returned, greeted with cheers.

"Gaynor Morrison of Edgemere Troop, Connecticut, is awarded the Gold
Cross for saving life at imminent hazard of his own. Congratulations to
him but more to his troop. Scout Morrison will please come forward."

That was the moment of pride for Edgemere Troop, Connecticut. Gaynor
Morrison, tall and muscular, stood before Mr. Temple and listened to
such plaudits as one seldom hears in his own honor. He went down
overjoyed and blushing scarlet.

"And now," said Mr. Temple, "the last award is properly not an
organization award at all. It is the Temple Camp medal for order and
cleanliness in and about troop cabins. It is awarded to Willis Norton of
the Second Oakdale, New Jersey, Troop. And that, I think, concludes this
pleasant task of distributing honors. I think you will all be glad to
know that one who is a stranger to no honor wishes himself to say a few
words to you now. Whatever Tom Slade may have to say goes with me----"

He could not say more. Cries of "Bully old Tom!" "Hurrah for Tomasso!"
"What's the matter with old Hickory Nut?" "Oh, you, Tom Slade," "Spooch,
spooch!" "Hear, hear!" arose from every corner of the assemblage and the
cries were drowned in a very tempest of applause.

[Illustration: MR. TEMPLE CONGRATULATES HERVEY WILLETTS.

_Tom Slade on Mystery Trail. Page_ 124]

He never looked more stolid, nor his face more expressionless than when
he arose from his chair. He was neither embarrassed nor elated. If he