CHAPTER X.
THE WOLF MEETS A PANTHER.
The ragged soldiers halted when they came to where the amazed Jimmie stood, and in a moment were joined by the drummer, a slender boy of fourteen, who looked worn out.
When he saw Jimmie he smiled and saluted by extending the right arm horizontally, palm out, three fingers vertical, with the thumb and little finger crossed on the palm.
"Where did you get that ?" demanded Jimmie.
"Did stunts for it," was the reply.

"And look here." The drummer swept his left hand down his right sleeve, tapping half a dozen badges.

These were those worn by Boy Scouts who had passed as Fireman, Signaller, Pioneer, Marksman, Horseman, and Musician.

The officer in charge of the squad looked on with an amused smile as the drummer exhibited his honors.
"The kid is crazy over the Boy Scouts," he said.

"He's been hunting for comrades among the Mexicans, and I reckon he found a few, at that.
Well, I'm in favor of the organization myself.