“Also shut up,” shouted Roy. “Also listen,” said Mr. Ellsworth. “Absolutely, positively,” said Roy. “First let’s give three cheers on account of Westy being back, I mean three groans.” “Then,” said Mr. Ellsworth, “as our sprightly leader of the Silver Foxes would say, let’s have a large chunk of silence——” “And very little of that,” shouted Roy. “You’re crazy,” shouted Pee-wee. “We’re proud of it,” shouted Roy. “Shut up, everybody,” shouted Doc Carson. “How can I shut up when I wasn’t saying anything?” thundered Pee-wee. “Shut up, anyway,” shouted Roy. “Three cheers for Westy Martin down off the farm. How are the pigs, Westy?” “Pretty well, how are all _your_ folks?” Westy was inspired to answer. “No sooner said than stung,” said Roy. “If I said anything I’m sorry for I’m glad of it.” “Suppose you say nothing at all,” laughed Mr. Ellsworth. “The pleasure is mine,” said Roy, subsiding. “Scouts,” said Mr. Ellsworth, having gained the floor at last. “This is a special meeting for a purpose which you all know about except Westy——” “I told him!” shouted Pee-wee. “And he will become familiar with the matter as we proceed,” Mr. Ellsworth continued. “As all of us know, the Rotary Club of Bridgeboro has done a very splendid and public-spirited thing. This organization has offered a reward to the scout of Rockvale County who shall be selected as the one who has done the most conspicuous good turn during the summer. This award, as we know, is a free trip to the Yellowstone National Park, where a national jamboree for Boy Scouts is to be held. “Special stress was laid upon one or two requirements which would lift the good turn out of the class of simple every-day kindness and helpfulness to others. That is, as I understand it, the winning good turn must have something in the way of heroism in it. I don’t mean simply physical heroism, of course, but heroism of soul, if I might put it so. Sacrifice, courage—I think we all know what is meant. “According to the printed letter received by our troop (and by every troop in the county, I suppose) it is our privilege to select by vote the scout among us who has done the most conspicuous good turn. On last Monday, Labor Day, the period for performance of such good turn closed. In accordance with the printed letter received we had an informal vote and decided that Warde Hollister of the Silver Fox Patrol is entitled to the award, so far as our troop is concerned. There was only one absent member and that was Westy Martin. This, of course, we all know and I’m just running over the matter so that our action may be thoroughly understood and deliberate.