Mr. Wall
was calling the gathering to order as he entered. He slid into a seat and
stole a look around. Andy was calmly making notes in a diary. Tim was
plainly trying hard to keep his shoulders back and to appear unconcerned.
"I call on the Eagles," said Mr. Wall, "to announce their team."
The Eagle patrol leader chose his assistant.
"Foxes."
The leader of the Foxes picked the oldest boy in his patrol.
"Wolves."
Don stood up. He saw Tim bite his lips and stare at the ceiling. Perhaps
he was making a mistake, but it seemed to him that one true scout was
worth all the prize cups in the world.
"I pick Tim Lally," he said clearly.
And then a wonderful thing happened. Andy Ford threw down the diary and
gave him a wide, approving, understanding grin.
CHAPTER IX
THE FIGHT IN THE WOODS
Slowly Tim's eyes came away from the ceiling. His heart stood still. Was
this a joke? Eager hands fell on him from the rear--Wally's, Ritter's,
Alex Davidson's. There could be no doubt after that.
His heart began to thump. Chairs were pushed back, and patrols clamored
around their teams. He found himself next to Don with one of Andy's arms
around his shoulders.
"You fellows bring that treasure out," Andy threatened, "or you'll wish
you had stayed there.
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