round his neck! Oh-h! if some of the other
fellows were here."

But Stud did not seem to be quite alone;
he was one and a half; for the hearts of
two girls were pendent from his neck;
outside he knew they were backing him,--praying
for him.

Also, that frenzied gurgle from the victim's
throat, his choking cry as the light
struck him, the squirming body and up-rolling
eyes told the boy scout that he was
just in time; although the foam was
pink upon Ruddy's lips and his congested
head was a fire-ball, indeed,--that brash
head with all his chances in it.

"Ha!

"No Loyal Scout gives place to doubt,
But action quick he shows!"

The song, his own, the original march-song
of his troop, sang itself through Stud's
brain, seethed in the low whistle upon his
lips, as, guided by his ruby breast-eye,
e slid down into that strange and secret
[[153]]

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v?