THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS ON A TOUR

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I THE OPEN DOOR 1
II THE MYSTERY OF THE TIN BOX 11
III BREAKING UP THE SCOUTS' MEETING 22
IV CATCHING A TARTAR 35
V GETTING READY FOR THE GREAT "HIKE" 46
VI ON GUARD 55
VII "BE PREPARED!" 66
VIII REPULSING THE ENEMY 76
IX RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL 87
X OFF ON THE LONG TOUR 98
XI THE COMING OF THE CIRCUS CARAVAN 107
XII A CAMP BY THE ROADSIDE 118
XIII WHEN THE MOON WENT DOWN 127
XIV THE CHASE 138
XV LEFT IN THE LURCH 147
XVI AT THE FOOT OF RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAIN 155
XVII JOE DECLINES TO TELL 164
XVIII A CLOSE CALL 173
XIX INDIAN PICTURE WRITING 184
XX CAMP SURPRISE 193
XXI THE LIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN 202
XXII THE NIGHT ALARM 211
XXIII WHAT THE EYES OF A SCOUT MAY SEE 219
XXIV THE STRANGEST FISHING EVER KNOWN 230
XXV PAUL LAYS DOWN HIS BURDEN 239
XXVI THE SUCKER-HOLE 247
XXVII GATHERING CLOUDS 256
XXVIII THE GREAT STORM 264
XXIX A PANIC-STRICKEN CROWD 272
XXX THE UNDERGROUND REFUGE 280
XXXI THE BOY SCOUTS AS EXPLORERS 286
XXXII THE TIN BOX AGAIN 293
XXXIII WHAT PAUL FOUND--CONCLUSION 302





PREFACE


DEAR BOYS:

While this volume is complete in itself, it forms a second link in the
chain of books issued under the general title, "The Banner Boy Scouts
Series." You will, no doubt, be glad to find most of the old favorites
on parade once more; and perhaps make the acquaintance of several new
characters who figure in these pages.

In the preceding volume, "The Banner Boy Scouts; or, The Struggle for
Leadership," I endeavored to interest my readers in an account of the
numerous trials and adventures that befell Paul and his chums when
forming the first Red Fox Patrol. You will remember how the mystery of
the disappearing coins continued to puzzle Paul and Jack almost up to
the very conclusion of the story. And doubtless you were also ready to
admit that, hard pressed by jealous rivals at home, as well as forced to
compete with two neighboring troops who longed to possess the prize
banner, the Stanhope scouts certainly did have a warm time of it, right
up to the close of the tournament.

The wonderful way in which they carried off first honors at that same
competition certainly ought to inspire all Boy Scouts to emulate their
example, and never be satisfied with half-hearted efforts. I sincerely
hope and trust the stirring happenings that fall to the lot of Paul and
his chums, as related between the covers of the present volume, may give
every reader the same amount of pleasure that I have experienced in
writing them.

Cordially yours,

GEORGE A. WARREN.





THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS ON A TOUR

CHAPTER I

THE OPEN DOOR


"Here we are at your father's feed store, Joe!"

"Yes, but there isn't a glimmer of a light. Didn't you say he was going
to stay here till you came from the meeting?"

"Shucks! he just got tired waiting, and went home long ago; you can trot
along now by your lonesome, Joe."

"Listen! didn't you hear it, fellows? What was that sound?"

The four boys stood, as Joe asked this question, almost holding their
breath with awe, while no doubt their hearts pounded away like so many
trip-hammers.

It was after ten o'clock at night, and the town of Stanhope, nestling on
the bank of the Bushkill, usually closed its business doors by nine,
save on Saturdays.

This being the case, it was naturally very quiet on Anderson street,
even though electric lights and people abounded on Broad street, the
main thoroughfare, just around the corner.

These lads belonged to a troop of Boy Scouts that had been organized the
preceding summer. They wore the regular khaki suits that always
distinguish members of the far-reaching organization, and one of them
even carried a bugle at his side.