Otherwise the floor will soon be mouldy and damp."
So that afternoon, the girls dug and shovelled and worked on a pit about
a foot and a half deep and as large as the floor was planned to be. The
four logs forming the foundation square were well set before the horn
sounded for rest that night.
"Didn't the time fly?" asked May, in surprise.
"It always does when one is pleasantly employed," added Mrs. Hubert,
complimenting the Tribe on the work accomplished.
The next day the cross-beams of the floor were laid, and the four corner
posts erected and firmly nailed into place. At the luncheon that noon,
plans were made for the siding and roofing the cabin. That afternoon,
the ridgepole and rafters of the roof were set and the uprights of the
walls nailed in securely. When Mrs. Hubert blew the horn for "Quits" the
girls looked longingly at the skeleton of their cabin.
"I'd like to tack a few sheets of tar paper on the outside before
stopping work," ventured Elena.
"Not if you are a member of this union. The rest of us will strike if
you are permitted to work over-time," retorted the Guide, to the
amusement of Tim who thought the "Boss" a wonder.
The next day the paper roofing and siding was nailed on and then the
girls began the interesting work of fitting on the great slabs of bark.
This had to be carefully done as any rough handling or nailing cracked
the sections.
By evening the cabin was covered and looked very rustic with its forest
blanket on sides and roof. But Tim said the wide chinks between sheets
of bark must be filled in, and this must be done with plaster.
"Where can we find any?" wondered Zan.
"I'll show you in the morning," replied Miss Miller.
So in the morning they went down to the shore and the Guide dug a pit
where clay was found at a depth of ten inches. This was worked well with
water until it was the proper consistency and then pailfuls of the
mortar were carried to the cabin. The Brownies acted as hod-carriers
while the girls did the mason work. Now and then a Brownie was allowed
to fill in chinks near the ground and rub it down between the bark.
This work was great fun and was finished by noon. Then the question of
windows and door came up.
"I have two sashes in the garage left over from the addition built to
the house last year," suggested Tim.
"Then we will have to make real frames?" asked Jane.
"No'm! They slides along grooves and is easier to shet when a shower
comes up. If you had pulleys and fittin's like city houses they'd always
be ketchin' and out of order," said Tim.
So the donation of two nice windows was gratefully accepted and the
extra time saved was given to the door. This was a difficult thing to
make as real hinges and a catch had to be fitted. Before the saddle and
strike were done, the girls felt that doors were indeed an invention of
the evil one to make folks want to swear. Fingers were bruised, and
heads bumped as each girl declared _she_ could do it--it was so easy!
But the door was finally hung--with Tim's help--and then the cabin was
ready for furniture. The Brownies had carried in all the packing cases
saved from the freight, and Mrs. Hubert had a remnant of pantasote in
the loft of the house, left from the covering of her window seats.
While the Brownies made and painted totems and crude decorations, the
girls made and upholstered box-furniture, and in a week's time, the
cabin was ready for company. The visitors in this case consisted of Mrs.
Hubert and Tim's wife.
"This cabin beats the one we made on the farm all to smithereens!"
exulted Zan, admiring the inside and then stepping out to compliment the
Little Lodge on the floral decorations and Woodcraft tokens they had
made.
"We can keep all our Woodcraft stuff in here and when one of us wants to
be alone she can sit in here and read or snooze," added Jane.
"I'll put the box of books in here and you girls can help yourselves,"
said Eleanor, generously.
"How about it--did they come?" asked Zan, curiously.
"Tim said the box was at the station and he is going to bring it in the
morning," replied Eleanor.
Miss Miller was right on the spot when the box was taken from the
automobile and Eleanor brought the hammer and driver to pry off the top
boards. As expected, the Guide found trashy paper novels inside and a
note from Eleanor's mother. This the girl read aloud.
"Dear Ella:
As you are camping where rain and dirt will spoil a good book I
bought a lot from a 10-cent store and from a second-hand shop
downtown. It won't hurt if these do get wet, so don't worry over
them. I tried to buy your favourite authors--Lila Jane Lilly is
one, isn't she? And the Dutchie another. If the other girls want
to read them, be generous and let them,"
---- Lovingly, _Mother._"
"Humph! I should say a thorough soaking of rain would improve these
books vastly," remarked the Guide as she gingerly turned the pages of
the first few removed from the box. "In fact, if we could soak them back
to pulp again and forever wash away the effects of the text, what a
benefaction the world would have!"
