Tom Slade with the Colors

Tom Slade hoisted up his trousers, tightened his belt, and lounged against the railing outside the troop room, listening dutifully but rather sullenly to his scoutmaster. "All I want you to do, Tom," said Mr. Ellsworth, "is to have a little patience-just a little patience." "A little tiny one-about as big as Pee-wee," added Roy. "A little bigger than that, I'm afraid," laughed Mr. Ellsworth, glancing at Pee-wee, who was adjusting his belt axe preparatory to beginning his perilous journey homeward through the wilds of Main Street. "Just a little patience," repeated the scoutmaster, rapping Tom pleasantly on the shoulder. "Don't be like the day nursery," put in Roy. "All their trouble is caused by having very little patients." "Very bright," said Mr. Ellsworth.