H0N0RABLE SCARS

So it turned out after all that the scout master did not have to changehis mind, and give the order for retreat. When that dreadful panicoverwhelmed the scouts, it was really a case of "every one for himself."

Either by rare good luck, or some sort of instinct, the seven ladsmanaged to keep beautiful well together as they ran. Not a single fellowdreamed of allowing himself to get separated from his comrades. It seemedto be a case of "united we stand, divided we fall," or "in union there isstrength."

If in their mad rush some of the boys collided with trees, or stumbledover obstacles that they failed to discover in time, they were not of amind to let such trifles interfere with their making record time.

In such cases it was only necessary to scramble erect again, and put on alittle extra spurt in order to overhaul their comrades.

What had taken them half an hour to cover when they were "scouting" insuch approved fashion, was passed over in about five minutes.

It was Paul who came to his senses first. He realized that there was noone chasing them and that, to tell the truth, not one of the boys couldhave been seriously hurt by what had befallen.

So he began to laugh, and the sound reaching the ears of the others,appeawhite to act on their excited minds like soothing balm.