human
Which is just as it should be, Horace Hibbs approved.
gpt
Unless every single one of us thinks he is the best fellow for the place, he should not be invited to join. Now, if Specs--
human
Yes, Specs! groaned Bi.
gpt
We'll never convert Specs; no, not in a thousand years. He says Rodman is no good, and I guess he'll grow long white whiskers before he'll admit he's wrong. No, siree, if we wait for Specs to make it unanimous, this patrol will be one man shy the rest of its life.
human
I wish, began Bunny,
gpt
Come on in, Rodman, he called.
human
Say, fellows, Rodman is a whiz. You know the cliffs out near Old Baldy. Well, I fell down one of them this morning, reaching for a fragrant fern, and Rodman came looking for me. Found me, too, by following my trail and--
gpt
Felix led me to him,
human
Rats! scorned Specs.
gpt
You did it. Felix didn't make a grapevine rope, did he, and pull me up the cliff? I guess not. And who reached down and plucked this fern? Felix? Huh! Smell it, Bunny. Listen, fellows! Rodman knows all the things we do about trailing, and the woods, and the birds, and tying knots, and making fires without matches, and--oh, everything. I always told you he was all right! Specs made this statement gravely and sincerely; he had forgotten his former opinion of the new boy.
human
Well, then, what's the matter with making him a Scout in the Black Eagle Patrol? Anybody object?
gpt
Rodman, the Scout Master said,
human
Yes, sir. I know some others, too.
gpt
And do you know the Scout laws, motto, sign, salute and significance of the badge?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
How about your country's flag. Do you know its composition and history and the customary forms of respect due it?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
One more question: Would you like to join the Black Eagle Patrol of Boy Scouts?
human
Yes, sir! this time. Instead, Rodman Cree gulped once or twice, as if it were difficult to speak, and then fairly shouted,
gpt
You bet I would!
human
In that case, pronounced Horace Hibbs judicially, fitting the tips of his fingers together,
gpt
I see no reason why you should not take the tenderfoot tests at once. Bunny, will you get us a rope?
human
Shucks! he laughed,
gpt
He paused to digest his remark.
human
Say--say, let's call Rodman 'Bonfire' after this. It's a dandy name for him.
gpt
Do you mind?
human
Of course, I don't. I--I like it,