While plans were being forwarded for the Red Cross Group's effective aid, two of our friends—Tom Marshall and Indian Jim—were on their way to New York City. The latter intended to enlist in the army as soon as he had paid a visit to Mary Lee.
It was fun for Tom Marshall to draw comparisons between their present mode of traveling and that of his previous journey which had been made partly on foot and partly on freight trains. It made the comforts of the Pullman in which they were now riding, seem ideal.
As they were speeding along, the conversation turned to Jim Lee's intention of enlisting.
"I shall enlist, too," Tom remarked, "but I have no desire to serve longer than the war."
Lee, however, argued against his doing so. He dwelt upon the advisability of his holding off for a time.
"One of us will be sufficient for the present, partner. It is your duty to stay behind and negotiate the possible sale of our mine. I should feel uneasy if I thought provision had not been made for its safety and the income turned over to Mary Lee."
"Very well," his partner replied. "When we get to the city I shall call upon some people, who will, in all probability, be interested and see if I cannot dispose of it at a fair figure. I guess an immediate sale is the best thing even if we do have to sacrifice a few thousand dollars."
"I think so," the Indian agreed. "At any rate, I shall be satisfied with your judgment in the matter."
Two hours later they reached their destination. Tom Marshall had received Mary Lee's address in one of her letters and although he had not told her who his partner was, he had given her some idea of the good fortune their mine had brought them.
The two men made their way to a hotel. They had purchased some city clothes at the time they entered the States on their return from Mexico. Now they secured some more ready made and fashionable suits and it would have been difficult to recognize in the trim, well garbed figures, the rough and unkempt prospectors of little more than a month before. Each one of them took great pride in appearing at his best before Mary Lee.
Tom Marshall recollected that Mary Lee had written him of her afternoon position with Dr. Payson so the two men decided not to call until evening. To Tom, accustomed to his partner's moods and feelings, it was apparent that despite his dispassionate and stolid expression, he was burning with eagerness to see the girl who represented all his earthly ties. And Marshall, himself, was anxious to see his young friend, to be able to thank her again, in person, for her kindness at a time when he needed such kindness and help.
The hour for calling came at last and the two men started for Letty's home.
A butler opened the door and they asked to see Miss Mary Lee. They were ushered into the drawing room.
Two girls entered the room a few minutes later.
Tom Marshall bowed to Mary Lee. The Indian looked intently and eagerly at the two girls, then his face cleared, for he now knew which was Mary Lee.
In the same instant the girl recognized Tom Marshall. She came toward him impetuously and with welcoming hand. So excited was she, she failed to pay much attention to his companion.
"Why, this is a surprise! I'm glad to see you. So glad you came. This is Miss Saunders, Mr. Marshall, and Letty, this is Mr. Tom Marshall. You've heard me speak of him, haven't you?"
"Indeed, I have. Won't you both sit down?" Letty invited, not forgetting, in her excitement, the need for hospitality and her duties as hostess. "Mother will be here in a moment," she added.
While Letty had been speaking, Mary Lee had turned, for the first time really aware of the presence of Tom Marshall's friend. For a brief second the man's intent gaze disturbed her. Only for a second, however, then came the consciousness of having met the man before. But she could not place him in her mind.
"This is Mr. Lee, my partner," interrupted Tom Marshall, observing the two.
"Mr. Lee?" Mary Lee questioned, with a swift intake of her breath as dawning realization came. "Mr. Lee?" she repeated. Then a sudden glad light came into her eyes. "Why, it's Jim Lee, my Jim! Letty, he's Indian Jim!" And the girl rushed into his arms not knowing whether to laugh or cry and doing both.
"There, there, little girl, it's all right. Jim's here and Jim will take care of you."
"Jim, I never thought I was going to see you again. And I've missed you all the time, all the time."
Letty watched her friend with great wonderment. The usually calm and collected Mary Lee was in a state of great excitement—a thing so unusual as to be worth observing.
Mrs. Saunders came into the room at that moment and the two men were introduced by the excited Mary Lee who made a haven of that good woman's kindly arms. Mrs. Saunders was a devoted, indulgent mother. She had developed a great affection for the motherless Mary Lee. She was also a woman of quick and unusually good judgment. She liked the looks of these two men, which fact was not at all strange for they both showed in open countenance, the honesty and cleanliness of outdoor and right living.
Mrs. Saunders made them feel thoroughly at home. She knew the story of Mary Lee and so understood who Jim Lee was. She very naturally realized how delighted the girl must feel at Jim Lee's coming.
For two hours they sat and talked over things, bringing up to the present moment the important events in Mary Lee's life as well as those of interest in Jim Lee's.
The two men then departed, promising to come again. Without Mary Lee's knowledge, they had arranged with Mrs. Saunders for a meeting with Mr. Saunders the following morning. That gentleman had not returned home up to the moment they were leaving.
"You see, Mr. Saunders, it isn't a question of our wanting any money," said Tom Marshall. "Mr. Lee is anxious to make safe provision for Mary Lee out of the net proceeds of his share of the mine. As for my share, I can wait until such time as the buyers are ready to turn over the proceeds."
"The ore is there, all right, but the mine needs capital." Jim Lee was now speaking. "We want to turn it over to the right hands, that is all. That will benefit us most."
Mr. Saunders was a banker. As a business proposition, he was keenly interested. He very naturally took some precautions, asked many questions, but he seemed fairly well convinced at the end.
"I shall be able to arrange a meeting for you and probably find a way that will be best for all concerned, if you will both call again this afternoon."
