Half an hour later Nita returned to camp with a face swollen and eyes red from weeping. She said nothing and the girls made no audible comment on her appearance. Miss Miller felt sorry for the girl, for it was apparent that she had experienced a heart-breaking period. But the Guide could not imagine what had caused the trouble—was it that good-for-nothing boy Everton or was Nita home-sick, or possibly, but not probably, she was ashamed of her actions during the past few days.
The girls took an early swim and then packed their kits for the night out. Each had a rubber blanket beside the camp-blanket, so these were rolled about the other items selected for the night.
At the barn, Cheokee was soon hitched up and all the duffle-bags were thrown under the seats. The girls jumped in while Zan fastened the traces and told Wickee he had to run behind, or alongside the surrey.
Pine Nob was high enough to enable one to see for twenty miles around the country, so a magnificent view could be obtained from its summit on a clear day.
"Friends, I'm about to earn another merit. Observe that I do not intend losing it immediately by using slang, so if I seem to run away suddenly after delivering my idea, it is not because of any attraction at the house but merely because I dare not remain where I may be tempted to lose my reward!" laughed Zan, as the others climbed in the surrey.
Every one smiled and waited. "Since our arrival the camera brought by Jane has remained asleep in the living-room. I go to rescue it from idleness!"
With that Zan rushed off toward the house, while Cheokee was started down the road to wait at the side-porch for his mistress. Zan earned the merit that time and Elena made a note to enter the plan of a Camera Club in the Tally Book.
The Band reached Pine Nob without mishap, but the sun was too low to take any good pictures, so it was postponed for the morning.
The fire was made, supper enjoyed and Cheokee fed and left tide to a strong tree for the night. Then Miss Miller advised all to get their beds made before darkness overtook them.
"Oh, aren't we going to sleep on the ground?" asked Hilda.
"There isn't a thing in sight that we could possibly make a bed of!" added Jane, looking about in amazement.
"Oh, yes there is! We are going to win a coup by making beds from wild-material only—and mighty good beds you will find them, too!" said the Guide, smiling at their doubts.
"Twigs, and leaves, and moss?" questioned Nita, ironically.
"No, hardly that, but come with me and you will see," replied the Guide.
Cheokee was tethered to a stump near the camp-site and left to enjoy his supper of oats. Miss Miller then took a trail that had not been noticeable until attention was directed to it. This, she followed into dense woods for half a mile or so, before coming to an aromatic grove. Young trees, as well as half-grown spruce, grew in a thick wall under old pines.
The Guide took her sharp sheath-knife from its case and started to cut only those branches which showed young tender green tips. "While I cut you girls can gather and make bundles of it."
"What for?" wondered Nita.
"You'll soon see, and then to-morrow you will say, 'How can Mrs. Sherwood sleep on feathers when these kind of beds are so cheap and convenient!'"
"Oh, I know! It's for bedding!" cried Elena.
"I bet you've read some of White's books, haven't you?" said Zan, whose brothers were in love with White's wood stories.
"Better not talk so much and work more—darkness will catch up before our beds are made," warned the Guide, cutting without a pause.
Finally, every one was laden with branches, and soon the plateau was reached and Miss Miller sought for a place where the ground was comparatively level. Here she threw the greens.
"Now watch me weave a spring bed," said she, sitting down a sort her branches, long, medium and short pieces.
She laid a row of long pieces of spruce with the tender soft green tips directly away from her. This she made about four feet wide, with the hard ends of the wood facing her. Upon this, lapping about two feet, she laid another row—then another, until the bed was about six feet long. She then placed the next layer on top but turned the ends the opposite way, managing to run the hard wood in and under the first layer. The second layer was laid of shorter branches. The third layer was laid of still shorter ones, without much hard wood to cover. What there was was run under the soft ends of the second layer so that not a bid of wood could be seen or felt. Done, she stood up and admired the bed.
"One of you girls throw yourself down—test it!"
Two or three followed the suggestion at once and each one sighed with blissful anticipation of the night's rest.
"Isn't it soft!" cried Elena.
"And springy!" added Zan.
"I love that piney odour. I always loved balsam pillows!" said Jane, sniffing at the green.
Hilda and Nita said nothing but they remained on the bed when the others got up, thus showing what they thought of it.
Miss Miller assisted the girls in making their beds and when this was done, they wanted to go to sleep.
"But we haven't seen a single star! I thought we were going to take a test in star-gazing!" reminded the Guide.
"Oh, pshaw! What time is it? Isn't it most nine o'clock?" yawned Zan.
"No, it isn't! It's only seven-thirty!" laughed Miss Miller.
"Well, girls, let's go to it!" retorted Zan, where-upon she drew upon her criminal head the laughter of the Band.
"There goes Zan's merit for camera hunting!" shouted Elena.
Zan good-naturedly accepted her doom and turned her face toward the sky to find the first star.
"Hah! there's a star!" cried she, in a short time.
"Where, where? It can't be, it's too light to see stars!" said Elena, who had hoped to be the first to succeed with the stars.
"Yes, I guess Zan is right; I see one, too, but, girls, you have to concentrate on seeking, or you'll miss the faint twinkling," came from the Guide.
After that the quiet was broken by cries, "There's one! I see another!" and so on.
Finally Miss Miller, not wishing to tire the girls the first night of star gazing, asked, "Who wants to go to bed—or who will choose to hunt some planets?"
No one was ready to retire, it seemed, for the new game was too interesting.
"For everyone who finds and names the correct planet and can tell some facts about it, we will award a merit!" suggested Miss Miller.
For some time thereafter, not a sound could be heard except the snoring of Wickee and the soft thud of Cheokee's hoofs as he wandered about the tether.
"I see Venus—right there," cried Hilda, pointing.
The girls turned in the direction pointed out and Miss Miller said, "Yes, that is Venus. Now, can you tell us anything about it?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. But I know that Venus and our earth are often called sister planets, and at Christmas time it is often called the Star of Bethlehem, as it shines so bright at that season. Then, too, I believe it is the brightest star we can see with the naked eye," said Hilda.
"Yes, that much is correct and you have won a merit, but for the benefit of the others I will add that Venus' brightness is caused by the clouds that surround it and reflect the sun's light just as looking-glass would. Our clouds also reflect sunlight. Often we will see masses of cloud banked up, so like snow-mountains and reflecting such brightness that it dazzles us to gaze at them. The thick clouds that surround Venus prevent us, on earth, from seeing any of its continents or oceans that may be there. Sometimes, when a cloud thins out we can peep through and catch a glimpse of the markings of this beautiful planet."
