The Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour, or, The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain   By: George A. Warren

Or

The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain

by

GEORGE A. WARREN

Author of "The Banner Boy Scouts," "The Musket Boys of Old Boston," "The Musket Boys under Washington," Etc.

Illustrated

[Illustration: "COME ON, FELLOWS; US TO THE ATTACK!" CALLED BOBOLINK.

Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour Page 217 ]

The Saalfield Publishing Co. Akron, Ohio New York Made in U. S. A.

Copyright, 1912, by Cupples & Leon Company

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I THE OPEN DOOR 1 II THE MYSTERY OF THE TIN BOX 11 III BREAKING UP THE SCOUTS' MEETING 22 IV CATCHING A TARTAR 35 V GETTING READY FOR THE GREAT "HIKE" 46 VI ON GUARD 55 VII "BE PREPARED!" 66 VIII REPULSING THE ENEMY 76 IX RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL 87 X OFF ON THE LONG TOUR 98 XI THE COMING OF THE CIRCUS CARAVAN 107 XII A CAMP BY THE ROADSIDE 118 XIII WHEN THE MOON WENT DOWN 127 XIV THE CHASE 138 XV LEFT IN THE LURCH 147 XVI AT THE FOOT OF RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAIN 155 XVII JOE DECLINES TO TELL 164 XVIII A CLOSE CALL 173 XIX INDIAN PICTURE WRITING 184 XX CAMP SURPRISE 193 XXI THE LIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN 202 XXII THE NIGHT ALARM 211 XXIII WHAT THE EYES OF A SCOUT MAY SEE 219 XXIV THE STRANGEST FISHING EVER KNOWN 230 XXV PAUL LAYS DOWN HIS BURDEN 239 XXVI THE SUCKER HOLE 247 XXVII GATHERING CLOUDS 256 XXVIII THE GREAT STORM 264 XXIX A PANIC STRICKEN CROWD 272 XXX THE UNDERGROUND REFUGE 280 XXXI THE BOY SCOUTS AS EXPLORERS 286 XXXII THE TIN BOX AGAIN 293 XXXIII WHAT PAUL FOUND CONCLUSION 302

PREFACE

DEAR BOYS:

While this volume is complete in itself, it forms a second link in the chain of books issued under the general title, "The Banner Boy Scouts Series." You will, no doubt, be glad to find most of the old favorites on parade once more; and perhaps make the acquaintance of several new characters who figure in these pages.

In the preceding volume, "The Banner Boy Scouts; or, The Struggle for Leadership," I endeavored to interest my readers in an account of the numerous trials and adventures that befell Paul and his chums when forming the first Red Fox Patrol. You will remember how the mystery of the disappearing coins continued to puzzle Paul and Jack almost up to the very conclusion of the story. And doubtless you were also ready to admit that, hard pressed by jealous rivals at home, as well as forced to compete with two neighboring troops who longed to possess the prize banner, the Stanhope scouts certainly did have a warm time of it, right up to the close of the tournament.

The wonderful way in which they carried off first honors at that same competition certainly ought to inspire all Boy Scouts to emulate their example, and never be satisfied with half hearted efforts. I sincerely hope and trust the stirring happenings that fall to the lot of Paul and his chums, as related between the covers of the present volume, may give every reader the same amount of pleasure that I have experienced in writing them.

Cordially yours,

GEORGE A. WARREN.

THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS ON A TOUR

CHAPTER I

THE OPEN DOOR

"Here we are at your father's feed store, Joe!"