."</p>
+
+<p>Apple was able to supply him from his canteen, and even as he held it to
+the parched lips, Chick-chick was slashing the cords that had been drawn
+needlessly tight.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can manage this little old machine, I can," announced
+Chick-chick. "Apple, you can run my bike. Go back and get it."</p>
+
+<p>"Rub my wrists where the cords cut, while he's gone," Glen begged. "That
+fellow that tied me up&mdash;he's a thief, that's what he is. He pulled 'em
+tighter just to see me wince."</p>
+
+<p>He was too cramped to stand on his feet so Chick-chick kneeled down at
+his side to rub some circulation into his wrists and ankles. Suddenly a
+great noise of running was heard. Chick-chick looked out through the
+crack of the door.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the peddler," he declared. "He's running like a bull was chasing
+him, he is. He's headed straight for the car."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll give him a surprise," said Glen.<a class="pagenum" name="page_149" id="page_149" title="149"></a> "Probably he's run on to
+somebody who knows that he's a thief and they're after him. I'll just
+lie the way I was and you stand where the door will hide you."</p>
+
+<p>Glen missed his guess in one important trifle. J. Jervice did not wait
+to be surprised. He was in such terror that he waited for nothing. He
+threw a pack in at the door, slammed it, dropped the bar in place with
+the incredible swiftness of long practice and in less than a minute had
+his motor cranked and the car in motion.</p>
+
+<p>Coming up on the motorcycle a minute later Apple saw the car
+disappearing around a turn in the road, and wildly chasing it a puffing,
+panting old man, brandishing a heavy club.</p>
+
+<p>The positions of the scouts were changed for the better, but they yet
+were a long distance from freedom. Instead of Glen tied and gagged in
+the car with Chick-chick and Apple following on the motorcycle, Apple
+now was following alone, while, imprisoned in the car, were both Glen
+and Chick-chick with the fortunate difference that the gag and bonds
+were removed.</p>
+
+<p>"We're shut in," whispered Chick-chick. "Pretty mess I made of rescue, I
+did."</p>
+
+<p>"No mess at all," said Glen. "I'm free now and ready for anything, or
+shall be when I get<a class="pagenum" name="page_150" id="page_150" title="150"></a> some circulation in my feet and hands. Can't move
+till then, anyway. What d'ye s'pose Apple's doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Following us along, Apple is, you bet. When he gets a chance he'll help
+us out, he will. Say, what's loose board here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," replied Glen. "It's got a ring in it like it might be
+intended to be lifted up."</p>
+
+<p>"Bet I know," said Chick-chick. "I reckon the transmission case is just
+below here, an' this is fixed to lift out so you can see transmission
+without crawling underneath."</p>
+
+<p>"It wouldn't make a big enough hole to let us out, would it?" asked
+Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it wouldn't. But if I can get to that transmission I can stop
+car&mdash;won't run little bit."</p>
+
+<p>"Could you start it again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Depend on what I did to gears."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's try it."</p>
+
+<p>The board came up easily. Four bolts held the lid of the transmission
+case but were readily removed with Chick-chick's pocket wrench.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll pack in something soft. Clog up the gears without breaking
+'em."</p>
+
+<p>"What good will that do&mdash;except make him mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Help us out&mdash;it will. He isn't enough mechanic<a class="pagenum" name="page_151" id="page_151" title="151"></a> to find out why can't
+run. Off he goes town after help. Leaves us here do as we please. We
+know where trouble is. Fix it. Off we go."</p>
+
+<p>There was plenty of soft material to feed into the transmission case.
+The car pulled unsteadily and stopped. The boys cautiously replaced the
+board in the floor and awaited developments. They could hear J. Jervice
+tinkering around, examining brakes and wheels and everything but the
+transmission.</p>
+
+<p>"Hey, you!" he called after a few minutes. "You inside there! D'ye hear
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>Then as it probably occurred to him that he could expect no great
+volubility from a gagged prisoner he continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I've broke down an' I'm goin' to git help. When I bring a mechanic back
+don't ye try makin' no racket or it'll be the worse for ye."</p>
+
+<p>The first positive assurance that he had gone was when Apple came up on
+the motorcycle, lifted the bar and opened the doors. It did not take
+them long to scramble out.</p>
+
+<p>The world looked very beautiful to the eyes of Glen Mason after his
+hours of real peril and imprisonment. It was fine to be able once more
+to stretch out and shake loose every little muscle, to be able to draw
+in a long breath, just as deep<a class="pagenum" name="page_152" id="page_152" title="152"></a> as one wanted, free from the muffling of
+a foul mouth gag. The world was a good old place in which to live and
+surely Glen would henceforth try to live in it in an appreciable manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, fellows," said Chick-chick. "I know all about this old
+wagon. I can make it go ramblin' right along; handle it so it's
+perfectly tame an' gentle&mdash;take the bit nice an' stand 'thout hitchin'.
+What d 'ye say? Do we make the horsey go for Mr. Jervice?"</p>
+
+<p>"You mean run away with it?" asked Apple. "That wouldn't be right, would
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know much 'bout this gang, Apple. Brick's been telling me.
+He's found out about 'em, Brick has. Regular band o' thieves, they are."</p>
+
+<p>"Thieves!" exclaimed Apple. "No wonder they acted mean."</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder. Wonder is they did no worse, it is. They think they're going
+rob Buffalo Center bank to-night. We'll show 'em, we will."</p>
+
+<p>"Would taking their car away stop them?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be apt to hinder," said Glen. "I think Jervice carries their
+kit in his wagon and they depend on him to get their stuff hauled
+away."<a class="pagenum" name="page_153" id="page_153" title="153"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Take away their little old wagon sure will bother 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Turn it round. Run back to Buffalo Center and give sheriff."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," agreed Apple. "You'll have to get busy if you want to get
+it back before dark. I suppose I'll have to ride the motor-bike."</p>
+
+<p>"Reckon you're elected, Apple. Brick can't ride it, an' I can't run more
+'n one at a time."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll not get far ahead of you. I'll keep you in sight, anyway."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_154" id="page_154" title="154"></a>
+<a name="SAFE_AT_CAMP_BUFFALO_3651" id="SAFE_AT_CAMP_BUFFALO_3651"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+<h3>SAFE AT CAMP BUFFALO</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Riding triumphantly on the driver's seat with Chick-chick made the
+return journey very different from the miserable trip Glen had made
+inside the car, bound and gagged, and horribly jolted at every
+irregularity of the road.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we leave car at Buffalo Center, or run right on to camp an' show
+the booty?" asked Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't made the trip yet," Glen reminded him. "If we're lucky
+enough to get all the way to Buffalo Center we'd better deliver it to
+the first officer we see, sheriff or constable," counseled Glen. "We
+don't want to be arrested for stealing. It won't do for me to be
+arrested for anything."</p>
+
+<p>"But don't you think we ought let scoutmaster see it? Let him have say
+about it. Don't you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we ought," agreed Glen, who saw clearly that Chick-chick longed
+for the honor of<a class="pagenum" name="page_155" id="page_155" title="155"></a> driving his captured car proudly into camp&mdash;an
+exciting honor which he was not reluctant to share.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly would be fine if we could make it."</p>
+
+<p>But it was not to be. Daylight was still pretty good, so that they could
+see a long distance back along the road. And so, when they still had
+several miles to go, they looked back and saw their nemesis overhauling
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"That car's coming like fury," observed Glen. "I'll bet it's Jervice and
+his friends hot after us."</p>
+
+<p>"'Fraid so," sighed Chick-chick. "Gettin' all speed out of the old wagon
+I can."</p>
+
+<p>"We'd better try to catch Apple and all get on the motor-bike,"
+suggested Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't catch Apple unless he takes notion to turn an' see we want him.
+Think we can hide, I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Hide the car, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hide the car. Saw place on way out. It's less'n mile from here. There's
+creek pretty near dry, and bridge over it. But there's ford by side of
+bridge, too. We forded it coming out."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you get the car down?"</p>
+
+<p>"Think I can. Think can run down by ford an' get under bridge. They'll
+go shooting by without seeing us, they will."<a class="pagenum" name="page_156" id="page_156" title="156"></a></p>
+
+<p>It was time to be taking some action. As they mounted the hill they were
+evidently seen by the pursuers who sent a pistol shot after them, though
+not with any possibility of reaching them. At the foot of this hill lay
+the creek.</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick slackened speed and scanned the bank eagerly to see if the
+car could make the descent. Dusk was already present under the heavy
+timber by the creek, and he left the road slowly with the double object
+of feeling his way and leaving as little track as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Glen leaped from the car and bent back the brush flattened out by the
+wheels and kicked dust over the tracks left by the car in turning. Then
+he rushed down and found that by skillful driving Chick-chick had
+managed to make the descent safely and drive the car under the arch of
+the bridge, so concealed by the abutments and by outgrowing bushes that
+there would be little likelihood of attracting notice from above
+excepting from careful searchers.</p>
+
+<p>A few seconds later the noise overhead told them that the pursuing car
+had rushed on, still hot in the chase.</p>
+
+<p>"What's to do, now, Brick?" asked Chick-chick. "Got old car down pretty
+easy, we did. Don't<a class="pagenum" name="page_157" id="page_157" title="157"></a> know about getting back. Reckon I could cross over
+an' climb t'other side."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe we want to try it," counseled Glen. "We are only a
+couple of miles from Buffalo Center. They'll be there in a minute or
+two. When they find we've dodged 'em they'll start back hunting for us.
+We'll meet 'em and there'll be real trouble. We don't want their car,
+anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's walk on an' catch Apple, then," suggested Chick-chick. "When he
+finds we don't come he'll either wait for us or start back. We can all
+ride into camp on the bike, we can."</p>
+
+<p>"Leave the wagon just like this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? 'Tain't ours: All we've done is interfere with burglars. If
+this car carries the burgling things to rob the bank they won't be able
+to burgle to-night, anyway. Let's look for that chart they showed you.
+If it's anything about the treasure it's ours."</p>
+
+<p>"He said he kept it on the shelf with his railroad guides. I'm afraid he
+put it in his pocket after they'd looked at it."</p>
+
+<p>They found the shelf with the railroad folders, but no chart of any
+description was there.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fraid you'd see more of it than they wanted," suggested Chick-chick.<a class="pagenum" name="page_158" id="page_158" title="158"></a></p>
+
+<p>"They need not," said Glen. "I don't care what's on their chart."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" asked Chick-chick. "Why not? They got chart cave. Cave is
+somewhere between our camp an' top Buffalo Mound. They say Indian cave
+an' think Indians have hid treasure there; why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you think the cave is between our camp and the top of
+Buffalo Mound?"</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you say Jervice man stuck his thumb over&mdash;so shut out your look.
+What he do that for if cave ain't there?"</p>
+
+<p>"You jump too quick, Chick-chick. I'm not sure there's a cave at all. I
+just know that they talked as if they were looking for a cave or a hole
+in the ground or some place where somebody had hid a lot of plunder."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure you know it. An' why wouldn't it be a cave? An' didn't you say the
+big man said he'd bet Indians had bullion hid in same cave they were
+hunting. Didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't saying it's so," objected Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"It's sayin' it's worth lookin'," affirmed Chick-chick. "Didn't one of
+'em say chart was drawn from description Indians gave?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but they might have been fooling 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"An' they might not. If it's Indian cave it's<a class="pagenum" name="page_159" id="page_159" title="159"></a> got our treasure. You
+draw copy that chart from memory soon as we get back, you do."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't draw," objected Glen. "Maybe I can remember enough about it to
+tell you or Apple how to put it on paper."</p>
+
+<p>"Here's Apple coming now," said Chick-chick. "He's the boy to draw.
+Draws better 'n flax seed poultice. You'll draw him all maps he wants
+when we get to camp, won't ye, Apple?"</p>
+
+<p>"If we ever get back," said Apple. "It's getting dark. Father will be
+anxious. Why are you leaving the car?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't want it," explained Chick-chick. "Isn't ours. 'Fraid somebody see
+us with it an' think our name is Jervice. We all get on little old bike
+an' hike along sudden, we do."</p>
+
+<p>Three boys was no special load for the motor-bike. They were constantly
+on the look out for the pursuing car which they expected to meet coming
+back, but nothing did they see of it. They rushed through Buffalo Center
+and a few minutes later Chick-chick blew his horn for the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Great was the excitement when it was seen that the search party not only
+had returned but had brought the missing boy. Glen was almost mobbed by
+the crowd of scouts who pulled him one<a class="pagenum" name="page_160" id="page_160" title="160"></a> way and another in vociferous
+and jovial greeting. It was an experience such as had never happened in
+all his life, and his heart throbbed with thankfulness, and unbidden and
+unexpected tears rushed to his eyes that he should be honored with such
+a welcome by such loyal comrades. "God is good," came the thought, and
+he knew that henceforth he would live a richer, deeper and more loyal
+life because of this experience.</p>
+
+<p>Off to one corner Apple had a noisy audience and there were yet others
+who gathered about Chick-chick as he retailed to them in his jerky
+fashion such things as he deemed proper for them to know. Loud and
+furious discussions were heard from every group.</p>
+
+<p>"There won't be any looting of the Buffalo Center Bank while the scouts
+are in camp, that's a cinch," proclaimed big Tom Scoresby.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom'll see to that," added Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"If Tom doesn't do it alone, the scouts will," insisted Tom. "We
+wouldn't let robbers loot a bank with us in camp not a mile away, would
+we, Mr. Newton?"</p>
+
+<p>"We wouldn't expect to have anything of the kind going on," agreed Mr.
+Newton.</p>
+
+<p>"Great yarn, this," Matt Burton, was saying to his own little group. "I
+reckon we're expected<a class="pagenum" name="page_161" id="page_161" title="161"></a> to swallow it with our eyes shut. I never heard
+such stuff."</p>
+
+<p>"What d'ye mean it's a yarn, Matt?" asked a scout.</p>
+
+<p>"This story about those fellows being bank robbers. Why that scared
+little old peddler would be afraid to rob a sandbank. If anybody gave
+him a cross look, he'd die."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean to say Brick Mason's lying?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! He just has dreams."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he dream himself tied up with cords cutting in so sharp they left
+red welts and took half hour to get circulation going?" demanded
+Chick-chick who had overheard.</p>
+
+<p>"Red welts nothing!" retorted Matt. "I could raise red welts all over my
+body and never feel it."</p>
+
+<p>"You keep makin' insinuations an' I know fellow'll raise red welts on
+you so you won't feel anything for month," threatened Chick-chick. "I
+felt those welts. Saw 'em too. Plain as the ridges on a non-skid tire.
+Anybody's thinks Brick had 'em made for fun can get all that kind o' fun
+he wants."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the trouble, scouts?"</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Newton, his attention drawn by the angry tones.<a class="pagenum" name="page_162" id="page_162" title="162"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Explainin' 'bout Brick's body marks," said Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you've talked long enough." Mr. Newton easily guessed the
+quarrel. "Go along with Corliss and Glen and work your tongue on your
+supper. You other fellows see they get filled up."</p>
+
+<p>Glen had rushed to Will Spencer at his first free moment, but the supper
+table gave him his first real chance for conversation with him. Will had
+his billy cart pushed up where he could clap Glen on the shoulder and
+tell him again how glad he was to see him safe and sound.</p>
+
+<p>"Nice, comfortable day you've given your Uncle Bill," he said in
+cheerful accusation.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you worry about me?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so much about you," explained Jolly Bill. "But I had a terrible
+time making my mind easy about that poor peddler and worrying about what
+would happen to him when you found he'd run off with you."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't believe there was anything J. Jervice could do to me, but I
+found people worse than him. I believe he's one of a robber gang&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand these references to robbers," interrupted Mr.
+Newton. "Perhaps you'd better make it clear to us."<a class="pagenum" name="page_163" id="page_163" title="163"></a></p>
+
+<p>So for the benefit of the two men, Glen went over the whole story,
+telling them all about his capture, his suspicions of the gang, the
+chart he had seen, and the way they had treated him when he refused to
+acquiesce in their plans.</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds very grave," said Mr. Newton, busy already penciling a
+note. "I'll get you to take this letter to town, Henry, just as soon as
+you have finished your supper."</p>
+
+<p>"You think they intended to rob the bank to-night?" asked Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"That was their original plan, I am sure; but I don't know&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He was interrupted by a very earnest and eager delegation of scouts,
+with big Tom Scoresby at its head. Tom saluted and asked permission to
+address a request to the scoutmaster.</p>
+
+<p>"We want to go out and capture these bank robbers before they get far
+away," he explained. "According to what Chick-chick says, the peddler's
+car is within three miles of here. Our plan is to go after it and use it
+to catch the thieves."</p>
+
+<p>"How many scouts are in for this?" asked Mr. Newton.</p>
+
+<p>As with one voice fifteen scouts shouted "I." Others came running to
+swell the number.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us think this over quietly, scouts. It<a class="pagenum" name="page_164" id="page_164" title="164"></a> would be a great thing for
+us to capture this gang of thieves, wouldn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>There was no doubt that the sentiment met with unanimous favor.</p>
+
+<p>"Why would it be such a fine thing?"</p>
+
+<p>Dead silence prevailed for a moment after this direct question; then all
+manner of answers filled the air.</p>
+
+<p>"Show what scouts can do!"</p>
+
+<p>"Put an end to bank robbing!"</p>
+
+<p>"Protect our fellow citizens!"</p>
+
+<p>"Glory for troop 3!"</p>
+
+<p>"A scout is helpful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Great sport to catch robbers!"</p>
+
+<p>"A scout is brave!"</p>
+
+<p>"Show we're good as men!"</p>
+
+<p>These were some of the answers that were shot at the scoutmaster.</p>
+
+<p>When quiet prevailed Mr. Newton resumed his talk.</p>
+
+<p>"A man asked me once if I didn't think the National Council made a
+mistake in its decree that every organization of scouts must have a
+scoutmaster.</p>
+
+<p>"'You baby your boys,'" he said. 'You ought to put them on their own
+responsibility.'</p>
+
+<p>"But he forgot that certain things, such as a<a class="pagenum" name="page_165" id="page_165" title="165"></a> tempered judgment, come
+only by experience. A scout is brave and a scout is helpful, true
+enough. But a scout must learn how to use his bravery and when to be
+helpful.</p>
+
+<p>"Now suppose I allowed you to organize for a robber hunt, and suppose
+that, during that hunt, some robber was so unfair as to fire real
+cartridges and hit some member of our expedition. What good would it do
+to tell the boy's mother that her son was brave, or helpful, or
+adventurous, or daring? What would it avail to tell her that in
+preparation for manhood scouts must develop daring and courage?"</p>
+
+<p>He paused, but the silence was broken by no reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I can conceive of circumstances in which the risk of your lives would
+be your duty, and I hope that, should they come, no scout of this troop
+will count life dearer than honor. But this is not one of them. This is
+a plain case for plain handling, and I want to tell you how I have
+handled it.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a deputy sheriff in the village and I have sent word to him of
+the circumstances and of our suspicions. He, being a regularly appointed
+officer of the law, will take such steps as seem best to protect the
+bank and to apprehend the robbers. He is not likely to call for help<a class="pagenum" name="page_166" id="page_166" title="166"></a>
+from this camp for he knows that there are but two citizens here who
+could legally be enlisted in his posse. One of them is crippled, and the
+other has a squad of young boys in his care; but if the sheriff should
+feel a need to call upon these men, I venture to say that neither will
+hold back."</p>
+
+<p>The boys moved away in rather an unusual silence. It was broken by a
+voice from a distant group, speaking loudly in heavy sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>"No need to bother about what the sheriff will do. He won't do a thing
+because he'll know that the whole thing is a plant."</p>
+
+<p>The words rang out quite distinctly above the rather subdued hum of the
+other voices.</p>
+
+<p>"The Great an' Only Matty!" exclaimed Chick-chick in disgust. "He sure
+knows all about it if it's <i>plant</i>."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_167" id="page_167" title="167"></a>
+<a name="STRENGTH_AND_LOYALTY_4001" id="STRENGTH_AND_LOYALTY_4001"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+<h3>STRENGTH AND LOYALTY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Glen found next day that he had suddenly become somewhat of a hero.
+Apple and Chick-chick had privately given very good accounts of his
+fortitude and resource. He felt about as happy as ever in his life and
+all manner of good impulses stirred within him.</p>
+
+<p>None of the three who had taken chief part in yesterday's adventure felt
+very much inclined to energy this bright morning. Glen lay in the warm
+grass close to Jolly Bill and his billy-cart in peaceful comfort. His
+muscular arms were a senna brown, his bare chest the same color,
+excepting where it was marked by a dull blue design similar to that
+which caused an anchor and various rings to appear prominently upon his
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>"'Lo, Brick," said the cheery voice of Chick-chick, whose light hearted
+philosophy and undisturbed equanimity under all circumstances Glen
+greatly admired. "Some strong man, ain't you, Brick?"<a class="pagenum" name="page_168" id="page_168" title="168"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Pretty strong for a boy," Glen admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Brick, Goosey wants ask you question," jerked out Chick-chick.
+"Goosey so bashful wouldn't come alone, he wouldn't."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like fine to be strong like you, Brick," said Goosey. "Some of us
+kids have been talking about it and one fellow says he's noticed that
+strong men like sailors and railroad men always have tattoo marks like
+you got. A brakeman told him that's what made him strong. Some of <i>us</i>
+want you to fix us up."</p>
+
+<p>Glen laughed, but it was a bitter laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know how much I'd give to have these marks cleared off, if I had
+the money?" he asked, savagely.</p>
+
+<p>"Cleared off!" exclaimed Goosey. "Why, Brick, they're just handsome.
+That anchor on your arm and the flag on your chest&mdash;why we kids think
+they're great!"</p>
+
+<p>"Wait till you kids get to be a little bit older and find out what real
+people think of 'em&mdash;I mean people that are people. They call 'em
+gallows marks in the school back there. The chaplain he's strong against
+'em. I 'member when he caught a kid having some ink pricked in by one of
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"Got after you, did he?" asked Chick-chick.<a class="pagenum" name="page_169" id="page_169" title="169"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Well, he says, 'You kids know why I always wear a bandage round my
+right arm when I play tennis?' I'd often wondered. 'I suppose it's to
+strengthen the arm,' I guessed."</p>
+
+<p>"Was it?" asked Goosey, eagerly. If there was anything that would
+strengthen an arm he wanted to know it.</p>
+
+<p>"Strengthen the arm nothing!" replied Glen, with contempt. "He rolled up
+his sleeve and snowed us where he had a woman's head tattooed in. I
+s'pose you'd say it was a peach of a head, Goosey."</p>
+
+<p>"Wasn't it done right?" asked Goosey.</p>
+
+<p>"Done fine. Done as well as they're ever done. But he was ashamed of it.
+He put on that bandage just so it wouldn't show when his sleeve was
+rolled up."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand that," said Goosey, in evident disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick, too, inclined to the opinion that the chaplain was over
+nice.</p>
+
+<p>"You'd understand if he spoke to you about it," said Glen. "He says to
+us: 'Every once in a while you'll find a good man and a smart man that
+is all marked up with tattoo marks, but where they're carried by one
+clean, smart man, there's a hundred bums and tramps that have 'em. If<a class="pagenum" name="page_170" id="page_170" title="170"></a> a
+good man has 'em it's a safe bet that he didn't put 'em on when he was
+doing well. It means that some time in his life he was down in bad
+company. It's the poorest kind of advertising."</p>
+
+<p>"That's why he hid 'em up, then."</p>
+
+<p>"Chiefly. He says 'One reason I cover this up is so it won't set foolish
+ideas into boys' heads. There's many a business man would pay ten
+thousand dollars to get rid of the ugly marks. There are all kinds of
+ways but none of 'em work well and most of 'em cost the fellow that owns
+the skin an awful lot o' pain as well as the money. The way to get rid
+of tattoo marks,' he says, 'is not to put 'em on.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But since you can't help having 'em, you aren't going to let 'em keep
+you down, are you, Brick, old top?"</p>
+
+<p>It was Jolly Bill who asked the question. They had thought him asleep in
+his cart.</p>
+
+<p>"No, nor anything else," declared Glen. "I'm not so far behind. Somebody
+asked me once, 'How does it come you talk so well?' They don't
+understand that we learn as much in the state schools as in the regular
+public school, and we have to do our best or make a show at it, whether
+we want to or not."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Brick," persisted Goosey. "You said a<a class="pagenum" name="page_171" id="page_171" title="171"></a> lot about the tattoo marks,
+but you didn't say yet whether it makes you strong."</p>
+
+<p>"Chick-chick," commanded Jolly Bill. "You lead that little boy away.
+Whatever made you bring him here with his sad story? What is there in a
+little India ink, pricked beneath the skin, to make you strong&mdash;does it
+make father's shirts strong when mother uses it to put his initials in
+the corner? Lead him off, Chick-chick."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," Goosey observed. "Matt Burton thinks it's what makes
+Brick strong. Matt says no reform school boy could knock him down if he
+hadn't been doped up with some stimulant."</p>
+
+<p>"You mustn't pay too much attention to what Matt Burton says," counseled
+Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't. Matt says there wasn't any thief and there isn't any cave,
+and I believe there is. Matt says he wouldn't believe it, anyway, 'cause
+Brick says it's so."</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better run along, little boy, before you say something Matt'll be
+sorry for," said Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>Glen had stood a good deal from Matt and had borne it quietly. It was
+not that it did not sting, but that he believed he was "taking his
+medicine." Let no one suppose, however, that because<a class="pagenum" name="page_172" id="page_172" title="172"></a> he had started on
+the up route, Glen Mason disclosed any anatomical peculiarities such as
+the sprouting of wings. His capacity for taking a wrong view of matters
+was as great as ever. The only difference was that he resisted it
+occasionally. But there was a limit to his resistance, and so nearly had
+he reached it that this report of Goosey's decided him to take a
+sufficient vacation from his good principles to allow of the
+administration to Matt Burton of one good, swift punch.</p>
+
+<p>Goosey said that Matt was walking toward Buffalo Center when last seen.
+There was only one road to the village, so with his bottled up vengeance
+in his heart Glen struck out along this road.</p>
+
+<p>There, on the main street of the little town, right at the Bank corner,
+stood Matt talking to a couple of men who sat on the low railing which
+served for ornament rather than protection to the bank front. One of the
+men wore a star on his coat; the other was a rough looking individual
+who yet had an official air.</p>
+
+<p>It was no part of Glen's program to create a public disturbance, but he
+was quite resolved not to let Matt get far out of his sight. A good plan
+was to hike through the alley and come up on the south side of the bank
+building, where, hidden by<a class="pagenum" name="page_173" id="page_173" title="173"></a> a convenient pillar, he would be able to
+hear what was going on without being seen.</p>
+
+<p>Glen lost no time getting through the alley, and in a few moments,
+flattened against the wall at the southwest corner, could hear all that
+Matt said to the men as they sat on the rail at the west front.</p>
+
+<p>"What we want," said one man, "is to catch 'em in the act. They was
+timid last night and the fust little noise we made they was off. Are you
+one o' them scouts as seen 'em yestiddy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen the little peddler," asserted Matt. "I didn't think he had
+spunk enough to rob a blind man."</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe he has&mdash;mebbe he ain't. It don't allus take spunk. Yore chief
+said they was another fellow&mdash;desp'rit villain. Did ye see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I didn't," Matt admitted reluctantly. "I don't often have any luck.
+It takes fellows like Glen Mason."</p>
+
+<p>"Name sounds familiar. Mason! Glen Mason! Let me look at that circ'lar I
+got in my pocket. Thought that was it. Fellow, that name, just run off
+f'm the reform school. Here's the bill about it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen was seized with a paralyzing terror. This constable or sheriff or
+whatever he was had only<a class="pagenum" name="page_174" id="page_174" title="174"></a> to reach around the corner to lay hands right
+on him. He forgot all about revenge on Matt&mdash;what he now wanted was to
+get away.</p>
+
+<p>Then he heard the officer's next question.</p>
+
+<p>"This Glen Mason fellow you speak about&mdash;is he one of your regular
+scouts?"</p>
+
+<p>Glen waited in breathless suspense to hear how Judas would betray him.
+The answer left him high and dry, gasping with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he's a regular scout," said Matt. "He's a tenderfoot. I suppose it
+isn't such a very uncommon name."</p>
+
+<p>After all, Matt was a scout&mdash;a scout and a patrol leader. He might be
+conceited, he might be supercilious, he might and did need a lot of
+nonsense sweated out of him. But he was a scout, and&mdash;a scout is loyal!
+He would have loved dearly to see Glen Mason sent back to the reform
+school and thus removed from disputing his preeminence. But he was no
+Judas&mdash;his should not be the tongue to betray a fellow scout.</p>
+
+<p>Glen straightened the fist that he had clenched so fiercely at his side,
+and drew a deep breath as he settled himself down more closely into the
+protection of his pillar.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to see the feller that seen the robbers an' took the ride in
+their car. I'd like to see<a class="pagenum" name="page_175" id="page_175" title="175"></a> the car. I didn't see it when they went
+through here yestiddy." It was the rough voice again.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not go now and see it?" asked Matt. "The bridge where the boys hid
+it is only a couple of miles away."</p>
+
+<p>"No good," replied the man. "Them boys wasn't as smart as they thunk. We
+sent up to get the car fust thing after yore chief sent the word to us
+last night, but all they was left of it was tracks."</p>
+
+<p>So the car was gone. Glen could easily understand how they discovered
+it. They had only to run back to where the peculiar tires ended their
+journey and then search to find where they had left the track. So the
+ford would have been discovered and then the car.</p>
+
+<p>"If I'd been driving I'd have run it right up to the sheriff's office
+and claimed the reward," boasted Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe you would&mdash;mebbe you wouldn't. Mebbe you'd got a few slugs o'
+lead under your vest. Them fellers must ha' been pretty clos't around to
+get that car away so quick. I think them boys was clever. Anyway they
+wasn't no reward then. They is now&mdash;five hundred dollars. The Bankers'
+Association offered it soon as they heard the story."<a class="pagenum" name="page_176" id="page_176" title="176"></a></p>
+
+<p>"When are you going to hunt them out?" asked Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"Huntin' right now, son. Huntin' while we set gassin' with you. We hunts
+in our sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"No joking, now. When are you going to get up a posse? I want to go
+along."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll send for ye when we feel that we need ye, son. Come along, Ike. I
+hear Number Three whistlin' fer the crossin'. Watch the blind baggage."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_177" id="page_177" title="177"></a>
+<a name="DETECTIVE_MATTY_4241" id="DETECTIVE_MATTY_4241"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+<h3>DETECTIVE MATTY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Glen managed to get back to the camp without coming under Matt's notice.
+His animosity had all disappeared. This one act of loyalty on Matt's
+part wiped out a great load of snubs and grudges. He knew that his
+connection with the reform school was quite generally known at the camp,
+for Mr. Newton himself&mdash;subsequent to the disclosures of J. Jervice&mdash;had
+seen fit to explain to the scouts that Glen might be considered as
+staying under his parole, and had further expressed his conviction that
+the authorities would certainly make the parole permanent in view of all
+the facts. An explanation made to friendly boys, however, was a vastly
+different thing from making one to officers who had a chance to earn a
+reward. He felt, therefore, that Matt had saved him from a real danger.</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick and Apple were anxiously awaiting his coming that they might
+complete the map which they were preparing from his recollection of the
+chart shown by Jervice. Mr. Newton had<a class="pagenum" name="page_178" id="page_178" title="178"></a> decided that the information
+Glen had gained from the robbers' chart was his exclusive property,
+since it had been obtained by him while in peril of life and limb. But
+Glen was not disposed to take advantage of this, and with the help of
+Apple and Chick-chick as chartographers was preparing a chart for the
+free use of the entire camp.</p>
+
+<p>"We have everything sketched in that you told us," said Apple. "What we
+want now is to be as nearly sure as possible where the big star was."</p>
+
+<p>"It looked to be about half way down the side of the Mound," said Glen.
+"Right near it I saw marks for 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs.'"</p>
+
+<p>"We've been looking along Buffalo Creek and we can't find any Twin Elms.
+There's only one place where two elms are anywhere near together and one
+of them is a great big elm, and the other a little sapling that isn't
+more than five years old. That would throw it out altogether as far as
+locating our cave."</p>
+
+<p>"How about Deep Springs?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's the Ice Box. The Springs must be deep there because it's
+so cold. We used to swim there last year but it's really too cold for
+fun. That's just about half way down the Mound, but there's no elms
+anywhere near."<a class="pagenum" name="page_179" id="page_179" title="179"></a></p>
+
+<p>"How would it be to mark that for 'Deep Springs' and put the mark for
+'Twin Elms' just where the two elms you speak about are?"</p>
+
+<p>"An' then put big star between 'em an' everything be over but pickin' up
+treasure," put in Chick-chick, sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it wouldn't do," said Apple. "We don't know that Deep Springs and
+the Ice Box are the same and we are pretty sure Twin Elms couldn't be
+the old tree and the sapling. The only thing I know to do is to make the
+marks just like you saw them and let the scouts figure them out for
+themselves. If we go putting our own ideas in we will likely spoil the
+whole thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Great head, this," endorsed Chick-chick, patting the curly head
+appreciatively.</p>
+
+<p>They took the chart out and nailed it to a tree near the cook shack and
+in a few moments it was being studied by the entire troop which had just
+gathered for dinner.</p>
+
+<p>It might well be doubted whether the chart served any purpose of
+enlightenment, after all. It showed certain local land marks and several
+crosses were designated at different spots but just what they
+represented was still a mystery. The principal cross was the one over
+which Mr. Jervice had placed his thumb, and this inclined the majority<a class="pagenum" name="page_180" id="page_180" title="180"></a>
+to decide to hunt in that direction, but unfortunately it was hard to
+find "Twin Elms" thereabout, and the "Deep Springs" were only a matter
+of surmise. It had certainly served the purpose of reviving interest in
+the treasure hunt and mysterious rumors of a cave in which a robber band
+had hidden booty did not lessen it.</p>
+
+<p>Will Spencer while pleased at the renewed activity was by no means sure
+that it would help his search.</p>
+
+<p>"Think we'll have to push on back to our cornfield and do some exploring
+from the old bed of the lake back to its source, Glen," said he. "Gold
+is nothing to us. What we want is water."</p>
+
+<p>"Supposing some of these scouts should find all that bullion, you'd
+think differently," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>Spencer laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You're having a good vacation about it," he said. "We'll stay this week
+out since we're both having such a good time. Next week you push your
+Uncle Bill and his billy cart back to Ryder's farmhouse and we begin
+over again."</p>
+
+<p>"Any time you say," agreed Glen. "Here's Goosey looking as if he was
+excited about something."</p>
+
+<p>"Found the treasure, son?" asked Will.<a class="pagenum" name="page_181" id="page_181" title="181"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Not yet," admitted Goosey. "But I've got an idea."</p>
+
+<p>"When you're looking for treasure look for signs of old water-courses.
+If you find one, follow it along and see if it leads to a spring."</p>
+
+<p>"What good'll that do?" asked Goosey.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty dollars' worth," replied Jolly Bill. "Twenty dollars in coin of
+the realm. This old buried treasure may be in such shape that you can't
+cash it. My money will be straight goods."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess I'll find the gold the Indians stole," said Goosey. "I've got a
+scheme, leastways Matty's got one, and he's letting me in on it."</p>
+
+<p>It was not until next day that Goosey, under pressure from Chick-chick,
+disclosed more of Matty's wonderful scheme.</p>
+
+<p>"You know, Matty's read a lot about detecting things and he knows all
+about how to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we ought to know about that, Goosey. See how he found the bread
+box."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he admits he slipped up there. But this time it's different. He
+says he ain't soft enough to suppose Brick Mason is giving out
+information to help people find the treasure when&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Goosey. Thought Matt didn't believe there was any treasure. He
+believes whole thing fake&mdash;Matt does."<a class="pagenum" name="page_182" id="page_182" title="182"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Well, after he talked to the deputy sheriff and found out there was a
+big reward offered he changed his mind. He says it ain't reasonable the
+Bankers' Association would offer a reward just for nothing. So then he
+says, of course Brick Mason's chart is a blind. Brick wants everybody to
+be wasting their time on a wrong scent while he goes after the real
+thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Real clever; Matty is. Wish he was as white as Brick."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Matt's clever, anyway; no gettin' around that. What does he do to
+get on the right track? He goes an' hunts up the Indian&mdash;the one as told
+us to look for heap rock."</p>
+
+<p>"Bright idea. Of course Indian wouldn't tell Matt anything but truth&mdash;he
+wouldn't."</p>
+
+<p>"No, because Matt gave him two dollars. So Indian told him there was a
+cave and he wasn't sure about the treasure because he's superstitious
+and he's too much afraid of the dead men to look. But the cave isn't
+anywhere near Buffalo Creek. It's on down below."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean below camp?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, down in the woods somewhere around Vinegar Creek. You know Buffalo
+Creek gets pretty rapid after it passes the Ice Box. Runs down with lots
+of force into Vinegar Creek. It's<a class="pagenum" name="page_183" id="page_183" title="183"></a> quite a gully down there and for five
+dollars more the Indian's willing to show Matt the exact place."</p>
+
+<p>"Worth that much to Matty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Worth it! You ain't talkin' sense. Matt doesn't need money so awful
+bad, but there's just two things he'd like better than anything else in
+the world. One is to find the treasure and so kill that everlastin' joke
+about the bread box. T'other's to catch the bank robbers an' so show
+that he's the smartest boy in camp."</p>
+
+<p>"That five dollars won't get him to it&mdash;it won't."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Matt's lucky this time, as it happens. He isn't going to have to
+pay the Indian the five. He's found a better way. Last night he went
+down to kinder look things over an' he found a couple o' men camping.
+First off he hoped they were the robbers but they're pretty nice men and
+they're engineers. Matt wouldn't have told them anything but when he
+found they were surveyin' Vinegar Creek and goin' on up to Buffalo next
+he could see right off that they had good chances of runnin' right into
+the cave, so he gets ahead of 'em by tellin' all about it and making 'em
+promise equal shares if they found anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Clever Matty!" exclaimed Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he's clever, Matty is. No good paying<a class="pagenum" name="page_184" id="page_184" title="184"></a> any five dollars to any
+Indian when he's got as good a thing as that. These engineers want to
+see our camp so Matty's to bring 'em up this afternoon while everybody's
+at the swim. He doesn't want the crowd around to be pestering 'em with
+questions."</p>
+
+<p>When this information was carried to Jolly Bill he was more disturbed
+than he cared to acknowledge. He had a very well defined feeling that
+his scheme to restore Buffalo Lake had become common property and that
+these engineers were competitors. He felt some safety in the fact that
+he held options on the land; yet he had a strong desire to see this
+surveying corps and talk with the men about their work.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened that Glen was in camp when the surveyors came&mdash;he
+stayed at Spencer's request to engineer the billy-cart. The engineers
+were young fellows, not overly clean; perhaps it was not to be expected
+in following such work. They were genial enough to the few people who
+were in camp. At first they did not seem inclined to pay much attention
+to Spencer, but after he had asked them one or two questions they began
+to take notice.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you running your levels for the Vinegar Creek survey?" asked
+Spencer.<a class="pagenum" name="page_185" id="page_185" title="185"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Running what?" said one.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, levels," said the other. "We haven't got to that yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Find it rather hard to carry your lines through all that brush, don't
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will if we have to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"What elevation do you work from?"</p>
+
+<p>"We ain't quite decided. You see, we only just made camp. Mebbe we'll
+work up here first."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to see Mr. Newton about that," said Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see him," said the spokesman. "We're going to look along up this
+creek a piece, now."</p>
+
+<p>"Think perhaps you'll start your survey at an obtuse angle or an angle
+of sixty degrees, which?" asked Spencer gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Sixty degrees," replied the man, as if glad to get off so easily.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I'm quite sure they're no engineers," said Spencer to Glen as the
+two men followed Matt along the bank of Buffalo Creek. "I rather thought
+they weren't from the start, which is why I asked such foolish
+questions. Well, that relieves my anxiety about competition."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you reckon they are?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Two farmer boys who want to work Matt for something, I suppose. We
+ought to warn him to<a class="pagenum" name="page_186" id="page_186" title="186"></a> be on guard, but really I think a few lessons will
+do Matt lots of good."</p>
+
+<p>"He did me a good turn yesterday," said Glen. "I'd like to put him
+next."</p>
+
+<p>"You can try it," agreed Will. "But Matt is one of the class of people
+who would rather be fooled than warned."</p>
+
+<p>Glen ran along after the trio. The noise of his approach caught Matt's
+ear and he turned with a look of disgust on his face.</p>
+
+<p>"You aren't in on this," he exclaimed angrily. "These two men are my
+friends and our business is private."</p>
+
+<p>"I just wanted to tell you something, Burton," said Glen. "I'll go back
+as soon as I've said it."</p>
+
+<p>"Fire away," instructed Matt. "The quicker you get rid of it and go the
+way you came, the better."</p>
+
+<p>"Come over here and I'll tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"These men are my friends, I tell you. Whatever you have to say to me
+they can hear."</p>
+
+<p>"They're not scouts," objected Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"You're not much of a one," retorted Matt.</p>
+
+<p>The words Glen had for Matt were not to be bawled into the ears of
+strangers, so he left the foolish boy to follow his own tactics. It was
+not too late for the swim and Glen was glad to have<a class="pagenum" name="page_187" id="page_187" title="187"></a> at least a few
+minutes of his favorite sport.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressing when some one tapped him on the shoulder and he looked
+up into the comical face of Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"Hey, Brick. Found something, I have," he announced.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Hssh! Not so loud! Don't want whole camp to know. It's secret.
+Footprints on sands of time."</p>
+
+<p>"You're talking nonsense," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"No nonsense about it. It's wheelprints 'stead o' footprints, that's
+all. Come an' see. I was chasin' butterfly down near Vinegar Creek an' I
+ran on it by accident, I did."</p>
+
+<p>The two boys managed to slip away from the crowd and Chick-chick
+mysteriously led the way down the road in the direction of the heavy
+woods that marked the location of Vinegar Creek.</p>
+
+<p>"While back I heard a car chuggin' along. Funny for car be down here,
+don't ye know. Then there's somethin' 'bout an engine's voice&mdash;every
+engine got voice of its own and you 'member it after you get 'quainted.
+Seemed to me I knew that voice. Looked at car an' didn't look like
+anything ever seen. Car all stripped off&mdash;nothing much left but chassis.
