"They've lit out, that's what," grumbled William, who felt as though
cheated.

"All right, then. It's just as well, for a fight would be a mighty poor
way of preparing to join the scout movement. You'll learn what I mean
later on when you hear the twelve points of the law that every fellow
must subscribe to," observed Paul, seriously.

"What d'ye mean, Paul?" demanded Bobolink, quickly.

"Yes, tell us right now what the twelve rules are," said William.

"I know, for I read all about them a few days ago," remarked Wallace,
readily.

"All right, then, suppose you call them off. What does a scout promise to
be if allowed to wear the uniform, Wallace?" asked the leader.

"To be trustworthy, loyal, helpful to others, friendly, courteous, kind,
obedient to his superiors, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent."

"Why, it doesn't say a single word about fighting!" ejaculated William.

"Because a scout must never fight save as a last resort, and then only to
save some weak one from punishment. He must be brave to face danger, to
stop a runaway horse; or jump in and keep another from drowning. Do you
get on to the meaning of this movement, fellows?" asked Paul, eagerly.
The more he read about it the greater became his desire to have a hand in
organizing a Stanhope troop that might compete with those of Aldine and
Manchester, two rival towns, both on the opposite side of the Bushkill