When the Guide concluded, the girls turned their attention to the sky again. Soon after Jane called, "I see a great big star—or rather planet. I suppose it is Jupiter, as I know Jupiter always travels near Venus."
"Yes, Jane is right, too. Now tell us all you know about him. You may gossip freely, for we all like Jupiter and are eager to hear all there is to know about him," said Miss Miller. "But I would correct your word 'travel,' for Jupiter does not travel with Venus; because it is so brilliant we see it with more clarity of vision; Venus also being so bright, we can pick these two out without difficulty. Sometimes the two planets seem quite near each other, which might lead you to think they travel in the same path."
"Well, I know this much correctly, anyway," said Jane. "Jupiter is called the Giant Planet because it is the largest of the sun's family, and is about 1300 times larger than the earth. Then, too, our earth only has one moon while Jupiter has at least eight, and I don't know how many more will be discovered in time."
Jane's manner of ending her description made the other girls laugh, but Miss Miller said, "Did you ever look through a telescope at the sky with its myriads of stars and planets?"
No one had, and the Guide said, "You've all missed a treat. When we go back to the city we will make it one of our Band's treats to visit some institution where there is a telescope. Elena, make a memorandum on your sleeve to enter that in the Tally Book."
Elena giggled, for she was not aware that any one had seen her use her cuff for a memo pad.
"Before we leave Jupiter, I think that I should add that Galileo—the man who first used a telescope, you know—sought for Jupiter one night and discovered the moons travelling around the great planet. Poor Galileo tried to prove to his fellowmen that the earth was not the only world but that it was a mere planet like many others to be seen. Folks in those days believed that the earth was the centre of all things and that the sun naturally travelled around it, as the moon and stars did, also.
"They were so furious with Galileo for trying to tell them the truth that they cast him in prison. When he showed them how the moons of Jupiter travelled around it in an orbit, just as the moon went around the earth, people began to think seriously of his statements. Some said Galileo was a magician and had bewitched his telescope, or else had bewitched his followers. After a time, however, they were forced to admit that he was right, and since then every one reveres the name of Galileo as that of a wonderful astronomer."
"I'd like to find Mars! Please don't any one else take it 'cause I was born under that planet!" said Zan, during the period of silence that followed Miss Miller's talk.
"Oh, no, Zan, you were not born under any planet! You surely have not mentioned such foolish ideas to your father, have you?" cried Miss Miller, surprised at the girl's statement.
"Why, no, I never gave it a thought, except what I heard read from a New York paper. They print horoscopes and tell about governing planets and signs of the zodiac. Is it foolish?"
"I should say it was! I know that a certain newspaper, so-called, makes a circulation-booster of a section devoted to the study called astrology, for silly folks to read and worry over. It seems all wrong to me for any one to waste a thought on such trivial things when profounder studies are right at hand awaiting our choice. It is true that according to certain laws of gravitation and natural law, the tides of the ocean are affected by the moon and planets, and farmers plant crops at certain seasons of the zodiac, but to lay claim to a star or planet having power or intelligence to control our lives and future acts, is to become a necromancer. As you can read in the first Book of the Bible, God made all things and he gave man all dominion over all created things. Man, as His child, was given power and intelligence like unto God, made in His image and likeness, and nowhere in the Bible can you read where He refuted that government and dominion! We still have power over stars and planets, and I, for one, refuse to be domineered by a light, shining millions of miles away from me. What kind of a guardian do you suppose that planet would make?"
"Then why do folks call Mars the Planet of War, and say that it is always a blood-red for a long time before a war or national strife occurs?" asked Zan.
"No one really knows that Mars is more war-like in its office than Venus or Jupiter. But I will not tell you more of Mars until Zan has found him and told us what she knows," said Miss Miller.
"I see Mars—but Zan wants the privilege," said Nita, in a whisper.
"Oh, no, Nita; if you've found him first, you have prior claim. I'll go on star-gazing and find something new!" said Zan.
"Well, it is that fiery planet just over the oak tree," directed Nita. It was correct and she was led to speak of anything she knew of Mars.
"I don't know much beside what I heard in a theatre-play called the Martians. They had a great map on the drop-curtain and I looked at the markings that were supposed to be on the planet. Then I heard once that Mars is a world like ours and has winter and summer. In winter it has vast fields of ice and in summer rivers and dark places that may be green hills and valleys. I guess it has inhabitants, too, but I don't know what scientists think about that."
"Nita is right as far as facts go, but one important item was omitted. Mars has practically no clouds, whereas the earth has an abundance of them. Therefore, it must be continually fine weather on Mars, for there cannot be any rain. Whether any people live to enjoy permanent fair weather, we do not know, because Mars is such a distance away that even with strongest telescopes we can only see different coloured markings on the surface of the planet. I sometimes think that Mars would have to have a wonderful irrigation system to succeed with vegetation if it is inhabited. As it could have no rain, it would have to conserve the melting snows of winter to water its valleys in summer."
"Hurrah! I've found my planet! You never will guess where it is located!" laughed Zan.
Several attempts were made to locate it, but to no avail.
"Yet it is the most prominent and to our eyes the largest in the sky," continued Zan, aggravatingly.
Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and others were all mentioned, but Zan shook her head at each guess. Finally the Guide said, "Give up." Zan laughed with delight at having cornered the teacher.
"Ha! The moon! It is just rising above that pine!"
They all laughed, and Zan was told to tell what she knew.
"Well, I know that the moon isn't made of green cheese, although there are some folks who still believe so. Then, too——" but Zan was interrupted by the others rolling on the grass and laughing.
"Miss Miller, they should each have a demerit for disturbing the peace like this," said Zan, in mock severity.
"They'll soon cancel it then, with a merit, just as you constantly cancel your merits with de-merits for crime!" laughed Miss Miller.
As soon as the girls had quieted down again, Zan continued her harangue in a lecture-tone.
"The moon has mountains known to us as moon-mountains. There are many extinct volcanoes on its face that are supposed to have formed these mountains. The moon is a satellite of the earth—it follows the earth like the little lamb followed Mary. If our earth should take it into its head to shoot off to a corner of the ether, a few million miles away, the moon would just trail along after, and most likely cry all the way for its mother earth."
The girls were delighted with Zan's lecture and Miss Muller had to pull her face into control before she said, "We won't be able to tell fact from fancy, you are so ready with both kinds of information."
"Fancy will not deserve a demerit, I trust!" said Zan.
"Oh, no, but how can it win a merit? You must give us facts that will stand water at Headquarters," said Miss Miller.
