I wanted you to know this before we
go any further. I shall now proceed to present the flag, and I ask
troop number seven to step forward."
At once thirty scouts advanced, gave the full salute, and stood at
attention. When the Governor stepped to the front of the platform and
held forth the written order for the bugle band, the scoutmaster
refused to take it.
"We cannot accept it, sir," he simply said. "It doesn't belong to us,
but to that troop which did so much for the sick girl."
The Governor was about to reply, when he was checked by an outburst of
wild enthusiastic cheers. The scouts could restrain themselves no
longer. With the greatest difficulty they had remained silent as the
Governor told about what had been done for an invalid girl. But now
this generous act on the part of troop seven following immediately
after, was more than they could stand. They cheered at the top of
their voices, and threw their hats high into the air. It was some time
before order could be restored, for all were talking at once,
notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the scoutmasters to restrain
them.
"Do you really wish to give up all claim to the prize?" the Governor
asked troop seven, as soon as he could get a hearing.
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