"Are you jesting, Miss Miller?" wondered Eleanor.
"Jesting! At such criminal thoughts as these stories implant in the
minds of adolescent girls and boys? Why, the woman who made such a
fortune out of gullible young things ought to be condemned to
purgatory--only we know there isn't such a place!" fumed the Guide,
righteously indignant.
"I've read most of her books and I never saw anything bad. They were
grand--and full of wonderful romance!" defended Eleanor.
"If the 'bad' was exposed your mother wouldn't have had you read them,
and your appetite would have been improved. But so subtle is the
viciousness of such stuff that you now don't want to read a sweet
wholesome story like 'Pollyanna' or similar girls' books. Do you suppose
a mortal with a craving for liquor or tobacco is satisfied with cold
water or home-made bread? So it is with a perverted appetite for sex
stories and thrills--you won't content yourself with uplifting
literature but demand more and more of the degrading kind!"
"But these books are not sex stuff!" cried Eleanor.
"Just as bad. And their influence is the same as that created by drink
or dope."
As the Guide spoke she looked through the remainder of the collection
and sighed as she thought of the density of some parents. "Saving a few
pence for fine clothing, and economising on reading for their children!
Clothing the exterior with 'fine feathers,' and feeding the mind with
swill! Considering money wasted on good reasonably priced books and
squandering wholesale, the spiritual, moral, mental and physical fibre
of their children! Never sparing a thought as to the ultimate effects of
trashy books and ignoring the outcome of deteriorating sensations in the
young because they are so anxious to add to a savings account for the
future! Just as long as the book--white or yellow--(mattered not) kept
the reader occupied and quiet for a time, that the mother might finish
the extra frill on the schooldress or party costume."
As Miss Miller concluded her excited vituperation on the prevalent
disease of contagious novels, Eleanor was too angry to reply. Finally,
however, she managed to say:
"If you had any decent story at camp I wouldn't have sent for any books.
But I hunted that first night and couldn't see a single magazine or
book."
"If you had sought in the house you would have found a great bookcase
full!" retorted Jane, angry at implied oversight.
"We-el, yes, I saw them afterward. While I was waiting for my box to
come, I read a few," admitted Eleanor.
"Well, what was it--did you like 'em?" asked Zan.
"Oh, I found one called 'The Right Princess' and another by the same
author 'The Opened Shutters,' that were pretty good for kid stories,"
said Eleanor, as if in apology.
"Kid story! Well, there are more grown-ups and parents enjoy those kind
of books than kids, let me tell you!" said Jane.
"And you will find many more such books in that case, too, Eleanor,"
added Mrs. Hubert.
"Yes, I noticed them. I thought I would start and read them if these
didn't get here soon. I did begin one last night!" confessed Eleanor.
"I wish you would read them instead of these and permit me to return
these at once. I cannot have them in camp at all!" said Miss Miller.
It spoke well for Eleanor's salvation and improvement that she agreed
willingly to send back the books. But she hesitated to admit that she
had found many books in the Hubert's bookcase far more interesting than
the paper-covered novels she had feasted upon hitherto.
The daily and hourly effect of associating with the right kind of girls,
and hearing good and constructive ideas, were making an impression on
this character so like many girls who are not aware of their
short-comings. And the change was being remarked by those about her.
Miss Miller was too wise a Guide to draw attention to the efforts of the
girl to be obliging and truthful like those about her, but she was
careful to encourage and help Eleanor in every way she could.
As is fully told in the book written for the Little Woodcrafters, the
girls spent July and August in happy Woodcraft ways, and by the end of
August not only were results apparent in objects made, but the
cheerfulness and health of the Tribe proved how contented and enjoyable
had been the weeks at Woodchuck Camp.
Then came a letter from the Doctor saying that the men of the families
planned to drive the cars to the mountains and spend Labour Day with the
Tribe. Mrs. Baker and her camp of boys expected to come in the doctor's
car.
"Miss Miller, we want a Grand Council if they are all coming here. Why
not invite other friends?" said Zan.
"The ride is too expensive by train, and few have cars, you must
remember," said the Guide.
