Well take our suitcases and start up, Verny!
Mrs. Vernon readily agreed to this, so they started off and were soon out of sight. Once they had reached the old cabin, Julie said:
Lets get out of these city clothes and get into our scout camp-uniforms.
This met with general approval, and soon the girls were gleefully comparing notes about each others appearance. But this was interrupted when shouts and crackling of brush was heard. Then poor Hepsy was seen snorting and pulling to bring the loaded buckboard up to the plateau.
Gee! Thats some haul that grade! complained Jim, as he mopped his hot brow and stood looking back at the steep road.
And Hepsys so soft from no recent work! added Mrs. Vernon, as she reached his side. Jim was too easy with the horses for their own good, so she said what she did to let him know his sympathy was misplaced.
Hepsy began nibbling at the luscious grass that grew near her feet, and Mrs. Vernon laughingly added: Poor thing! She must be almost dead to be able to start right in and eat like that.
The luggage was taken to the hut and then Jim went back for a second load. The back seat of the buckboard had been removed so the camp outfit could be easily piled upon the floor of the vehicle. But it did not hold very much, hence it was necessary to make several trips.
When all was carted up to the campsite, Mrs. Vernon said: Now, Jim, remember to bring the oats once a week for Hepsy, and any other things I write for. See that all mail is forwarded to Freedom, where we can get it.
Jim promised to see that everything was done as requested, then he, too, left. When the last chugs from the automobile truck and the car died away, Mrs. Vernon turned to the girls.
Well, scouts, here we are for a whole summer of delights!
Hip, hip began Julie, and the others joined in.
Dont you think the hut has grown smaller since we were here last? asked Betty, wonderingly.
That is because you were picturing the place on a much grander scale after you got home than it actually is. It is your thought that has to dwindle again to take in the proportion of the hut as it is, replied the Captain, amused at Bettys experience.
I thought the very same thing, but I hated to say anything that sounded like criticism, admitted Joan.
Tell the truth, girls, I think that hut is tiny, but it looked big enough the other day, laughed Julie.
Then we must build ours larger than this, said Mrs. Vernon, turning to look over the stock of things needing shelter.
It looks like an awful heap of stuff, doesnt it? asked Ruth.
Yes, but we needed everything, so we had to bring them.
What shall we do first, Verny? asked Betty.
Better pitch the tent first of all, and arrange the cots, then we can work as long as we like, without worrying about having to make our beds.
The girls quickly unrolled the large canvas tent they had purchased, but when it came to erecting it, they found it a much more difficult task than they had anticipated. Jim and the gardener had helped pitch
it the first time, but now they were absent.
However, after many failures, the tent was up, albeit it looked wobbly and one-sided. The cots were next opened and placed under the canvas, and the lockers were dragged to their right places.
Wheres the crex rug Verny said we could bring for the ground inside the tent? called Julie, thrusting her head from the opening of the canvas. But she forgot Ruth had placed a pole directly in front of the entrance to hold up the flap temporarily.
Ouch! Who left that tree-trunk right in the way? cried Julie, as she bumped her head smartly.
Thats the porter standing at the door of our hotel! retorted Joan, laughing as she saw Julie scowling.
Well, wheres the crex rug, anyway? demanded Julie.
Come to think of it Jim threw it out when he unloaded the truck, and then he must have forgotten to pick it up again, said Mrs. Vernon.
Well have to use grass for carpet to-night, then, said Julie.
Unless you run down and drag it up, ventured Ruth.
Thats what we brought Hepsy for, girls. Wholl drive her down and bring back the rug? called Mrs. Vernon from the hut.
All four were anxious to drive and enjoy the fun, so Julie jumped on the front seat and the others sat dangling their feet from the back of the buckboard. The Captain stood smiling and watching as they went, thinking to herself, What a good time they will have in camp!
When the amateur truckman returned, Ruth called out: Guess what, Verny? We found the seat of the buckboard in the bushes, too. Wasnt it fortunate we went for the rug?
We might have hunted all over the camp for that seat when we want to go for a drive, and never have thought of it being left down there, added Julie.
When the girls ran over to see what next to do, they found the Captain eyeing a board about sixteen inches in length. She was calculating aloud and wondering if it would fit.
Fit where? What is it for? asked Joan.
Youll soon find out. Now you girls can unpack the hamper and get luncheon ready Im hungry, replied Mrs. Vernon.