+Then I came down to road<a class="pagenum" name="page_188" id="page_188" title="188"></a> an' looked at tracks. Wait bit. Soon be there,
+we will."</p>
+
+<p>He led on for another hundred yards until they reached a point where an
+old woods trail struck out into the highway. Here Chick-chick paused.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at this, Brick," he said. "Ever see tire-tracks look like that,
+did you?"</p>
+
+<p>Glen looked at the tracks. They were exactly like those he had smoothed
+away when concealing the departure of the J. Jervice car at the ford.</p>
+
+<p>"Verdict of Jury 'Guilty as charged'!" exclaimed Chick-chick, looking
+into his eyes. "Come on, Brick, let's follow 'long this old cow-path
+till we see our beloved car once more."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_189" id="page_189" title="189"></a>
+<a name="THE_END_OF_THE_JERVICE_GANG_4556" id="THE_END_OF_THE_JERVICE_GANG_4556"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+<h3>THE END OF THE JERVICE GANG</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>All that Glen could do was to follow where Chick-chick led and try to go
+just as noiselessly, and to flit carefully from one screen of cover to
+the next in just as unobtrusive a way. It was an old sport with
+Chick-chick, but though Glen was an amateur at it he made a very good
+performance.</p>
+
+<p>It was not reasonable to suppose that an automobile could get very far
+along such a road, yet they had traveled a quarter mile before the
+tracks swung entirely away from the old path and followed a strip of
+comparatively bare ground that led in toward the creek.</p>
+
+<p>"There she is!" at last Chick-chick whispered. "Don't look bit like gay
+old friend we left, she don't."</p>
+
+<p>She did not. If it were the same car it meant that the gang, feeling
+that so conspicuous a mark as the J. Jervice car originally presented
+would be a fatal advertisement of their identity, and yet desirous of
+making use of the car, had stripped<a class="pagenum" name="page_190" id="page_190" title="190"></a> it clean of the betraying top and
+had taken away everything that could mark it for a peddler's car.</p>
+
+<p>Their plan would have worked successfully but for the betraying tires,
+and the sharp eye and quick mind of scout Henry Henry, commonly known as
+Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure it's the same?" whispered Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Surest thing on wheels," affirmed Chick-chick. "Bet you find drygoods
+in the transmission case if dare look."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you suppose they've left it here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Good, safe place. Nobody see. Camp not far away, reckon. Better lay
+pretty low here. There's only two of us."</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon two tired but excited scouts found their way into
+camp and proceeded to disturb Mr. Newton in his afternoon study hour.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it true that there's reward of five hundred dollars for the bank
+robbers?" one asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so," said Mr. Newton. "The sheriff himself and quite a few
+deputies are trying to earn it, too. They are covering this county and
+several neighboring counties, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Sheriff out this way?" asked Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"He was in Buffalo Center this morning," replied Mr. Newton.<a class="pagenum" name="page_191" id="page_191" title="191"></a></p>
+
+<p>"We know where gang is, Mr. Newton. We want go right down get that
+reward, we do."</p>
+
+<p>"The reward is for their apprehension, Henry. So you see you wouldn't
+get it, because, so far, you don't appear to have apprehended them."</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick's countenance fell, but he brightened again in a minute.</p>
+
+<p>"We can do it all right, all right. Maybe better get sheriff help us."</p>
+
+<p>He proceeded to tell Mr. Newton of their discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"And you saw them so clearly you are quite sure they are the same men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," replied Glen. "We located their camp by a line of
+smoke&mdash;leastways Chick-chick did. Then we climbed a big tree near by and
+looked right down on 'em. I saw Jervice and the big man, and one other
+man I never had seen before."</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do about this?" Mr. Newton asked of Will Spencer, who had
+been studying with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Get 'em," replied Will, his eyes sparkling. "I wish I were more of a
+man, so I could help."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Will," said Mr. Newton, kindly. "You have just as good other
+work, you know. And wishing won't make you agile and active<a class="pagenum" name="page_192" id="page_192" title="192"></a> any more
+than it will make these boys into grown men. What's the wise thing to
+do?"</p>
+
+<p>"You good, old scoutmaster!" exclaimed Will. "Of course you're right.
+You being the only real man here the thing to do is to see if that
+sheriff is still at Buffalo Center."</p>
+
+<p>"But you ain't going to shut us out?" cried Glen and Chick-chick in
+unison.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Newton and Spencer laughed at their eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>"You are big fellows, both of you," said Mr. Newton. "I've no desire to
+rob you of your glory or reward. You must come with me to see the
+sheriff, or perhaps you'd better go alone on Henry's motorcycle to save
+time. He will have to come this way to go after the men, and I've no
+doubt he will want you to show the way. Perhaps he'll let me go, too.
+Only no foolishness, remember&mdash;no attempt at single-handed captures&mdash;no
+stepping in the way of a piece of heavy artillery just to show that you
+bear a charmed life. After you've shown the way your job will be to stay
+in the background."</p>
+
+<p>The sheriff was still staying at Buffalo Center's little hotel.
+Chick-chick was disappointed to find that he did not at all come up to
+his ideas of a sheriff. Glen whose dealings with sheriffs had<a class="pagenum" name="page_193" id="page_193" title="193"></a> not been
+so limited was not so surprised. The sheriff was so much like the other
+farmers lounging around the hotel office that they had to inquire for
+him. There was this much to say for him&mdash;he was not big, but he looked
+as if he might be quick and keen.</p>
+
+<p>"Better come in here," said the sheriff, leading the way into the little
+parlor. "Now, tell me all about it."</p>
+
+<p>Glen acted as spokesman, for Chick-chick was still quite excited.</p>
+
+<p>"So you're the boys that got the car away from the peddler, are ye?"
+asked the sheriff. "I reckon ye ought to know the car an' the man too.
+You was expectin' to see this man Jervice, wasn't ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"We were after we saw the car," Glen agreed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, don't ye reckon that mebbe, seein' the man at a distance like an'
+being as you was expectin' to see Jervice an' the big man, you might
+just imagined they was what you saw?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. It wasn't possible to be mistaken. We were near enough so we
+could both see the man very clearly."</p>
+
+<p>"Well; this other fellow, now; the one you never had seen before? What
+did he look like?"</p>
+
+<p>"Big man," said Chick-chick. "Over six foot.<a class="pagenum" name="page_194" id="page_194" title="194"></a> Black hair, no hair on his
+face. I got good look once and face was all one side like this, it was."</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick drew his face to one side in a peculiar manner. Mimicry was
+one of his talents.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the feller," said the sheriff. "If you saw him that's the gang.
+That was Black Coventry to the letter. There ought to be two more of 'em
+and the gang would be complete. You can show us the way, can you?"</p>
+
+<p>The sheriff had one of his deputies with him at the hotel. He deputized
+two active young farmers who were present and the four started on
+horseback following Chick-chick's motorcycle.</p>
+
+<p>They found Mr. Newton waiting at the roadside near the camp. Chick-chick
+began an introduction but the sheriff interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know Captain Newton. Remember when ye was Captain of Battery
+A&mdash;let's see, twelve years ago, that was. Come along of us, Captain.
+Ye're just the man we need an' we're short handed, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"I've no horse," objected the scoutmaster.</p>
+
+<p>"Jump up back o' me. It ain't so awful far f'm what these boys say.
+We'll have to foot it, anyway, for quite some distance, if we want to
+s'prise 'em."</p>
+
+<p>When the place where the wood-road turned<a class="pagenum" name="page_195" id="page_195" title="195"></a> off was reached the sheriff
+decided to leave the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"One o' you boys stay here now with the deputy an' help guard these
+horses," instructed the sheriff. "Which'll it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I guess it's Chick-chick's find," volunteered Glen. "I'll stay."</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your eyes sharp open," the sheriff instructed his deputy. "If
+they'd get started afore we could get to their car they might slip by
+us. Then, there ought to be two more of 'em somewheres around, too.
+Might be comin' up any minute. They're slick."</p>
+
+<p>After the men had gone Glen found it anxious work waiting with the
+deputy and the horses while Chick-chick led the sheriff's posse to
+glory.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose we'll hear 'em shooting most any minute," he said to the
+deputy.</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe we will&mdash;mebbe we won't," replied the deputy. "We won't if things
+go the way the old man intends."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"There won't be any shootin' unless they's some break in his
+calc'lations. His way don't make much allowance for it. He'll get up
+there right silent an' have his men posted convenient; then he'll step
+out an' say 'Come along o' me,<a class="pagenum" name="page_196" id="page_196" title="196"></a> Coventry. No good fussin'. My men got ye
+dead to rights.' An' mos' generally they come."</p>
+
+<p>"How about the other two men?" asked Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe they're there; mebbe they ain't. It was putty clever of 'em to
+hide right around here, knowing they was looked for all over the
+country."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you suppose they're staying here so as to look for that stuff in
+the cave?"</p>
+
+<p>"We don't take much stock in that story," said the deputy. "We don't
+know that they is any cave. What they was after wasn't in no river bank,
+it was in the bank of Buffalo Center."</p>
+
+<p>He appreciated his little joke and chuckled over it very heartily. His
+merriment, however, did not prevent him from being the first one to see
+a little group coming down the main road.</p>
+
+<p>"Three of 'em!" he said. "One of 'em's from your camp. Who's the other
+two?"</p>
+
+<p>"The scout is Matt Burton," said Glen. "The other two must be the
+engineers that he found camping down here. Say, I'll tell you something.
+They aren't engineers. What's the matter with them being the other two
+of Jervice's gang?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing the matter at all," said the deputy. "Lay low now, and we'll
+get 'em. They're looking awful suspicious like at our tracks in the
+road. They don't understand 'em. If they break an'<a class="pagenum" name="page_197" id="page_197" title="197"></a> run you stay here
+with the horses an' I'll give 'em a chase."</p>
+
+<p>"They've grabbed hold of Matt as if they were going to work some rough
+house play with him," said Glen. "Look what they're doing."</p>
+
+<p>"They think he's sold 'em out," said the deputy. "They got a notion that
+he's leading 'em into something."</p>
+
+<p>Just then Matt, who was not deficient in courage, made a lunge at one of
+the men, broke loose and started to run. He was overtaken in a minute by
+the other man who hit him such a blow as to stretch him full length in
+the dust of the road.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on there, hold on," the deputy counseled Glen. "You can't do
+anything chasin' after 'em. Just let 'em stay here till the sheriff gets
+back an' he'll pick 'em up easy. Now, take a holt o' this gun. You
+needn't shoot it, but it'll look better if you have one. I'm goin' to
+sneak up a piece and get back of 'em. I'll take this rope along an'
+mebbe I can git it over one of 'em. I won't be far behind 'em any time.
+You stay here with the hosses an' if they seem like to pass along
+without noticing don't you so much as cheep. All you got to do is mind
+the hosses."</p>
+
+<p>When the two men, with Matt between them,<a class="pagenum" name="page_198" id="page_198" title="198"></a> reached the turn of the road
+and saw that the tracks led directly to the camp they came to a dead
+halt. Glen could now hear distinctly what they said.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a frame up," declared one. "This kid thinks he's smart leading us
+into a trap. Back we go. Nobody won't draw on us, neither. You go first,
+Jack. I'll be right next to you with my hands on your shoulders. This
+smart kid'll foller me the same way. They won't nobody try no gun play
+for fear of hittin' the kid. Jest as soon as we git out of range we'll
+make a streak for it, an' the kid'll go with us."</p>
+
+<p>The man spoke in a loud voice undoubtedly for the benefit of some person
+or persons who might be supposed to be within bullet range and be
+desirous of picking them off from ambush rather than risk a personal
+encounter. Perhaps he had heard some warning noise. He had not made so
+bad a guess, for a good marksman, concealed in Glen's position, would
+have had them at his mercy.</p>
+
+<p>Glen watched the peculiar parade as the three walked back up the road at
+a lock-step gait that was quite fast for unpracticed performers. He would
+have been glad to give some word of encouragement to Matt for he still
+remembered the good turn of the day before. But his business was to
+watch over the horses. It would never do to betray their hiding place to
+these desperate men who might overpower him and be off before the deputy
+could reach them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-002" id="illus-002"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-198.jpg" alt="Glen watched the three walk back up the road at a lock-step gait. Page 198" title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">Glen watched the three walk back up the road at a lock-step gait. Page 198</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_199" id="page_199" title="199"></a>Where was that deputy?</p>
+
+<p>He said that he would not be far behind the desperadoes at any time; but
+Glen had seen no sign of him since he slipped so quietly away with his
+long rope. He watched the marching figures going back along the
+road&mdash;farther away&mdash;farther yet. Soon they would be feeling safe out of
+range and would break and run.</p>
+
+<p>Where was the deputy?</p>
+
+<p>Glen found his answer even though he did not see his man. A long rope
+circled through the air. It fell neatly over the three close-locked
+heads and tightened suddenly as it dropped below their shoulders. There
+was a frantic struggle from the tied up trio and suddenly the deputy
+came into view belaying his rope to a tree.</p>
+
+<p>Glen turned his eyes from this scene as he heard the noise of voices
+behind him. It was the sheriff's party returning. He waved his hand to
+them for speed and was glad to see the sheriff, Mr. Newton and
+Chick-chick start toward him<a class="pagenum" name="page_200" id="page_200" title="200"></a> on the run. The other members of the party
+were evidently convoying prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>One of the men in the road had freed his hands but the deputy had
+persuaded him to put them above his head, and stood in the road guarding
+his capture as the relief party came up.</p>
+
+<p>"So you got 'em?" exclaimed the sheriff. "That makes the haul complete.
+Our three below are coming along like lambs."</p>
+
+<p>"These three," said the deputy, solemnly, "being trussed up the way they
+is, looks more like chickens."</p>
+
+<p>"Loosen up on 'em," said Glen. "That one's a scout. You could easily
+tell he isn't one of 'em. Didn't you see the way they knocked him over?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He's a scout," confirmed Mr. Newton, coming up. "He has simply
+been deceived by these fellows, supposing they were honest men. I hope
+they haven't hurt you much, Burton."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurt me!" cried Matt. "They were two to one and they knocked me down
+but they couldn't hurt me. Let me give this big fellow just one&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That'll do, young fellow," said the sheriff. "These men are in the
+hands of the law, now. They'll get whatever's coming to 'em."</p>
+
+<p>It was a triumphant procession that wound its way back to town. Three of
+the prisoners were<a class="pagenum" name="page_201" id="page_201" title="201"></a> placed in their car which Chick-chick was called
+upon to engineer under the guardianship of the sheriff. This left Glen
+to ride the motorcycle alone. Still desirous to repay Matt's good turn
+he offered him passage but Matt preferred to ride the sheriff's horse.
+He was unable to understand or appreciate any friendly offers from Glen,
+for he felt that his share in the proceedings had been ludicrous if not
+contemptible and expected scant mercy from either Glen or Chick-chick.
+As a matter of fact, Glen would have been very glad to have his company,
+both that he might repay his good turn and that he might have the
+advantage of his experience in cycling, for Glen was a rank novice and
+found great difficulty in getting back to camp.</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick drove the car all the way to the little calaboose where the
+sheriff expected to confine the men until train time. The sheriff
+expressed himself under great obligations.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't hardly know what to say about the reward, son," he said. "It'll
+have to split up a good many ways so there won't be an awful big slice
+for any one of us."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll leave it to you," agreed Chick-chick, magnanimously. "Maybe you'd
+let me speak word to Jervice."<a class="pagenum" name="page_202" id="page_202" title="202"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Sure I will. You can talk a book into his ear if you like. But that
+ain't sayin' as he'll say anything to you."</p>
+
+<p>The sheriff had guessed correctly. Mr. J. Jervice was singularly
+uncommunicative.</p>
+
+<p>"What's meanin' of 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs'?" asked Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jervice shook his head at such foolishness.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't get any good out of it," insisted the inquisitive boy. "Give
+me your chart now and I'll use influence with Judge to get you easy
+sentence, I will."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jervice shook his head and turned away.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that young fool saying about 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs'?"
+asked the big leader.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jervice muttered something in reply.</p>
+
+<p>"You take it from me, young feller," said the man, angrily. "The thing
+you'd orter do is to git them names out o' your mind. They ain't no such
+places."</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick went back to receive the adulation of the camp but he was
+not satisfied.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_203" id="page_203" title="203"></a>
+<a name="GLEN_AND_APPLE_FIND_THE_CAVE_4928" id="GLEN_AND_APPLE_FIND_THE_CAVE_4928"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+<h3>GLEN AND APPLE FIND THE CAVE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>As might be expected, the excitement in camp that evening was intense.
+Chick-chick and Brick Mason were heroes. No one could do too much for
+them. Even Will Spencer was excited.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fine thing for you, Glen," he said. "I'm glad you had the chance
+and that you did so well with it. Mr. Newton says the sheriff will give
+you and the deputy full credit for the capture of the two fellows that
+came down with Matt."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm mighty tickled," Glen admitted. "I don't think it'll amount to so
+very much, though, because there's so many will have to divide the
+reward."</p>
+
+<p>"Brick, Brick, where did you get that head?" exclaimed Jolly Bill. "I'm
+not talking about the reward. Can't you see anything better than that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I don't know that I do. I'm afraid I never will be smart."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you will. You're getting too much for<a class="pagenum" name="page_204" id="page_204" title="204"></a> me already. But, don't you
+see, old brick head, how much better chance this gives you to get your
+discharge from the reform school? 'Single-handed, he engaged in a
+terrific conflict with two desperadoes and delivered them into the hands
+of the officers of the law.' How does that sound? You begin to see where
+you get off?"</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe so. All I did was to hold the horses, but I'll be glad of any
+credit that comes to me. I expected we'd hear from the school before
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you fear but what you'll hear quick enough. Your friend who was
+here last Sunday is looking after your interests or they'd have yanked
+you back before now. I only hope they let you stay another week or two
+so you'll do me some good."</p>
+
+<p>"I surely hope they do," said Glen. "I'm having such a fine time I wish
+it would go on forever. You think you'll get along all right while I go
+up the Mound to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be all right. Bob and I will keep the camp from running away.
+Maybe it'll rain again, like it did when you tried it Sunday night.
+You'll be mighty glad to get back to us if it does."</p>
+
+<p>"No, we're going to stick it out to-night whatever happens," said Glen.
+"The fellows are going to take their ponchos and stay all night<a class="pagenum" name="page_205" id="page_205" title="205"></a>
+whatever the weather. Going clear to the top of Buffalo Mound. I'm going
+with Apple and he has a waterproof sleeping bag big enough for two.
+We're going to have a great time. I tell you, Will, this camp life with
+people like Apple and the scoutmaster and you is more like heaven than
+anything I ever dreamed of."</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of satisfaction and joy had come into Glen Mason's life in
+the last few days. He felt it in the companionship of Apple and
+Chick-chick as they marched up Buffalo Mound together that night,
+carrying their firewood and blankets for the bivouac. There was a new
+bond of fellowship between them, a bond which Glen would have found it
+quite impossible to state in words but which was none the less genuine
+and fixed. The little service at the camp-fire meant more to him than
+anything he had ever experienced; he had really started his journey, he
+was definitely lined up with God's people, he had enlisted for actual
+service. In the few quiet minutes while he lay wrapped in his blanket
+waiting for sleep to come, and meanwhile looking up at the starry vault
+which seemed to him to represent God's heaven, he experienced the
+greatest peace that had ever come into his life.</p>
+
+<p>Only hardened campaigners and boys can sleep<a class="pagenum" name="page_206" id="page_206" title="206"></a> the dreamless sleep of
+nature next to mother earth, with no soft mattress to pad the irregular
+outlines of bony prominences, and even boys are apt to waken earlier
+than common. So it is no wonder that daybreak found Glen and Apple glad
+to shake themselves free from their blankets and climb the few feet
+necessary to get the best of the justly celebrated view from Buffalo
+Mound. Miles and miles over the flat prairie country could they see in
+the clear morning air, and with the assistance of Mr. Newton's field
+glass they could draw far away objects very near to their field of
+vision. It was interesting to see the little towns, each with its two or
+three church spires, its one or two large buildings and its collection
+of dwellings; to see eight towns in six different counties from the same
+spot was an exciting experience for these boys.</p>
+
+<p>But they did not get their real excitement until they turned their glass
+down the west side of the Mound, and there came in the range of their
+vision an Indian engaged in some mysterious occupation on the bank of
+Buffalo Creek.</p>
+
+<p>"He's at the Ice Box," declared Apple. "Now what do you suppose that
+Indian's doing? Look at him dive."</p>
+
+<p>"How can he stay under so long?" asked Glen,<a class="pagenum" name="page_207" id="page_207" title="207"></a> after they had watched two
+or three minutes without seeing a head appear.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't tell you. Maybe he swam under water and has come up in some
+other place that we can't see."</p>
+
+<p>But fully ten minutes later, while they still watched in great
+curiosity, his head came into sight at about the place where he had
+dived in, and a moment later they saw him draw his glistening body out
+of the water.</p>
+
+<p>"Where's he been?" said Apple. "He hasn't been under water all that
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"But neither did he come up anywhere that I could see," said Glen. "I
+know what's happened," he added in an excited tone. "He's been in the
+cave."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you," said Apple. "We guessed right. Ice Box and Deep Springs
+mean the same place. I don't know about any Twin Elms but that cave is
+there, at the Ice Box. I don't know why we never saw it, unless because
+it's on the far bank and we always looked this side."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe its entrance is under water," suggested Glen. "That Indian dived,
+you see, and we didn't see a sign of him again until he came back."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the way of it, Glen. And that's the same Indian told us to look
+for heap rock. I<a class="pagenum" name="page_208" id="page_208" title="208"></a> believe&mdash;" it was the romantic side of Apple now
+appearing&mdash;"I believe he is the tribal guardian of the treasure and he
+stays around here to guard it from our search."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe so," agreed Glen. "Anyway if the treasure's there we'll soon know
+it. You think you can keep in your head the exact location where he
+dived?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. It's just at the bend of the Ice Box. Right opposite on the other
+bank are those two old stumps&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on," shouted Glen excitedly, seized with a great idea. "I'll bet
+you those are the stumps of elm trees&mdash;the Twin Elms."</p>
+
+<p>"You're right, Glen. I'm sure you're right. I can hardly wait to find
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"We don't want all the camp following us into this. When will be the
+best time to hunt for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter with right now?" suggested Apple. "It's only a little
+after five. Breakfast won't be called until eight. Father won't care
+where we go so long as we get to camp in time for breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Indian! What will he be doing while we explore his cave?"</p>
+
+<p>"He won't be there. He hiked through the<a class="pagenum" name="page_209" id="page_209" title="209"></a> timber, and he's less likely
+to be there now than he would be later on in the day."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right with me," declared Glen. "Now's as good as any time.
+We'll get our blankets and tell your father we will be at camp in time
+for breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>When a couple of boys have a great secret which they have just
+discovered they are likely to overdo the secrecy of it. Glen and Apple
+made a wide detour through the fields and when they at last approached
+the Ice Box it was from an entirely different angle. Taking warning from
+the exposure of the Indian they took off their clothes in the shelter of
+some bushes and made a quick rush into the water.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful, now," warned Apple. "It's cold as ice and swift as the
+rapids. Must be some big springs around here."</p>
+
+<p>But Glen was always at home in the water and needed no warning.</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is, I'll bet," he cried. "Just under the ledge, you see. The
+opening's only about two feet wide and the space above water to the
+ledge isn't more than a foot and a half. That's why it's all covered up
+when the water's high. Come on. Let me go first."</p>
+
+<p>Once inside this narrow passage they were<a class="pagenum" name="page_210" id="page_210" title="210"></a> indeed in a cave. For a few
+feet around the small opening daylight shone dimly in, but it was lost
+in impenetrable gloom above and to the rear. A mass of something dense
+loomed in front of them and Apple swimming boldly up declared, it to be
+a pile of stone.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the heap stone the Indian spoke about, Brick," he shouted. "We've
+sure found it. Let's go back and get some lanterns and things."</p>
+
+<p>Out in the broad light of day the romance did not seem quite so
+absolutely sure, and the nearer they drew to the camp the less positive
+did they become about their discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"We wouldn't like the camp to have the laugh on us like they did on
+Matt," admitted Apple. "I guess we'd better make sure before we have
+very much to say about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon we had," Glen agreed. "We can keep it to ourselves for awhile
+without anybody carrying it away. That Indian couldn't carry it very far
+by himself. Once we are sure, then we can tell the whole camp. Wish we
+could find Chick-chick. We could tell him right now."</p>
+
+<p>It was a hard thing to be discreetly silent until their opportunity for
+thorough search came, and fortunate that they had not long to wait. That
+very afternoon it rained and most of the boys stayed in camp.
+Chick-chick was still away on some mysterious errand. Glen and Apple
+appeared clad in bathing suits and tennis shoes.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-003" id="illus-003"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-211.jpg" alt="With the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of their surroundings. Page 211" title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">With the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of their surroundings. Page 211</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_211" id="page_211" title="211"></a>"We
+don't mind the rain," Apple announced. "We are going out. Look for
+us when you see us."</p>
+
+<p>They had already cached a couple of lanterns, a pick and two spades near
+the Ice Box and it was no trick at all to get them into the cave. With
+the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of their surroundings.
+The floor of the cave was waist deep in water which seemed to rush on in
+a swift current and escape again into the creek through a counter
+opening a few feet away. The cave was quite long. It did not, as they
+supposed, have its beginning at the opening where they entered, but
+extended some distance back into the gloom, and as the current was quite
+swift back there it was evident that there were other hidden openings.
+The vault of the cave was high, so high that they could not see the top
+by the feeble light of their lanterns. But the thing that they could see
+and that thrust from their minds every other subject was a solid arch of
+masonry.</p>
+
+<p>"I was right!" shouted Apple. "I was right! That's no natural formation.
+That has been<a class="pagenum" name="page_212" id="page_212" title="212"></a> built up by men's hands years ago. It's sure to be the
+hiding place of the treasure. What else could it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"It couldn't be anything else," agreed Glen. "We'll mighty soon see. Get
+up to the top and I'll hand you the things."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm up," said Apple. "Are you coming too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure thing. The way to tear this down is a stone at a time beginning
+at the top."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me have the pick, then."</p>
+
+<p>"No, you hold the lantern and let me use the pick. I'm the biggest."</p>
+
+<p>Splash! The first big stone disappeared in the water. Another splash and
+the second followed. But prying them loose was no easy job and they did
+not follow one after the other in the rapid succession the boys would
+have liked. In less than half an hour they decided that an enormous lot
+of work had been done in the effort to bury the treasure.</p>
+
+<p>"We think this is pretty hard work getting these stones loose and
+pitching 'em down in the water," said Apple, reflectively, "but think of
+carrying all of 'em in from outside to build this."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps there were more than two to do it," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course there were," said the more romantic<a class="pagenum" name="page_213" id="page_213" title="213"></a> Apple, his imagination
+stirred by the picture. "There was a small army of them. I can imagine I
+see them coming in here in a long procession each carrying his load,
+giving way to the next, and slipping away quietly in the gloom."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps they didn't do that way at all," said Glen, the practical. "If
+you swing your lantern away up you can see that this cave has high
+ledges running away back. Perhaps they managed to get rock from some of
+those ledges."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps they did. But it was hard work, anyway, and it's hard work
+breaking it up. But if we can just manage to do this just by our two
+selves, and then go back to the fellows and tell 'em we've found the
+treasure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Say, that will be fine," agreed Glen.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a splash at the entrance. "Hush!" said Glen.
+"Somebody's coming."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the Indian!" he whispered, a sudden terror seizing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Worse than that!" said Apple, as he saw the figure that minute outlined
+against the entrance. "Worse than that!" he repeated with a severity
+unusual in his gentle speech. "It's Matt Burton!"</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_214" id="page_214" title="214"></a>
+<a name="BURIED_IN_THE_CAVE_5205" id="BURIED_IN_THE_CAVE_5205"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+<h3>BURIED IN THE CAVE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The two boys looked suspiciously at Matt as he advanced, but neither
+words of cheer nor resentment came to their Lips. A few days ago Glen's
+greeting would have been quick and stinging. His silence spoke well for
+the first lessons of self-control. Apple felt so keenly Matt's injustice
+to Glen that the cordiality which was his natural offering to good and
+bad alike was completely choked.</p>
+
+<p>But another splash caused all three to turn their looks again to the
+entrance and in a moment another head bobbed in sight. It was
+Chick-chick this time.</p>
+
+<p>"'Lo, fellers!" he called out cheerfully. "D'ye know it's rainin' in
+solid sheets outside. Jest had to get in out of it. Old Matt, he's
+follerin' you. I's follerin' Matt. He dived. I dived. 'Tain't much drier
+in here than outside but anyway ye don't need umbrellas. Mighty little
+bit of openin' ye came through there. Skinned me elbow, I did."<a class="pagenum" name="page_215" id="page_215" title="215"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Come up here, Chick-chick," invited Apple. "We can use you. It's dry up
+here. And I don't know why you came, Matt, but since you're here you
+might as well help, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I came to see what you were doing," said Matt. "I knew you didn't go
+out of camp in your bathing suits just for nothing and anyway I wanted
+to see if I could track you."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't bring your bread-box 'long, did ye, Matt?" asked Chick-chick
+innocently.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe I'd have better luck finding things if I was a confederate of
+those that hid them."</p>
+
+<p>Was Matt trying to intimate that Glen had found the cave because of some
+confederacy with the Jervice gang? Glen felt his anger rising.</p>
+
+<p>"That's enough of that," said Apple. "If you fellows want to help you
+can take turns one on top and one in the water. Come on up,
+Chick-chick."</p>
+
+<p>With four pairs of hands they made quicker progress. Both the additional
+workers were strong and active, and Matt especially was urged on by the
+desire to show that he could do as much or a little more than any one
+else. Suddenly he stopped in his work and looked about in evident
+perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" asked Apple. "Too<a class="pagenum" name="page_216" id="page_216" title="216"></a> much cold water? Maybe you'd
+better get out of it for awhile."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there's too much of it, and it's too cold too. But what's
+bothering me is why there's so much. It was up to my waist when I began
+work. Then I threw down a big rock a foot high and stood on it and now
+it's more than waist high again. It must be rising."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought we were getting this pile pulled down awfully quick," said
+Glen. "That's what's made it. The water has risen up to cover it."</p>
+
+<p>Chick-chick straightened himself up and looked around in the gloom. Then
+he lifted the lantern by the light of which he had been working and
+swung it far over his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Where's the opening we came in at?" he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>They all looked in the direction where they expected it to be but not
+even the faintest glimmer of daylight shone in to tell of an opening.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose we've worked away here so long that it has got to be
+dark without our knowing it?" asked Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"No. 'Tisn't more'n an hour since Matt and I invited ourselves in,"
+objected Chick-chick. "Wasn't much past four then."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the rising water," said Matt. "I was<a class="pagenum" name="page_217" id="page_217" title="217"></a> so busy and it came up so
+gradually I didn't notice it. The creek must be rising from the heavy
+rain."</p>
+
+<p>"Another thing is we've thrown so much rock and rubbish down there that
+we've probably choked up that outlet below. There's no sign of it now,"
+observed Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, fellers, I'm gettin' homesick," said Chick-chick. "Let's get out
+o' here."</p>
+
+<p>"All right for me, Chick-chick," said Apple. "I'm not much of a swimmer
+in the dark. You lead the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Not for Chick-chick. I'm no water-witch nor a pathfinder, I ain't.
+'Twouldn't do for humble bug-hunter to take such honor. Let Matt and
+Brick draw straws for it."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm willing to try it," Glen volunteered.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not afraid of it," said Matt, his natural bravery pushing him to
+the front at such a crisis. "Let me try."</p>
+
+<p>"I hold big rock in one hand an' little rock in t'other. Fellow that
+guesses big rock goes," said Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"Right!" said Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"An' Brick guesses left," said Chick-chick for Glen. "Matt gets the
+try."</p>
+
+<p>Matt waited for no counsel.<a class="pagenum" name="page_218" id="page_218" title="218"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I know just about where the opening lies," he said, stepping on the
+pile of masonry. "I'll dive clear through the passage."</p>
+
+<p>With a quick spring he disappeared beneath the turbid water.</p>
+
+<p>The boys waited an anxious minute, swinging their lanterns far out over
+the current. Suddenly Glen thrust the lantern he held into Apple's hand
+and made a quick jump into the swirl of waters. He was up in a moment
+with a heavy burden.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Matt!" he cried. "I saw his hand sticking out of the water and
+jumped for it. He's hurt himself."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were down by his side in a moment, Apple holding a lantern high
+above his head.</p>
+
+<p>"We must get him up on one of those ledges," said Glen. "He's breathing,
+but he isn't conscious."</p>
+
+<p>It would have been a hard task under ordinary circumstances, but in
+their excitement the three scouts made light work of it. One ledge
+shelved down toward the water making their ascent easier, and from there
+they managed to lift the injured boy still higher, well out of reach of
+the water.</p>
+
+<p>Blood was pouring persistently from a wound<a class="pagenum" name="page_219" id="page_219" title="219"></a> in the scalp, but with his
+knowledge of "first aid" Apple was able to stop this quickly by making
+pressure. They had no bandage material of any description but they took
+turns in making pressure with their fingers until the blood seemed
+inclined no longer to flow and the wound showed a tendency to be covered
+by a firm clot. Matt came to himself for a few minutes, spoke a few
+half-conscious words and then drifted off again into quiet; but this
+time it seemed more like the quiet of sleep so they made no effort to
+disturb him.</p>
+
+<p>"He must have hit his head against something pretty sharp when he
+dived," said Glen. "I'll go more carefully and just swim gently along
+the side where the opening ought to be and reach out with my hands for
+it."</p>
+
+<p>But while they were attending Matt the water had made a very appreciable
+rise. It would scarcely be possible to feel along the edges now. The
+water was too high.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll have to swim under water, fellows," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't ye do it, Brick," advised Chick-chick. "You don't want to chance
+Apple and me having to make another rescue, with Matt on our hands
+already."<a class="pagenum" name="page_220" id="page_220" title="220"></a></p>
+
+<p>"You won't have to make any rescue. I'll swim easily and feel well in
+front of me."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like you to try it," said Apple. "We'd be in an awful fix if
+anything happened to you. There's no danger of the water coming up on
+these ledges, and it's bound to go down when the rain is over and the
+creek drops."</p>
+
+<p>"Cheerful lookout, waiting here for that," said Glen. "The folks at the
+camp will go crazy if we don't show up by night. I've got to get out to
+carry the news and get help for Matt."</p>
+
+<p>He jumped into the water without further argument and soon they could
+dimly see him feeling his way along the edge of the cave. It seemed a
+terribly long time before he came back.</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't found it yet," he said with an attempt at cheer. "It seems as
+if it ought to be easy enough to find a two foot opening but the top
+shelves down pretty sharp just there and the opening is now probably
+five or six feet from the surface. It's mighty discouraging to swim
+around under there and not find anything. I must rest up a bit."</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you putting that light out, Chick-chick?" asked Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"We c'n see jest's well with one as two, an'<a class="pagenum" name="page_221" id="page_221" title="221"></a> I've an idea we may need
+it wuss later on," replied Chick-chick, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"You're not getting scared, Chick-chick?" said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm not gettin' scared. I'm just tryin' to use me thinker a bit. We
+got a boy here that may need 'tention. Won't do to be without light. You
+fellers got any matches?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have some," said Apple. "I've kept 'em dry, too."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then. If Brick has to quit experimentin' in the water
+without findin' anything, we'll put out t'other light, too, an' just use
+'em when we need 'em. This water's goin' to go down sooner or later, but
+while we have to wait a light when we need it will be awfully handy."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not through, yet," said Glen. "As soon as I find that opening I'll
+run to camp and get a rope, and we'll have you fellows out in no time.
+I've got marks outside to show me how to get back in all right."</p>
+
+<p>Glen stayed away longer the next time, but he came back, shivering and
+exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid it's no good for awhile, fellows," he admitted. "Once I
+thought I had it but a big log barred the way. Then I thought I'd feel<a class="pagenum" name="page_222" id="page_222" title="222"></a>
+where the current rushed in strongest and try there, but it's strong
+everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>Just then Matt stirred and tried to rise but was held back by Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"My head aches!" he murmured. "I can't find it."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Matty, old boy. You did your best. Lie back and go to
+sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"I've slept enough," he declared. "What's the matter? Didn't we get out
+of that cave?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. But it's all right. We'll get out after awhile. You just lie back."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm all right now. Let me up. I remember diving and that's all. Who
+pulled me out of the water?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was Brick, and it's just as good you should know it," said Apple.
+"He saw your hand waving around and jumped for you."</p>
+
+<p>"It was easy enough," said Glen. "The water was only about shoulder high
+then."</p>
+
+<p>"I would have done it for you," said Matt. "But I don't know that you
+had any cause to do it for me. It makes me feel pretty small after I've
+been such a beastly prig. I'll get even with you some way but I don't
+know how. Let me try diving for that hole again."</p>
+
+<p>"Too big hole in yer head," objected Chick-chick.<a class="pagenum" name="page_223" id="page_223" title="223"></a> "The water 'd wash
+all your brains out. Awful strong current down there."</p>
+
+<p>"Better not stir much," counseled Apple. "There's quite a bad cut you've
+got on top and we had a time getting the bleeding stopped. If you move
+about much you're likely to unsettle the clot and start it again. Better
+lie still."</p>
+
+<p>"But I'm not just going to lie down and die here. I want to get out."</p>
+
+<p>"Easy now, Matt. You don't help us by acting that way and you won't help
+us if you get your head started again either. Look at that water.
+Brick's worked in it till he's just about all in. You can't do any
+better than he."</p>
+
+<p>"Who says I can't?" he cried, bristling at once.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd say you can't if 'twould do any good," replied Chick-chick. "That's
+no way to act at such time 's this. Ye ain't bein' like a man or a
+Christian. See, ye've started the blood again and it's trickling down
+your face. Now lie down."</p>
+
+<p>In the face of such conditions Matt had sense enough to desist from
+further opposition. He lay down again and soon the bleeding stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"Chick-chick," he said, in subdued tones. "I give you leave to kick me
+if I act the fool again."</p>
+
+<p>"There wouldn't be any pleasure in it, now," said Chick-chick. "Hold
+your offer till we get t'<a class="pagenum" name="page_224" id="page_224" title="224"></a> camp if ye want t' please me. What I say is
+let's put all lights out and everybody go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the water comes up on us," objected Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"It won't. It can't rise much higher'n the creek level an' we're way
+above it now. Let's go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't," Matt still objected.</p>
+
+<p>"What's matter? Head hurt ye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not so much. And I don't mind it so bad when we're all awake talking,
+but I'm afraid to have us go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"You 'fraid, Brick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Glen. "I'm too tired."</p>
+
+<p>"You 'fraid, Apple?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm scared, but I'm not afraid. But I don't wonder so much at Matt.
+I know how I'd be if I didn't know God had a firm hold of me, right now.
+Let's sing a little."</p>
+
+<p>He started a familiar camp song, and from one song they went to another.
+When they were singing "Where He leads me I will follow" Chick-chick
+held up his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Matt's asleep," he whispered. "I'll bet his head's made him 'bout half
+crazy. Hope he sleeps till morning."</p>
+
+<p>How many hours they slept they could not tell,<a class="pagenum" name="page_225" id="page_225" title="225"></a> for there were no
+timepieces. They would rouse, turn over, and drop asleep again, for each
+one was determined to sleep away as much of the waiting time as
+possible. It was probably early morning when at last Glen arose,
+stretched himself and carefully lighted a lantern.</p>
+
+<p>"It's going down, boys," he announced. "The opening isn't uncovered yet,
+but it's two or three feet lower than it was last night."</p>
+
+<p>They were all wide awake now, and all leaned over the ledge to form
+their own opinion.</p>
+
+<p>"The current seems to run differently," said Glen. "It acts as if the
+rock we threw in has stopped up the old outlet and it was running back
+of the heap we pulled down instead."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Strikes me just that way," said Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to take the other lantern and explore a little," said Glen.
+"You fellows needn't come. I'll holler if I find anything."</p>
+
+<p>He disappeared behind the ruined arch, swimming and wading, but he was
+back in a minute, all excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a regular passage out this way, fellows. Seems to go clear
+through the Mound. The water's rushing down in a torrent. Come and
+see."<a class="pagenum" name="page_226" id="page_226" title="226"></a></p>
+
+<p>They needed no invitation, for they were down before he finished
+speaking. Around the crumbled masonry he led them, and pointed to an
+opening like a natural tunnel which, seemed to lead far into the bowels
+of the earth.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_227" id="page_227" title="227"></a>
+<a name="THE_TREASURE_OF_BUFFALO_LAKE_5540" id="THE_TREASURE_OF_BUFFALO_LAKE_5540"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+<h3>THE TREASURE OF BUFFALO LAKE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The cavernous opening into which the boys swung their lanterns in a vain
+attempt to penetrate its gloom seemed indeed to lead into the heart of
+Buffalo Mound. A muddy, turbulent stream was rushing down it at a
+tremendous rate, but there was room enough left to allow the passage of
+an agile boy, willing to bend himself double, and the water was not deep
+enough to be an obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>"It may show us a way out," exclaimed Glen. "I'm bound to see where it
+goes. Who'll go with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll all go, Brick. You don't leave me behind in this dark cave, you
+don't," declared Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"How about your head, Matt?" asked Apple.</p>
+
+<p>"It's good enough now," said Matt. "I'm sure going to be along on this."</p>
+
+<p>With Glen in the lead they crept one after another along the narrow
+passage, Apple bringing up the rear and trailing behind him the
+cumbersome pick. At a place where the passage widened<a class="pagenum" name="page_228" id="page_228" title="228"></a> out into a roomy
+vault which gave space for them to stand erect Glen halted the little
+company and pointed onward to show how the tunnel, leaving this vault,
+suddenly seemed to narrow so that there was scarcely room for a head
+above water.</p>
+
+<p>"It's going to be pretty risky here, fellows. I think we'd better go one
+at a time. I'll crawl as far as I can. If I don't come back while you
+count a hundred let Chick-chick crawl after me. If I'm stuck or choked
+he can pull on my feet and pull me back. Then Matt can do the same for
+him and Apple for him. I'll either get through or be back by the time
+you count a hundred."</p>
+
+<p>It seemed a long count, and it was hard for them to keep from unseemly
+hurry. At ninety Chick-chick got down on his knees in the tunnel and as
+Apple said "One hundred" he disappeared. Matt and Apple counted again
+and this time it was Matt who disappeared, and Apple was left alone. But
+he stuck bravely to his counting until another hundred was numbered,
+then he pushed his pick ahead of him and crawled into the passage, his
+head scraping the top, his lips scarcely an inch above the swiftly
+moving water. It seemed a long time before the passage widened,<a class="pagenum" name="page_229" id="page_229" title="229"></a> but
+there were no obstacles, and in a little while he crawled into a larger
+space where the three dripping boys were waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a light away on ahead," announced Glen. "I believe it's
+daylight."</p>
+
+<p>It was almost a race after that. Nothing was considered in their mad
+rush, and at every turn the light ahead became clearer until Glen, still
+in the lead, made a turning and gave a great shout. The next moment all
+of them could see unmistakable daylight shining through a small opening.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was lying at full length in the stream, trying to enlarge the
+opening with his hands, when they reached him.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Buffalo Hollow!" he cried. "We've come clear through the Mound.
+This opening isn't big enough to let any of us in or out, but the
+water's going out in a good stream now, and soon it will make Buffalo
+Lake."</p>
+
+<p>Apple's pick was brought into use and with its aid the boys made the
+opening large enough to scramble through one after the other.</p>
+
+<p>It was scarcely break of day; the sun was just showing signs of rising
+for his daily task. Oh, how good it felt to be out there in full
+liberty, able to look around and see all the beautiful things<a class="pagenum" name="page_230" id="page_230" title="230"></a> of God's
+creation; how good to be able to stand erect and stretch out every
+muscle. Apple had scarcely found his feet before he was off at breakneck
+speed in the direction of the camp.</p>
+
+<p>"He wants his father should know he's safe," explained Chick-chick, as
+they looked after the flying figure. "Come on, Brick. They'll be
+worrying about us, too. You better keep close, Matt. Your head might
+go bad, it might."</p>
+
+<p>Apple was the center of an excited crowd of scouts for there had been no
+sleep in camp that night. Already they were wigwagging the news of the
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a big smoke all ready to be started on top o' the Mound,"
+explained a scout. "Soon as they get our message they'll start it and
+then everybody will know and they'll all come in."</p>
+
+<p>Almost as he spoke the signal shot out its flames and smoke and in less
+than twenty minutes the scoutmaster was folding his son in his embrace
+and wildly shaking the hands of his lost scouts.</p>
+
+<p>Glen was not there. He had gone quietly into the tent where he had
+expected to find his friend Spencer.</p>
+
+<p>"Good old scout!" cried Will, as he wrung his hand. "You've been giving
+me more worry than all the rest of my children put together, but I
+forgive<a class="pagenum" name="page_231" id="page_231" title="231"></a> everything now you have returned. Wherever you've been I hope
+this will be a lesson to you and you'll never go treasure hunting
+again."</p>
+
+<p>Glen's reply was startling.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no need," he said. "The treasure is found!"</p>
+
+<p>"Found again!" shouted Spencer. "Where? In a bread-box?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. No bread-box this time. Found in the heart of Buffalo Mound.