"Well, then, let's get up some new dances or games, anyway," suggested
Nita.
"Humph! That isn't the same as having company!" grumbled Zan. But the
spirit of entertaining replaced any feeling of complaint, and the girls
were soon at work devising ways and means for a Woodcraft programme.
That evening Miss Miller took Zan and Nita aside and had a confidential
talk with them. From the expression of their faces the secret was most
pleasing, and during the mornings and evenings preceding Labour Day, the
two girls were up in Huberts' loft working on the secret plan. Miss
Miller, too, was seen only at intervals, and it was found that a farmer
from the village ten miles down the mountain-side had brought several
young turkeys with the feathers still on. Then Billy found the feathers
gone and the birds cooked for sandwiches, but where were those feathers?
The afternoon before the arrival of the visitors, when the Tribe had
been called together to pronounce judgment on a new dance, Miss Miller
began playing a mandolin. As the waltz sounded two figures came from the
cabin. They represented Mr. and Mrs. Eagle. It was Zan and Nita dressed
in the Eagle Dancer's Dress ready to do the Eagle Dance.
The head-dress and edges of the dresses were bordered with the missing
turkey feathers, and an edging of down as well as feathers wherever they
could be artistically placed, made the two costumes most striking and
gorgeous.
Then began the dance. The two eagles circled about each other in a
fluttering courtship. Mr. Eagle summoned courage enough to advance while
Mrs. Eagle coyly retreated, and back and forth both danced and circled
until finally Mrs. Eagle bashfully consented to accept the gallant's
attentions. Then he flew over to her side and as she turned to flee once
more, Mr. Eagle enfolded her in his wings and they danced away with
heads together.
The entire dance was very well done, and the admiring audience applauded
loudly for an encore, but Miss Miller said:
"No, I just wanted to see what you thought of it before it was danced
to-morrow. The Eagle Dance, done by the Zuni or Hopi Indian men, is much
more energetic but Nita makes a very good gallant, I think, and Zan a
demure and willing lady-love."
"Indeed they do, and what is more, I want to get a picture of the
costume. Zan, will you pose by that tree while I snap you?" said Mrs.
Remington.
"And let me add: Nita and Zan can claim a coup for that dancing
costume," said the Guide.
The Little Lodge had become so imbued with the ambitions of the Big
Lodge, that they, too, worked hard to present their claims for
admiration. Tally Books were pasted up, bugs and butterflies, moths and
grasses, birds' nests and leaves, twigs, rush and reed specimens were
arranged on a rustic table for exhibition. This kept the children busy
and out of the way of the girls who bustled about preparing camp for the
Grand Council.
That week-end was perfect and word reached the village hotel Saturday
morning that a number of autos filled with guests would need
accommodations over Sunday and Labour Day. The unusual news speedily
circulated and when the Doctor's party rode through the sleepy little
place every villager was out and curiously watching the sight. All those
city folks at the hotel at the same time! What would poor Mr. Haskins
do--and his wife laid up with asthma so's you could hear her wheeze away
down the lane!
Leaving the luggage at the "hotel," the visitors continued to the camp
ten miles further on. Here they met a noisy welcome, and soon were
seated under the pines telling the story of their trip.
"Now then," concluded the doctor, "if this Tribe doesn't appreciate our
sacrifices to enable us to assist at this Council, I shall forever after
wash my hands of them."
"If you haven't any vessel larger than the tin basin in our hotel
bed-room, your hands will not be washed very well!" laughed Mrs. Baker.
Everyone laughed, too, for most of the campers knew of the hotel which
was no more than an elongated farm-house with a lean-to added at one end
for a "ristrant." This addition was politely called "The Annex."
"It's a wonder Mr. Haskins found beds for you all!" added Mrs. Hubert,
chuckling at reminiscences.
"He didn't!" retorted Fiji. "He dragged some husk-mattresses into the
low attic above the 'guest rooms' and told us boys we had to sleep
there. I have to wash at the pump 'cause he hasn't enough basins to go
round!"
"There's the lake--don't draw on the limited supply of rain-water from
the pump!" laughed Mrs. Remington.
In spite of quarters and accommodations at the "hotel," however, the
visiting party declared they had never had a better time than this
Labour Day Council Meeting.