The end of the day found the whole matter closed up. A company was formed in which the two partners received a one-third share. If the mine proved of great value, they were each to receive $100,000 in addition. Jim Lee's share, by an extra provision, was to be paid out in income to Mary Lee. He also made provision with Mr. Saunders to turn over $15,000 of his available cash to the girl. It was finally decided that Tom Marshall was not to enlist but to stay and manage the mine.
That night the two men again called at the Saunders home. Indian Jim told Mary Lee of his intention to enlist. The girl did not try to dissuade him.
Then he went into the details, very simply, of what he wanted to do with his money. The girl listened quietly. To her, Jim represented family—so closely allied had he been to it—so much was he connected with all her recollections of it.
"I don't know what to say, Jim," she remarked. "To tell you I don't think you should turn over that money to me is needless, almost. Let us put it this way: whatever money there is, I shall gladly count as if it were partly my own; but for you to turn it over entirely to me, isn't fair. Let it be for both of us."
The Indian smiled at her with great affection. He made no answer. He did not tell her he had already made every provision. Instead, he told her how much she meant to him, what a big debt he had owed her father. "This," he said, "is but a small way of repaying it."
A few days later Jim was enrolled in the cavalry. His application had been quickly approved—men like him were needed. But until he joined his company the two men and Mary Lee, when she was free, and Letty, too, spent many happy hours together. Tom Marshall's time was also well spent and plans for proper equipment were being hurried for an immediate start on the mine. Mr. Saunders was a quick, able worker and he obtained results immediately.
"Won't it be fine," said Letty one holiday morning, "for you to have all this money! You won't have to work any longer at Dr. Payson's, will you?"
But Mary Lee laughed.
"Of course, I'll not give up my work," she asserted. "I'm learning lots. Furthermore, I want to become a nurse and Dr. Payson agrees that it is the best kind of training to begin as I have."
"But don't you find it awfully hard to give up your afternoons—in fact, all your time, to work and study?" asked the less serious-minded girl.
"Letty, dear, I do get so much fun out of my work at Dr. Payson's. It's delightful—and wouldn't you call it recreation to be able to do the things our Red Cross Group is doing? It is such a wonderful opportunity."
"I suppose it is," the other girl answered uncertainly. "Hello, there's the mail man," she added as from the window she saw him turn in at their house. "I wonder if he has any mail for you and me?"
Almost at the same moment Ruth was ushered into the room. She saw Letty go through the mail and pick out two letters. One, Letty gave to Mary Lee, the other, she quickly opened.
"Well!" Letty exclaimed after reading her letter, "it certainly is time."
"Won't we be glad to see her?" added Mary Lee, as she finished her letter.
Ruth was all excitement. "Is Aunt Madge coming home?" she asked eagerly.
"Mrs. Anderson, if you please, young lady," Letty answered reprovingly.
"Wonder if I have a letter home, too," commented Ruth.
"I suppose you have, dear," replied Mary Lee assuringly.
"I have news for you, Ruth. May I tell her, Mary Lee?"
The girl nodded her assent. These two girls were her best friends. She knew how glad Ruth would be because of her good fortune.
Letty told Ruth about the money that Jim Lee had turned over for Mary Lee's use. Ruth's eyes opened with wonder and pleasure.
"Isn't that fine! I'm so glad, Mary Lee, dear."
"When does Jim Lee join the army?" she asked.
"I guess the day after tomorrow. He's coming here tonight."
"I wonder if we cannot get him to tell us an Indian story when he comes," remarked Letty.
"He may," Mary Lee replied. "Will you come over tonight, Ruth?" she asked.
"Yes, come to dinner," added Letty.
Ruth agreed.
"When does Mrs. Anderson come home, Mary Lee?" she asked as she started to go.
"Next Saturday afternoon. Isn't that fine, for I am free on that afternoon and can go with you and meet her," was the reply. "Bob is coming home with them, too."
"I didn't know he was with them," Ruth said in surprise.
"Yes, he's been there for a week. It is but a short distance from his school, so he went over."
"Be sure to come tonight," Letty reminded the departing girl. "We'll hear a good story if Mr. Lee will tell it."
"I won't forget," replied Ruth.
Jim Lee and Tom Marshall were prompt in their expected call, and they found Mary Lee and Letty as well as Ruth waiting to receive them.
It was the kind of an evening that is usually associated with the month of March. The rain was coming down in a steady downpour, there was a chill to the wind; altogether it was a night in which folks welcomed the warmth of an open grate fire.
Letty, all excitement, brought up the subject of a story—a story such as only Jim Lee could tell—of the Indian of long ago.
"I'm afraid," remarked the Indian, "that the kind of stories I used to tell Mary Lee would be considered entirely too youthful by you young ladies."
"But we'd like to hear one, I'm sure we would," replied Ruth.
"Yes, Jim do tell us one. I know we will enjoy it."
"Very well," was the answer. "I see there's no escape and so I had better make the best of it.
"Long, long ago, in the land you now know as Colorado, there lived a strong tribe—the Wah-hi-tis—well known for their ability in war. Their name was used by the squaws of the other tribes to frighten the little papooses who were wont to whimper.
"When I say it was long, long ago, I do not mean a hundred, or two hundred, or five hundred years ago. I speak of thousands of years before the white man came from across the big waters—the white man who has forced out, who has swallowed up the Indian so that we are becoming like the buffalo, a rarity.
"There came a chief, Black Eagle, descendant from many chiefs. He was wise and great and his strength was like that of the buffalo and his swiftness like that of the eagle. With an iron hand he ruled, but he was ever kind and considerate except when anger or rage overcame him. Then none was more cruel, more terrible.