"I know that the moon was once a wonderful planet like our earth is but its seas dried up and its surface broke into chaotic mountains—likely from volcanic eruptions, as its mountains present such an appearance through the telescope. It has no trees, flowers, or living creature! It may be grand to look at from this distance but it is really a great hulk of desolation, and I'm sure I'd not care to live there!"
When Zan concluded, Miss Miller asked how many knew the cause of the moon's changing so often each month, to our belief. No one ventured to reply, so the Guide tried to demonstrate to them.
"If I take a round object—here's a stone—and hold it between the moon and my eyes, the side toward me is dark while the side of the stone toward the moon is light where it reflects from the moon. Now, suppose I hold this flash-light for the sun. As I move, or turn the stone around, the side which was toward my eyes before gradually turns toward the reflection of the sun's rays upon the moon and thence to the stone. As we are stationary on the earth, while the earth revolves, we advance toward the light, then leave it again, thus seeming to see the moon grow or dwindle as the time may be."
As soon as the girls understood, the Guide was about to turn off the electricity when the ray showed Nita yawning.
"Girls, if any of you are sleepy we will go to bed. We have been enjoying ourselves so that I made no note of time," advised the Guide, looking at the others for signs of sleep.
"Oh, don't say bed yet—we want to hear some more!" cried some of the girls.
"Really, Miss Miller, I am not so sleepy and tired as my eyes—they ache dreadfully and I don't know why," said Nita.
Miss Miller knew, however, that it was the stormy weeping of the afternoon. Trying to divert the girl's thoughts would be the best soothing lotion for her eyes as well as for her heavy heart. So the Guide continued:
"Who can tell me where the Dipper is located? The big Dipper, I mean."
After much twisting of heads, one of the girls pointed it out.
"Yes; now I will give you the names of the stars that are to be seen all the year round. I will give the Latin name too, for almost all astronomers use the Latin terms but we use our common names for them.
"The all-year stars are found in the northern part of the sky, and of these the Ursa Major, or Great Bear, is the best known. The two stars pointing north in a direct line are sometimes called 'The Pointers' for they point to the Pole Star.
"The Pole Star is always in the same spot and the other stars seem to move around it. If we could leap from here to the North Pole we would find that star directly overhead.
"In spring you will see Great Bear almost over your head; in summer it will be between the Pole Star and the northwest horizon. It autumn it will be found between the Pole Star and the northern horizon, and in winter it is between the Pole Star and the eastern horizon. These positions are very necessary for you to know, for both these stars help to locate many other constellations. The stars forming the Great Bear have been known since ancient days—in fact it is catalogued in a book of stars made over 2000 years ago, and the constellation has not moved or changed its form since that age.
"Now let us look for and find Great Bear—it is formed of seven bright stars in a group. Two pointing at the Pole Star, which will assist you in locating the constellation, and the others to the left of the first two."
After much wondering and questions, the girls were able to recognise Ursa Major, and thereafter they had no further difficulty in immediately finding it.
"The next group of stars are almost opposite the Great Bear, being on the other side of the Pole Star. It is called Cassiopeia, or Lady in the Chair. It looks like a great letter 'W' half-over on its side.
"At no great distance from each other you will see two stars placed between the Pole Star and Great Bear. These bright stars are called The Guards, as they appear to guard the Pole Star. The old legend says that Great Bear wanted to get at the Pole Star but the gods placed the Guards between the bear and his prey to prevent the Pole Star being destroyed.
"I brought a pair of field-glasses so that you can see the smaller stars. Now I want you each to take a look at them as I explain about them," said Miss Miller, taking a leather case from the ground at her side.
"The two stars I am pointing to are Mizor and Alcor—the first one is the large bright star, while the second is the small star that seems quite near to its companion. The Turks use these stars as a test of eye-sight for soldiers. If a man cannot see these stars with his naked eye he cannot enter the army.
"It has recently been discovered that these two stars are not really companions but that Alcor is far beyond Mizor, although, being in a direct line of vision with it, it appears to be quite near the bright star.
"It is only during the months of July and August that we can see distinctly the group called the Great Square of Pegasus. Why it should ever have been entitled to the name is more than present-day astronomers can tell. It surely has no resemblance to a winged horse."
"I can't see Pegasus," said Nita, at this juncture.
"Look for a bright square formed of four brilliant stars; they are on the other side of Cassiopeia, just as far from her as she is from the Pole Star—it has several stars seeming to form the handle of a pan. The handle-stars are another constellation called Andromeda, while the three stars near each other at the end of the handle are called Perseus. When you have found these stars I will tell you the legend connected with them."
One girl after another located the stars mentioned while Miss Miller directed them by pointing or description. The moment the last to locate all had done so correctly, the story was demanded.
"There once lived a king named Cepheus whose wife was Cassiopeia. They had one child, a daughter Andromeda, whose beauty was known of far and wide. Cassiopeia boasted of the unparalleled beauty of Andromeda so much that the nymphs Nereids heard of it. They became jealous and begged their father Nereid to avenge them as they alone wished the honour of being beautiful.
"Nereid thereupon sent a great flood over the land of King Cepheus and devastated everything. But the effects of the flood might have been overcome in time had not a terrible sea-monster like unto a dragon been swept up with it. This dragon went about destroying every one that came in his pathway. It had been Nereid's order to the dragon to seek for and devour Andromeda.
"Finally the king sought Ammon for advice. The oracle declared that the dragon would not go until Andromeda had been offered as a sacrifice. The king, broken-hearted, told his wife and daughter of the dreadful verdict, but Andromeda willingly gave her life for the safety of the land and people.
"She was carried to some rocks and there chained to await the coming of the monster. Instead, however, a gallant youth named Perseus passed that way and saw the princess. Her marvellous beauty enlisted his arm and sword and when the dragon came up from the green water to claim his victim, Perseus fought with and killed the beast. He then carried Andromeda back to her home and was given her as bride for his valour.
"The story of the sacrifice and valour reached the ears of the goddess Athena and she gave Perseus and his bride a place in the heavens, while the king and queen were not far off. As a reminder to mortals of the inevitable result of envy, malice, and hatred, Athena placed the dragon in the sky also, although he can never touch or harm any of Cepheus' family again."
The girls sought again the different constellations mentioned with new interest. Miss Miller waited until they had thoroughly satisfied themselves before she continued.
"You will have to use the glasses to find the three little stars called 'The Kids.' Then, too, the bright stars known as Capena extend somewhat to the left of Perseus. To the right of Perseus, but farther away, is a group of stars called Seven Sisters—they are also known by the name of The Pleiades.
