It was a crucial moment in the history of the new patrol.
"Come on back, Keekie," another shouted.
Then it was that Slats Corbett, imperial head of the gang, did a good turn for the scouting movement.

He picked up a half dry sponge which was lying in an auto wash pail and hurled it at Townsend Ripley.
Without even turning, Townsend raised his hand, caught it, dipped it in the mud at his feet, and walking briskly back, smeared the face and head of the big ungainly bully, leaving him furious and dripping.
Keekie Joe trembled at this rash exploit of his new friend and waited in fearful suspense for the sequel.

It was not long in coming.

With a roar of obscene invectives, Slats Corbett rushed upon the smiling, slim, quiet stranger, and then in the space of two seconds, there was Slats Corbett lying flat in the mud.

In a kind of trance Keekie Joe heard a brisk, pleasant voice.
"Any of the rest of you want any?
All right, come along, Joe." And that really was the ceremony that made Keekie Joe a scout.