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diff --git a/41097-8.txt b/41097-0.txt index b3da72b..69731ad 100644 --- a/41097-8.txt +++ b/41097-0.txt @@ -1,37 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Mary Lee the Red Cross Girl, by Helen Hart, -Illustrated by Alice Carsey - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Mary Lee the Red Cross Girl - - -Author: Helen Hart - - - -Release Date: October 18, 2012 [eBook #41097] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL*** - - -E-text prepared by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41097 *** Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. @@ -71,11 +38,11 @@ Illustrated by Alice Carsey Whitman Publishing Co. -Racine ·· Chicago +Racine 路路 Chicago Copyright 1917 by Whitman Publishing Co. -Racine ·· Chicago +Racine 路路 Chicago @@ -4797,362 +4764,4 @@ that we have our mountain trip to look forward to." "Indeed not, thanks to Letty," said Mary Lee, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze. - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL*** - - -******* This file should be named 41097-8.txt or 41097-8.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/0/9/41097 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p> -<p>Title: Mary Lee the Red Cross Girl</p> -<p>Author: Helen Hart</p> -<p>Release Date: October 18, 2012 [eBook #41097]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL***</p> <p> </p> <h3>E-text prepared by Melissa McDaniel<br /> and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> @@ -167,12 +157,12 @@ HELEN HART</p> <p> </p> <p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap b12">Whitman Publishing Co.</span><br /> -RACINE ·· CHICAGO</p> +RACINE ·· CHICAGO</p> <p class="p6 center"> COPYRIGHT 1917 BY<br /> <span class="smcap b12">Whitman Publishing Co.</span><br /> -RACINE ·· CHICAGO</p> +RACINE ·· CHICAGO</p> <p class="p6 center"> Dedicated to Jane R.<br /> @@ -6601,360 +6591,6 @@ Lee, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 41097-h.txt or 41097-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/0/9/41097">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/0/9/41097</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed.</p> - -<p> -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Mary Lee the Red Cross Girl - - -Author: Helen Hart - - - -Release Date: October 18, 2012 [eBook #41097] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL*** - - -E-text prepared by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 41097-h.htm or 41097-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41097/41097-h/41097-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41097/41097-h.zip) - - -Transcriber's note: - - Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original book - have been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been - corrected. - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - The sentence "He had been very lonesome for him.", starting - on page 103, may be missing words. - - - - - -MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL - -by - -HELEN HART - -Illustrated by Alice Carsey - - - - - - - -Whitman Publishing Co. -Racine .. Chicago - -Copyright 1917 by -Whitman Publishing Co. -Racine .. Chicago - - - - - Dedicated to Jane R. - who makes an ideal - Red Cross Girl in the - opinion of the Author - - - - -CONTENTS - - - Chapter Page - - I. SPRING AT THE FARM 15 - - II. WELCOME GUESTS 21 - - III. A MERRY PARTY 29 - - IV. FIRST AID 37 - - V. MARY LEE WRITES A LETTER 43 - - VI. A PICNIC 52 - - VII. VISITING THE SANITARIUM 63 - - VIII. PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING 69 - - IX. DR. PAYSON EMPLOYS MARY LEE 76 - - X. AUNT MADGE IS MARRIED 83 - - XI. BUSY DAYS 89 - - XII. INDIAN JIM'S LUCKY STRIKE 100 - - XIII. A HAPPY RED CROSS GROUP 112 - - XIV. MARY LEE MEETS AN OLD FRIEND 118 - - XV. MARY LEE'S LEGACY 125 - - XVI. A MASTER STORY TELLER 132 - - XVII. AUNT MADGE RETURNS TO THE - CITY 147 - - XVIII. MARY LEE MAKES A DECISION 155 - - XIX. LETTY AND MARY LEE SELL LIBERTY - BONDS 162 - - XX. PREPARING FOR RED CROSS WORK 169 - - XXI. "WHAT SHALL WE WEAR?" 175 - - XXII. WORKING FOR "LIBERTY" 182 - - XXIII. BACK ON THE FARM 190 - - XXIV. BOUND FOR THE CAMP 196 - - XXV. LOST IN THE WOODS 204 - - XXVI. RETURNING HOME 211 - - XXVII. ANOTHER ADVENTURE 215 - - XXVIII. "HELP! HELP!" 219 - - XXIX. LETTY'S SURPRISE 228 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - Page - - MARY LEE LEARNED QUICKLY AND THOROUGHLY - (Color frontispiece) - - "THE GIRLS MISS YOU SO MUCH" 25 - - MARY LEE CAME TRIPPING DOWN THE ROAD 39 - - THE SICK MAN DICTATES A LETTER 49 - - BOB MAKES HIMSELF USEFUL AT THE PICNIC 55 - - SAVAGE WAS THE FACE OF BLACK EAGLE 137 - - HE MADE IT A POINT TO CALL ON MARY LEE 151 - - MARY LEE WRITES TO BOB 185 - - "HAVE YOU COME TO STAY?" 188 - - - - - MARY LEE, THE - RED CROSS - GIRL - - - - -MARY LEE - -The Red Cross Girl - - - - -CHAPTER I - -SPRING AT THE FARM - - -"From whom is the letter, Mary Lee?" asked Mrs. Quinn as she glanced -up from her sewing. - -"From Bobbie, and he says that they will land about the 15th. He wants -to come right out here to the country to see our cozy new home. Oh, -dear, I can hardly wait to see him!" exclaimed Mary Lee, her eyes -sparkling. - -"Does he say that the French doctors have helped him any?" further -questioned Mrs. Quinn. - -"Helped him any?" repeated Mary Lee, "why, he's cured. He isn't a -cripple any more at all. Just think, he can walk again, as well as I -can. Isn't it a lovely world?" and the impetuous child threw her arms -about Mrs. Quinn's neck and gave her a good hug. - -Just then a voice from the outside called: "Oh, Mary Lee, come quick. -We've found something to show you." - -It was Eddie Quinn, the youngest boy, and Mary Lee upon hearing his -excited voice, lost no time in rushing out to see what new delight was -in store for her. - -Mrs. Quinn leaned back in her comfortable chair in the sunny south bay -window, and as her eyes wandered about the cheerful room and out over -the peaceful woodland view, her thoughts flashed back to the past. - -How different things were now from what they had been when Mary -Lee--the little waif from the orphanage--had first come into their -home as a mother's helper! They were then living in the crowded -tenement district of New York City. How much sickness they had had! -How often her husband had been thrown out of work! If it hadn't been -for hopeful little Mary Lee they all would have lost courage. She put -her little shoulder to the wheel with such determination that it -seemed as if her efforts had pulled them out of the dreadful rut into -which they were gradually sinking. - -Yes, Mary Lee was always doing something for somebody. How brave she -was the day she had saved Bob Cameron from drowning in Central Park! -He was a little crippled boy who lived in one of the stately mansions -on Fifth Avenue. A strong friendship, encouraged by Bob's grateful -parents, had sprung up between the two children. It had meant much -to Mary Lee. Her narrow little life began to broaden out--and -consequently so did that of the Quinns. Bob's Aunt Madge had taken a -great fancy to Mary Lee and had made it possible for her to become a -Campfire Girl. - -Then there was dear Doctor Anderson. He had operated on Mrs. Quinn -when she had been so ill. Seeing earnest little Mary Lee doing her -best to help this worthy but unfortunate family along, he too had -become interested. It was he who had made it possible for them to move -out in the country where they could live on his farm. Mr. Quinn had -shown his gratitude by proving himself a most capable manager the -past year. - -Was it any wonder as Mrs. Quinn sat thinking over all these things -that a tear or two trickled down her cheeks? But it was not from -sadness--for her heart was filled with the joy of living, and -overflowing with love for Mary Lee, the little girl who had brought -good fortune and sunshine into her home. - -In the meantime, Tom and Eddie had led Mary Lee over to a low-branched -tree to behold their "surprise." - -"It's a nest," whispered Eddie. "A real nest. See, it's just new!" - -"So it is," said Mary Lee. "What a cozy little home! But where do you -suppose Father Bird and Mother Bird are? Did we frighten them away?" - -"No," said Eddie, "it was empty when we first saw it. But let's hide -and maybe they will come back." - -"Oh no," said Mary Lee, "let's go away before they return. If they -suspected anyone was around they might move their nest. Won't it be -fun when we can see the little bird's eggs, and afterwards the little -birdies themselves? But you must not tell anyone about this nest, will -you? Now promise," commanded Mary Lee. - -Both boys promised. They also agreed not to look at their nest more -than once a day. - -"Now, see who wins the race to your father over there in the field," -challenged Mary Lee. "One, two, three, go!" - -The children were off. Tom won the race. - -"Huh," said he, "I wouldn't let any girl beat me." - -"Well, you wait until next time and maybe you will change your mind," -answered Mary Lee. - -"Have you come to help, children?" Mr. Quinn greeted them. - -While the boys assisted their father, Mary Lee returned to the house. -As she came to the kitchen door, she thought she heard voices. Then as -she opened the door and went through the kitchen, she heard Mrs. Quinn -say: - -"She will be here any moment. Won't she be glad to see you both!" - -Mary Lee just jumped into the room, for she guessed who the visitors -were. - -"Aunt Madge and Dr. Anderson--I'm so happy!" And the girl ran into -Miss Cameron's arms. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -WELCOME GUESTS - - -"My," said Aunt Madge, "how you are growing, Mary Lee. I never knew -you to look so well and so pretty. Who said country life would not -agree with our Mary Lee?" - -"Not I, for one," replied Dr. Anderson, as if the question were -directed at him. "My own candid opinion is that, no matter what the -place might be, if it had any idea of not agreeing with the young lady -it would very soon change its mind. Things simply cannot help but -agree with Mary Lee!" - -"Surely, it isn't because she's idle," added Mrs. Quinn. "You never -saw anyone so busy and so anxious to do so many things. If I were to -let her have her way, Miss Cameron, I would be sitting in my rocker -all day with my arms folded." Then Mrs. Quinn bethought herself of -her duties as hostess. "Surely, you are counting on staying for -supper, such as it is, I hope?" - -Both visitors laughed. - -"We certainly are, Mrs. Quinn. We half suspected you would ask us," -answered Dr. Anderson, with a twinkle in his eye. "Although I will -confess that Miss Cameron had some scruples about coming at this -hour." - -"Yes," said that young lady, "it does look as if we were just forcing -ourselves upon you, doesn't it?" - -"Nonsense," replied Mrs. Quinn decidedly. "If you folks are not -welcome here at all times, nobody is. But I had better start supper, -if you will excuse me?" - -"Certainly," said the doctor. "In the meantime I shall go down to the -field to talk things over with Mr. Quinn. I suppose you will accept -our invitation to go out in the automobile after supper, Mary Lee? We -thought you and Mrs. Quinn would like a ride." - -"Like it," enthusiastically replied the girl, "I'd love it." - -"It's nice of you to include me and I shall be glad to go," added Mrs. -Quinn on her way to the kitchen. - -"I suspect you two have more than a few things to talk about and are -waiting for me to follow Mrs. Quinn's excellent example," said the -doctor, making for the door. - -"Indeed we are," replied Aunt Madge laughingly. "Mary Lee and I are -going to have a perfectly splendid chat." - -The two friends did visit for many minutes, but Mary Lee did not seem -to be quite at ease. She wanted to stay and talk with Aunt Madge, yet -she felt it was her duty to set the table and help Mrs. Quinn. - -Aunt Madge must have guessed what she was thinking about for she -suddenly spoke up. - -"I know what's on your mind, Mary Lee, you dear, conscientious child. -Come, we'll both help set the table, shall we?" - -"Do you really want to do that?" asked Mary Lee delightedly. - -"Yes, I would like to very much," answered Aunt Madge. - -It took but a little while to set the table and complete the rest of -the necessary work. It was done with many laughs and much enjoyment. -When the two were through they entered the kitchen and insisted on -helping Mrs. Quinn. - -But that lady shooed them out and would have none of them. - -"Be off with you. You have time for a fifteen minute walk." - -"Shall we?" asked Aunt Madge. And without waiting for an answer, she -was off, Mary Lee at her side. - -They could not have wanted the walk very much, for when they sighted -the big oak which was but a little way down the road, they made -themselves comfortable beneath it. They were really anxious to have a -heart to heart talk and this was just the place for it. - -"Well, my dear, you can now ask me all the questions that are stored -up in that little mind of yours. I shall try my best to answer them." - -Mary Lee needed no second invitation. She fairly swamped Aunt Madge -with her deluge of questions. - - [Illustration: "THE GIRLS MISS YOU SO MUCH."] - -"How are the Campfire Girls, Aunt Madge? Did they tell you when they -were coming out here? Didn't Ruth and Edith and Letty send any -messages with you? Have you heard the wonderful news that Bobbie and -Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are coming home at last? And, Aunt Madge--" - -But Aunt Madge laughed and interrupted the girl at this point. - -"Wait, wait, Mary Lee. I guess I had better call a halt to your -questions else I will not have time to answer them all before supper. -Yes, the Campfire Girls asked me to be sure to give you their love and -to tell you that they miss you ever so much. Letty and Ruth and Edith -are coming out for next Saturday and Sunday so they did not send any -message. In fact, my dear, they thought at first that they would not -tell you at all and just surprise you. But they could not keep the -secret and so they allowed me to tell you. Are you glad?" - -"Glad," replied Mary Lee, with glistening eyes. "That means they will -be here in two days." - -"Yes. And now as to the last question. I do know that the Camerons are -coming home, although I heard the news only yesterday. Isn't it -marvelous that Bobbie is cured and will be just like other boys?" - -"Now, my dear, I am going to tell you a piece of news which may -startle you." Aunt Madge paused a moment as she felt the telltale -blushes mounting to her cheeks. - -"Doctor Anderson and I are to be married next September on the -eighteenth." - -Mary Lee beamed. "My--" was all that she could say. - -Then the two, like silly little school girls, spent a few minutes in -embraces, tears and kisses. - -"I'm so glad, so glad," said Mary Lee after she had somewhat -recovered. "I just know how happy you both are. And, Aunt Madge, Dr. -Anderson is a dear and I love him almost as much as I love you." - -"Well, don't you ever love him more than you do me." Aunt Madge -pretended to be very stern as she shook her finger warningly at Mary -Lee. - -"I don't think I could do that," said Mary Lee, very seriously. -"Where are you going to live when you are married?" she questioned, -still filled with the wonder of the news. - -"We are building a dear little home and it promises to look -wonderfully lovely. My dear, you are to come and stay with us, ever so -many times. You will, won't you, Mary Lee?" - -"I certainly will," said Mary Lee, decidedly. "It will be like home to -me." - -Aunt Madge embraced the girl again. "You are such a comfort, little -girl. And now, I think it is almost time to turn back," she suggested, -after a silence of many minutes. "I hope we shall not be late for -supper." - -They made their way back to the house. - -It was not a moment too soon, for as they approached they could hear -the vigorous summons of the supper bell which was being sturdily -wielded by Tom. They ran the last hundred yards and arrived at the -house out of breath. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -A MERRY PARTY - - -Dr. Anderson and Mr. Quinn were already in the dining room, having -arrived a few minutes earlier. They were still busily talking when -Aunt Madge and Mary Lee entered. - -Mr. Quinn had completed his report of the work that had been done at -the farm and was enthusiastic about the prospects for the coming -summer and fall. The arrival of the newcomers halted the conversation. -The doctor looked toward his fiancee inquiringly, and she nodded gayly -to him, whereupon he grinned boyishly at Mary Lee and she smiled back -at him. - -"Well, Mary Lee, now that you know the secret, we can tell the rest of -the folks," and he immediately proceeded to do so. - -Mr. and Mrs. Quinn were delighted and their good wishes were cordial -and sincere. They were very fond of these two friends and they felt -they owed much to them. Mixed with their gratefulness and appreciation -was the glad feeling that this romance had been partly cemented -through them and through their Mary Lee. - -"Madge, dear," said Dr. Anderson, as they sat at the table partaking -of the excellent and well-cooked supper. "Mr. Quinn has done splendid -work here, but I cannot get him to admit that he works too hard." - -"I hope it will be the means of his making lots of money," replied -Miss Cameron. "I'm glad he shares in the profits due to his labor and -good management. Dear, you were extremely fortunate to find so good a -manager." - -"That I was," affirmed the doctor. - -But Mrs. Quinn couldn't see it that way. "Fortunate, you fortunate? -Why, it's we who have to bless our lucky stars for being here." - -Mr. Quinn nodded his head very decidedly in confirmation. - -"That is the truth, friends," he said. "My wife finds it a real -delight to live out here, and you know, work is never hard or arduous -when one is in love with it. Moreover, it's just the place for the -children and for Mary Lee, too." - -The doctor turned to the latter. - -"I suppose you know, young lady, that you are to come to the city this -fall and enter high school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Quinn know of it and -have agreed that it is the thing for you to do." - -Mary Lee turned her happy, joyful face first toward Dr. Anderson and -then toward Aunt Madge and Mr. and Mrs. Quinn. - -"And if I go," she spoke slowly as if she were realizing what it all -meant, "I shall be with Ruth and Letty and the other girls and I can -be at the Campfire Girls' meetings and see Bobbie and, oh, ever so -many other things, can't I?" - -Then her face clouded suddenly. - -"But won't Mrs. Quinn need me here?" she asked. "Oh, I'm sure she -will, and it's wicked for me to think of anything else. And anyway, I -love it here, so much." - -"I'll not need you, my dear, except for your smiles and cheerfulness," -said Mrs. Quinn from the kitchen. "You can just make up your mind you -are going." And Mrs. Quinn spoke very decidedly. - -"You see," added Aunt Madge, "you really need the schooling. You are -getting older and there are things you must learn and which you cannot -acquire except in school. You must have an education to get on in the -world." - -"By the way," interrupted the doctor, "has Mary Lee ever thought of -what she is going to be when she grows up?" - -Everyone in the room looked at the girl expectantly. - -"When I grow up," said Mary Lee, speaking in a way which showed she -had made up her mind long ago, "I am going to be a nurse--a Red Cross -nurse. In the meantime I am going to be a Red Cross Girl." - -"Why, of course," replied the doctor. "I remember now you did say last -year that you wanted to be a nurse when you grew older. Isn't it -fortunate," he continued, "that I can help you because I am a -physician. We will certainly give you lots of chances to become a good -nurse and in the meantime you can learn much as 'Mary Lee, our Red -Cross Girl.'" - -"Why, that's fine," said Aunt Madge enthusiastically, while the boys -clapped their hands, and Mr. and Mrs. Quinn both smiled proudly. - -"And," added Aunt Madge, "what Mary Lee has learned in the way of -first aid to the injured as a Campfire Girl, will help her materially -to be a good and capable Red Cross Girl." - -Mary Lee just beamed. She was too happy to speak but her looks -expressed her feelings. - -A very quiet though determined voice now spoke up. - -"I'm going to be a farmer boy, and when I grow up I'm going to be a -farmer-man, just like father." It was Eddie, the younger of the two -boys. - -"Why, of course," agreed the doctor, after the laugh was over, and -looking at Mr. Quinn, who was smiling with great pride. "And I hope -you will make as good a farmer as your father, Eddie. And, Tom, what -are you going to be when you grow up?" - -Tom spoke bashfully but yet none the less decisively. - -"I'm going to be a real sailor and go all over the world." - -"That's splendid, Tom," said Aunt Madge. - -"Yes, Tom," added the doctor. "There are a lot of sailors-to-be until -they reach the age of ten, so you won't be lonely." - -The merry supper party was now over. Aunt Madge insisted upon helping -to clear the table and to dry the dishes. While the three were busily -at work, Dr. Anderson and Mr. Quinn went out on the porch, to smoke. - -For a few moments the men puffed away in silence. Then Mr. Quinn -resumed the subject they had been discussing before supper. - -"You say you are having an investigation made, doctor?" - -"Yes, Mr. Quinn. Mr. Cameron left instructions to do so before he went -to Europe. Some day we may know who Mary Lee's parents were. I feel -sure of that." - -"I hope so," answered the older man. "She has done so much for other -folks, I hope we shall be able to do something worth while for her." - -Mr. Quinn continued after a pause. - -"Do you know, Dr. Anderson, the child has absolute faith that some day -she and her relations, those that are still alive, will be reunited?" - -"If that's the case, I think it would not be wise to let Mary Lee know -anything of the search that is being made because something might turn -up to shatter her hopes." - -Mr. Quinn nodded understandingly. - -A few minutes later, the ladies came out on the porch. The boys had -already gone to their room as was their usual custom. - -"Are we all ready for our ride?" the doctor asked. - -Aunt Madge nodded. They invited Mr. Quinn to join them, but he had -some last duties to perform and he wanted to retire early. So he bade -the guests good-night. - -The next minute the machine was gliding down the road. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -FIRST AID - - -High above, the sun beat down relentlessly. Not a breath of air -stirred. There was the sleepy droning of the everlasting insects, the -number of which seemed always magnified at such a time. There had been -no rain for many a day. The dust was thick along the roads. Now and -then a passing automobile left an instant's breeze to be more than -paid for in the swirl of dust. - -A solitary figure was scuffling along wearily. A casual glance marked -him as a knight of the road, a tramp. But if you had stopped to -observe a little more closely, you would have noted that he was not of -that type, unkempt and bedraggled though he appeared. - -He had stopped at the last house on the road and then, after no little -hesitation, had asked for a drink of water. He had rested for a few -minutes--then he had gone on. The people in the house had noticed his -obvious weariness and had asked him if he did not wish to rest. But -the evident and simple kindness of the woman, who was Mrs. Quinn, had -seemingly embarrassed the man. - -"Thank you kindly, ma'am," he had replied huskily, "but I must be on -my way." - -And so he had trudged wearily on. Every move on this hot, breezeless -day was an ache, as if he were stepping on live and tender nerves. He -had been able to make but one half mile in an hour. Then nature could -do no more--and with a sigh, he had fallen to the ground. The heat had -proved his master. - -Along the road from the village which was two miles from the house -where he had stopped, came Mary Lee. For her the heat had no terrors. -There was beauty in this day, hot and merciless though it had seemed -but a little while before. And, as you traveled with her, you also -partook of the joy she received from Nature, because, whatever its -guise, it was Nature nevertheless. - - [Illustration: MARY LEE CAME TRIPPING DOWN THE ROAD] - -It was months since Dr. Anderson and Aunt Madge had visited her. -Letty and Ruth had come almost every other week after that first -spring visit. She had seen Bob, too, almost the day after he had -arrived from abroad. With him had come his mother and his father. It -had been a wonderful summer for Mary Lee. - -How her heart rejoiced at the sight of Bob, who had gotten out of the -auto a little way down the road so that Mary Lee, who had been his -playmate and friend, could see him walk up the road, no longer -crippled but like other boys. Bob had stayed over for a few days. Mr. -and Mrs. Cameron had been greatly pleased with Mary Lee. They were -surprised at the way she had grown and admired the tanned cheeks and -the clear eyes. - -Bobbie was to come out again at the end of July and a few days later -Ruth and Edith and Letty were to come. And while all of them were at -the farm, Aunt Madge and Dr. Anderson would drive out. - -As Mary Lee came tripping down the road, some of the joy in her was -for the days to come. She was not only thinking of the coming of her -friends but also of September when she would join these friends in -the city and be as one of them. A spirit of gratefulness mingled with -her other emotions as she thought of the rapid changes that had taken -place in the short time she had been out of the orphanage. - -"Some day," she said very softly, "I am going to make my friends very -proud that they are my friends." It never occurred to this simple, -lovely little girl, that she had already given them cause for their -pride in the mutual friendship. - -"When Bob and the girls come we can visit the Sanitarium. If we can -only get Dr. Anderson to go with us he can explain things to us and in -that way we can learn so much more. Then, too, we can have real -campfires and meetings and Bobbie can visit us as a Boy Scout." - -So her mind planned it all, as she hastened along. There was no need -for hurrying, but it was never in the nature of this girl to move -slowly. But often she stopped along the road for there were many -things that drew her interest. - -"You poor things," she said to some dry and withered looking ferns -along the way. "I shall practice being a real Red Cross Girl with -you." She hurried into the woods somewhat farther down the road and -from a brooklet brought some water with which to give the ferns new -life. - -This act set her to dreaming of her future when she would be a Red -Cross Nurse and of Dr. Anderson who was to give her the opportunity to -gain the necessary experience. It was great work to relieve and cure -the sick. - -Then across her line of vision came a blurred form which she could not -make out. She hurried forward. As she neared it she saw the body of a -man lying prone upon the ground. - -For one moment there was a scared, helpless feeling within the girl. -There was a great sinking in her heart. She seemed very small, very -helpless. Then from somewhere within her a small voice whispered: - -"Mary Lee, you are a Red Cross Girl." - - - - -CHAPTER V - -MARY LEE WRITES A LETTER - - -Mary Lee could never remember how she managed to place the unconscious -form of the man against the tree so that the branches would afford -some shade and protection from the sun's merciless heat. - -From the gate at which she was standing and from where she was -searching the road for Mary Lee's return, Mrs. Quinn saw the girl -running. She noticed her excitement and so hurried forward to meet -her. - -"What is it, dear? What has happened?" she questioned anxiously. - -Mary Lee told her. From the account, Mrs. Quinn judged that the man -had had an attack of sunstroke. She calmed the excited girl and -immediately went about obtaining the necessary ice to use on the -stricken man. - -The girl found good use for a first aid book which had been presented -to her at one of the Campfire meetings. From it she learned that -mustard on the nape of the neck or the forehead would help to bring a -person back to consciousness. She immediately went into the kitchen -and procured some. - -Mr. Quinn was not about and so the two, Mrs. Quinn with the ice and -Mary Lee with the mustard, hurried to the unconscious man, first -sending Tom after Mr. Quinn to bring the carriage to them. - -They found him still unconscious. Mary Lee applied the ice and then -put a plentiful supply of the mustard upon the nape of the man's neck. -Then both watched anxiously for signs of a return to consciousness. It -seemed hours before there was a flicker of returning life; as a matter -of fact, it was less than ten minutes. When Mr. Quinn arrived with the -carriage the man had regained consciousness, but he was obviously -quite weak. - -"I think we had better take him to the Sanitarium," said Mary Lee, -"they will know what to do there." - -Mrs. Quinn agreed. She returned home, her husband driving toward the -Sanitarium, Mary Lee on the rear seat holding the man's head and -applying the ice. The drive was over two miles and during almost all -of that time, the sick man was either too weak to speak or lacked the -inclination to do so. - -As they turned into the driveway which led to the hospital, he spoke -in a low, weak voice: "I'm sorry to give you all this trouble, young -lady. It is a misfortune for me as well as for all of you." Then he -paused for a second either through weakness or as if debating -something in his mind. - -"I wonder if I can impose on your goodness a little more?" he asked as -the carriage stopped at the entrance and Mr. Quinn went inside to -speak to the proper authorities. "Could you come and see me in the -morning? I must have something attended to tomorrow and I suppose," he -continued wanly and with the ghost of a smile, "I shall have to stay -here at least that long." - -"I shall be glad to come," answered Mary Lee. "Please do not worry. I -am sure that it will be but a day or two before you are up and about -again." - -An interne and two orderlies now came out of the hospital door with a -stretcher. They carried the sick man into the emergency ward but would -not allow either Mr. Quinn or Mary Lee to follow. They were told that -they would probably be allowed to visit in the morning. - -But the man's case was evidently quite serious. Mary Lee called the -next day and was informed that the patient had a high temperature and -that it was impossible to permit any visitors. She was not allowed to -see him until the fourth day. It worried her because of her promise -and the man's evident anxiety to have the "something" attended to at -once. On the fourth day, she was informed that the man was still weak -but had insisted on seeing her. The nurse who spoke to her warned her -not to stay too long. - -Even as she opened the door she felt the surcharged eagerness of the -man. He wasted no time in any greetings. - -"The doctor tells me I cannot hope to leave here for at least another -week. He claims it is under-nourishment more than the heat." He rested -a moment. - -"My name is Tom Marshall," he continued slowly. "I was on my way home -from Mexico where I have been for many years. About two months ago, I -remember the day so well, the home of my mother and father and of my -early youth seemed to be calling to me in a way I could not resist. I -had been away from it for over fifteen years and not once before that -time had I been homesick or felt the desire to go home. But the new -feeling was such that a little boy feels--I wanted my mother more than -anything else in the world. - -"My partner and I have a mine down there. We think it is a silver -mine, but so far it has been hard to pinch anything out of it and we -have found it a difficult matter even to exist. My partner is an -Indian but he would shame many white men. I have never known a -squarer, whiter man. He found the mine. We both feel it is certain to -make good some day. - -"Enough of that, except to say that I went to him and told him how I -felt. He insisted that I make the trip home. Together, we scraped up -enough money to bring me back about half the distance. I wrote home, -the first letter I had written, I am ashamed to say, in four years. I -told mother that I was coming home and to write me to St. Louis care -of the General Delivery." - -The man paused again. He was watching the girl. He seemed to regain -strength. - -"I suppose you wonder why I tell you all this. You will soon see. At -St. Louis a letter was waiting for me. It was from my cousin, not from -my mother. I learned that father had died three years ago and that my -mother was very sick. She had been overjoyed at the news that I was -coming. But my cousin advised me to hasten my return, as he considered -my mother's condition extremely serious. - -"I got as far as this by freight train, my money having given out at -St. Louis. The headway was slow and yet I could not stop to earn the -money to travel any other way. I have had very little food, how little -I had I never stopped to consider. My one desire has been to get -home." - - [Illustration: THE SICK MAN DICTATES A LETTER] - -"You see," the man continued in an eager way, "it seems that all the -desire to see mother that I should have had all these years is crowded -into the present. I had figured on cutting through to the river and -stowing myself in one of the boats which would bring me nearer home; -but the heat and the lack of food were too much for me, and here I -am." - -The man paused once more. Mary Lee wondered if she were not staying -too long; if the man were not going past his strength. Yet he seemed -anxious to complete what he had to say. - -"I have prayed that my mother live till I reach home. I want her to -know that I am delayed. Will you please write my cousin? Tell him that -I am very near and that I shall soon be well enough, but that he must -not tell mother about my illness, just that I am surely coming. He -must also let me know at once how she is. - -"You see, young lady, I cannot write myself just now, as the doctors -think I am still too weak. I wanted this letter written four days ago. -I am sure you will write understandingly. Will you do it for me?" - -"I shall be very glad to," answered Mary Lee. "I am going to ask your -cousin to telegraph regarding your mother's condition." - -The man nodded as if too spent to talk further. He handed Mary Lee a -crumpled slip of paper on which was written the address for the -letter. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -A PICNIC - - -Ten days later found Tom Marshall home. The telegram had come from his -cousin stating that the condition of his mother was unchanged. Mary -Lee had told the Quinns of the case and Mr. Quinn had paid a visit to -the sick man. He had talked to him for a little while and convinced as -to the truth of the man's story, had offered to lend him the money -which would take him home. - -Marshall had returned the money with a letter of thanks immediately -upon his arrival home. - -Now the end of July had come. Letty and Ruth and Bob all came from the -city on the same train. There was a delightful meeting at the town -depot, and much happy, excited chattering on the part of the girls. On -the way home, Mary Lee said: - -"I have planned a picnic lunch for this afternoon. I know a lovely -spot and then we can take a long walk afterwards." - -"I'll tell you what," said Bob. "If we could get some steak or chops I -would give you the best eating you ever had. Father showed me how -campers cook." - -That sounded exciting to the girls. It meant, of course, stopping off -at the village general store which in itself was a novelty. Mary Lee -telephoned Mrs. Quinn and obtained permission to make the purchases. -But Bob insisted that the buying of the chops was his part of the -party and insisted so strongly that he won his point. - -They drove home and when they passed the spot where Mary Lee had -discovered the unconscious Tom Marshall she showed the place to her -friends and told them the story. - -"My, but you were brave, Mary Lee," said Letty admiringly. "I would -have been so frightened I would have fainted." - -The guests helped in the preparation for the picnic as did Tom and -Eddie who had also been invited so that Bob wouldn't feel it was a -girls' affair. Besides, Mary Lee knew how much they would like it. It -was after midday before they started on the picnic, and more than a -half hour later before they reached their destination. It was truly a -pleasant spot. A brook was running nearby and the trees grew so -closely together that they formed a regular bower. The girls were so -delighted that they immediately decided to use the place for all -future meetings and named it Campfire Nook. In the meantime Bob and -Eddie were hunting for a large flat rock on which to fry the chops, -while Tom gathered wood. - -"Did you girls bring any matches?" suddenly asked Ruth. - -Letty looked at Mary Lee, who in turn looked blank. - -"Of course, we need matches for a fire," added Letty. "I'll warrant -you Bob forgot all about them too." - -It struck the girls as a great joke, even though they were beginning -to be hungry. They decided that they would not say anything to Bob -until he had everything ready and realized for himself that there were -no matches with which to start the fire. - - [Illustration: BOB MAKES HIMSELF USEFUL AT THE PICNIC] - -When Eddie and Bob returned the girls said nothing about forgetting -the matches, but waited to see the fun. - -But Bob fooled them. He brought forth some matches from his pocket and -lighted the fire in the approved way. - -"Did you have them all the time?" asked Letty, somewhat crestfallen. - -"Why, of course," answered Bob as if he could never forget so -important a thing, when, as a matter of fact, he had only recalled -that he would need matches at the last moment. - -As soon as the big flat stone Eddie found had been cleaned and heated -in the fire, the chops were well seasoned and placed upon it. - -The meat smelled and looked so appetizing that the girls stopped their -own preparations to watch it cook. - -Bob turned the chops with a would-be fork which he had made from a -small branch, and soon the first supply was ready. - -"Isn't Bob clever, to be able to do this?" said Mary Lee as she ate -her chop. - -"Aren't they delicious?" commented Letty, while Ruth nodded in assent. - -The boys were even more enthusiastic and everyone took a second -helping. It made Bob very happy to have his experiment turn out so -successfully. In addition to the chops there were delightful -sandwiches, and Mrs. Quinn had furnished some delicious fruit and -fresh cake. - -After lunch was over, the girls sat about anxious to have a talk. Bob, -Eddie and Tom thought they would like to investigate the source of the -brook and so they were off. - -"Aren't you excited about Aunt Madge being married, Mary Lee?" asked -Letty. - -"Yes," added Ruth, "and I know who are to be the bridesmaids." - -If Ruth expected that this information would cause a commotion, she -was not a bit disappointed. - -"You do?" queried Letty. - -"Can you tell us?" asked Mary Lee. - -Ruth pretended she did not hear them, having found something on one -of the trees which interested her. - -Letty and Mary Lee laughingly and excitedly surrounded her, urging her -to give them the information. - -"Won't you tell us?" repeated Mary Lee coaxingly. - -"Oh, it isn't a secret," answered Ruth, "and I can tell you." - -"Well," said Letty decidedly, "I know that you and Mary Lee will be -two of the bridesmaids." - -"There are some things you do know, Letty," said Ruth teasingly. "Then -there are other things you do not know." - -"I know I am not to be one of them," remarked Mary Lee. She meant it, -too. There were so many nice girls who would naturally be chosen -before her. "But I am sure that Letty will be one. I just feel sure of -that," she added. - -"Well, there are some things you also know, but there are many things -you do not," answered Ruth trying hard to be evasive. - -Mary Lee and Letty sprang up to encircle Ruth and compel her to give -them the news, but the latter was just as quick in escaping them. Mary -Lee, however, soon caught her and held her so that she could not move. - -"Now, will you tell?" asked Letty. - -"I was dying to tell all the time," replied Ruth laughingly. - -"The bridesmaids will be--" and she paused. "I think I have -forgotten." Mischief was still in her eyes. - -Letty pretended to be very threatening, while Mary Lee took a firmer -hold. - -"Oh, yes," continued Ruth, "now I remember. They are to be Edith--and, -of course, you sillies, we are the other three." - -The conversation then changed to what they would wear, for to all of -them the coming occasion was one of the most important of their lives. - -"What will you wear?" asked Mary Lee. She was excited over what the -two friends intended to wear even though she knew that she herself -would have to wear her party dress which was a simple little white -organdie with a pink sash. She was thankful though she had a leghorn -hat with pink streamers. Her white canvas slippers with lisle -stockings would have to do. - -"What do you girls think of my wearing my pink crepe-de-chine dress -and my new pink hat with those pretty rosebuds and foliage encircling -the crown, and pink slippers and stockings?" asked Letty. - -"I know I am not going to be anywhere up to you, Letty. I can only -wear my white dress over pink China silk and a white hat with a very -pale pink bow, and white buckskin slippers with white silk stockings," -said Ruth. - -"Well, no matter what we may wear," said Letty, "Mary Lee will be the -prettiest of us all. Tell us your plans, Mary Lee," she added. - -"Mine are very simple, for it isn't hard to decide when you haven't -many things to pick from," was the unembarrassed answer. "I haven't -much else than my white organdie party dress." - -After discussing what they would wear at the wedding the girls next -talked over their plans for school the coming fall. - -"The nicest part of it all is that you are to stay with me," said -Letty to Mary Lee. - -Just then there was a shout from the boys who were on the other side -of the brook, so the girls hurried forward to meet them. - -It was now after five o'clock and time to go home. Bob and Mary Lee -managed to walk along together. - -"Well, Bob," asked the girl, "what are you going to do this fall?" - -"I'm to go to the academy, father says. He wants me to mingle with -other boys. I shall be glad to do so, too." - -"You and your father are great friends now, aren't you?" questioned -Mary Lee. - -"We certainly are. Dad's great and he teaches me many things," the boy -replied. "I tell you, it's wonderful to be like other boys and be able -to do what they do. It seems to me I will never cease marveling at it. -Do you know, Mary Lee," the boy continued, "both mother and father -think just everything of you? Father often says that your coming -seemed to bring rays of sunshine into our house which have always -stayed." - -The girl blushed. "How kind they are to say such delightful things," -she exclaimed. "It is glorious to have such friends," she continued -gratefully. - -Letty and Ruth joined them at this moment. The house was now but a -little way down the road. Both Bob and Mary Lee were glad to have had -this talk, short though it was. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -VISITING THE SANITARIUM - - -Aunt Madge and Dr. Anderson were to come out two days later. There was -so much to do in these two days, however, that the time flew quickly. -Mary Lee did not neglect her duties but with the help of her friends -she was able to get through early so that most of the day was free. -The first picnic lunch had been so successful that they had -unanimously planned for another. There were, however, so many other -things to do that it was put off for the arrival of the newcomers. - -Dr. Anderson brought his car and almost in the first moment of his -arrival had made plans for a long ride, but Mary Lee reminded him of -her plan to visit the Sanitarium. - -"Well, Mary Lee," he agreed good humoredly. "Of course, it will be -talking shop for me to take you youngsters through, but if that is -what you wish, I will gladly do so." - -"Suppose we take our ride later," suggested Bob, who felt more at -liberty to suggest than the others because Aunt Madge was his aunt and -Dr. Anderson would soon be his uncle. "We could stay out late and you -could return to town in the morning." - -Aunt Madge laughed. "It's not so easily planned as all that, but even -then I think we can manage." - -Dr. Anderson telephoned the hospital as soon as they reached the -house. He obtained permission almost at once to go through with his -party. His business with Mr. Quinn was transacted in half an hour and -so it was still quite early in the morning when they reached the -hospital. It was a large institution which made a specialty of certain -kinds of cases, but it also had an emergency ward. - -The doctor explained so thoroughly, yet so simply, to his listeners as -they went through the operating rooms, etc., that they could not help -having a good conception of the necessary treatment of the sick. - -In the midst of an explanation he saw Mary Lee's attention centered on -a nurse who was taking the temperature of a patient. - -"Yes, Mary Lee, that is what you will be doing some day. You have made -a splendid choice of profession. It will take many years--there is -much you must learn. I know," he continued, jestingly, "folks will be -glad to get sick just so that they can have Dr. Anderson treat them -and Nurse Mary Lee take care of them." - -"It isn't going to take as many years as you think," loyally replied -Bob, taking up the cudgels, "for Mary Lee has already begun." And he -told Aunt Madge and the doctor of Tom Marshall. To Bob, because he was -a boy, the part that had to do with the silver mine in Mexico was -important and so he dwelt upon it. - -"Tom Marshall told Mary Lee that he has a partner who is an Indian and -who is a whiter and squarer man than many white men," concluded the -boy. - -For one moment, Dr. Anderson wondered at this last remark the boy had -made. - -"An Indian for a partner, eh?" he remarked. Then he laughed at the -foolishness of his thought. Of course, there could be no connection -between Jim Lee, the Indian who had been a servant to Mary Lee's -mother out West, and this Indian Bob had spoken about. - -"You didn't say what the Indian's name was, did you?" he asked. - -Mary Lee answered, "No, I never thought to ask." - -"Well, let's be on," Dr. Anderson said, casting away all thoughts and -conjectures as to the possibilities along this line. "That was a good -home remedy you applied to the man, Mary Lee," he continued, changing -the subject by referring to the mustard the girl had applied for the -sunstroke. - -It was long past the time for lunch when they left the hospital. -Probably Mary Lee learned more than any one of the others from this -visit, for everything had been of such vital interest to her. She -remembered much of what the doctor had told them. - -Immediately after the late lunch which Mrs. Quinn had prepared for -them they started out. The girls noticed with astonishment that Aunt -Madge was driving the auto. - -"Oh, yes," she replied in answer to their exclamations, "Dr. Anderson -taught me. I find it easy to drive here in comparison with the city. -It isn't hard," she added with all the certainty of one who has -already learned. - -"Tell you what, Madge, dear, I'll teach one or two of these -youngsters. Shall I?" - -"What a fine idea," Aunt Madge replied, giving up her seat. - -Neither Letty nor Ruth would attempt it, however. Bob already knew, -but Mary Lee welcomed the opportunity of learning. - -Dr. Anderson found her an apt pupil and after the first hour he let -her drive the car alone, taking the precaution, of course, of keeping -his foot on the emergency clutch. At the end of another half hour, the -doctor replaced her and put on extra speed. - -The car whizzed along now. At four o'clock he found a suitable place -and stopped. The whole party got out and made themselves comfortable. - -Aunt Madge broke the news of the girls' appointment as bridesmaids. - -"Too bad, Bob, you are not quite old enough, or I would make you my -best man," said the doctor. - -"At any rate, I'll be there," the boy replied. But the girls were not -listening. They were eagerly discussing their plans with Aunt Madge. -The doctor and Bob looked at them with much amusement and then walked -down past the car and on. - -It was soon time to return, however. Long after seven the party -reached the house. Neither Aunt Madge nor Dr. Anderson could stay over -and they began their long trip home. - -The girls and Bob were a tired, happy lot and retired almost at once. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING - - -At last September came. Mary Lee reached the city ready for school and -her duties as bridesmaid. She had left the Quinn home with mixed -feeling; sadness at parting from such good friends and joy at the -thought of entering new experiences; it was exhilarating to come to a -turning point in life. - -For the Quinns, however, Mary Lee's departure had brought only sorrow. -They tried hard to be unselfish, to be glad for her sake. But they -felt intuitively that she had gone for good, that she would never -return, and their attempt to appear glad, if the truth must be told, -was a sorry failure. - -Mrs. Cameron had taken it for granted that when Mary Lee came to the -city, she would make her home with them, and Ruth had hopes of having -her stay at her house. Letty, however, had insistently claimed that -Mary Lee should stay with her. In fact, Mary Lee had been Letty's -guest the very first night. Considerable debate came up the second day -over this question, when Mary Lee and Letty had called for Ruth and -the three had made a call on Mrs. Cameron. Dr. Anderson had been a -luncheon guest and was still there when the girls arrived as, of -course, was Aunt Madge. - -The argument as to where Mary Lee should stay became quite heated -although it was carried on with good nature. Each one was insistent -about carrying her point. The prospective guest, and Aunt Madge as -well as the doctor had found the discussion amusing and the latter, in -particular, man like, poked fun at all of them. - -"Well, Mary Lee," he remarked, "no one would class you as an -undesirable. Nor could you be considered in the light of a poor -relation." - -"From the way you folks talk," added Aunt Madge, "one would never -infer that the victim had any rights in the matter nor that there -might be a possibility that she would have a preference as to where -she would like to stay." - -Nothing could have flustered Mary Lee more than this. She showed such -distress and embarrassment at any likelihood of having to decide the -argument, that Aunt Madge took instant pity upon her. She regretted -her interference and came quickly to the relief of the girl. - -"No," she interposed. "On second thought, we shouldn't let her decide. -I'm certain that it would be pleasant for Mary Lee at any of your -homes." - -"Yes," said Dr. Anderson, "we must keep her out of this important -discussion, slave that she is," he added with mock ferocity. - -Everyone laughed but Letty. She was so anxious to have the question -decided in her favor that she did not even hear what Dr. Anderson had -just said. She had listened with some dismay and misgiving to the -first suggestion that Mary Lee be allowed to choose her own home. The -new Letty dared not hope that she would be chosen in preference to -Ruth and Mrs. Cameron. - -"I know what we will do," Dr. Anderson said. "We two, I mean," and he -nodded his head toward Aunt Madge to avoid calling her name. One of -the delightful things about him was that he could not overcome the -habit, try as he would, of blushing when mentioning his fiancee by -name. Worst of all, their friends were acquainted with this -characteristic. He was annoyed with himself for not being able to -overcome it, and, wisely so he thought he had decided to avoid the -amused watchfulness of these friends by failing to mention her by -name. This time, he was fairly caught. - -"Which two do you mean?" Mary Lee asked innocently even as Aunt Madge, -Mrs. Cameron and the girls watched him with laughing eyes. "Which -two?" the girl repeated. - -Dr. Anderson scowled. - -"Why, Madge and myself," he replied and then could feel himself -turning brick red even though he made every effort to appear -unconcerned. And while they all laughed, he continued as if he did not -hear them: - -"Madge and I will be the judges as to where Mary Lee is to stay. You -are all to prove prior rights as they do in all claims upon valuable -property." - -Neither Mrs. Cameron nor Ruth, however, could bring forth any such -proof except that the former had never considered that there could be -any question about it. As for Ruth, she had just hoped that Mary Lee -would naturally want to stay with her. - -"Well, then," triumphantly declared Letty, "Mary Lee was invited by me -long, long ago, when she first moved out to the farm. Weren't you, -Mary Lee?" she asked as she pointed an excited finger straight at the -girl. She was so much in earnest that it raised another laugh. - -"I was," answered Mary Lee, and in her heart there was a great warmth -and affection for all these dear friends who were so earnest in their -desire to have her stay with them and in particular for this -warm-hearted, impetuous Letty. - -"The jury will now retire," said Dr. Anderson. - -Aunt Madge and he went into a far corner and were in earnest -discussion for several minutes. Finally they returned. - -"We, the jury, decided that Mary Lee is to stay with Letty. But--" and -the doctor paused impressively--"she is to make long visits to the -other claimants at reasonable times, and in view of the valuable -services of the jury she is to make equally long visits to the jury -after a certain very happy event takes place." - -There was more laughter and general satisfaction on the part of all. - -Before the girls left Mrs. Cameron called Mary Lee aside for a moment. - -"My dear," she said, "I have ordered a party gown for you to wear at -the wedding. Can't you stay here until tomorrow and try it on?" - -Mary Lee was greatly distressed. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs. Cameron, but -I can't accept your wonderful gift. You are so kind and it is so very -tempting." She paused. - -"You see," she continued, "I have my pretty white organdie dress which -is almost new. I do not wish to become further indebted to any of you; -you have all been so kind and I already owe you so much. I just hoped -that my simple dress would do. Dear Mrs. Cameron, I hope so to earn -enough to pay my way while in the city in order that I can be -self-reliant." - -Mrs. Cameron thought for a moment. It was a little hard to overcome -her disappointment. She had set her heart upon this gift. - -"You know," continued Mary Lee, and there were tears in her eyes at -the disappointment she was causing, "I appreciate your kindness so -much. But I do hope you can see my side of it," she concluded. - -"You shall have your way, my dear," answered Mrs. Cameron bravely and -wholeheartedly, as she took the girl in her arms and gave her a good, -motherly hug. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -DR. PAYSON EMPLOYS MARY LEE - - -The week of the wedding arrived. It proved a feverish time for them -all. The days flew swiftly. The two preceding weeks had been a mad -rush, so they all thought, and they now decided that these last days -fittingly capped the climax. For the girls, this last week brought the -important--but up to now, neglected--event of school opening strongly -to their attention. It was to take place three days after the wedding. -There was need to plan and prepare for that as well. - -It was Mary Lee who found time to be of help to everyone. The -excitement left her untouched. There were things she also had to plan -and do, yet she proved a blessing to the harrassed and distracted -bride who preferred her help to that of anyone else. The girl also was -able to help Mrs. Cameron whose responsibilities as matron and -hostess were great. Ruth, too, usually independent, welcomed her help. -As for Letty, full of the excitement of these days, it required all of -Mary Lee's strength of mind to counteract the desire of the former to -stay up night after night to discuss the coming events. Mary Lee was -the necessary balance for such a nature as Letty's. - -With all this, Mary Lee set to work to carry out certain other plans -that had nothing to do with either of the two important events. And, -strangely, too, she was able to enlist the services of Dr. Anderson at -this time. - -That poor man, with each day's nearer approach to the event found -himself of less and less importance. There was little opportunity to -see his fiancee who was enmeshed in numberless engagements with -dressmakers and, so it seemed to him, with everybody in town but -himself. - -Mary Lee found him in this frame of mind on the morning she called at -his office, only three days before the wedding. She had been surprised -to find that he would be glad to see her at any time, when she called -him on the telephone. - -"I didn't dare expect that I could see you so soon," she apologized -after greetings had been exchanged. "All I could do was to hope for -it." - -The doctor, however, gave no sign of being very busy. On the contrary, -he seemed to indicate that he had prepared for a long and pleasant -visit with her. - -"I haven't a thing to do," he remarked. "I turned over my practice for -the next two months to Dr. Stewart on the presumption that I could be -fairly useful to _her_ and because, so I thought, of the opportunities -I would have to see _her_. Then, too, I had a large number of things -that required attention. - -"And," he added with a wry face, "I have found plenty of time to -attend to the things that required attention, for, lo and behold, I -find _her_ without any time for me and the kind of help I can give -_her_, she doesn't need. So you see, Mary Lee, I have lots of time on -my hands and am glad of the chance to see any friends who have time -for me." - -"Dr. Anderson," the girl came directly to the subject nearest her -heart, "I wondered if you would not know someone who perhaps would be -in need of the services of a girl like myself for after school hours." - -The doctor whistled in amazement. - -"Honestly, young lady, you are a creature of surprises. What made you -think of that, when there are so many of your friends who would make -you more than welcome?" - -"I know they would," the girl replied, "but I shall never feel content -to live on their bounty and I shall only be happy when I am as -independent as is possible." - -"You are right, Mary Lee," he agreed in hearty approval. "It is the -only normal thing to do. Well," and he paused in deep thought. He knew -that Mary Lee would be mortified if he should suggest that he employ -her, for that would make it seem as if she were bidding for a position -in his office in an indirect way. He knew her well enough to be quite -certain that it would be best to place her elsewhere. - -"I shall see some of my friends who are likely to need an able -assistant part time. Of course, with the training you desire you -naturally would prefer a doctor's office." - -Mary Lee nodded in assent. After a few inquiries as to the hours the -girl would be able to give to the new duties and a friendly warning, -which the doctor decided was almost unnecessary as to the demands of -employers, the subject was changed and the conversation changed to -Aunt Madge. The girl tried hard to give the doctor an idea of how busy -his fiancee was, the many things that needed attention and the -tremendous amount of preparations necessary for it. Even though he had -but a small conception of it all, she felt that she had made him -understand a little more closely. - -At the end of a half hour, she departed after thanking him warmly for -his interest. - -The doctor was prompt in making inquiries. One of his friends, Dr. -Payson, could use Mary Lee's services after school hours and Saturday -mornings. But he would also need her at ten o'clock for one hour on -two mornings of each week. - -Dr. Anderson immediately called her up with the good news. - -"Of course, it does not pay much, but Payson will probably find you -useful and give you every opportunity to learn. It will be good -experience and of great help to you later, when you enter training -school. The money it pays is as much as three dollars every week," the -doctor added laughingly and apologetically. - -But if that sum did not seem big to him, it did to Mary Lee and she -told him so. It had been more than she had expected. The only hitch -was the question of being free at ten on two school mornings. - -She consulted Letty in reference to this and received the welcome -assurance from her that study hours were often arranged so that free -time could be obtained. - -She called on Dr. Payson with Dr. Anderson. He proved to be a kindly, -middle aged man and from all appearances seemed satisfied as to her -possible usefulness to him. Mary Lee did not know that Dr. Anderson -had given a full account of her sense of responsibility and likable -qualities and that it was his enthusiastic recommendation that had -persuaded his friend to try Mary Lee instead of employing an older -assistant for full time. - -"Well, Mary," he started to say, but Dr. Anderson interrupted him. - -"Not Mary, Payson, not Mary. This young lady's name is Mary Lee. Be -sure to remember the Lee. We sometimes think that her mother did not -name her Lee after a loyal Indian, as she would have us believe, but -because she wanted her little girl's name to sound as if it were -Mer-ri-ly. That name fits her." - -As Mary Lee blushed, Dr. Payson remarked laughingly, "I am sure I -shall find her very pleasant and agreeable. I shall also be sure to -remember that it is Mary Lee I am to call her, in the future." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -AUNT MADGE IS MARRIED - - -Aunt Madge had always been a firm believer in simplicity and she made -that the predominating tone of the ceremony. She had a fair share of -worldly riches and yet she had not, as our readers who have grown to -know her must readily realize, ever made use of her wealth for garish -display. There was a fine dignity and charm about the ceremony of the -marriage that came through the gifted touch of true womanhood. - -It was at an old church, beautiful, stately and with that atmosphere -that brings of itself devoutness, religious fervor and conviction. A -wonderful organ played, as down the aisle came Ruth and Edith, -followed by Letty and Mary Lee. The four girls were as fair as the -flowers they carried and made a charming picture that brought forth a -murmur of admiration. About them, too, as if to fit in with the -entire impressiveness, was a sense of quiet and repose that to those -who knew them measured the significance and importance of the event -for them. - -Mrs. Cameron as matron of honor followed, and Dr. Payson escorted the -bride. The bridegroom? He had been waiting with Dr. Payson, his best -man, at the altar throughout the entire ordeal. But we shall speak of -him a little later, for our eyes are upon the bride as she goes, -slowly and yet in perfect time of music, down the broad aisle to the -altar. - -All brides are beautiful. And yet, Margaret Cameron made a picture -that was to stay in the minds of those present for many a day. One -stores away memories and impressions of that kind. - -We are so built that everything must be symbolized. For as one thinks -of green woods, there is sure to come the picture of one certain spot, -one certain nook to symbolize it; so, for many of those present, there -would, in the same way, come a picture of Margaret Cameron as she -appeared that day, whenever thereafter weddings and brides were spoken -about. The fineness of her! She carried a shower bouquet of white -roses and lilies of the valley. Her head-dress was very becoming--a -bridal veil prettily arranged--and her gown was a simple creation of -white satin draped gracefully, trimmed with some rare old lace which -belonged to her mother, and which had adorned her bridal gown. - -We wish we could defy the conventional and the expected and say for -the groom that he was fully at ease, self-contained, in full command -of the situation. Poor man, we wish we could say it and remain -truthful. We could not do both. Never was any man more in need of -help. Dr. Payson had a busy time of it. His whispered instructions -fell on deaf ears, the owner of which was too scared to even hear. At -the proper time, too, he was almost dragged to the proper place. - -He did, however, manage to answer, "I will" distinctly. And as if that -had been the goal, once he did that, some of his composure came back -to him. - -Dr. Payson always insisted thereafter that his friend had primed -himself for the "I will" and was unequal to anything else. - -"Why, I actually felt sorry for him," he said. "His knees were -trembling and knocking against each other. I couldn't make out the -thing he was mumbling but I feel certain he was only rehearsing to -himself 'I will, I will, I will.'" - -There was the usual rush of friends after the Reverend Dr. Arthur had -tied the knot, and the shower of congratulations. It was the plan of -the married couple to leave at once. To the new benedict, it seemed, -however, that the number of their friends was unlimited and the time -they took to offer their good wishes hours and hours. But all things -have an end and so the Andersons were off at last. Mrs. Anderson had -found the opportunity for an affectionate leave-taking from her girls -and also from Bob Cameron. She had promised to write to them, too. - -Some of the tenseness of the last few days seemed to go with the -couple. Mrs. Cameron sighed with relief--relief over the fact that -there had been no hitch and that the event had gone through so -smoothly. Belief, too, that the worry and bustle were over. - -For the girls there came a moment of reaction. Just what would take -the place of the excitement and planning of the last few weeks? School -seemed tame in comparison. Even the fact that Mary Lee had procured a -position for some of her spare time had not created the furore that it -would have under ordinary circumstances. - -"It certainly seems strange to think of Aunt Madge as Mrs. Anderson, -doesn't it?" asked Ruth as the party started for the door. - -"And I suppose that's what we'll have to call her, too, instead of -Aunt Madge," added Letty ruefully. - -"And precious little we shall see of her from now on, I suppose," was -Edith's contribution. - -"I declare when I grow up I just won't marry and desert my friends, I -just won't." The sense of injury was growing stronger and it was so -voiced by Letty. - -The rest of the girls laughed at her. - -"You'll be the very first one, Letty dear," Mary Lee answered her, as -she gave the impetuous Letty an affectionate hug. "Come, girls, let's -plan for school," she added. - -Dr. Payson was just entering his car as they came to the street. - -"Don't forget, Mary Lee," he called to her. "Be sure to report on -time." - -"I certainly will," answered Mary Lee. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -BUSY DAYS - - -Ten days later school was already in full swing. Mary Lee had been -placed in a grade lower than her friends because she had lost so much -time while at the orphanage and at the Quinns. She had been able to -arrange for the necessary spare time and so was able to become Dr. -Payson's "assistant," as he jokingly called her. - -Each of the girls had received a card from the Andersons who were now -in the Adirondacks and who were to remain there for several weeks. -Mary Lee had also received a letter from Tom Marshall, forwarded to -her by Mrs. Quinn. He was on his way to Mexico and he told her that -his mother had died, but so peacefully that it had left him no -bitterness. His sorrow held only the regret that he had not been more -with his mother during the last few years. He thanked Mary Lee again -for her help and voiced the hope that he would see her again some day. - -Pleasant days followed each other. The girl enjoyed her work at Dr. -Payson's office as much as she did school. What time she did not -devote to her studies and to the office was spent agreeably with the -other girls. - -It had been decided to hold the Campfire meetings on Friday nights and -the girls were doing fairly well in the absence of their leader, Aunt -Madge. Following Mary Lee's example, they were desirous of being Red -Cross girls. - -Ruth, who was secretary, was instructed to write to the Red Cross -Committee volunteering the services of the seven girls. - -"What can we do?" Alice Brown, one of the girls, pessimistically -asked. - -"Why, we can make bandages, after a few lessons," replied Mary Lee. - -"And some of us can sew and knit," added Letty. - -"Oh," said Alice, as if a light had struck her. "Why of course." - -Before they could get a reply to their letter, the President and -Congress had declared war against Germany. This made them doubly eager -for their answer and with the idea of preparing ahead of time, at Mary -Lee's suggestion, they immediately invited Miss Walker, a friend of -Mrs. Anderson, who was a trained nurse, to teach them how to make such -bandages as might be needed. Miss Walker readily consented to give one -evening a week to teaching them. - -The war came somewhat close to Mary Lee when Dr. Payson told her that -he intended to answer the first call for physicians. - -"Would you like to come along?" he asked her jestingly. - -The girl took his question seriously and for a moment was not sure. -She pictured the wounded and dying with her ready imagination and felt -as if she would not be equal to it. - -Then a new and clearer thought came. - -"If I'm to be a nurse," she said determinedly to herself, "I mustn't -think of such things. I mustn't think of myself at all." - -But Dr. Payson, who had watched the serious minded girl with -considerable amusement, added: - -"There isn't any need for sudden decision on your part. I'm afraid you -couldn't come even if you would. You are somewhat young, for one -thing, and I hope there won't ever come a time when they will need -anybody so young," he concluded as a serious look came into his eyes. - -Then he changed the subject and went into a detailed explanation of -what was to be done with a case that was to come in a little later -that day, and how he would expect Mary Lee to assist him. She listened -carefully as she was anxious to get practical experience. - -"I wish I could have you here all the time," Dr. Payson remarked a -little later. "You are such a help. I tell you this because I feel -sure it won't turn your head." - -The girl flushed with gratification and vowed to herself that she -would give her very best to her work always. And although Dr. Payson -did not add it, he had noticed with considerable satisfaction how neat -the girl was and how strong a point she made of keeping things in -order. - -In the midst of a number of questions one afternoon, a sudden thought -struck her and she stopped short. - -"I'm sorry, Dr. Payson, I should not be bothering you with my many -questions," she remarked contritely. "I didn't realize before, how -many I ask." - -"You are not bothering me," he answered with decision. "I want you to -ask questions; in that way I shall be able to get your best help, so -be sure you always do." - -After that Mary Lee, taking him at his word, never hesitated. In this -way she was learning much and daily growing more efficient. - -Letty, for one, was keenly interested in Mary Lee's position and at -such time when she was free she begged to be allowed to go with her to -Dr. Payson's office. But excepting Saturday mornings when Dr. Payson -did not come to the office, Mary Lee, much as she would have liked to -have Letty with her, had to reluctantly refuse permission. She felt -that the situation was not play and even on the Saturday mornings that -Letty did come she made her help in getting things in order. - -School events were now in full swing. Mary Lee became a member of the -Basket Ball Team because of her quickness and strength. At the same -time Letty was made a substitute. - -At one of the Campfire meetings Mary Lee suggested to the other girls -that they start a large Junior Red Cross Group at High School. - -The idea took like wildfire at school and over forty girls made -application at the first meeting. - -The idea had the enthusiastic backing of Miss James who was a teacher -in English at the school and who had been made the director of the -group by the faculty. - -"Suppose," said Miss James, "we form a Committee on Plans. There will -be so much to do and so many in the school who will be anxious to join -that we should have plans formed." - -The girls all agreed. Besides Miss James seven girls were appointed, -and Mary Lee, Letty and Ruth were three of them. - -As if to help the Committee on Plans the answer from the Red Cross -Committee came to Ruth the next morning. - -Ruth read the letter through breathlessly, and then hurried over to -meet Letty and Mary Lee before their departure for school. - -The two girls were just leaving the house as Ruth turned the corner. - -"Mary Lee, Letty!" she called to them excitedly and waved the letter. - -Passers-by stopped and smiled at the girl and her excitement but she -was heedless of the stir she was causing. - -Mary Lee and Letty turned at the call and hurried to meet her. - -"I've got the letter! I've got the letter!" she exclaimed. - -"Will they let us do anything? What do they say? Let's sit down and -read it," Letty responded with great eagerness. - -Mary Lee, not a bit less excited, turned to see where they could sit -down. - -"Let's sit down here," she directed and the three girls seated -themselves on the steps of Letty's house. Mary Lee then immediately -turned to the letter. - -It was of considerable length. It told the girls that the help they -could give at the time was threefold. While some of it might not at -first thought be the Red Cross work, as they probably had associated -their idea of it, it was, as they would realize after a little -thought, the best kind of Red Cross help. The letter closed very -nicely, after outlining the things they could do, with an appreciation -of their offer which was so opportune and the assurance that their -help was greatly needed. - -"My," said Mary Lee, "it's like ready made plans for our committee. -Let's hurry and show it to Miss James. We'll be late if we stop and -talk it over, there is so much to consider." - -So the girls hurried to school with a consciousness that the -opportunity for service was straight ahead of them and in definite, -concrete form. - -After the first period, the three girls were free and they -immediately hastened to see Miss James. - -"It is perfectly splendid, isn't it?" was her comment after reading -the letter through. "I wonder how many of the rest of the committee -can be excused so that we can go over this letter at once." - -Two of the other girls could come and they did. Miss James then read -the letter aloud. - -"You see, girls, they want us to plan along three different lines. -First, and this is the plan that we all had--we should turn to making -useful things which would be used by our soldiers and our allies. You -see, they want us to be very practical about this. - -"Second, they want every member of this group to help in the planting -of some vegetable garden. That is a splendid practical idea, not hard -to follow and it should prove of great benefit inasmuch as the food -supply of the country would be materially increased. - -"Third, they want us to form a division whose work will be to call -attention of households to the great need of eliminating luxuries, and -being economical and frugal. That, too, is possible for us to do. - -"Of course, young ladies, we by ourselves can do our share. But it -helps to know that there are to be other groups like our own formed -throughout the country--for that means we shall be a part of a very -big thing." - -"Isn't it fine?" Mary Lee added with great enthusiasm. "President -Wilson said the other day that help, such as this, is just as -necessary and useful as the service the soldier gives." - -"We'll call a meeting of the group tomorrow afternoon, shall we?" -asked Miss James. "This afternoon we can get a report into definite -shape." - -"But, Miss James," interrupted Letty. "If we have our meeting this -afternoon, Mary Lee cannot be present. She is at Dr. Payson's; nor can -she come tomorrow afternoon, or any afternoon." - -Miss James turned to Mary Lee who nodded her head in confirmation. - -"You see," she remarked apologetically, "I work afternoons and -Saturday mornings at Dr. Payson's office. But please," the girl added, -"you have your meeting and I'll help as I can." - -"Well, there's one thing we know--we want Mary Lee with us, don't we -girls?" asked Miss James. - -The girls agreed with decisive unanimity. - -"So we will have our meetings at seven tonight and tomorrow, if all of -you can arrange to have an early dinner. I hope that this is -satisfactory. And in the meantime, girls, think about this and about -any ideas that are practical and feasible. Above everything else, let -us prove that we are a very practical, useful group." - -It was almost time for the next period and so the girls made their way -to their classrooms. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -INDIAN JIM'S LUCKY STRIKE - - -With the reader's permission we shall turn our attention to Tom -Marshall who was returning to Mexico at the time we last heard of him. -He had left his Indian partner prospecting there, for both of them had -hopes in the possibilities of the mine despite its apparent -fruitlessness. - -There was a warm friendship between the two men who had grown to know -each other in their solitude. It was the Indian who had urged Tom to -make his trip home and who had insisted that the latter take most of -their small capital on hand for his expenses. - -His return was at best a weary trip. He had left the train at El Paso, -then had made his way westward and at a lonely point had crossed over -into Mexico. Despite the outlaw bands everywhere he had no trouble on -the way, although he had been on the road for over two weeks. - -He had now quickened his pace for he was on the last lap. His -weariness fell from him like a discarded mantle. In his heart was a -great eagerness to see his friend and still a hope that he had proved -successful. A rather vague hope--for the man's optimism which had -always been strong, in the last few years had received some severe -jolts. - -At last he could see their hut. He could make out the figure of the -Indian carrying water toward it. He hastened his step. - -The keen ear of the Indian must have heard him, for he suddenly stood -erect and with his eyes shaded by his left hand he searched the road. -Then he saw Marshall approaching. He watched him for a moment, -motionless, without any semblance of feeling. Then suddenly he -answered the waving, shouting greeting of his partner with a whoop and -no less swiftly and eagerly hurried forward to meet him. - -"Hello, Tom, I'm glad to see you." - -"No less than I am, old man. It's good to get back and I certainly -missed you." - -The Indian smiled his pleasure. He had associated so long with the -white people that he spoke, except at rare moments, after the manner -of his white brothers. Even his habits, thoughts and manners were no -different and to the ordinary observer it would have been impossible -to recognize him as an Indian, except for his copper-hued complexion. - -"I'm sorry about your mother, Tom, but it was a blessed thing for you -to have been home before she passed away." - -"That is was, partner. But I had some time getting there." And he went -into the story of how he made his way, and how sickness had overcome -him. - -"I don't know what I would have done without the help of a little -angel of mercy who took me to the hospital, wrote home for me and then -saw to it that I got enough money to get home." - -The Indian listened interestedly. - -"Now tell me what has happened here," Tom added. - -"Well, I've had some proof that there is silver here. Not much proof, -but some. I have been waiting for you to come back so that we could -rig up another block and tackle and bore and go to it at a certain -point that may show results. I think there is some chance of its -proving 'pay dirt.'" - -"I shall be ready at any time," replied Tom. "It would be splendid if -we could make a strike, wouldn't it?" - -The Indian nodded his head; then as something came to his mind, he -added: - -"Barton is coming this way tomorrow and we can get him to bring us -some things we need from the States. He'll be back next week." - -"Good," replied Marshall. "I will also give him a few letters I want -mailed." - -Tom turned to the writing of his letters. One was to his cousin. He -wrote a short note to Mary Lee thanking her for her letter which he -received at El Paso. He spoke of his partner and of the bare -possibility of finding silver in plenty at the mine. - -The Indian smoked his pipe while his partner was writing, watching him -with a feeling of contentment. He had been very lonesome for him. He -was of the type that become strongly attached to people and the -acquaintance of this man now so busily writing was the second of his -great friendships. Now his mind wandered a little back to the time, -more than twelve years before, when he had had other friends. - -He was brought back to the present with a start. - -"Here is that little girl that did so much for me," Marshall, unaware -of the flow of his friend's thoughts, interrupted, as he handed the -envelope and letter to him. - -The man looked at the envelope with passing interest. But even as he -looked, a strange thrill came over him. He rubbed his eyes and looked -again. Were his eyes playing tricks with his wandering thoughts? He -rubbed them again. Then he turned to his partner who was watching him -curiously. - -What was this miracle that brought the past back to him? Surely it was -naught but a trick, a coincidence! - -To Tom Marshall, watching him with increasing interest, the Indian -turned questioningly, and even as he turned there suddenly came to -the white man similarity of names, for his partner was named Jim Lee. -Yet, surely the girl was not Indian. - -Jim Lee's emotion brought his words back to the beauty of Indian -phrasing. - -"The Great Spirit gives strange proof of his greatness. My partner, -who is very dear to me, will listen while I tell him the story of what -has been. - -"Fifteen years ago and even more, I was up in Alaska. A man, a -stranger to me, risked his life and saved mine. More than that, he -shared the little he had with me, through the long winter, even though -he went hungry often. That was brave and it was good. So I, who had no -call of bloodfolk, found my call there. Stewart and I, we did things, -but it brought no returns in white man's gold. Then this man returned -to where his family was waiting and he was sorrowful that he could -bring no wealth. I went with him. Could I do more? - -"A fine man was he. The Great Spirit called him about three years -later and he answered. And even as he passed on to the Great Beyond, -he turned to me and wished that I would do what I could for his loved -ones. - -"It was little enough I could do, but that little I did. Gentle and -kind was Mrs. Stewart; and little Mary, but two years old, was a great -playmate. The days were cheerful and even comfortable. Mrs. Stewart -named Mary--Mary Lee--for two reasons: For me, and because it sounded -as if it were Merri-ly. And a merry spirit she was. - -"The little girl was eight years old when the Great Spirit called -again and this time Mrs. Stewart made answer. A sorry time it was; but -sorrier days were to come, for they who plan things decided that Jim -Lee, because he was an Indian, was not the proper person to take care -of one who was dearer than all life to him. - -"They took the little girl away even as she cried and would not go. -She went East and they would not tell me where. And then I decided -that perhaps it was better so. She was young and would forget. Perhaps -she would be happier. - -"And now you come and bring back--from out of the past--news of a very -dear one. So blame me not, if I am moved. I shall leave you, my -brother, for an hour or so, for I would be alone." - -The Indian walked out of the hut. For more than three hours Tom -Marshall was alone. Then Lee returned, but he offered no comment and -the white man respected his wish for silence. - -"Shall I write and tell Mary Lee that you are here?" Tom Marshall -inquired the next morning. "Or, perhaps you would like to write to her -yourself?" - -Lee made no answer for a moment and seemed to be debating the -question. - -"No, thank you, I think not. We will wait," he finally decided. - -Barton came the next morning and took the mail and also promised to do -the necessary shopping for them. - -The two men turned to the work in hand. It was not long before they -were ready for further drilling and before the month was up they were -fairly assured of prospective success. If the vein did not "peter out" -their fortune was certain. - -But they made no mention of their probable success to the one or two -stray Mexicans who passed. They would not be in possession very long -if the news were made public. - -Jim Lee had by now received all the information that Marshall could -give him of Mary Lee. Moreover he had made Tom repeat it to him a -dozen times at least. - -On the day when their success was no longer in doubt, Tom was painting -in glowing colors his plans and what he would do with his share of the -mine. The Indian, however, gave no inkling of his intentions. Tom -noticed the fact. - -"What are you going to do with your share, Jim?" he asked. - -"My share is for Mary Lee. It could not be otherwise." - -Tom nodded understandingly. He already realized how much the Indian's -loyalty and faith were wrapped up in the girl. It was because of the -debt his partner owed to Stewart and because of his added devotion to -the girl. - -"Tom," the Indian added, "now that the subject is up, I might as well -tell you my wishes. If anything happens to me, you