father having asked him to go to the city on an important errand.

Consequently there was no opportunity for the two chums to confer upon
any of the matters that were interesting then.

But all the boys had agreed to meet at the house of Nuthin' that evening,
to plunge deeper into the subject of organizing at least one scout patrol
in Stanhope.

As usual Paul called for Jack, and as the latter's parents knew what was
on tap, there was no opposition shown to his going out.

"Has anything happened to-day?" whispered the visitor, as he was joined
by Jack in the hall.

"Yes, I was out a lot with the fellows, and doing some chores around; but
I mustered up enough courage just before supper to go upstairs," replied
the other, his voice giving plain warning as to what was to follow, for
it showed the strain.

"And counted the coins again, perhaps to find them short, eh, Jack?"

"Well, you said there were eight, and now I can count only six. Why, it's
getting to be a regular clock-like piece of business. And after what
father said this morning, too."

"What did he say?" asked Paul.

"Come along. I'll tell you while we're on our way," and Jack gave a
nervous look over his shoulder, as though afraid lest his brother pop