John Henry Goldfrap
The Boy Scouts' badge of courage
"The Boy Scouts' Badge of Courage" by Lieut. Howard Payson is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Rob Blake and his three friends from the Eagle Patrol as they embark on a trip to visit Rob's cousin Ralph Jeffords, who lives on a farm in New York. Along the way, the boys indulge in various outdoor activities and face unexpected challenges that test their bravery and skills as scouts. At the start of the book, the four friends express excitement as they approach their destination. They are characterized by lighthearted banter that hints at their personalities—Rob is the determined leader, Tubby is the comedic yet eager friend, Andy is a lively boy with a love for music, and Sim appears inquisitive and perceptive. Upon arriving at Ralph’s farm, they learn about Ralph's ambitious fur farming endeavors, as well as the challenges he faces with local wildlife and his father’s farming practices. Their visit takes a serious turn when a local boy goes missing, prompting Rob to take charge in orchestrating a search and rescue mission, showcasing the importance of scouting virtues such as courage and teamwork.