+It is pouring into Buffalo Hollow now and by this time to-morrow there
+will once more be a Buffalo Lake!"</p>
+
+<hr class='major' />
+
+<p>With the crowd of people who came from town to see the marvel of the
+refilling of Buffalo Lake was a skillful surgeon. He examined Matt's
+scalp-wound.</p>
+
+<p>"I can fix that up with the aid of the scoutmaster's first aid kit," he
+announced. "You'll need a few stitches but I guess you are man enough to
+stand that."</p>
+
+<p>"I can stand it," said Matt. "But have all the fellows go away so they
+won't hear me if I holler."</p>
+
+<p>"All but one or two," agreed the doctor. "I'll need one or two boys to
+hold things."</p>
+
+<p>"Use the fellows who were with me, then!" asked Matt. "They know just
+about how foolish<a class="pagenum" name="page_232" id="page_232" title="232"></a> I can be so it won't be anything new to them."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the way heroes talk sometimes," he said. "I'm glad to hear you
+say it."</p>
+
+<p>"They know all about me being a hero," said Matt. "But they know I
+learned something in that cave."</p>
+
+<p>"All ready, now," said the doctor. "You hold the bowl," he said to
+Apple. "And now that you have scrubbed your hands you may hold this pan
+of instruments," he said to Chick-chick. "And I guess we haven't
+anything for you to hold," to Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"He's going to be the anesthetic," said Matt. "Take hold of my hands,
+Brick, and if I holler, punch me."</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time he had addressed Glen by the name which had become
+so familiar to the others, and both knew that in the word all
+differences were swept away.</p>
+
+<p>That day there was great rejoicing all through the camp at the return of
+the lost boys, great rejoicing at the success that seemed sure to come
+to the plans of Jolly Bill Spencer, and mingled with the rejoicing an
+underlying vein of excited speculation whether a close search of the
+cave would not disclose the ancient treasure of bullion<a class="pagenum" name="page_233" id="page_233" title="233"></a> or at the very
+least some booty stored there by the robber band.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Scoresby again headed a delegation to approach the scoutmaster for
+permission to explore the cave.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think?" asked Mr. Newton. "Who has first right there&mdash;who
+are the discoverers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Apple and Brick and maybe Chick-chick and Matty," replied honest Tom.
+"But I reckon they wouldn't want to keep us out."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't my cave," disclaimed Matt, who sat there with his head swathed
+in bandages. "I just butted in. I got all that was coming to me."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tain't mine," said Chick-chick. "But if there's any treasure I want
+some, I do."</p>
+
+<p>Glen and Apple only laughed, but Mr. Newton felt that he could speak for
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"This is Sunday, boys," he declared. "No one will run away with that
+cave over night. I don't think that Indian will be back in a hurry.
+Tomorrow, after camp drill, all first class scouts&mdash;the good
+swimmers&mdash;may explore the cave. Mr. Spencer claims the water rights. All
+bullion and other treasure found and not claimed by the authorities will
+be shared alike by all in the camp."</p>
+
+<p>Monday morning found the whole camp at the<a class="pagenum" name="page_234" id="page_234" title="234"></a> Ice Box. The stream still
+was high so that it was no easy matter to gain access to the cave, but
+no scout who had passed the swimming test for "first class" thought of
+shirking the attempt. Mr. Newton himself led the way and Glen and Apple
+were not far behind.</p>
+
+<p>The many lights relieved the pitchy darkness of the cave enough to show
+the high ledges that ran still further back into the gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"We will explore these ledges one at a time," said Mr. Newton. "Let
+every scout make sure of his footing before he steps. Don't get
+excited."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! there was unfortunately little to create excitement. Farm
+products&mdash;potatoes&mdash;bacon&mdash;several suits of clothes&mdash;old pipes&mdash;several
+tools&mdash;pieces of chain&mdash;bottles that once had held liquor&mdash;even an old
+straw hat; but of treasure that could create even a moment's excitement
+there seemed to be none.</p>
+
+<p>"I know who brought this collection here," said Apple. "The Indian! It's
+his treasure house all right, and that's why he went in here that
+morning."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," said Tom Scoresby, "but there ought to be a lot of
+real treasure around here. If no bullion, anyway there ought to be the
+bank robber's stuff."<a class="pagenum" name="page_235" id="page_235" title="235"></a></p>
+
+<p>But all their searching was of no avail. When they returned through the
+narrow opening they went empty handed.</p>
+
+<p>Waiting on the bank with the younger boys was Matt Burton. He had not
+been allowed to enter the cave for fear that the swim under water might
+infect his wound. He was greatly disappointed at their failure and,
+since characteristics do not change over night, it is not surprising
+that he had a very strong opinion that if their party had been increased
+by just one member the result would have been different. Let this be
+said of Matt&mdash;he tried to conceal this feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Where d'ye look, Brick?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We explored every ledge and went into places that grown men couldn't
+have squeezed through."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you dig?"</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much chance to dig. The inside of the cave is a shale that
+no one could dig into. It would have to be blasted."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there must have been some holes or something&mdash;oh, say, did you
+lift up that shelf of rock we lay on that night?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, we didn't find any loose rock to lift."</p>
+
+<p>"That rock was loose. I remember how it seemed to tip when we moved. In
+all I've read about treasure there never was any left just on<a class="pagenum" name="page_236" id="page_236" title="236"></a> top of
+the ground, except in Treasure Island, and even that was buried until
+Ben Gunn carried it to the cave. I'd like to look under that rock."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll go back with you, Matty," chorused a dozen scouts, only too glad
+of further exploration.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Newton, the water's gone down so much I'm sure I can get through
+without wetting my head. Please let me try it," begged Matt.</p>
+
+<p>"If ye don't he'll be so excited his brains'll spill out o' that gash,
+they will," urged Chick-chick.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give him all the help he needs," offered Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go along myself," said Mr. Newton. "I guess we can manage him
+between us."</p>
+
+<p>So back the whole expedition went convoying Matty to the cave. He led
+them straight to the ledge of rock and the stamp of a foot was enough to
+show its lack of balance.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were greatly excited&mdash;even Mr. Newton showed immense interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Use the pickaxes to pry, boys. Get under these loose corners," directed
+the scoutmaster. "Tom and Glen, you two are the strongest&mdash;one at each
+corner now."</p>
+
+<p>The broad slab of rock started easily enough<a class="pagenum" name="page_237" id="page_237" title="237"></a> at their energetic effort.
+A seam appeared to widen&mdash;a crack was disclosed&mdash;there followed space
+sufficient to allow a hand to be inserted and then a dozen willing
+scouts helped with the lift. In a couple of minutes the big slab was
+thrown over with a crash, and below appeared a cavity that was evidently
+the work of men's hands.</p>
+
+<p>Dark as Erebus was the interior, baffling the peering eyes of the
+scouts, until Mr. Newton, hanging a lantern on each point of a pickax,
+dangled it into the depths. A vault some four or five feet deep and
+running far back into the cave was disclosed. It was partly filled with
+an assortment almost as miscellaneous as the treasure left on the ledges
+by the Indian; a riding saddle, an old coat, several pieces of
+artillery, some tools which may have been accessory to the trade of
+burglary, and scattered among these things many articles of personal
+property which, were undoubtedly of great value.</p>
+
+<p>But the thing upon which the eyes of the scouts rested with greatest
+interest was a metal box, probably secured from some bank, which rested
+conspicuously on the top of the plunder.</p>
+
+<p>"Matt and Glen get first selection," said Mr. Newton. "It's their find,
+whatever it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Well take the box," said the boys.<a class="pagenum" name="page_238" id="page_238" title="238"></a></p>
+
+<p>Although not of great size the box was rather heavy, but its handling
+was no task for two such athletes. To the great disappointment of all it
+was locked.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," said Mr. Newton. "We will open it when we get to camp. Now
+the rest of you take each what you can carry. Bear in mind that the
+question of property rights in this discovery is not to be considered at
+present. That will come later. All we do now is to carry it to camp."</p>
+
+<p>They made a queer procession as they came one by one through the small
+opening. Matt and Glen came first pushing their box ahead of them on the
+raft which had been used in bringing over their tools and lanterns. The
+scouts who followed in their wake found it no easy matter to keep their
+treasure clear of the water as they crossed the swift little stream.</p>
+
+<p>"These robbers chose safe place for their plunder all right, all right,"
+said Chick-chick to Apple, "but mighty inconvenient, it is."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see why they did it," Apple replied. "They ought to have rented
+a safety deposit box in some bank."</p>
+
+<p>From the other bank their passage was watched not only by the excited
+group of younger scouts<a class="pagenum" name="page_239" id="page_239" title="239"></a> but by three new arrivals. They were the
+sheriff, a deputy and Mr. J. Jervice.</p>
+
+<p>"The kids has found the loot," exclaimed Mr. Jervice. "They're bringing
+it over now."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess I'll have to take care o' that stuff for you, Cap," said the
+sheriff to Mr. Newton.</p>
+
+<p>"It's just as you say," replied Mr. Newton. "We would hardly have known
+the proper thing to do with it. But I want to notify you that if there
+is any reward for its recovery we claim it."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see you get it," said the sheriff. "This man Jervice tells us
+that there's a lot o' valuable bonds and securities in the box. That's
+what they was down here after, mostly. Jervice thought we'd let him off
+if he gave the story away to us. The old gang got the location of the
+cave from an Indian, but Jervice couldn't find the Indian."</p>
+
+<p>"The Indian's gone," said Mr. Newton. "I doubt if he ever comes back.
+There's a lot of stuff in the cave yet and you'd better get a boat and a
+wagon. Some of the scouts will help you."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_240" id="page_240" title="240"></a>
+<a name="WHAT_BECAME_OF_THEM_5879" id="WHAT_BECAME_OF_THEM_5879"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+<h3>WHAT BECAME OF THEM</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The morning of the fourth day found the water still flowing into the
+lake in a steady stream.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a sure thing now," said Spencer. "I must get to town and arrange
+to close up those options and organize the Buffalo Lake Summer Colony.
+I'm not going to tell you how much I expect to clear on this deal, but
+your share won't be less than a thousand dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be enough to buy mother a home!" said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the thought, boy. And we'll see if we can't get you paroled from
+the school so you can live at home and work for her. I'm going back with
+you to the school, myself, but I believe that war-correspondent friend
+of yours has matters moving already."</p>
+
+<p>The war-correspondent friend, taking an unusual interest in the case,
+had been doing his best, but he had found it a case of many
+complications. That very day, however, he had received<a class="pagenum" name="page_241" id="page_241" title="241"></a> an official
+communication of favorable tone from his friend, the Superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>"The Board of Control," wrote the Superintendent, "finds in the case of
+Glen Mason some very unusual and delicate features. It is not the desire
+of the Board to reward a boy for running away by granting him an
+unconditional parole. Neither is it their desire to keep in the
+institution a boy who has been found worthy of parole privileges. In
+this case the boy voluntarily offers to return. Not only so but he has
+undergone such a transformation that he returns as a reformed character.
+Furthermore he has rendered a service to the State in assisting in the
+apprehension of two dangerous characters. Added to all this he is
+greatly needed at home for the support which a boy of his age and
+intelligence can give to his mother. In consideration of all these
+things the Board is inclined to grant a parole subject to the usual
+conditions."</p>
+
+<p>In a personal note which accompanied this letter the Superintendent made
+a few additional remarks to his old friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Another rather unusual element is that Mason's running away has been
+altogether too well done. He has been too fortunate. Usually such a boy
+would get into bad hands and go from<a class="pagenum" name="page_242" id="page_242" title="242"></a> bad to worse. It would never do
+for us to have him back at the school telling about all his good times
+and how he was to have a thousand dollars for his part in discovering
+this wonderful lake about which you phoned me this morning. Every boy in
+the school would be keen to try the adventure. I am glad for Glen that
+he has surrendered his life to God's guidance and I know that he has
+found the one real, safe way of life. So I surrender him gladly, and I
+feel sure that you and Mr. Newton will not forget your promises of
+guidance and support."</p>
+
+<p>Glen went home with Will Spencer to stay with him while he wound up his
+business affairs and disposed of his options on the Buffalo Lake
+property to a syndicate.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to take you out to see an old friend, Glen," said Spencer one
+day. "I still have a great deal of business to care for before I can go
+away. You know I want to go to that famous hospital, where, if they
+can't make a whole man of me, they will make me look and walk like one
+just the same. I can't go yet, but I have something planned for you
+right this very day. It's a surprise."</p>
+
+<p>They traveled along a road that was vaguely familiar and after a few
+miles Glen recognized<a class="pagenum" name="page_243" id="page_243" title="243"></a> that they were drawing near the Gates' home. They
+were evidently expected, for the whole family ran out to greet them.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems mighty good to get back here," said Glen. "I wish I could stay
+as long as I liked but I must get away and finish that trip home that I
+told you I was making."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you like to stay here, Glen?" asked Mr. Gates.</p>
+
+<p>"I surely would," replied Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you like to stay and work with me and learn how to run a farm?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know anything I'd like better."</p>
+
+<p>"Step out here into the road with me. Do you see that cottage at the
+corner? It was empty when you were here. It is a tenant cottage which I
+rent to the man who works for me. Yesterday there moved into there a
+very nice lady with a little girl and a little boy. There is an older
+brother whom they are expecting, who is coming here to work for me.
+Run&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But he did not need to tell Glen to run along. Ever since he had been
+given a new heart and a new life he had felt a yearning for the mother
+of whom he had been so unworthy. He wanted to tell her that he was a
+different boy, to show her that he was worthy of trust, to shoulder her<a class="pagenum" name="page_244" id="page_244" title="244"></a>
+burdens, to relieve her of responsibilities, to turn the bitter years
+into sweet. He did not run, but he walked with a swift and steady gait,
+with erect head and a clear resolve in his heart. After all he was
+coming home triumphant, a victor, one who had sought treasure and found
+it, one who had found the greatest riches of God's mercy.</p>
+
+<hr class='major' />
+
+<p>Mr. Gates was not a hard man to work for. Glen became more and more
+convinced of this as the days went by, but the crowning proof came one
+year later when the kind employer ordered him to drop his work and take
+a week's vacation at the Scout camp at Buffalo Lake.</p>
+
+<p>Glen planned a great surprise, but some one gave his secret away for he
+was met at the station at Buffalo Center by the entire troop.
+Chick-chick jumped up on the steps before the train stopped and at peril
+of life and limb pulled him off the train into the receptive arms of
+Apple and Matt. Big Tom Scoresby gave him grip for grip in a mighty
+scout handshake&mdash;the only scout who could match him. Goosey hung on to
+his elbow waiting for his turn. All affectation of reserve disappeared
+on this great occasion&mdash;the greeting of Brick Mason&mdash;his welcome to
+camp&mdash;good old Brick! Glen was glad to shake hands with Mr.<a class="pagenum" name="page_245" id="page_245" title="245"></a> Newton for
+a good long minute so that he might wink back the suspicious moisture
+that threatened to rush past the guardian eyelashes.</p>
+
+<p>"Brick rides on my old motor-bike," exclaimed Chick-chick. "Same old
+bike&mdash;it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Brick walks with the troop," Glen decided. "Where did we get this dandy
+road?"</p>
+
+<p>"Built by the Buffalo Lake Summer Colony," explained Apple. "Do you
+notice all the new stores in town&mdash;all because of the Colony? Wait until
+you get to the Lake and you'll see something worth while."</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later Glen stood before Troop Three's splendid new
+club-house in appreciative silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see what we've named it?" said Matt, patting him on the
+shoulder. "Look up over the porch."</p>
+
+<p>Carved in ancient script were the words:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>
+YE BREAD BOX
+</p>
+
+<p>"And you don't object to that?" asked Glen, looking into Matt's face.</p>
+
+<p>"I object?" exclaimed Matt. "It's a compliment. I've learned to take a
+joke as well as give one. We named it because the money that built it
+was our share of the reward for the box in<a class="pagenum" name="page_246" id="page_246" title="246"></a> the cave, and the second box
+was a lot like the first box only different."</p>
+
+<p>"Different inside an' out," put in Chick-chick. "Jus' like old Matty is,
+it was. Good old Bread Box. Go on in an' see what's inside, Brick."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," Glen agreed. "Lead the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be 'fraid, Brick. Go in all your own self. It's a surprise."</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously Glen pushed open the handsome door and stepped inside.
+Nothing happened. He looked around the spacious room with its home-like
+accommodations and its air of easy comfort. From a chair by the window a
+gentleman arose and started leisurely toward him. Glen covered the
+intervening space in two jumps.</p>
+
+<p>"Will!" he shouted. "Will Spencer! Look out&mdash;you'll fall!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never more, you good old scout," said Jolly Bill, as he flung a strong
+arm around Glen's broad shoulders. "I can walk as gracefully as you if
+not as powerfully. I'm all O. K., warranted not to slip or stumble,
+ready to give a Castle Cakewalk or an imitation of a Highland fling at a
+moment's notice. What do you think of your new home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid!" replied Glen. "Too fine for a scout camp, though. It makes
+it too easy."<a class="pagenum" name="page_247" id="page_247" title="247"></a></p>
+
+<p>"And the easy life isn't the best life is it, you hard old Brick? But
+Mr. Newton understands that. This isn't the camp&mdash;just the club-house.
+You'll find the camp a half mile up Buffalo Creek as wild as ever, and
+do you know what they've named it this year?"</p>
+
+<p>"I give it up," said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>"It's named in honor of the scout who has done most with his
+opportunities this year."</p>
+
+<p>"It's Burton, then," Glen guessed.</p>
+
+<p>"You have another guess coming yet," said Jolly Bill. "They've named it
+Camp Mason!"</p>
+
+<hr class='major' />
+
+<p>Now if you want to follow the further adventures of Glen and his scout
+chums you will find them recorded in another book "Boy Scouts to the
+Rescue."</p>
+
+<p style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:3em; text-align:center;'>FINIS</p>
+
+<hr class='full' />
+
+<h2><a name="THE_BOY_SCOUT_LIFE_SERIES" id="THE_BOY_SCOUT_LIFE_SERIES"></a>THE BOY SCOUT LIFE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>Published with the approval of<br />The Boy Scouts of America</p>
+
+<p>In the boys' world of story books, none better than those about boy
+scouts arrest and grip attention. In a most alluring way, the stories in
+the BOY SCOUT LIFE SERIES tell of the glorious good times and wonderful
+adventures of boy scouts.</p>
+
+<p>All the books were written by authors possessed of an intimate knowledge
+of this greatest of all movements organized for the welfare of boys, and
+are published with the approval of the National Headquarters of the Boy
+Scouts of America.</p>
+
+<p>The Chief Scout Librarian, Mr. F. K. Mathiews, writes concerning them:
+"It is a bully bunch of books. I hope you will sell 100,000 copies of
+each one, for these stories are the sort that will help instead of hurt
+our movement."</p>
+
+<p>
+THE BOY SCOUT FIRE FIGHTERS&mdash;CRUMP<br />
+THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE TROOP&mdash;McCLANE<br />
+THE BOY SCOUT TRAIL BLAZERS&mdash;CHELEY<br />
+THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS&mdash;LERRIGO<br />
+BOY SCOUTS AFLOAT&mdash;WALDEN<br />
+BOY SCOUTS COURAGEOUS&mdash;MATHIEWS<br />
+BOY SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE&mdash;LERRIGO<br />
+BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL&mdash;GARTH<br />
+THE BOY SCOUTS IN AFRICA&mdash;CORCORAN<br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+
+<p class='center'>BARSE &amp; HOPKINS<br />PUBLISHERS</p>
+
+<p class='center'>New York, N. Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newark, N. J.</p>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2><a name="The_Camp_Fire_Boys_Series" id="The_Camp_Fire_Boys_Series"></a>The Camp Fire Boys Series</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>By OLIVER LEE CLIFTON</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>For Boys from 8 to 14</i></p>
+
+<p>A group of resourceful boys living in a small town form a camping and
+hiking club, which brings them all sorts of outdoor adventures. In the
+first story, "At Log Cabin Bend," they solve a series of mysteries but
+not until after some lively thrills which will cause other boys to sit
+on the edge of their chairs. The next story telling of their search for
+a lost army aviator in "Muskrat Swamp" is just as lively. The boys are
+all likable and manly&mdash;just the sort of fellows that every other
+wide-awake boy would be glad to go hiking with.</p>
+
+<p>
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS AT LOG CABIN BEND<br />
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS IN MUSKRAT SWAMP<br />
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS AT SILVER FOX FARM<br />
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS' CANOE CRUISE.<br />
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS' TRACKING SQUAD<br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+<p class='center'>BARSE &amp; HOPKINS<br />PUBLISHERS</p>
+<p class='center'>New York, N. Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newark, N. J.</p>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2>THE BOBBY BLAKE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class='center'>BY FRANK A. WARNER</p>
+
+<p class='center'>BOOKS FOR BOYS FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE YEARS OLD</p>
+
+<p>True stories of life at a modern American boarding school. Bobby attends
+this institution of learning with his particular chum and the boys have
+no end of good times. The tales of outdoor life, especially the exciting
+times they have when engaged in sports against rival schools, are
+written in a manner so true, so realistic, that the reader, too, is
+bound to share with these boys their thrills and pleasures.</p>
+
+<table summary='booklist'>
+<tr><td align='right'>1&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE AT ROCKLEDGE SCHOOL.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>2&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE AT BASS COVE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>3&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON A CRUISE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>4&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE AND HIS SCHOOL CHUMS.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>5&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE AT SNOWTOP CAMP.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>6&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON THE SCHOOL NINE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>7&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON A RANCH.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>8&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON AN AUTO TOUR.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>9&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON THE SCHOOL ELEVEN.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>10&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON A PLANTATION.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>11&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE IN THE FROZEN NORTH.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>12&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BOBBY BLAKE ON MYSTERY MOUNTAIN.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+<p class='center'>BARSE &amp; HOPKINS<br />PUBLISHERS</p>
+<p class='center'>New York, N. Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newark, N. J.</p>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2>THE BIG LEAGUE SERIES<br /><span class="smcap" style='font-size:smaller'>(Trade Mark Registered)</span></h2>
+
+<p class='center'>By BURT L. STANDISH</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Endorsed by such stars of baseballdom as Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb and
+Walter Johnson.</p>
+
+<p>An American boy with plenty of grit&mdash;baseball at its finest&mdash;and the
+girl in the case&mdash;these are the elements which compose the most
+successful of juvenile fiction. You don't have to be a "fan" to enjoy
+these books; all you need to be is really human and alive with plenty of
+red blood in your veins.</p>
+
+<p>The author managed a "Bush League" team a number of years ago and is
+thoroughly familiar with the actions of baseball players on and off the
+field. Every American, young or old, who has enjoyed the thrills and
+excitement of our national game, is sure to read with delight these
+splendid stories of baseball and romance.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Cloth Large 12 mo. Illustrated</p>
+
+<table summary='booklist'>
+<tr><td align='right'>1&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY O' THE BUSH.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>2&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY O' THE BIG LEAGUE.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>3&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY O' THE BLUE STOCKINGS.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>4&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY O' THE TRAINING CAMP.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>5&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>BRICK KING, BACKSTOP.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>6&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>THE MAKING OF A BIG LEAGUER.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>7&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>COURTNEY OF THE CENTER GARDEN.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>8&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>COVERING THE LOOK-IN CORNER.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>9&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY LOCKE, PITCHER-MANAGER.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>10&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>GUARDING THE KEYSTONE SACK.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>11&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>THE MAN ON FIRST.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>12&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEGO LAMB, SOUTHPAW.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>13&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>THE GRIP OF THE GAME.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>14&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY LOCKE, OWNER.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>15&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>LEFTY LOCKE WINS OUT.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class='minor' />
+<p class='center'>BARSE &amp; HOPKINS<br />PUBLISHERS</p>
+<p class='center'>New York, N. Y.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newark, N. J.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters, by 
+Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
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+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters, by Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
+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 Treasure Hunters
+       The Lost Treasure of Buffalo Hollow
+
+Author: Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
+Illustrator: Charles L. Wrenn
+
+Release Date: September 17, 2007 [EBook #22644]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened
+the hard earth. (Page 96) Frontispiece]
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS
+
+or
+THE LOST TREASURE OF BUFFALO HOLLOW
+
+by
+CHARLES HENRY LERRIGO
+
+Illustrated By
+CHARLES L. WRENN
+
+Published With The Approval Of
+THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
+
+Publishers
+BARSE & HOPKINS
+New York, N. Y.--Newark, N. J.
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Copyright 1917 by Barse & Hopkins
+
+The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters
+
+Printed in the United States of America
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TO MY SON
+FRANK LERRIGO
+IN THE HOPE THAT IT MAY
+HELP HIM TO BE A
+"GOOD SCOUT"
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                                      PAGE
+      I  Glen Mason Runs Away                                   9
+     II  A Friend and a Foe                                    22
+    III  Jolly Bill Is Considerably Upset                      34
+     IV  How Mother Cares                                      46
+      V  Treacherous Indians at Buffalo Lake                   56
+     VI  Getting Acquainted                                    68
+    VII  Glen Is Initiated                                     79
+   VIII  Matt Burton's Treasure Find                           91
+     IX  Glen Enlists                                         102
+      X  J. Jervice and His Gang                              112
+     XI  Glen Follows a False Trail                           120
+    XII  The Bee Tree                                         133
+   XIII  The Chase on the Motor-Bike                          144
+    XIV  Safe at Camp Buffalo                                 154
+     XV  Strength and Loyalty                                 167
+    XVI  Detective Matty                                      177
+   XVII  The End of the Jervice Gang                          189
+  XVIII  Glen and Apple Find the Cave                         203
+    XIX  Buried in the Cave                                   214
+     XX  The Treasure of Buffalo Lake                         227
+    XXI  What Became of Them                                  240
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+                                                             PAGE
+A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick
+loosened the hard earth                              Frontispiece
+
+"Brave Man!" sneered the leader. "Get me a little
+rope an' I'll do him up scientific"                           131
+
+Glen watched the three walk back up the road at
+a lock-step gait                                              198
+
+With the lighted lanterns they could get a better
+idea of their surroundings                                    211
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+GLEN MASON RUNS AWAY
+
+
+It was the supper hour at the State Industrial School for Boys, known to
+the general public as "The Reform School."
+
+Glen Mason sat on a long bench trying to hold the place next to him
+against the stealthy ravages of the boys who crowded him.
+
+"Where's Nixy?" he inquired angrily of his neighbor on the right. "Did
+he go to town again?"
+
+"He's back," the boy replied. "Just got in an' had to go up and change
+his clothes. Had the toothache again to-day, he told me. Here he comes,
+now."
+
+A lanky boy of fifteen or sixteen got into the vacant seat just as the
+chaplain rose to say grace. After grace no loud talking was permitted,
+but no objection was made to whispered conversations that did not
+become too noisy.
+
+"How's it come you go to town so often and I don't ever get to go,
+Nixy?" whispered Glen, the moment grace was ended.
+
+"One thing you don't have the toothache, another thing you get too many
+demerits. The fellows that get to town have to go thirty days without a
+black sign. You never could do it, Glen."
+
+"I could if I wanted. I'm twenty days now. Wouldn't hurt me to go
+another ten. If I went to town alone I'd never come back."
+
+"It ain't so easy, Glen. You have to wear your uniform so everybody
+knows what you are. If you aren't back by six o'clock they have the
+police after you. The old man made a great talk about his honor system,
+but as long as you have to wear your uniform there's plenty of people to
+watch you."
+
+"I could find a way to get around that," insisted Glen.
+
+"Well, so could I. I've got one all planned out that I'm going to work
+some day. I'll get leave to go to the dentist late some afternoon. The
+car to come back leaves his office at five o'clock. He doesn't want to
+stay until five because he goes off to play golf. So he'll leave me in
+his waiting-room when he goes. I'll have a suit of overalls rolled up
+under my uniform. Soon as the doctor goes I'll change my clothes. You
+can't get out without being seen but I'll hide right there in the
+building till it closes and then get down the fire-escape."
+
+"I guess somebody'd see you go down and a policeman would get you."
+
+"I guess they wouldn't. I wouldn't try till late at night when there
+wasn't anybody around. Then I'd pick a dark night, and that fire-escape
+is in the back end of the building, so I guess there wouldn't nobody see
+me."
+
+"Oh, mebbe there wouldn't. Supposin' you did get away. Where'd you go?"
+
+"I'd have that all fixed. I'd put on my other clothes and pitch my
+uniform away and that night would get me twenty-five miles where
+nobody'd think of looking for me."
+
+"Oh, I dunno. I guess you'd be easy picked up. Anybody could tell you a
+mile off. All to do is to look for a broom handle out walking all by
+itself."
+
+"Broom handle yourself, Glen Mason. I've got the makings of a big man if
+ever I'd get enough to eat."
+
+"You go high enough up to be a big man, but you've stretched too much.
+If you'd ever learn to be a contortionist and tie yourself into three
+knots close together, you'd do better."
+
+"You're always saying something mean. I wish I hadn't told you my plan
+at all."
+
+"I won't do anything to your old plan."
+
+"I ain't so sure. 'Twouldn't be above ye to steal it."
+
+"I s'pose you dare me to do it."
+
+"Yes, I dare ye to do it."
+
+"An' you think I'd steal a plan from a mate?"
+
+"I think you'd do anything."
+
+There were many who had just as poor an opinion of Glen. He himself
+found it remarkably easy to do mean and low acts and had almost ceased
+to wonder at himself. Every day seemed to find a lower level for his
+setting. Nixon had correctly guessed his thoughts. Already he was
+turning over in his mind the feasibility of Nixon's plan of escape and
+wondering if he could himself take advantage of it. He had been in the
+reform school over a year, but it had not reformed him. The new
+superintendent, with his kindness, had won the hearts of many of the
+most wayward boys, but no impression had he made on Glen. As a matter of
+fact the boy rather laughed at his foolishness. To put boys on their
+honor, to trust the merit boys to go into town without guard, all was
+new policy, and the only interest Glen had in it was to take advantage
+of it. Let him get one single chance to go to town alone and the reform
+school would see no more of him. Just what he would do he did not know.
+Sometimes a fleeting thought of going home to see the mother whose heart
+must be almost broken by his waywardness and the young sister and
+brother who were carefully guarded from knowledge of the disgrace he had
+brought upon them would come to him. But though he was supposed to be
+dead to impulses for reform there always crept into his mind the desire
+that his return home should be only when he had enough money and enough
+honor so that he should not be welcomed as a penitent but as a
+conquering hero. Glen was much given to great thoughts of the mighty
+things he would do and the high stations he would occupy. Unfortunately
+his pride of thought had never made him insist that his inclination
+yield to right instead of to desire. Glen Mason's fault was easily
+summed up--he desired always his own way and had so allowed this
+inclination to fill his life that he was utterly regardless of others.
+Given his own way he was a pleasant chum, a good friend and a brave
+comrade.
+
+When Glen wanted a thing very badly he would go to great lengths to get
+it. Having set for his goal the thirty days of good behavior marks he
+was bound to win it, though greatly to the surprise of the officers who
+had never known Glen to pass so long a time without fracturing a great
+number of rules. No sooner was his time up than he asked leave to go to
+town to visit the dentist.
+
+The Superintendent was rather disturbed by the request. He had been both
+pleased and surprised by Glen's good behavior. Now that the boy had
+earned the privilege of going to town without guard he did not wish to
+spoil his good work by a refusal to trust him. Yet he was suspicious. He
+asked that Glen be sent to the office.
+
+"Why do you want to go to the dentist, Glen?" he asked kindly. "What
+attention do your teeth need?"
+
+Glen was confused. So far as he knew his teeth were sound as bullets. He
+had not sunk to the place where lies were easy of expression.
+
+"I don't know just what, sir," he stammered, wishing that he could think
+of something. "The dentist will know what they need."
+
+This was as good an answer as he could have made, although stumbled on
+by chance.
+
+"You want the dentist to go over them to find what is the matter, do
+you?" said the soft-hearted superintendent.
+
+"Yes, sir. I want the dentist to find what is the matter."
+
+"It isn't a bad idea," said the superintendent. "It won't be necessary
+for you to go to town, though, for the dentist is coming out here next
+week."
+
+"But I don't want to wait until next week," cried Glen. "I want to go
+to-day. I want him to pull one out."
+
+"Which one?" inquired the superintendent.
+
+It made little difference to Glen which tooth he denoted for the
+sacrifice. Now that he had told the lie he would stay by it. He pointed
+to a big double tooth and resolved that he would remember it.
+
+The superintendent looked at the tooth and at the boy.
+
+"Perhaps you don't know how much that tooth is worth?"
+
+"No, sir," agreed Glen.
+
+"A very conservative price is a hundred dollars, at your age. You
+wouldn't throw a hundred dollars away."
+
+"No, sir; but I want it pulled."
+
+It was all very well to talk of a hundred dollars, but when Glen had his
+mind set on a matter he would make any sacrifice.
+
+"Well, you must not have it pulled. But have the dentist look at it. I
+will give you a pass for this afternoon. You will wear your uniform,
+walk to the car line and take the street car to the dentist's office.
+Let me ask you one thing, Glen. Don't forget to come back."
+
+It was as if the superintendent read his thoughts. Glen changed color
+and looked foolish. He could think of only one thing to say. "At what
+time, sir?"
+
+"You will be in by six o'clock. As you go to town and see the boys at
+liberty on the streets remember that if you keep up your good behavior
+you may soon be paroled and be as free as they. All you have to do,
+Glen, is to keep it up."
+
+As he went to put on his uniform, the hated uniform that made it so hard
+for him to lose himself in the crowd, Glen realized better how it was
+that Nixon and some of the others who had been given liberty in town had
+never violated their trust. It seemed abominably mean and small to go
+back on a man like this. He actually began to have his own doubts. But
+it was very hard for Glen Mason to give up anything on which he had set
+his heart.
+
+There were several things went wrong which were quite disturbing. In the
+first place he was obliged to change his clothing under the eye of the
+physical director which utterly spoiled any scheme of hiding a suit of
+overalls under his uniform. The walk to the street car and the ride to
+the doctor's office would have been very enjoyable had not every one
+stared at him and his uniform. More than once he heard some one say
+"There goes a reform school boy." Then the dentist did all manner of
+things in his efforts to find the nonexistent aching tooth. Finally he
+did find an area of tenderness in an entirely different tooth to the one
+specified.
+
+"Does this tooth hurt you more than the others!" he asked.
+
+"It does," Glen agreed, quite truthfully, an involuntary "Ouch"
+following his words.
+
+"I thought as much," the doctor observed. "It is often hard to locate
+the pain definitely. The nerve reflexes are responsible for it. I will
+now drill into this and see what we find."
+
+"Do you have to drill?" asked Glen.
+
+"Surely. Have to clean out all the old decayed tooth before I fill it. I
+often give the boys from the school a little sermon by telling them the
+bad has to be cleaned out before you get sound living."
+
+"Make it as easy as you can," Glen requested.
+
+"Yes, of course. But cleaning out decay often hurts."
+
+It did hurt but Glen would have fainted rather than make an outcry.
+
+The doctor stepped to the 'phone and called up the superintendent.
+
+"It's all right with the Mason boy," he said. "I've done all I can
+to-day for him. I'm leaving now. What shall he do until time for his
+car."
+
+He turned to Glen as he received a reply.
+
+"You are to wait until five o'clock in my reception room and then take
+the inter-urban car," he said, locking the inner office when they passed
+out. "I am leaving a little early to-night."
+
+Before he left he stepped into a little closet which led out of the
+reception room and changed his office clothes. Glen's eyes sparkled. His
+problem was solved.
+
+At five o'clock Glen Mason rode down in the elevator to the ground floor
+and asked the elevator man how he could identify the inter-urban car.
+But instead of leaving the building he dodged back to the stairway as
+soon as the elevator had started on its return trip and ran stealthily
+up the stairs and again entered the dentist's reception room. It was
+empty. Glen boldly entered the little closet and dressing himself in the
+dentist's office clothes made a bundle of his uniform. The closet was
+both deep and high. He climbed to the top shelf and shoved his bundle
+far back over its wide surface against the wall. He dared not risk going
+out in the doctor's clothing in daylight. He must stay until the
+building was deserted and use the fire escape. His great fear was lest
+some one should come to the reception room. The only safeguard was
+concealment in the hot, dark closet. He waited hours without any
+disturbance. He felt sure that it must be almost midnight. Stealthily he
+opened the door of the closet and stepped to a window. It was still
+daylight, though the sun was setting. He returned to his closet.
+
+It must have been some hours afterward that he heard footsteps and
+voices outside the door. In sudden desperation he climbed up and lay
+flat on the wide shelf where he had hidden the uniform. Someone opened
+the door of the closet, glanced inside and shut it again.
+
+"I tell you I took him down about five o'clock and showed him his car.
+He ain't here," said the voice of the elevator man.
+
+"I have to make sure," replied his companion.
+
+Glen knew the voice for that of one of the school officials. So already
+they were seeking him!
+
+After all was quiet Glen ventured to open the closet door and peep out.
+It was dark now but there were lights in the hall. After a long time
+they were extinguished and the building seemed deserted. The last late
+worker departed. The elevator ceased its rhythmic motion.
+
+Glen waited yet longer for a time and then crept down the hall to the
+fire-escape, which he made out by a red light. It was a dark night, but,
+nerved to the act, he made no hesitation as he swung himself out on to
+the iron bars. It was an old-fashioned escape, bars at wide intervals so
+close to the wall as to leave hardly a toe hold. Down, down he went, not
+daring to look to see where he was going but clinging fast and letting
+one step follow another. Then suddenly the ladder stopped. Feel as he
+would, in this direction or in that, there were no more steps. He had
+known of fire-escapes ending ten or twelve feet from the ground with an
+extension which might be lowered. But he found no extension. He looked
+down, but it was black night and he could see nothing but shadowy
+outlines. Looking up, the ladder soon disappeared in the darkness. There
+was no sense in mounting again. He let down his legs as far as he could
+reach, with his body balanced on his elbows, then he let himself hang by
+his hands and kicked out in the hope of finding some landing. There was
+nothing to be felt but the brick wall. His arms grew tired as he swung.
+His efforts to draw up again were ineffectual. In desperation he swung
+off into space.
+
+Splash! He was choking and gasping in water!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A FRIEND AND A FOE
+
+
+Splashing about in his watery quarters Glen speedily discovered that he
+had fallen into an enormous rain barrel. He was able to reach the top
+with his hands, and lost no time in drawing himself up and crawling over
+the side. Then he stood in the shelter of the barrel and wrung a gallon
+or so of water out of the doctor's clothes. When the job was finished he
+had pretty well destroyed the identity of that suit of clothing. The
+draggled, wrinkled and stained garments bore no resemblance to the neat
+office suit. His mishap had given material help in effecting a disguise.
+
+He struck out away from the town and met no one to interfere with him as
+he walked along the quiet residence streets. Just at the edge of the
+city he was attracted by a great illumination. It was the electric
+lighting of a park, which even at that hour was thronged with visitors.
+The boy who had been shut up for a year and more looked hungrily through
+the great entrance way. It was free to all. He walked cautiously in,
+keeping a suspicious eye wide for policemen; for though he thought he
+was free he was in bondage to his guilty conscience.
+
+Of the many attractions the one which made the greatest appeal to
+Glen--and the only one he could afford, for his sole fortune was the
+nickel he had for car-fare--was the merry-go-round with its gaudy horses
+and its gurdy tunes. He bought a ticket and mounted one of the turbulent
+steeds with a little thrill of anticipatory pleasure. The music began,
+the movement gradually quickened, and he was just giving himself up to
+the pleasure of it when he saw working toward him, on the inside
+running-board, a man collecting tickets. On his coat was the nickeled
+badge of a constable. Glen did not know that he was a special officer
+for the sole purpose of protecting his own outfit against rowdies. In
+his eyes it was the approach of the law. Although they were now swinging
+round at a good rate he slipped from his horse and jumped, at peril of
+his neck. The sight of an official badge struck terror to his soul.
+
+So it was wherever he went. He saw in every man an officer. One might
+have supposed the park policed by an army. He had just dodged one of the
+two real park policemen when he overheard a momentous conversation.
+
+A man from the bathhouse came by.
+
+"Anything doing, Jake?" he asked the officer.
+
+"Nothing much," replied the policeman. "They 'phoned us a boy got away
+from the reform school. They think he might just have come out to the
+park for fun and overstayed. Ain't seen any one, have ye?"
+
+"Not me."
+
+"Well, if he's in here we'll get him as he goes out. I'll watch one gate
+and Barney the other."
+
+So they were on the look out for him. But there was nothing in his
+present clothing to suggest the reform school boy, and though he was
+hatless there were numbers of hatless boys in the park. There were many
+people of all kinds, in fact, and if he went with the crowd, he could
+surely slip out unnoticed. Yet he feared to attempt to pass the
+representative of the law at the gate. How conscience doth make cowards
+of us all!
+
+It was a good deed, done impulsively, that solved Glen's problem. An
+automobile was passing. The occupants were all watching the bathers in
+the lake, excepting a little chap of three who had seized the
+opportunity to climb over the door with the evident idea of jumping to
+the ground. When Glen saw him he was poised on the running board ready
+for his jump. Like a flash Glen jumped for the footboard of the moving
+car and interposed his body as an obstacle to the little fellow's leap.
+The women in the car screamed and the man who was driving stopped his
+car in surprise at the intrusion. It was only when Glen hauled the
+little boy up to view that they saw what he had done.
+
+"I am Jonathan Gates," said the man, offering Glen his hand, "and this
+is my wife and daughter. We don't know how to thank you for saving that
+little scamp from harm."
+
+"We might at least take you back into town," suggested Mrs. Gates.
+
+"But I am going west, into the country," said Glen.
+
+"That is still better," said Mr. Gates. "We live eight miles west of
+here and will take you wherever you say."
+
+"I'll go just as far as you go," Glen replied. "I live away out west and
+am on my way on foot. Every mile is a help."
+
+They passed through the gates without any notice from the officer who
+was watching for an escaped Reform School boy, and Glen felt safe again.
+
+"We have not visited the park in a long while," explained Mrs. Gates,
+"and it was all new to us. That is why we lost sight of Jack. He was
+very anxious to run back and see the monkeys again."
+
+"I have never been there before at all," said Glen. "And I am glad I saw
+this monkey. I was passing and I just went in by chance."
+
+"Not chance," said Mr. Gates. "Let us say Providence. Our boy might have
+been badly hurt or even killed. Certainly you were led by Providence, or
+I would rather be more definite and say the hand of God."
+
+"Oh I don't know. I guess not," stammered Glen, greatly embarrassed. He
+wondered what Mr. Gates would say if he knew that he came to the park in
+running away from the reform school. He had not yet learned that the
+power of God may even overrule our evil for good. But he was quite
+willing to agree that his good fortune in meeting the Gates family might
+be God's providence.
+
+He felt his good fortune still more when Mrs. Gates insisted that he
+must stay with them at least one night. He yielded, thinking that he
+would get up very early and slip away before they were astir in the
+morning. But the excitement of the day had such an effect that he
+overslept and did not waken until called to breakfast.
+
+The effect of this family was something such as Glen had never known.
+All they knew of him was his name, but they took him at his word. They
+accepted his statements without a question--a most unusual thing in his
+experience. They showed him every kindness. At breakfast Mr. Gates
+heaped his plate with good things. They were so cordial in their
+invitation to stay and rest for awhile that he could not refuse them.
+They showed to him such a spirit of love as made him feel that, after
+all, Christian people were different from others, and to begin to be
+sorry that he had taken advantage of the good, old superintendent. They
+planted in his softened heart seeds of kindness and love which were
+bound to blossom.
+
+Glen stayed two days, and might have remained longer, but on the morning
+of the third day, coming down early, he picked up the day-old paper
+which Mr. Gates had been reading. It was folded back at a place which
+told of his disappearance from the reform school. He was ashamed to look
+again in their faces, so he stole out the back way, passed through the
+barn, and thus made his way out into the dusty road.
+
+His thoughts, as he trudged along, were far from cheerful. Although he
+had strong, boyish desires to fare forth into the world alone, he much
+disliked to leave this cheery home. Had he been a clean, honorable boy
+with a good record he might have stayed there and learned to be a man.
+
+His gloomy thoughts were diverted by the sight of a man who seemed to be
+having troubles of his own. He was down at the side of an automobile,
+perspiring freely and vexed with the whole world as he unsuccessfully
+labored at changing a tire. The automobile was no ordinary car. It had a
+driver's seat in front and a closed car behind like the closed delivery
+wagons Glen had seen in town. Bright colored letters announced to the
+world that J. Jervice supplied the public with a full line of novelties,
+including rugs, curtains, rare laces and Jervice's Live Stock Condition
+Powders.
+
+"Can I help you," volunteered Glen. It is worthy of note that the
+service was freely offered before the man spoke so much as a word. It
+had not been Glen's habit to volunteer help. He was feeling the
+influence of the home he had just left.
+
+The offer was not kindly received. The man's reply was so churlish as to
+leave open the suspicion that he was not naturally a man of pleasant
+ways.
+
+"Garn away f'm here," he snarled. "I don't need no boys spyin' around my
+car."
+
+"Who's spyin'?" asked Glen defiantly. "You seem to need somebody pretty
+bad. You ain't man enough to strip that tire off."
