points of which she had read in the periodical mentioned.
"In June, 1916, an unusual but tremendously significant fiftieth
anniversary of the chewing gum was ushered in--but not with laurels or
paeans of praise did this gummy little product celebrate. In fact, very
few of its enthusiastic masticators knew a thing of this birthday, until
it was mentioned in the papers.
"Just think of it! Fifty years of chewing on something that never
satisfies but always attracts more and more--like a nightmare where
money lies scattered everywhere but vanishes when an eager hand tries to
grasp it.
"We have had all kinds of trouble with Mexico in recent times, but
never, no matter what we do or what they do, can the public of the
United States ever properly reward Mexico for introducing the greatest
boon known to base-ball fans, movie fanatics, and commuters--to say
nothing of the miscellany and Woodcraft folks!
"It was on a certain occasion when General Santa Anna of Mexico was
calling on a friend at Snug Harbour, Staten Island, that Thomas Adams
also called upon the same friend. While the three talked the General
took a chunk of something resembling a solid bit of over-shoe from his
pocket and cut off a small piece. He placed it in his mouth and began
chewing. Then he offered some to his companions.
"Mr. Adams looked it over dubiously and said: 'Will you please tell me
where you found it?'
"Then the General explained that it was the gum of the zapote tree,
better known as 'chicle.' Mr. Adams was a brave man, so he experimented.
As he chewed he evolved a brilliant idea and he asked the General for a
goodly sized piece of the gum. He took it home to see if it could not be
vulcanized for a patented rubber to be used as a basis of artificial
teeth.
"But the tests proved hopeless for false teeth, as the chicle was too
conscientious to lend itself to any falsity, knowing well that it was
meant for a far greater blessing than to hold porcelain molars in place.
It felt in its soul that it could entertain a great and mighty nation in
its elasticity _between_ the jaws but never to become a part of a jaw.
"So in a huff, the chemist who was experimenting for Mr. Adams got up
and snapped out: 'The stuff isn't worth a darn for anything but just
chewing!'
"Now Mr. Adams was a right clever Yankee so he suddenly felt inspired to
try out this curse on the gullible American public, for he felt much as
Barnum did, when he made his speech which will go down in history.
"So he and his son raised a capital of thirty-five dollars and began the
manufacture of the greatest sorrow-quencher, intensest joy-maker, most
fascinating jaw-acher, and effervescing hunger-stabiliser the world ever
knew.
"In those pioneer days of chicle, there was no flavouring to lend
enchantment to the gum, and it was chewing for the sake of chewing.
However, once the children found out what a source of annoyance this
chewing gum proved to be to teachers, guardians, and parents, its
success was assured, for let the juvenile American public decide
favourably upon a thing and other verdicts can condemn in vain. Later,
when all protests were futile, the elders had to take to chewing in
sheer self-defence.
"To such vast proportions has this habit grown that at the present day
the energy used in chewing gum is sufficient to propel a ferry-boat from
New York Harbour to Hong Kong, China. In electrical terms a current
powerful enough to lift 43,305,505 tons 34,000 miles per minutes per
second per kilowatt hour.
"But to offset these stupendous figures in this loss of jaw-power one
must stop to think of the good chicle has brought to the American
public.
"It has been the means of having all cars and other transportation
service hang signs in conspicuous places warning the passengers to
conform to the City Health Laws--hence the floors of public places have
been neater and cleaner than ever before.
"It has been the means of furnishing suitable slot-machines at every
corner, in every popular store, and at every post in railway stations of
every description. These boxes must needs attract the people for the
gum, so they were equipped with mirror fronts to enable the ever-neat
but not gaudy passengers to see that their hats were on straight, that
tips of noses were properly powdered, that neckties were tied in the
latest knot, or that Kaiser moustaches were twisted up at the correct
angle--free from any thoughts of vanity, of course. While viewing these
important details of toilettes folks naturally read the signs assuring
them of the life-giving, harmony-creating, beauty-producing chicle.
"Now friends, the answer is: Drop one cent in the slot, take the minute
package that shoots out into the pan, start chewing on the fragrant
chicle, and sit in a subway car opposite other masticating engines, and
you will see other hapless passengers run from the car at the next
station and secure a similar package to that your cent brought forth.
