Part 9 (2/2)

”Collins, get our exact position fronal it to the _Seneca_, and tell her ill lay off and on here till she arrives”

”Very well, sir,” said the man of the wireless, with a bow

He had hardly withdrahen the boys caand_ All were loud in praise of the craft, especially Rob and Merritt

”Would you rather cruise on this craft or go on the duty for Uncle Sam which lies before you?” asked Mr Grant quizzically

The Boy Scouts drew themselves up

”Why, sir, our duty to our country co as spokesht, but we Boy Scouts like to be doing so useful for somebody else, but most of all for Uncle Sam”

Rob paused, rather alar one of the richestat the upright, slender boy before him from under his heavy brows

It was impossible to tell whether he was displeased or not But Rob decided not to recede from his position He knew that the Boy Scouts were supposed to be ht under all conditions So putting his fears of offending the man before him aside, he spoke up boldly:

”It's different for you, sir Your life work has raised your rees with me, that it is better for boys to be on active duty and,” he added, his eyes flashi+ng and his cheeks glowing, ”especially such service as we are now going on

It's--it's glorious,” he concluded breathlessly

”I think you are quite right, nate's reply, a very different one from the rejoinder Rob had dreaded

”I hope you don't think me presumptuous or impudent,” replied Rob, ”but you asked my opinion, and you know, sir, we Boy Scouts must always tell the truth Perhaps it seems a poor return after you saved our lives, to----”

But Mr Grant cut the boy short with a wave of the hand

”Nonsense, all I did was to stand by and watch If Donald had not understood those sht not be on earth now But in return, I want to ask you to do so for hi He wondered greatly what could be co next

”I want you to take Donald with you on this duty for Uncle Sa to ?” sta what a sha your pardon, on a cruise--when real work lay ahead, and----”

But Donald had danced up to his father cheering and throwing his hat in the air Then he rushed up to his newly-found co”lads who are real coether by a common bond

Suddenly above the tuive the cry of the Wolf Patrol!”

Instantly savage growls resounded, and after that the Eagles joined hands, formed a circle about Donald, and danced a sort of war dance of joy, concluding with the screareaves s like order had been restored, the latter announced the closeness of the _Seneca_

This, too, was greeted with a cheer, which was cut short by the reappearance of Collins

”I've been talking with the _Seneca_, sir, and he says that they are proceeding here at full speed”

”Good That will do, unless you have any con