Part 25 (2/2)

”I don't mind my own patrol hearing--or you. I don't care about the gold cross. It's only what it means that counts--sort of. I let Garry save your brother, Will, because I knew he needed to stay longer--I knew about that kid not being strong--that's all. I can go through water as easy as I can through fire--it's--it's easier--if it comes to that.”

”Don't try to talk, Tom,” said Roy, brokenly.

”But I wouldn't tell even you, Roy, because--because if he'd found it out he wouldn't think it was fair--and he wouldn't have taken it. That's the kind of a fellow he is, Roy.”

”Yes, I know what kind of a fellow he is,” said Roy.

”Anyway, it's no matter now. You see yourself Hero Cabin is burned down.

A fellow might--he might even lose the cross. It's the three weeks that counted--see?”

”Yes, I see,” said Roy.

”And tomorrow I want to go back with you fellows in the _Good Turn_--and see Mr. Temple. I want to ask him if that kid can stay with Jeb 'till Christmas. Then I'll come back up to camp. I've thought a lot lately about our trip up in the _Good Turn_, Roy.”

”Yes--so have I, Tom. But don't talk now. Doc doesn't want you to.”

”We've got to find Harry Stanton,” said Tom, after a few minutes.

”Yes,” said Roy.

But whether they ever did find him and the singular adventures attending their quest, are really part of another story.

THE END

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