+
+"Nor nobody else wouldn't be," declared the man. "Leastways nobody with
+jest one pair of hands. While I pry it off one end it slips back on the
+other. Are you strong?" he asked, stopping to look at Glen.
+
+"I'm pretty stout for my age," admitted Glen, modestly, "but I don't
+want to help nor spy, if you don't want me."
+
+"I could use another pair of hands," the peddler admitted. "I can't pay
+you nothing for it, though, unless it be a ride to town."
+
+"That is just what I want," agreed Glen. "It's a bargain."
+
+The perspiration of Mr. J. Jervice had not been without occasion. The
+tire he was trying to change had done good service--it was, in fact, the
+very first tire that wheel had ever carried. Perhaps it cherished fond
+hopes of remaining in service as long as the wheel to which it clung--at
+least it resisted most strenuously all efforts to detach it. Both Glen
+and the man were moist with their efforts before it came away, and they
+accumulated still more dirt and moisture in applying its successor. But
+at last it was all done, and Glen had already mounted to the seat, while
+his companion was putting away his tools, when a cart drove up alongside
+and Glen recognized in the driver, Mr. Gates.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked, as Mr. Gates pulled up his horse.
+
+"What's the matter?" echoed Mr. J. Jervice; "this boy been doing
+anything?"
+
+It was not an unnatural question for there was something in Mr. Gates's
+look and in Glen's questioning tone that betokened affairs out of the
+ordinary; furthermore, Mr. J. Jervice seemed to be so suspicious of
+people in general that one might well think he had something to conceal.
+
+"The boy's all right," replied Mr. Gates. "I have something to say to
+him, that's all. If he will come over here we will drive on a few feet
+while I say it."
+
+Glen's thoughts flew back to the folded newspaper and he was instantly
+suspicious.
+
+"I don't want to get down," he said. "This gentleman's agreed to give me
+a ride to town and I don't want to keep him."
+
+"But I want you to stay," replied Mr. Gates. "I will take you to town if
+you wish, but first I want you to go back home with me and I will tell
+you something important."
+
+Glen felt one of his old, unrestrained passions rising within him.
+
+"I know what you want," he cried. "I saw the newspaper. You want to
+send me back to the reform school."
+
+"I want to help you make a man of yourself," asserted Mr. Gates, unmoved
+by the boy's passion. "It's true I want you to go back to the school,
+but I will go with you and speak for you. You must go back because it is
+the only right way out. Let me tell you, Glen, you will never get over a
+trouble by running away from it. The manly and Christian thing to do is
+to go back. And that is why I want you to do it."
+
+"And of course you don't want the reward of ten dollars that's always
+paid for returning a boy. You wouldn't take the money, would you?"
+
+If the eyes of Mr. Gates were saddened by this mean sneer those of Mr.
+J. Jervice were not. They lightened with a sudden interest, and he
+jumped into the battle for the first time.
+
+"This boy's a goin' with me," he told Mr. Gates. "He's earned a ride and
+I promised it and I'm a man of my word. You be off, now, and leave him
+alone."
+
+"You are spoiling his best chance," said Mr. Gates. "I am not interested
+in the school or the reward. I am simply trying to do my duty to the
+boy."
+
+"Well, you've done it," cried Mr. J. Jervice, as his car gathered
+headway. "Good-by to ye."
+
+He turned to Glen as the car got into its speed.
+
+"So you've run away from the reform school, eh? And he was goin' to make
+ten dollars taking you back?"
+
+"Oh, he didn't want the ten dollars," said Glen, his rage all gone. "He
+treated me awful fine while I was at his house. I just said that because
+I was mad. But he can't get me to go back; nor nobody else unless they
+tie me up first."
+
+"I don't know?" said Mr. J. Jervice. "Ten dollars is pretty near a
+week's pay for most men."
+
+"That wouldn't make any difference with him," said Glen. "He's straight
+as a string."
+
+Mr. Gates would have been gratified to know how deep an impression his
+Christian character had made on this boy who had flouted his kindness.
+
+Mr. J. Jervice was not inclined to conversation--he was puzzling over a
+problem something akin to that of the fox and the geese (he to be the
+fox). So they drove along in comparative silence until, topping a hill,
+Glen exclaimed at the sight of the buildings of a large town.
+
+"Are we almost there?" he asked.
+
+"About three miles yet," said Mr. J. Jervice. "What you going to do when
+we get there?"
+
+"I'm not sure, but I think I'd better leave you before we get to town.
+I don't believe Mr. Gates would telephone the police but somebody else
+might."
+
+"You can ride with me a couple o' miles yet. Tell ye what ye can do.
+S'pose'n you get inside. There's lots o' room and there's a ventilator
+back o' this seat will give ye air. You be real careful and not go
+fussing around disturbing things. There's things there I wouldn't want
+ye to touch."
+
+It seemed a good idea. Mr. J. Jervice unlocked the doors in the back and
+Glen stepped inside. The doors slammed behind him and he heard the heavy
+steel bar drop into its slots. Then he heard something like a laugh--a
+foxy laugh. Why should Mr. J. Jervice laugh? At once his suspicions were
+awakened.
+
+As Mr. J. Jervice climbed to his seat again Glen shouted to him through
+the ventilator.
+
+"Stop," he shouted. "I've changed my mind. I don't like being in here
+and I believe I'll take my chance with you on the front seat."
+
+Mr. J. Jervice paid no attention.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+JOLLY BILL IS CONSIDERABLY UPSET
+
+
+The treachery of Mr. J. Jervice was now very clear. He had decided that
+he himself would hand Glen over to the authorities and receive the ten
+dollars reward. Since Glen was almost as big as he, there had been some
+question how he should restrain the boy. He thought this all settled by
+his clever scheme, and the ten dollars practically in his pocket. No
+wonder he chuckled.
+
+But it is well for those who cage wild animals to be sure that the cage
+is properly prepared. Glen looked around in the gloom of the car. He
+knew it was useless to bump against those solid doors. The way out lay
+through Mr. J. Jervice, and the time for getting out was very brief. On
+a shelf lay a bundle of sticks. He pulled on one and found on the other
+end a flag. It was an emblem. The flag should bring him freedom.
+
+Glen found that the flag stick would just poke through the ventilator
+railing. Being effectively poked it struck Mr. J. Jervice neatly in the
+back of the neck, and the poke being vigorous, it aroused his attention
+quite thoroughly.
+
+"Stop that," he cried, hastily dodging. "Them flags is worth a quarter
+apiece, and you'll break the handle."
+
+"Stop and let me out," cried Glen.
+
+"I can't stop now. I just made this change to accommodate you, remember.
+Stopping and starting is awfully expensive--takes as much gasoline as
+running a mile. We'll be in town in five minutes."
+
+"And then you think you will sell me for ten dollars. You'll lose money
+on it, Mr. Jervice. I have a sharp, open knife in my hand. I'm going to
+turn loose on everything in--"
+
+"Don't you dare," shouted Mr. Jervice.
+
+"But I will if you don't stop. You want to send me back to the reform
+school. All I'll get will be a little longer sentence. Will that pay you
+for your goods?"
+
+Mr. J. Jervice reluctantly stopped his car. He saw ten dollars vanishing
+into the atmosphere. Whether Glen would have been as destructive as he
+threatened does not enter into this record. We are obliged to admit that
+at this time he was a wilful lad, and he was especially provoked at this
+man because he had dragged him from the counsel and aid of Mr. Gates
+for the sole purpose of his personal gain. It is enough for us to know
+that Mr. J. Jervice quite believed that a reform school boy with a knife
+was equal to anything.
+
+"Everything in here is in just as good order as when I came in," said
+Glen, when the doors were opened. "I earned this ride, so I don't owe
+you anything. Now you stand away off and let me get out."
+
+There was no need to be so emphatic. Mr. J. Jervice was neither a big
+man nor a brave man, and had no idea of offering any opposition. He
+stood well aside as Glen jumped from the car and ran away through the
+fields.
+
+One thing was very clear to Glen. Mr. J. Jervice would certainly reach
+town in a few minutes and just as certainly would advise the authorities
+to look out for him. He might even come back with the officer, knowing
+that the boy would have but a short start. Glen was standing by an
+abandoned stone quarry as these thoughts came to him. It contained many
+nooks and corners in which a boy might hide, and would be far safer for
+the present than tramping along the road or in the fields. So he picked
+out a secluded nook and lay there until evening. He watched eagerly for
+signs of an officer or Mr. J. Jervice, but also fruitlessly. Had he but
+known it he was perfectly safe, for Mr. J. Jervice was again having
+troubles of his own. Perhaps this was his day for trouble.
+
+Spending a whole day cooped up in a little niche about ten feet long by
+three wide, even though it be as high as the heavens, is dreary work for
+a boy. The time dragged terribly. In his work on the school farm Glen
+had learned to use the sun for a clock quite accurately, so there was no
+deceiving himself as to time. He had eaten a good breakfast before
+leaving the Gates' home so there was no occasion for excessive hunger,
+but he did get very thirsty. Looking down through the old quarry he
+fancied he saw a pump, and when the sun reached its noon zenith he crept
+cautiously down and satisfied his thirst. There was no one in sight, yet
+he felt afraid to venture toward the town before dark, and went back to
+his hiding place.
+
+On the way back he made a great find. Some careless workman had left a
+mallet and chisel lying by a huge slab of stone. They were rusted by the
+weather but otherwise in good condition. Glen took them to his hiding
+place and spent a great deal of the afternoon cleaning off the rust.
+Then he began work on a rough block of stone which lay near and was
+greatly gratified at the result of his labors. So the afternoon slipped
+away without the dreariness of the morning.
+
+He was hungry now and tired and consumed with loneliness. His thoughts
+turned to the pleasant home he had just left with a great longing. They
+had given him good treatment--the Gates family. He contrasted Mr. Gates
+with Mr. Jervice, stirring in his bosom a great indignation at the
+treachery of Jervice, and also awakening a great trust and confidence in
+Mr. Gates. Perhaps he was right after all. Perhaps it would be a good
+thing for him to go back to the school, serve out his time, and then try
+to make a man of himself. If the school had been close at hand he would
+have gone at once, for the supper-time picture which rose to his mind,
+with the crowd of boys ready for their plain but wholesome food was a
+very attractive one just now. Where his supper was to come from he did
+not know, for his only nickel had paid for the ticket to the
+merry-go-round.
+
+Now that it was dark enough to make his travel safe he picked up his
+chisel and mallet and climbed up the side of the quarry. The tools gave
+him an idea. They were marketable and would surely provide a supper for
+him. He looked them over as closely as the fading light would allow but
+found no marks or initials to indicate the owner. So he felt a little
+more certain of his plans as he hurried along the road toward the town.
+
+He had no intention of going to a big store and offering the tools for
+sale. His choice would be rather a small general shop where he could get
+both food and a hat in exchange for his offering. He felt that the lack
+of a hat as he walked through the streets would be sure to attract
+attention. He found just the place he needed at the very outskirts of
+the town, a little "general utility store" designed to supply the needs
+of the dwellers in outlying houses who did not wish to go to town for
+every purchase.
+
+But the dealer was suspicious of a bareheaded boy in a man's suit of
+clothes offering to trade a mallet and chisel for a meal and a straw
+hat.
+
+"Where did you get these things?" he asked, as he closely examined the
+tools.
+
+"I found them in the old quarry east of town," replied Glen.
+
+"You found them! They don't look like tools that have been lying around
+in an old quarry."
+
+"No, sir. Because I spent all afternoon cleaning them up."
+
+"I hope that's true, boy. I want to be fair with you. Wait a minute
+while I make a few inquiries."
+
+He turned to the telephone; and even as he did so Glen fled through the
+open door. It was unfair, miserably unfair, he told himself as he ran,
+and the hot tears filled his eyes. He had found these tools all rusty,
+and spent all afternoon cleaning them, and now this man was bound to
+call up the police. He did not stop to think that if he had been an
+honest boy with a good record calling up the police would have meant
+nothing to him.
+
+Glen slowed his pace to a walk after a few blocks; a running boy was too
+conspicuous. Every time he saw a man in any kind of a uniform he dodged
+out of his way. A street-car conductor on his way home, who passed near
+to him, gave him a great scare. And at last came a policeman who really
+did start after him; at least he walked in his direction and when Glen
+started to run he ran too. Glen was terribly frightened. He ran madly,
+not once looking behind, and therefore ignorant of the fact that after
+one block the officer gave up the chase after a boy who was probably
+playing some foolish joke. It was a hot night but the sweat on Glen's
+face was caused as much by terror as by his exertion. He ran not knowing
+where he was going and at last hardly seeing. Then he swung around a
+sharp corner, came into collision with some kind of a vehicle, and
+rolled over and over with it and its occupant into the gutter.
+
+Glen lay panting from the chase he had given himself, for just a second,
+and in that second he felt a large hand grip his arm in a firm grasp.
+But it was not the policeman. Beside him, with his head touching the
+curb, lay a strong young man. Across their bodies was the vehicle which
+Glen had overturned, something like a large baby buggy or a small
+invalid chair, with a steering wheel in front. No one came to their
+help, for Glen had instinctively selected the quiet streets and this one
+seemed deserted save for them two. Seeing no policeman in sight Glen
+gained confidence.
+
+"Let go of my arm," he cried.
+
+"I can't afford to just yet," replied the young man. "It's the only
+thing I've got to remember you by, unless you count this big bump on the
+back of my head."
+
+"I didn't mean to hurt you," said Glen.
+
+"I reckon not. I suppose it was thoughtless for me to get in your way.
+You must have been going somewhere."
+
+"Let me up. Please let me up, and I'll tell you all about it. I want you
+to help me. It isn't fair. I'm not getting a fair show."
+
+"Oh, that's the way, is it? Well, you're at the right shop. Nobody ever
+calls on Jolly Bill in vain. You get up and lift this automobile off my
+quivering frame and we'll see what we can do for you."
+
+Glen crawled out and managed to lift the vehicle off the young man's
+body.
+
+"Now you can get up, can't you," he asked.
+
+"With your kind assistance, noble sir." He raised himself to a sitting
+position as he spoke. "This is as far as I get without your aid."
+
+Glen hardly knew how to help, though the conveyance told him that the
+young man was a cripple.
+
+"How shall I help you?" he asked. "Are your legs paralyzed?"
+
+"Worse than that, young fellow. My legs are dead and buried."
+
+"I'm awfully sorry," said Glen, his heart stirred with sympathy. "I'm
+glad you have such strong arms. They certainly are alive."
+
+"That's the way to talk about it, boy. Don't worry about what's gone.
+Look at what you have left. That's what I try to do, and that's why they
+call me Jolly Bill. Now, a big heave and I can stand on my pegs while
+you bring my Billy-cart up this way."
+
+He was quite skillful about getting into his cart once Glen had him in
+the right position.
+
+"Now I'll let you push me home, boy--two blocks ahead and one to your
+right--and meantime you may tell me the sad story of your eventful
+career."
+
+"Promise that you won't give me up," said Glen.
+
+"Whew! That sounds awfully interesting. You must be a desperate
+character, and that perhaps explains your peculiar mode of rapid
+transit. I'm so curious I promise."
+
+"It isn't so awfully bad," said Glen, feeling that his new friend was
+poking fun. "I ran away from the reform school, that's all."
+
+"I don't know how bad that is," was the reply. "The question is are you
+reformed, are you reforming, or are you worse than ever?"
+
+"I want to reform," declared Glen, the first confession of the kind he
+had ever made.
+
+"I suppose the best way to do it would be to go back to the school,"
+suggested Jolly Bill.
+
+"That's what Mr. Gates said," admitted Glen. "But I don't want to be
+taken back."
+
+"That sounds pretty fair. You don't want to be taken; you want to go. I
+want to go, but I have to be taken. I was hoping you were the boy to do
+some taking for me."
+
+"You mean take you around," exclaimed Glen.
+
+"That's about what I mean. I'm an important personage and wherever I
+travel I have to have a body guard."
+
+"I'd like to do it better than anything in the world!"
+
+"I believe you're just the boy if the reform school could wait for you a
+week or two. I have a plan that will make me a fortune; but I can't work
+it out without a strong, energetic boy to help me."
+
+"I'm the boy," shouted Glen. "Try me. What is it?"
+
+"You won't give my secret away?"
+
+"Never. Upon my--"
+
+"Upon your what?"
+
+"Oh, I suppose you'd say I didn't have any."
+
+"You were going to say upon your honor. Certainly you have honor. You
+make it every day. To prove my confidence I will tell you my secret. I
+was born in this neighborhood and lived here most of my life. A few
+years ago a terrible accident deprived me of my father and at the same
+time left me as you see me. I support my mother by selling real estate.
+Twenty miles or so from here I know of a great fortune. But it is hidden
+away, buried, choked up and forgotten. I have tried to get my friends
+to hunt this out for me but they do not see things my way. So I need a
+strong healthy boy to help me, and together we will find this
+treasure."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+HOW MOTHER CARES
+
+
+Running away would be very popular with boys if they could be sure of
+finding such good friends as Glen had met. The reverse is more commonly
+true. Glen knew well enough that the boy on the road, trusting to chance
+for friends, is much more apt to fall a prey to people of the J. Jervice
+variety. He remembered the pitiful plight of a boy who had been returned
+to the school after falling into the hands of tramps, and he thanked an
+unknown Providence that he had tumbled into the kind arms of Jolly Bill.
+
+Mother Spencer was just as kind and cheerful as her son, though she
+neither made jokes nor appreciated those offered by Will.
+
+"This is Glen Mason, mother," said Jolly Bill, when she came out to meet
+them. "After he had committed assault and battery on my delicate frame,
+I prevailed on him to bring home the mangled remains."
+
+"You are hurt, Willie!" she cried in alarm. "Your face is scratched and
+there is blood. Is it serious?"
+
+"I shall recover," said Will. "I have been in rather worse accidents.
+Take a look at this other dusty, weary specimen. What do you recommend?"
+
+"I beg your pardon," she apologized to Glen. "I was anxious about my
+boy. I am every time he goes out. I'll just show you up to the bathroom.
+There is plenty of hot water and soap and towels, and I'll bring you a
+clean suit that Willie used to wear."
+
+Glen reddened with embarrassment at this goodness.
+
+"Maybe you'd better not," he protested. "You don't know who I am."
+
+"But I know what size you are," she insisted. "This old suit of Willie's
+has been lying around for years, but it's perfectly good. Now you take
+and put it on."
+
+"Take it along and wear it," urged Jolly Bill. "It's been shut up in the
+closet so long it may turn two or three handsprings when it gets out in
+the sunshine, but otherwise it will fit you all right. Mother's kept the
+moth out of it long enough."
+
+Soaking in a tub of clean water after his hot and dusty day, with a nice
+suit of clean clothing ready to put on, Glen felt that he was indeed
+fortunate. He actually concluded that he was getting better treatment
+than he deserved. He was still embarrassed by the thought, when he went
+downstairs and found Will and his mother at the table.
+
+"I've told mother all about you," announced Bill. "You have her official
+seal of approval."
+
+"Don't mind what he says," interrupted Mrs. Spencer. "A boy who wants to
+do right always has a place with me. But you get a reserved seat because
+you're going to help Willie."
+
+"I hope I'll be able to. I'll surely try."
+
+"Oh, you're just the strong young fellow he needs. He's had the plan
+quite a while but so many people--"
+
+"Not so very many, mother," interrupted Will. "Very few people know of
+it."
+
+"Well, the people that you've told--you know how they have all acted or
+spoken as if it were a wild goose chase--"
+
+"They think so; that's their privilege."
+
+"No it isn't. They shouldn't think so. You've studied it out and you
+know it's as bright a thought as ever helped any man to a fortune and
+I'm glad this big boy is going to help you work it."
+
+"And then I'll be rich enough to buy you a home, and to go to that big
+hospital and get my old pegs fixed up so they can put artificial legs on
+me that I really can walk on."
+
+"I'm mighty glad to help," said Glen. "I'd do most anything for folks as
+good as you."
+
+"There, mother; that's an unsolicited testimonial to your particular
+brand of goodness," said Will. "He didn't talk a bit that way when he
+met me first. Acted quite abrupt and seemed to want to get away."
+
+"I didn't know you then," objected Glen. "I was trying to get away from
+everybody."
+
+"Pretty good horse-power you were putting into it, too," observed Will.
+"That reminds me, boy. It is now time for you to unroll the full history
+of your eventful career."
+
+"There isn't very much that matters, until a few days ago," began Glen.
+
+"What's that?" asked Mrs. Spencer. "Did you say not much that matters?
+How old are you?"
+
+"I was fifteen last May."
+
+"Fifteen years ago last May! Don't you know, Glen, that something
+happened then that mattered a wonderful lot to one person, even if it
+didn't then matter much to you. And it's been mattering ever since, to
+her."
+
+"Yes," agreed Glen, "my mother, you mean."
+
+"Yes, I mean your mother. And your father, too, as long as he lived.
+Don't you suppose it mattered to them that their boy should be so--" she
+hesitated, groping for a word.
+
+"Pigheaded!" volunteered Glen.
+
+Mrs. Spencer looked shocked, and remonstrated: "Why, Glen! I didn't say
+anything of the kind--wayward was the word I wanted."
+
+But Jolly Bill clapped his hands in cheerful applause.
+
+"Good boy, Glen!" he exclaimed. "Pigheaded is the word. Bound to have
+your own way. Bound to have what you want. No self restraint at all. If
+you want it, nothing will do but you must have it, good or bad. Believe
+me, boy, that's the very word."
+
+"I wish you wouldn't interrupt me, Willie," objected Mrs. Spencer. "I
+wasn't trying to preach a sermon to Glen and I don't know why you
+should. What I want to tell him is that every little thing about a boy
+matters to mother. It's always important to her what he does, and if he
+does wrong to-day she is sure that he certainly will do better
+to-morrow. Mother's going to be awfully glad when she hears about you,
+Glen, and I want you to tell me where I can write to her this very day.
+Now, go on and tell us about running away."
+
+Glen was interrupted occasionally.
+
+"Oh, did you say Gates?" cried Mrs. Spencer. "Was it Jonathan Gates?"
+
+"I believe I did hear his wife call him Jonathan once or twice, though
+mostly they all called him 'Father.'"
+
+"It must be they," said Mrs. Spencer. "They're just the people to take
+care of a boy that way. We know the Gateses very well and they're the
+salt of the earth. I wonder you ever had the heart to leave them."
+
+Glen told why he had left and then related his further adventures with
+J. Jervice, his final escape, and his day of dread lest he should be
+apprehended.
+
+"I think I can tell you why Mr. J. Jervice didn't send after you," said
+Will. "It's been his busy day. I just read about it in the evening
+paper. Excepting that it was funny I wondered what excuse they had for
+giving it so much space. But I now see why it is important. Look at
+this!"
+
+He handed Glen the paper folded back to a column headed: "Peddler in
+Wrong Pew."
+
+"Every good citizen knows of the new license ordinance but not every
+peddler. One came briskly to the county clerk's office this morning. He
+was not too rushed to stop and sell a patent tie clip to a man at the
+door.
+
+"'I'm a traveling merchant,' said he to our genial county clerk.
+
+"'Very good,' said the clerk. 'I see you are doing a little business.'
+
+"'Pretty fair,' agreed Mr. Peddler. 'But that ain't what--'
+
+"'Hold on a bit,' interrupted the clerk. 'First thing is a license.'
+
+"'I've got something more important, just now,' urged the peddler. 'I
+want to tell you about--'
+
+"'First things first,' persisted our efficient clerk. 'You must pay a
+license to peddle in this county.'
+
+"'But I don't want to peddle now. I want to lodge--'
+
+"'One thing at a time. You may lodge longer than you want if you break
+our ordinances. Get your license. Five dollars!'
+
+"'But I don't want a license. I want to give information--'
+
+"'No, no! You want to get information (our clerk is just bound to have
+his way). 'You should have information about our new license fee. Every
+peddler must pay it.'
+
+"'I'll not pay it. Five dollars is more'n I could make in a whole day,
+and I don't aim to be in your county that long. I'll go on.'
+
+"'Too late. You've made one sale that we know of. Five dollars or--'
+
+"'I can't, Mister. I can't pay that. You, just forget about it an' I'll
+tell you how we can divide ten dollars, easy money.'
+
+"'Trying to bribe a county officer! That's worse and worse. Here, Mr.
+Sheriff, you'd better look after this man.'
+
+"The man's name was J. Jervice and he found five dollars in his clothing
+before the sheriff had fully clamped his grip. He went away in great
+wrath, taking with him not only the objectionable license but also the
+valuable secret which was worth ten dollars--easy money.
+
+"The honest merchant who has a regular route does not object to the
+license. The objections come from these itinerant peddlers, who claim
+that they are just passing through. Our county officers will insist upon
+payment. They do not fear to discourage their visits for these
+fly-by-nights are the very men who cheat our citizens, sometimes
+stealing under guise of a sale and sometimes stealing outright. We do
+not say that this peddler looked suspicious, but we observed our sheriff
+taking a good mental picture of him."
+
+"Good-by, Mr. J. Jervice," exulted Glen, as he laid down the paper. "I
+don't care if I never meet you again."
+
+"But I'm not sure that you won't," said Jolly Bill, with a purpose to
+tease. "Now that Mr. Jervice has had to pay a five dollar license fee,
+all because he loved you so and wanted to see you safe home, he'll be
+apt to look for you."
+
+"He'd better not come near this house," declared Mrs. Spencer,
+energetically. "I'll give him a piece of my mind if I see him, I can
+tell you."
+
+"I surely hope he'll come," said Jolly Bill. "He deserves all he can
+get."
+
+But neither Jolly Bill, Mrs. Spencer nor Glen were to be gratified with
+a sight of Mr. Jervice immediately, although they were by no means
+through with him.
+
+Later in the evening after Glen had given Mrs. Spencer very efficient
+aid in helping her crippled son to his bed on the ground floor, she
+showed the boy up to a cozy little bedroom where he was to spend the
+night.
+
+"Have a good night, son," she said. "I'm so glad you are going to help
+my boy, because you look like a boy with grit and determination, and
+I'll feel safe about him with you looking after him. It means a lot to
+us just now. It isn't so much that I care about the money, although
+Willie insists that I must have this home all clear of debt. But the
+main thing with me is to see my boy able to take care of himself.
+There's a place in New York where they can operate on him and then fix
+him up so he can walk all by himself. All we need is the money. It will
+be such a joy to me. Good night!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+TREACHEROUS INDIANS AT BUFFALO LAKE
+
+
+It was a couple of days later before Mr. William Spencer (sometimes
+known to his fellow citizens as Jolly Bill) fully explained to Glen the
+method by which he hoped to increase their fortunes. He had taken Glen
+into his home, had fed and provided for him and had given him some
+clothing. An automobile had brought them the twenty miles of their
+journey, early that morning, and had left them with their belongings at
+the house of a farmer, with whom Spencer was evidently on the best of
+terms. Now they stood on a knoll overlooking what seemed to Glen to be
+nothing but an immense field of growing corn.
+
+"There is our fortune," said Spencer.
+
+"That field of corn?" asked Glen.
+
+"That is Buffalo Hollow and I repeat that there lies our fortune."
+
+"And how are we to get it?"
+
+"That is your job. That's why I brought you."
+
+"What do you expect me to do. Take a spade and dig?"
+
+"Perhaps! We shall see. Sit down while I tell you about this place.
+Buffalo Mound, over there, is the highest ground in this country. From
+its summit you can see into six counties. This big field before us is
+Buffalo Hollow. When I was a little chap I was told a great story about
+this by an old Indian. He said that years ago the Hollow was a beautiful
+lake fed by springs from Buffalo Mound. Some freighters carrying bullion
+camped here and were slaughtered by Indians. To hide the bullion until
+they could dispose of it they threw it in the lake. When they returned
+they could not find it readily, so they dammed the springs and drained
+the lake. Makes quite a romantic story, doesn't it?"
+
+"Yes, but did it ever happen?"
+
+"I believe there is some record of such a thing, but my private opinion
+is that the draining was done by some stingy owner who had little use
+for a lake and thought he saw an opportunity to secure twenty acres of
+good bottom land. Probably he thought he was a great economist. But as a
+matter of fact he did a very foolish thing. This prairie country is
+poverty stricken so far as lakes and woods are concerned. In the town I
+live in there are many wealthy men who take their families long
+distances every summer in order to reach a lake. A twenty acre lake is
+only a pool in the lake country, but out here it is worth more than a
+gold mine."
+
+"And you think if you could make it a lake again you could sell it to
+these wealthy people?"
+
+"I know I could. I know an athletic club in town that would pay a big
+price for it. There are many of our wealthy men who would pay five
+hundred dollars for a hundred foot frontage, so that they might put up
+bungalows for summer residences. My plan is to find those choked
+springs, bring them again into their old channels, and convert the
+Hollow into a lake. Mr. Ryder, our farmer friend who now owns this farm,
+doesn't think much of my plan, and won't have anything to do with it any
+more than to sell me options on the land and the privilege of cutting
+this excellent stand of corn, and that is as far as my arrangements with
+him extend."
+
+"And what is the first thing for me to do?" asked Glen.
+
+"Excellent talk, that, my boy. What would you advise as to the first
+thing."
+
+"I suppose you can't do much exploring while the corn stands. It should
+be cut."
+
+"It should, and it must be cut in the old fashioned way. Did you ever
+cut corn in the old fashioned way?"
+
+"You mean with a corn-knife. I helped cut a hundred acres at the school
+last fall."
+
+"Well, there's only about five acres of this land in corn so the
+contract is smaller. The first thing is to borrow a corn-knife of our
+friend Ryder."
+
+Glen's attack upon the field of corn began that very day. A year ago, at
+the reform school, he had hated this work; now, he enjoyed it. The corn
+was higher than his head, and the heavy stalks, piled on his left arm as
+he cut with his right, wore through his shirt and made an attempt upon
+his skin, but he did not complain. He was doing a work into which his
+heart entered, and so he was enjoying it.
+
+Spencer could give no help at all. There are people, with like
+misfortune to his, who are able to make some sort of a shift with
+crutches, but Will could not use them at all. As Mrs. Spencer had
+explained to Glen, there had been some trouble in the amputation. All
+that was needed was money to go to a famous hospital and have things
+properly arranged and a pair of artificial legs fitted that would enable
+him to walk, run, race, dance or play the pipe organ. Will hoped to be
+successful enough to command the money for this and meantime he intended
+to be happy in the prospect. So he sat and watched Glen work, made
+suggestions, cracked jokes and drew diagrams of the surrounding country.
+
+The day that Glen finished his work was very hot. He had been working
+hard in the hope of completing the job by nightfall and was wet and
+grimy with perspiration and dirt. As he carried an armful of stalks to
+the shock he noticed a boy standing there dressed in a khaki uniform of
+olive drab.
+
+"Wouldn't you like a little help?" asked the boy.
+
+"I could use some," said Glen. "But I have only one knife."
+
+"You rest, then, and let me use it awhile. I know how to cut corn."
+
+"You'll spoil your pretty suit."
+
+"This kind doesn't spoil. It's a scout uniform."
+
+"Perhaps it won't spoil for as long as you'll work," said Glen. "What
+are you doing here?"
+
+"We have a camp around the other side of the Mound. We only came
+yesterday or you would have seen some of us before now."
+
+He was cutting cornstalks with a practised hand and Glen decided that he
+could trust him.
+
+"You can go ahead for awhile. I'll go over and see what my partner
+says," he agreed.
+
+"There's a boy scout over there," he told Spencer. "He wanted to help
+cut a piece, so I let him. Do you mind?"
+
+"Not a bit. I'd like to get a whole troop of boy scouts to help. They
+ought to be some good at our game."
+
+"There is a troop of them camped the other side of the mound, this boy
+says. Maybe we could get them to help."
+
+Spencer straightened himself in his seat.
+
+"Bright idea, Glen. To-night you shall push Jolly Bill and the old
+billy-cart over there, and we'll give them a chance to do a good turn."
+
+Glen went back to where the scout was working.
+
+"That's enough," he said. "You've given me quite a rest. We're coming
+over to see you to-night."
+
+"I hope you will," the scout replied. "My father is the scout master and
+I know he'll be glad to have you come. His name is Newton."
+
+"I suppose you get along with the same name?" suggested Glen.
+
+"I surely do. And my other name is Corliss, but the fellows call me
+Apple."
+
+"Why's that. Is it your round face and red cheeks?"
+
+"No. I couldn't help looking that way and the boys wouldn't throw it up
+to me. No, sir; they started to call me Core, then Apple-core, and so
+down to Apple."
+
+"It's a good name for you," said Glen. "Did I tell you I'd be bringing
+my partner over this evening, too?"
+
+"He's welcome. It's in our articles, you know. 'A scout is friendly.'"
+
+"Well, don't forget to ask him to tell some stories. Then you'll be glad
+we came."
+
+"We'll be glad, anyway," said Apple, politely, as he turned away. When
+Glen learned to know him better he found this sunny cheer and gentle
+courtesy to be characteristic of him at all times and places.
+
+It was no easy job to propel the old "billy-cart" over the fields, but
+Glen managed it. The scouts were just getting together for their evening
+camp-fire. They were all attracted by the queer vehicle and its jolly
+occupant and cheerfully and noisily responded to the introductions given
+by Apple Newton. Mr. Newton, the scout master, was just such a gentleman
+as one might expect Apple to have for a father and cordially welcomed
+both Spencer and Glen to their fellowship.
+
+A hint from Apple Newton that Mr. Spencer was a teller of stories drew
+forth a wild clamor from the boys for his services. His first story, a
+funny one, brought forth delirious applause--a "side-splitter" they
+voted it. Then he told them a story of adventure which held them
+spell-bound. They clamored yet for more.
+
+"Only one," stipulated the scout master. "It will soon be time to turn
+in."
+
+"Then I will tell you a short story about this country, but I cannot
+vouch for its truth. First I must tell you that I grew up a mile or two
+from here. There are still some Pottawatomie Indians here occasionally,
+I saw one yesterday. When I was a small boy there was quite a colony--a
+number who never had gone onto the reservation. I knew some of the old
+men pretty well and one of them used to tell me stories. The most
+remarkable story he ever told was the story of Buffalo Lake. Years ago
+the place now known as Buffalo Hollow was a twenty acre lake. Lakes of
+any size are so rare in this country that even one of twenty acres is
+sure to be preserved in tradition, so there is plenty of record to
+verify this part of his story. The remainder may be true. He insisted
+that it was.
+
+"It was late in the evening of a hot day. The freighters had been
+pushing along their tired horses for the last three hours, with their
+eyes steadfastly set on a clump of trees ahead--probably this clump in
+which we sit. When they reached the trees they no longer needed them for
+shade, for the sun had already set, but they were none the less glad of
+their leafy branches, glad of the green grass, glad of the cooling
+waters of the lake. They could scarcely restrain their tired but eager
+animals from plunging in as they were, and dragging their loads along,
+and once the harness was released the beasts made a wild dash for the
+water and reveled in its coolness. The men themselves lost no time in
+stripping off their clothing and taking the first swim of their trip.
+They swam and larked and sported until they were not only refreshed and
+rested but actually tired again. Then they ate a plentiful supper,
+spread their blankets around the treasure wagons and soon slept the
+sleep of exhaustion. Even the watch slept, for he, too, had borne the
+burden of the day and worn himself with the frolic of the evening. He
+felt no need of special caution for they were now in territory
+considered safe.
+
+"But the Indians had been following them for many days, eager for such
+an opportunity. They dreaded as well as hated these plainsmen. They had
+not dared to attack them on the open prairie. But now, one dark form
+after another slipped noiselessly from tree to tree, and very soon every
+tree sheltered a savage form and made cover for the marksmanship of an
+Indian brave in feathers and war-paint.
+
+"I don't dare to tell you the rest of this story as the old Pottawatomie
+told it to me, for it is near bedtime and these are the very trees
+between which the ghostly, ghastly figures flitted in the darkness. It
+is all past and gone now and you need have no fear. You boys on the
+outer edge who are crowding up to the light of the camp-fire are just as
+safe as the fellows in the middle. The thing to interest you is what the
+Indians did with the bullion, after they had massacred its guardians.
+
+"There is a government record that such a massacre actually occurred and
+that the bullion has never been recovered. The old Indian said that
+being unable to take the treasure away they rowed it out in the lake and
+buried it in its waters. They were chased out of the country and it was
+years before they dared to venture back. Then they tried to regain the
+treasure but without success. As a final measure they dammed up the
+springs and drained the lake. But the treasure was not there and so far
+as known it has never been found. What has become of it!"
+
+A moment of deep silence followed.
+
+"Supposing they didn't put it in the lake at all? Supposing they hid it
+in a cave?"
+
+It was Apple Newton who spoke and his speaking was the signal for a
+perfect babel of suggestions and guesses.
+
+Spencer held up his hand for silence.
+
+"I did not come here to search for this bullion; but I feel sure that it
+did exist and that it may exist yet. Your scout master has invited me to
+stay with you for a week. I will tell you all that I know about the
+country, and you will help me as much as possible in getting about. We
+will hunt for this treasure. I try to be generous, so I will say that
+the scout finding it may keep it."
+
+"I have a word to add," said Mr. Newton. "In this treasure hunt we must
+have system. Every scout desiring to enter will choose the section which
+he thinks most favorable, draw a map of it and present it for our
+approval. Afterwards he will give a full report of all his actions, how
+he has gone to work and what he has noted."
+
+And then came a third speaker who had been expected by no one. He
+stepped from behind a tree, and to the eyes of the boys he was tall and
+erect and to some of their eyes he wore feathers and war-paint.
+
+"Boys hunt gold! Boys hunt heap stone!" he said and disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+GETTING ACQUAINTED
+
+
+Most of the boys around the camp fire sat as if petrified for a few
+moments. Some of them clutched at their scalp locks, as if to make sure
+of their continued existence.
+
+The first scout to show real signs of recovery was a thin, lanky,
+freckled-faced hero of unheroic appearance, who spoke in a jerky fashion
+peculiarly his own.
+
+"Help!" he cried. "Help! Mother! Why'd my pa let me come to this wild
+place? Injuns! Robbers! Help!"
+
+"Oh, shut up, Chick-chick," cried a small boy. "You'll have 'em coming
+back."
+
+A contemptuous laugh came from a big, handsome boy who sat in the middle
+of the circle--big and handsome, yet with a supercilious look.
+
+"Never mind, kid," he assured the little fellow. "You are safe enough
+here. Chick-chick can't help having hysterics, but you're safe while I'm
+here."
+
+"Sure, you're safe," echoed Chick-chick. "Ev'body's safe. Matty will
+protect you. Matty protects whole camp. Go after heap big Injun, Matty.
+Jes' disappeared northwest by south."
+
+"That's enough from you, Chick-chick," retorted the handsome scout, Matt
+Burton, who did not bear chaffing cheerfully. "I could go after that
+Indian if I cared to. And get him, too."
+
+"Why should anyone want to go after him," interrupted Apple Newton.
+"He's done nothing but suddenly appear and give some information that
+may be valuable."
+
+"He just came up from nowhere," said a scout. "I don't believe he's a
+real Indian at all--just a spirit."
+
+"He was right close to me," declared Chick-chick. "I smelled the
+spirits."
+
+"Maybe he is a phantom Indian. I've heard of such things," said Apple
+Newton, ignoring Chick-chick's absurd remark. "I think it would be fine
+to have a phantom come purposely to get us started on the right track
+for the treasure hunt. 'Hunt heap stone' was what he said. We shall have
+to look for peculiar formations of stone."
+
+"Maybe we'll find one that has a letter under it telling where to dig,"
+eagerly suggested one of the younger ones.
+
+"Likely thing," said another. "How long would a letter stand the
+weather? There'll be marks cut in the stone if there's anything."
+
+"Much you fellows know about Indian ways," boasted Matt Burton. "What
+did those Indians know about our language. Indians talk by signs and
+numbers. It will take a smart fellow to tell what it means when you find
+your heap stone."
+
+"Don't worry, fellows. When you find it hike back an' ask Matty. He'll
+tell you."
+
+Matty was saved from delivering his angry response, for just then "taps"
+sounded. The scout master demanded prompt attention to all camp signals.
+It was understood that after taps there was to be no noise, no
+unnecessary conversation. All was to be quiet and orderly.
+
+Mr. Newton would not hear of Glen pushing Jolly Bill back to the farm
+house.
+
+"We have an empty tent with two cots and bedding too--left here by
+members who were called home. You turn right in with us. We are glad to
+have you--both of you. I think we'll make Glen a scout."
+
+This invitation suited both of them splendidly. Spencer was pleased,
+and, as for Glen, he had never experienced anything so gratifying in
+his life. He was so excited that he could not sleep for some time, but
+lay on his comfortable cot thinking of the many happenings of the last
+few eventful days, and especially of the exciting story of the camp
+fire, and the dramatic appearance of the Indian. He was glad that he was
+here to help his good friend, Jolly Bill, but he felt that it would be
+much more glorious to help him by finding bars of bright, glistening
+bullion, than by looking for a lost lake.
+
+Glen was still dreaming of Indians when the bugle call aroused him, and
+he awakened to the glorious activities of a summer morning in a scout
+camp. Two scouts were in the tent almost before he had hopped out of his
+blankets and into his clothes.
+
+"We came to help our friend, Mr. Spencer," explained Apple Newton.
+
+"Want to wind up his machine an' put on some funny story records," added
+Chick-chick.
+
+"I can't tell funny stories before breakfast," objected Jolly Bill. "I'm
+hungry enough to eat Indian."
+
+"We have eggs for breakfast--fresh laid. We got 'em from the farmer
+yesterday."
+
+"You're sure they're fresh?" asked Spencer. "I'm very particular about
+my eggs since I camped out a few years ago. One of our fellows wasn't
+much good about cooking, but he said he'd get the eggs. He came back
+pretty soon with a whole dozen. 'You're sure these are fresh?' I asked
+him. 'Dead positive' said he. So I started to break one into my pan, and
+about all there was that was still egg was the shell. 'What made you so
+positive these eggs were fresh?' I asked that chap after I let him come
+to a little. 'I could have sworn to it,' he said. 'I lifted the hen
+right off the nest myself and the eggs were warm yet.'"
+
+"Our eggs aren't laid by the dozen," said Apple, "and we know they're
+fresh because the farmer said so. Come on now, if you're ready. The
+scout master says we're to push your automobile right up to the end of
+the table, next to him."
+
+It was a jolly crowd at the table, and no less jolly was the squad
+acting that morning as waiters. The scout master believed it good
+discipline to teach every scout how to do the humblest duty as well as
+how to do the greatest, so each scout took his turn at waiting on table.
+Patrol leader Matt Burton was in charge of the waiter squad this
+morning. He was the one exception who showed that it did not agree well
+with every scout to do these menial tasks. He considered them beneath
+his dignity and never would have condescended to them had there been a
+way of escape. Since there was not, he had made the best of a bad job,
+and as he was very bright and a natural leader he had managed to reach
+the rank of Patrol Leader in spite of his disinclination to certain
+matters of work.
+
+"Bob said he had a special order for Mr. Spencer, Matt," said Apple,
+stepping to his side after he had wheeled the cart up to the table.
+"Tell him Mr. Spencer wants his eggs sure fresh and likes 'em soft."
+
+"You can just carry Mr. Spencer's order to Black Bob yourself," said
+Matt disgustedly. "I'm no waiter."
+
+"You won't be if the scout master hears you," said Apple, his good
+nature exhausted. "You'll be a traveler."
+
+"He surely will," observed Chick-chick. "I'll take care of Mr. Spencer,
+Apple. Leave him to me."
+
+"It's more in your line," insinuated Matt. "I guess it's about the same
+thing as waiting on your father's customers at his garage."
+
+"An' it's proud I am to do it," retorted Chick-chick. "I do it whenever
+they want anything I can handle, from gasoline to a new machine. Lem'me
+sell you a new car, Matty. Lem'me sell you one that'll make your blue
+blood bubble all over itself. Tell ye 'bout it jest as soon as I get
+those eggs."
+
+"We've just bought a new car," said Matt. "And I'd walk before I'd let
+my folks buy one of you, anyway."
+
+"I don't believe that fellow likes you," observed Glen, as he went up to
+the cook shack with Chick-chick.
+
+"He surely don't disgrace himself by too much show of affection," agreed
+Chick-chick. "You musn't think it's because it's me, though. There's
+on'y one person Matty really loves. He's real smart, Matty is. You
+noticed he spoke so the men couldn't hear him."
