Part 19 (1/2)
They were all dressed in the Scout uniform, which they hen on Scout duty or out on an expedition, and were not a little proud of the fact that each one had bought his uniform with money earned by himself, the first money that some of them had ever earned
This the boys had done in various ways, each according to his own fancy, such as going errands, selling papers, working in stores and shops, etc They were also provided with sle horns, upon which they had learned to sound various signals and calls
”Now, Rand,” said Donald, ”show us how to do it”
”If I can,” answered Rand, taking position in front of the target
”As good Hubert said: 'Aback his bow to the full length of the arroith a quick glance at the target, he let fly the arrohich whistled through the air and struck fair on the outer edge of the bull's-eye
”A rare good shot, Master Locksley,” said a laughing voice, and Rand turned to e in the Scout uniforave the Scout salute as he stepped forward
”Cans't thou e of Robin Hood's day, in which the other had spoken, returning the salute
”I doubt itthe bohich Rand had offered and stretching it the length of his arood bow and worthy of your skill With your permission I will essay a shot”
”Rather we crave the favor,” answered Rand, extending his quiver to the stranger, who carefully selecting an arrow, fitted it to the bow Then drawing the bow back the full length of the arrow he , the arrow sped straight to the center of the bull's-eye
With one accord the boys put their bugles to their lips and sounded the Scout salute
”By enerous admiration of the other's skill, ”'twas a noble shot and well placed You ht be the bold Robin hiht not be able to repeat,”
returned the other modestly ”But I was a s me to my errand here You are Randolph Peyton, leader of the Uncas Patrol, if I am not mistaken I was told in the town that I would find you here”
”That is my name,” replied Rand
”My name is Wat Watson,” announced the other with a smile ”It is an alterative sort of a na a paper to Rand, ”a challenge froe!” exclaimed Rand ”Not for an archery contest, I hope, or we are beaten before we begin Master Watson, permit me to present Don Graeme, Jack Blake and his brother, Pepper, dick Wilson, and last, but not least in his own estilad tohands all around, ”and hope I may often have the pleasure”
”The same to you,” responded the boys
”And may you live to be a hundred,” added Gerald, ”and ht and which Rand had opened, ran:
”To the Uncas Patrol, Greeting:
”The Highpoint Patrol, of the Boy Scouts, hereby challenges the Uncas Patrol to a contest for the Scout championshi+p of the Hudson, to be rowed by crews selected froreed upon
”HIGHPOINT PATROL JACK DUDLEY, Leader TOM BROWN, Corporal”
”Well, boys, what do you say?” asked Rand, when he had finished reading the challenge ”After the prowess exhibited by their er, do you think we dare accept?” Whereupon there arose a babble of voices in which all sorts of opinions were expressed
”Shure they can't bate us more than three miles,” concluded Gerald
”Then I suppose we may accept,” said Rand
”Shall I so report?” asked Wat