"You oughtn't to leave here, sir, without giving every boy scout the
privilege of shaking hands with you. I'm sure I speak for each fellow
when I ask that favor," returned Paul, stepping forward.

Peleg was agreeable, though he blushed like a schoolboy as the scouts,
forming in line, walked past him, each seizing his horny hand eagerly,
and doing his best to make the old farmer wince with the warmth of his
squeeze.

They gave him a parting cheer as he passed out, and the old fellow tried
to return the military salute to the best of his ability.

"Well, what do you think of that?" asked Nuthin', when they were once
more gathered around their leader for the purpose of further discussion.

"The finest thing that could possibly have happened. We had our frolic;
and see what it hatched. After this Peleg Growdy will never be the same
grumpy man he was in the past. No boy need longer hesitate to call out to
him on the street; for Peleg, I take it, has seen a great light, eh,
Jack?" and Paul slapped his chum heartily on the shoulder as he spoke.

"My idea exactly," replied his chum, quickly. "And do you know it made me
feel bad the way he spoke of Mandy and the kids. Some of you fellows may
not know that he lost his wife and children in a fire that burned his
house down while he was away. I'm glad we did that job, and you deserve
the praise, Paul, because it was your own scheme."

"Humbug! every one of you chimed in as soon as it was mentioned, and so
you're entitled to as much praise as I am. But about those uniforms,
boys--hadn't the scout tailor better get to work, going over his