Instantly the girls began a loud hurrah, but the folding chair suddenly shut up, with Julie frantically trying to balance herself. Before a second hurrah could have been given, Julie was sprawling across the camp table right on top of the hats, pans and what-not that had been accumulated to take to camp. Such a clatter of tins and wild screams of laughter that filled that tent!
Finally Julie emerged from the wreckage and stood up, tentatively feeling of her bones and head and body. Am I all in one piece, girls? she asked, trying to appear anxious.
You are, but my hat isnt! retorted Joan, holding up a crushed straw sailor with the brim severed from the crown.
Ill have to work and buy you another, said Julie.
Please dont! I despise sailors and had to wear this one because mother said I would need no new summer hat if I was in camp, hastily explained Joan.
Come, girls, we must indite that letter to Ruths mother now. Sit down quietly and suggest something fine, interpolated Mrs. Vernon.
So the letter was composed and given to Ruth to deliver, then the last plans for leaving home were perfected, and the Patrol separated for the day.
Saturday found the girls again at Vernons place, eager to hear what day they were to start for camp. Everything that they had on their lists had been provided, and now the only thing to do was to say good-by and leave. This the girls felt could not be accomplished any too soon for their peace and comfort.
Why, Verny, if we dont get away in a day or so, those seven girls who are possessed to join us will steal us and hold us as hostages until you agree to take them in our Troop, said Julie.
Patience! Theyll have to wait now, and learn the lesson you girls have finished before they can join this Patrol. Why, I wonder if you realize how high you have climbed on the rungs of the ladder of Scout Ideals during these past few weeks? said Mrs. Vernon.
I cant see any change, said Joan.
What! dont you think your friends here have improved any whatsoever since we decided to begin a Troop?
Oh the girls have a little, but I havent!
You have, too, but you dont see it yet. Wait.
All the same, Verny, tell us when we can start? begged Julie.
Well, Mr. Vernon sails for his European trip on Monday, so I see nothing to keep us home after that. Can you all be ready to go on Tuesday morning?
You know we can why ask? laughed Julie.
Maybe youd prefer us to start Monday afternoon after you come home from the steamer, suggested Ruth.
Mrs. Vernon laughed. Hardly as soon as that.
When Tuesday arrived, however, the girls found many little things to delay them, so it was past nine oclock before they met at the old headquarters, but the tent had disappeared.
Here we are, Verny, bag and baggage! shouted Julie, as they tramped up the side-steps of the porch.
And some of our folks are coming over in a few minutes to see us off. I suspect they have various advices to whisper to you, as well as leave with us some forgotten parting words, said Joan.
Elizas going to give us a parting pie, added Betty, so innocently that every one laughed.
Well, the visitor that we invited to camp with us for the summer is hitched up and waiting to start, Mrs. Vernon informed the girls, as she pointed towards the barns, where a horse was seen going down the back road.
Why, Hepsys hooked up to a buckboard? What for? asked Ruth.
We wont need it this summer, so Uncle Verny suggested that Hepsy take it along for us to use if we had
to go to the stores at Freedom, or should we want to go away on a picnic.
Say thats a great idea! I never thought of it, said Julie.
Which proves that you have no monopoly on great ideas, retorted Joan.
Then the automobile drove up to the steps and was soon followed by a heavy rumbling auto-truck that was used for heavy cartage at Mr. Vernons factory. He had sent it down for the newly-fledged Scout Troop to make use of to carry tents, boxes and what not to Vernys Mountain.
The advance line of family members now came straggling up the road to watch their girls depart. Before the truck started, the other friends arrived, so there was quite a crowd to wish them good-by and good-luck as they climbed into the car and wildly waved hats and hands.
The ride seemed very short that morning, for so much had to be talked over, and the village of Freedom was reached before they could realize it. Then began the ascent up the woodroad to the plateau. Here the car halted, and the chauffeur assisted the driver of the truck in transferring the boxes and baggage to the buckboard Hepsy had brought thus far.
Well have to stable Hepsy somewhere, girls, suggested Julie, as she stood and watched the men work.
Yes, we ought to make that our first concern, for Hepsy may not appreciate outdoor life as we do especially if it rains.
Well build her a hut, promised Ruth, eagerly.
And let her sit out under a tree for the four weeks it will take us to erect it? laughed Joan.
The girls were too eager to reach their campsite to wait any longer for the men to complete the baggage transfer, so they informed the Captain: