THE SCOUT BADGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 111, 11 May 1940, Page 15

THE SCOUT BADGE

As Alan was going; out his father stopped him. "Will you go to the post office for me?" he asked.

"Yes, rather. Dad!" replied the boy. "What do you want?" "A postal order for a shilling," said his father, "and fifteen insurance Stamps for the workmen's cards. Here's a pound note to pay for the lot, and mind you get the right change!"

"All right, Dad," returned Alan cheerfully; and, jumping on his bicycle, he pedalled off, whistling as he went.

A newly-enrolled Scout, he was about equally proud of showing off the shining little badge in his buttonhole and of taking the opportunity of doing his daily good turn.

As he entered the post office an old gentleman was writing out a telegram at the little side desk. Alan marched up to the girl behind the counter and gave his order. Receiving his stamps and the little pile of change, he hunrried out of the building, and, grabbing his bicycle, was soon lost in the stream of traffic outside.

Suddenly the girl who had served him glanced up with frightened eyes, left her place at the counter, and rushed to the door. Wildiy she looked to right and left in the busy street, and then ran back to the old gentleman at the telegraph desk.

"Oh, sir!" she gasped, "do you know the name of that boy who has just gone out?"

The old gentleman shook his head* "I'm afraid not," he replied. "I hardly noticed him."

The girl was in tears no\>. "Oh, it is hard!" she wept. "How could I have been so stupid? He asked me for fifteen Insurance Stamps and I've given him fifty. That's a difference of about two pounds, and I shall have to pay it. I was hoping to have a holiday this year, but I can't now. Oh, dear!"

"Listen to me," said the old gentleman firmly. "That boy will return; you need not worry! He had a Scout badge in his coat; I did notice that much. A Scout is honest; and, you mark my words, he'll be back before long!"

The girl returned to her work with tearful eyes, in spite of the cheering words. Ten minutes later the office door opened. A boy wearing the Scout badge walked up to the counter, and, laying down a sheet of stamps, said:

"You gave me too many of these; we found it out as soon as I got home. That's right now, isn't it?"

The old gentleman had been right; the. boy with the Scout badge had come back.