"Wise men of many tribes came to visit him and it is said that great gifts were sent to him from the distant lands of Mexico; even from the small seas, they sent him offerings, for it was known that his friendship was a blessing and his enmity a thing of which to be wary.
"Proud were the young bucks who served under Black Eagle. In their sojourns they had but to exclaim with fine disdain, 'I am a Wah-hi-ti!' and they were immediately offered hospitality and friendship.
"Black Eagle had two wives. Swift Bear, his father, had mated him to Swift Water, daughter of a neighboring chief. But then came Laughing Eyes, young and beautiful, and her—Black Eagle loved at sight. And since it was permitted that chiefs have more than one mate, Black Eagle took Laughing Eyes unto himself.
"Swift Water, his first wife, felt the black rage of hate and envy—and who could blame her? But Black Eagle had already given proof of his terrible outbursts of wrath and she dared not object. She suffered silently.
"Thus, many years passed. Swift Water gave Black Eagle a son, but only after Laughing Eyes had given birth to a beautiful babe, also a son, who had been named Natawara. Swift Water's son was named Black Fox.
"Both sons grew to sturdy manhood and gradually even Swift Water and Laughing Eyes learned to know each other. Some of the bitterness left the heart of Swift Water. Yet, her life was sad because Natawara was to succeed as chief instead of her own son, Black Fox.
"But sturdy though both sons were, there was a strange difference between the two. Could these both be sons of the same father? Black Fox from early youth loved the tales of combat, liked to hear of the victories of his illustrious fathers; and he would dream of the day when he too would go out and say, 'I am a Wah-hi-ti, a son of Black Eagle.'
"Natawara, however, was different. He loved to hear the wise men tell of the long ago, and yet it was not of combats that he sought to hear. Often he would look to the far west and say:
"'I would travel far. Over the many mountains I would roam; for the Great Spirit gives us but a short time and there is much to see.'
"'He will be a great man, a great chief,' said the wise men. But in their hearts was a dark doubt which they dared not voice, for the anger of Black Eagle was a thing of dread. And wherefore should they be the bearers of bad news?
"For Natawara had laughed at combats. 'Wherefore shall I kill?' said he. 'I would rather, far rather, seek the things of the world than death.'
"'A coward's speech,' the wise men whispered, one to the other. But word of their whisperings came to Black Fox. Then he showed some of the anger of his father.
"'No coward is Natawara. Who says so? I shall hear and the vengeance of Black Fox is not light.'
"But the whispering grew. It came even to the ears of the Black Eagle who was then on an expedition to the far Wyoming.
"Fearful was his rage and black scorn was in his heart. He who whispered would feel the might and strength of the chief of the Wah-hi-ti.
"'And as for you, you witch,' he said to the old squaw who had taunted him after his men had razed the camp of the Cheyennes, 'you shall die! A fearful death you shall die, for lies are the things you say. No Wah-hi-ti is a coward, no Wah-hi-ti dare say of Natawara that he is a coward, for Natawara is the son of a chief; he is to be a chief and he would kill.'
"So he returned. And the squaws who came to meet the returning warriors, even the braves who had been left at home, drew away, for dark and savage and fearful was the face of the Black Eagle.
"'Where is Natawara?' he cried.
"Only Black Fox dared to come forward. He had but just returned from a victorious conquest.
"'Natawara made a trip of three months beside the running brook that leads to the big water.'
"'Is there one, even more than one, who thinks of Natawara as a coward?' the chief cried.
"But none, of course, answered. Side glances were exchanged. So the news had come to the Great Chief.
"'No coward is my brother,' Black Fox replied. 'None dare so say, for my arm would gain double its strength if I heard aught of it.'
"'Speak thou for thyself. Cannot Natawara make his own fights, answer insults himself?'
"'His is a great spirit; to him such taunts are but water even on a duck's back. He loves not combat—rather he would voyage everywhere; but none here holds his strength, none his true courage.'
"Black Fox's eyes flashed. He made a picture that brought fire to his father's eyes.
"'So I would have you, my son, speak—even so. But Natawara is my son, too. Soon I shall join the Great Spirit and if he is to be chief, he must be like the great chiefs before him. He must not own the soul of a squaw.'
"Then after three moons, even as Black Eagle waited, his rage still with him, came Natawara home. There came with him a tamed fox, following as does a dog.
"'I have brought him to my brother who bears his name.'
"But Laughing Eyes called to him and instead of laughter there was dread in her eyes.
"'Go to your father who has called and is waiting.'
"So Natawara went.
"What befell there, no one can tell for it shall remain a thing of mystery; but those who saw have said that when Natawara came forth his face bore a wondrous light as if the Great Spirit had touched it. He bade farewell to his mother and was away.
"Black Eagle's heart was crushed; but his stern resolve held and the next day Black Fox (who courageously announced that his brother Natawara should be chief, should he ever return) was proclaimed as the next in line. And truly as he stood there, his black eyes flashing, the fox—gift of his brother Natawara—beside him, he made the true figure of a chief."
Jim Lee paused. "I fear," he said, "my story is of too great length."
But Mary Lee breathlessly replied, "Please go on. Tell us of Natawara."
"Did he come back?" Letty demanded.
"Wasn't his brother splendid?" was Ruth's comment.
Jim Lee turned to Mrs. Saunders who nodded her head to continue.
"Years passed," Jim Lee continued, "and with the years came more fame to the name of Wah-hi-tis. Black Eagle joined the Great Spirit and there was much sorrow everywhere.
"And with the years Natawara became a name forgotten. Forgotten did I say? True, except by his mother, Laughing Eyes. Her name became a misnomer; rather it should have been eyes that held the rain, so sad was she. Black Fox, loyal heart, also remembered, and after his mother died, he made the mother of Natawara even as his mother.
