Page:Boy Scouts and What They Do.djvu/77

 the Deputy Chief Commissioner, and the Commissioner for Wales. Sir Herbert Plumer was in command of the Rally. Immediately the Prince appeared the Scouts, who had been at ease, sprang to the alert, the Royal Salute was signalled, troop flags were lowered, the band played the National Anthem, and all ranks saluted. The troops came to the alert again, and a delightful picture was presented for just one moment, as all flags were raised before the order to stand at ease was given. This, indeed, was one of the most impressive sights of the afternoon.

Whilst the inspection was in progress, the public were entertained to music by the pipers, the Rifle Brigade band, and the band of the Perthshire troop, whose miniature kettle-drummer was the cause of much merriment.

His Royal Highness first inspected the King's Scouts and Life-savers, and then passed on to inspect the various divisions. Each division came to the alert, and saluted; and then, as it seemed to the sightseers, without any signal or order being given, hats were doffed and raised aloft on the poles, and a tremendous outburst of cheering came from those 25,000 lads. It went-from right to left of the line, and then back again, and produced such a thrilling volume of sound as has seldom, if ever, been heard in Birmingham before.

The cheering broke out afresh when the inspection was concluded, and the Prince rode back to the saluting base. Then came the sight of the afternoon. There was a moment of silence, and this was broken by the Scouts' call on the bugle, followed by the charge. The King's Scouts and Life-savers sprang to the alert, and then the whole parade dashed forward at top speed, waving their flags and poles,