+
+Black Bob had Mr. Spencer's eggs all ready.
+
+"These is for the ge'mman as told the stories last night," he announced.
+"He sure is quality, if they ain't much to him."
+
+"Give 'em to me, Bob," said Chick-chick. "I'm going to wait on Mr.
+Spencer."
+
+"You go away, you Henry Chicken," objected Black Bob. "I know all 'bout
+yore tricks. Bear Patrol is waitin' table dis yere mohnin' an' you
+ain't no Bear Patrol."
+
+"Well, here's Goosey," exclaimed Chick-chick, grabbing the shoulder of a
+small scout who had just appeared. "Goosey is in Bear Patrol, and he's a
+friend of mine, ain't you, Goosey?"
+
+"I surely am," declared the small scout. "Anything I can do for
+Chick-chick I do."
+
+"Hustle these eggs down to Mr. Spencer, Goosey, an' make it your
+business to wait on him. Bob won't give me a thing."
+
+"Not when you ain't on duty. Oh, I know you, Mr. Henry-chick," Bob
+affirmed.
+
+"Bob doesn't seem to trust you," said Glen. "Aren't you friendly?"
+
+"Just best friends ever. Bob hasn't better friend 'n me in camp. I like
+Bob 'n I love his cakes an' pies. 'Tain't my fault if he doesn't always
+seem to reciprocate, is it, Bob?"
+
+"What dat 'bout recipe fo cake? Nev' you min', Mister Henry-chick. I
+knows you, I do."
+
+Bob shook a fist as he spoke, but the chuckle in his voice and the laugh
+in his eye were more apparent than the threat in his fist.
+
+"Well, let's go back an' get ours while they're hot," said Chick-chick.
+"Goosey'll wait on Mr. Spencer. Good boy, Goosey. Goin' do something
+good for Goosey some day."
+
+He led Glen back to the long table of smooth boards laid on trestles
+which stood on the grassy level. The scouts were helping themselves from
+great bowls filled with eggs cooked in the shell, or from large platters
+on which eggs fried or poached were served, according to their
+preference. Bob was a good cook and gave them their choice. Glen, with
+an appetite that cared little for the fine points of preference, chose
+impartially from every dish that reached him. An occasional glance
+showed that the small scout known as Goosey was giving good attention to
+Jolly Bill, and not only he but Apple Newton and other scouts were
+endeavoring eagerly to anticipate his wants.
+
+Glen was mentally putting the fellows in their proper places on the
+shelves of his esteem. Apple Newton and the boy called Chick-chick he
+warmed to most particularly, and they were given prominent places. He
+liked young Goosey, as well as several other of the younger boys whose
+names he had not learned. There was a big fellow called Tom Scoresby
+that he believed that he would get along with pretty well. Just one
+scout he found no room for anywhere. That was Matt Burton. He hated
+him, he was quite sure. His unruly young heart only had one desire for
+Matt. He wanted just one good chance to measure strength with him and
+plant his hard, clenched fist right where that smile of insolence curled
+the handsome lips.
+
+Quite engrossed in his thoughts Glen did not notice that the boys around
+him had risen from the long bench on which they sat. Suddenly he heard
+Matt Burton's voice behind him.
+
+"Get up," he said. "Can't you see that we want these places for the
+waiters."
+
+Glen slowly and deliberately turned around in his seat and looked at his
+questioner.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, and his voice was so aggressive that every
+scout in hearing distance turned to see what was up.
+
+"You'll find out who I am," replied Matt angrily. "Get up when I tell
+you."
+
+"I don't have to get up when you tell me, nor lie down when you tell me,
+nor do anything when you tell me. Did you get that? What now?"
+
+Matt was getting very angry but he did not entirely forget his position.
+
+"If I call my patrol you'll get up mighty quick," he said. "I'd like to
+know who let you come here, anyway."
+
+"Never mind about your patrol and don't fuss about who let me come here.
+You come and make me get up, all by yourself."
+
+Matt looked at the brown skin and the strong tough features of the
+obstinate boy a long minute, as if making up his mind.
+
+"Oh, well," he said, "I suppose if you're a guest you must do as you
+please."
+
+"Since you're so nice about it," said Glen, "the seat's yours. Do what
+you want with it."
+
+Glen knew in his heart that there would be a clash with Matt Burton if
+he stayed long in that camp. He felt also that he had not come out of
+this first brush with entire distinction. Matt had been in the wrong and
+had shown that he was angry, yet he had a certain discipline which had
+enabled him to control his temper, and the issue had ended in defeat for
+the undisciplined waif who might well have been victorious had they come
+to blows.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+GLEN IS INITIATED
+
+
+Strange to say, with the passing of the morning, Glen found himself
+unhappy, though he should have been abundantly content. Strange, for
+with all these boys to help, his tasks would be greatly lightened, and
+to join in the fun of this crowd should be joy beyond compare. But Glen
+did not want fun just now. There was something much more precious to
+him, which he felt in danger of losing, and although he himself could
+not have explained its substance, it was none the less real. It was the
+trust and dependence of Will Spencer. For the first time in his life
+Glen had been really trusted and really needed by some one. He had taken
+up the burden like a man and rejoiced in it. Now he felt that his
+opportunities would be dissipated among the crowd.
+
+"What's the matter, Glen?" asked Spencer. "Why are you moping around
+with a face like the reverse side of a frying-pan? You ought to be right
+out with the bunch, egging 'em on."
+
+"Oh, I guess no one has any use for me," said Glen disconsolately. "I
+guess I might as well go back to the school."
+
+"To the school! And leave me in the lurch?"
+
+"You don't need me any more. You don't tell me anything."
+
+"What haven't I told you, boy?"
+
+"Well, you were telling Apple all about that Indian who came last night,
+but you didn't tell me."
+
+"Oh, nonsense, boy. You are peeved too easily. That Indian was just old
+Joe Marrowfat, who had followed me up from the farm. Apple is romantic
+and he wanted a string of stuff about the noble red man's noble
+antecedents. I need you, all the time, to be the mainspring of this
+business."
+
+"Tell me what I can do and I'm only too glad to get at it."
+
+"Well, for one thing you must mix with the boys. Be jolly with 'em.
+'Laugh and the world laughs with you.' That's my motto. That's the way I
+get along. Someone must be around with these boys to keep 'em going, or
+their hunt won't last long. Get them interested in finding the location
+of the springs. To-day they are all looking for big stones because of
+what Joe said. There's enough big stones around here to keep them busy.
+Tell them the fellow who finds the treasure may get some gold but the
+boy who finds a spring gets twenty dollars sure. Get them to survey the
+Hollow and search for marks to show where the old stream used to run in.
+You ought to be up on your toes every minute. I'm sorry you aren't a
+scout."
+
+"Perhaps I could be," suggested Glen.
+
+"Why not? Get Apple to teach you the knots and the scout law, and I'll
+teach you the rest. I'll speak to the scout master and see if they won't
+initiate you to-night."
+
+The remainder of the day Glen was too busy to mope. When the camp fire
+came he was at hand as a candidate for tenderfoot initiation which the
+scout master had agreed to give. Mr. Newton had ideas of his own about
+initiation ceremonies. He believed in making them interesting and
+impressive to candidate and scouts alike, and he devised a new ceremony
+of initiation for special occasions.
+
+This occasion was unusual, for since none but scouts came to camp,
+initiations were not needed. It was also unusual in being conducted in
+the open, which was necessary because the camp had no assembly tent. Mr.
+Newton was glad of the diversion, for the day had been very sultry, a
+storm threatened, and many of the scouts were afflicted with that
+uneasy, depressed feeling which seems to be absorbed from the atmosphere
+at such times.
+
+"All scouts on tent duty," he announced after supper. "Rain threatens.
+See that trenches are clear. Slacken tent ropes a little, especially
+where they are new. See that nothing in the tents touches the walls.
+Have your beds all ready to turn in. You will then all assemble at the
+camp-fire for initiation ceremonies."
+
+The camp had lanterns and one or two oil torches but Mr. Newton
+preferred to go back to nature for his light at this ceremony. The night
+was cool as the storm drew near, and the camp-fire was allowed to flare
+up in a crackling blaze which spread its light over the wide open circle
+and threw mysterious shadows among the big trees beyond.
+
+Mr. Newton took his stand with his back to a massive elm at the edge of
+the circle.
+
+"The candidate may present himself," he announced; and Glen marched out
+and stood before him, with much more of a feeling of solemnity than he
+had felt on occasions when he had stood before persons of far greater
+authority.
+
+"Who desires to bear the lights which shall lighten the way of this
+candidate as he enters the mysteries of scoutcraft?" called the scout
+master.
+
+"We desire to bear the lights," came simultaneously from two of the
+tallest scouts. They stepped to the fire, selected each a blazing torch
+and ranged themselves under the tree.
+
+"Who is sponsor for this candidate?" was the next question.
+
+"I, First class scout Corliss Newton, am his sponsor," proclaimed Apple,
+stepping forward, his pleasant eyes alight with earnest gravity.
+
+"It is well. The sponsor may take his stand to the candidate's left. Who
+desires to bear the scout law to this applicant."
+
+Twelve scouts arose as one--the older scouts they were--those not likely
+to be confused by bashfulness or to spoil the ceremony by their own
+self-consciousness.
+
+"Let the bearer administer article I. A scout is trustworthy!"
+
+Forth strode a scout bigger than Glen. Laying his hand on Glen's lips,
+he said: "No lies proceed from trustworthy lips, no deceit from
+trustworthy tongue, he lives by the breath of honor and his lips are
+sealed to all but words of truth."
+
+"The bearer of article 2. A scout is loyal!"
+
+This scout bore aloft the flag of the camp, which had been
+requisitioned for the purpose. He placed the staff in Glen's hands as he
+said: "Loyal to the flag and to all it represents. Loyal to all scouts
+and all officials. Loyal to home, to parents and authorities, and loyal
+to Almighty God."
+
+The wind was swirling through the branches of the trees now and the few
+stars which had shone were blotted out by the clouds, but the initiation
+proceeded.
+
+"The bearer of article 3. A scout is helpful!"
+
+This bearer, coming forward, took Glen's hands and raised them up as he
+recited: "These hands and the body they represent are pledged to lift up
+righteousness and tear down iniquity. They will do at least one good
+turn to somebody every day."
+
+"The bearer of article 4. A scout is friendly!"
+
+Glen was glad to see Chick-chick coming forward with a cheerful grin on
+his face. He stood between Glen and Apple and around the shoulders of
+each he placed an arm, while he and Apple shouted aloud: "All friends!
+All brothers!" And immediately every scout rose to his feet and together
+they echoed: "Brothers all!"
+
+But the first rain drops were spatting among the leaves and Scout Master
+Newton raised his hand.
+
+"We must abbreviate our ceremony," he announced. "The remaining bearers
+will repeat their sections of the scout law after me as I read. The
+twelve will then form an inner circle around us, and all other scouts
+will make strong our defenses with an outer circle as we give this
+candidate the scout oath."
+
+In their order the remaining eight advanced with their salutations:
+
+A scout is courteous.
+
+A scout is kind.
+
+A scout is obedient.
+
+A scout is cheerful.
+
+A scout is thrifty.
+
+A scout is brave.
+
+A scout is clean.
+
+A scout is reverent.
+
+They formed the inner circle and around them all the scouts arose and
+joined hands to form the outer guard. The lightning became more vivid in
+its flashes and the mutterings of thunder changed to rumbling and
+roaring as they stood there. The big drops of rain began to thicken but
+they paid no heed.
+
+"The candidate will hold up his right hand, palm to the front, thumb
+resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other three fingers
+upright and together, which constitutes the scout sign."
+
+Glen stood at attention with his hand raised as directed.
+
+"The candidate will now repeat after me the scout oath."
+
+"'On my honor I will do my best:
+
+"'To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout law;
+
+"'To help other people at all times;
+
+"'To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
+straight.'
+
+"Scout you are now admitted into our ranks as a tenderfoot, which is our
+first step and one from which you may go on to acquire merit and honor.
+We are brothers all. The skies may be heavy above us, the storms may
+threaten, the thunder roar and the lightning flash but we extend to you
+the cheer of scout fellowship and the welcome of scout comradeship. And
+as you meet the inevitable storms of life we believe that your
+remembrance of this law and oath will help you to weather them all
+triumphantly."
+
+The rain was beginning to fall in earnest now.
+
+"Dismiss troop!" called the scout master; and the boys, a second before
+in impressive order, made a wild scramble for their tents. Glen ran to
+the assistance of Will Spencer, who had been an interested spectator of
+the ceremony, seated in his "billy-cart" at the edge of the circle, but
+Mr. Newton waved him to his tent.
+
+"I will look after this man," he declared. "He is my guest and I am rain
+proof."
+
+Glen turned into his blankets that night a Boy Scout of America. He
+awoke to a sunny morning and discovered that he was still Glen Mason.
+Almost the first thing, he was in trouble with his patrol leader, Matt
+Burton. It is only fair to Glen to say that Burton's treatment was of a
+character sure to antagonize a boy of Glen's nature. From the first
+there had been a feeling of ill-will between them, a feeling that had
+been manifest in looks and silent expressions as well as in one sharp
+interchange of words. Now, to Glen's disgust, he found himself assigned
+to Burton's patrol, and the very first work for which he was detailed
+was that of camp cleaning.
+
+Glen went at his detail with poor spirit; picking up old papers,
+fragments, trash of every kind, a hateful work to him. Perhaps he would
+have made open rebellion but for Apple Newton, who though not in the
+same patrol was helping in the work.
+
+"Get busy at it, Glen," Apple counseled. "It isn't a ten minute job if
+you hustle. Beats washing dishes all to pieces. Every scout has to take
+his turn. Get busy."
+
+But, filled with the thought that Burton had put him to this work to
+humiliate him, Glen did not carry through his task to great advantage.
+He was glad that the morning swim came immediately after, and glad to be
+able to make a cleaner dive and a longer swim than Burton, who was
+himself among the best. Therein lay the trouble, Glen was a born leader,
+and although his opportunities for leading had been few he was quick to
+assert himself. Burton was also a leader and one who had been given
+ample opportunity. Neither boy had yet learned that the first element in
+leadership is the ability to serve; neither had learned that the
+greatest leader is the one who counts no service too mean for his
+personal attention.
+
+When the treasure hunt began there were no further restrictions for the
+morning, and Glen's spirit was rejoiced at Apple's invitation that he
+bear him company. The sunny-faced, open-hearted boy won the love of
+everyone, but in Glen Mason he had stirred a real worship.
+
+"We'll have to call you something, Glen," he said. "Your name's all
+right, but the boys are sure to name you over so we may as well do it
+now. Let's ask Chick-chick. He's good at names."
+
+"What's his real name?" asked Glen.
+
+"His real name is Henry Henry. His father liked Henry so well for a
+surname that he had him christened Henry, too. We began by calling him
+Hen Hen, but that didn't go very well so we call him Chick-chick."
+
+"I don't mind s'long as y' don't call me Biddy chick," explained
+Chick-chick, who had just come up. "Now what kind o' Mason are
+you--Stonemason, Brickmason or Mason Fruit Jar."
+
+"Brick's the best," declared Apple. "Matches his hair, too. Let's call
+him Brick."
+
+"Right it is. Brick for Mason. Where ye goin' to find treasure?"
+
+"You can come along, Chick. We're going to look for signs of
+water-courses running into the Hollow."
+
+"I won't come, then. I'm going with Goosey to look for a heap rock.
+We're after gold, we are."
+
+All the morning the two boys explored the Hollow. Many times they traced
+deceptive depressions in the earth's surface which gave some intimation
+of having served at some time as a waterway, but never was there any
+reward for their efforts. At noon, hot and dusty, they made their way
+back to the camp. A great group of excited boys stood there
+gesticulating and shouting, and in the center of the group stood Matt
+Burton.
+
+"What's the excitement?" asked Apple of the first boy they reached.
+
+"Excitement isn't the word," he replied. "Matt Burton has found the
+treasure!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MATT BURTON'S TREASURE FIND
+
+
+When they heard the remarkable news that Matt Burton had discovered the
+treasure the curiosity of the two boys was beyond measure. They were
+pushing their way eagerly toward the group to get the full news when a
+running noose dropped from the overhanging limb of a great tree and
+neatly entwined them. Their progress was checked.
+
+"That's Chick-chick," said Apple, without looking up. "He's always
+playing some kind of a trick. Let go your hold of that rope,
+Chick-chick."
+
+The joker dropped down from the branch almost on top of them.
+
+"I was just fixing a swing when ye came 'long," he explained, in his
+jerky fashion. "Too good a chance to miss, it was, and worked fine, it
+did. Don't be in a hurry."
+
+"You loosen this rope and let us go. We want to get the news."
+
+"'Tain't s' important as you think. Gives the Great an' Only Matty a
+chance t' spread himself. Come on to dinner; you'll hear all 'bout it."
+
+Dinner was indeed ready and the boys were filling up the long table, for
+Mr. Newton had decreed that no action should be taken on Matt's
+discovery until after dinner.
+
+When all was cleared away and the boys were ready to dismiss he made the
+announcement: "Burton will now tell us of his discovery; the site he
+selected, how he has worked and what he has found."
+
+"Rah for the Great and Only," yelled Chick-chick, and, the designated
+title being popularly known and approved, the "rah" was given before
+Matt began to speak.
+
+There was no embarrassment about Matt Burton as he rose to speak. He was
+about fifteen years old, tall, straight and handsome. A mass of dark
+brown hair with well-set eyes of the same shade and regular features
+gave vigor to his head and face. He was of good family and had been
+reared in a home of refinement and taught to feel at ease under all
+circumstances. He accepted his nickname of "The Great and Only Matty"
+with some complacency, as being not inappropriate, especially since his
+pitching was the star feature of their baseball playing. A wise father
+had sent him to the scouts to "get acquainted with himself" but so far
+the process had not reached perfection. He began to talk with a smile of
+confidence.
+
+"I know a lot about buried treasure from what I've read and heard tell
+of," said he, "so I decided to work out my own plans. Chick-chick and
+Goosey offered to come with me, but I had ideas of my own. I knew a few
+things about how to look. I knew it was no good to look on top of the
+ground--might as well look up in trees. Then I knew there's always a
+false scent thrown out to put searchers off the track. I figured that
+the false scent was probably the story of the lake. So instead of
+choosing any place in the Hollow I looked around until I found a heap of
+rock near the timber. And then I chose one hundred feet from the timber
+line southeast of the Hollow. I knew that the heap of rock wouldn't be
+the only sign--there's always a second sign given in a treasure hunt.
+Usually, in all the books I've read, the second sign is a tree or some
+tall object which casts a shadow at a certain hour of the day at just
+the point where you ought to dig."
+
+"What hour?" shouted a boy.
+
+"I'm coming to that. I looked around for the rock heap and decided to
+pace off a hundred feet. I got no results worth while until I tried it
+due south. This time it brought me to an old stump of a very peculiar
+appearance that might have been there a hundred years. It was about ten
+feet high, and of course the length of its shadow was different at
+different times of the day. The only guide I had was in the heap of
+rock. There were four rocks in it. As there is no sun at four o'clock in
+the morning it was a sure thing that I must choose four in the
+afternoon. So I waited until four o'clock and at the exact spot where
+the peculiar knobby head of that stump threw its shadow I commenced to
+dig."
+
+The boys were listening in strained silence. One of the younger ones
+squeaked "Rah for Matty!" but drew no response.
+
+"I dug until supper time," continued Matt. "It was hard work, but I made
+a pretty good hole though I found nothing. Nobody had been around to
+bother me. I just stuck up a couple of sticks at supper time and came
+in. This morning I was late getting to work. Digging alone so hard
+yesterday had taken off some of my appetite, and I didn't dream of what
+I was going to find so I didn't hurry much. But I found the ground
+turned up easier and I had hardly dug twenty minutes before my spade
+struck something that gave out a metallic ring. I scraped away the dirt
+until I could see a metal object like the lid of a box about fourteen by
+eighteen inches. The ground all around it was hard and I could not get
+it loose. I tried to get my fingers under it but couldn't do it. The
+dinner call was sounded. I wouldn't have come only I was obliged to have
+some help anyway, and I thought I'd better tell the scout master all
+about it and have him see fair play."
+
+"Which the scout master will proceed to do," added Mr. Newton. "We will
+follow Matt to the scene of his explorations which we hope will turn out
+to be the treasure, although one box fourteen by eighteen inches would
+not hold a great deal of bullion. Still there may be other boxes. Who
+were the boys who wanted to work with you, Matt?"
+
+"Chick-chick and Goosey," replied Matt.
+
+"Very well. You two boys may take a pick and a spade and help Matt get
+his box out."
+
+The boys did not respond willingly.
+
+"We don't want to," said Chick-chick. "He didn't want us yesterday and
+he won't want us to-day. Let Brick Mason and Apple do it."
+
+"I don't like that spirit, Henry, but we'll excuse you. Corliss and Glen
+will do the work."
+
+"You don't seem very much excited over this find," said Glen to Spencer,
+as he pushed him along in his billy-cart.
+
+"I'd be more excited if they found a gushing spring, my boy. I don't
+excite easily over buried gold."
+
+"Well, we'll soon see. If I get hold of that pick I'll soon have that
+box loose."
+
+Matt Burton did not really relish Glen's aid, but he could offer no
+valid objection. A few rapid and accurate strokes with the pick loosened
+the hard earth, and Apple and Matt quickly spaded it out. As soon as a
+grip could be obtained Matt seized the box. It certainly was heavy,
+especially since he could not yet get a good grip on it. Apple lifted
+one side and slowly but with great excitement they brought the
+mysterious box from its hiding place.
+
+A look of disgust swept the features of Matt Burton as he looked at his
+treasure and read the white letters on the side of the box.
+
+From the edge of the pit came a roar of laughter from Black Bob, the
+cook, who had been eagerly watching the proceedings.
+
+"Ah ben missin' that yere bread box since yis'day two days gone," he
+shouted. "Dat ah is mah treasure. Bring her up yere!"
+
+Glen, on his knees, had thrown open the lid of the box. As he saw its
+contents to be damp earth, tightly tamped, his roar of laughter equaled
+that of Black Bob.
+
+"Wow!" he shouted. "Look at this. The treasure's name is Mud!"
+
+Matt's look of disgust had changed to fiery anger.
+
+"You're the one who put this trick up on me," he shouted. "You've been
+rubbing me wrong ever since we let you in here from nowhere. Now I'm
+going to pay you up!"
+
+He made a wild lunge forward at Glen, and in a second the two were
+locked in a rough and tumble conflict in the narrow confines of the pit.
+But the scout master reached down from above and seized each by the
+collar, and Apple valiantly pushed himself in between their belligerent
+forms.
+
+"Enough of that, boys," said Mr. Newton. "Climb out of that hole. Glen,
+what have you to say to this charge."
+
+But Glen was spared from making an answer, for Henry Henry stood forth
+and spoke.
+
+"He didn't do it, Mr. Newton. It was me," confessed Chick-chick, more
+convincing than grammatical. "Goosey was in it with me. When Matt turned
+us down yesterday we thought we'd give him something to dig for. Never
+dreamed he'd make big blow 'bout it. Just s'posed be little joke all t'
+himself. We came last night, dug down to hard pan; cut hole s' near
+exact size o' bread box as we could, made it heavy with dirt and turned
+it in upside down. Just joke, Mr. Newton."
+
+And as "just a joke" it did not seem so very reprehensible, for a good
+joke that does no harm is not out of place in a scout camp. Mr. Newton
+had a private conversation with Henry Henry about his joke, but
+Chick-chick never told the boys what he said. The scout master also had
+a private conversation with Matt Burton and this also was kept a secret,
+but though it may have done Matt good it did not improve his attitude
+toward "Brick" Mason.
+
+In most things Glen found the succeeding days marked by such happiness
+as he had never before enjoyed. He was a boy among boys. No one asked
+about his past. Scouts are taught to live in the present. It is not what
+they have been, but what they are and are aiming to be that carries
+weight. He found his word accepted as truth and so he made strong
+efforts to make it true. He did not spend his days in perfect harmony.
+The old disposition to have everything his own way still existed and
+many an angry word flared up and many times he was near the fighting
+line, but this had been so much a part of his every day living for so
+many years that it troubled him but little. Even with Matt Burton he had
+not come to blows, though Matt continued to assign to him disagreeable
+tasks, so markedly indeed, that Mr. Newton announced that he would make
+all assignments himself, henceforth. The treasure hunt proceeded with
+more or less zest but neither real nor fancied treasure was discovered.
+Nevertheless it supplied a new interest each day, and Glen
+enthusiastically did his share in keeping the interest alive. Every part
+of every day was in vivid contrast to the dull monotonous life he had
+been living. And yet he was not satisfied, there remained an eager
+longing for something, he knew not what; a great unsatisfied craving.
+
+Glen was always a sound sleeper. He dreamed of the camp one night. The
+tussle with Matt Burton had really come, at last. He seemed to do very
+well at first but Matt had seized a pickax (the very one used in
+unearthing the bread box) and was beating him about the head with it.
+Fortunately he awoke before he was badly damaged. Spencer was reaching
+over from his cot and tapping his face with his cane.
+
+"Get up, Brick! Get up! Brick is a good name for you, my hard-baked
+friend. Get up! This tent will be in the next county in five minutes.
+Get up! You would sleep on, and come to no harm if we were carried
+twenty miles, but being slightly crippled, I'd be sure to struggle and
+get hurt. Get up!"
+
+The wind was blowing furiously and the tent almost capsized. Glen was
+out of bed in a flash, wide awake. He knew where to get a heavy hammer
+and made short work of driving home the stakes and securing the flapping
+canvas.
+
+"Not very clever of you to plant your tent stakes so the first strong
+wind would blow them out of the ground," said Spencer.
+
+"The wind didn't blow them out, and the strain of the ropes didn't pull
+them out. I fixed those stakes just before I went to bed. Who do you
+suppose yanked them up?"
+
+"I never was good at riddles," replied Spencer. "Maybe it was Mr.
+Newton."
+
+"Yes," said Glen, "or Apple! Just like 'em. Try another guess."
+
+"No, I'm afraid I would say something that might excite you. Go to
+sleep. Every one has troubles, but it's no good weeping about 'em.
+'Laugh and the world laughs with you.'"
+
+"I haven't any troubles and I can afford to laugh," said Glen. "The
+day's beginning to break but I think I'll take a Sunday morning snooze."
+
+And over in the county into which Will Spencer had predicted they would
+be blown a man was just awaking from his snooze. He had slept all night
+in an automobile, as he frequently did. The automobile was no ordinary
+car. It had a driver's seat in front and a closed car behind. Bright
+colored letters announced to the world that J. Jervice supplied the
+public with a full line of novelties, including rugs, curtains, rare
+laces and Jervice's Live Stock Condition Powders.
+
+Mr. J. Jervice yawned and stretched, and rubbed his eyes.
+
+"I think I'll get on to Buffalo Center to-day," he soliloquized. "The
+boss didn't say to come until to-morrow an' the rest o' the gang won't
+be there until night, anyway. That'll give me a chance to do a nice
+little business at that Boy Scout Camp I hear they've got there. It's
+Sunday but I reckon I can sell a few things. Ought to get rid of some
+flags and knives and a little tinware."
+
+It was nice that Glen could feel that he had no troubles, but perhaps he
+did not know of the intentions of Mr. Jervice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+GLEN ENLISTS
+
+
+Sunday morning in camp. The fierce wind of the night had been succeeded
+by a restful quiet; the sun shone bright in an atmosphere cooled and
+freshened by the storm. Glen Mason both felt and saw a difference
+throughout all the camp on this quiet morning; no one expected noise or
+bustle; no one projected expeditions or sports; the peaceful rest of a
+holy day marked the camp in its earliest hours.
+
+Black Bob had cooked his eggs and bacon according to a special formula
+which he announced as "extra for Sunday," and thereby did he make his
+contribution to the hallowing of the day. After breakfast was the
+regular time for announcement of the "order of the day" by the
+scoutmaster, and for any special remarks, any complaints, any petitions
+or suggestions.
+
+"We are going to have a good day to-day, boys," said Mr. Newton. "We
+have had a mighty fine week with our swimming and fishing and hikes, and
+some of us, too, have found some 'treasure,' if not exactly what we
+were searching for. This morning, after camp duties, every boy will find
+a quiet spot apart from any disturbance and write a letter home. Tell
+the folks how you feel, what you eat, what you do, how you sleep. Tell
+them about the treasure hunt, tell them about last night's storm. I hope
+the boy who got something special out of our 'near cyclone' last night
+will tell his mother about it."
+
+"Who was it?" came a chorus of voices.
+
+"Don't bother about that," replied Mr. Newton. "Perhaps there was more
+than one."
+
+"I'm not 'shamed of it," piped up Chick-chick. "I'm it. Got Mr. Newton
+out o' bed, I did, I was s' scared. Always have been scared 'bout
+wind--born that way. But Mr. Newton says, 'D'ye know who walketh upon
+the wings of the wind?' An' I said, 'Death'; an' he said, 'God! It's in
+the hundred an' fourth Psalm.' S' then he said, 'You c'n stay in my tent
+till the blow is over,' an' I said, 'No. I'll go back to me tent like
+Christian. With God on the wings I'm safe.' An' as I went back saw Brick
+Mason outside his tent swingin' hammer, an' I says, 'Ain't ye scared,
+Brick?' an' he says, 'No. I ain't scared. I'm mad.' An' that's all is to
+it, 'cept'n 'bout the feller I saw when I first went out."
+
+"Now that's fine, boys," said Mr. Newton. "There's a double victory in
+that. Don't slight your letters. Make them long and newsy. Remember
+there will be Sunday School around the long table at ten o'clock. This
+afternoon a man is coming from town who has been all around the world
+and has seen the battles of great nations as a war correspondent. He
+will speak at three o'clock. By special request we will hold our
+camp-fire to-night at the summit of Buffalo Mound. Every scout will
+carry an armful of firewood and his blankets, as a part of the plan is
+to spend the night in a bivouac on mother earth. Now to your letters."
+
+Glen sat looking out of his tent, just out of the glare of the sun.
+Writing letters home was no novelty to him. At the school you were
+supposed to do it at least once a month, and for a good letter you got
+ten merits, but no boy ever wrote what he thought because your letters
+were all read by the house officer. If he should write a letter home
+to-day some reform school officer would be inquiring at the camp for him
+day after to-morrow. But he would write some kind of a letter--it would
+look queer if he did not, with all the other boys writing. He would
+write just exactly what he thought, too, for once, and the mere fact
+that the letter was never to be mailed need make no difference.
+
+For once (he wrote) I am being treated about right. There is just one
+chap here doesn't treat me right and his time's coming. But I don't hate
+him as bad as it seems like I would, and I don't want to get in bad with
+the scoutmaster so I don't know as I'll do much. The Scoutmaster's a
+Christian and I've got more use for Christians than I ever had before.
+Mr. Newton sure treats me fine. Apple's a Christian, he says I ought to
+be, too, and he's surely a peach. Mr. Gates is a Christian and nobody
+ever treated me better. The old Supe is a Christian and I guess he would
+have treated me right if I'd let him. Jolly Bill treats me fine, too,
+and I don't know why he isn't one but it makes you feel as if him being
+such a good fellow certainly ought to be. He says laugh and the world
+laughs with you but it wouldn't have done much good to tell Chick-chick
+that last night and it wouldn't have made him brave enough to go back to
+his tent and fight it out. Chick-chick talked right up this morning.
+He's never said anything about being one before but he's always acted
+like one--kind of on the square. That's the kind I'm going to be; I mean
+I would be if ever I got to be one, but I suppose I'd have to go back to
+the school and I don't know about that. But I'd like to feel like Apple
+and him, so sure-like and so safe. I think you'd better try to get me a
+job and maybe I can work under another name. Everybody has to work and
+I'm going to hold up my end. I wouldn't like to be like that J. Jervice
+man with his tricks--the man that tried to sell me. I'd tell you all
+about him but it would take a long time and this letter ain't ever going
+to be sent, anyway. I'm going to do better than send a letter. Just as
+soon as it's safe I'm coming to see you and I'm going to fix it so I can
+earn a living for you and you won't have to work any more. So that's all
+for this time anyway.
+
+His letter had not been written as easily as it reads, and all the
+other boys had finished and were making a clamor for envelopes and
+stamps, a disturbance in which Glen did not join since his letter was
+never to be mailed.
+
+He would have tried to escape the afternoon talk, but Will Spencer
+claimed him.
+
+"Push my old billy-cart right up alongside that speaker," he demanded.
+"If he's done half they say he has I want to hear him."
+
+So Glen was not only present but in a prominent place where he was bound
+to hear all that the speaker had to say. And a very interesting
+narrative it was, though we have no space in this story for anything but
+the few very last words.
+
+"And so it came about," said the war correspondent, "that after seeing
+all sorts of soldiers in all manner of warfare, it fell to my lot to see
+this one brave man holding up his banner against great hordes of
+invaders in a crowded inland city of China, and he was single-handed.
+And I was obliged to admit that he was the bravest soldier I had seen;
+and since the appeal came to me so directly I volunteered. And thus it
+happened that one who had been a reporter of scenes of carnage turned to
+write the message of the Cross. And now I am going about enlisting
+recruits for the army of righteousness and right glad I am that so many
+of you are in that army, and right glad I shall be to talk with any of
+you who need help."
+
+Many of the boys came to say a word to the speaker as they dispersed.
+Glen stood there, next to Spencer's cart. He would not have said a word
+had he been threatened with torture, but he was greatly concerned and
+both his hand and heart throbbed with the hope that some one would
+respond to the eloquent plea that had stirred him so deeply. When the
+boys all had gone the response came from the least expected place. It
+was from Jolly Bill who had lain in his cart in thrilled interest.
+
+"I've half a mind to do it, Glen," he whispered.
+
+"Oh, you must, Bill. It's just the one thing you need," urged Glen, as
+earnestly as though he were himself an exhorter.
+
+"How is it?" asked Spencer, turning to the speaker. "You would hardly
+care to enlist half a man, would you?"
+
+"No," said the war correspondent. "We don't care to do things by halves,
+but we're mighty glad to enlist a whole man like you. Whatever accident
+you have suffered hasn't cut you off from being a man after God's own
+heart. Shake hands on that."
+
+"I've been finding it pretty empty to 'Laugh and the world laughs with
+you,'" admitted Spencer. "It's a hollow laugh a great deal of the time.
+It doesn't ring true. I want a peace that will help me to have cheer
+regardless of whether the world laughs with me or at me. I've known it
+for a long time but this last week especially I've felt the need of the
+kind of religion Mr. Newton practices."
+
+"It's the same kind that Apple has," ventured Glen.
+
+"It is for you, too," said the war correspondent. "It is for every one
+who will have it."
+
+"You see, though, you don't know me," said Glen. "I've been a pretty
+hard case."
+
+"Tell us about it," came the invitation.
+
+His mouth once opened Glen's story came rapidly, and in the glow of
+confession he held nothing back, but his hearers were neither alienated
+nor offended.
+
+"There's only one thing about a boy like you," said the speaker. "It
+isn't how bad you have been. You can't have been so bad but Jesus has
+cleared your debt. The one thing is, are you through with it all, are
+you willing to turn away from yourself and enlist under the banner of
+the cross?"
+
+Glen's face worked with emotion such as he had not felt in many years.
+
+"I don't know what to do," he said, huskily. "I'm all up in the air. I'd
+like to be a man like what you told about and like these people that
+have been good to me lately. I'd do it even if I wouldn't like some of
+the things I'd have to swallow. But I don't understand what I'd have to
+do. I've never done anything of the kind."
+
+"You're a good deal like the soldier enlisting, son. He doesn't
+understand anything. All he knows is that he wants to enlist himself.
+And that's all you need to know. Your commander will see to the rest.
+You won't learn everything in a day. You'll make mistakes; you'll break
+rules; you'll have to be disciplined. But that is all in the bargain.
+The only question is will you enlist?"
+
+And Glen enlisted!
+
+The war correspondent was compelled to leave, but before doing so he
+gave Glen much assurance on many subjects.
+
+"About your school," he said. "I hesitate to advise you. I know your
+Superintendent and will telephone to him to-morrow. Stay with Mr. Newton
+until you hear from him."
+
+The scoutmaster walked with his guest through the woods to his car.
+They had scarcely left before the camp had a visitor in the person of
+Mr. J. Jervice. The boys crowded around him with great interest, for
+although obliged to leave his car he had brought with him many diverting
+trifles, for Mr. J. Jervice had no objection to Sunday trade if
+conducted on a cash basis.
+
+Glen was still talking to Will Spencer. He was too much occupied with
+his recent great experience to be easily diverted, and did not even see
+his old friend Jervice. But Mr. J. Jervice having nothing of the kind to
+occupy his attention was quick both to see and to speak. Matt Burton was
+one of those who heard him speak.
+
+"The reform school boy!" he cried.
+
+"You say he has run away from the reform school?"
+
+"He said so himself," asserted Mr. J. Jervice, "and don't forget that I
+am the one who gets the reward."
+
+"You may take him along with you back to where he came. The cheek of the
+fellow! Come on, scouts, let's run him out. The scoutmaster isn't here
+but I'm a patrol leader and I know what to do. Let's run him out."
+
+"Who's that you're going to run out?" asked Glen, coming up, attracted
+by the loud talking.
+
+"I'm going to run you out, you cheat of a runaway from the reform
+school. You are a common thief, for all we know. You may be any kind--"
+
+Alas for Glen's discipline. Alas for his good resolves. Had he been
+right in thinking that the service of Jesus was not for such as he? He
+flew at Matt with the velocity and ferocity of a tiger. His strength was
+that of a man, for he had worked hard at all kinds of manual labor. Two
+or three quick, stinging blows and his passion came to a terrified end
+as he saw Matt fall to the ground, white and unconscious.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+J. JERVICE AND HIS GANG
+
+
+Mr. Newton, returning to the camp he had left in such quiet peace, found
+one boy white-faced and sober endeavoring to restore another who lay
+prostrate on the ground, while some of the excited scouts were earnestly
+trying to recall their first aid suggestions and others stood in anxious
+contemplation. A pailful of cold water was being carried to the scene by
+Chick-chick, but the victim of the fight was mercifully spared its
+revivifying shock, for just as Mr. Newton came up he opened his eyes and
+murmured, "Where am I?"
+
+"All scouts are excused excepting Glen and Matt," announced Mr. Newton,
+taking in the situation the more readily because of his previous
+knowledge of Burton's baiting tendencies. "If there is to be any
+fighting in this camp it will have to be done under my personal
+supervision and according to my rules."
+
+As the scouts strolled off to the timber Matt sat up and looked around
+him.
+
+"He's an escaped reform school boy, Mr. Newton," he began at once.
+
+"And I suppose you told him so?" asked Mr. Newton.
+
+"I know I'm everything that's bad," said Glen, bitterly. "I told you it
+was no good for me to enlist."
+
+"Do you want to back out?" asked the scoutmaster keenly.
+
+"I don't want to but I suppose I'll have to."
+
+"It rests with you. Your past record has nothing to do with it and would
+have nothing if it were black as night. Do you want to back out?"
+
+"No, sir. And I'm sorry I got mad and hit Matt."
+
+"That speech shows that you have enlisted, boy. Matt," said the
+scoutmaster, turning to the boy who was much bewildered by the
+conversation as he had been by the blow, "you hear Glen's apology. Now
+it's your turn."
+
+"But what I said is true," insisted Matt.
+
+"And Glen admits it and has told me all about it. None the less you owe
+him an apology for throwing it in his face, just as much as he owed you
+one for putting his fist in your face."
+
+"I don't apologize to anybody," said Matt, with an ugly frown. "I can go
+home if you like."
+
+"It shall be as Glen says," decided Mr. Newton.
+
+"I don't have anything against you, Matt," said Glen, in as gentle a
+tone as ever he used in his life. "I started in to be a Christian this
+afternoon, and part of it is being decent like Apple and Mr. Newton."
+
+"I've nothing to do with a reform school boy," said Matt, and he rose
+unsteadily to his feet and walked moodily away.
+
+"You're bound to have a lot of that, Glen," said Mr. Newton. "It's part
+of your discipline. And one of the things you will find hardest to learn
+will be to take your medicine and take it quietly."
+
+Glen knew that. His new resolves had not changed his old impulses. If
+any one flung a taunt at him his impulse would be to fling back a blow.
+His determination would have to be just a little quicker than his
+impulse. Meantime he found lots of pleasure in the companionship of
+Apple and Chick-chick and several others. There was a new bond of
+fellowship between them, a bond which Glen would have found it quite
+impossible to state in words but which was none the less genuine and
+fixed. This bond was to mean much in the next few days for they were to
+be days of peril and adventure for Glen.
+
+Glen's adventures grew out of his being discovered at camp by Mr. J.
+Jervice. Mr. Jervice had withdrawn behind some bushes when he saw the
+conflict beginning between Matt and Glen. Strange to say, any form of
+conflict was repugnant to the body of J. Jervice although the soul of
+him rejoiced in it. Let him be safely out of the way and he exulted in
+scenes of violence, but most cautiously he avoided any close proximity.
+He believed in playing safe.
+
+When Jervice noted the vigor that Glen was able to put into his swinging
+blows and then saw Matt stretched out on the ground, he felt very
+certain that business called him in another direction. No telling upon
+whom that wild boy might next turn his fury. So he withdrew deeper into
+the bushes, and as he caught a view of Mr. Newton hurrying up he decided
+on still more active measures, and scampered away as fast as his pack
+and the undergrowth would let him.
+
+Jervice was decidedly peeved with Glen. This escaped reform school boy,
+who should be just the same to him as ten dollars in the bank, had made
+for him nothing but trouble. J. J. seldom cherished grudges--it was
+poor business, being bad for one's judgment. But if ever he held a
+grudge it was against the person who hurt his pocket-book and as Jervice
+now figured it Glen had worsted him at least twenty dollars' worth. The
+items were: First, ten dollars which he should have secured as a reward;
+second, five dollars which he had been obliged to pay as license fee;
+third, five dollars he had expected to make on his sales at Camp
+Buffalo.
+
+Twenty dollars is no slight loss to any one, and although J. Jervice did
+not toil as hard for his money as most people he loved it much better.
+He made his money in various ways, some of them not nearly so honest as
+peddling. He had some friends who were engaged in a rather peculiar
+business. They went to any place where they understood money had been
+gathered together, and quietly took it away. They generally notified Mr.
+Jervice where they would be, and he then came along with his car, loaded
+the plunder behind a secret partition and carried it away at his
+leisure.
+
+The business of J. Jervice in this particular locality, however, was
+somewhat of a variation from the usual procedure. Some friends of Mr.
+Jervice's friends had done business in this neighborhood before. They
+had met with misfortune and now suffered confinement at the hands of
+certain stern authorities who would not even allow them to go out long
+enough to settle up the loose ends of their affairs. Not having a J.
+Jervice in their service they had cached certain products of their toil
+in a cave the secret of which had been disclosed to them by a dissolute
+Indian. Shut up as they were their only recourse had been to commission
+the capable man who happened to lead the Jervice gang to recover for
+them the property for which they had risked their liberty.
+
+This, therefore, had brought to Buffalo Center, first of all, a hard,
+desperate man, who was the leader of the gang, then J. Jervice with his
+autocar, and, shortly to follow, various other whose characters were
+more widely known than commended.
+
+Incidentally the leader had found that the little bank at Buffalo Center
+had its safe loaded with the sum of ten thousand dollars, which had been
+placed therein for the convenience of a certain wheat buyer in making
+some deals. This being rather in the line of work in which he had been
+most successful the leader had decided to relieve this congestion of
+cash and had so notified Mr. Jervice as soon as they met.
+
+Mr. J. Jervice was thinking these things over as he went back to his
+car. He had stopped running now that he was well clear of the camp. He
+was walking slowly as one who is studying some great problem. It was not
+the problem of transportation. This was his especial job and he knew
+what to do about it. But this boy--this boy who owed him twenty dollars!
+He began to see how he could get his money's worth. A plan formed in his
+mind for using him.
+
+That night the friends of Mr. Jervice arrived in the neighborhood and
+gathered without undue ostentation at his camping-place.
+
+They fell into a very solemn conference and they said many things with
+which we are not greatly concerned. But Mr. Jervice made some remarks
+which were more than interesting, and showed that though slight in frame
+and deficient in courage he was a mighty plotter.
+
+"About that window you wanted me to get through," he said. "I can't get
+through that place."
+
+"Yes, you can," insisted a big man who seemed to be the leader. "What's
+more, you're the only runt in the gang, an' you'll have to do it. Us big
+men can't train down to a hundred an' fifty pounds to get through that
+window."
+
+"Well, it ain't right for me to do it," objected Mr. Jervice. "It ain't
+safe for me to be 'round the place, I tell you. I ain't very strong an'
+I might break my neck."
+
+"You'd never do it more'n once, Jervice, so don't let that worry you.
+You got to do this 'cause nobody else can't git through."
+
+"But I've got a better scheme."
+
+"Spit it out, an' don't waste no time talkin' nonsense, neither."
+
+"I've found a boy. He's strong an' active an' fairly big, but he ain't
+so big he couldn't git through. He'd be just the one for it."
+
+"What do we want with boys? How would we be squaring him?"
+
+"He's the kind that wouldn't need much squaring. A little piece o' money
+'d keep him quiet. He's jest run off f'm the reform school."
+
+"You're dead sure about him?"
+
+"I know how to make sure," said Mr. Jervice. "A reform school runaway is
+just what we want."
+
+In which conclusion Mr. Jervice showed that he was not as clever as
+supposed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+GLEN FOLLOWS A FALSE TRAIL
+
+
+Morning mail was a great institution in camp. Two scouts, specially
+detailed, brought it from the Buffalo Center post-office, in a U. S.
+mail pouch. Mr. Newton opened and distributed it, and happy were the
+fellows who received letters with which they could retreat to some
+corner and feast themselves not only once, but sometimes twice and
+thrice, while pleased smiles circled their countenances.
+
+Because Glen expected none he was all the more surprised when a letter
+was handed to him. It was a mysterious letter, indeed. The envelope was
+mysterious, if a dirty and crumpled condition spelled mystery. The
+writing and spelling were mysterious--most mysterious. Finally the
+contents of the letter enjoined mystery.
+
+"Say nuffin to noboddy burn this at once," it cautioned. "This is
+important. Your forchoon is maid and you git part of a big tressure if
+you do exackly as told. Don't say a word to noboddy but cum at ten
+o'clock to the blazed oke wich is just south of your camp if you tell
+anyboddy or bring anyboddy you wont get to no nuffin about it."
+
+Glen's first impulse was to show the document to Jolly Bill. As Bill was
+busy in conversation with Mr. Newton he had time to think it over. It
+was something about the treasure, quite evidently. Very likely it was a
+trick. Some one was trying to get a laugh on him. Very well. Glen was
+not at all displeased. He would let them do their worst. It showed that
+they had taken him in among them and were treating him exactly as one of
+themselves. He was gratified. He would go along and see it through. If
+they could make him bite, all right.
+
+There was no difficulty in locating the blazed oak which stood close to
+the camp. Glen had no watch, but he went early enough to be quite sure
+of being there by ten o'clock. Then he waited and waited. He was about
+to give it up as a hoax, when a man slipped quietly out of the woods and
+advanced toward him. Glen fell into a position of defense as he saw that
+it was his old enemy, Jervice.
+
+"Now, don't go actin' up," begged Mr. Jervice. "I ain't goin' to do
+nothin' only tell you how to git into a good thing. I'm the man as
+wrote that letter."
+
+"You are!" exclaimed Glen. "What do _you_ know about the treasure?"
+
+"I know all about it," Jervice assured him confidentially. "I'm the only
+feller that can help you git a slice. They's jest one question--are you
+willin' to go in an' will you keep mum. I don't tell nothin' till you
+tell me."
+
+"Am I willing? Are you crazy? You bet I'm willing. Try me."
+
+"Well, listen here then. I thought you'd be the feller. Who can I get as
+is good an' strong an' yet not much over boys' size, thinks I. Then I
+thinks of you. 'That reform school boy,' I says to myself. 'He's the
+very feller. Likely he's done this kind of a job before.'"
+
+"I've never had anything to do with treasure before, and I don't know
+what you mean," said Glen. "Hurry up and tell about it. I want to be
+back at camp for the swim at eleven o'clock."
+
+"Come over to my car," invited the artful Jervice. "It ain't very far
+an' we won't be in no danger of being interrupted."
+
+"How's that boy you hit?" asked the peddler as they journeyed. "That was
+a awful crack you give him."
+
+"He's all right and able to be about," Glen assured him. "I'm sorry I
+hit him."
+
+Neither Glen nor Jervice knew that Matt was not only able to be about
+but was at that moment within ten feet of them, being, in fact, just
+that distance above their heads in a tree which seemed to him to offer
+such facilities as wild bees might desire in choosing a home. He kept
+very quiet in his "honey tree" and looked down on them with contempt for
+both.
+
+"Up to some tricks," he muttered to himself.
+
+The J. Jervice autowagon was not so very far away, but the two were well
+out of range of Matt's vision before they reached it.
+
+"Now, to begin with," said J. Jervice. "Are you one o' them scouts or
+ain't you?"
+
+"I am," replied Glen. "I'm a tenderfoot."
+
+"Tenderfoot, eh! Reckon you ain't so tender. Well, why don't ye wear one
+o' them uniforms, so's to make ye look like one?"
+
+"I haven't any uniform, yet. Perhaps I could borrow one. What's that got
+to do with a treasure hunt?"
+
+"It's got a whole lot to do with it. People knows that boys wearing them
+uniforms is straight, an' we want you to look straight as a string."
+
+"I'm going to get one as soon as I can," Glen assured him. "I want to
+look straight--that is part of the oath, 'physically strong, mentally
+awake and morally straight.'"
+
+"I don't know nothink about no oaths like that," objected Mr. Jervice,
+in a dubious tone which indicated that he might know more about other
+varieties. "We don't care about yer being so straight--jest so ye look
+straight."
+
+"Well, hurry up and tell about the treasure," urged Glen. "Remember I
+want to be back by eleven o'clock. You're awfully slow."
+
+"I'm comin' to that. Remember this now--you mustn't never tell nobody
+nothink about it."
+
+"What do you mean--never tell anybody?" asked Glen. "I guess we know as
+much about it as you do."
+
+"_You_ know about it!" Mr. Jervice seemed incredulous. "What do you know
+about it?"
+
+"Well, we know what Mr. Spencer told us the other night," insisted Glen.
+
+"What was that?" asked Mr. Jervice cautiously. "Sit down here an' tell
+me about it."
+
+Glen sat down on the back step of the car and told the story of the lost
+treasure as he remembered it.
+
+"So that's the treasure story, is it?" came a deep voice from the side
+of the car. There stepped into view a man whom Glen had not seen before.
+He was evidently associated with Mr. Jervice, but he did not in the
+least resemble him, for instead of being a cringy weakling, he was big
+and strong and hard.
+
+"That's the story as Mr. Spencer told it to us," replied Glen.
+
+"Say, that's mighty interesting to me," said the man. "Happened right
+around this neighborhood, too? I'll bet them Indians put that treasure
+in a cave an' hain't never done nothing about it since 'cause they
+couldn't sell bullion without giving themselves away."
+
+"I suppose they'd find it hard to sell," said Glen.
+
+"You bet they'd find it hard to sell. They'd just been obliged to leave
+it in the cave. Bet it's the same cave we're lookin' for. You know any
+caves around here, boy?"
+
+"No, sir," replied Glen. "I haven't seen a cave in this country."
+
+"You know something about the country?"
+
+"A little bit," Glen cautiously admitted. "I've only been here a few
+days."
+
+"Get that chart, Jervice, an' we'll see what he reckernises," ordered
+the leader.
+
+Mr. J. Jervice offered some protest and the two held a whispered
+conversation of which Glen was evidently the subject.
+
+"Oh, shut up," exclaimed the big man, at last. "I can take care of the
+kid all right. You git the chart."
+
+Mr. Jervice thereupon dived into the car and soon returned with a rough
+map which he opened out before the leader.
+
+"Lookahere, boy, look at this," commanded the man. "This remind ye of
+any place around your camp?"
+
+Glen looked at the chart and saw many things which had become familiar
+to his eyes in the last few days. There was an elevation that was
+undoubtedly Buffalo Mound, certain wavy lines that depicted a stream
+down its west side could scarcely mean anything but Buffalo Creek. A big
+star was quite conspicuous midway along the course of the stream and
+Glen was curiously examining words which he made out to be "Deep
+Springs" and "Twin Elms" when Mr. Jervice put his thumb over the spot.
+
+"Never mind 'bout readin' that too close," objected Mr. Jervice, "what
+we want to know is did you ever see a place like that?"
+
+"I think I have," admitted Glen.
+
+"Don't you know ye have?" insisted the big man in a harsh voice. "Ain't
+that the place where yer camp is?"
+
+"It looks something like it," said Glen. "It's open country, open to
+everybody. Why don't you go and see?"
+
+"There's reasons, boy. Some on 'em you wouldn't understand. We don't
+mind telling you some of the trouble. Did ye know that all o' that
+treasure was claimed by the heirs?"
+
+"Whose heirs?" asked Glen.
+
+"Heirs of the freighters as the Indians took it away from. Did you know
+that a lot o' that bullion had been got out and was held in the bank
+here at Buffalo Center?"
+
+"Mr. Spencer said nothing about it," replied Glen.
+
+"Because he don't know nothink 'bout it," said J. Jervice. "We know
+because we represent the heirs. Now if you want to help us, your share
+will be a hundred dollars; but, remember, you say nothink to nobuddy."
+
+"I won't say anything," Glen promised, rashly.
+
+"If you do you'll be in as bad as anybuddy, so yer better not. If yer
+goin' to help, fust thing is to go back to camp an' git one o' them
+suits like they call scout suits."
+
+"I reckon I can borrow one," said Glen.
+
+"Then ye'll go down to Buffalo Center an' look out for the Bank. Walk
+right in as if ye owned it, jest like a reg'lar boy scout might do."
+
+"I can do that," agreed Glen. "But what's that got to do with it?"
+
+"It's got a plenty. When nobuddy ain't lookin' much you take a good look
+at a little winder that's clear in the back. You'll see it ain't got no
+bars over it like the other winders. It's jest 'bout big enough to let a
+boy through."
+
+"Well?" asked Glen, beginning to feel that it wasn't well at all, and
+that this plan Mr. Jervice was unfolding had to do with a very different
+treasure than he had supposed.
+
+"Jest imagine you've been dropped through that winder an' landed on the
+floor. You've got to go f'm there to the front an' unbolt the door. We
+can handle the lock all right but they got old fashioned bolts inside.
+So just wait aroun' an' figure how you'd git acrost the room without
+knockin' nothink over, an' look particular at the fastenings on that
+front door so you'll--"
+
+"Stop right there," interrupted Glen. "I won't do anything of the kind."
+
+"What's the matter of you, backin' out thaterway?" exclaimed Mr.
+Jervice. "Ain't I explained to you that the bank's got our bullion."
+
+"I'm not that green," retorted Glen. "You want to rob the bank. I'm
+through with you."
+
+"Hold on, boy!" The strong hand of the big leader closed over his
+shoulder. "Not yet you ain't. We can't let you go off thinkin' that way
+about us."
+
+Glen wriggled around until he could look into the face of the man who
+held him. His spirits dropped. It was no weak, trifling face such as J.
+Jervice exhibited. A hard, rough look--a cruel, remorseless look--a
+mean, ugly look--all these things he read in that face.
+
+"Mebbe ye'll know me when ye see me agen," said the man.
+
+Glen made no reply.
+
+"I ain't figurin' on you seein' much more o' me, though, nor any of us.
+D'ye know what I'm goin' to do with you?"
+
+"Send me back to the reform school?" guessed Glen, wishing from the
+bottom of his heart that he might get off so easily.
+
+The man laughed as if at an excellent joke.
+
+"You're funny, boy--positive funny, you are. Sendin' you to the
+penitentiary would be easy along o' what I'm goin' to do to you."
+
+"I've never hurt you," cried Glen. "Let me go."
+
+"It ain't safe, boy. They's jest one way you c'n make it safe. Come in
+along of us an' do what we do. You wouldn't be a reform school runaway
+if you hadn't never been up to nothink. This'll be easy for you."
+
+It was a temptation that would have tried boys of firmer principle than
+Glen. This man might do something awful to him if he resisted. He was on
+the point of yielding--and then came the vision of Matt Burton, white
+and unconscious, and the recollection of his agony as he thought that he
+had murdered Matt and lost his first chance to walk straight. Was it
+better to choose one evil than another?
+
+"Do what you want to," he said bravely, to the big man. "I'm going to be
+a true scout, if you--if you kill me for it."
+
+There was murder in the man's appearance, evidently enough, for J.
+Jervice eagerly protested. "You don't want to do no murder, now. Murder
+means hangin'!"
+
+"Shut up!" commanded the leader. "Look what ye got us into. What can we
+do with him?"
+
+"We'll have to hide him till we git away," said Jervice.
+
+[Illustration: "Brave Man!" sneered the leader. "Get me a little rope
+an' I'll do him up scientific." Page 131]
+
+"No good trying to hide him round here. Them scouts will be missin' him
+when he don't get to his meals an' swarm all over here. You run over to
+the city--it's only twenty-four miles. You ought to be back easy by
+night. You know who to leave him with."
+
+"He's a desperate hard boy to manage," complained J. Jervice with some
+recollection of previous dealings. "I'm afeared one man can't handle
+him."
+
+The leader laughed significantly.
+
+"One _man_ could," he declared. "But that ain't saying the kid wouldn't
+be too much for you."
+
+"Tie him up," urged Mr. Jervice. "I can handle him when he's tied."
+
+"Brave man!" sneered the leader. "Get me a little rope an' I'll do him
+up scientific."
+
+He was as good as his word. When his scientific job was finished the
+only thing Glen could do without restraint was to perspire. He could
+make a few muffled noises, but no intelligible sound could he utter.
+
+"Now chuck him inside the car, please," begged Mr. Jervice. "He'll be
+quiet now."
+
+"Quiet enough," said the leader. "But hustle your car out of here and
+get him twenty miles away as quick as you can. We don't want no scouts
+trackin' around while he's here."
+
+Glen's spirits took another slump. It was bad enough to be captured, but
+his faith had been great in the scouts' deliverance. Following him
+twenty or thirty miles was another thing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE BEE TREE
+
+
+Matt's presence in the tree beneath which Glen walked with J. Jervice
+was neither accident nor coincidence. He had business there--business
+which he considered important, which he did not wish, to share either
+with J. Jervice or Glen Mason or any other person. At least he did not
+wish to share it right at that moment; later on would be another story.
+
+Matt was making a bee tree. Perhaps you did not know that bee trees
+could be made, nor how to make them. Matt himself was not very clear on
+either of these heads. He was experimenting, and back of his experiment
+was a desire to get even with Chick-chick.
+
+Henry Henry, commonly called Chick-chick, did not desire to shine as a
+great athlete, sport leader, a water witch, or in any of the other
+specialties in which Matt reveled, but he did pretend to know a little
+something about beetles, bugs, butterflies and bees. He had long
+cherished an ambition to find a "bee tree." At last night's camp fire
+he had announced his positive belief, based on observations of the day,
+that such a tree was somewhere in the vicinity of the blazed oak. He had
+watched the bees until dark without definitely locating his tree but he
+had not given up.
+
+Matt decided that it would be a great pity to let all Chick-chick's
+efforts go for nothing. He proposed to help find such a tree, or to put
+Chick-chick in the way of it so that he would be bound to find it. He
+wanted the find to be public, and the interest in it to be so popular
+that all thought of buried treasure--especially treasure buried in a
+bread-box--would be obliterated forever from the minds of those in camp.
+
+Matt had gone to some little trouble in his fixing. He had neatly
+lettered a sign: "Wild honey. Prepared by the Honey Bees for
+Chick-chick." This he stuck into the bottom of the hollow limb, only an
+end protruding. Then he put in a good chunk of honeycomb, begged from
+Bob. From a small jar he then released some half dozen bees which he had
+allowed himself to borrow from Mr. Ryder's hives. His supposition was
+that these bees would fill up and fly back to the hives. Soon they would
+return bringing their mates with them. In a short time a steady stream
+of bees would be passing in and out of that hollow limb, which would be
+just the time for Chick-chick to make his proud discovery and announce
+it.
+
+After Matt had fixed the tree to his satisfaction his chief trouble was
+to lead Chick-chick to make the discovery in a perfectly natural manner.
+The best opportunity came as they went back to camp after the morning
+swim. Chick-chick was always a wanderer, likely at any moment to dart
+off in sudden pursuit of something. This morning it was a butterfly, and
+to Matt's delight he ran in the direction of the loaded tree. The crowd
+joined in the pursuit. They were within a short distance of Matt's tree
+before they gave it up.
+
+"How about that bee tree you were going to get, Chick-chick?" suggested
+Matt. "Round here somewhere, isn't it?"
+
+"Why not?" asked Chick-chick. "Why not. Why ain't this good place as any
+for bee make her happy cupboard?"
+
+"Show it to us, Chick-chick. You're hiding it. We know what you are
+trying to do. You want to keep all that honey for yourself."
+
+"Chick-chick wants all the honey for himself," chimed the chorus. "Lead
+us to your bee tree, Chick-chick. Don't be selfish."
+
+"A'right, boys. There's bee tree in these woods. I don't want
+dinner--want bee tree. All who feel just so an' similar follow me. Here
+flies honey-bee right now. Watch her!"
+
+And the bee sailed right to Matt's tree.
+
+"Oh, look at the bees buzzing around that hole. Let me get at it," cried
+an excited scout.
+
+"Not too familiar," warned Chick-chick. "Bees have feelin's. D'ye never
+hear the piece:
+
+        "How doth the little honey bee
+        In self defense excel.
+    She gives her life for one sharp sting
+        Yet hath she spent it well."
+
+"Leave it to the expert, fellows," cried Matt. "Let him get at it. Make
+way for the sum of all knowledge."
+
+"It's me he means," modestly admitted Chick-chick. "He wants me to
+tackle this peculiar tree. Peculiar tree an' peculiar bees!"
+
+"Why peculiar?"
+
+"They've done changed theirselves since I saw 'em yes'day. To-day
+they're Italians--the nicest kind of tame bees we have. Yes'day they was
+wild, black Germans--nothing like this."
+
+"What changed 'em?"
+
+"Jes' naturally smart, reckon. See, they scratched the bark gettin' up
+tree, too. Here's place one of 'em rested number nine shoe an' cut bark
+through. Most remarkable honey bees ever heard of."
+
+"Why don't you go up an' find out about 'em?"
+
+"Answer me this botanical riddle first. What's difference between tree
+and a plant?"
+
+"We give it up."
+
+"You too, Matt?"
+
+"Sure I give it up. What is it."
+
+"Well, Matty, Great an' Only; in this case ain't no difference. This is
+tree an' plant too. 'Tain't a bee tree but it's bee plant, see. Watch
+the bees. Ought to be comin' in loaded an' goin' away light. But they
+ain't--they're doing just totherwise. Somebody's put some stuff up
+there. Who d'ye reckon?"
+
+But Matt was already stealing away.
+
+"Let him go," directed Chick-chick. "Bees are all buzzing 'stung' they
+are. But no stinger in me."
+
+After that, no one cared further what the tree held. They rushed back to
+camp, for the dinner hour was upon them and their appetites were brisk
+from their swim.
+
+Dinner was almost ended when Chick-chick, who was acting as a waiter,
+was called to the end of the table where the scoutmaster sat with Will
+Spencer.
+
+"Mr. Spencer is wondering about Glen Mason," said Mr. Newton. "He hasn't
+come in, yet, for dinner. Was he at the swim?"
+
+"No, sir. I haven't seen Brick since morning."
+
+The scoutmaster rose to his feet.
+
+"Mason has not appeared at dinner. Has any one seen him since ten
+o'clock?"
+
+There was no answer; the boys waited in silence. At last Chick-chick
+held out a crumpled sheet of paper.
+
+"I haven't seen him, but here's what found near tree where Matt thought
+he'd found bee tree," he explained.
+
+It was the note from J. Jervice. Mr. Newton read it in silence.
+
+"I don't know who could have written such a note," he remarked, handing
+it to Jolly Bill.
+
+Then Matt Burton found his voice.
+
+"I was in the neighborhood where the note was dropped this morning and I
+saw Mason in company with the very disreputable peddler fellow who came
+here Sunday. They seemed very intimate and were going off together."
+
+"What do you mean by going off together?"
+
+"I mean they were just walking along through the woods like they'd
+always known each other and were planning something. The thought came
+to me that they might be accomplices and the peddler had sent the boy
+into our camp just to work something up."
+
+"He sure did it," volunteered Chick-chick.
+
+"Something up and something down," suggested an irresponsible listener.
+
+"That's enough, boys." Mr. Newton brought them sharply to order. "Burton
+has no right to such a guess nor you to such remarks. They don't make
+for harmony. They aren't helpful. You may all go now, except the patrol
+leaders and assistants and the signal corps."
+
+When the little group had collected Mr. Newton continued his remarks.
+
+"Glen Mason is a scout--a member of this troop--and we are responsible
+for him in more ways than one. Mr. Spencer and I know enough about him
+to be sure that there is no reason why he should go away with the
+peddler excepting under misrepresentation. Perhaps nothing out of the
+way has happened, but we have just a suspicion that Jervice is making an
+effort to get Glen into his hands for a reward which he thinks he will
+get."
+
+"He'll have a sweet time holding him in his hands after he gets him,"
+interrupted Jolly Bill.
+
+"Unless he has help," corrected Mr. Newton. "And this is not
+improbable. Because of this I want the scouts to divide into groups of
+four and explore the territory I lay out. Each patrol leader and each
+assistant will take three boys. Signal and make for headquarters at once
+if you find anything. If there is any need of a rescue don't attempt it
+without me. Henry may start at the place where he found the note."
+
+Thus it happened that a short time later, Chick-chick, Goosey and two
+other scouts were making a careful search around the bee tree.
+
+"Everything's trampled flat around here. That crowd this morning did
+it," announced Chick-chick. "Every fellow spread out ten yards to his
+left."
+
+It was Goosey who found the trail.
+
+"Here it is," he cried. "It's Brick's trail all right. Mr. Spencer said
+to look for marks of heel plate on the right shoe and here it is. There
+was somebody with him."
+
+The ground being soft and damp in spots there was no difficulty in
+following the trail. It led them to an open glen which showed a recent
+camp fire and the travel of many feet. Leading off toward the road were
+the broad depressions made by the tires of an automobile.
+
+"My find, now," cried Chick-chick. "Here's where we do some real fine
+work, an' we can do it on the run, we can. See the tracks. What are
+they?"
+
+"Automobile tracks," yelled the squad.
+
+"What kind of a tire made 'em?"
+
+There was no enthusiastic shout this time.
+
+"An automobile tire," ventured Goosey.
+
+"Jes' so, Goosey. Jes' so! It was rubber one, too, why don't you say?
+Good, safe guess--rubber."
+
+"All right, Chick-chick. Be as funny as you want. If my father ran a
+garage I reckon I'd know something about tires, too."
+
+"'Scuse me! You certainly right, Goosey. Who ought know automobile tires
+if not me. What I want you see is these tires can be followed anywhere
+'cause they're non-skid with that peculiar bar formation. They'll show
+up on road so we can follow on dead run, we can."
+
+"How do you know we want to follow? What makes you suppose Mason has
+gone in the car? Maybe we'll find his tracks going on away from here."
+
+"Bright thought, Goosey. Ev'body look for tracks leading 'way from
+here."
+
+They searched industriously but in vain.
+
+"No good," decided Chick-chick. "Got old Brick in their wagon, all
+right, all right. We must go after him, we must."
+
+"Mr. Newton said not to attempt any rescue."
+
+"We ain't was going to. Back to headquarters an' report an' me for my
+motor-bike. Mr. Newton mebbe can get a car in Buffalo Center an' mebbe
+he can't; but no heavy old buzz-wagon can get where my motor-bike can't
+catch 'em."
+
+Mr. Newton agreed to Chick-chick's plan of chase rather more readily
+than he had expected.
+
+"It's perhaps as good a thing as we can do," he asserted, discussing the
+plan with Will Spencer. "I have a good many of the younger scouts in my
+especial care and cannot afford to leave camp on a wild goose chase."
+
+"Motor-bike carries two," suggested Chick-chick. "Apple go with me?"
+
+"Yes. You and Corliss may go. Don't do anything foolish. If you overtake
+the car get the peddler to stop. If Glen is a captive use your coolest
+judgment about interfering. The man may be armed and it would be far
+better to push on to the nearest town and get help than to risk a
+bullet. Of course, if Glen should be going of his own wish you must just
+come back and tell me."
+
+"No fear of that," said Spencer.
+
+"What shall we do if he isn't to be seen and the peddler won't let us
+look inside?" asked Apple.
+
+"A scout's judgment and ingenuity ought to be worth something in such a
+case," replied Mr. Newton. "I prefer not to instruct you. I'm not
+sending you two big fellows out as messenger boys but as scouts. Use all
+the knowledge and courage and skill that you have, but don't take
+unnecessary risks."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE CHASE ON THE MOTOR-BIKE
+
+
+The boys felt the importance of their commission as they rode away from
+the camp on the motorcycle. They had no difficulty picking up the track
+of the autocar. It ran directly to the village and on through.
+
+"Let's find out what the old car looks like," suggested Apple. "Maybe,
+too, they can tell us just how long ago it passed."
+
+There was no difficulty in getting a description of the car--one
+enthusiastic person even went so far as to detail all the various
+articles advertised by J. Jervice for sale.
+
+"How many people were riding?" asked Apple.
+
+"A little man at the steering wheel and a big fellow perched up next to
+him."
+
+"Didn't you see a boy on it?"
+
+"No boy anywhere unless he was inside. Of course we couldn't tell about
+inside. It's jest like a wagon in a circus parade--nice paint on the
+outside an' the inside left to yore 'magination."
+
+"Two men on the wagon--one a big fellow!" exclaimed Apple, as they left
+the fount of information. "We'll have to be pretty careful what we do."
+
+"Sure will," agreed Chick-chick. "They got over an hour's start, so
+we'll have to go some--Hello, have they been stopping here?"
+
+"Looks like it. There's marks that show a man got off the car."
+
+"The big man," said Chick-chick. "Look where the tracks are headed,
+Apple. He's gone back to the village. Didn't get back on car at all.
+Good for us."
+
+Chick-chick had correctly guessed. After J. Jervice and his car were
+safely through the village the big man had alighted.
+
+"I'm goin' back to lie aroun' an' meet the other fellows," he said to
+Jervice. "You beat it along with your car. You can stop an' do a little
+tradin' when ye get to the next county. That'll prove you wasn't
+anywheer around if anythink should happen to-night. But be sure you git
+rid of the kid an' start back so's to git here by midnight."
+
+Apple and Chick-chick took up the trail with renewed confidence now that
+they felt they had only Jervice to reckon with. They had seen him at
+the scout camp last Sunday and had no great respect for his dimensions
+or prowess.
+
+It was late in the afternoon when first they saw the peddler's car in
+the road ahead.
+
+"Let's trail along kind o' slow and watch him awhile," suggested Apple.
+"Maybe he'll be stopping somewhere."
+
+As it happened this guess was well founded. Mr. J. Jervice had two
+reasons for stopping. One was that he wanted himself to be seen a good,
+long distance away from the bank, so that he could prove that he was far
+distant from that region if any robbery occurred. The other was a
+natural cupidity which sorely regretted the necessity of hurriedly
+passing prosperous farm houses where perfectly good money was all ready
+to exchange for his wares.
+
+A mile further on a splendid house came into view. Everything about it
+spelled prosperity--its barns, and silos and windmills and fences all
+showed that the residents believed in having what they needed and had
+money to spend on their needs. The bait was irresistible. Mr. Jervice
+stopped his car at the side of the road, clambered down from his seat
+and went to lift the bars from the rear door.
+
+Two boys on a motorcycle ditched their wheel a hundred yards away and
+crept cautiously up.
+
+"He's going to the house to try to sell something," whispered Apple. "We
+must keep him from locking those back doors so we can look inside."
+
+"We sure will," vowed Chick-chick.
+
+Crouching in the bushes at the side of the road their pulses throbbed in
+great excitement as they observed that the peddler addressed some one
+inside the car. His tone was low so they did not catch the words, but
+they heard a mumble and saw his cruel laugh.
+
+"We'll teach him to laugh," whispered Chick-chick.
+
+"But supposing he shuts and locks that rear door before he goes up to
+the house."
+
+"That's up to us. We'll watch him. If he locks it we must catch him as
+he goes through that orchard and get the key away."
+
+They watched in great anxiety. Mr. Jervice closed the rear doors of his
+van and put the heavy bars in their slots, but, secure in the isolation
+of his surroundings, he did not apply the padlock. Wherein, Mr. Jervice
+committed a grievous error.
+
+Scarcely was he concealed within the orchard than the two scouts rushed
+to the car, lifted the bar and swung back the door. There lay their new
+comrade, helplessly trussed and gagged, faint and weary with the close
+confinement, almost ready to collapse.
+
+"Water!" he gasped, as Apple took the gag from his mouth. "Get me a
+drink."
+
+Apple was able to supply him from his canteen, and even as he held it to
+the parched lips, Chick-chick was slashing the cords that had been drawn
+needlessly tight.
+
+"I think I can manage this little old machine, I can," announced
+Chick-chick. "Apple, you can run my bike. Go back and get it."
+
+"Rub my wrists where the cords cut, while he's gone," Glen begged. "That
+fellow that tied me up--he's a thief, that's what he is. He pulled 'em
+tighter just to see me wince."
+
+He was too cramped to stand on his feet so Chick-chick kneeled down at
+his side to rub some circulation into his wrists and ankles. Suddenly a
+great noise of running was heard. Chick-chick looked out through the
+crack of the door.
+
+"It's the peddler," he declared. "He's running like a bull was chasing
+him, he is. He's headed straight for the car."
+
+"We'll give him a surprise," said Glen. "Probably he's run on to
+somebody who knows that he's a thief and they're after him. I'll just
+lie the way I was and you stand where the door will hide you."
+
+Glen missed his guess in one important trifle. J. Jervice did not wait
+to be surprised. He was in such terror that he waited for nothing. He
+threw a pack in at the door, slammed it, dropped the bar in place with
+the incredible swiftness of long practice and in less than a minute had
+his motor cranked and the car in motion.
+
+Coming up on the motorcycle a minute later Apple saw the car
+disappearing around a turn in the road, and wildly chasing it a puffing,
+panting old man, brandishing a heavy club.
+
+The positions of the scouts were changed for the better, but they yet
+were a long distance from freedom. Instead of Glen tied and gagged in
+the car with Chick-chick and Apple following on the motorcycle, Apple
+now was following alone, while, imprisoned in the car, were both Glen
+and Chick-chick with the fortunate difference that the gag and bonds
+were removed.
+
+"We're shut in," whispered Chick-chick. "Pretty mess I made of rescue, I
+did."
+
+"No mess at all," said Glen. "I'm free now and ready for anything, or
+shall be when I get some circulation in my feet and hands. Can't move
+till then, anyway. What d'ye s'pose Apple's doing?"
+
+"Following us along, Apple is, you bet. When he gets a chance he'll help
+us out, he will. Say, what's loose board here?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Glen. "It's got a ring in it like it might be
+intended to be lifted up."
+
+"Bet I know," said Chick-chick. "I reckon the transmission case is just
+below here, an' this is fixed to lift out so you can see transmission
+without crawling underneath."
+
+"It wouldn't make a big enough hole to let us out, would it?" asked
+Glen.
+
+"No, it wouldn't. But if I can get to that transmission I can stop
+car--won't run little bit."
+
+"Could you start it again?"
+
+"Depend on what I did to gears."
+
+"Let's try it."
+
+The board came up easily. Four bolts held the lid of the transmission
+case but were readily removed with Chick-chick's pocket wrench.
+
+"Now we'll pack in something soft. Clog up the gears without breaking
+'em."
+
+"What good will that do--except make him mad."
+
+"Help us out--it will. He isn't enough mechanic to find out why can't
+run. Off he goes town after help. Leaves us here do as we please. We
+know where trouble is. Fix it. Off we go."
+
+There was plenty of soft material to feed into the transmission case.
+The car pulled unsteadily and stopped. The boys cautiously replaced the
+board in the floor and awaited developments. They could hear J. Jervice
+tinkering around, examining brakes and wheels and everything but the
+transmission.
+
+"Hey, you!" he called after a few minutes. "You inside there! D'ye hear
+me?"
+
+Then as it probably occurred to him that he could expect no great
+volubility from a gagged prisoner he continued:
+
+"I've broke down an' I'm goin' to git help. When I bring a mechanic back
+don't ye try makin' no racket or it'll be the worse for ye."
+
+The first positive assurance that he had gone was when Apple came up on
+the motorcycle, lifted the bar and opened the doors. It did not take
+them long to scramble out.
+
+The world looked very beautiful to the eyes of Glen Mason after his
+hours of real peril and imprisonment. It was fine to be able once more
+to stretch out and shake loose every little muscle, to be able to draw
+in a long breath, just as deep as one wanted, free from the muffling of
+a foul mouth gag. The world was a good old place in which to live and
+surely Glen would henceforth try to live in it in an appreciable manner.
+
+"Look here, fellows," said Chick-chick. "I know all about this old
+wagon. I can make it go ramblin' right along; handle it so it's
+perfectly tame an' gentle--take the bit nice an' stand 'thout hitchin'.
+What d 'ye say? Do we make the horsey go for Mr. Jervice?"
+
+"You mean run away with it?" asked Apple. "That wouldn't be right, would
+it?"
+
+"You don't know much 'bout this gang, Apple. Brick's been telling me.
+He's found out about 'em, Brick has. Regular band o' thieves, they are."
+
+"Thieves!" exclaimed Apple. "No wonder they acted mean."
+
+"No wonder. Wonder is they did no worse, it is. They think they're going
+rob Buffalo Center bank to-night. We'll show 'em, we will."
+
+"Would taking their car away stop them?"
+
+"It would be apt to hinder," said Glen. "I think Jervice carries their
+kit in his wagon and they depend on him to get their stuff hauled
+away."
+
+"Take away their little old wagon sure will bother 'em."
+
+"What would you do with it?"
+
+"Turn it round. Run back to Buffalo Center and give sheriff."
+
+"All right," agreed Apple. "You'll have to get busy if you want to get
+it back before dark. I suppose I'll have to ride the motor-bike."
+
+"Reckon you're elected, Apple. Brick can't ride it, an' I can't run more
+'n one at a time."
+
+"Well, I'll not get far ahead of you. I'll keep you in sight, anyway."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+SAFE AT CAMP BUFFALO
+
+
+Riding triumphantly on the driver's seat with Chick-chick made the
+return journey very different from the miserable trip Glen had made
+inside the car, bound and gagged, and horribly jolted at every
+irregularity of the road.
+
+"Shall we leave car at Buffalo Center, or run right on to camp an' show
+the booty?" asked Chick-chick.
+
+"We haven't made the trip yet," Glen reminded him. "If we're lucky
+enough to get all the way to Buffalo Center we'd better deliver it to
+the first officer we see, sheriff or constable," counseled Glen. "We
+don't want to be arrested for stealing. It won't do for me to be
+arrested for anything."
+
+"But don't you think we ought let scoutmaster see it? Let him have say
+about it. Don't you think?"
+
+"Perhaps we ought," agreed Glen, who saw clearly that Chick-chick longed
+for the honor of driving his captured car proudly into camp--an
+exciting honor which he was not reluctant to share.
+
+"It certainly would be fine if we could make it."
+
+But it was not to be. Daylight was still pretty good, so that they could
+see a long distance back along the road. And so, when they still had
+several miles to go, they looked back and saw their nemesis overhauling
+them.
+
+"That car's coming like fury," observed Glen. "I'll bet it's Jervice and
+his friends hot after us."
+
+"'Fraid so," sighed Chick-chick. "Gettin' all speed out of the old wagon
+I can."
+
+"We'd better try to catch Apple and all get on the motor-bike,"
+suggested Glen.
+
+"Can't catch Apple unless he takes notion to turn an' see we want him.
+Think we can hide, I do."
+
+"Hide the car, too?"
+
+"Hide the car. Saw place on way out. It's less'n mile from here. There's
+creek pretty near dry, and bridge over it. But there's ford by side of
+bridge, too. We forded it coming out."
+
+"Can you get the car down?"
+
+"Think I can. Think can run down by ford an' get under bridge. They'll
+go shooting by without seeing us, they will."
+
+It was time to be taking some action. As they mounted the hill they were
+evidently seen by the pursuers who sent a pistol shot after them, though
+not with any possibility of reaching them. At the foot of this hill lay
+the creek.
+
+Chick-chick slackened speed and scanned the bank eagerly to see if the
+car could make the descent. Dusk was already present under the heavy
+timber by the creek, and he left the road slowly with the double object
+of feeling his way and leaving as little track as possible.
+
+Glen leaped from the car and bent back the brush flattened out by the
+wheels and kicked dust over the tracks left by the car in turning. Then
+he rushed down and found that by skillful driving Chick-chick had
+managed to make the descent safely and drive the car under the arch of
+the bridge, so concealed by the abutments and by outgrowing bushes that
+there would be little likelihood of attracting notice from above
+excepting from careful searchers.
+
+A few seconds later the noise overhead told them that the pursuing car
+had rushed on, still hot in the chase.
+
+"What's to do, now, Brick?" asked Chick-chick. "Got old car down pretty
+easy, we did. Don't know about getting back. Reckon I could cross over
+an' climb t'other side."
+
+"I don't believe we want to try it," counseled Glen. "We are only a
+couple of miles from Buffalo Center. They'll be there in a minute or
+two. When they find we've dodged 'em they'll start back hunting for us.
+We'll meet 'em and there'll be real trouble. We don't want their car,
+anyway."
+
+"Let's walk on an' catch Apple, then," suggested Chick-chick. "When he
+finds we don't come he'll either wait for us or start back. We can all
+ride into camp on the bike, we can."
+
+"Leave the wagon just like this?"
+
+"Why not? 'Tain't ours: All we've done is interfere with burglars. If
+this car carries the burgling things to rob the bank they won't be able
+to burgle to-night, anyway. Let's look for that chart they showed you.
+If it's anything about the treasure it's ours."
+
+"He said he kept it on the shelf with his railroad guides. I'm afraid he
+put it in his pocket after they'd looked at it."
+
+They found the shelf with the railroad folders, but no chart of any
+description was there.
+
+"'Fraid you'd see more of it than they wanted," suggested Chick-chick.
+
+"They need not," said Glen. "I don't care what's on their chart."
+
+"Why not?" asked Chick-chick. "Why not? They got chart cave. Cave is
+somewhere between our camp an' top Buffalo Mound. They say Indian cave
+an' think Indians have hid treasure there; why not?"
+
+"What makes you think the cave is between our camp and the top of
+Buffalo Mound?"
+
+"Didn't you say Jervice man stuck his thumb over--so shut out your look.
+What he do that for if cave ain't there?"
+
+"You jump too quick, Chick-chick. I'm not sure there's a cave at all. I
+just know that they talked as if they were looking for a cave or a hole
+in the ground or some place where somebody had hid a lot of plunder."
+
+"Sure you know it. An' why wouldn't it be a cave? An' didn't you say the
+big man said he'd bet Indians had bullion hid in same cave they were
+hunting. Didn't you?"
+
+"That isn't saying it's so," objected Glen.
+
+"It's sayin' it's worth lookin'," affirmed Chick-chick. "Didn't one of
+'em say chart was drawn from description Indians gave?"
+
+"Yes, but they might have been fooling 'em."
+
+"An' they might not. If it's Indian cave it's got our treasure. You
+draw copy that chart from memory soon as we get back, you do."
+
+"I can't draw," objected Glen. "Maybe I can remember enough about it to
+tell you or Apple how to put it on paper."
+
+"Here's Apple coming now," said Chick-chick. "He's the boy to draw.
+Draws better 'n flax seed poultice. You'll draw him all maps he wants
+when we get to camp, won't ye, Apple?"
+
+"If we ever get back," said Apple. "It's getting dark. Father will be
+anxious. Why are you leaving the car?"
+
+"Don't want it," explained Chick-chick. "Isn't ours. 'Fraid somebody see
+us with it an' think our name is Jervice. We all get on little old bike
+an' hike along sudden, we do."
+
+Three boys was no special load for the motor-bike. They were constantly
+on the look out for the pursuing car which they expected to meet coming
+back, but nothing did they see of it. They rushed through Buffalo Center
+and a few minutes later Chick-chick blew his horn for the camp.
+
+Great was the excitement when it was seen that the search party not only
+had returned but had brought the missing boy. Glen was almost mobbed by
+the crowd of scouts who pulled him one way and another in vociferous
+and jovial greeting. It was an experience such as had never happened in
+all his life, and his heart throbbed with thankfulness, and unbidden and
+unexpected tears rushed to his eyes that he should be honored with such
+a welcome by such loyal comrades. "God is good," came the thought, and
+he knew that henceforth he would live a richer, deeper and more loyal
+life because of this experience.
+
+Off to one corner Apple had a noisy audience and there were yet others
+who gathered about Chick-chick as he retailed to them in his jerky
+fashion such things as he deemed proper for them to know. Loud and
+furious discussions were heard from every group.
+
+"There won't be any looting of the Buffalo Center Bank while the scouts
+are in camp, that's a cinch," proclaimed big Tom Scoresby.
+
+"Tom'll see to that," added Chick-chick.
+
+"If Tom doesn't do it alone, the scouts will," insisted Tom. "We
+wouldn't let robbers loot a bank with us in camp not a mile away, would
+we, Mr. Newton?"
+
+"We wouldn't expect to have anything of the kind going on," agreed Mr.
+Newton.
+
+"Great yarn, this," Matt Burton, was saying to his own little group. "I
+reckon we're expected to swallow it with our eyes shut. I never heard
+such stuff."
+
+"What d'ye mean it's a yarn, Matt?" asked a scout.
+
+"This story about those fellows being bank robbers. Why that scared
+little old peddler would be afraid to rob a sandbank. If anybody gave
+him a cross look, he'd die."
+
+"You don't mean to say Brick Mason's lying?"
+
+"Oh, no! He just has dreams."
+
+"Did he dream himself tied up with cords cutting in so sharp they left
+red welts and took half hour to get circulation going?" demanded
+Chick-chick who had overheard.
+
+"Red welts nothing!" retorted Matt. "I could raise red welts all over my
+body and never feel it."
+
+"You keep makin' insinuations an' I know fellow'll raise red welts on
+you so you won't feel anything for month," threatened Chick-chick. "I
+felt those welts. Saw 'em too. Plain as the ridges on a non-skid tire.
+Anybody's thinks Brick had 'em made for fun can get all that kind o' fun
+he wants."
+
+"What's the trouble, scouts?"
+
+It was Mr. Newton, his attention drawn by the angry tones.
+
+"Explainin' 'bout Brick's body marks," said Chick-chick.
+
+"I think you've talked long enough." Mr. Newton easily guessed the
+quarrel. "Go along with Corliss and Glen and work your tongue on your
+supper. You other fellows see they get filled up."
+
+Glen had rushed to Will Spencer at his first free moment, but the supper
+table gave him his first real chance for conversation with him. Will had
+his billy cart pushed up where he could clap Glen on the shoulder and
+tell him again how glad he was to see him safe and sound.
+
+"Nice, comfortable day you've given your Uncle Bill," he said in
+cheerful accusation.
+
+"Did you worry about me?" asked Glen.
+
+"Not so much about you," explained Jolly Bill. "But I had a terrible
+time making my mind easy about that poor peddler and worrying about what
+would happen to him when you found he'd run off with you."
+
+"I didn't believe there was anything J. Jervice could do to me, but I
+found people worse than him. I believe he's one of a robber gang--"
+
+"I don't understand these references to robbers," interrupted Mr.
+Newton. "Perhaps you'd better make it clear to us."
+
+So for the benefit of the two men, Glen went over the whole story,
+telling them all about his capture, his suspicions of the gang, the
+chart he had seen, and the way they had treated him when he refused to
+acquiesce in their plans.
+
+"That sounds very grave," said Mr. Newton, busy already penciling a
+note. "I'll get you to take this letter to town, Henry, just as soon as
+you have finished your supper."
+
+"You think they intended to rob the bank to-night?" asked Spencer.
