the work along proper lines.

Deep in his heart Captain Josh was delighted with the boys. They no
longer feared him, though he was as gruff as ever. But they soon found
that this gruffness was only on the surface, and that in reality he was
deeply interested in their welfare. He studied the scout book
thoroughly until he knew it from cover to cover. He was determined
that his troop, even though it was known as the "Lone Patrol," was to
be well trained, and a credit to the parish. He did not wish to have
too many boys at first, but to drill the ones he had chosen until they
were proficient in every part of the scout work.

Whenever the captain was in doubt as to what he should do, he always
consulted with Whyn, for he found that she had excellent ideas, and
remembered so much of what her brother Douglas had told her. Her joy
was even greater than the captain's when she learned that a troop was
to be formed, and she planned all sorts of things for the boys to do.

Just as the work was well under way, Mrs. Sinclair informed the Britts
that she and Whyn must leave for the city. She had her work to do
there without which they could not live. Then it was that the captain
showed his hand. He had been thinking over this very matter for some
time, and had discussed it with his wife.

"Let Whyn stay with us, Mrs. Sinclair," he suggested. "I do not see
how we can get along without her."

"But I cannot afford that, captain," the widow replied.

"Can't afford what?"