eager interested look in his eyes, and his erect bearing as he stood at
attention at the head of his patrol. How few the Hillcrest scouts were
compared with the others, and a slight smile lightened the woman's face
as she thought of the surprise which perhaps was in store for them.

The Governor at first complimented the scouts upon their neat smart
appearance, and what an excellent thing the movement was. He then
referred to the prize which had been offered a year before, and that
the time had at last arrived when it was to be awarded. At these words
the assembled troops stood straighter than ever, eager and intense to
hear the name of the successful troop.

"I have the list before me," the Governor continued, as he arranged his
eye-glasses, "and I consider it a very creditable one indeed, showing
most plainly how active the scouts have been. The committee has gone
most carefully over the reports received, and has examined the
bank-books accompanying them. I wish that I had time to read to you
the many and ingenious ways in which the different troops have raised
their money, and I sincerely wish that all could win the prize.
According to this list there is one troop which leads all the others,
having earned the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. The account of
how this was raised is splendid, and by the rules laid down, that troop
has won the prize."

Here the Governor paused, and a breathless stillness reigned as all
waited to hear the name of the fortunate troop.

"I understand, however," the speaker slowly continued, "that there is
only one troop present which did not send in a report of its doings
during the last year. This, perhaps, seems strange to you, and I have