"Now turn your gaze to the right of Perseus, on a line with him, and you will see a glaring star that goes by the name of Demon's Eye. This star fades and brightens alternatively, so that the Arabs, a most superstitious race, felt the Demon's Eye approved or disapproved of their plans and wars."
Miss Miller got up from the blanket which had been spread out for the Band to sit upon, and said, "Now we must go to bed. There are many, many other interesting legends and stars to tell about but it is too late to review more to-night. In the Fall and Winter when we meet in our Councils we can take up the ones that appear in those months. Orion is one of these beautiful constellations; Canis Major and Canis Minor are two more. The bull, Taurus, which Orion fought, seems to be charging directly upon him; the two bright stars watching the conflict are called 'Giant's Eyes.' At home we will study about the Lion, the Sickle and Berenice's Hair, to say nothing of the Crown, the Ox-driver, and the Northern Cross, and I know some of you girls will get the Star Gazing coup. But now, bed for every one of us!"
The following morning the campers were awakened by Wickee, who jumped about, barking at the birds that sat on the boughs of the trees near by. Doubtless, the denizens of the forest wondered what strange creatures were reclining on the spruce beds on the plateau.
As one girl after the other sat up and rubbed her eyes, she looked about in bewilderment at first, then smiled as the novelty of the night's experience appealed to her.
"My! I slept like a log!" ventured Elena.
"I never slept so fine in my life," added Jane.
"I'll never want to sleep in a city house again, after this summer," affirmed Zan, as she rolled out on the grass.
"All I can say is that I've no kick coming about these beds. I wish we could lug them back to the Bluff to use every night," came from Hilda.
"There goes some more slang! I haven't my pad here but I won't forget it," reminded the Tally Keeper.
"Oh, bother your pad on such a wonderful morning! Better look for breakfast instead of corrections over my slang!" retorted Hilda, a trifle peeved at being caught napping in her manner of speech.
"Come, girls—we have to have water from the spring," called Miss Miller at this juncture, from the small fire-place she had built.
At that, the girls jumped up and hurried to attend to their several duties; soon after, breakfast was ready.
The top of the mountain was so delightful that the Band delayed their return to Camp until nearly noon. Meantime, Nita grew nervous and wanted to start back before the others were inclined to go. Several times she asked Miss Miller the time, and was irritable and impatient. The Guide kept close watch of her peculiar actions and waited to see the outcome.
At last Cheokee was started on the homeward road and Nita calmed down. She was very quiet but when the girls took the road that led to the house instead of the one that passed Bill Sherwood's house, Nita objected.
"Well, then let me get out here and walk to the Bluff," she said, pettishly, when Zan reminded her that Cheokee had to be put up in his shed and some vegetables gathered for dinner.
Miss Miller did not want to compel the girl to do anything she really did not want to do, so she suggested that Nita get out at the Little Bridge and stop at Mrs. Sherwood's for the meat that Miss Miller had asked the farmer's wife to buy for them.
Nita eagerly consented to this, and jumped out, running down the road that went past Sherwood's.
The girls, puzzled, watched her for a moment or two, then Zan drove on to the barn.
Nita was nowhere in sight when the girls reached the Bluff although she had had quite half an hour in which to get the meat and carry it to camp.
"She must be down at the cottage being entertained by Mrs. Sherwood. Shall I run down and see if the meat is heavy?" said Zan to the Guide.
"We'll wait a few minutes longer, then you may start and offer your assistance in carrying the packages up," replied Miss Miller, wondering if it would be wise to have Zan go after Nita. Then, realising that her concern over the girl made her magnify everything, she decided to stop worrying about it.
Shortly after this, Mrs. Sherwood came up the slope puffing rapidly at the ascent. She had a large brown paper parcel that she deposited as soon as she reached the Bluff.
"That meat don't feel heavy when you hold it at the wagon, but it grows heavier every step you take comin' up the hill," declared she, sitting down on a stone and wiping her brow with a large handkerchief.
"Why didn't Nita carry it up—she offered to do so," asked Zan, impatient at the girl's avoidance of a task.
"That yaller-haired miss! Oh, she was too busy keepin' an eye on Jack Everton's horses to bother about the butcher. The young scape-grace had a tandem this mornin' an' the girl looked just a bit fearsome from the way she hung to the side of the seat."
"Why, Mrs. Sherwood, you don't mean——" Zan started to say, when the Guide, who was standing directly back of her, gave her a warning pinch.
"Yes, I mean that good-for-nothing! What his grandmother ever has him down here for I'm sure I don't know! She's a nice quiet sort of a lady, but that rascal! Well!" said Mrs. Sherwood, misunderstanding Zan's half-completed speech.
Their visitor turned to Miss Miller and continued, "If I had a girl to take care of I'm mighty sure I wouldn't let her go gallivantin' 'round the country with that young sport! But I s'pose you know best. Did her mother say anything in her letter about her?"
"Whose mother?" asked Miss Miller, amazed.
"Isn't that girl's name Brampton?" asked Mrs. Sherwood.
"Yes,—Anita Brampton. Why?"
"Then that letter yesterday mornin' what had Mrs. Brampton's name and address up in the left corner was her mother!" returned the visitor, with a look that said, "You can't fool me!"
"Oh, that letter Nita received was from her mother, Zan, not as you thought, from a post-office nearby!" exclaimed Miss Miller with relief.
"No, it wasn't! I read the post-mark as plain as day! And I know Mrs. Brampton's hand-writing well enough to recognise it! That writing was a school-boy's hand—most likely from this Jack!" retorted Zan.
"An' that letter was addressed to you, Miss Miller—not for the girl!" added Mrs. Sherwood.
"Why, I never got any letter, except from the doctor!"
"And I don't remember bringing one up, either, Mrs. Sherwood. Maybe you left it down in your house," added Zan.
"No, ma'am, I didn't 'cause I never took them in the house. When I went to the mail-box to get the mail I had Bill toot for you immejitly. And you come runnin'!"
Every one looked perplexed and Miss Miller added, "Zan, it may be possible that it was dropped when you took them from Mrs. Sherwood, or on your way up the slope. Run down and look carefully along the pathway."
"It hain't anywhere about where I gave them to Miss Zan, an' I should think some of you or me would have seen it if it had dropped along the way," explained Mrs. Sherwood.
"We've been up and down, you know, Miss Miller, and Nita has been over the ground yesterday noon, and nothing was found!"
