Goldfrap John Henry - The Boy Scouts at the Panama-Pacific Exposition стр 5.

Surely you can send what you are taking there by express, and it will arrive safely? suggested the judge.

But I gave my solemn word, expostulated the Scotch professor, who seemed to possess all of the stubborn qualities with which those of his land are said to be afflicted, not to let the valuable packet go out of my possession for a minute, unless I gave it in charge of an equally responsible messenger. Money would be no object, judge, I assure you, if only you could find me a gude mon; nane ither would I trust.

The judge seemed to be pondering. When Andy caught him looking in a serious fashion in the direction of himself and comrade, somehow he felt a queer thrill pass through his system, though he did not exactly know why it should be so.

Then he saw a smile begin to creep over the face of Judge Collins, as he nodded his head slowly. Whatever had flashed into his mind, it seemed to afford him considerable satisfaction.

Professor McEwen, he said slowly, but earnestly, if you are looking for some trustworthy persons to whom you can delegate your mission, and do not mind what expense there may be attached to carrying it out, I believe I can suggest a couple of dependable young chaps who might fill the bill; they are the wide-awake Boy Scouts who were concerned in your rescue this very morning. How would you like to talk over that business with Rob Blake and Andy Bowles, here, Professor?

CHAPTER III WHEN LUCK CAME THEIR WAY

Professor McEwens eyes twinkled as he surveyed first the boys and then their earnest sponsor.

I hae no doobt but that they are responsible and trustworthy, just as ye say, Judge Collins, he proceeded to remark presently, with lines of perplexity visible across his forehead, and if it were but an ordinary errand I wouldna hesitate a single instant aboot entrusting it to them. But I hae to consider well before makin up me mind. The property belangs to ithers than mesil, ye ken; and it is of a scientific value beyond compare. In fact, it could not well be replaced if lost in transit; money wouldna be any consideration in exchange, which is why I wouldna wish to send it by express.

Be kind enough to listen while I relate a few facts concerning this same Rob Blake, and a couple of his friends, said the judge, smiling, and shaking his head at Rob when he thought the latter looked as though about to protest.

I should be unco pleased to hear all you can tell me, declared the scientist, for I must confess that from the verra beginning these braw lads hae made a most favorable impression with me.

And so Rob had to sit there, squirming rather uneasily, while the judge told of the perilous trip he and several chums had made to the troubled republic of Mexico, and how they had cleverly managed to accomplish the delicate mission with which they had been entrusted by Tubby Hopkins uncle.

Then he took up the subject of the tour abroad, where they had been for days and weeks in the battle zone of the contending armies, managing with consummate skill to avoid complications, and eventually succeeding in attaining the object which had been the cause of their undertaking this perilous mission.

All this while the little Scotch professor sucked away at his pipe as though he found great consolation in burning the weed that originally came from Virginia in the time of Sir Walter Raleigh, and was therefore a strictly American product. Now and then he would let his shrewd eyes roam from the face of the enthusiastic judge to the burning one of Rob Blake, and at such times Andy always noticed that he would nod slightly, as though better pleased than ever.

Andy, by the way, was enduring all manner of torture on account of the suspense; he had had a glorious prospect opened up before him, if only the curtain would not suddenly fall and shut it out.

That is not nearly all that these gallant boys have done, declared the narrator, after a time. I could sit here for an hour and tell you innumerable instances where Rob, and some of his chums into the bargain, did things that would be counted big under ordinary conditions. Why, it has come to that pass in Hampton nowadays that when anything beyond the ordinary is attempted they have to get the scouts interested in it first, and then people begin to believe it must have some merit.

What you tell me is indeed wonderful, declared the professor. After that recommendation I am strongly disposed to offer them the carrying out of my mission if they could see their way clear to accept the task.

It would give them a chance to spend some weeks at the Exposition without incurring any expense, is that the idea, Professor McEwen? asked the judge, who looked as happy as though he had discovered some wonderful bug which had been eagerly sought after for years and years by all scientists and collectors.

Yes, a month, if they cared to stay that long, replied the other, who seemed to have been fully convinced, and ready to throw the load of responsibility from his own shoulders to those of Rob and his chum. The particulars can be gone over a little later, either to-night, if they care to see me again, or to-morrow. There is no great need o haste, though what I am carrying out to California is being eagerly expected by my colleagues there.