
Jack Danby and his close friend Pete Stubbs have just learned that their troop has been chosen for an unprecedented adventure: a joint exercise with the state militia and the regular army. Their Scout‑Master, Durland, explains that the Boy Scouts will take part in a “sham war,” a chance to prove themselves as a reliable reserve force while experiencing real scouting duties in the field. Excitement buzzes through the troop as they imagine marching, camping, and reporting on a mock enemy under the watchful eyes of military officers.
The boys quickly discover that this opportunity comes with serious responsibilities. Each scout must pack only the essentials, heed strict guidelines, and stay disciplined despite the possibility of teasing from the militiamen. Durland’s firm but encouraging leadership stresses teamwork, endurance, and the importance of staying focused on the mission rather than the spectacle.
As the troop prepares for departure, the camaraderie between Jack, Pete, and their fellow scouts grows stronger, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the woods and beyond. Listeners will be drawn into the mix of youthful enthusiasm, the challenges of military‑style training, and the timeless spirit of adventure that defines the Boy Scout experience.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (211K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Curtis Weyant, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-08-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Known for writing under several male pen names, this early 20th-century American author produced adventure stories for young readers as well as poems and outdoor writing. The Robert Maitland name was one of the identities used by Georgia Roberts Durston, whose work mixed brisk storytelling with a love of the outdoors.
View all books
by Robert Maitland
by Robert Maitland

by Edward Howard Griggs

by George A. Warren

by Walter Prichard Eaton

by Archibald Lee Fletcher

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

by Archibald Lee Fletcher