Such is the power of suggestion on a subway. The vaccination always
takes!"
As Zan read, the audience had tittered, but when she concluded and sat
down the younger contingent laughed outright and "How'ed!" Then Miss
Miller stood up.
"O Chief, I am not sure whether that essay deserves a _coup_ or a Chump
Mark."
Mr. Remington then jumped up. "It sounded as if our esteemed Chief was
hired by the chicle company as a salesman or demonstrator of their
products!"
"O Chief!" added Mrs. Remington. "I vote that the writer be awarded an
honour as it is interesting and instructive to learn how great and
universal has the pernicious habit of gum-chewing grown in this
thoughtless age. Perhaps a few more notices like this will rouse the
people to consider the final results of indulging in weakening and
disgusting habits like continual chewing."
"I'll consider the last speaker's sensible remark," said Mr. Remington,
rising from the log seat. "But I need to retire to weigh the case
impartially."
"You're not going away, are you?" cried Billy, as his father walked from
the circle.
"It's long past bed-time and Baby is nodding," explained Mrs. Remington.
The Guide looked at her wrist watch and then exclaimed: "Goodness me! It
is past eleven o'clock'."
"The parting song and then we say good-night," said Zan, and the
Woodcrafters all stood to join in the Indian hymn.
The next morning found the indoor campers as eager for fun as youngsters
ever are, and seeing that the weather was still threatening rain but was
not actually fulfilling its threat, made the Band declare for some
out-door sport without delay.
While the breakfast dishes were being washed and the room put in order,
voices were heard on the way from the garage. In a few minutes, the
Baker boys, and Jack, with the Remington boys, peeped in at the double
doors.
"Hello there! Fred Remington invited us over for a hike. Didn't think
you girls would be here, as you were sure of going to Orange Mountain,"
said Fiji.
"Pooh, I know _you_, Fiji Baker! You never thought of a hike until you
heard from Dad that _we_ were here. I bet anything you called up Fred
Remington first and asked him to invite you over!" declared Zan, nodding
wisely.
"Well, I don't know that it matters much who is right--but it remains a
fact that now we're here we may as well entertain you girls," said Jack
Hubert.
Instantly every girl was up in arms and what might have transpired is
not known, for the ever watchful Guide comprehended, and said joyfully:
"Oh how fine! Then you boys will show us how to play 'Hunt the Deer' or
'Bear Hunting.'"
"I'll run to the house for the bear and spears. Meantime, you can warm
up by having some races," said Fred Remington.
Fred whispered to Fiji and ran away, and immediately afterward the boys
led the way to the back-road that ran to the pasture. Here they had
running races, jumping and throwing contests, and many other tests
between the girls and boys, until Fred returned with a noticeably new
burlap bear, and wooden spears.
The rest of the forenoon was enjoyed by having exciting Woodcraft games
of hunting and spearing--both games that tested the surety of the arm
and eye.
The sun came through heavy clouds during the afternoon and the girls
enjoyed a hike through the woods and fields. Many an item was found that
day to add to the collection of flowers and trees and birds for the new
members' lists.
Late Sunday evening, as all were ready to depart from the Council House,
it was agreed that never had an indoor camp been so appreciated as this
one by the girls of Wako Tribe.
CHAPTER TEN--IN FALLING LEAF MOON
That week a Council was held to decide upon the merits of the new
members. As each was called upon to answer various questions, the
replies were perfectly satisfactory until it came Eleanor's turn. The
report on her month of probation was not very encouraging to the five
founders of the Tribe.
"What's the matter, Eleanor--you've had the same time and privileges as
the others?" asked Zan, impatiently.
"Oh, I don't know as I care to join this crowd. It is always some silly
deference to you as Chief. If Miss Miller was the one we had to ask
permission of before we could speak to the others I wouldn't mind,
'cause she is older and is a teacher, too. But I refuse to kow-tow to
you!" retorted Eleanor.
"Humph! Guess you got out of bed with your left foot foremost, this
morning," complained Jane.
"If she don't want to conform to our Tribe laws she can do the other
thing! I have no intention of harbouring mutiny in the circle," added
Zan, angrily.
"No one asked you to! If the other snobbish girls want to be walked over
just because your father has a car in which they can take a ride now and
then, it's none of my affair. _I_ for one will not act the hypocrite for
the sake of an automobile drive!" snapped Eleanor.
"Hypocrite! Good gracious! You're the biggest----"
What it was was not heard, for Miss Miller entered and, frowning,
remarked: "Ladies! Ladies! are we Woodcrafters or are we irresponsible
tramps with no education or refinement!"
Everyone flushed and looked uncomfortable but Eleanor shrugged her
shoulders and walked out without a word to anyone.
"Let her go--I only hope it's for good!" grumbled Zan.
"I am sorry this incident has occurred just now as I brought with me a
letter addressed to the Tribe to be read at this meeting," said the
Guide.
Not a sound was heard and the teacher continued:
"The other school girls have heard of the good times and Nature studies
you are having and many of them wish to join you. Of course there can be
but ten more girls added to this Tribe but many of those not selected
can start another Tribe.
"It seems that Eleanor Wilson has been talking of leaving this Band and
the girls told her how foolish she was when it was going to do her so
much good. But that is just what made the girl still more obstinate. Now
matters have come to a crisis here, for this scene means Eleanor must
stay or go--which shall it be? I know certain unpleasant incidents in
connection with Eleanor's behaviour that would prejudice me against her
did I not know that the girl is in dire need of the training Woodcraft
can give her. What say you?"
Put up to the girls in this way caused each one to think seriously and
refrain from condemnation. Then the Chief said: "We were speaking of
these things with Mrs. Remington the other day, and she advised us to go
slow and not act in a way that we might regret later."
"Miss Miller, maybe if we each took this case as a personal matter and
judged Eleanor as if she was our own sister, we might feel more lenient
and patient with her short-comings," said May Randall.
Miss Miller was pleasantly surprised to hear a new member express such
sentiments, and she nodded approvingly. "I am glad to hear this--shall
we vote to give Eleanor another trial?"
"O Chief! Let me say a word before any girl votes on a matter that they
may not feel quite satisfied with but will do as the others wish them to
do," said Nita, jumping up and flushing.
"Proceed."
"If the new members knew of the trouble at Wickeecheokee this past
Summer and what a change has been wrought in me! Some of you knew me
before this Summer and some did not. But let me say, that this case of
Eleanor Wilson's seems much the same in a different dress, and if I have
seen the truth and been helped to a different plane of life cannot
Eleanor do the same? She needs us."
Nita's earnest voice finished speaking and the girls realised she had
been pleading for the future of a girl's life. The Guide found it
necessary to turn away her face to pretend to look for a paper in her
desk--in reality to dry the sudden moisture in her eyes caused by Nita's
heartfelt words.
"O Chief! I make a motion that Eleanor be given a patient trial just as
we would do if a girl was sick," said Elena.
The motion was seconded by Zan, and carried unanimously.
"Now girls, let us write a letter to the new applicants and let them
know that they may look forward to joining a second Band in November,
and then we will send a short note to Eleanor to tell her how sorry we
were that she did not remain to vote with us," said Zan.
As impulsive Zan, proud Jane, superficial Nita, and indolent Elena of
last Summer's experiences showed such wonderful improvement for better
and nobler things, Miss Miller felt that the efforts and time spent
about "Her Father's Business" were beginning to bear fruit abundantly.
That week the Band met two evenings for social and Tribal affairs. The
first meeting was held at Zan's house and the second one at Jane
Hubert's. Both of these places offered ample space for the Indian songs
and dances enjoyed by Woodcrafters, so they were usually selected in
preference to the small rooms of modern apartment houses such as the
ones where Elena, Hilda, and some of the new members lived. At Dr.
Baker's house, the girls were discussing the limited music given by the
tomtom. As the complaints were finished Miss Miller addressed the girls.
"I find some of our sweetest songs need a greater depth of harmony than
is possible to bring out of hide, so I will suggest a simple instrument
that was much in vogue in ancient days. To-day we hear little of it. Who
present can play on glass?"
No one could and several voices expressed amazement.
"Zan, can you bring me eight thin glass finger bowls? If you haven't
them, just tumblers will do, but the bowls offer a better surface. I
will also want a jug of water and your moist colours," said Miss Miller.