"But war, he found a great game. Love came, too. White Cloud became his wife. A gentle soul was she who loved him and his great strength and her second love went forth to Laughing Eyes.
"In the meantime Natawara went everywhere. The sadness left him, for life was before him. No longer was he a Wah-hi-ti. He made his home everywhere, learned many things. From the Sioux he learned how to use a wondrous thing even like the present ax. Elsewhere he found what iron would do. Then, too, he learned the use of many medicines. This last art he prized most. And with the years, throughout the land, word went forth of his healing touch, his healing medicines. Medicine-men spoke of the Healer everywhere. His was a life of love. What would the many tribes have thought had the truth been known—that here was Natawara, a Wah-hi-ti and son of that great chief, Black Eagle, and brother even of the Black Fox!
"So then a son was born to Black Fox—a son who promised to continue the great name of the Wah-hi-ti. Richer and more powerful had grown this nation and the land it held.
"But black clouds appeared. Black Buffalo, the son, had a strange sickness and the medicine men could not cure, try as they would. It was a time of great sorrow.
"The chief medicine man came unto the chief.
"'None can help Black Buffalo but the Healer. Send you for him; but send not as the great chief, but only as a father who suffers, for the Healer knows not the call of chief or slave, as such, but only as a call.'
"'I shall go to him myself,' replied Black Fox, 'as a father whose son ails and whom the medicine men, professedly wise, cannot cure.'
"So Black Fox went forth. Seven moons of great haste and he came upon the home of the Healer.
"A great change had come unto both, so that neither knew the other except that within both of them was a great call which could not be explained. Black Fox dared not tell his name for the Healer had many other calls and his partiality was for the poor and the needy. Rather he spoke of the great love he held for his sick son and of the mother at home.
"The Healer heard the father's call and went forth. To the Wah-hi-tis he went, in his heart a great desire to see the land of his youth. Even so, he stopped often for the stricken were everywhere.
"So they came to the home of the Wah-hi-tis, to the old home of Natawara. Black Buffalo was on his couch, but not as the son of a chief, only as a Wah-hi-ti.
"As the medicine men watched, the Healer deftly applied his lotions, applied his touch.
"'The boy shall be well within fourteen moons. I shall stay if the chief will send everywhere word that I am here. But who is the chief of the Wah-hi-tis?'
"'Know you not?' replied one of the medicine men who knew the great desire of Black Fox to keep his and his son's name secret. 'It is Black Fox.'
"A strange look came into the Healer's face but he said nothing.
"On the third day came Laughing Eyes to see the patient.
"Yet as she entered the room, she it was who knew.
"'Natawara, my son! Natawara is here! Wonderful is the Great Spirit.' And she took him in her arms even as she did when he was but a youth.
"'It is Natawara, Natawara, son of Black Eagle!'
"The news traveled fast. Black Fox came at a great pace.
"'The Healer is your brother. It is Natawara.' A great light was in his eyes. Brother and brother clasped hands, for each was filled with a great joy.
"'It is good,' said the Healer.
"'You are our chief,' said Black Fox.
"'Not so,' was the reply. 'The leader is here and here lies the leader to come. My kingdom is elsewhere. I would that he who is saved should not feel the call to battle except for the things that are worth the fight.'
"'So I shall teach him,' spoke up White Cloud, a great resolve in her eyes.
"'So it shall be, my brother,' announced Black Fox.
"But when the fourteen moons had come and gone so also had Natawara."
Jim Lee paused.
There was a silence of many moments. It spoke the appreciation of the three girls.
"There's a lesson in the story for today, isn't there?" said Mrs. Saunders.
Jim Lee left on Thursday to join his regiment. There was a quiet leave-taking between Mary Lee and the man. Neither showed emotion—it was kept within the depths of their hearts. On Friday Tom Marshall left with several men for the mine. Mr. Saunders was to follow a few days later.
Mary Lee received some disquieting news on the same day. Dr. Payson informed her that with the return of Dr. Anderson he intended to join the first assignment of physicians and nurses bound for France. He felt, however, that her services could be used by Dr. Anderson to good advantage. Her experience would be of great help and under Dr. Anderson she would continue to progress.
Saturday afternoon found the old Campfire Group awaiting the train which was late.
"Won't Aunt Madge be pleased with our Red Cross work at the school?" commented Grace Olcott.
"Wonder if she'll be displeased at our group's merging with the Red Cross work?" remarked Edith.
"Of course, she won't," answered Ruth. "Will she, Mary Lee?"
The girls had an idea that Mary Lee's opinion and decision on most things was usually sound.
"I'm sure she won't. She'll feel that it was a very democratic and sensible thing to do," was Mary Lee's answer.
The train was in at last and the waiting girls stood on tiptoe watching the passengers as they came from the coaches.
"I see her, I see her," called Letty. "And there's Dr. Anderson and Bob, too."
But the other girls were no less quick in seeing the Andersons and there was excited gesticulating as well as calls. Finally, Mrs. Anderson saw them. She waved her hand and drew her husband's attention to the girls. The doctor lifted his hat and smiled at them.
Bob made his way through the throng for he also had espied them.
He was the first to get to the gate.
"Hello girls!" he called. "Hello, Mary Lee, it's good to see you."
"I'm glad to see you, too," answered the girl. By that time Aunt Madge had also arrived and the former had embraced and kissed all the girls.
"Well, Mary Lee," she said, when it was her turn, "when I see you I feel I'm at home."
"It certainly does seem so," added her husband who was keenly interested in his favorite. "Dr. Payson has been giving me some good reports of you, young lady."
