that I have here, is an organization for boys between the ages of
twelve and eighteen to train them in self-reliance, manhood and
good citizenship. The movement is not essentially military," went
on Rand, "but the military virtues of discipline, looked like
a deliberate attempt to run over them, sprang to the horse's head
as it was passing, catching the bridle, and with a loud "whoa" he
brought the outfit to a stop.

"What are you t-t-trying to do, Jim Rae!" he shouted to the youthful
driver, "run over us?"

"Aw, g-g-go on, kiddie!" retorted Jim, a stout lad of about Rand's
age, with a freckled face and a shock of aggressive red hair,
mimicking Pepper, who, when excited, sometimes stuttered. "Aw,
g-g-go on. Little boys shouldn't play in the road."

"If you can't d-drive without getting all over the road," went on
Pepper, "why d-don't you let somebody d-drive that knows how--"

"Aw, g-g-go chase yourself," cried Jim. "You ought to bring youse
mamma along to take care of youse. Get up, Bill!" with a flourish
of the whip and a jerk on the lines.

The horse made a jump, but Pepper held firmly to the bridle and
brought it to a stop.

"Let go that horse!" shouted Jim.

"Hit him with the whip, Jim," urged one of the boys in the wagon.