Zan brought the required articles and Miss Miller placed the eight bowls
in a row on the table. Then she placed a dab of water-colour in each of
seven bowls, leaving one natural water. Next she poured water into the
bowls--different quantities for the different notes. The first bowl was
almost full of water and that had no colour in it. The second bowl had
not as much water and was coloured red. The third bowl held still less
water which was blue. The fourth with still less water was coloured
yellow. The fifth was green and that was half full. The sixth was less
than half full and was tinged purple. The seventh held a quarter of a
bowl full and was orange. The eighth and last held but little water and
was tinted black. The colours were stirred from the bottom so that all
the paint was well dissolved.
"Now girls, the bowl holding the clear water, having more in it than the
others, will give us the highest note, and so on down the scale until we
reach the lowest note which holds least water in the bowl.
"By placing the highest note and fullest bowl at my right hand and so on
until the lowest note is at my extreme left, I can play the scale just
as if I was playing on a piano."
Miss Miller carefully moistened her fingers in the water and also
moistened the edges of the bowls.
"Now listen and tell me what I am playing?" said she.
The Guide lightly passed her moist fingertips around the rim of the
right-hand bowl and produced a clear sweet tone.
"G!" called the girls as she looked for their reply.
"Now these?"
Again she passed her fingers over the rims of the glasses and played the
scale. As she brought out the notes the girls gathered about the table
and listened with surprised interest.
"Now I will play my favourite patriotic song, 'Our America,' and after I
have played it through you girls might sing it."
[Illustration: _OUR AMERICA_]
1
America, America, thou gavest birth
To light that lighteth all the earth.
God keep it pure!
We love that onward leading light;
We will defend it with our might,
It shall endure!
2
America, America, our love of thee
Is free-men's love of Liberty,
The Spirit blest,
Which holds high happiness in store,
When Right shall reign from shore to shore.
From East to West.
3
America, America, thy seer-graved seal
Foretells the perfect Commonweal
Of God-made men;
Its eagle with unwearied wings
Is symbol of the thought-seen things
Of prophet's ken.
4
America, America, on-pressing van
Of all the hopes of waking man,
We love thy flag!--Thy stately flag of steadfast
stars,
And white, close held to heart-red bars,
Which none shall drag!
5
America, America, in thee is found
Manasseh's tribe, to Ephraim bound
By Israel's vow,
Whose destiny is heaven-sealed;
Far spreading vine in fruitful field
God's planting, thou!
6
America, America, faith-shadowed land,
Truth dwells in Thee, and Truth shall stand
To guard thy gate.
Thy planted seed of potent good
Shall grow to world-wide brotherhood,
Man's true estate.
7
America, America, the God of love
Whose name is ev'ry name above
Is thy defence.
'Tis thou must lead the longing world
From phantom fears to Love's unfurled
Omnipotence.
The music was played through and then the Guide began the song again,
expecting the girls to sing, but they were so intensely interested in
watching her deft fingers touch the rims of the bowls that they quite
forgot to sing. As Miss Miller concluded the song the second time, she
looked around and laughed:
"That was the softest singing I ever thought possible!"
The girls laughed, too, and Zan said: "Try us again--maybe we can voice
more sound."
Then the song was played and sung through and Mrs. Baker came in to
listen, saying: "It sounded so sweet that I wanted to hear it at closer
range."
"I think the idea is charming, but of course there is nothing like the
tomtom for an Indian scalp dance or Hopi Indian song," said Miss Miller.
She then played several old ballads, the girls humming the chorus of
each as she played it.
"Girls, let's have Miss Miller play that Morning Prayer that was written
for us by request. We all know the words and with this sweet music it
ought to sound lovely!" exclaimed Zan.
Then the manuscript sheet of music sent the Band by a friend was
produced and the Guide played it. At the second playing the girls all
sang in low sweet voices and who can say that the genuine desire
expressed in the words of the simple verses was not as acceptable to the
Great Spirit as any scholastic prayer ever uttered by famous
theologians.
"If Miss Miller will agree, we can practise this glass music at odd
moments during the week and any member excelling in the performance on
Saturday will have a prize--same as May's chest," ventured Jane. "Yes,
unless we have a camp this week-end. If we do we can award the prize
some evening next week," assented Zan.
"You girls can all try but I have too many other things to do this week.
Besides, I wouldn't bother to work for such nonsensical prizes as the
kind you gave May," said Eleanor, aggravatingly.