Several of the girls had come in cars, so it was an easy matter to take everyone home.
Mary Lee was seated with the Andersons. Bob was in the car with Ruth.
As they sped homeward, the conversation between Ruth and Bob naturally turned to Mary Lee.
"Do you know that Jim Lee and Tom Marshall were here? And that Jim Lee joined the army?"
Bob didn't know a thing about it as Mary Lee had not written to tell him. Ruth was not a bit averse to telling him all about Jim Lee.
"He's so nice and so romantic. And he's turned over his share of the money from his mine to Mary Lee. And Tom Marshall has returned to the mine. You'd like them both, Bob."
"Guess I would," replied Bob. "Wish I could have gone with Mr. Marshall to the mine. I'm glad Mary Lee has seen Mr. Lee and I'm glad he's nice," he added.
"Isn't it all wonderful?" Ruth concluded as they reached the home of the Andersons.
Bob, too, got out at this point for he was going to stay with his aunt as his mother and father were out of town. He, therefore, did not get another chance that afternoon to talk to Mary Lee.
Bob, however, made up for lost time the next day for he made it a point to call on Mary Lee. He was to be in the city for only that day as he was due at school on Monday.
Mary Lee greeted him warmly. Somehow, the stiffness of their greeting the day before was gone. Neither could tell just why they had been so cool and so formally polite upon seeing each other, unless it was due to the fact that so many others were about.
"I wish you had been here to see Jim and Mr. Marshall, Bob. I told them so much about you and they were very anxious to meet you."
"No more than I am to meet them," was the reply of the boy. "Tell me something more about everything. Ruth told me but I want to hear it first-hand."
Mary Lee went into an account of the meeting and everything that had happened. The boy listened intently.
She then gave him an account of the Red Cross work and what the girls had done.
Bob was deeply interested.
"Our Boy Scouts at school are doing good work too. They are all anxious to spend vacation time on farms. I hope to get permission from mother and father to go to one during the summer. There isn't a boy at school who isn't anxious to help at this time and I wish you could see the big garden we have there. I wonder if Jim Lee will go to France," the boy added.
"He is anxious to go, but of course no one knows what is to be done," replied Mary Lee.
"Isn't it great to be part of such a big undertaking? Of course, war is terrible, but I've often envied the boys and men who lived during the Civil War. Now we are living in even bigger times and it's great to help, even if only in a small way."
"I noticed yesterday how naturally you walk, Bob. No one would ever suspect you had ever been lame."
The boy flushed with pride. He was proud of the fact that he was now like other boys. He valued the use of both his limbs, the more, because he had been so long without their use. Nothing pleased him so much as to be told he was like other boys.
Letty came in a little later and the three took a long walk.
"Isn't Bob brave to travel by himself on a sleeper? I'd be scared," said Letty.
"Huh," answered the boy, "that's because you're a girl. At that," he added, "I'll bet Mary Lee wouldn't be afraid."
It need not be thought for an instant that, in the rush of events of the last few days, the work of the Red Cross Group had lessened.
On the contrary, the Mayor had replied almost at once and had given his permission, including that of the Commissioner of Parks, for the use of one of the parks in the neighborhood of the High School. In addition he had told them that other groups and clubs in other sections were receiving permission in the same way.
Monday brought a letter from the president of the railroad company. He told them that no written permission could be given but that any gardening done on their property would be respected by that company. Upon receipt of this information Miss James had written the newspapers so that proper publicity could be given the fact and people avail themselves of the opportunity to obtain a garden plot.
The Red Cross Girls met that night. Over one hundred and fifty now belonged. All of them had donated some money at every meeting and the group now sent seventy-five dollars in cash to the Red Cross Committee. At this meeting they were divided into six groups of twenty-five each and each group assigned to certain definite work on the big garden they were to start in the park. This idea had been suggested by one of the men on the Park Board who had been a visitor at the meeting.
But it was a late spring. The weather stayed cold despite the eagerness and desire for warmth and sunshine on the part of the Red Cross workers. The girls felt that they had done almost everything possible in their gardening, and although a few found their interest abating, the larger number kept pluckily at the duty assigned to each.
The days passed swiftly now. Mrs. Anderson soon made the girls understand that she was still Aunt Madge to them. She renewed her interest in their doings and was able to help Miss James in the organization and planning of the Red Cross Group.
Throughout the country the realization of war came slowly. Somehow it was hard to believe that the country was at war, hard to realize that the German nation, so long on friendly terms with our own land, was now an enemy. It dawned slowly in people's minds.
New York City was never so gay. Soldiers were everywhere. One felt, however, that beneath the outward gayety and color the city was prepared for whatever might come.
A rare treat was given to Mary Lee and Letty who were invited by Dr. Anderson to accompany Mrs. Anderson and himself to a point of vantage where they could see General Joffre and the ex-premier of France, Monsieur Viviani. Never had the two girls been so impressed as they were by the simple, kindly looking old man in the uniform of France. There was a greatness about him which both girls felt. And Mary Lee also felt that it was a history-making epoch. She was glad that in the future she would be able to say that she had seen the big man of France. He was a character that one could never forget.
In the meantime, Dr. Payson was making ready to close his office and to turn over his practice to Dr. Anderson. He had been pledged to secrecy as to sailing so his friends did not know just when he would be on his way to France.
Mary Lee thought of the doctor's departure with many regrets. It had been valuable time that she had spent at his office; and although the girl had felt that he was in earnest as to her possible usefulness to Dr. Anderson, something Aunt Madge had said made Mary Lee decide that she could not accept, even if Dr. Anderson felt in duty bound to offer her the position.
