"Yes, Rodney, I did," was the reply. "But there are so many things
taking place in the cities these days that it is hard for an old man
like me to keep run of them all. If I were younger I might be able to
do something. But in the country where the boys are so scattered, I am
afraid that it would be a difficult undertaking to form a band of
scouts."

"Well, I am going to be a scout, anyway," Rod declared. "I want to
learn how to bring a drowned man back to life, and to talk with flags.
Oh, it must be great to do that! How can I learn, grandad?"

"There must be books which explain such things," the clergyman replied.
"Shall I write to the city to find out?"

"Oh, will you, grandad?" and Rod fairly danced with joy, and his eyes
sparkled with excitement. "Will you write at once?"

"Yes, dear. I shall write the letter this evening, and it will go down
on Monday."

"When will the book come?"

"It should be here by Wednesday."

"Oh!"

"But, remember, Rodney, you must not let this scout idea interfere with
your school lessons."