SOME NOISE There was one place where the searchlight message was translated with a readier skill than at Piper's Crossroads, and where it created quite as great consternation.

That was at the camp on Frying-pan Island.

It was like A.B.C.to half a dozen of those practiced scouts, and to others not so well practiced, for the skill of the sender had made the reading easy.

In less than a minute the camp was the scene of hurried talk and lightning preparation.
"What do you know about that ?" asked Sparrow Blake.

He was in the Mammoth Patrol, made up of the smaller scouts in Safety First's troop.
"I don't know _anything_ about it," said Scoutmaster Ned, reaching for his plaited khaki jacket; "I don't know any more about it than you do.
Nobody could get in that place, so I don't see how anyone could get out.
Come ahead, Bill," he added hastily, addressing the other scoutmaster.
This was followed by a vociferous chorus.
"Can I go ?" "I'm with you." "I'll row." "No you won't, _I_ will." "You mean me." "Get from under and go back to bed," said Scoutmaster Ned, excitedly.
"What do you fellows think this is; a regatta ?" "Aren't we going to chase them ?" "You're going to chase yourselves.