They both laughed, which Harry rather resented. "We're under
orders, sir," he said, politely. "But, of course, they won't let
us Scouts go to the war."

"Don't rag them, Cecil," said the other officer. "They're just
the sort we need. Going to Ealing, boys?"

Harry checked Dick's impulsive answer with a quick snatch at his
elbow. He looked his questioner straight in the eye.

"We weren't told to answer any questions, sir," he said.

Both the officers roared with laughter, but they sobered quickly,
and the one who had asked the question flushed a little.

"I beg your pardon, my boy," he said. "The question is withdrawn.
You're perfectly right - and you're setting us an example by
taking things seriously. This war isn't going to be a lark. But
you can tell me a few things. You're scouts, I see. I was myself,
once - before I went to Sandhurst. What troop and patrol?"

Dick told him, and the officer nodded.

"Good work!" he said. "The scouts are going to turn out and help,
he? That's splendid! There'll be work enough to go all around,
never you fear."

"If, by any chance, you should be going to Ealing Barracks," said
the first officer, rather shyly, "and we should get off the train