Aunt Madge and the girl had been shopping one Saturday afternoon. The former was evidently still unaware of Dr. Payson's intention of going to the front. The conversation had turned to Mary Lee's work at the doctor's office and Aunt Madge was as interested as was the girl.
"You see, dear, I, too, am helping Dr. Anderson in the same way. He has been so considerate, so kind. He objected to it at first, wanted to get the services of someone, although, as he regretfully said, 'there is only one Mary Lee.' He felt that it would be too much of a tax for me. He also added some silly, manlike remark about not wanting his wife to be his assistant. But I think he understands now. You see, dear, it is such a fine thing to be able to look forward to doing something worth while, to be able to help my husband. It is useful work, too, and I am learning rapidly."
After that, of course, Mary Lee had no regrets in not offering her services to Dr. Anderson. At an early opportunity she brought the subject up before Dr. Payson.
"I hope you haven't spoken to Dr. Anderson as to my going over to his office when you leave, Doctor."
The doctor looked at her in surprise.
"Have you decided that it is too hard work, my dear? I know it is and I do not blame you; especially so, since you are to receive a small income through Mr. Lee's fund. No, I haven't spoken to him as yet," the Doctor continued. "I intend to do so within the next two days, however. I'm glad you spoke about it because this is the time to make up your mind."
The girl flushed. She was hurt that the doctor should think she would so easily give up her life work.
"It isn't that I don't want to do the work. That isn't why I don't want you to talk to Dr. Anderson."
The girl paused uncertainly. She was not quite sure that she wanted to tell the real reason. Then her uncertainty vanished—it was the thing to do.
"You see, Dr. Payson, Mrs. Anderson is helping the doctor, and she loves the work. Dr. Anderson gave his consent but reluctantly. If you tell him to employ me, he might be even more reluctant about letting Aunt Madge help him. She loves it. So I thought it best to just let it be known that I can't spare the time. I shall give so much more time to the Red Cross Group, but," and the girl looked squarely into the doctor's eyes, "I don't want you, or any one else, to think that I am undecided as to the profession I am to follow. I couldn't ever be happy and not become a nurse."
Dr. Payson looked at the flushed girl admiringly. "I should have known by this time how you feel about it, Mary Lee. I shall not speak to Dr. Anderson about you. And you are right, it will be a very good thing in every way for Mrs. Anderson to do the work."
"I knew you would understand," the girl gratefully acknowledged.
A little later her afternoon's work was over and she left the office. The doctor, however, remained. He did not work, but sat silently thinking. An uncertain little smile played about his mouth. A day or two more and he would be off for the war. He welcomed the opportunity as do all true surgeons. But he knew there would often come to him the memory of this bright, serious-minded, unselfish young girl.
"She's true blue," he finally commented as he prepared to depart.
Mr. Saunders, Letty's father, came home early the following evening. He had been down to Mexico and had just returned. Permission had been given by the Mexican Government for the furtherance of their plans. Tom Marshall, so he reported, was already busily at work and the prospects were very bright. Mr. Saunders spoke enthusiastically about the young man, and his ability. And his respect for Jim Lee had greatly increased from the accounts he had received from Tom Marshall and one or two of the men who were located in the neighborhood.
Both Letty and Mary Lee were, of course, greatly interested, the latter for the best of reasons, although she somehow could not grasp the idea that more wealth was to be hers. She was gratified that Letty's father—a careful, shrewd and conservative business man—should have made an exception in behalf of her friends.
Toward the end of the evening the girls suddenly bethought themselves of a plan they had formulated a few days before the arrival of Letty's father.
It was Letty who opened the campaign.
"We feel it our patriotic duty to sell you a Liberty Bond—or more than one," the girl added as the idea suddenly came to her that one was not very much for her rich father to buy.
"Oh," her father ejaculated in surprise. "And why, young lady?" And his words sounded so serious and businesslike that neither Letty nor Mary Lee noticed the humor lurking in his eyes. "Why should you feel it to be your duty to sell them to me?"
"It is not only our duty to sell bonds, but it is the duty of everyone in the country." It was Mary Lee who answered and even as she spoke a sudden idea came to her mind. It was still a little hazy and so she said nothing more.
"How many do you think I should buy?" Mr. Saunders queried trying hard to maintain a business-like appearance.
"How many?" Letty repeated. She tried hard to think of a number that would seem consistent. It was apparent to her father that she was flustered.
"I think five would be right," and then it occurred to her that five wasn't enough. "I mean ten—or perhaps eight," the girl finally concluded, rather lamely.
"Well, my dears, it may interest you to know that I have bought not ten, nor eight, but two hundred; and I am to buy some more within the next few days."
"My," said Letty, in awed tones into which there crept a measure of disappointment. "Then we cannot sell you any? Not even one?" she added coaxingly, with a sudden renewal of hope.
"You see, Mr. Saunders," Mary Lee turned to the work in hand with the feeling that her own idea would follow as a matter of course, "we girls in the Red Cross Group have each volunteered to sell at least five Liberty Bonds. Letty and I are to sell to some other people, but we counted on you, too."
"And you don't want your count to be in vain, do you?"
"No, sir," both girls replied.
"All right then, I'll buy ten. Is that satisfactory?"
Letty hugged her father and both girls danced in glee over their first success. Mr. Saunders looked at them with great pride and satisfaction.
Mary Lee suddenly sobered and became business-like.
"Mr. Saunders," she spoke diffidently.
"Any other business into which you desire to inveigle me?" he questioned.
"Yes, sir," the girl replied, while Letty looked at her, a little uncertain as to what was coming.