+
+"That was their original plan, I am sure; but I don't know--"
+
+He was interrupted by a very earnest and eager delegation of scouts,
+with big Tom Scoresby at its head. Tom saluted and asked permission to
+address a request to the scoutmaster.
+
+"We want to go out and capture these bank robbers before they get far
+away," he explained. "According to what Chick-chick says, the peddler's
+car is within three miles of here. Our plan is to go after it and use it
+to catch the thieves."
+
+"How many scouts are in for this?" asked Mr. Newton.
+
+As with one voice fifteen scouts shouted "I." Others came running to
+swell the number.
+
+"Let us think this over quietly, scouts. It would be a great thing for
+us to capture this gang of thieves, wouldn't it?"
+
+There was no doubt that the sentiment met with unanimous favor.
+
+"Why would it be such a fine thing?"
+
+Dead silence prevailed for a moment after this direct question; then all
+manner of answers filled the air.
+
+"Show what scouts can do!"
+
+"Put an end to bank robbing!"
+
+"Protect our fellow citizens!"
+
+"Glory for troop 3!"
+
+"A scout is helpful!"
+
+"Great sport to catch robbers!"
+
+"A scout is brave!"
+
+"Show we're good as men!"
+
+These were some of the answers that were shot at the scoutmaster.
+
+When quiet prevailed Mr. Newton resumed his talk.
+
+"A man asked me once if I didn't think the National Council made a
+mistake in its decree that every organization of scouts must have a
+scoutmaster.
+
+"'You baby your boys,'" he said. 'You ought to put them on their own
+responsibility.'
+
+"But he forgot that certain things, such as a tempered judgment, come
+only by experience. A scout is brave and a scout is helpful, true
+enough. But a scout must learn how to use his bravery and when to be
+helpful.
+
+"Now suppose I allowed you to organize for a robber hunt, and suppose
+that, during that hunt, some robber was so unfair as to fire real
+cartridges and hit some member of our expedition. What good would it do
+to tell the boy's mother that her son was brave, or helpful, or
+adventurous, or daring? What would it avail to tell her that in
+preparation for manhood scouts must develop daring and courage?"
+
+He paused, but the silence was broken by no reply.
+
+"I can conceive of circumstances in which the risk of your lives would
+be your duty, and I hope that, should they come, no scout of this troop
+will count life dearer than honor. But this is not one of them. This is
+a plain case for plain handling, and I want to tell you how I have
+handled it.
+
+"There is a deputy sheriff in the village and I have sent word to him of
+the circumstances and of our suspicions. He, being a regularly appointed
+officer of the law, will take such steps as seem best to protect the
+bank and to apprehend the robbers. He is not likely to call for help
+from this camp for he knows that there are but two citizens here who
+could legally be enlisted in his posse. One of them is crippled, and the
+other has a squad of young boys in his care; but if the sheriff should
+feel a need to call upon these men, I venture to say that neither will
+hold back."
+
+The boys moved away in rather an unusual silence. It was broken by a
+voice from a distant group, speaking loudly in heavy sarcasm.
+
+"No need to bother about what the sheriff will do. He won't do a thing
+because he'll know that the whole thing is a plant."
+
+The words rang out quite distinctly above the rather subdued hum of the
+other voices.
+
+"The Great an' Only Matty!" exclaimed Chick-chick in disgust. "He sure
+knows all about it if it's _plant_."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+STRENGTH AND LOYALTY
+
+
+Glen found next day that he had suddenly become somewhat of a hero.
+Apple and Chick-chick had privately given very good accounts of his
+fortitude and resource. He felt about as happy as ever in his life and
+all manner of good impulses stirred within him.
+
+None of the three who had taken chief part in yesterday's adventure felt
+very much inclined to energy this bright morning. Glen lay in the warm
+grass close to Jolly Bill and his billy-cart in peaceful comfort. His
+muscular arms were a senna brown, his bare chest the same color,
+excepting where it was marked by a dull blue design similar to that
+which caused an anchor and various rings to appear prominently upon his
+arms.
+
+"'Lo, Brick," said the cheery voice of Chick-chick, whose light hearted
+philosophy and undisturbed equanimity under all circumstances Glen
+greatly admired. "Some strong man, ain't you, Brick?"
+
+"Pretty strong for a boy," Glen admitted.
+
+"Say, Brick, Goosey wants ask you question," jerked out Chick-chick.
+"Goosey so bashful wouldn't come alone, he wouldn't."
+
+"I'd like fine to be strong like you, Brick," said Goosey. "Some of us
+kids have been talking about it and one fellow says he's noticed that
+strong men like sailors and railroad men always have tattoo marks like
+you got. A brakeman told him that's what made him strong. Some of _us_
+want you to fix us up."
+
+Glen laughed, but it was a bitter laugh.
+
+"Do you know how much I'd give to have these marks cleared off, if I had
+the money?" he asked, savagely.
+
+"Cleared off!" exclaimed Goosey. "Why, Brick, they're just handsome.
+That anchor on your arm and the flag on your chest--why we kids think
+they're great!"
+
+"Wait till you kids get to be a little bit older and find out what real
+people think of 'em--I mean people that are people. They call 'em
+gallows marks in the school back there. The chaplain he's strong against
+'em. I 'member when he caught a kid having some ink pricked in by one of
+us."
+
+"Got after you, did he?" asked Chick-chick.
+
+"Well, he says, 'You kids know why I always wear a bandage round my
+right arm when I play tennis?' I'd often wondered. 'I suppose it's to
+strengthen the arm,' I guessed."
+
+"Was it?" asked Goosey, eagerly. If there was anything that would
+strengthen an arm he wanted to know it.
+
+"Strengthen the arm nothing!" replied Glen, with contempt. "He rolled up
+his sleeve and snowed us where he had a woman's head tattooed in. I
+s'pose you'd say it was a peach of a head, Goosey."
+
+"Wasn't it done right?" asked Goosey.
+
+"Done fine. Done as well as they're ever done. But he was ashamed of it.
+He put on that bandage just so it wouldn't show when his sleeve was
+rolled up."
+
+"I don't understand that," said Goosey, in evident disappointment.
+
+Chick-chick, too, inclined to the opinion that the chaplain was over
+nice.
+
+"You'd understand if he spoke to you about it," said Glen. "He says to
+us: 'Every once in a while you'll find a good man and a smart man that
+is all marked up with tattoo marks, but where they're carried by one
+clean, smart man, there's a hundred bums and tramps that have 'em. If a
+good man has 'em it's a safe bet that he didn't put 'em on when he was
+doing well. It means that some time in his life he was down in bad
+company. It's the poorest kind of advertising."
+
+"That's why he hid 'em up, then."
+
+"Chiefly. He says 'One reason I cover this up is so it won't set foolish
+ideas into boys' heads. There's many a business man would pay ten
+thousand dollars to get rid of the ugly marks. There are all kinds of
+ways but none of 'em work well and most of 'em cost the fellow that owns
+the skin an awful lot o' pain as well as the money. The way to get rid
+of tattoo marks,' he says, 'is not to put 'em on.'"
+
+"But since you can't help having 'em, you aren't going to let 'em keep
+you down, are you, Brick, old top?"
+
+It was Jolly Bill who asked the question. They had thought him asleep in
+his cart.
+
+"No, nor anything else," declared Glen. "I'm not so far behind. Somebody
+asked me once, 'How does it come you talk so well?' They don't
+understand that we learn as much in the state schools as in the regular
+public school, and we have to do our best or make a show at it, whether
+we want to or not."
+
+"But, Brick," persisted Goosey. "You said a lot about the tattoo marks,
+but you didn't say yet whether it makes you strong."
+
+"Chick-chick," commanded Jolly Bill. "You lead that little boy away.
+Whatever made you bring him here with his sad story? What is there in a
+little India ink, pricked beneath the skin, to make you strong--does it
+make father's shirts strong when mother uses it to put his initials in
+the corner? Lead him off, Chick-chick."
+
+"That's all right," Goosey observed. "Matt Burton thinks it's what makes
+Brick strong. Matt says no reform school boy could knock him down if he
+hadn't been doped up with some stimulant."
+
+"You mustn't pay too much attention to what Matt Burton says," counseled
+Spencer.
+
+"Oh, I don't. Matt says there wasn't any thief and there isn't any cave,
+and I believe there is. Matt says he wouldn't believe it, anyway, 'cause
+Brick says it's so."
+
+"You'd better run along, little boy, before you say something Matt'll be
+sorry for," said Spencer.
+
+Glen had stood a good deal from Matt and had borne it quietly. It was
+not that it did not sting, but that he believed he was "taking his
+medicine." Let no one suppose, however, that because he had started on
+the up route, Glen Mason disclosed any anatomical peculiarities such as
+the sprouting of wings. His capacity for taking a wrong view of matters
+was as great as ever. The only difference was that he resisted it
+occasionally. But there was a limit to his resistance, and so nearly had
+he reached it that this report of Goosey's decided him to take a
+sufficient vacation from his good principles to allow of the
+administration to Matt Burton of one good, swift punch.
+
+Goosey said that Matt was walking toward Buffalo Center when last seen.
+There was only one road to the village, so with his bottled up vengeance
+in his heart Glen struck out along this road.
+
+There, on the main street of the little town, right at the Bank corner,
+stood Matt talking to a couple of men who sat on the low railing which
+served for ornament rather than protection to the bank front. One of the
+men wore a star on his coat; the other was a rough looking individual
+who yet had an official air.
+
+It was no part of Glen's program to create a public disturbance, but he
+was quite resolved not to let Matt get far out of his sight. A good plan
+was to hike through the alley and come up on the south side of the bank
+building, where, hidden by a convenient pillar, he would be able to
+hear what was going on without being seen.
+
+Glen lost no time getting through the alley, and in a few moments,
+flattened against the wall at the southwest corner, could hear all that
+Matt said to the men as they sat on the rail at the west front.
+
+"What we want," said one man, "is to catch 'em in the act. They was
+timid last night and the fust little noise we made they was off. Are you
+one o' them scouts as seen 'em yestiddy?"
+
+"I have seen the little peddler," asserted Matt. "I didn't think he had
+spunk enough to rob a blind man."
+
+"Mebbe he has--mebbe he ain't. It don't allus take spunk. Yore chief
+said they was another fellow--desp'rit villain. Did ye see him?"
+
+"No, I didn't," Matt admitted reluctantly. "I don't often have any luck.
+It takes fellows like Glen Mason."
+
+"Name sounds familiar. Mason! Glen Mason! Let me look at that circ'lar I
+got in my pocket. Thought that was it. Fellow, that name, just run off
+f'm the reform school. Here's the bill about it."
+
+Glen was seized with a paralyzing terror. This constable or sheriff or
+whatever he was had only to reach around the corner to lay hands right
+on him. He forgot all about revenge on Matt--what he now wanted was to
+get away.
+
+Then he heard the officer's next question.
+
+"This Glen Mason fellow you speak about--is he one of your regular
+scouts?"
+
+Glen waited in breathless suspense to hear how Judas would betray him.
+The answer left him high and dry, gasping with surprise.
+
+"Yes, he's a regular scout," said Matt. "He's a tenderfoot. I suppose it
+isn't such a very uncommon name."
+
+After all, Matt was a scout--a scout and a patrol leader. He might be
+conceited, he might be supercilious, he might and did need a lot of
+nonsense sweated out of him. But he was a scout, and--a scout is loyal!
+He would have loved dearly to see Glen Mason sent back to the reform
+school and thus removed from disputing his preeminence. But he was no
+Judas--his should not be the tongue to betray a fellow scout.
+
+Glen straightened the fist that he had clenched so fiercely at his side,
+and drew a deep breath as he settled himself down more closely into the
+protection of his pillar.
+
+"I'd like to see the feller that seen the robbers an' took the ride in
+their car. I'd like to see the car. I didn't see it when they went
+through here yestiddy." It was the rough voice again.
+
+"Why not go now and see it?" asked Matt. "The bridge where the boys hid
+it is only a couple of miles away."
+
+"No good," replied the man. "Them boys wasn't as smart as they thunk. We
+sent up to get the car fust thing after yore chief sent the word to us
+last night, but all they was left of it was tracks."
+
+So the car was gone. Glen could easily understand how they discovered
+it. They had only to run back to where the peculiar tires ended their
+journey and then search to find where they had left the track. So the
+ford would have been discovered and then the car.
+
+"If I'd been driving I'd have run it right up to the sheriff's office
+and claimed the reward," boasted Matt.
+
+"Mebbe you would--mebbe you wouldn't. Mebbe you'd got a few slugs o'
+lead under your vest. Them fellers must ha' been pretty clos't around to
+get that car away so quick. I think them boys was clever. Anyway they
+wasn't no reward then. They is now--five hundred dollars. The Bankers'
+Association offered it soon as they heard the story."
+
+"When are you going to hunt them out?" asked Matt.
+
+"Huntin' right now, son. Huntin' while we set gassin' with you. We hunts
+in our sleep."
+
+"No joking, now. When are you going to get up a posse? I want to go
+along."
+
+"We'll send for ye when we feel that we need ye, son. Come along, Ike. I
+hear Number Three whistlin' fer the crossin'. Watch the blind baggage."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+DETECTIVE MATTY
+
+
+Glen managed to get back to the camp without coming under Matt's notice.
+His animosity had all disappeared. This one act of loyalty on Matt's
+part wiped out a great load of snubs and grudges. He knew that his
+connection with the reform school was quite generally known at the camp,
+for Mr. Newton himself--subsequent to the disclosures of J. Jervice--had
+seen fit to explain to the scouts that Glen might be considered as
+staying under his parole, and had further expressed his conviction that
+the authorities would certainly make the parole permanent in view of all
+the facts. An explanation made to friendly boys, however, was a vastly
+different thing from making one to officers who had a chance to earn a
+reward. He felt, therefore, that Matt had saved him from a real danger.
+
+Chick-chick and Apple were anxiously awaiting his coming that they might
+complete the map which they were preparing from his recollection of the
+chart shown by Jervice. Mr. Newton had decided that the information
+Glen had gained from the robbers' chart was his exclusive property,
+since it had been obtained by him while in peril of life and limb. But
+Glen was not disposed to take advantage of this, and with the help of
+Apple and Chick-chick as chartographers was preparing a chart for the
+free use of the entire camp.
+
+"We have everything sketched in that you told us," said Apple. "What we
+want now is to be as nearly sure as possible where the big star was."
+
+"It looked to be about half way down the side of the Mound," said Glen.
+"Right near it I saw marks for 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs.'"
+
+"We've been looking along Buffalo Creek and we can't find any Twin Elms.
+There's only one place where two elms are anywhere near together and one
+of them is a great big elm, and the other a little sapling that isn't
+more than five years old. That would throw it out altogether as far as
+locating our cave."
+
+"How about Deep Springs?"
+
+"Well, there's the Ice Box. The Springs must be deep there because it's
+so cold. We used to swim there last year but it's really too cold for
+fun. That's just about half way down the Mound, but there's no elms
+anywhere near."
+
+"How would it be to mark that for 'Deep Springs' and put the mark for
+'Twin Elms' just where the two elms you speak about are?"
+
+"An' then put big star between 'em an' everything be over but pickin' up
+treasure," put in Chick-chick, sarcastically.
+
+"No, it wouldn't do," said Apple. "We don't know that Deep Springs and
+the Ice Box are the same and we are pretty sure Twin Elms couldn't be
+the old tree and the sapling. The only thing I know to do is to make the
+marks just like you saw them and let the scouts figure them out for
+themselves. If we go putting our own ideas in we will likely spoil the
+whole thing."
+
+"Great head, this," endorsed Chick-chick, patting the curly head
+appreciatively.
+
+They took the chart out and nailed it to a tree near the cook shack and
+in a few moments it was being studied by the entire troop which had just
+gathered for dinner.
+
+It might well be doubted whether the chart served any purpose of
+enlightenment, after all. It showed certain local land marks and several
+crosses were designated at different spots but just what they
+represented was still a mystery. The principal cross was the one over
+which Mr. Jervice had placed his thumb, and this inclined the majority
+to decide to hunt in that direction, but unfortunately it was hard to
+find "Twin Elms" thereabout, and the "Deep Springs" were only a matter
+of surmise. It had certainly served the purpose of reviving interest in
+the treasure hunt and mysterious rumors of a cave in which a robber band
+had hidden booty did not lessen it.
+
+Will Spencer while pleased at the renewed activity was by no means sure
+that it would help his search.
+
+"Think we'll have to push on back to our cornfield and do some exploring
+from the old bed of the lake back to its source, Glen," said he. "Gold
+is nothing to us. What we want is water."
+
+"Supposing some of these scouts should find all that bullion, you'd
+think differently," said Glen.
+
+Spencer laughed.
+
+"You're having a good vacation about it," he said. "We'll stay this week
+out since we're both having such a good time. Next week you push your
+Uncle Bill and his billy cart back to Ryder's farmhouse and we begin
+over again."
+
+"Any time you say," agreed Glen. "Here's Goosey looking as if he was
+excited about something."
+
+"Found the treasure, son?" asked Will.
+
+"Not yet," admitted Goosey. "But I've got an idea."
+
+"When you're looking for treasure look for signs of old water-courses.
+If you find one, follow it along and see if it leads to a spring."
+
+"What good'll that do?" asked Goosey.
+
+"Twenty dollars' worth," replied Jolly Bill. "Twenty dollars in coin of
+the realm. This old buried treasure may be in such shape that you can't
+cash it. My money will be straight goods."
+
+"Guess I'll find the gold the Indians stole," said Goosey. "I've got a
+scheme, leastways Matty's got one, and he's letting me in on it."
+
+It was not until next day that Goosey, under pressure from Chick-chick,
+disclosed more of Matty's wonderful scheme.
+
+"You know, Matty's read a lot about detecting things and he knows all
+about how to do it."
+
+"Yes, we ought to know about that, Goosey. See how he found the bread
+box."
+
+"Well, he admits he slipped up there. But this time it's different. He
+says he ain't soft enough to suppose Brick Mason is giving out
+information to help people find the treasure when--"
+
+"Hold on, Goosey. Thought Matt didn't believe there was any treasure. He
+believes whole thing fake--Matt does."
+
+"Well, after he talked to the deputy sheriff and found out there was a
+big reward offered he changed his mind. He says it ain't reasonable the
+Bankers' Association would offer a reward just for nothing. So then he
+says, of course Brick Mason's chart is a blind. Brick wants everybody to
+be wasting their time on a wrong scent while he goes after the real
+thing."
+
+"Real clever; Matty is. Wish he was as white as Brick."
+
+"Well, Matt's clever, anyway; no gettin' around that. What does he do to
+get on the right track? He goes an' hunts up the Indian--the one as told
+us to look for heap rock."
+
+"Bright idea. Of course Indian wouldn't tell Matt anything but truth--he
+wouldn't."
+
+"No, because Matt gave him two dollars. So Indian told him there was a
+cave and he wasn't sure about the treasure because he's superstitious
+and he's too much afraid of the dead men to look. But the cave isn't
+anywhere near Buffalo Creek. It's on down below."
+
+"You mean below camp?"
+
+"Yes, down in the woods somewhere around Vinegar Creek. You know Buffalo
+Creek gets pretty rapid after it passes the Ice Box. Runs down with lots
+of force into Vinegar Creek. It's quite a gully down there and for five
+dollars more the Indian's willing to show Matt the exact place."
+
+"Worth that much to Matty?"
+
+"Worth it! You ain't talkin' sense. Matt doesn't need money so awful
+bad, but there's just two things he'd like better than anything else in
+the world. One is to find the treasure and so kill that everlastin' joke
+about the bread box. T'other's to catch the bank robbers an' so show
+that he's the smartest boy in camp."
+
+"That five dollars won't get him to it--it won't."
+
+"Well, Matt's lucky this time, as it happens. He isn't going to have to
+pay the Indian the five. He's found a better way. Last night he went
+down to kinder look things over an' he found a couple o' men camping.
+First off he hoped they were the robbers but they're pretty nice men and
+they're engineers. Matt wouldn't have told them anything but when he
+found they were surveyin' Vinegar Creek and goin' on up to Buffalo next
+he could see right off that they had good chances of runnin' right into
+the cave, so he gets ahead of 'em by tellin' all about it and making 'em
+promise equal shares if they found anything."
+
+"Clever Matty!" exclaimed Chick-chick.
+
+"Yes, he's clever, Matty is. No good paying any five dollars to any
+Indian when he's got as good a thing as that. These engineers want to
+see our camp so Matty's to bring 'em up this afternoon while everybody's
+at the swim. He doesn't want the crowd around to be pestering 'em with
+questions."
+
+When this information was carried to Jolly Bill he was more disturbed
+than he cared to acknowledge. He had a very well defined feeling that
+his scheme to restore Buffalo Lake had become common property and that
+these engineers were competitors. He felt some safety in the fact that
+he held options on the land; yet he had a strong desire to see this
+surveying corps and talk with the men about their work.
+
+Thus it happened that Glen was in camp when the surveyors came--he
+stayed at Spencer's request to engineer the billy-cart. The engineers
+were young fellows, not overly clean; perhaps it was not to be expected
+in following such work. They were genial enough to the few people who
+were in camp. At first they did not seem inclined to pay much attention
+to Spencer, but after he had asked them one or two questions they began
+to take notice.
+
+"Where are you running your levels for the Vinegar Creek survey?" asked
+Spencer.
+
+"Running what?" said one.
+
+"Oh, levels," said the other. "We haven't got to that yet."
+
+"Find it rather hard to carry your lines through all that brush, don't
+you?"
+
+"We will if we have to do it."
+
+"What elevation do you work from?"
+
+"We ain't quite decided. You see, we only just made camp. Mebbe we'll
+work up here first."
+
+"You'll have to see Mr. Newton about that," said Spencer.
+
+"We'll see him," said the spokesman. "We're going to look along up this
+creek a piece, now."
+
+"Think perhaps you'll start your survey at an obtuse angle or an angle
+of sixty degrees, which?" asked Spencer gravely.
+
+"Sixty degrees," replied the man, as if glad to get off so easily.
+
+"Now, I'm quite sure they're no engineers," said Spencer to Glen as the
+two men followed Matt along the bank of Buffalo Creek. "I rather thought
+they weren't from the start, which is why I asked such foolish
+questions. Well, that relieves my anxiety about competition."
+
+"What do you reckon they are?" asked Glen.
+
+"Two farmer boys who want to work Matt for something, I suppose. We
+ought to warn him to be on guard, but really I think a few lessons will
+do Matt lots of good."
+
+"He did me a good turn yesterday," said Glen. "I'd like to put him
+next."
+
+"You can try it," agreed Will. "But Matt is one of the class of people
+who would rather be fooled than warned."
+
+Glen ran along after the trio. The noise of his approach caught Matt's
+ear and he turned with a look of disgust on his face.
+
+"You aren't in on this," he exclaimed angrily. "These two men are my
+friends and our business is private."
+
+"I just wanted to tell you something, Burton," said Glen. "I'll go back
+as soon as I've said it."
+
+"Fire away," instructed Matt. "The quicker you get rid of it and go the
+way you came, the better."
+
+"Come over here and I'll tell you."
+
+"These men are my friends, I tell you. Whatever you have to say to me
+they can hear."
+
+"They're not scouts," objected Glen.
+
+"You're not much of a one," retorted Matt.
+
+The words Glen had for Matt were not to be bawled into the ears of
+strangers, so he left the foolish boy to follow his own tactics. It was
+not too late for the swim and Glen was glad to have at least a few
+minutes of his favorite sport.
+
+He was dressing when some one tapped him on the shoulder and he looked
+up into the comical face of Chick-chick.
+
+"Hey, Brick. Found something, I have," he announced.
+
+"What is it?" asked Glen.
+
+"Hssh! Not so loud! Don't want whole camp to know. It's secret.
+Footprints on sands of time."
+
+"You're talking nonsense," said Glen.
+
+"No nonsense about it. It's wheelprints 'stead o' footprints, that's
+all. Come an' see. I was chasin' butterfly down near Vinegar Creek an' I
+ran on it by accident, I did."
+
+The two boys managed to slip away from the crowd and Chick-chick
+mysteriously led the way down the road in the direction of the heavy
+woods that marked the location of Vinegar Creek.
+
+"While back I heard a car chuggin' along. Funny for car be down here,
+don't ye know. Then there's somethin' 'bout an engine's voice--every
+engine got voice of its own and you 'member it after you get 'quainted.
+Seemed to me I knew that voice. Looked at car an' didn't look like
+anything ever seen. Car all stripped off--nothing much left but chassis.
+Then I came down to road an' looked at tracks. Wait bit. Soon be there,
+we will."
+
+He led on for another hundred yards until they reached a point where an
+old woods trail struck out into the highway. Here Chick-chick paused.
+
+"Look at this, Brick," he said. "Ever see tire-tracks look like that,
+did you?"
+
+Glen looked at the tracks. They were exactly like those he had smoothed
+away when concealing the departure of the J. Jervice car at the ford.
+
+"Verdict of Jury 'Guilty as charged'!" exclaimed Chick-chick, looking
+into his eyes. "Come on, Brick, let's follow 'long this old cow-path
+till we see our beloved car once more."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE END OF THE JERVICE GANG
+
+
+All that Glen could do was to follow where Chick-chick led and try to go
+just as noiselessly, and to flit carefully from one screen of cover to
+the next in just as unobtrusive a way. It was an old sport with
+Chick-chick, but though Glen was an amateur at it he made a very good
+performance.
+
+It was not reasonable to suppose that an automobile could get very far
+along such a road, yet they had traveled a quarter mile before the
+tracks swung entirely away from the old path and followed a strip of
+comparatively bare ground that led in toward the creek.
+
+"There she is!" at last Chick-chick whispered. "Don't look bit like gay
+old friend we left, she don't."
+
+She did not. If it were the same car it meant that the gang, feeling
+that so conspicuous a mark as the J. Jervice car originally presented
+would be a fatal advertisement of their identity, and yet desirous of
+making use of the car, had stripped it clean of the betraying top and
+had taken away everything that could mark it for a peddler's car.
+
+Their plan would have worked successfully but for the betraying tires,
+and the sharp eye and quick mind of scout Henry Henry, commonly known as
+Chick-chick.
+
+"Are you sure it's the same?" whispered Glen.
+
+"Surest thing on wheels," affirmed Chick-chick. "Bet you find drygoods
+in the transmission case if dare look."
+
+"Why do you suppose they've left it here?"
+
+"Good, safe place. Nobody see. Camp not far away, reckon. Better lay
+pretty low here. There's only two of us."
+
+Late in the afternoon two tired but excited scouts found their way into
+camp and proceeded to disturb Mr. Newton in his afternoon study hour.
+
+"Is it true that there's reward of five hundred dollars for the bank
+robbers?" one asked.
+
+"I believe so," said Mr. Newton. "The sheriff himself and quite a few
+deputies are trying to earn it, too. They are covering this county and
+several neighboring counties, too."
+
+"Sheriff out this way?" asked Chick-chick.
+
+"He was in Buffalo Center this morning," replied Mr. Newton.
+
+"We know where gang is, Mr. Newton. We want go right down get that
+reward, we do."
+
+"The reward is for their apprehension, Henry. So you see you wouldn't
+get it, because, so far, you don't appear to have apprehended them."
+
+Chick-chick's countenance fell, but he brightened again in a minute.
+
+"We can do it all right, all right. Maybe better get sheriff help us."
+
+He proceeded to tell Mr. Newton of their discovery.
+
+"And you saw them so clearly you are quite sure they are the same men?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Glen. "We located their camp by a line of
+smoke--leastways Chick-chick did. Then we climbed a big tree near by and
+looked right down on 'em. I saw Jervice and the big man, and one other
+man I never had seen before."
+
+"What shall we do about this?" Mr. Newton asked of Will Spencer, who had
+been studying with him.
+
+"Get 'em," replied Will, his eyes sparkling. "I wish I were more of a
+man, so I could help."
+
+"Hold on, Will," said Mr. Newton, kindly. "You have just as good other
+work, you know. And wishing won't make you agile and active any more
+than it will make these boys into grown men. What's the wise thing to
+do?"
+
+"You good, old scoutmaster!" exclaimed Will. "Of course you're right.
+You being the only real man here the thing to do is to see if that
+sheriff is still at Buffalo Center."
+
+"But you ain't going to shut us out?" cried Glen and Chick-chick in
+unison.
+
+Mr. Newton and Spencer laughed at their eagerness.
+
+"You are big fellows, both of you," said Mr. Newton. "I've no desire to
+rob you of your glory or reward. You must come with me to see the
+sheriff, or perhaps you'd better go alone on Henry's motorcycle to save
+time. He will have to come this way to go after the men, and I've no
+doubt he will want you to show the way. Perhaps he'll let me go, too.
+Only no foolishness, remember--no attempt at single-handed captures--no
+stepping in the way of a piece of heavy artillery just to show that you
+bear a charmed life. After you've shown the way your job will be to stay
+in the background."
+
+The sheriff was still staying at Buffalo Center's little hotel.
+Chick-chick was disappointed to find that he did not at all come up to
+his ideas of a sheriff. Glen whose dealings with sheriffs had not been
+so limited was not so surprised. The sheriff was so much like the other
+farmers lounging around the hotel office that they had to inquire for
+him. There was this much to say for him--he was not big, but he looked
+as if he might be quick and keen.
+
+"Better come in here," said the sheriff, leading the way into the little
+parlor. "Now, tell me all about it."
+
+Glen acted as spokesman, for Chick-chick was still quite excited.
+
+"So you're the boys that got the car away from the peddler, are ye?"
+asked the sheriff. "I reckon ye ought to know the car an' the man too.
+You was expectin' to see this man Jervice, wasn't ye?"
+
+"We were after we saw the car," Glen agreed.
+
+"Now, don't ye reckon that mebbe, seein' the man at a distance like an'
+being as you was expectin' to see Jervice an' the big man, you might
+just imagined they was what you saw?"
+
+"No, sir. It wasn't possible to be mistaken. We were near enough so we
+could both see the man very clearly."
+
+"Well; this other fellow, now; the one you never had seen before? What
+did he look like?"
+
+"Big man," said Chick-chick. "Over six foot. Black hair, no hair on his
+face. I got good look once and face was all one side like this, it was."
+
+Chick-chick drew his face to one side in a peculiar manner. Mimicry was
+one of his talents.
+
+"That's the feller," said the sheriff. "If you saw him that's the gang.
+That was Black Coventry to the letter. There ought to be two more of 'em
+and the gang would be complete. You can show us the way, can you?"
+
+The sheriff had one of his deputies with him at the hotel. He deputized
+two active young farmers who were present and the four started on
+horseback following Chick-chick's motorcycle.
+
+They found Mr. Newton waiting at the roadside near the camp. Chick-chick
+began an introduction but the sheriff interrupted.
+
+"Oh, I know Captain Newton. Remember when ye was Captain of Battery
+A--let's see, twelve years ago, that was. Come along of us, Captain.
+Ye're just the man we need an' we're short handed, anyway."
+
+"I've no horse," objected the scoutmaster.
+
+"Jump up back o' me. It ain't so awful far f'm what these boys say.
+We'll have to foot it, anyway, for quite some distance, if we want to
+s'prise 'em."
+
+When the place where the wood-road turned off was reached the sheriff
+decided to leave the horses.
+
+"One o' you boys stay here now with the deputy an' help guard these
+horses," instructed the sheriff. "Which'll it be?"
+
+"I guess it's Chick-chick's find," volunteered Glen. "I'll stay."
+
+"Keep your eyes sharp open," the sheriff instructed his deputy. "If
+they'd get started afore we could get to their car they might slip by
+us. Then, there ought to be two more of 'em somewheres around, too.
+Might be comin' up any minute. They're slick."
+
+After the men had gone Glen found it anxious work waiting with the
+deputy and the horses while Chick-chick led the sheriff's posse to
+glory.
+
+"I suppose we'll hear 'em shooting most any minute," he said to the
+deputy.
+
+"Mebbe we will--mebbe we won't," replied the deputy. "We won't if things
+go the way the old man intends."
+
+"How is that?" asked Glen.
+
+"There won't be any shootin' unless they's some break in his
+calc'lations. His way don't make much allowance for it. He'll get up
+there right silent an' have his men posted convenient; then he'll step
+out an' say 'Come along o' me, Coventry. No good fussin'. My men got ye
+dead to rights.' An' mos' generally they come."
+
+"How about the other two men?" asked Glen.
+
+"Mebbe they're there; mebbe they ain't. It was putty clever of 'em to
+hide right around here, knowing they was looked for all over the
+country."
+
+"Don't you suppose they're staying here so as to look for that stuff in
+the cave?"
+
+"We don't take much stock in that story," said the deputy. "We don't
+know that they is any cave. What they was after wasn't in no river bank,
+it was in the bank of Buffalo Center."
+
+He appreciated his little joke and chuckled over it very heartily. His
+merriment, however, did not prevent him from being the first one to see
+a little group coming down the main road.
+
+"Three of 'em!" he said. "One of 'em's from your camp. Who's the other
+two?"
+
+"The scout is Matt Burton," said Glen. "The other two must be the
+engineers that he found camping down here. Say, I'll tell you something.
+They aren't engineers. What's the matter with them being the other two
+of Jervice's gang?"
+
+"Nothing the matter at all," said the deputy. "Lay low now, and we'll
+get 'em. They're looking awful suspicious like at our tracks in the
+road. They don't understand 'em. If they break an' run you stay here
+with the horses an' I'll give 'em a chase."
+
+"They've grabbed hold of Matt as if they were going to work some rough
+house play with him," said Glen. "Look what they're doing."
+
+"They think he's sold 'em out," said the deputy. "They got a notion that
+he's leading 'em into something."
+
+Just then Matt, who was not deficient in courage, made a lunge at one of
+the men, broke loose and started to run. He was overtaken in a minute by
+the other man who hit him such a blow as to stretch him full length in
+the dust of the road.
+
+"Hold on there, hold on," the deputy counseled Glen. "You can't do
+anything chasin' after 'em. Just let 'em stay here till the sheriff gets
+back an' he'll pick 'em up easy. Now, take a holt o' this gun. You
+needn't shoot it, but it'll look better if you have one. I'm goin' to
+sneak up a piece and get back of 'em. I'll take this rope along an'
+mebbe I can git it over one of 'em. I won't be far behind 'em any time.
+You stay here with the hosses an' if they seem like to pass along
+without noticing don't you so much as cheep. All you got to do is mind
+the hosses."
+
+When the two men, with Matt between them, reached the turn of the road
+and saw that the tracks led directly to the camp they came to a dead
+halt. Glen could now hear distinctly what they said.
+
+"It's a frame up," declared one. "This kid thinks he's smart leading us
+into a trap. Back we go. Nobody won't draw on us, neither. You go first,
+Jack. I'll be right next to you with my hands on your shoulders. This
+smart kid'll foller me the same way. They won't nobody try no gun play
+for fear of hittin' the kid. Jest as soon as we git out of range we'll
+make a streak for it, an' the kid'll go with us."
+
+The man spoke in a loud voice undoubtedly for the benefit of some person
+or persons who might be supposed to be within bullet range and be
+desirous of picking them off from ambush rather than risk a personal
+encounter. Perhaps he had heard some warning noise. He had not made so
+bad a guess, for a good marksman, concealed in Glen's position, would
+have had them at his mercy.
+
+Glen watched the peculiar parade as the three walked back up the road at
+a lock-step gait that was quite fast for unpracticed performers. He would
+have been glad to give some word of encouragement to Matt for he still
+remembered the good turn of the day before. But his business was to
+watch over the horses. It would never do to betray their hiding place to
+these desperate men who might overpower him and be off before the deputy
+could reach them.
+
+[Illustration: Glen watched the three walk back up the road at a
+lock-step gait. Page 198]
+
+Where was that deputy?
+
+He said that he would not be far behind the desperadoes at any time; but
+Glen had seen no sign of him since he slipped so quietly away with his
+long rope. He watched the marching figures going back along the
+road--farther away--farther yet. Soon they would be feeling safe out of
+range and would break and run.
+
+Where was the deputy?
+
+Glen found his answer even though he did not see his man. A long rope
+circled through the air. It fell neatly over the three close-locked
+heads and tightened suddenly as it dropped below their shoulders. There
+was a frantic struggle from the tied up trio and suddenly the deputy
+came into view belaying his rope to a tree.
+
+Glen turned his eyes from this scene as he heard the noise of voices
+behind him. It was the sheriff's party returning. He waved his hand to
+them for speed and was glad to see the sheriff, Mr. Newton and
+Chick-chick start toward him on the run. The other members of the party
+were evidently convoying prisoners.
+
+One of the men in the road had freed his hands but the deputy had
+persuaded him to put them above his head, and stood in the road guarding
+his capture as the relief party came up.
+
+"So you got 'em?" exclaimed the sheriff. "That makes the haul complete.
+Our three below are coming along like lambs."
+
+"These three," said the deputy, solemnly, "being trussed up the way they
+is, looks more like chickens."
+
+"Loosen up on 'em," said Glen. "That one's a scout. You could easily
+tell he isn't one of 'em. Didn't you see the way they knocked him over?"
+
+"Yes. He's a scout," confirmed Mr. Newton, coming up. "He has simply
+been deceived by these fellows, supposing they were honest men. I hope
+they haven't hurt you much, Burton."
+
+"Hurt me!" cried Matt. "They were two to one and they knocked me down
+but they couldn't hurt me. Let me give this big fellow just one--"
+
+"That'll do, young fellow," said the sheriff. "These men are in the
+hands of the law, now. They'll get whatever's coming to 'em."
+
+It was a triumphant procession that wound its way back to town. Three of
+the prisoners were placed in their car which Chick-chick was called
+upon to engineer under the guardianship of the sheriff. This left Glen
+to ride the motorcycle alone. Still desirous to repay Matt's good turn
+he offered him passage but Matt preferred to ride the sheriff's horse.
+He was unable to understand or appreciate any friendly offers from Glen,
+for he felt that his share in the proceedings had been ludicrous if not
+contemptible and expected scant mercy from either Glen or Chick-chick.
+As a matter of fact, Glen would have been very glad to have his company,
+both that he might repay his good turn and that he might have the
+advantage of his experience in cycling, for Glen was a rank novice and
+found great difficulty in getting back to camp.
+
+Chick-chick drove the car all the way to the little calaboose where the
+sheriff expected to confine the men until train time. The sheriff
+expressed himself under great obligations.
+
+"I don't hardly know what to say about the reward, son," he said. "It'll
+have to split up a good many ways so there won't be an awful big slice
+for any one of us."
+
+"I'll leave it to you," agreed Chick-chick, magnanimously. "Maybe you'd
+let me speak word to Jervice."
+
+"Sure I will. You can talk a book into his ear if you like. But that
+ain't sayin' as he'll say anything to you."
+
+The sheriff had guessed correctly. Mr. J. Jervice was singularly
+uncommunicative.
+
+"What's meanin' of 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs'?" asked Chick-chick.
+
+Mr. Jervice shook his head at such foolishness.
+
+"You won't get any good out of it," insisted the inquisitive boy. "Give
+me your chart now and I'll use influence with Judge to get you easy
+sentence, I will."
+
+Mr. Jervice shook his head and turned away.
+
+"What's that young fool saying about 'Twin Elms' and 'Deep Springs'?"
+asked the big leader.
+
+Mr. Jervice muttered something in reply.
+
+"You take it from me, young feller," said the man, angrily. "The thing
+you'd orter do is to git them names out o' your mind. They ain't no such
+places."
+
+Chick-chick went back to receive the adulation of the camp but he was
+not satisfied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+GLEN AND APPLE FIND THE CAVE
+
+
+As might be expected, the excitement in camp that evening was intense.
+Chick-chick and Brick Mason were heroes. No one could do too much for
+them. Even Will Spencer was excited.
+
+"It's a fine thing for you, Glen," he said. "I'm glad you had the chance
+and that you did so well with it. Mr. Newton says the sheriff will give
+you and the deputy full credit for the capture of the two fellows that
+came down with Matt."
+
+"I'm mighty tickled," Glen admitted. "I don't think it'll amount to so
+very much, though, because there's so many will have to divide the
+reward."
+
+"Brick, Brick, where did you get that head?" exclaimed Jolly Bill. "I'm
+not talking about the reward. Can't you see anything better than that?"
+
+"Why, I don't know that I do. I'm afraid I never will be smart."
+
+"Yes, you will. You're getting too much for me already. But, don't you
+see, old brick head, how much better chance this gives you to get your
+discharge from the reform school? 'Single-handed, he engaged in a
+terrific conflict with two desperadoes and delivered them into the hands
+of the officers of the law.' How does that sound? You begin to see where
+you get off?"
+
+"Maybe so. All I did was to hold the horses, but I'll be glad of any
+credit that comes to me. I expected we'd hear from the school before
+now."
+
+"Don't you fear but what you'll hear quick enough. Your friend who was
+here last Sunday is looking after your interests or they'd have yanked
+you back before now. I only hope they let you stay another week or two
+so you'll do me some good."
+
+"I surely hope they do," said Glen. "I'm having such a fine time I wish
+it would go on forever. You think you'll get along all right while I go
+up the Mound to-night?"
+
+"I'll be all right. Bob and I will keep the camp from running away.
+Maybe it'll rain again, like it did when you tried it Sunday night.
+You'll be mighty glad to get back to us if it does."
+
+"No, we're going to stick it out to-night whatever happens," said Glen.
+"The fellows are going to take their ponchos and stay all night
+whatever the weather. Going clear to the top of Buffalo Mound. I'm going
+with Apple and he has a waterproof sleeping bag big enough for two.
+We're going to have a great time. I tell you, Will, this camp life with
+people like Apple and the scoutmaster and you is more like heaven than
+anything I ever dreamed of."
+
+A great deal of satisfaction and joy had come into Glen Mason's life in
+the last few days. He felt it in the companionship of Apple and
+Chick-chick as they marched up Buffalo Mound together that night,
+carrying their firewood and blankets for the bivouac. There was a new
+bond of fellowship between them, a bond which Glen would have found it
+quite impossible to state in words but which was none the less genuine
+and fixed. The little service at the camp-fire meant more to him than
+anything he had ever experienced; he had really started his journey, he
+was definitely lined up with God's people, he had enlisted for actual
+service. In the few quiet minutes while he lay wrapped in his blanket
+waiting for sleep to come, and meanwhile looking up at the starry vault
+which seemed to him to represent God's heaven, he experienced the
+greatest peace that had ever come into his life.
+
+Only hardened campaigners and boys can sleep the dreamless sleep of
+nature next to mother earth, with no soft mattress to pad the irregular
+outlines of bony prominences, and even boys are apt to waken earlier
+than common. So it is no wonder that daybreak found Glen and Apple glad
+to shake themselves free from their blankets and climb the few feet
+necessary to get the best of the justly celebrated view from Buffalo
+Mound. Miles and miles over the flat prairie country could they see in
+the clear morning air, and with the assistance of Mr. Newton's field
+glass they could draw far away objects very near to their field of
+vision. It was interesting to see the little towns, each with its two or
+three church spires, its one or two large buildings and its collection
+of dwellings; to see eight towns in six different counties from the same
+spot was an exciting experience for these boys.
+
+But they did not get their real excitement until they turned their glass
+down the west side of the Mound, and there came in the range of their
+vision an Indian engaged in some mysterious occupation on the bank of
+Buffalo Creek.
+
+"He's at the Ice Box," declared Apple. "Now what do you suppose that
+Indian's doing? Look at him dive."
+
+"How can he stay under so long?" asked Glen, after they had watched two
+or three minutes without seeing a head appear.
+
+"I can't tell you. Maybe he swam under water and has come up in some
+other place that we can't see."
+
+But fully ten minutes later, while they still watched in great
+curiosity, his head came into sight at about the place where he had
+dived in, and a moment later they saw him draw his glistening body out
+of the water.
+
+"Where's he been?" said Apple. "He hasn't been under water all that
+time."
+
+"But neither did he come up anywhere that I could see," said Glen. "I
+know what's happened," he added in an excited tone. "He's been in the
+cave."
+
+"I believe you," said Apple. "We guessed right. Ice Box and Deep Springs
+mean the same place. I don't know about any Twin Elms but that cave is
+there, at the Ice Box. I don't know why we never saw it, unless because
+it's on the far bank and we always looked this side."
+
+"Maybe its entrance is under water," suggested Glen. "That Indian dived,
+you see, and we didn't see a sign of him again until he came back."