Suddenly, the Guide remembered her suspicion of Nita and how she watched her take a letter down to post in the box. She remembered the girl's stooping and picking something up from the pathway, looking back to see if anybody saw the action.
"I think I can find it—we won't say anything more about it at present, but you're quite sure the letter was addressed to me, Mrs. Sherwood?" said Miss Miller, calmly.
"Sure I do! I looked over every one good, an' I says to Bill, Miss Miller's goin' to have plenty of letter writin' to do this summer if she answers all them things these mothers and fathers of the girls will be wantin' to know about their children! And Bill knows the doctor's writin' at a glance—he gets so many from him, and the other had the name, as I said afore!"
Mrs. Sherwood returned home shortly after her valuable information had been given, and the Guide continued a lesson on cookery just as if Nita were present and most obedient. But that didn't prevent the girls from thinking and wondering what would happen to Nita!
Immediately after dinner the Guide said, "Girls, I am going to the house alone, for I have an important matter to attend to; you can sew on your Woodcraft costumes during my absence."
Zan stood in deep thought for a moment after the Guide left them, then ran after her and called. Miss Miller turned about and waited for the girl to reach her.
"Miss Miller, our telephone number is 2345 Hudson Park, and Dad will be in his office from two to three."
The Guide could not control a flash of admiration at the rapidity with which Zan used her thought and common sense. She looked at her watch and remarked, "Thank you, Zan; I'll walk slowly and just about reach the house by two."
The cost of the long-distance telephone never entered the Guide's head, for it was well worth the money to have the doctor advise her in this most deplorable incident.
She was so relieved at the doctor's suggestions that she felt like singing on the way back to camp. She would have hesitated to keep Nita at camp on her own initiative but having Dr. Baker's permission to risk his girl's morals by association with the girl for the sake of winning her over eventually, was like a tonic.
"I don't know but that Nita's very behaviour will have a salutary effect on the other girls, for they will see how despicable a thing it is, and surely they will not care to emulate Nita's manners!" said the Guide to herself.
The girls left alone to work, sewed industriously for a short time, each avoiding the subject that was uppermost in their thoughts. Finally, Jane tried to change her thoughts from the disagreeable idea of Nita's escapade and shared the secret Elena and she cherished.
"Girls, you all wondered what came in that package from the city, didn't you? Well, it was a birthday present for Miss Miller!"
"Oh, Jane! When is her birthday?" cried Hilda.
"I forgot all about it—it is the last of this month, isn't it?" asked Zan, turning to Jane.
"Huh, huh! Now try and guess what Elena and I are making," smiled Jane, exultantly.
Many were the wild guesses made but not one came near the reality. So, Elena, taking pity, told the others.
Zan looked amazed at the lovely plan and immediately turned to Hilda and said, "We can't afford to let them get the best of us—now let's try and think of something novel, too!"
Many, many ideas were suggested only to be refused by one or the other. Suddenly, Hilda noticed the bead-trimming she was sewing on her costume. It gave her an inspiration.
"Zan, let's build her a bead-loom and after it is sand-papered smooth we will decorate it with pyrography work!"
"Great! But, Hilda, who's got any pyrography tools?" asked Zan.
"I have a complete set at home, Zan—let's write a note to mother and have them expressed down at once!" cried Elena.
So the letter was written and sent down to the box before the Guide returned. From that time on there seemed to be much pleasant secrecy among the girls but Miss Miller never dreamed it concerned her birthday, though convinced it boded no ill.
When the Guide joined the circle of busy workers on the Bluff, she said, "I never saw a place where there were so many bees! I have been watching a swarm over by the buckwheat field and an idea came to me. What do you say to our using some of the money in our treasury for bee-hives?"
"Bee-hives! Mercy me, Miss Miller, what for?" laughed Jane.
"We may just as well keep bees as any one else! And just think of all the fun we will have watching and caring for them. Wickee and Cheokee were valuable additions to our Band, but I believe bees will add just as much value."
"Well, if you say so, I'm perfectly willing to get stung!" laughed Zan, making a perfectly legitimate use of slang.
"Bees won't sting if you don't annoy them! We won't tease them, and after we have some swarms in our hives the bees will get to know each one of us by sound and smell," explained the Guide.
"Why, I never knew a bee recognised any one!" cried Elena.
"Indeed they do! Some bees are so intelligent that their owners wait for them to advise about harvesting and haying," said Miss Miller.
"Now, Miss Miller! Stop stringing us!" Zan said, in a doubtful tone.
"But I'm not, Zan. I am in earnest!" replied Miss Miller, laughing at the quizzical faces about her.
"Then let's order the hives at once. Maybe we can have honey before we go back home!" exclaimed Jane.
"Hardly! But we will be well on the way there," returned the Guide, as she went to the tent for pen and paper.
The letter was written and Zan shouted for the postman to wait as she saw him driving up to Sherwoods' mail-box. She ran down with it and, just as she handed it up to the man, a tandem turned from the main-road that went over the Big Bridge and stopped at the side road that went past the farm. Nita jumped out and stood talking to the young man who drove, so Zan ran swiftly back to the Bluff, for she did not wish Nita to think any one had been spying on her.
Miss Miller was called to one side and hurriedly informed of the culprit's return. The Guide looked at her watch and found that the girl had been absent more than three hours!
She walked away from the girls pondering what would be the best step to take with the mistaken child. She hesitated to do any rash thing that might spoil all the impressions that may have caused the girl to think seriously now and then. At the same time, Miss Miller realised that the time had come for stern and definite action on her part, or create a sense of incompetency in the minds of her charges. That would never do, as she would lose any control she had held in school or at camp. She decided finally to have it out with Nita, but alone with her. She returned to the group on the Bluff just as Nita turned in from the road that went past the cottage.
"Girls, would you mind taking a tramp up the ravine? Here's my watch, Zan, do not return for half an hour, or more."
The Guide anxiously waited until they were out of sight on the trail leading to the Indian cave, then turned and waited for Nita.
"Where's everybody?" called Nita, with an air of bravado.
"On a tramp. I waited to have a talk with you, Nita."
"Well, talk doesn't hurt any one, so talk away!" said the girl, insultingly.
"Did you never hear that any one wantonly tampering with the United States mail was considered a criminal and the offence merited a State's Prison Sentence?" said Miss Miller, severely.
The air of braggadocio suddenly left Nita's eyes and her face blanched. She stood looking like a trapped thief. After a long silence, Miss Miller continued.
"I returned from the telephone a short time ago. I was speaking over a long-distance wire concerning you. I had received word previously that a letter to me from your mother was not delivered, and I believe you can explain the cause."
