And the next morning Paul was not at all ashamed to relate the entire
circumstance at the breakfast table. He felt amply repaid when he saw the
look of pride upon his mother's face, as she turned her eyes, filled with
unshed tears, upon him and said gently:

"I am glad you did it, Paul. I know the history of poor Peleg Growdy; and
surely he has had enough of trouble during his life to make him different
from the rest of his kind. The milk of human kindness has perhaps been
dried up in his breast; yet who knows, my boy, but that you may have set
him to thinking by that one little act of yours. I shall never fear for
you, Paul, whatever betides."

His father, the doctor, was a man of few words; but that morning when he
was going off on his round of visits he did an unusual thing--took Paul's
hand, and gave it an affectionate squeeze, while the look that
accompanied the action needed no further explanation.

And Paul was many times satisfied.

That day and others saw a growing buzz of excitement in the town of
Stanhope. It seemed as though nearly every boy over the age of twelve,
yes and even under, might be filled with a burning zeal to join the new
troops that were being started under two different scout leaders.

Ward Kenwood had entered heart and soul into the work, which seemed to
appeal to him; but there were those who secretly believed he was more
concerned about opposing his rival, Paul Morrison, than in building up
a second troop of scouts that would be a credit to the place.

Ted Slavin, of course, worked hand in glove with his friend, Ward. If