birds and animals to tell him their secrets simply that he may win a
piece of silver or gold to hang on his coat. But he must learn to
be a friend to the birds and animals. For that is true scouting.

"You will notice that on the scout stationery is printed our good
motto, _'Do a good turn daily.'_ There is nothing there about high
awards. Evidently the good turn daily is considered of chief
importance. Nothing can supersede that. It stands above and apart
from all awards. Kindness, brotherliness, helpfulness--there is no
metal precious enough to make a badge for these."

As Mr. Temple turned to take the first award from Mr. Wade the
assemblage broke into wild applause. Perhaps Mr. Warren, sitting among
his disappointed troop, hoped that Mr. Temple's words would be taken to
heart by the absent member. But none of the troop made any comment.

After the distribution of a dozen or so merit badges, Mr. Temple called
out, "Alfred McCord, Elk Patrol, First Bridgeboro, New Jersey Troop."

There was a slight bustle among the Bridgeboro boys to make way for
their little member who started threading his way among the throng, his
thin little face lighted with a nervous smile of utter delight.

"Bully for Alf!" some one called.

"Greetings, Shorty," another shouted.

He stood before Mr. Temple on the platform, trembling all over, and yet
the picture of joy. His big eyes stared with a kind of exaltation. For
once, his hair was smooth, and it made his face seem all the more gaunt