+
+"That's the way of it, Glen. And that's the same Indian told us to look
+for heap rock. I believe--" it was the romantic side of Apple now
+appearing--"I believe he is the tribal guardian of the treasure and he
+stays around here to guard it from our search."
+
+"Maybe so," agreed Glen. "Anyway if the treasure's there we'll soon know
+it. You think you can keep in your head the exact location where he
+dived?"
+
+"Yes. It's just at the bend of the Ice Box. Right opposite on the other
+bank are those two old stumps--"
+
+"Hold on," shouted Glen excitedly, seized with a great idea. "I'll bet
+you those are the stumps of elm trees--the Twin Elms."
+
+"You're right, Glen. I'm sure you're right. I can hardly wait to find
+out."
+
+"We don't want all the camp following us into this. When will be the
+best time to hunt for it?"
+
+"What's the matter with right now?" suggested Apple. "It's only a little
+after five. Breakfast won't be called until eight. Father won't care
+where we go so long as we get to camp in time for breakfast."
+
+"But the Indian! What will he be doing while we explore his cave?"
+
+"He won't be there. He hiked through the timber, and he's less likely
+to be there now than he would be later on in the day."
+
+"It's all right with me," declared Glen. "Now's as good as any time.
+We'll get our blankets and tell your father we will be at camp in time
+for breakfast."
+
+When a couple of boys have a great secret which they have just
+discovered they are likely to overdo the secrecy of it. Glen and Apple
+made a wide detour through the fields and when they at last approached
+the Ice Box it was from an entirely different angle. Taking warning from
+the exposure of the Indian they took off their clothes in the shelter of
+some bushes and made a quick rush into the water.
+
+"Be careful, now," warned Apple. "It's cold as ice and swift as the
+rapids. Must be some big springs around here."
+
+But Glen was always at home in the water and needed no warning.
+
+"Here it is, I'll bet," he cried. "Just under the ledge, you see. The
+opening's only about two feet wide and the space above water to the
+ledge isn't more than a foot and a half. That's why it's all covered up
+when the water's high. Come on. Let me go first."
+
+Once inside this narrow passage they were indeed in a cave. For a few
+feet around the small opening daylight shone dimly in, but it was lost
+in impenetrable gloom above and to the rear. A mass of something dense
+loomed in front of them and Apple swimming boldly up declared, it to be
+a pile of stone.
+
+"It's the heap stone the Indian spoke about, Brick," he shouted. "We've
+sure found it. Let's go back and get some lanterns and things."
+
+Out in the broad light of day the romance did not seem quite so
+absolutely sure, and the nearer they drew to the camp the less positive
+did they become about their discovery.
+
+"We wouldn't like the camp to have the laugh on us like they did on
+Matt," admitted Apple. "I guess we'd better make sure before we have
+very much to say about it."
+
+"I reckon we had," Glen agreed. "We can keep it to ourselves for awhile
+without anybody carrying it away. That Indian couldn't carry it very far
+by himself. Once we are sure, then we can tell the whole camp. Wish we
+could find Chick-chick. We could tell him right now."
+
+It was a hard thing to be discreetly silent until their opportunity for
+thorough search came, and fortunate that they had not long to wait. That
+very afternoon it rained and most of the boys stayed in camp.
+Chick-chick was still away on some mysterious errand. Glen and Apple
+appeared clad in bathing suits and tennis shoes.
+
+[Illustration: With the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of
+their surroundings. Page 211]
+
+"We don't mind the rain," Apple announced. "We are going out. Look for
+us when you see us."
+
+They had already cached a couple of lanterns, a pick and two spades near
+the Ice Box and it was no trick at all to get them into the cave. With
+the lighted lanterns they could get a better idea of their surroundings.
+The floor of the cave was waist deep in water which seemed to rush on in
+a swift current and escape again into the creek through a counter
+opening a few feet away. The cave was quite long. It did not, as they
+supposed, have its beginning at the opening where they entered, but
+extended some distance back into the gloom, and as the current was quite
+swift back there it was evident that there were other hidden openings.
+The vault of the cave was high, so high that they could not see the top
+by the feeble light of their lanterns. But the thing that they could see
+and that thrust from their minds every other subject was a solid arch of
+masonry.
+
+"I was right!" shouted Apple. "I was right! That's no natural formation.
+That has been built up by men's hands years ago. It's sure to be the
+hiding place of the treasure. What else could it be?"
+
+"It couldn't be anything else," agreed Glen. "We'll mighty soon see. Get
+up to the top and I'll hand you the things."
+
+"I'm up," said Apple. "Are you coming too?"
+
+"Sure thing. The way to tear this down is a stone at a time beginning
+at the top."
+
+"Let me have the pick, then."
+
+"No, you hold the lantern and let me use the pick. I'm the biggest."
+
+Splash! The first big stone disappeared in the water. Another splash and
+the second followed. But prying them loose was no easy job and they did
+not follow one after the other in the rapid succession the boys would
+have liked. In less than half an hour they decided that an enormous lot
+of work had been done in the effort to bury the treasure.
+
+"We think this is pretty hard work getting these stones loose and
+pitching 'em down in the water," said Apple, reflectively, "but think of
+carrying all of 'em in from outside to build this."
+
+"Perhaps there were more than two to do it," said Glen.
+
+"Of course there were," said the more romantic Apple, his imagination
+stirred by the picture. "There was a small army of them. I can imagine I
+see them coming in here in a long procession each carrying his load,
+giving way to the next, and slipping away quietly in the gloom."
+
+"Perhaps they didn't do that way at all," said Glen, the practical. "If
+you swing your lantern away up you can see that this cave has high
+ledges running away back. Perhaps they managed to get rock from some of
+those ledges."
+
+"Perhaps they did. But it was hard work, anyway, and it's hard work
+breaking it up. But if we can just manage to do this just by our two
+selves, and then go back to the fellows and tell 'em we've found the
+treasure--"
+
+"Say, that will be fine," agreed Glen.
+
+Suddenly there was a splash at the entrance. "Hush!" said Glen.
+"Somebody's coming."
+
+"It's the Indian!" he whispered, a sudden terror seizing him.
+
+"Worse than that!" said Apple, as he saw the figure that minute outlined
+against the entrance. "Worse than that!" he repeated with a severity
+unusual in his gentle speech. "It's Matt Burton!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+BURIED IN THE CAVE
+
+
+The two boys looked suspiciously at Matt as he advanced, but neither
+words of cheer nor resentment came to their Lips. A few days ago Glen's
+greeting would have been quick and stinging. His silence spoke well for
+the first lessons of self-control. Apple felt so keenly Matt's injustice
+to Glen that the cordiality which was his natural offering to good and
+bad alike was completely choked.
+
+But another splash caused all three to turn their looks again to the
+entrance and in a moment another head bobbed in sight. It was
+Chick-chick this time.
+
+"'Lo, fellers!" he called out cheerfully. "D'ye know it's rainin' in
+solid sheets outside. Jest had to get in out of it. Old Matt, he's
+follerin' you. I's follerin' Matt. He dived. I dived. 'Tain't much drier
+in here than outside but anyway ye don't need umbrellas. Mighty little
+bit of openin' ye came through there. Skinned me elbow, I did."
+
+"Come up here, Chick-chick," invited Apple. "We can use you. It's dry up
+here. And I don't know why you came, Matt, but since you're here you
+might as well help, too."
+
+"I came to see what you were doing," said Matt. "I knew you didn't go
+out of camp in your bathing suits just for nothing and anyway I wanted
+to see if I could track you."
+
+"Didn't bring your bread-box 'long, did ye, Matt?" asked Chick-chick
+innocently.
+
+"Maybe I'd have better luck finding things if I was a confederate of
+those that hid them."
+
+Was Matt trying to intimate that Glen had found the cave because of some
+confederacy with the Jervice gang? Glen felt his anger rising.
+
+"That's enough of that," said Apple. "If you fellows want to help you
+can take turns one on top and one in the water. Come on up,
+Chick-chick."
+
+With four pairs of hands they made quicker progress. Both the additional
+workers were strong and active, and Matt especially was urged on by the
+desire to show that he could do as much or a little more than any one
+else. Suddenly he stopped in his work and looked about in evident
+perplexity.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Apple. "Too much cold water? Maybe you'd
+better get out of it for awhile."
+
+"Yes, there's too much of it, and it's too cold too. But what's
+bothering me is why there's so much. It was up to my waist when I began
+work. Then I threw down a big rock a foot high and stood on it and now
+it's more than waist high again. It must be rising."
+
+"I thought we were getting this pile pulled down awfully quick," said
+Glen. "That's what's made it. The water has risen up to cover it."
+
+Chick-chick straightened himself up and looked around in the gloom. Then
+he lifted the lantern by the light of which he had been working and
+swung it far over his head.
+
+"Where's the opening we came in at?" he shouted.
+
+They all looked in the direction where they expected it to be but not
+even the faintest glimmer of daylight shone in to tell of an opening.
+
+"Do you suppose we've worked away here so long that it has got to be
+dark without our knowing it?" asked Apple.
+
+"No. 'Tisn't more'n an hour since Matt and I invited ourselves in,"
+objected Chick-chick. "Wasn't much past four then."
+
+"It's the rising water," said Matt. "I was so busy and it came up so
+gradually I didn't notice it. The creek must be rising from the heavy
+rain."
+
+"Another thing is we've thrown so much rock and rubbish down there that
+we've probably choked up that outlet below. There's no sign of it now,"
+observed Glen.
+
+"Say, fellers, I'm gettin' homesick," said Chick-chick. "Let's get out
+o' here."
+
+"All right for me, Chick-chick," said Apple. "I'm not much of a swimmer
+in the dark. You lead the way."
+
+"Not for Chick-chick. I'm no water-witch nor a pathfinder, I ain't.
+'Twouldn't do for humble bug-hunter to take such honor. Let Matt and
+Brick draw straws for it."
+
+"I'm willing to try it," Glen volunteered.
+
+"I'm not afraid of it," said Matt, his natural bravery pushing him to
+the front at such a crisis. "Let me try."
+
+"I hold big rock in one hand an' little rock in t'other. Fellow that
+guesses big rock goes," said Chick-chick.
+
+"Right!" said Matt.
+
+"An' Brick guesses left," said Chick-chick for Glen. "Matt gets the
+try."
+
+Matt waited for no counsel.
+
+"I know just about where the opening lies," he said, stepping on the
+pile of masonry. "I'll dive clear through the passage."
+
+With a quick spring he disappeared beneath the turbid water.
+
+The boys waited an anxious minute, swinging their lanterns far out over
+the current. Suddenly Glen thrust the lantern he held into Apple's hand
+and made a quick jump into the swirl of waters. He was up in a moment
+with a heavy burden.
+
+"It's Matt!" he cried. "I saw his hand sticking out of the water and
+jumped for it. He's hurt himself."
+
+The boys were down by his side in a moment, Apple holding a lantern high
+above his head.
+
+"We must get him up on one of those ledges," said Glen. "He's breathing,
+but he isn't conscious."
+
+It would have been a hard task under ordinary circumstances, but in
+their excitement the three scouts made light work of it. One ledge
+shelved down toward the water making their ascent easier, and from there
+they managed to lift the injured boy still higher, well out of reach of
+the water.
+
+Blood was pouring persistently from a wound in the scalp, but with his
+knowledge of "first aid" Apple was able to stop this quickly by making
+pressure. They had no bandage material of any description but they took
+turns in making pressure with their fingers until the blood seemed
+inclined no longer to flow and the wound showed a tendency to be covered
+by a firm clot. Matt came to himself for a few minutes, spoke a few
+half-conscious words and then drifted off again into quiet; but this
+time it seemed more like the quiet of sleep so they made no effort to
+disturb him.
+
+"He must have hit his head against something pretty sharp when he
+dived," said Glen. "I'll go more carefully and just swim gently along
+the side where the opening ought to be and reach out with my hands for
+it."
+
+But while they were attending Matt the water had made a very appreciable
+rise. It would scarcely be possible to feel along the edges now. The
+water was too high.
+
+"I'll have to swim under water, fellows," said Glen.
+
+"Don't ye do it, Brick," advised Chick-chick. "You don't want to chance
+Apple and me having to make another rescue, with Matt on our hands
+already."
+
+"You won't have to make any rescue. I'll swim easily and feel well in
+front of me."
+
+"I don't like you to try it," said Apple. "We'd be in an awful fix if
+anything happened to you. There's no danger of the water coming up on
+these ledges, and it's bound to go down when the rain is over and the
+creek drops."
+
+"Cheerful lookout, waiting here for that," said Glen. "The folks at the
+camp will go crazy if we don't show up by night. I've got to get out to
+carry the news and get help for Matt."
+
+He jumped into the water without further argument and soon they could
+dimly see him feeling his way along the edge of the cave. It seemed a
+terribly long time before he came back.
+
+"Haven't found it yet," he said with an attempt at cheer. "It seems as
+if it ought to be easy enough to find a two foot opening but the top
+shelves down pretty sharp just there and the opening is now probably
+five or six feet from the surface. It's mighty discouraging to swim
+around under there and not find anything. I must rest up a bit."
+
+"Why are you putting that light out, Chick-chick?" asked Apple.
+
+"We c'n see jest's well with one as two, an' I've an idea we may need
+it wuss later on," replied Chick-chick, significantly.
+
+"You're not getting scared, Chick-chick?" said Glen.
+
+"No, I'm not gettin' scared. I'm just tryin' to use me thinker a bit. We
+got a boy here that may need 'tention. Won't do to be without light. You
+fellers got any matches?"
+
+"Yes, I have some," said Apple. "I've kept 'em dry, too."
+
+"All right, then. If Brick has to quit experimentin' in the water
+without findin' anything, we'll put out t'other light, too, an' just use
+'em when we need 'em. This water's goin' to go down sooner or later, but
+while we have to wait a light when we need it will be awfully handy."
+
+"I'm not through, yet," said Glen. "As soon as I find that opening I'll
+run to camp and get a rope, and we'll have you fellows out in no time.
+I've got marks outside to show me how to get back in all right."
+
+Glen stayed away longer the next time, but he came back, shivering and
+exhausted.
+
+"I'm afraid it's no good for awhile, fellows," he admitted. "Once I
+thought I had it but a big log barred the way. Then I thought I'd feel
+where the current rushed in strongest and try there, but it's strong
+everywhere."
+
+Just then Matt stirred and tried to rise but was held back by Apple.
+
+"My head aches!" he murmured. "I can't find it."
+
+"All right, Matty, old boy. You did your best. Lie back and go to
+sleep."
+
+"I've slept enough," he declared. "What's the matter? Didn't we get out
+of that cave?"
+
+"No. But it's all right. We'll get out after awhile. You just lie back."
+
+"I'm all right now. Let me up. I remember diving and that's all. Who
+pulled me out of the water?"
+
+"It was Brick, and it's just as good you should know it," said Apple.
+"He saw your hand waving around and jumped for you."
+
+"It was easy enough," said Glen. "The water was only about shoulder high
+then."
+
+"I would have done it for you," said Matt. "But I don't know that you
+had any cause to do it for me. It makes me feel pretty small after I've
+been such a beastly prig. I'll get even with you some way but I don't
+know how. Let me try diving for that hole again."
+
+"Too big hole in yer head," objected Chick-chick. "The water 'd wash
+all your brains out. Awful strong current down there."
+
+"Better not stir much," counseled Apple. "There's quite a bad cut you've
+got on top and we had a time getting the bleeding stopped. If you move
+about much you're likely to unsettle the clot and start it again. Better
+lie still."
+
+"But I'm not just going to lie down and die here. I want to get out."
+
+"Easy now, Matt. You don't help us by acting that way and you won't help
+us if you get your head started again either. Look at that water.
+Brick's worked in it till he's just about all in. You can't do any
+better than he."
+
+"Who says I can't?" he cried, bristling at once.
+
+"I'd say you can't if 'twould do any good," replied Chick-chick. "That's
+no way to act at such time 's this. Ye ain't bein' like a man or a
+Christian. See, ye've started the blood again and it's trickling down
+your face. Now lie down."
+
+In the face of such conditions Matt had sense enough to desist from
+further opposition. He lay down again and soon the bleeding stopped.
+
+"Chick-chick," he said, in subdued tones. "I give you leave to kick me
+if I act the fool again."
+
+"There wouldn't be any pleasure in it, now," said Chick-chick. "Hold
+your offer till we get t' camp if ye want t' please me. What I say is
+let's put all lights out and everybody go to sleep."
+
+"Suppose the water comes up on us," objected Matt.
+
+"It won't. It can't rise much higher'n the creek level an' we're way
+above it now. Let's go to sleep."
+
+"I can't," Matt still objected.
+
+"What's matter? Head hurt ye?"
+
+"Not so much. And I don't mind it so bad when we're all awake talking,
+but I'm afraid to have us go to sleep."
+
+"You 'fraid, Brick?"
+
+"No," said Glen. "I'm too tired."
+
+"You 'fraid, Apple?"
+
+"No, I'm scared, but I'm not afraid. But I don't wonder so much at Matt.
+I know how I'd be if I didn't know God had a firm hold of me, right now.
+Let's sing a little."
+
+He started a familiar camp song, and from one song they went to another.
+When they were singing "Where He leads me I will follow" Chick-chick
+held up his hand.
+
+"Matt's asleep," he whispered. "I'll bet his head's made him 'bout half
+crazy. Hope he sleeps till morning."
+
+How many hours they slept they could not tell, for there were no
+timepieces. They would rouse, turn over, and drop asleep again, for each
+one was determined to sleep away as much of the waiting time as
+possible. It was probably early morning when at last Glen arose,
+stretched himself and carefully lighted a lantern.
+
+"It's going down, boys," he announced. "The opening isn't uncovered yet,
+but it's two or three feet lower than it was last night."
+
+They were all wide awake now, and all leaned over the ledge to form
+their own opinion.
+
+"The current seems to run differently," said Glen. "It acts as if the
+rock we threw in has stopped up the old outlet and it was running back
+of the heap we pulled down instead."
+
+"Yes, sir. Strikes me just that way," said Chick-chick.
+
+"I'm going to take the other lantern and explore a little," said Glen.
+"You fellows needn't come. I'll holler if I find anything."
+
+He disappeared behind the ruined arch, swimming and wading, but he was
+back in a minute, all excitement.
+
+"There's a regular passage out this way, fellows. Seems to go clear
+through the Mound. The water's rushing down in a torrent. Come and
+see."
+
+They needed no invitation, for they were down before he finished
+speaking. Around the crumbled masonry he led them, and pointed to an
+opening like a natural tunnel which, seemed to lead far into the bowels
+of the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE TREASURE OF BUFFALO LAKE
+
+
+The cavernous opening into which the boys swung their lanterns in a vain
+attempt to penetrate its gloom seemed indeed to lead into the heart of
+Buffalo Mound. A muddy, turbulent stream was rushing down it at a
+tremendous rate, but there was room enough left to allow the passage of
+an agile boy, willing to bend himself double, and the water was not deep
+enough to be an obstacle.
+
+"It may show us a way out," exclaimed Glen. "I'm bound to see where it
+goes. Who'll go with me?"
+
+"We'll all go, Brick. You don't leave me behind in this dark cave, you
+don't," declared Chick-chick.
+
+"How about your head, Matt?" asked Apple.
+
+"It's good enough now," said Matt. "I'm sure going to be along on this."
+
+With Glen in the lead they crept one after another along the narrow
+passage, Apple bringing up the rear and trailing behind him the
+cumbersome pick. At a place where the passage widened out into a roomy
+vault which gave space for them to stand erect Glen halted the little
+company and pointed onward to show how the tunnel, leaving this vault,
+suddenly seemed to narrow so that there was scarcely room for a head
+above water.
+
+"It's going to be pretty risky here, fellows. I think we'd better go one
+at a time. I'll crawl as far as I can. If I don't come back while you
+count a hundred let Chick-chick crawl after me. If I'm stuck or choked
+he can pull on my feet and pull me back. Then Matt can do the same for
+him and Apple for him. I'll either get through or be back by the time
+you count a hundred."
+
+It seemed a long count, and it was hard for them to keep from unseemly
+hurry. At ninety Chick-chick got down on his knees in the tunnel and as
+Apple said "One hundred" he disappeared. Matt and Apple counted again
+and this time it was Matt who disappeared, and Apple was left alone. But
+he stuck bravely to his counting until another hundred was numbered,
+then he pushed his pick ahead of him and crawled into the passage, his
+head scraping the top, his lips scarcely an inch above the swiftly
+moving water. It seemed a long time before the passage widened, but
+there were no obstacles, and in a little while he crawled into a larger
+space where the three dripping boys were waiting for him.
+
+"There's a light away on ahead," announced Glen. "I believe it's
+daylight."
+
+It was almost a race after that. Nothing was considered in their mad
+rush, and at every turn the light ahead became clearer until Glen, still
+in the lead, made a turning and gave a great shout. The next moment all
+of them could see unmistakable daylight shining through a small opening.
+
+Glen was lying at full length in the stream, trying to enlarge the
+opening with his hands, when they reached him.
+
+"It's Buffalo Hollow!" he cried. "We've come clear through the Mound.
+This opening isn't big enough to let any of us in or out, but the
+water's going out in a good stream now, and soon it will make Buffalo
+Lake."
+
+Apple's pick was brought into use and with its aid the boys made the
+opening large enough to scramble through one after the other.
+
+It was scarcely break of day; the sun was just showing signs of rising
+for his daily task. Oh, how good it felt to be out there in full
+liberty, able to look around and see all the beautiful things of God's
+creation; how good to be able to stand erect and stretch out every
+muscle. Apple had scarcely found his feet before he was off at breakneck
+speed in the direction of the camp.
+
+"He wants his father should know he's safe," explained Chick-chick, as
+they looked after the flying figure. "Come on, Brick. They'll be
+worrying about us, too. You better keep close, Matt. Your head might
+go bad, it might."
+
+Apple was the center of an excited crowd of scouts for there had been no
+sleep in camp that night. Already they were wigwagging the news of the
+discovery.
+
+"There's a big smoke all ready to be started on top o' the Mound,"
+explained a scout. "Soon as they get our message they'll start it and
+then everybody will know and they'll all come in."
+
+Almost as he spoke the signal shot out its flames and smoke and in less
+than twenty minutes the scoutmaster was folding his son in his embrace
+and wildly shaking the hands of his lost scouts.
+
+Glen was not there. He had gone quietly into the tent where he had
+expected to find his friend Spencer.
+
+"Good old scout!" cried Will, as he wrung his hand. "You've been giving
+me more worry than all the rest of my children put together, but I
+forgive everything now you have returned. Wherever you've been I hope
+this will be a lesson to you and you'll never go treasure hunting
+again."
+
+Glen's reply was startling.
+
+"There is no need," he said. "The treasure is found!"
+
+"Found again!" shouted Spencer. "Where? In a bread-box?"
+
+"No, sir. No bread-box this time. Found in the heart of Buffalo Mound.
+It is pouring into Buffalo Hollow now and by this time to-morrow there
+will once more be a Buffalo Lake!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+With the crowd of people who came from town to see the marvel of the
+refilling of Buffalo Lake was a skillful surgeon. He examined Matt's
+scalp-wound.
+
+"I can fix that up with the aid of the scoutmaster's first aid kit," he
+announced. "You'll need a few stitches but I guess you are man enough to
+stand that."
+
+"I can stand it," said Matt. "But have all the fellows go away so they
+won't hear me if I holler."
+
+"All but one or two," agreed the doctor. "I'll need one or two boys to
+hold things."
+
+"Use the fellows who were with me, then!" asked Matt. "They know just
+about how foolish I can be so it won't be anything new to them."
+
+The doctor laughed.
+
+"That's the way heroes talk sometimes," he said. "I'm glad to hear you
+say it."
+
+"They know all about me being a hero," said Matt. "But they know I
+learned something in that cave."
+
+"All ready, now," said the doctor. "You hold the bowl," he said to
+Apple. "And now that you have scrubbed your hands you may hold this pan
+of instruments," he said to Chick-chick. "And I guess we haven't
+anything for you to hold," to Glen.
+
+"He's going to be the anesthetic," said Matt. "Take hold of my hands,
+Brick, and if I holler, punch me."
+
+It was the first time he had addressed Glen by the name which had become
+so familiar to the others, and both knew that in the word all
+differences were swept away.
+
+That day there was great rejoicing all through the camp at the return of
+the lost boys, great rejoicing at the success that seemed sure to come
+to the plans of Jolly Bill Spencer, and mingled with the rejoicing an
+underlying vein of excited speculation whether a close search of the
+cave would not disclose the ancient treasure of bullion or at the very
+least some booty stored there by the robber band.
+
+Tom Scoresby again headed a delegation to approach the scoutmaster for
+permission to explore the cave.
+
+"What do you think?" asked Mr. Newton. "Who has first right there--who
+are the discoverers?"
+
+"Apple and Brick and maybe Chick-chick and Matty," replied honest Tom.
+"But I reckon they wouldn't want to keep us out."
+
+"It isn't my cave," disclaimed Matt, who sat there with his head swathed
+in bandages. "I just butted in. I got all that was coming to me."
+
+"'Tain't mine," said Chick-chick. "But if there's any treasure I want
+some, I do."
+
+Glen and Apple only laughed, but Mr. Newton felt that he could speak for
+them.
+
+"This is Sunday, boys," he declared. "No one will run away with that
+cave over night. I don't think that Indian will be back in a hurry.
+Tomorrow, after camp drill, all first class scouts--the good
+swimmers--may explore the cave. Mr. Spencer claims the water rights. All
+bullion and other treasure found and not claimed by the authorities will
+be shared alike by all in the camp."
+
+Monday morning found the whole camp at the Ice Box. The stream still
+was high so that it was no easy matter to gain access to the cave, but
+no scout who had passed the swimming test for "first class" thought of
+shirking the attempt. Mr. Newton himself led the way and Glen and Apple
+were not far behind.
+
+The many lights relieved the pitchy darkness of the cave enough to show
+the high ledges that ran still further back into the gloom.
+
+"We will explore these ledges one at a time," said Mr. Newton. "Let
+every scout make sure of his footing before he steps. Don't get
+excited."
+
+Alas! there was unfortunately little to create excitement. Farm
+products--potatoes--bacon--several suits of clothes--old pipes--several
+tools--pieces of chain--bottles that once had held liquor--even an old
+straw hat; but of treasure that could create even a moment's excitement
+there seemed to be none.
+
+"I know who brought this collection here," said Apple. "The Indian! It's
+his treasure house all right, and that's why he went in here that
+morning."
+
+"That's all right," said Tom Scoresby, "but there ought to be a lot of
+real treasure around here. If no bullion, anyway there ought to be the
+bank robber's stuff."
+
+But all their searching was of no avail. When they returned through the
+narrow opening they went empty handed.
+
+Waiting on the bank with the younger boys was Matt Burton. He had not
+been allowed to enter the cave for fear that the swim under water might
+infect his wound. He was greatly disappointed at their failure and,
+since characteristics do not change over night, it is not surprising
+that he had a very strong opinion that if their party had been increased
+by just one member the result would have been different. Let this be
+said of Matt--he tried to conceal this feeling.
+
+"Where d'ye look, Brick?" he asked.
+
+"We explored every ledge and went into places that grown men couldn't
+have squeezed through."
+
+"Did you dig?"
+
+"There isn't much chance to dig. The inside of the cave is a shale that
+no one could dig into. It would have to be blasted."
+
+"Then there must have been some holes or something--oh, say, did you
+lift up that shelf of rock we lay on that night?"
+
+"No, we didn't find any loose rock to lift."
+
+"That rock was loose. I remember how it seemed to tip when we moved. In
+all I've read about treasure there never was any left just on top of
+the ground, except in Treasure Island, and even that was buried until
+Ben Gunn carried it to the cave. I'd like to look under that rock."
+
+"We'll go back with you, Matty," chorused a dozen scouts, only too glad
+of further exploration.
+
+"Mr. Newton, the water's gone down so much I'm sure I can get through
+without wetting my head. Please let me try it," begged Matt.
+
+"If ye don't he'll be so excited his brains'll spill out o' that gash,
+they will," urged Chick-chick.
+
+"I'll give him all the help he needs," offered Glen.
+
+"I'll go along myself," said Mr. Newton. "I guess we can manage him
+between us."
+
+So back the whole expedition went convoying Matty to the cave. He led
+them straight to the ledge of rock and the stamp of a foot was enough to
+show its lack of balance.
+
+The boys were greatly excited--even Mr. Newton showed immense interest.
+
+"Use the pickaxes to pry, boys. Get under these loose corners," directed
+the scoutmaster. "Tom and Glen, you two are the strongest--one at each
+corner now."
+
+The broad slab of rock started easily enough at their energetic effort.
+A seam appeared to widen--a crack was disclosed--there followed space
+sufficient to allow a hand to be inserted and then a dozen willing
+scouts helped with the lift. In a couple of minutes the big slab was
+thrown over with a crash, and below appeared a cavity that was evidently
+the work of men's hands.
+
+Dark as Erebus was the interior, baffling the peering eyes of the
+scouts, until Mr. Newton, hanging a lantern on each point of a pickax,
+dangled it into the depths. A vault some four or five feet deep and
+running far back into the cave was disclosed. It was partly filled with
+an assortment almost as miscellaneous as the treasure left on the ledges
+by the Indian; a riding saddle, an old coat, several pieces of
+artillery, some tools which may have been accessory to the trade of
+burglary, and scattered among these things many articles of personal
+property which, were undoubtedly of great value.
+
+But the thing upon which the eyes of the scouts rested with greatest
+interest was a metal box, probably secured from some bank, which rested
+conspicuously on the top of the plunder.
+
+"Matt and Glen get first selection," said Mr. Newton. "It's their find,
+whatever it is."
+
+"Well take the box," said the boys.
+
+Although not of great size the box was rather heavy, but its handling
+was no task for two such athletes. To the great disappointment of all it
+was locked.
+
+"Never mind," said Mr. Newton. "We will open it when we get to camp. Now
+the rest of you take each what you can carry. Bear in mind that the
+question of property rights in this discovery is not to be considered at
+present. That will come later. All we do now is to carry it to camp."
+
+They made a queer procession as they came one by one through the small
+opening. Matt and Glen came first pushing their box ahead of them on the
+raft which had been used in bringing over their tools and lanterns. The
+scouts who followed in their wake found it no easy matter to keep their
+treasure clear of the water as they crossed the swift little stream.
+
+"These robbers chose safe place for their plunder all right, all right,"
+said Chick-chick to Apple, "but mighty inconvenient, it is."
+
+"I don't see why they did it," Apple replied. "They ought to have rented
+a safety deposit box in some bank."
+
+From the other bank their passage was watched not only by the excited
+group of younger scouts but by three new arrivals. They were the
+sheriff, a deputy and Mr. J. Jervice.
+
+"The kids has found the loot," exclaimed Mr. Jervice. "They're bringing
+it over now."
+
+"I guess I'll have to take care o' that stuff for you, Cap," said the
+sheriff to Mr. Newton.
+
+"It's just as you say," replied Mr. Newton. "We would hardly have known
+the proper thing to do with it. But I want to notify you that if there
+is any reward for its recovery we claim it."
+
+"We'll see you get it," said the sheriff. "This man Jervice tells us
+that there's a lot o' valuable bonds and securities in the box. That's
+what they was down here after, mostly. Jervice thought we'd let him off
+if he gave the story away to us. The old gang got the location of the
+cave from an Indian, but Jervice couldn't find the Indian."
+
+"The Indian's gone," said Mr. Newton. "I doubt if he ever comes back.
+There's a lot of stuff in the cave yet and you'd better get a boat and a
+wagon. Some of the scouts will help you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+WHAT BECAME OF THEM
+
+
+The morning of the fourth day found the water still flowing into the
+lake in a steady stream.
+
+"It's a sure thing now," said Spencer. "I must get to town and arrange
+to close up those options and organize the Buffalo Lake Summer Colony.
+I'm not going to tell you how much I expect to clear on this deal, but
+your share won't be less than a thousand dollars."
+
+"It will be enough to buy mother a home!" said Glen.
+
+"That's the thought, boy. And we'll see if we can't get you paroled from
+the school so you can live at home and work for her. I'm going back with
+you to the school, myself, but I believe that war-correspondent friend
+of yours has matters moving already."
+
+The war-correspondent friend, taking an unusual interest in the case,
+had been doing his best, but he had found it a case of many
+complications. That very day, however, he had received an official
+communication of favorable tone from his friend, the Superintendent.
+
+"The Board of Control," wrote the Superintendent, "finds in the case of
+Glen Mason some very unusual and delicate features. It is not the desire
+of the Board to reward a boy for running away by granting him an
+unconditional parole. Neither is it their desire to keep in the
+institution a boy who has been found worthy of parole privileges. In
+this case the boy voluntarily offers to return. Not only so but he has
+undergone such a transformation that he returns as a reformed character.
+Furthermore he has rendered a service to the State in assisting in the
+apprehension of two dangerous characters. Added to all this he is
+greatly needed at home for the support which a boy of his age and
+intelligence can give to his mother. In consideration of all these
+things the Board is inclined to grant a parole subject to the usual
+conditions."
+
+In a personal note which accompanied this letter the Superintendent made
+a few additional remarks to his old friend.
+
+"Another rather unusual element is that Mason's running away has been
+altogether too well done. He has been too fortunate. Usually such a boy
+would get into bad hands and go from bad to worse. It would never do
+for us to have him back at the school telling about all his good times
+and how he was to have a thousand dollars for his part in discovering
+this wonderful lake about which you phoned me this morning. Every boy in
+the school would be keen to try the adventure. I am glad for Glen that
+he has surrendered his life to God's guidance and I know that he has
+found the one real, safe way of life. So I surrender him gladly, and I
+feel sure that you and Mr. Newton will not forget your promises of
+guidance and support."
+
+Glen went home with Will Spencer to stay with him while he wound up his
+business affairs and disposed of his options on the Buffalo Lake
+property to a syndicate.
+
+"I'm going to take you out to see an old friend, Glen," said Spencer one
+day. "I still have a great deal of business to care for before I can go
+away. You know I want to go to that famous hospital, where, if they
+can't make a whole man of me, they will make me look and walk like one
+just the same. I can't go yet, but I have something planned for you
+right this very day. It's a surprise."
+
+They traveled along a road that was vaguely familiar and after a few
+miles Glen recognized that they were drawing near the Gates' home. They
+were evidently expected, for the whole family ran out to greet them.
+
+"It seems mighty good to get back here," said Glen. "I wish I could stay
+as long as I liked but I must get away and finish that trip home that I
+told you I was making."
+
+"Would you like to stay here, Glen?" asked Mr. Gates.
+
+"I surely would," replied Glen.
+
+"Would you like to stay and work with me and learn how to run a farm?"
+
+"I don't know anything I'd like better."
+
+"Step out here into the road with me. Do you see that cottage at the
+corner? It was empty when you were here. It is a tenant cottage which I
+rent to the man who works for me. Yesterday there moved into there a
+very nice lady with a little girl and a little boy. There is an older
+brother whom they are expecting, who is coming here to work for me.
+Run--"
+
+But he did not need to tell Glen to run along. Ever since he had been
+given a new heart and a new life he had felt a yearning for the mother
+of whom he had been so unworthy. He wanted to tell her that he was a
+different boy, to show her that he was worthy of trust, to shoulder her
+burdens, to relieve her of responsibilities, to turn the bitter years
+into sweet. He did not run, but he walked with a swift and steady gait,
+with erect head and a clear resolve in his heart. After all he was
+coming home triumphant, a victor, one who had sought treasure and found
+it, one who had found the greatest riches of God's mercy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Gates was not a hard man to work for. Glen became more and more
+convinced of this as the days went by, but the crowning proof came one
+year later when the kind employer ordered him to drop his work and take
+a week's vacation at the Scout camp at Buffalo Lake.
+
+Glen planned a great surprise, but some one gave his secret away for he
+was met at the station at Buffalo Center by the entire troop.
+Chick-chick jumped up on the steps before the train stopped and at peril
+of life and limb pulled him off the train into the receptive arms of
+Apple and Matt. Big Tom Scoresby gave him grip for grip in a mighty
+scout handshake--the only scout who could match him. Goosey hung on to
+his elbow waiting for his turn. All affectation of reserve disappeared
+on this great occasion--the greeting of Brick Mason--his welcome to
+camp--good old Brick! Glen was glad to shake hands with Mr. Newton for
+a good long minute so that he might wink back the suspicious moisture
+that threatened to rush past the guardian eyelashes.
+
+"Brick rides on my old motor-bike," exclaimed Chick-chick. "Same old
+bike--it is."
+
+"Brick walks with the troop," Glen decided. "Where did we get this dandy
+road?"
+
+"Built by the Buffalo Lake Summer Colony," explained Apple. "Do you
+notice all the new stores in town--all because of the Colony? Wait until
+you get to the Lake and you'll see something worth while."
+
+A few minutes later Glen stood before Troop Three's splendid new
+club-house in appreciative silence.
+
+"Do you see what we've named it?" said Matt, patting him on the
+shoulder. "Look up over the porch."
+
+Carved in ancient script were the words:
+
+                             YE BREAD BOX
+
+"And you don't object to that?" asked Glen, looking into Matt's face.
+
+"I object?" exclaimed Matt. "It's a compliment. I've learned to take a
+joke as well as give one. We named it because the money that built it
+was our share of the reward for the box in the cave, and the second box
+was a lot like the first box only different."
+
+"Different inside an' out," put in Chick-chick. "Jus' like old Matty is,
+it was. Good old Bread Box. Go on in an' see what's inside, Brick."
+
+"All right," Glen agreed. "Lead the way."
+
+"Don't be 'fraid, Brick. Go in all your own self. It's a surprise."
+
+Cautiously Glen pushed open the handsome door and stepped inside.
+Nothing happened. He looked around the spacious room with its home-like
+accommodations and its air of easy comfort. From a chair by the window a
+gentleman arose and started leisurely toward him. Glen covered the
+intervening space in two jumps.
+
+"Will!" he shouted. "Will Spencer! Look out--you'll fall!"
+
+"Never more, you good old scout," said Jolly Bill, as he flung a strong
+arm around Glen's broad shoulders. "I can walk as gracefully as you if
+not as powerfully. I'm all O. K., warranted not to slip or stumble,
+ready to give a Castle Cakewalk or an imitation of a Highland fling at a
+moment's notice. What do you think of your new home?"
+
+"Splendid!" replied Glen. "Too fine for a scout camp, though. It makes
+it too easy."
+
+"And the easy life isn't the best life is it, you hard old Brick? But
+Mr. Newton understands that. This isn't the camp--just the club-house.
+You'll find the camp a half mile up Buffalo Creek as wild as ever, and
+do you know what they've named it this year?"
+
+"I give it up," said Glen.
+
+"It's named in honor of the scout who has done most with his
+opportunities this year."
+
+"It's Burton, then," Glen guessed.
+
+"You have another guess coming yet," said Jolly Bill. "They've named it
+Camp Mason!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now if you want to follow the further adventures of Glen and his scout
+chums you will find them recorded in another book "Boy Scouts to the
+Rescue."
+
+FINIS
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+THE BOY SCOUT LIFE SERIES
+
+Published with the approval of
+The Boy Scouts of America
+
+In the boys' world of story books, none better than those about boy
+scouts arrest and grip attention. In a most alluring way, the stories in
+the BOY SCOUT LIFE SERIES tell of the glorious good times and wonderful
+adventures of boy scouts.
+
+All the books were written by authors possessed of an intimate knowledge
+of this greatest of all movements organized for the welfare of boys, and
+are published with the approval of the National Headquarters of the Boy
+Scouts of America.
+
+The Chief Scout Librarian, Mr. F. K. Mathiews, writes concerning them:
+"It is a bully bunch of books. I hope you will sell 100,000 copies of
+each one, for these stories are the sort that will help instead of hurt
+our movement."
+
+THE BOY SCOUT FIRE FIGHTERS--CRUMP
+THE BOY SCOUTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE TROOP--McCLANE
+THE BOY SCOUT TRAIL BLAZERS--CHELEY
+THE BOY SCOUT TREASURE HUNTERS--LERRIGO
+BOY SCOUTS AFLOAT--WALDEN
+BOY SCOUTS COURAGEOUS--MATHIEWS
+BOY SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE--LERRIGO
+BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL--GARTH
+THE BOY SCOUTS IN AFRICA--CORCORAN
+
+BARSE & HOPKINS PUBLISHERS
+New York, N. Y.--Newark, N. J.
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS SERIES
+
+By OLIVER LEE CLIFTON
+
+For Boys from 8 to 14
+
+A group of resourceful boys living in a small town form a camping and
+hiking club, which brings them all sorts of outdoor adventures. In the
+first story, "At Log Cabin Bend," they solve a series of mysteries but
+not until after some lively thrills which will cause other boys to sit
+on the edge of their chairs. The next story telling of their search for
+a lost army aviator in "Muskrat Swamp" is just as lively. The boys are
+all likable and manly--just the sort of fellows that every other
+wide-awake boy would be glad to go hiking with.
+
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS AT LOG CABIN BEND
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS IN MUSKRAT SWAMP
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS AT SILVER FOX FARM
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS' CANOE CRUISE.
+THE CAMP FIRE BOYS' TRACKING SQUAD
+
+BARSE & HOPKINS Publishers
+
+New York, N. Y.--Newark, N. J.
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+THE BOBBY BLAKE SERIES
+
+BY FRANK A. WARNER
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE YEARS OLD
+
+True stories of life at a modern American boarding school. Bobby attends
+this institution of learning with his particular chum and the boys have
+no end of good times. The tales of outdoor life, especially the exciting
+times they have when engaged in sports against rival schools, are
+written in a manner so true, so realistic, that the reader, too, is
+bound to share with these boys their thrills and pleasures.
+
+ 1 BOBBY BLAKE AT ROCKLEDGE SCHOOL.
+ 2 BOBBY BLAKE AT BASS COVE.
+ 3 BOBBY BLAKE ON A CRUISE.
+ 4 BOBBY BLAKE AND HIS SCHOOL CHUMS.
+ 5 BOBBY BLAKE AT SNOWTOP CAMP.
+ 6 BOBBY BLAKE ON THE SCHOOL NINE.
+ 7 BOBBY BLAKE ON A RANCH.
+ 8 BOBBY BLAKE ON AN AUTO TOUR.
+ 9 BOBBY BLAKE ON THE SCHOOL ELEVEN.
+10 BOBBY BLAKE ON A PLANTATION.
+11 BOBBY BLAKE IN THE FROZEN NORTH.
+12 BOBBY BLAKE ON MYSTERY MOUNTAIN.
+
+BARSE & HOPKINS
+New York, N. Y.--Newark, N. J.
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+THE BIG LEAGUE SERIES
+(Trade Mark Registered)
+
+By BURT L. STANDISH
+
+Endorsed by such stars of baseballdom as Christy Mathewson,
+Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson.
+
+An American boy with plenty of grit--baseball at its finest--and the
+girl in the case--these are the elements which compose the most
+successful of juvenile fiction. You don't have to be a "fan" to enjoy
+these books; all you need to be is really human and alive with plenty of
+red blood in your veins.
+
+The author managed a "Bush League" team a number of years ago and is
+thoroughly familiar with the actions of baseball players on and off the
+field. Every American, young or old, who has enjoyed the thrills and
+excitement of our national game, is sure to read with delight these
+splendid stories of baseball and romance.
+
+Cloth Large 12 mo. Illustrated
+
+ 1 LEFTY O' THE BUSH.
+ 2 LEFTY O' THE BIG LEAGUE.
+ 3 LEFTY O' THE BLUE STOCKINGS.
+ 4 LEFTY O' THE TRAINING CAMP.
+ 5 BRICK KING, BACKSTOP.
+ 6 THE MAKING OF A BIG LEAGUER.
+ 7 COURTNEY OF THE CENTER GARDEN.
+ 8 COVERING THE LOOK-IN CORNER.
+ 9 LEFTY LOCKE, PITCHER-MANAGER.
+10 GUARDING THE KEYSTONE SACK.
+11 THE MAN ON FIRST.
+12 LEGO LAMB, SOUTHPAW.
+13 THE GRIP OF THE GAME.
+14 LEFTY LOCKE, OWNER.
+15 LEFTY LOCKE WINS OUT.
+
+BARSE & HOPKINS Publishers
+
+New York, N. Y.--Newark, N. J.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters, by 
+Charles Henry Lerrigo
+
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author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 01:53:22 -0700
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