Zan flared up but a look from the Guide calmed her again.
"By the way, Eleanor, did you ever complete your Woodcraft test of
carpentry?" now asked Miss Miller, meaningly.
"Why, no--I thought I would leave the Band so I did not bother to waste
my time."
"Well, as long as you remained with us, I would advise you to finish it
without more delay so we can credit up your Tally."
Eleanor said nothing but she sulked all evening, and when the girls were
ready to leave, Miss Miller said: "I am walking down your way, Eleanor,
and I will be glad to have company part of the way."
The girl would much rather not have had the Guide walk home with her for
the memory of her confession at Staten Island Camp was never forgotten
although she had tried to bury it many a time. So she was not in a very
friendly mood when the two were alone and walking down the quiet street.
"I made this opportunity on purpose, Eleanor, and I trust you will
remember why?" said Miss Miller.
"I haven't the slightest idea of what you mean, but if you walked this
way just to be with me why should you prevaricate before the whole
crowd?"
"I hardly think I did that! I always try to speak the truth--in thought
as well as in deed. But in this instance I felt sure you would prefer to
have me word my invitation as I did rather than speak bluntly of my
purpose. I believe in using the 'wisdom of the serpent' when one can be
absolutely true to one's self."
"Huh! 'And gentleness of the dove,' why don't you add?" sneered Eleanor,
unkindly.
"I didn't think it necessary to add that with you, as you should be
aware of my gentleness in handling this delicate situation. As long as
you fail to appreciate my good intentions it may be that you will
understand bluntness better."
Miss Miller waited but Eleanor made no reply, so she added:
"When do you intend telling May and the others about the theft?"
"How dare you say that to me!" cried Eleanor, trying to be furiously
insulted.
"Because I dare to stand for the truth. I have waited many days now, and
offered you many good opportunities to admit your deed, but you seem
farther from doing the right thing than ever. Do you know that the
hiding of any wrong thing is a hindrance in itself to one's progress?"
"I shall turn in this side street unless you mind your own business!"
flared Eleanor, looking down the uninviting dark road. "You may do that
but you cannot run away from your own self-condemnation and conscience.
And I know from the signs that you have shown, that the trouble is
preying upon your mind and making of you a most petulant, disagreeable
being. Rid yourself of the error and see the uplifting you will feel at
once."
Whether it was the yearning in Miss Miller's voice or the answer to her
earnest silent prayer for guidance, it matters not, for both were sweet
to the Father's ear, and Eleanor again felt the surging desire to reform
and build up a different character for herself.
Quite unexpectedly, she turned and threw her arms about the Guide's neck
and wept forth: "Oh, if I could only see the girls this very
minute--here in the dark--I would be so happy to confess."
"Eleanor, do you really mean that?" asked Miss Miller, her voice
quivering with hope and joy.
"Um-um, Ooh, ye-e-es! But to-morrow I will be hard again!"
"No you won't, dear child, for the Spirit will stay with you to soften
the human will! Now let us stop in at the gym and you shall write a
letter to the Band that will answer just the same as if you spoke in the
dark, for you need not see them when they read the words and cry
gratefully over your courage and repentance."
"Cry--don't you think they will fire me out of the Band?" asked Eleanor,
incredulously.
"No, my dear, for they know that this from you means a far greater work
of redemption than if a good little girl who never had any erroneous
temptations always smiled and walked obediently in the pathway all
prepared for her feet!"
"Oh, Miss Miller, you make everything so good and easy for a sinner to
repent!"
And they stopped at the school-gymnasium for which the teacher carried a
key. And here not only was a note penned, but many an admonition was
given the girl that helped her over dark and rocky places in after life.
Suffice it to say here, that the letter caused great consternation when
read by the Guide to the girls the next afternoon, but she advised them
wisely and gently, so that Zan's fury and May's resentment soon
disappeared and left in its place the wish to help Eleanor in her
struggle to win out in the battle between her better self and the evil
counterfeit.
Eleanor failed to appear at any of the meetings that week although she
sent in a piece of carpentry made for her test that elicited the
admiration of the other girls. Also she sent in a Tally Book she made
for her own use, and this, too, caused Elena, the artist, to exclaim,
for it was as pretty as her own--and that was said to be the most
artistic one in the Band.