The lake offered many exciting sports, swimming and fishing not the
least of them. The hiking, Councils, games, and other diversions of
camp-life filled every moment till the early morning after Labour Day
when everyone had to rush madly about to pick up articles over-looked in
the hasty packing of baggage, for the girls and Miss Miller were to ride
back in the cars with the visitors.
When they were gone, and the Brownies went to say good-bye to the lake
and camp-grounds, Mrs. Hubert turned to Mrs. Remington and said:
"Well, I guess they had a good time at this camp?"
"They certainly did--a glorious Summer and filled with good work,"
replied Mrs. Remington.
"When I think of Paul over-coming his whining ways, your little Teddy
more considerate of his little friends, Tammy losing his dependence on
others, Betty not half so shy, Billy and Edith eager to help others
instead of enjoying themselves, I say, God bless the Brownies," sighed
Mrs. Hubert, gratefully.
"But you've said not a word about the Big Lodge! How about Eleanor
Wilbur? Did you ever see such wonderful improvement in anyone? And our
boys, too. Mrs. Baker certainly deserves unlimited thanks for the way
they show camp training. Then there are those new members, and our five
old ones--perhaps you and I show the general uplift the others do, too!"
said Mrs. Remington, smilingly.
"I may not show it but I feel it," responded Mrs. Hubert.
"Who can help being 'born again' with the simple life in grand old
forests near a lake of pure water? Nature is the Wonder Worker in
selfish, morbid, erroneous characters, and the marvel grows as each one
rises higher and reaches out for God unconsciously until he arrives at a
resting-place. Then the mist disappears and he catches a glimpse of the
glories of the wide horizon's promised Heaven."
At the last words, the key clicked in the front door and the two ladies
turned to join the rest of the party who were following Tim toward the
large touring-car waiting at the end of the woodland path.
THE END
----
*This Isn't All!*
Would you like to know what became of the good friends you have made in
this book?
Would you like to read other stories continuing their adventures and
experiences, or other books quite as entertaining by the same author?
On the _reverse side_ of the wrapper which comes with this book, you
will find a wonderful list of stories which you can buy at the same
store where you got this book.
*Don't throw away the Wrapper*
Use it as a handy catalog of the books you want some day to have. But in
case you do mislay it, write to the Publishers for a complete catalog.
----
GIRL SCOUTS SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Author of the "Polly Brewster Books"
Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated
Each Volume Complete in Itself.
Here is a series that holds the same position for girls that the Tom
Slade and Roy Blakeley books hold for boys. They are delightful stores
of Girl Scout camp life amid beautiful surroundings and are filled with
stirring adventures.
GIRL SCOUTS AT DANDELION CAMP
This is a story which centers around the making and the enjoying of a
mountain camp, spiced with the fun of a lively troop of Girl Scouts. The
charm of living in the woods, of learning woodcraft of all sorts, of
adventuring into the unknown, combine to make a busy and an exciting
summer for the girls.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ADIRONDACKS
New scenery, new problems of camping, association with a neighboring
camp of Boy Scouts, and a long canoe trip with them through the Fulton
Chain, all in the setting of the marvelous Adirondacks, bring to the
girls enlargement of horizon, new development, and new joys.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES
On horseback from Denver through Estes Park as far as the Continental
Divide, climbing peaks, riding wild trails, canoeing through canyons,
shooting rapids, encountering a landslide, a summer blizzard, a sand
storm, wild animals, and forest fires, the girls pack the days full with
unforgettable experiences.
GIRL SCOUTS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
The Girl Scouts visit the mountains and deserts of Arizona and New
Mexico. They travel over the old Sante Fe trail, cross the Painted
Desert, and visit the Grand Canyon. Their exciting adventures form a
most interesting story.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE REDWOODS
The girls spend their summer in the Redwoods of California and
incidentally find a way to induce a famous motion picture director in
Hollywood to offer to produce a film that stars the Girl Scouts of
America.
GROSSET & DUNLAP. _Publishers_, NEW YORK
----
THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips to
various places in the United States, Europe and South America.
POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
POLLY AND ELEANOR
POLLY IN NEW YORK
POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
POLLY'S BUSINESS VENTURE
POLLY'S SOUTHERN CRUISE
POLLY IN SOUTH AMERICA
POLLY IN THE SOUTHWEST
POLLY IN ALASKA
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
----
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of the "Bobbsey Twins," "Bunny Brown" Series, Etc.
Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
These tales take in the various adventures participated in by several
bright, up-to-date girls who love outdoor life.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE;
Or, Camping and Tramping for Fun and Health.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE;
Or, The Stirring Cruise of the Motor Boat Gem.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A MOTOR CAR;
Or, The Haunted Mansion of Shadow Valley.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN A WINTER CAMP;
Or, Glorious Days on Skates and Ice Boats.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN FLORIDA;
Or, Wintering in the Sunny South.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT OCEAN VIEW;
Or, The Box That Was Found in the Sand.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON PINE ISLAND;
Or, A Cave and What it Contained.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN ARMY SERVICE;
Or, Doing Their Bit for Uncle Sam.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT THE HOSTESS HOUSE;
Or, Doing Their Best For the Soldiers.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT BLUFF POINT;
Or, A Wreck and A Rescue.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT WILD ROSE LODGE;
Or, The Hermit of Moonlight Falls.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS IN THE SADDLE;
Or, The Girl Miner of Gold Run.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE;
Or, The Old Maid of the Mountains.
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS ON CAPE COD;
Or, Sally Ann of Lighthouse Rock.
----
THE BLYTHE GIRLS BOOKS
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by THELMA GOOCH
Every Volume Complete in Itself
The Blythe girls, three in number, were left alone in New York City.
Helen, who went in for art and music, kept the little flat uptown, while
Margy just out of a business school, obtained a position as a private
secretary and Rose, plain-spoken and businesslike, took what she called
a "job" in a department store.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN, MARGY AND ROSE; Or, Facing the Great World.
A fascinating tale of real happenings in the great metropolis.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS: MARGY'S QUEER INHERITANCE; Or, The Worth of a Name.
The girls had a peculiar old aunt and when she died she left an unusual
inheritance. This tale continues the struggles of all the girls for
existence.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS; ROSE'S GREAT PROBLEM; Or, Face to Face With a Crisis.
Rose still at work in the big department store, is one day faced with
the greatest problem of her life. A tale of mystery as well as exciting
girlish happenings.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS: HELEN'S STRANGE BOARDER; Or, The Girl From Bronx Park.
Helen, out sketching, goes to the assistance of a strange girl, whose
real identity is a puzzle to all the Blythe girls. Who the girl really
was comes as a tremendous surprise.
THE BLYTHE GIRLS: THREE ON A VACATION; Or, The Mystery at Peach Farm.
The girls close their flat and go to the country for two weeks--and fall
in with all sorts of curious and exciting happenings. How they came to
the assistance of Joe Morris, and solved a queer mystery, is well
related.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
----
THE LILIAN GARIS BOOKS
Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.
Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote. She expressed
herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted that
Lilian Mack would one day become a writer. Justifying this sentiment,
while still at high school, she took charge of the woman's page for a
city paper and her work there attracted such favorable attention that
she left school to take entire charge of the woman's page for the
largest daily in an important Eastern city.
Mrs. Garis turned to girls' books directly after her marriage, and of
these she has written many. She believes in girls, studies them and
depicts them with pen both skilled and sympathetic.
BARBARA HALE: A DOCTOR'S DAUGHTER
BARBARA HALE AND COZETTE
GLORIA: A GIRL AND HER DAD
GLORIA AT BOARDING SCHOOL
JOAN: JUST GIRL
JOAN'S GARDEN OF ADVENTURE
CONNIE LORING'S AMBITION
CONNIE LORING'S DILEMMA
GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
----
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
Attractively Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.
THE MARJORIE BOOKS
Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
MARJORIE'S VACATION
MARJORIE'S BUSY DAYS
MARJORIE'S NEW FRIEND
MARJORIE IN COMMAND
MARJORIE'S MAYTIME
MARJORIE AT SEACOTE
THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
Introducing Dorinda Fayre--a pretty blonde, sweet, serious, timid and a
little slow, and Dorothy Rose--a sparkling brunette, quick, elf-like,
high tempered, full of mischief and always getting into scrapes.
TWO LITTLE WOMEN
TWO LITTLE WOMEN AND TREASURE HOUSE
TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY
THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS