He seemed a vastly different man as he stood there and said this, for his
head was thrown back, his eyes flashed, and his face was almost friendly
in its expression, the old haggard look having for the time being
disappeared.

"Again I say, three cheers for Mr. Growdy!" called Joe Clausin.

"Wait a bit, fellers. I got somethin' more to say," pleaded the old man,
once again lifting his hand to still the rising tumult.

Paul smiled, for he could give a pretty shrewd guess as to what was
coming; and it certainly did him good to realize how their odd little
scheme was turning out to be such a glorious success.

Every voice was hushed, and once more the throng waited for the farmer to
explain.

"I've been ahearin' a good lot about wot ye're all adoin' with this Boy
Scout business. Kinder got me interested, an' I borried some books o' the
dominie jest so I could understand wot 'twas all about. An' I want to say
I like the ijee fust rate. If I hed any boys o' my own," and his voice
faltered right there, "I'd sure encourage 'em to jine in with ye. Seein'
as I ain't, an' on account o' the good turn ye done me t'other night,
boys, I'm goin' to ask a favor o' ye. I ain't got nary a kid to leave
my money to when I go; and so I hope ye'll let me pay for fittin' this
here Fox Patrol out with uniforms! That's my ijee, boys, an' it'll give
me great joy if so be ye take me up!"

They looked at each other for a minute, speechless with astonishment.