half past seven
This was too good an opportunity to miss , so the captain and Rod went early to the place of meeting . The former wished to see what other scouts did , and he had planned to come to the city on purpose to visit several of the troops in their own rooms . But now he could view them all together , which would be far better . At half past seven the mayor , with several of the city officials , accompanied the Lieutenant-Governor as he rode up in a big auto . They all dismounted and took their seats upon the temporary grand-stand which had been erected . They had not long to wait ere the sound of music was heard , and presently down the street the head of the big procession appeared in view . As the scouts swung up , Rod 's heart beat fast , and even the captain stood straighter than usual .