Part 38 (2/2)
”Boys,” he began, looking keenly into their faces, ”I've got a strange letter here from the Provincial Secretary. He tells me that in two weeks' time the Lieutenant-Governor wants to meet all the troops in the province, review them, and give the prize which was offered last year.
Now, we all know about that, and so are not surprised. But the Governor wants to come to Hillcrest to hold the Review, and so the secretary asks me to make arrangements, that is, if I agree to the plan. They will all come from the city on the mornin' boat, bring their lunches with them, and, hold the Review near the wharf. Now, what d'yez think about that?”
This was certainly astonis.h.i.+ng news to the scouts. Several weeks ago they would have given shouts of delight at the suggestion. But it was different then. At that time they were almost sure of winning the prize, and had often thought of the day when it would be presented to them amid the cheers of the other scouts. But now such a thing was impossible. Every cent of their savings had already been withdrawn from the bank to help Whyn, and they had nothing to show at the Review for all their efforts. They were, therefore, silent when the captain finished speaking. The latter noted this, and surmised the reason.
”I know jist what ye're thinkin' about, lads,” he continued. ”We'll go to that meetin' empty-handed, so to speak. But that needn't matter.
We know that we've done right, and I think we should fall in line with the Governor's idea, and try to give the visitin' troops a good time.”
”So do I,” Rod replied. ”Though we can't get the prize, it will be nice to meet the other scouts, see how they march, and what they look like. I think it will be great to have them come to Hillcrest.”
”I wonder what made them think of coming here,” Phil remarked. ”They never did it before.”
”It is to give the scouts an outin', so the letter says,” the captain replied. ”It is the Governor's treat, and he thought it would be so nice to visit a place on the river where there is a troop. The secretary wants to know why we have sent no account of what we have done during the past year in connection with the prize-contest. He says that all the other troops have done so, and he is surprised that we have done nothin'.”
”I guess there won't be anything to report now,” Rod replied. ”Don't say anything about what we have done, captain, when you write.”
”I don't intend to,” and the old man glared upon the boys as if he had been charged with some serious offence. ”De' yez think that I'm goin'
to blab all about our good-turn? Not a bit of it. Let's git down to business now, and arrange about that Review.”
The following days pa.s.sed very quickly. There were many things the scouts had to do for the great event. The large field below the wharf was obtained, and here boards were brought for the grand-stand, which the captain was bound to have erected for the noted men who were coming. Stately elm, beech, and birch trees stood at the back and along the edge of the field, which would afford excellent shade should the day be hot. Flags, too, were gathered, and these were to be hung upon the grand-stand, while one big Union Jack was to surmount a pole from the top of the tallest tree.
There was other work for the boys as well. They were not yet second-cla.s.s scouts, and the captain was most anxious that all should pa.s.s the examination before the Review took place. He accordingly kept the troop busy, and Doctor Travis was most helpful in his lectures and in examining the boys. It was the day before the meeting when the captain proudly presented each scout with his second-cla.s.s badge.
”There, I'm thankful that's over,” and he gave a deep sigh of relief.
”Yez kin hold up yer heads now among the rest. I wish it was the first-cla.s.s badge, though. Yez should have it by this time, and I guess ye would if we hadn't spent so much time in earnin' money.”
The morning of the Review was clear and warm, and the scouts in full uniform were early on the grounds. The flags were all arranged, and everything was in readiness for the meeting. Word had pa.s.sed throughout the parish that the Lieutenant-Governor was to be present, and all during the morning people kept coming, some by motor-boats, and others by teams. They brought their dinners with them, intending to make a holiday of it. Even Tom Dunker was there with his family. He had no use for Captain Josh or the scouts, but he did want to see the Lieutenant-Governor, and hear what he had to say.
When the _River Queen_ at last appeared in sight, the wharf was black with people. As the steamer drew near and gave forth two raucous blasts, a band on board began to play the National Anthem. When this was ended, the scouts, crowding the bow, gave three cheers and a ”tiger.” Flags were flying fore and aft, and as the river was like a mirror, the _River Queen_ presented a perfect picture of majestic gracefulness as if proud of the load she was carrying.
Captain Josh with his scouts kept guard at the outer edge of the wharf, and stood at attention as the various troops filed ash.o.r.e. When at last the Lieutenant-Governor and several noted men came out, the boys gave the full salute, and then preceded them to the main highway where the other scouts were already lined up. Then down the road they all marched, the band going before, playing a lively air, the Governor, and others in carriages, followed by a long line of scouts, with the Hillcrest troop leading. It was a proud moment for Captain Josh, as he marched ahead of the procession. Drawn to his full height, and with his long beard sweeping his breast, he might have been taken for a great warrior of olden days leading his men into action.
After the troops had reached the grounds they disbanded, and then various games were begun. Baseball came first between two crack teams.
Those not interested in this made for the sh.o.r.e, where, protected by thick trees, they were able to enjoy a good swim.
When the baseball match was over it was time for dinner. Soon the smoke of numerous fires rose above the trees near the sh.o.r.e where the scouts boiled water, cooked eggs and meat like old veterans. It was a scene of gay festivity, mingled with much laughter and fun. All kinds of mistakes were made, due to ignorance of cooking or the excitement of the moment. One patrol put their tea into their can with the cold water, and boiled all together. Some boys mixed their coffee with salt instead of sugar. But all mistakes and the bantering which followed, were taken in good part, for no one felt like getting angry, no matter what happened.
The Hillcrest troop took no part in the games. They were content to stand by and watch. They knew nothing about baseball such as is played in the city, and were accordingly greatly interested, noting everything, and determined that they, too, would learn to play in the proper manner. But when it came to making a fire and preparing dinner, they easily led all the rest. Here they felt more at home, and were able to give considerable a.s.sistance to the less fortunate.
During the morning the Lieutenant-Governor, and the three who accompanied him, enjoyed themselves in their own way. They viewed the baseball game with much interest in the cool shade of a large tree, and then strolled to the sh.o.r.e to watch the scouts as they prepared their dinners. As they were seated upon a log, thinking it about time to go back to the steamer lying at the wharf where they were to have dinner, Captain Josh approached, and lifted his hat. He had disappeared shortly after the steamer's arrival, and no one knew what had become of him. The Governor at once rose to his feet, and held out his hand.
”You are Captain Britt, I believe,” he began. ”I have heard of you, and am very glad to meet you. We have been enquiring for you.”
”Had other business on hand, sir,” the captain replied, giving the Governor's hand a vigorous shake. ”But I'm mighty glad to meet you.”
”Allow me to introduce my friends,” and the Governor turned to his three companions, ”Senator k.n.o.bbs, Judge Sterling, and our Provincial Secretary, Mr. Laird.”
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