The girl continued: "The money that Jim left for my use—I was wondering; of course, I don't know if it can be done—if it couldn't buy some Liberty Bonds."
Mr. Saunders laughed. "Of course it could. It wouldn't be so bad an investment either. We'll begin by buying a hundred shares for you."
"Thank you," Mary Lee replied, proud that Jim's money was to be used in this way.
"Can we turn the order in?" asked the practical Letty.
"I suppose you can," her father replied.
"That means, Letty," Mary Lee exclaimed in awe, "that we already have one hundred and ten bonds sold. And we must sell some to the Andersons and to the Camerons. I shall write to Tom Marshall and ask him to buy some, too."
"It may be that I shall have a surprise for you by tomorrow, too," Mr. Saunders added. He was interested in their success but he also felt that their efforts should not be too easily successful. He decided to call up the Andersons and also the Camerons who were to return from Florida within the next few days and tell them not to be too easy in complying and the reasons for it. The work of getting subscriptions would be so much more worth-while if it did not bring too easy returns.
"I suppose you girls know why these bonds are being issued and why they are called Liberty Bonds."
"It is money for the war, and because Germany is not a democratic nation the fight against it is called a fight for Liberty, isn't it?" Mary Lee questioned.
"There's more to it than that. If the hour were not so late I would give you some of the reasons for issuing these bonds; but Mary Lee gives the kernel in her explanation. Isn't it time for these young ladies to go to bed, mother?" he asked as Mrs. Saunders came into the room.
"That is the reason for my being here at this minute. It is time, my dears. Ten o'clock has struck long since."
But the girls would not go until they had excitedly explained their success in selling Liberty Bonds.
"I'm disappointed, my dears," Mrs. Saunders said. "Hurt, too. You never thought of asking me."
The girls looked at her for the first time in the light of a customer.
"And what is more," Letty's mother added, taking advantage of the pause on the girls' part due to their surprise, "you can't sell me any tonight for it is too late."
"But we surely will tomorrow," Letty replied. "So let's be off to bed, Mary Lee."
Mary Lee and Letty permitted but a small part of the morning to pass before they brought up the subject of Mrs. Saunders' purchase.
"But, my dears, I'm not so sure that I care to buy from people who did not consider me a possible customer. I think I'll buy from someone who will give sufficient and proper importance to my purchase."
But the girls could not be put off so easily and it ended by Letty's mother laughingly agreeing to buy fifty bonds.
The meeting of the Red Cross Group was held that afternoon and both of the girls were elated with the report they were to make. Their initial success was but a spur to them for further successes and they were keen to solicit from all the other people they knew. They felt no qualms about it, for it was a patriotic duty.
Miss James was amazed by the success of the members of the group and was strong in her approval.
"Altogether," she announced, "the sixty girls who have volunteered to do this work have sold a little less than fifteen hundred bonds. Truly, a remarkable showing. It will be interesting to hear some of the accounts. Don't you think so?"
The girls agreed. Mabel Strong, one of the girls, was called on for her report.
"I sold ten bonds to my father," she announced. "My brother will buy five. However, I have only counted those I have sold."
As report followed report, it was found that in most instances those bonds that were sold were to members of families. An exception was the case of Pauline Antisdale, whose father was a well known surgeon.
"My father was one of the first to subscribe," she reported. "I was too late, so he said. I did not know what to do. Then I decided to see my father's patients for two days. Father thought for a long time before he gave the necessary permission. But," Pauline concluded in a quick manner which evidenced her excitement, "I sold fifteen bonds in this way."
"Good," Miss James exclaimed, while the entire group applauded. "That idea was original and worth while."
"I'm one of those who had to count on my family," Letty explained apologetically. "Mary Lee and I worked as partners. Mary Lee, in addition made father buy at least one hundred bonds for her money. And she has written to a Mr. Marshall in Mexico who will be sure to buy some Liberty Bonds too. And we are certain to bring in some more sales, in a few days."
Other girls made reports. When quite a number had been made, Miss James addressed the girls.
"Of course, your success is quite wonderful. May I add, however, that such deeds as Pauline's and Mary Lee's stand out. Of course, Mary Lee was able to use some money which was her own but she showed that she did not ask anyone else to do what she was not willing to do herself. Pauline and several of the other girls have shown originality. As you all know, it is the desire of the President to have all the people subscribe to the Liberty Bonds. It would be a simple matter if only those who are specially well-to-do should subscribe.
"We will continue the sale of Liberty Bonds for ten more days. After that we shall have to turn our attention to getting contributions for the Red Cross work. How much do you think we can pledge our group to collect?"
There was a pause of many minutes. Finally Ruth inquired:
"How much do they expect us to collect?"
The other girls nodded in approval of the question.
"Well," Miss James answered, "Mrs. Anderson and I saw the local representative of the Red Cross Committee, as you know. I told them that we had one hundred and twenty girls, some more active than others, some better able to collect subscriptions than others, although all are equally willing. They thought we should be able to collect three hundred dollars. Do you think that is too much?"
The girls thought for a few minutes.
"If each of us collected two dollars and fifty cents, that would mean three hundred dollars, would it not, Miss James?" one of the girls asked.
Miss James nodded her head in assent.
"We will be able to do that, of course. Let us pledge that much but make a private pledge to ourselves that we get at least five hundred dollars. I so move," said Mary Lee.
"I second that," said Ruth excitedly, while many of the other girls showed their approval of the idea.
"Very well, then," said Miss James. "We'll understand, however, that no actual attempts will be made until next week so that it does not interfere with the sale of the bonds.
"We are to have Mrs. Frances Billings for a visit next Friday evening. The Committee on Plans will arrange for a reception. Mrs. Billings, as you all know, is an official of the Red Cross work and it will be splendid for us to have her visit us. The Committee on Plans will meet tomorrow. Is there anything else?"
But nothing else had to be taken up that afternoon and the group adjourned.
Mrs. Anderson's interest in the girls had not abated in the least because of her marriage. She had watched with pride the work they had done as members of the Red Cross Group.
One morning each of the former Campfire Girls received an invitation to dinner at the Anderson home. Formal dinner invitations did not come often to the girls; they were not old enough as yet. You may be sure that it left them an excited, eager lot. The very next morning Aunt Madge received eight very formal acceptances.
She smiled for she realized that the girls were very much flattered by the dignity of the invitation. She had purposely made it so for that very reason.
Thursday morning, the day of the party, found two girls greatly excited, on their way to school.
"I haven't a thing to wear," said Letty, with true feminine consistency.
"Nonsense," replied Mary Lee. "You surely can wear your pale blue voile. It goes so well with your pretty new hat. But as for myself, I haven't a fit dress for a formal dinner party."
Now, Mary Lee had purchased, with the aid of Letty and Mrs. Saunders, two or three simple gowns, but as this dinner was to be formal, she was afraid none of her dresses would do for the occasion.
"Silly," replied Letty, "if I had that love of a Georgette crepe I wouldn't worry a minute."
"I guess," remarked Mary Lee with great truth, "we never have the thing that is altogether satisfactory, it is always something we'd like to have."
School was but a half day. It was so near the end of the term that an unusual amount of free time was permitted. The Campfire girls were glad to have this leisure. They actually thought they needed it for getting ready.
As a matter of fact, none of them really started to dress until five o'clock.
At six-thirty Letty and Mary Lee arrived. Mrs. Anderson was in formal evening dress as was Dr. Anderson.
"I'm sure there are going to be older folks at the dinner," Ruth, who had already arrived, whispered to Letty. "Look," and when the host and hostess were engaged elsewhere she pointed to the formality of their attire.
"I don't think so," replied Mary Lee, who had overheard. "It's going to be our party only and they are treating us as grown-ups, that is all."
And so it proved.
The girls arrived promptly. The dinner was one of many courses. When it was over, Dr. Anderson arose and said:
"I don't know just where I fit in. I guess I'm just a husband; but Mrs. Anderson thought I should tell you that we're very proud of our Campfire Girls and the unselfish work they have done; and since your work was the equal of work done by people who are grown-up, we thought the most fitting occasion would be a very formal dinner. It is on such occasions that older folks usually tell each other how clever and good they are.
"But seriously, girls, your unselfish work in this great cause is what makes one happy in belonging to such a country. When the time comes, all of us, young and old, will give the best that is in us for our country. Pretty soon my time will come, and I shall not fail to answer the call. But when I go, it will not be I who will do the worth-while thing—it will be my wife, who will see me go, smilingly and bravely, because it's the thing I must do.
"It is you girls and you women, you see, who more and more are doing the big thing in a war like this."
Dr. Anderson continued: "I've been very fortunate in knowing you young ladies and learning of your noble work. I can readily understand why my wife thinks so much of you. And, of course," Dr. Anderson's eyes twinkled, "I can understand why you all think so much of her."
The girls laughed as Dr. Anderson sat down.
"One of the reasons," said Aunt Madge, "I invited you tonight was to extend another invitation. We are leaving for Mount Hope over Decoration Day. All of you girls deserve a rest and I think it can be arranged for you to go with us. You can leave Wednesday and come back Saturday."
The girls applauded enthusiastically.
"Good," said Letty.
"Won't it be heavenly?" said Ruth, equally enthusiastic.
"It will be different from our Thanksgiving party, for at least it is spring—and I love spring," said Grace Olcott.
"You're the one that loved winter, too," said Clara.
"Well, I did," replied Grace, not a whit abashed, "I like them all as they come."
"If we have half as good a time," said Irma, "I'll be satisfied."
Letty and Mary Lee said nothing. The memory of that Thanksgiving party when Letty had tried to make trouble for Mary Lee was not a pleasant one for Letty. Mary Lee also thought of it. She looked at Letty into whose eyes tears began to well.
"It's all right," whispered Mary Lee, as she put her hand over Letty's, but in a way that the other people could not see. "We're good friends now. Let's forget all of that."
Letty forced back her tears and gave her friend's hand a loving pat.
"Of course," said Aunt Madge, "you will have to receive the necessary permission both at school and at home. I hope you will be successful."
"Now, girls," Mrs. Anderson continued, "let's make no plans for our party and instead talk of what we can do in the way of making folks buy more Liberty Bonds. You see, we want to sell more among the people who would buy but a few shares."
The conversation turned to how the Red Cross Girls could further help. Many suggestions were made and discussed.
"I want to tell you," said Mary Lee, "that the Red Cross Committee intends to go out for more money as soon as the sale of the Liberty Bonds closes."
"Do you think we should wait and do our work for the Red Cross?" asked Edith.
"I realize, of course, how well you girls have already done. Miss James has given me the amount of subscriptions that the Red Cross Girls have been able to obtain. It's truly wonderful. Perhaps we might turn our efforts toward the Red Cross collections," said Aunt Madge.
"Suppose," Mary Lee suggested, "that we only accept Aunt Madge's invitation on condition that we get $16,000 worth of Liberty Bonds sold. That means each of us must sell $2,000 worth."
"Good idea, Mary Lee," Dr. Anderson cried enthusiastically.
"We'll do it," said the rest of the girls.
A little later the girls departed. It was a most enjoyable party, they all agreed.