"Me! I didn't get the mail!" retorted Nan, trying to regain her nerve by showing a false front in speaking.
"No, but you went down over the path after Zan brought the mail here. I saw you stoop and pick up what evidently did not belong to you—if actions are to be considered."
Nita pondered and said nothing.
"Nita, I am not reviewing these matters for the sake of humiliating you, but I want, with all my heart, to lift you above temptation. You never had a fair start in life, but I want to prove to you that there are many, many better and far more interesting pleasures for you to enjoy than corresponding with or clandestinely meeting a young man who is not fit to associate with Woodcraft girls. If you will but trust me, you will find what a friend I can be! Even your mother says she can feel perfectly at ease knowing that you are with me!"
"Mother, pooh! What does she know about me! She never takes the time to talk with me about anything but clothes, beauty and company! It's true, she has nagged this past year about my always telling stories and making excuses, but doesn't she do the same with father? Why should I be different when I see it succeed every day in avoiding a scene about bridge games or women he doesn't want coming to his home?"
Miss Miller felt still deeper sympathy for the poor misguided girl and her voice was more loving as she said, "Where is my letter, Nita?"
"How should I know?" shrilled Nita.
"I am not your mother, Nita, and you do not have to make excuses to get out of a scene. The truth will be the only way with me to end an unpleasant interview."
Nita looked seriously at the Guide for a few moments. Evidently what she saw had a softening effect. She stood with her fingers twisting a handkerchief for a time, then said, "I buried it!"
"Can you find it readily?"
"If I want to. I know the spot well enough!"
"Then you will go for it when we are through with our talk, but I think it is time to tell you a few things that I am quite sure you never heard before. From all I hear, your mother would avoid speaking to you on this subject, but I have always maintained that it is a mother's sacred duty and privilege to advise a daughter so that she cannot possibly take a wrong step during her years of character-forming."
Nita looked about nervously as if she wished to run away, but the Guide drew her down to a log and sat with an arm over her shoulder. She began in an interesting way to tell the girl about her own maidenhood and what a wonderful mother she was blessed with. She attributed all of her present success and happiness to the warnings and advice of that fine woman. Then, she said, "I have no idea of marrying or having children of my own, so I consider it my privilege to help other girls who do not have the homes where they can seek knowledge for future guidance.
"Nita, dear, I know more than you think I do, of your need of just such knowledge, and a friend who is eager to help. You have been travelling the wrong trail all of your life, and it may be that you are now selected by the Great Spirit to show the mistakes in your home life, and introduce a new order of things."
After a long talk of past errors, her present misunderstanding of the life of a Woodcraft girl, and the bright future open to her for mere acceptance, the Guide concluded, saying, "Nita, you must not rebel at what I am now going to say."
The girl had listened with surprise at the Guide's first sentences, which showed that she was acquainted with certain conditions of the Brampton's home habits. But the poor child had never had any one explain so simply and conclusively the awful evil finally resulting from a life such as she was beginning. She saw the entire mistaken view her parents took and wondered that they could be so blinded to her well-being. She heard with trembling, of the results of indulgence in wine and promiscuous fellowship. And Nita wept and was thoroughly shaken as the kind voice continued showing pictures of what is sure to come to one who is irregardless of morals and the conscience within us given by the Great Spirit for the leading along the pathway from earth to heaven.
When Miss Miller made her final request, Nita was so plastic that she could mould her into any future.
"Would you mind telling me how this meeting took place to-day?"
"He wrote a letter yesterday asking me to meet him again on the Big Bridge this morning. When I heard you were all going to night-camp I knew I wouldn't be back in time, so I sent a letter to say I would meet him at noon. That's why I was in such a hurry to get back to camp," sobbed Nita.
"Is he all you would choose in a friend or brother?"
"Mercy, no! Oh, Miss Miller, he is horrid, but he seems to make me do just as he says when he looks at me with a queer glint in his eyes. He has money, and when his grand-mother dies he will inherit all of her fortune, too. Mother says I must marry a rich man when I grow up—she says it will never do for me to be as poor as father is. And I don't want to be poor, either!" cried Nita.
Miss Miller gasped at the revelation of the foolish mother's advice. "Why, Nita, dear, you are only fourteen! You mustn't even think of a husband yet!"
"But every one says I seem much older; even this Jack Everton looked surprised when he asked me my age."
"Poor, poor child! What a joy and blessing you have missed by being so old while still so young! Now, we will remedy this loss and show you how to really enjoy youth!" Miss Miller had tears in her eyes as she spoke.
Nita looked at her for a moment, then obeyed the impulse to hug the woman who had been fearless enough to show her the light on the way.
They sat quietly holding each other for a short time, until the voices of merry girls reached them from the ravine.
"There, dear, run down and find the letter for me. When you return your face will be cool and natural again."
Nita hurried away and Miss Miller ran into her tent and threw herself beside her cot. "Oh, thank you, God! thank you, thank you! I am so happy over this one lamb found on the steep mountain-side! Safe in the fold, she will grow to love purity and truth better than evil."
The girls were bubbling with delight over their walk—the bugs, the birds, and even a snake, had been watched and admired.
"Didn't Nita come back yet?" asked Zan, after a short interval, and no sign of the girl was to be seen.
"Oh, yes, Nita and I have had a long talk and we are going to be the best of pals after this," replied Miss Miller. But her tone gave the girls to understand that not a word of the girl's escapade would ever be mentioned again.
Nita returned and took the dirty letter to the Guide's tent, leaving it on the cot.
Later in the afternoon, Miss Miller took the letter and read it with deepest pity for the girl.
"To think that she read this! No wonder the girl cried that day!"
The letter said that Mrs. Brampton had had her whole life filled with worry and disappointment over her only child's waywardness. That she intended trying a different method of training. She knew how Nita continually lied to her, and that the past year she feared that she was actually meeting young men slyly when she should be visiting friends, or at home practising music and studying school lessons.
Mrs. Brampton said she herself had so many social engagements to keep that she could not be expected to stay home to watch a wayward daughter. But she had at last decided to do something her dearest friend had suggested. Nita would be sent to a reform school—a very select and expensive place, but a reform school, all the same. Of course, she would have to meet other girls there, perhaps much worse than she, but at least Mrs. Brampton would not have to bother about her child's running about the streets.
As long as Miss Miller kept Nita on the farm, it would be all right, as far as she (the mother) was concerned, but the moment Nita was sent home, she would be packed off to a safe place.
