"
The scouts were much excited now, and the idea of keeping watch
appealed to their fancy. They all wanted to stay, but the captain told
them to go home first and get permission from their parents.
"I'll keep a eye out," he told them, "until some of yez come back.
Ye'd better bring yer blankets along, so that the ones who are not on
duty kin sleep. I guess ye'll find the floor of Headquarters quite
soft before mornin'."
By the time the scouts returned it was nine o'clock. They found the
captain on guard near the shore.
"Nothin' doin' yit," was his greeting. "But, then, it's too early.
The best thing fer yez to do is to take an hour each on watch. Put the
youngest on first, and the older ones kin take from midnight. If
anything of special interest turns up, let me know. I'll sleep with
one ear open."
And thus the watch began. It was a novel experience for the scouts,
and all were anxious for their turn to arrive. Every time the door
opened and guard was relieved, all awoke, for they slept lightly, as
the floor was not as soft as their own beds at home.
Phil had taken from twelve to one, and he was followed by Rod. It was
a beautiful night, with the stars twinkling overhead.
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