"No, grandad, I won't. I will study hard and fast so that I can read
my scout book."

Parson Dan smiled as he watched the lad's enthusiasm. He thought, too,
of another boy, who also had been full of life and fun, but who had
been unnaturally checked when he should have been directed and led
aright. He now realised only too well what a mistake had been made
with Alec, and he was determined that the same should not be the case
with Rodney.

The following days were very long ones to Rod. It seemed as if
Wednesday would never come. He thought over everything Whyn had told
him about the scouts, and wearied Mrs. Royal by telling her over and
over again what he intended to do when the book arrived. He had not
seen Whyn since Saturday, but was looking eagerly forward to seeing her
as soon as he had his precious book.

Rod hurried home from school on Wednesday, certain that his treasure
would be awaiting him. He did not dally along the road looking for
birds' nests as was his usual custom. Neither did the butterflies
interest him. He had something more important on hand, which absorbed
all of his attention.

He had almost reached the rectory gate, when an automobile whizzed
past, half-smothering him in a cloud of dust. This was a common
occurrence during the summer months, and he paid little attention to
the annoyance. The car had gone but a short distance, however, when a
horse, driven by Miss Arabella Simpkins, took fright, reared, wheeled,
upset the carriage, and threw the driver into the ditch. The terrified
animal then bolted down the road dragging the overturned carriage after