"No wonder the poor child displays the weaknesses she does. It is our duty to train her for a better life than the one her mother can aspire to. I think I would have buried this letter, too, had I been the daughter of such a mother!"
The letter was destroyed and Nita saw the Guide throw the tiny pieces in the fire when supper was started.
That night the camp sat about the fire telling stories and recalling funny things of school-life. It was an atmosphere of unity, and Miss Miller felt for the first time since they started the Camp that she would be fully repaid by the improvement of the members, and the womanhood they would eventually reach after striving for ideals, one just a bit higher than the other, year after year, until the goal appeared.
Finally, Zan exclaimed, "Oh, we forgot the Thermos bottle with the indigestion in it!"
Every one laughed, and Miss Miller hurried to her tent to get the bottle. It was brought over to the fire and the Guide lit a candle to enable the girls to see with ease the thing she was about to show and explain to them.
The two tubes were taken from the warm water in which Miss Miller plunged a thermometer to assure the girls that the temperature was the same as the evening before.
"This is the tube in which we put a little whiskey—see the effect the alcohol has had on the egg? It is shrivelled and even harder than when it was first placed in the tube, although it has had the same advantage of digestive fluids and acids that the other tube and our stomachs have.
"Now look at this other tube in which nothing but digestive juices were left. This uniform pasty mass at the bottom of the tube is the digested egg. This ought to prove infallibly what a drink of any alcoholic liquid will do to your digestion, and after a time, to your whole physical system."
The girls stared with amazement at the result of the test on the contents of the two tubes, and then looked up at the Guide with an expression that plainly said, "No alcoholic drink for us, no matter how alluring or in what company it is presented."
As the days sped, the Guide felt the secrecy most evident when she came unexpectedly upon the girls. Surprised screams, and hurried hiding of bulky articles, caused her finally to realise that it was for her birthday. Hints had dropped at various times, that some gala day was approaching, so the Guide determined on her part to give the girls a great surprise also. She took Bill and Mrs. Sherwood into her confidence and the result was that everything prospered for her plan without the girls having the slightest thought of what would occur.
The day before the birthday, Mrs. Sherwood spent the whole forenoon baking and preparing a feast for more than a score of people. Bill was away at Hamilton's to see about a large carry-all that Hamilton owned but seldom used. The Guide was most concerned about having the tents all in order, and the ceremonial robes in perfect condition.
It appeared that the girls had completed their work, for they had nothing better to do than watch and offer suggestion for the Guide. Finally, she called them together and said, "Are you all quite sure of the dances?"
"Of course, didn't Nita teach us how to do the War dance, the Snake dance and the Caribou and Scalp dances for coups just as soon as she perfected herself in the steps, and haven't we got most beautiful wooden horns and war-clubs?" said Zan.
"Well, let us try them to-day—to-morrow I want to spend the day in another quest. Something I haven't mentioned before, but which I have given much thought to," said Miss Miller, seriously.
"To-morrow! Oh, Miss Miller, not to-morrow! That is our regular ice-cream day, and if you take us away on a hike or nature-study we won't be here to freeze the cream!" argued Zan.
Miss Miller admired Zan's clever acting but she, too, felt she must act a part or the sly girls would discover her secret. So she said, "Oh, ice-cream can be enjoyed the next day just as well as to-morrow."
The girls looked at each other smilingly, but seemed agreed upon humouring the Guide with the dances. They always enjoyed these, as they were so unusual, so now they soon entered into the sport with a zest and energy not to be found in common dancing.
Miss Miller was thoroughly satisfied with the exhibition and clapped approvingly. While the girls sat down, panting, she said, "Each one of us can take down and put up a tent in the required time; we can make fires with wild-wood materials only, we can show city folks how to make the finest bed possible, and teach some how to give first aid when needed. What with our sets of rubbing sticks made by hand, our bead-looms, butterfly nets, and Tally Books, I think we have a mighty fine showing for a month's work, don't you?"
"Not only that, but just think of all we can do now, that we never dreamed of knowing! Hitch a horse and repair the harness, make or patch garments, cook digestible meals, use a knife and hatchet in the woods, and build an article of lumber," added Zan, proudly.
"In fact, we have learned so much that it will take a review of our Tally Books to prove all that has been done," said Jane.
"Yes, girls, I am highly complimented by the progress you all have made, but I regret deeply that no one is here to enjoy our work as we do ourselves," sighed Miss Miller.
"Oh, don't worry over that, Miss Miller; toward the end of summer we will invite a crowd down and take the day in showing off. That will be a fine time to get a crowd of our schoolchums here and see how they take to Woodcrafting, eh?" said Zan, looking about at the others.
"That's so! And by the time we get home we'll have a swarm of girls buzzing about waiting to be admitted," giggled Hilda.
"I bet there's a lot of them sorry this minute that they didn't join when I invited them to!" said Zan, decidedly.
"Well, girls, I have an errand at Sherwoods' so I will run down, but I'll be back inside of an hour," confessed the Guide, as she started down the slope.
The girls smiled as soon as she had disappeared and Zan said, "Now, let's wrap them up and fix things up before she gets back."
Thereupon, the four girls ran to their tents and were noisily occupied for a time while Nita quietly took a package from under her cot and wrapped it also, using a narrow baby ribbon to tie it up.
Hilda was astonished, as she had no idea Nita had made a gift for the Guide, although she had spent many hours by herself during the past week. She had showed a desire to join in the gift-making when Zan and Jane told her of the decorated bead-loom and the butterfly tray they were making, but she gave no further sign of personal interest in their gifts. Hilda had not been able to see just what Nita made but she knew it was something that was made by hand. Believing that she wished it kept secret, Hilda whispered to Nita that she wouldn't tell!
The following morning the sun shone brightly down through the leaves of the trees, causing Wickee to blink his eyes before any of the Band were stirring. Being unduly awakened, Wickee decided it was high time for the others to be up, so he jumped upon the cots and pulled the sheets about until the girls shrieked at him to desist.
Miss Miller had, for some unknown cause, set her alarm clock and now it began ringing its warning to get up. Soon every one was out and wishing her many happy returns of the day. The breakfast was under way before any hint of unusual things occurred. Then, as the Guide hurried to the place where the cloth was spread she almost collided with Zan carrying a long mysterious parcel. Both laughed, but the Guide returned to the fire while Zan placed the gift on the grass where Miss Miller sat.
Jane and Elena added their gift, and Nita sidled over sheepishly and laid down a wrapped gift, much to the delight of the other girls. Then all ran over to assist in serving the breakfast.
Miss Miller was highly pleased and seemed greatly surprised at the unexpected gifts, but, upon opening them, she was most sincere in her exclamations of pleasure.
Not only had Jane and Elena won coups in finding and properly mounting beautiful butterflies and insects, but they had chosen the finest specimens and arranged them in a tray as they had planned. With the feathery grasses and a few leaves on the pure white cotton, they made a dainty gift when securely covered with glass and framed with cherry-wood having a brass handle on each end of the tray.
They finished the tray and found there was ample time to make a large picture of blue-prints of natural flowers and frame it. The delicate veining and tiny picoted edges of the leaves stood out in wonderful contrast on the dark-blue paper. This group had been framed in moulding sawed and joined and rubbed with oil by the two girls. Later, they confided to the others that they had scoured the tool-house for bits of moulding and Bill was well-nigh crazy showing them how to join the corners.
Zan and Hilda made a beautiful bead-loom—a work of art. The design burnt in on the top of the flat board was executed most artistically, and the uprights, wheels and winder, were accurately fitted to work smoothly.
Beside this, the two girls wove a braided mat similar to those in the farm-house, to the manufacture of which Mrs. Sherwood donated cut strips of rags.
But the gift that gave the keenest pleasure to the Guide, because made by Nita, proving her change of consciousness, was a Tomtom, beautifully decorated. So meritorious was it that Miss Miller exclaimed upon seeing it, "Why, Nita, I believe you can win a grand coup for this beautiful work!"
Nita was delighted and explained how she made it. How the frame was made of the circle of an old bentwood chair, the pieces of which were found in the barn. How Bill stopped at the saddler's in Junction and obtained a piece of raw-hide for her. How hard it had been to lace the raw-hide to the frame and the difficulty she had in decorating the Totem on the Tomtom.
True admiration was so rare a thing in Nita's experience of life that she felt embarrassed at first, but the Guide made her feel more at ease by seeking diligently for her handkerchief and not finding it. Before anything could be done to relieve the tension of the situation, the tears rolled from under Miss Miller's lids and trickled over her cheeks. At a sudden gurgle from Zan, every one burst out laughing hysterically.
"Well, I don't care if you did catch me crying like an infant!" declared Miss Miller, still laughing. "But they were tears of gladness at the demonstration of your love and sacrifice."
"That Tomtom isn't all, either, Miss Miller!" cried Nita, eagerly. "When I saw the others make two things, I said I would, too, so I wrote to the doctor for the things I couldn't get here."
"Oh, do let us see what it is! We will promise to wait patiently for you to finish it!" exclaimed the Guide, eagerly.
Only too glad to show it, Nita ran to her tent and drew a long package from under the cot. Running back with it, she displayed a target half-finished and a long paper parcel which proved to be a bow and some arrows sent down by the doctor.
"Girls, I believe Nita made and thought of the best of all our gifts!" exclaimed Elena, carefully testing the bow.
"Well, one thing is certain! We can all enjoy the target and the Tomtom will help us in dancing," added Miss Miller.
"That's what made me think of making one—I just hated to dance without music or rhythm to step by!" said Nita, happily.
A shout from Sherwoods' cottage reminded Miss Miller of some important duty she was delaying, so she hurried away after saying that she would be back in half an hour.
The moment breakfast dishes were washed the girls tried a dance while one beat the Tomtom. Then Zan suggested that they try the bow and arrows.
"Maybe we can practise and win an archery coup soon!" exclaimed Hilda.
"We hadn't thought of that—yes, let's try for it!" added Jane, as they hurried to select each one an arrow.
As Miss Miller returned to the Bluff her face was happy and smiling, so that Zan asked, "Well, what have you planned now to celebrate the day with?"
"What do you girls want to do?" asked she.
"Take a long ride to Junction and do some buying at the stores!" replied Nita.
"Oh, mercy me, no! Better hike over the hills and hunt for more wild flowers to finish our collection for a coup!" cried Elena.
"I'll tell you what, girls! Let's stay right here and work on the new bead-loom and make a few bead-bands!" said Jane, watching Miss Miller suspiciously.
The Guide appeared to be most anxious at that and said, "How foolish to waste a perfect day about camp! Let's take the morning for the woods, and spend the afternoon in camp!"
At that, Jane felt sure she had stumbled over the Guide's secret but she kept it to herself, and eagerly abetted all effort to get the girls away from the Bluff as soon as could be.
During the walk that morning they found enough wild flowers to make their fifty varieties so that each could claim a coup. Jane determined to keep on and find fifty more to win a grand coup.
On the return walk, Miss Miller found some splendid rushes and the place was marked so that it could be quickly found again when they had more time to stop and cut the rushes.
"We ought to be able to make some lovely mats and baskets from them, don't you think so?" asked Nita, eagerly.
"Yes, indeed! But we have other work for to-day, and rushes will wait better here than at camp," replied the Guide, who appeared to be very anxious to get back to camp. She frequently consulted her watch and felt impatient when one of the girls wanted to stop and examine a plant or leaf.
"You're sure you all have your Tally Books up to date?" queried Miss Miller, as they drew near the Big Bridge.
"Sure! Didn't you ask us to bring them right up to yesterday's Council!" wondered Zan.
Jane almost laughed aloud at the puzzled expression of the other girls, but she held her peace like a martyr.
Just as they passed through Sherwoods' grass-plot Zan spied the carry-all from Hamilton's, standing in the road. Two heavy horses were hitched to it, but they were tied to a post while their noses were buried in feed-bags.
"Well, I'm daffy! If I can see what that rig is doing over here!" exclaimed Zan.
Miss Miller had hurried on up the slope but Jane exploded with pent-up mirth. Zan looked at her keenly for a second, then ran after the Guide. The other three girls followed, conscious of the subdued excitement in the air.
Arrived on the Bluff, the girls were dumbfounded to find a grand feast spread out on the rocks. Mrs. Sherwood was busy by the ice-chest placing some dish inside, but the rest of the birthday feast was waiting on the cloth: four had to be used to make a large enough place. About the outer edges of the linen were more than two dozen plates and silver for each.
The girls turned to question Miss Miller and found her laughing heartily at their surprise. Before anything further could be done, Zan caught sight of some familiar form in her tent. With a shout of "Daddy! Daddy!" she rushed madly over and found herself surrounded by her entire family.
They came out laughing at the faces of the other girls. In another moment, Jane's family appeared from behind a tent. That gave the cue to others, and soon, Elena's mother and Hilda's brother came over to join the others. The doctor explained that her mother could not leave a serious case she had but sent a letter instead for Hilda to enjoy.