"The Eagle patrol," Mr. Wall said, "has one scout absent and two scouts
untidy--thirteen points."

The Scout Scribe wrote the points upon the board.

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

Silence in the patrols.

"Break ranks," the Scoutmaster ordered.

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

"We're off in the lead," he chuckled.

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

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

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

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