If I were younger I might be able to
do something. But in the country where the boys are so scattered, I am
afraid that it would be a difficult undertaking to form a band of
scouts."
"Well, I am going to be a scout, anyway," Rod declared. "I want to
learn how to bring a drowned man back to life, and to talk with flags.
Oh, it must be great to do that! How can I learn, grandad?"
"There must be books which explain such things," the clergyman replied.
"Shall I write to the city to find out?"
"Oh, will you, grandad?" and Rod fairly danced with joy, and his eyes
sparkled with excitement. "Will you write at once?"
"Yes, dear. I shall write the letter this evening, and it will go down
on Monday."
"When will the book come?"
"It should be here by Wednesday."
"Oh!"
"But, remember, Rodney, you must not let this scout idea interfere with
your school lessons."
"No, grandad, I won't. I will study hard and fast so that I can read
my scout book."
Parson Dan smiled as he watched the lad's enthusiasm. He thought, too,
of another boy, who also had been full of life and fun, but who had
been unnaturally checked when he should have been directed and led
aright. He now realised only too well what a mistake had been made
with Alec, and he was determined that the same should not be the case
with Rodney.
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