"N-n-not guilty!" promptly answered the one addressed.

"Say, that sounds interesting any way. Tell us some more about this,
Paul!" exclaimed William, always eager to hear of anything that smacked
of novelty.

"Well, there are two more degrees a fellow can climb up to, a
second-class scout, and a first-class scout, full fledged. After that, if
he wants to keep right on there are merit badges to be won for excelling
in angling, athletics, camping, cooking at the campfire, taxidermy, first
aid to the injured, handicraft, life saving, path-finding, and a lot
more."

"Now you've got me stuck on this new game," cried Bobolink, excitedly.
"The more you explain the better I like the idea. Me for the Boy Scouts,
fellows!"

"Hear! Hear! Paul, the idea is yours, and we vote unanimously that you
occupy the exalted position of scout master--I know that every troop has
to have such a head, and you're better fitted for the job than any fellow
in town!"

"Yes," laughed Paul, "but unfortunately, I believe a scout master has to
be over twenty-one years of age."

"Who knows the ways of the open like our Paul? He's the right man in the
right place. Say, are there any books on the subject, that we can get,
and learn more about this thing?" asked Wallace, who seemed to be
particularly well pleased.