a constant buzz that sounded like a big hive of bees.

Jack found himself in contact with Paul while this was going on. He had
been doing his duty to the best of his ability as he understood it; and
while the meeting was in progress had proven conclusively that he had a
thorough knowledge of the many things a full fledged scout must know.

Jack meant to graduate from the tenderfoot class in the shortest possible
space of time. Any scout may do this by being diligent in the pursuit of
various lines of woodcraft.

"Well," said Jack, as he pushed alongside his chum, "this has been a
dandy meeting, all right. And there are four new fellows knocking at the
door; with perhaps more to follow, when Stanhope learns what great times
we have."

"Yes, and I guess we'll need new recruits right along. You know that some
of the boys will fall by the wayside soon after the novelty has worn
off," remarked wise Paul, who delighted in studying human nature as he
saw it around him.

"Listen! fellows! The fire alarm!" shouted Joe Clausin, just at that
instant.

Every voice was hushed.

Clear upon the night air rang out the sound of a tocsin--the stroke of a
hammer upon a steel rim from a locomotive wheel, and which was hung aloft
in the only firehouse in Stanhope.