know. Please don't make me take it!" said the boy, still more confused;
but the farmer had already turned away to embrace his child, and there
seemed nothing for it but to accept the gift.

"Don't offend him by refusing, Paul; he means well, and perhaps you can
buy something with it that will serve as a reminder," said the doctor,
always trying to avoid hurting other people's feelings.

"Why, sure, what's to hinder you buying your scout's uniform with it?"
declared William at this juncture.

"You certain earned it, if anybody ever did work for what they got!"
avowed Bobolink, positively.

"Oh! w-w-why wasn't it m-m-me?" wailed Bluff, in pretended grief.

"Say, do you think you could have nailed that runaway horse, with such an
impediment twisting you up?" demanded Bobolink, grinning.

"Well, boys, since you say so, I suppose then I'll just have to accept
it, and call my outfit earned by the sweat of my brow," laughed Paul,
taking out his handkerchief to wipe his face from its collection of
perspiration and dust.




CHAPTER X

AN UNEXPECTED OFFER