will see that my -share is turned over to her, will you?" - -"Of course," was the answer. "But nothing is going to happen to you, -and if there is going to be any turning over, it will be done by you." - -The days that followed were eager, eventful days. Jim Lee was able to -make a safe trip over the border and make a deposit of a large supply -of the silver without anyone's being the wiser. He informed the -president of the bank of the need of secrecy and that gentleman saw to -it that no inkling of the source of the silver leaked out. Then a week -or so later Tom came over with another supply which had been stored. - -In two months there was over fifty thousand dollars to their credit at -the bank. - -Then rumors and actual proofs of the approach of the revolutionists -came to them. One morning Tom spoke of this and wondered how long it -would be safe for them to continue carrying the silver across the -border without being discovered. - -"It seems to me," he added thoughtfully, "it might pay us to play -safe. What do you think of destroying all evidence of the fact that -this mine exists and leaving here for a year or so? Things might be -safer for us then and we would always have the mine. In the meantime -we have this money on deposit to help us along." - -"I've thought of that," replied Jim Lee. "We might even be able to -sell the mine to people who would be ready to take the risk or who -would wait for the safe and settled times." - -"I hadn't thought of that," was Tom's comment. "We probably could -sell--it is only a question of whether we wish to." - -Once they had come to a decision they immediately set to work to -destroy all clues and made it appear as if the location had been -forsaken as worthless. They made good work of it. After they were -through they felt that there was small probability of anyone's making -any investigation. - -A few days later they returned to the States. They drew out what money -they needed. - -"We'll go North for a while. First we'll stop at my house, then we'll -go to the city and visit Mary Lee. Is that satisfactory, Jim?" - -Jim agreed. They reached Tom Marshall's home, but stayed for a few -days only. Tom could see how eager his friend was to see the girl and -so he hastened their departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -A HAPPY RED CROSS GROUP - - -It was not very long before the Red Cross Group at the High School was -busily at work, following the outline suggested by the Red Cross -Committee. The group was made up of thirty girls, each of whom gave -five hours a week to sewing, knitting and in a smaller measure -preparing bandages. - -Another group of about the same number had already prepared gardens -for the growth of vegetables and berries. Letty and Mary Lee had -planned for a garden of string beans. It was Letty's suggestion that -each girl specialize in one thing and that all the vegetables were to -be brought to the school and sold when ready. With a few slight -changes this plan was adopted. Ruth had set to work to grow potatoes -and corn. - -Miss James had made them all understand that while their gardens -would need constant attention, the returns would be rather slow in -coming and that only by constant watching would their work prove -successful. - -The third group had set to work to canvass a district which had been -assigned to the High School and in twos and threes were already -earnestly bringing to the attention of both the thoughtful and -thoughtless the need of economizing. - -"It isn't so much that we ourselves will need it. The President has -told us how much the other warring countries wasted at the beginning -and that they were now suffering in consequence. It is our duty to -help our allies as much as we can and this way will be your share and -my share." - -This was Mary Lee's best argument and it usually brought promises to -do what was possible and also offers of help. - -On Saturday afternoon all the girls were reporting what they had done. - -When they had finished, Mary Lee asked Miss James if there was -anything she wished to tell the girls. - -"Only this," was the response, "What the girls are doing in the way of -getting stockings, mittens and shirts is of great value. Thanks to the -co-operation of all groups such as this, our soldiers will be fairly -well supplied. But I really believe that the girls who are visiting -families and making them think of economy are doing just as effective -and valuable work. And the gardeners are going to get a lot of -satisfaction from their work." - -"Before we adjourn, I have one or two suggestions which you may think -it worth while to follow," said Mary Lee. - -"Our Red Cross Group might suggest to the Mayor that the parks be -made, at least such parts as could be used for such purposes, into -small gardens to grow cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, squash and other -vegetables. Furthermore, a little further out in the suburbs, we might -get the consent of the railroad companies to let families use the land -that they call their right of way, for planting of vegetables. This -would be in line with the work planned for us." - -"What capital ideas," said Miss James while the girls applauded. - -"I move," said one of the girls, "that Miss James and Mary Lee be -appointed a committee to take up both these questions and that we all -offer our help should they need it." - -The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - -When Mary Lee reported for work the following Monday, Dr. Payson was -waiting for her. - -"Didn't Dr. Anderson tell me that you have had some experience in the -handling of babies?" he inquired. - -"I have had," was the girl's answer. "At the orphanage they arranged -it so that the older girls attended to the babies and at Mrs. Quinn's, -because she was not well, I had to take almost complete care of the -child." - -"Good," was the doctor's answer. "I will have to go to the -Richardsons' home about five-thirty. I have been there once already -this afternoon, but will need some help when I go there again. I know -it is past your hour but I hope you can come with me. Miss Doyle, who -is the nurse I called for, is on another case, so I cannot get her." - -"I shall be glad to go," replied Mary Lee. - -"I thought you would," Dr. Payson remarked. - -At five-thirty the doctor and Mary Lee drove off. It was about fifteen -minutes' ride to the Richardson home. - -"The child is ailing," the doctor informed her. "It isn't teething and -it isn't the ordinary children's ailments. I wanted them to get a -specialist in children's diseases, but they insist on having me. It -isn't very serious, but you will have to help me and possibly hold the -child's attention while I do a little prying." - -The anxious mother was waiting for them. - -"Is the child any better?" the doctor asked. - -"He hasn't seemed to be in pain but he has a high temperature," -answered Mrs. Richardson. - -"Well, it isn't anything serious or it would have been apparent by -now. So we needn't worry. Mary Lee will give the child this laxative -and if he isn't normal in two hours, please let me know. You needn't -send for the specialist now. If you had sent for him earlier, you -would have saved some worry, for he probably would have realized that -it wasn't serious where I simply made sure." - -"Well, I'd much rather have you make sure than have anyone make a -quick guess," answered Mrs. Richardson, much relieved. - -In the meantime, thanks to Mary Lee's soothing and practiced touch, -the child had perceptibly calmed and the doctor found his temperature -already nearer normal. - -Mrs. Richardson thanked Mary Lee for her help as they left. - -"Of course," said Dr. Payson, as he took the girl to her home in his -car, "every mother should worry; but a child of poor parents would -hardly get so much attention." - -And then Dr. Payson changed the subject and questioned Mary Lee as to -the Red Cross work her group was doing. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -MARY LEE MEETS AN OLD FRIEND - - -While plans were being forwarded for the Red Cross Group's effective -aid, two of our friends--Tom Marshall and Indian Jim--were on their -way to New York City. The latter intended to enlist in the army as -soon as he had paid a visit to Mary Lee. - -It was fun for Tom Marshall to draw comparisons between their present -mode of traveling and that of his previous journey which had been made -partly on foot and partly on freight trains. It made the comforts of -the Pullman in which they were now riding, seem ideal. - -As they were speeding along, the conversation turned to Jim Lee's -intention of enlisting. - -"I shall enlist, too," Tom remarked, "but I have no desire to serve -longer than the war." - -Lee, however, argued against his doing so. He dwelt upon the -advisability of his holding off for a time. - -"One of us will be sufficient for the present, partner. It is your -duty to stay behind and negotiate the possible sale of our mine. I -should feel uneasy if I thought provision had not been made for its -safety and the income turned over to Mary Lee." - -"Very well," his partner replied. "When we get to the city I shall -call upon some people, who will, in all probability, be interested and -see if I cannot dispose of it at a fair figure. I guess an immediate -sale is the best thing even if we do have to sacrifice a few thousand -dollars." - -"I think so," the Indian agreed. "At any rate, I shall be satisfied -with your judgment in the matter." - -Two hours later they reached their destination. Tom Marshall had -received Mary Lee's address in one of her letters and although he had -not told her who his partner was, he had given her some idea of the -good fortune their mine had brought them. - -The two men made their way to a hotel. They had purchased some city -clothes at the time they entered the States on their return from -Mexico. Now they secured some more ready made and fashionable suits -and it would have been difficult to recognize in the trim, well garbed -figures, the rough and unkempt prospectors of little more than a month -before. Each one of them took great pride in appearing at his best -before Mary Lee. - -Tom Marshall recollected that Mary Lee had written him of her -afternoon position with Dr. Payson so the two men decided not to call -until evening. To Tom, accustomed to his partner's moods and feelings, -it was apparent that despite his dispassionate and stolid expression, -he was burning with eagerness to see the girl who represented all his -earthly ties. And Marshall, himself, was anxious to see his young -friend, to be able to thank her again, in person, for her kindness at -a time when he needed such kindness and help. - -The hour for calling came at last and the two men started for Letty's -home. - -A butler opened the door and they asked to see Miss Mary Lee. They -were ushered into the drawing room. - -Two girls entered the room a few minutes later. - -Tom Marshall bowed to Mary Lee. The Indian looked intently and eagerly -at the two girls, then his face cleared, for he now knew which was -Mary Lee. - -In the same instant the girl recognized Tom Marshall. She came toward -him impetuously and with welcoming hand. So excited was she, she -failed to pay much attention to his companion. - -"Why, this is a surprise! I'm glad to see you. So glad you came. This -is Miss Saunders, Mr. Marshall, and Letty, this is Mr. Tom Marshall. -You've heard me speak of him, haven't you?" - -"Indeed, I have. Won't you both sit down?" Letty invited, not -forgetting, in her excitement, the need for hospitality and her duties -as hostess. "Mother will be here in a moment," she added. - -While Letty had been speaking, Mary Lee had turned, for the first -time really aware of the presence of Tom Marshall's friend. For a -brief second the man's intent gaze disturbed her. Only for a second, -however, then came the consciousness of having met the man before. But -she could not place him in her mind. - -"This is Mr. Lee, my partner," interrupted Tom Marshall, observing the -two. - -"Mr. Lee?" Mary Lee questioned, with a swift intake of her breath as -dawning realization came. "Mr. Lee?" she repeated. Then a sudden glad -light came into her eyes. "Why, it's Jim Lee, my Jim! Letty, he's -Indian Jim!" And the girl rushed into his arms not knowing whether to -laugh or cry and doing both. - -"There, there, little girl, it's all right. Jim's here and Jim will -take care of you." - -"Jim, I never thought I was going to see you again. And I've missed -you all the time, all the time." - -Letty watched her friend with great wonderment. The usually calm and -collected Mary Lee was in a state of great excitement--a thing so -unusual as to be worth observing. - -Mrs. Saunders came into the room at that moment and the two men were -introduced by the excited Mary Lee who made a haven of that good -woman's kindly arms. Mrs. Saunders was a devoted, indulgent mother. -She had developed a great affection for the motherless Mary Lee. She -was also a woman of quick and unusually good judgment. She liked the -looks of these two men, which fact was not at all strange for they -both showed in open countenance, the honesty and cleanliness of -outdoor and right living. - -Mrs. Saunders made them feel thoroughly at home. She knew the story of -Mary Lee and so understood who Jim Lee was. She very naturally -realized how delighted the girl must feel at Jim Lee's coming. - -For two hours they sat and talked over things, bringing up to the -present moment the important events in Mary Lee's life as well as -those of interest in Jim Lee's. - -The two men then departed, promising to come again. Without Mary Lee's -knowledge, they had arranged with Mrs. Saunders for a meeting with -Mr. Saunders the following morning. That gentleman had not returned -home up to the moment they were leaving. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -MARY LEE'S LEGACY - - -"You see, Mr. Saunders, it isn't a question of our wanting any money," -said Tom Marshall. "Mr. Lee is anxious to make safe provision for Mary -Lee out of the net proceeds of his share of the mine. As for my share, -I can wait until such time as the buyers are ready to turn over the -proceeds." - -"The ore is there, all right, but the mine needs capital." Jim Lee was -now speaking. "We want to turn it over to the right hands, that is -all. That will benefit us most." - -Mr. Saunders was a banker. As a business proposition, he was keenly -interested. He very naturally took some precautions, asked many -questions, but he seemed fairly well convinced at the end. - -"I shall be able to arrange a meeting for you and probably find a way -that will be best for all concerned, if you will both call again this -afternoon." - -The end of the day found the whole matter closed up. A company was -formed in which the two partners received a one-third share. If the -mine proved of great value, they were each to receive $100,000 in -addition. Jim Lee's share, by an extra provision, was to be paid out -in income to Mary Lee. He also made provision with Mr. Saunders to -turn over $15,000 of his available cash to the girl. It was finally -decided that Tom Marshall was not to enlist but to stay and manage the -mine. - -That night the two men again called at the Saunders home. Indian Jim -told Mary Lee of his intention to enlist. The girl did not try to -dissuade him. - -Then he went into the details, very simply, of what he wanted to do -with his money. The girl listened quietly. To her, Jim represented -family--so closely allied had he been to it--so much was he connected -with all her recollections of it. - -"I don't know what to say, Jim," she remarked. "To tell you I don't -think you should turn over that money to me is needless, almost. Let -us put it this way: whatever money there is, I shall gladly count as -if it were partly my own; but for you to turn it over entirely to me, -isn't fair. Let it be for both of us." - -The Indian smiled at her with great affection. He made no answer. He -did not tell her he had already made every provision. Instead, he told -her how much she meant to him, what a big debt he had owed her father. -"This," he said, "is but a small way of repaying it." - -A few days later Jim was enrolled in the cavalry. His application had -been quickly approved--men like him were needed. But until he joined -his company the two men and Mary Lee, when she was free, and Letty, -too, spent many happy hours together. Tom Marshall's time was also -well spent and plans for proper equipment were being hurried for an -immediate start on the mine. Mr. Saunders was a quick, able worker and -he obtained results immediately. - -"Won't it be fine," said Letty one holiday morning, "for you to have -all this money! You won't have to work any longer at Dr. Payson's, -will you?" - -But Mary Lee laughed. - -"Of course, I'll not give up my work," she asserted. "I'm learning -lots. Furthermore, I want to become a nurse and Dr. Payson agrees that -it is the best kind of training to begin as I have." - -"But don't you find it awfully hard to give up your afternoons--in -fact, all your time, to work and study?" asked the less serious-minded -girl. - -"Letty, dear, I do get so much fun out of my work at Dr. Payson's. -It's delightful--and wouldn't you call it recreation to be able to do -the things our Red Cross Group is doing? It is such a wonderful -opportunity." - -"I suppose it is," the other girl answered uncertainly. "Hello, -there's the mail man," she added as from the window she saw him turn -in at their house. "I wonder if he has any mail for you and me?" - -Almost at the same moment Ruth was ushered into the room. She saw -Letty go through the mail and pick out two letters. One, Letty gave to -Mary Lee, the other, she quickly opened. - -"Well!" Letty exclaimed after reading her letter, "it certainly is -time." - -"Won't we be glad to see her?" added Mary Lee, as she finished her -letter. - -Ruth was all excitement. "Is Aunt Madge coming home?" she asked -eagerly. - -"Mrs. Anderson, if you please, young lady," Letty answered -reprovingly. - -"Wonder if I have a letter home, too," commented Ruth. - -"I suppose you have, dear," replied Mary Lee assuringly. - -"I have news for you, Ruth. May I tell her, Mary Lee?" - -The girl nodded her assent. These two girls were her best friends. She -knew how glad Ruth would be because of her good fortune. - -Letty told Ruth about the money that Jim Lee had turned over for Mary -Lee's use. Ruth's eyes opened with wonder and pleasure. - -"Isn't that fine! I'm so glad, Mary Lee, dear." - -"When does Jim Lee join the army?" she asked. - -"I guess the day after tomorrow. He's coming here tonight." - -"I wonder if we cannot get him to tell us an Indian story when he -comes," remarked Letty. - -"He may," Mary Lee replied. "Will you come over tonight, Ruth?" she -asked. - -"Yes, come to dinner," added Letty. - -Ruth agreed. - -"When does Mrs. Anderson come home, Mary Lee?" she asked as she -started to go. - -"Next Saturday afternoon. Isn't that fine, for I am free on that -afternoon and can go with you and meet her," was the reply. "Bob is -coming home with them, too." - -"I didn't know he was with them," Ruth said in surprise. - -"Yes, he's been there for a week. It is but a short distance from his -school, so he went over." - -"Be sure to come tonight," Letty reminded the departing girl. "We'll -hear a good story if Mr. Lee will tell it." - -"I won't forget," replied Ruth. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -A MASTER STORY TELLER - - -Jim Lee and Tom Marshall were prompt in their expected call, and they -found Mary Lee and Letty as well as Ruth waiting to receive them. - -It was the kind of an evening that is usually associated with the -month of March. The rain was coming down in a steady downpour, there -was a chill to the wind; altogether it was a night in which folks -welcomed the warmth of an open grate fire. - -Letty, all excitement, brought up the subject of a story--a story such -as only Jim Lee could tell--of the Indian of long ago. - -"I'm afraid," remarked the Indian, "that the kind of stories I used to -tell Mary Lee would be considered entirely too youthful by you young -ladies." - -"But we'd like to hear one, I'm sure we would," replied Ruth. - -"Yes, Jim do tell us one. I know we will enjoy it." - -"Very well," was the answer. "I see there's no escape and so I had -better make the best of it. - -"Long, long ago, in the land you now know as Colorado, there lived a -strong tribe--the Wah-hi-tis--well known for their ability in war. -Their name was used by the squaws of the other tribes to frighten the -little papooses who were wont to whimper. - -"When I say it was long, long ago, I do not mean a hundred, or two -hundred, or five hundred years ago. I speak of thousands of years -before the white man came from across the big waters--the white man -who has forced out, who has swallowed up the Indian so that we are -becoming like the buffalo, a rarity. - -"There came a chief, Black Eagle, descendant from many chiefs. He was -wise and great and his strength was like that of the buffalo and his -swiftness like that of the eagle. With an iron hand he ruled, but he -was ever kind and considerate except when anger or rage overcame him. -Then none was more cruel, more terrible. - -"Wise men of many tribes came to visit him and it is said that great -gifts were sent to him from the distant lands of Mexico; even from the -small seas, they sent him offerings, for it was known that his -friendship was a blessing and his enmity a thing of which to be wary. - -"Proud were the young bucks who served under Black Eagle. In their -sojourns they had but to exclaim with fine disdain, 'I am a -Wah-hi-ti!' and they were immediately offered hospitality and -friendship. - -"Black Eagle had two wives. Swift Bear, his father, had mated him to -Swift Water, daughter of a neighboring chief. But then came Laughing -Eyes, young and beautiful, and her--Black Eagle loved at sight. And -since it was permitted that chiefs have more than one mate, Black -Eagle took Laughing Eyes unto himself. - -"Swift Water, his first wife, felt the black rage of hate and -envy--and who could blame her? But Black Eagle had already given -proof of his terrible outbursts of wrath and she dared not object. -She suffered silently. - -"Thus, many years passed. Swift Water gave Black Eagle a son, but only -after Laughing Eyes had given birth to a beautiful babe, also a son, -who had been named Natawara. Swift Water's son was named Black Fox. - -"Both sons grew to sturdy manhood and gradually even Swift Water and -Laughing Eyes learned to know each other. Some of the bitterness left -the heart of Swift Water. Yet, her life was sad because Natawara was -to succeed as chief instead of her own son, Black Fox. - -"But sturdy though both sons were, there was a strange difference -between the two. Could these both be sons of the same father? Black -Fox from early youth loved the tales of combat, liked to hear of the -victories of his illustrious fathers; and he would dream of the day -when he too would go out and say, 'I am a Wah-hi-ti, a son of Black -Eagle.' - -"Natawara, however, was different. He loved to hear the wise men tell -of the long ago, and yet it was not of combats that he sought to -hear. Often he would look to the far west and say: - -"'I would travel far. Over the many mountains I would roam; for the -Great Spirit gives us but a short time and there is much to see.' - -"'He will be a great man, a great chief,' said the wise men. But in -their hearts was a dark doubt which they dared not voice, for the -anger of Black Eagle was a thing of dread. And wherefore should they -be the bearers of bad news? - -"For Natawara had laughed at combats. 'Wherefore shall I kill?' said -he. 'I would rather, far rather, seek the things of the world than -death.' - -"'A coward's speech,' the wise men whispered, one to the other. But -word of their whisperings came to Black Fox. Then he showed some of -the anger of his father. - -"'No coward is Natawara. Who says so? I shall hear and the vengeance -of Black Fox is not light.' - -"But the whispering grew. It came even to the ears of the Black Eagle -who was then on an expedition to the far Wyoming. - - [Illustration: DARK AND SAVAGE WAS THE FACE OF THE BLACK EAGLE] - -"Fearful was his rage and black scorn was in his heart. He who -whispered would feel the might and strength of the chief of the -Wah-hi-ti. - -"'And as for you, you witch,' he said to the old squaw who had taunted -him after his men had razed the camp of the Cheyennes, 'you shall die! -A fearful death you shall die, for lies are the things you say. No -Wah-hi-ti is a coward, no Wah-hi-ti dare say of Natawara that he is a -coward, for Natawara is the son of a chief; he is to be a chief and he -would kill.' - -"So he returned. And the squaws who came to meet the returning -warriors, even the braves who had been left at home, drew away, for -dark and savage and fearful was the face of the Black Eagle. - -"'Where is Natawara?' he cried. - -"Only Black Fox dared to come forward. He had but just returned from a -victorious conquest. - -"'Natawara made a trip of three months beside the running brook that -leads to the big water.' - -"'Is there one, even more than one, who thinks of Natawara as a -coward?' the chief cried. - -"But none, of course, answered. Side glances were exchanged. So the -news had come to the Great Chief. - -"'No coward is my brother,' Black Fox replied. 'None dare so say, for -my arm would gain double its strength if I heard aught of it.' - -"'Speak thou for thyself. Cannot Natawara make his own fights, answer -insults himself?' - -"'His is a great spirit; to him such taunts are but water even on a -duck's back. He loves not combat--rather he would voyage everywhere; -but none here holds his strength, none his true courage.' - -"Black Fox's eyes flashed. He made a picture that brought fire to his -father's eyes. - -"'So I would have you, my son, speak--even so. But Natawara is my son, -too. Soon I shall join the Great Spirit and if he is to be chief, he -must be like the great chiefs before him. He must not own the soul of -a squaw.' - -"Then after three moons, even as Black Eagle waited, his rage still -with him, came Natawara home. There came with him a tamed fox, -following as does a dog. - -"'I have brought him to my brother who bears his name.' - -"But Laughing Eyes called to him and instead of laughter there was -dread in her eyes. - -"'Go to your father who has called and is waiting.' - -"So Natawara went. - -"What befell there, no one can tell for it shall remain a thing of -mystery; but those who saw have said that when Natawara came forth his -face bore a wondrous light as if the Great Spirit had touched it. He -bade farewell to his mother and was away. - -"Black Eagle's heart was crushed; but his stern resolve held and the -next day Black Fox (who courageously announced that his brother -Natawara should be chief, should he ever return) was proclaimed as the -next in line. And truly as he stood there, his black eyes flashing, -the fox--gift of his brother Natawara--beside him, he made the true -figure of a chief." - -Jim Lee paused. "I fear," he said, "my story is of too great length." - -But Mary Lee breathlessly replied, "Please go on. Tell us of -Natawara." - -"Did he come back?" Letty demanded. - -"Wasn't his brother splendid?" was Ruth's comment. - -Jim Lee turned to Mrs. Saunders who nodded her head to continue. - -"Years passed," Jim Lee continued, "and with the years came more fame -to the name of Wah-hi-tis. Black Eagle joined the Great Spirit and -there was much sorrow everywhere. - -"And with the years Natawara became a name forgotten. Forgotten did I -say? True, except by his mother, Laughing Eyes. Her name became a -misnomer; rather it should have been eyes that held the rain, so sad -was she. Black Fox, loyal heart, also remembered, and after his mother -died, he made the mother of Natawara even as his mother. - -"But war, he found a great game. Love came, too. White Cloud became -his wife. A gentle soul was she who loved him and his great strength -and her second love went forth to Laughing Eyes. - -"In the meantime Natawara went everywhere. The sadness left him, for -life was before him. No longer was he a Wah-hi-ti. He made his home -everywhere, learned many things. From the Sioux he learned how to use -a wondrous thing even like the present ax. Elsewhere he found what -iron would do. Then, too, he learned the use of many medicines. This -last art he prized most. And with the years, throughout the land, word -went forth of his healing touch, his healing medicines. Medicine-men -spoke of the Healer everywhere. His was a life of love. What would the -many tribes have thought had the truth been known--that here was -Natawara, a Wah-hi-ti and son of that great chief, Black Eagle, and -brother even of the Black Fox! - -"So then a son was born to Black Fox--a son who promised to continue -the great name of the Wah-hi-ti. Richer and more powerful had grown -this nation and the land it held. - -"But black clouds appeared. Black Buffalo, the son, had a strange -sickness and the medicine men could not cure, try as they would. It -was a time of great sorrow. - -"The chief medicine man came unto the chief. - -"'None can help Black Buffalo but the Healer. Send you for him; but -send not as the great chief, but only as a father who suffers, for the -Healer knows not the call of chief or slave, as such, but only as a -call.' - -"'I shall go to him myself,' replied Black Fox, 'as a father whose son -ails and whom the medicine men, professedly wise, cannot cure.' - -"So Black Fox went forth. Seven moons of great haste and he came upon -the home of the Healer. - -"A great change had come unto both, so that neither knew the other -except that within both of them was a great call which could not be -explained. Black Fox dared not tell his name for the Healer had many -other calls and his partiality was for the poor and the needy. Rather -he spoke of the great love he held for his sick son and of the mother -at home. - -"The Healer heard the father's call and went forth. To the Wah-hi-tis -he went, in his heart a great desire to see the land of his youth. -Even so, he stopped often for the stricken were everywhere. - -"So they came to the home of the Wah-hi-tis, to the old home of -Natawara. Black Buffalo was on his couch, but not as the son of a -chief, only as a Wah-hi-ti. - -"As the medicine men watched, the Healer deftly applied his lotions, -applied his touch. - -"'The boy shall be well within fourteen moons. I shall stay if the -chief will send everywhere word that I am here. But who is the chief -of the Wah-hi-tis?' - -"'Know you not?' replied one of the medicine men who knew the great -desire of Black Fox to keep his and his son's name secret. 'It is -Black Fox.' - -"A strange look came into the Healer's face but he said nothing. - -"On the third day came Laughing Eyes to see the patient. - -"Yet as she entered the room, she it was who knew. - -"'Natawara, my son! Natawara is here! Wonderful is the Great Spirit.' -And she took him in her arms even as she did when he was but a youth. - -"'It is Natawara, Natawara, son of Black Eagle!' - -"The news traveled fast. Black Fox came at a great pace. - -"'The Healer is your brother. It is Natawara.' A great light was in -his eyes. Brother and brother clasped hands, for each was filled with -a great joy. - -"'It is good,' said the Healer. - -"'You are our chief,' said Black Fox. - -"'Not so,' was the reply. 'The leader is here and here lies the leader -to come. My kingdom is elsewhere. I would that he who is saved should -not feel the call to battle except for the things that are worth the -fight.' - -"'So I shall teach him,' spoke up White Cloud, a great resolve in her -eyes. - -"'So it shall be, my brother,' announced Black Fox. - -"But when the fourteen moons had come and gone so also had Natawara." - -Jim Lee paused. - -There was a silence of many moments. It spoke the appreciation of the -three girls. - -"There's a lesson in the story for today, isn't there?" said Mrs. -Saunders. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -AUNT MADGE RETURNS TO THE CITY - - -Jim Lee left on Thursday to join his regiment. There was a quiet -leave-taking between Mary Lee and the man. Neither showed emotion--it -was kept within the depths of their hearts. On Friday Tom Marshall -left with several men for the mine. Mr. Saunders was to follow a few -days later. - -Mary Lee received some disquieting news on the same day. Dr. Payson -informed her that with the return of Dr. Anderson he intended to join -the first assignment of physicians and nurses bound for France. He -felt, however, that her services could be used by Dr. Anderson to good -advantage. Her experience would be of great help and under Dr. -Anderson she would continue to progress. - -Saturday afternoon found the old Campfire Group awaiting the train -which was late. - -"Won't Aunt Madge be pleased with our Red Cross work at the school?" -commented Grace Olcott. - -"Wonder if she'll be displeased at our group's merging with the Red -Cross work?" remarked Edith. - -"Of course, she won't," answered Ruth. "Will she, Mary Lee?" - -The girls had an idea that Mary Lee's opinion and decision on most -things was usually sound. - -"I'm sure she won't. She'll feel that it was a very democratic and -sensible thing to do," was Mary Lee's answer. - -The train was in at last and the waiting girls stood on tiptoe -watching the passengers as they came from the coaches. - -"I see her, I see her," called Letty. "And there's Dr. Anderson and -Bob, too." - -But the other girls were no less quick in seeing the Andersons and -there was excited gesticulating as well as calls. Finally, Mrs. -Anderson saw them. She waved her hand and drew her husband's -attention to the girls. The doctor lifted his hat and smiled at them. - -Bob made his way through the throng for he also had espied them. - -He was the first to get to the gate. - -"Hello girls!" he called. "Hello, Mary Lee, it's good to see you." - -"I'm glad to see you, too," answered the girl. By that time Aunt Madge -had also arrived and the former had embraced and kissed all the girls. - -"Well, Mary Lee," she said, when it was her turn, "when I see you I -feel I'm at home." - -"It certainly does seem so," added her husband who was keenly -interested in his favorite. "Dr. Payson has been giving me some good -reports of you, young lady." - -Several of the girls had come in cars, so it was an easy matter to -take everyone home. - -Mary Lee was seated with the Andersons. Bob was in the car with Ruth. - -As they sped homeward, the conversation between Ruth and Bob -naturally turned to Mary Lee. - -"Do you know that Jim Lee and Tom Marshall were here? And that Jim Lee -joined the army?" - -Bob didn't know a thing about it as Mary Lee had not written to tell -him. Ruth was not a bit averse to telling him all about Jim Lee. - -"He's so nice and so romantic. And he's turned over his share of the -money from his mine to Mary Lee. And Tom Marshall has returned to the -mine. You'd like them both, Bob." - -"Guess I would," replied Bob. "Wish I could have gone with Mr. -Marshall to the mine. I'm glad Mary Lee has seen Mr. Lee and I'm glad -he's nice," he added. - -"Isn't it all wonderful?" Ruth concluded as they reached the home of -the Andersons. - -Bob, too, got out at this point for he was going to stay with his aunt -as his mother and father were out of town. He, therefore, did not get -another chance that afternoon to talk to Mary Lee. - - [Illustration: HE MADE IT A POINT TO CALL ON MARY LEE] - -Bob, however, made up for lost time the next day for he made it a -point to call on Mary Lee. He was to be in the city for only that day -as he was due at school on Monday. - -Mary Lee greeted him warmly. Somehow, the stiffness of their greeting -the day before was gone. Neither could tell just why they had been so -cool and so formally polite upon seeing each other, unless it was due -to the fact that so many others were about. - -"I wish you had been here to see Jim and Mr. Marshall, Bob. I told -them so much about you and they were very anxious to meet you." - -"No more than I am to meet them," was the reply of the boy. "Tell me -something more about everything. Ruth told me but I want to hear it -first-hand." - -Mary Lee went into an account of the meeting and everything that had -happened. The boy listened intently. - -She then gave him an account of the Red Cross work and what the girls -had done. - -Bob was deeply interested. - -"Our Boy Scouts at school are doing good work too. They are all -anxious to spend vacation time on farms. I hope to get permission from -mother and father to go to one during the summer. There isn't a boy at -school who isn't anxious to help at this time and I wish you could see -the big garden we have there. I wonder if Jim Lee will go to France," -the boy added. - -"He is anxious to go, but of course no one knows what is to be done," -replied Mary Lee. - -"Isn't it great to be part of such a big undertaking? Of course, war -is terrible, but I've often envied the boys and men who lived during -the Civil War. Now we are living in even bigger times and it's great -to help, even if only in a small way." - -"I noticed yesterday how naturally you walk, Bob. No one would ever -suspect you had ever been lame." - -The boy flushed with pride. He was proud of the fact that he was now -like other boys. He valued the use of both his limbs, the more, -because he had been so long without their use. Nothing pleased him so -much as to be told he was like other boys. - -Letty came in a little later and the three took a long walk. - -"Isn't Bob brave to travel by himself on a sleeper? I'd be scared," -said Letty. - -"Huh," answered the boy, "that's because you're a girl. At that," he -added, "I'll bet Mary Lee wouldn't be afraid." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -MARY LEE MAKES A DECISION - - -It need not be thought for an instant that, in the rush of events of -the last few days, the work of the Red Cross Group had lessened. - -On the contrary, the Mayor had replied almost at once and had given -his permission, including that of the Commissioner of Parks, for the -use of one of the parks in the neighborhood of the High School. In -addition he had told them that other groups and clubs in other -sections were receiving permission in the same way. - -Monday brought a letter from the president of the railroad company. He -told them that no written permission could be given but that any -gardening done on their property would be respected by that company. -Upon receipt of this information Miss James had written the -newspapers so that proper publicity could be given the fact and people -avail themselves of the opportunity to obtain a garden plot. - -The Red Cross Girls met that night. Over one hundred and fifty now -belonged. All of them had donated some money at every meeting and the -group now sent seventy-five dollars in cash to the Red Cross -Committee. At this meeting they were divided into six groups of -twenty-five each and each group assigned to certain definite work on -the big garden they were to start in the park. This idea had been -suggested by one of the men on the Park Board who had been a visitor -at the meeting. - -But it was a late spring. The weather stayed cold despite the -eagerness and desire for warmth and sunshine on the part of the Red -Cross workers. The girls felt that they had done almost everything -possible in their gardening, and although a few found their interest -abating, the larger number kept pluckily at the duty assigned to each. - -The days passed swiftly now. Mrs. Anderson soon made the girls -understand that she was still Aunt Madge to them. She renewed her -interest in their doings and was able to help Miss James in the -organization and planning of the Red Cross Group. - -Throughout the country the realization of war came slowly. Somehow it -was hard to believe that the country was at war, hard to realize that -the German nation, so long on friendly terms with our own land, was -now an enemy. It dawned slowly in people's minds. - -New York City was never so gay. Soldiers were everywhere. One felt, -however, that beneath the outward gayety and color the city was -prepared for whatever might come. - -A rare treat was given to Mary Lee and Letty who were invited by Dr. -Anderson to accompany Mrs. Anderson and himself to a point of vantage -where they could see General Joffre and the ex-premier of France, -Monsieur Viviani. Never had the two girls been so impressed as they -were by the simple, kindly looking old man in the uniform of France. -There was a greatness about him which both girls felt. And Mary Lee -also felt that it was a history-making epoch. She was glad that in the -future she would be able to say that she had seen the big man of -France. He was a character that one could never forget. - -In the meantime, Dr. Payson was making ready to close his office and -to turn over his practice to Dr. Anderson. He had been pledged to -secrecy as to sailing so his friends did not know just when he would -be on his way to France. - -Mary Lee thought of the doctor's departure with many regrets. It had -been valuable time that she had spent at his office; and although the -girl had felt that he was in earnest as to her possible usefulness to -Dr. Anderson, something Aunt Madge had said made Mary Lee decide that -she could not accept, even if Dr. Anderson felt in duty bound to offer -her the position. - -Aunt Madge and the girl had been shopping one Saturday afternoon. The -former was evidently still unaware of Dr. Payson's intention of going -to the front. The conversation had turned to Mary Lee's work at the -doctor's office and Aunt Madge was as interested as was the girl. - -"You see, dear, I, too, am helping Dr. Anderson in the same way. He -has been so considerate, so kind. He objected to it at first, wanted -to get the services of someone, although, as he regretfully said, -'there is only one Mary Lee.' He felt that it would be too much of a -tax for me. He also added some silly, manlike remark about not wanting -his wife to be his assistant. But I think he understands now. You see, -dear, it is such a fine thing to be able to look forward to doing -something worth while, to be able to help my husband. It is useful -work, too, and I am learning rapidly." - -After that, of course, Mary Lee had no regrets in not offering her -services to Dr. Anderson. At an early opportunity she brought the -subject up before Dr. Payson. - -"I hope you haven't spoken to Dr. Anderson as to my going over to his -office when you leave, Doctor." - -The doctor looked at her in surprise. - -"Have you decided that it is too hard work, my dear? I know it is and -I do not blame you; especially so, since you are to receive a small -income through Mr. Lee's fund. No, I haven't spoken to him as yet," -the Doctor continued. "I intend to do so within the next two days, -however. I'm glad you spoke about it because this is the time to make -up your mind." - -The girl flushed. She was hurt that the doctor should think she would -so easily give up her life work. - -"It isn't that I don't want to do the work. That isn't why I don't -want you to talk to Dr. Anderson." - -The girl paused uncertainly. She was not quite sure that she wanted to -tell the real reason. Then her uncertainty vanished--it was the thing -to do. - -"You see, Dr. Payson, Mrs. Anderson is helping the doctor, and she -loves the work. Dr. Anderson gave his consent but reluctantly. If you -tell him to employ me, he might be even more reluctant about letting -Aunt Madge help him. She loves it. So I thought it best to just let it -be known that I can't spare the time. I shall give so much more time -to the Red Cross Group, but," and the girl looked squarely into the -doctor's eyes, "I don't want you, or any one else, to think that I am -undecided as to the profession I am to follow. I couldn't ever be -happy and not become a nurse." - -Dr. Payson looked at the flushed girl admiringly. "I should have known -by this time how you feel about it, Mary Lee. I shall not speak to Dr. -Anderson about you. And you are right, it will be a very good thing in -every way for Mrs. Anderson to do the work." - -"I knew you would understand," the girl gratefully acknowledged. - -A little later her afternoon's work was over and she left the office. -The doctor, however, remained. He did not work, but sat silently -thinking. An uncertain little smile played about his mouth. A day or -two more and he would be off for the war. He welcomed the opportunity -as do all true surgeons. But he knew there would often come to him the -memory of this bright, serious-minded, unselfish young girl. - -"She's true blue," he finally commented as he prepared to depart. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -LETTY AND MARY LEE SELL LIBERTY BONDS - - -Mr. Saunders, Letty's father, came home early the following evening. -He had been down to Mexico and had just returned. Permission had been -given by the Mexican Government for the furtherance of their plans. -Tom Marshall, so he reported, was already busily at work and the -prospects were very bright. Mr. Saunders spoke enthusiastically about -the young man, and his ability. And his respect for Jim Lee had -greatly increased from the accounts he had received from Tom Marshall -and one or two of the men who were located in the neighborhood. - -Both Letty and Mary Lee were, of course, greatly interested, the -latter for the best of reasons, although she somehow could not grasp -the idea that more wealth was to be hers. She was gratified that -Letty's father--a careful, shrewd and conservative business -man--should have made an exception in behalf of her friends. - -Toward the end of the evening the girls suddenly bethought themselves -of a plan they had formulated a few days before the arrival of Letty's -father. - -It was Letty who opened the campaign. - -"We feel it our patriotic duty to sell you a Liberty Bond--or more -than one," the girl added as the idea suddenly came to her that one -was not very much for her rich father to buy. - -"Oh," her father ejaculated in surprise. "And why, young lady?" And -his words sounded so serious and businesslike that neither Letty nor -Mary Lee noticed the humor lurking in his eyes. "Why should you feel -it to be your duty to sell them to me?" - -"It is not only our duty to sell bonds, but it is the duty of everyone -in the country." It was Mary Lee who answered and even as she spoke a -sudden idea came to her mind. It was still a little hazy and so she -said nothing more. - -"How many do you think I should buy?" Mr. Saunders queried trying hard -to maintain a business-like appearance. - -"How many?" Letty repeated. She tried hard to think of a number that -would seem consistent. It was apparent to her father that she was -flustered. - -"I think five would be right," and then it occurred to her that five -wasn't enough. "I mean ten--or perhaps eight," the girl finally -concluded, rather lamely. - -"Well, my dears, it may interest you to know that I have bought not -ten, nor eight, but two hundred; and I am to buy some more within the -next few days." - -"My," said Letty, in awed tones into which there crept a measure of -disappointment. "Then we cannot sell you any? Not even one?" she added -coaxingly, with a sudden renewal of hope. - -"You see, Mr. Saunders," Mary Lee turned to the work in hand with the -feeling that her own idea would follow as a matter of course, "we -girls in the Red Cross Group have each volunteered to sell at least -five Liberty Bonds. Letty and I are to sell to some other people, but -we counted on you, too." - -"And you don't want your count to be in vain, do you?" - -"No, sir," both girls replied. - -"All right then, I'll buy ten. Is that satisfactory?" - -Letty hugged her father and both girls danced in glee over their first -success. Mr. Saunders looked at them with great pride and -satisfaction. - -Mary Lee suddenly sobered and became business-like. - -"Mr. Saunders," she spoke diffidently. - -"Any other business into which you desire to inveigle me?" he -questioned. - -"Yes, sir," the girl replied, while Letty looked at her, a little -uncertain as to what was coming. - -The girl continued: "The money that Jim left for my use--I was -wondering; of course, I don't know if it can be done--if it couldn't -buy some Liberty Bonds." - -Mr. Saunders laughed. "Of course it could. It wouldn't be so bad an -investment either. We'll begin by buying a hundred shares for you." - -"Thank you," Mary Lee replied, proud that Jim's money was to be used -in this way. - -"Can we turn the order in?" asked the practical Letty. - -"I suppose you can," her father replied. - -"That means, Letty," Mary Lee exclaimed in awe, "that we already have -one hundred and ten bonds sold. And we must sell some to the Andersons -and to the Camerons. I shall write to Tom Marshall and ask him to buy -some, too." - -"It may be that I shall have a surprise for you by tomorrow, too," Mr. -Saunders added. He was interested in their success but he also felt -that their efforts should not be too easily successful. He decided to -call up the Andersons and also the Camerons who were to return from -Florida within the next few days and tell them not to be too easy in -complying and the reasons for it. The work of getting subscriptions -would be so much more worth-while if it did not bring too easy -returns. - -"I suppose you girls know why these bonds are being issued and why -they are called Liberty Bonds." - -"It is money for the war, and because Germany is not a democratic -nation the fight against it is called a fight for Liberty, isn't it?" -Mary Lee questioned. - -"There's more to it than that. If the hour were not so late I would -give you some of the reasons for issuing these bonds; but Mary Lee -gives the kernel in her explanation. Isn't it time for these young -ladies to go to bed, mother?" he asked as Mrs. Saunders came into the -room. - -"That is the reason for my being here at this minute. It is time, my -dears. Ten o'clock has struck long since." - -But the girls would not go until they had excitedly explained their -success in selling Liberty Bonds. - -"I'm disappointed, my dears," Mrs. Saunders said. "Hurt, too. You -never thought of asking me." - -The girls looked at her for the first time in the light of a customer. - -"And what is more," Letty's mother added, taking advantage of the -pause on the girls' part due to their surprise, "you can't sell me any -tonight for it is too late." - -"But we surely will tomorrow," Letty replied. "So let's be off to bed, -Mary Lee." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -PREPARING FOR RED CROSS WORK - - -Mary Lee and Letty permitted but a small part of the morning to pass -before they brought up the subject of Mrs. Saunders' purchase. - -"But, my dears, I'm not so sure that I care to buy from people who did -not consider me a possible customer. I think I'll buy from someone who -will give sufficient and proper importance to my purchase." - -But the girls could not be put off so easily and it ended by Letty's -mother laughingly agreeing to buy fifty bonds. - -The meeting of the Red Cross Group was held that afternoon and both of -the girls were elated with the report they were to make. Their initial -success was but a spur to them for further successes and they were -keen to solicit from all the other people they knew. They felt no -qualms about it, for it was a patriotic duty. - -Miss James was amazed by the success of the members of the group and -was strong in her approval. - -"Altogether," she announced, "the sixty girls who have volunteered to -do this work have sold a little less than fifteen hundred bonds. -Truly, a remarkable showing. It will be interesting to hear some of -the accounts. Don't you think so?" - -The girls agreed. Mabel Strong, one of the girls, was called on for -her report. - -"I sold ten bonds to my father," she announced. "My brother will buy -five. However, I have only counted those I have sold." - -As report followed report, it was found that in most instances those -bonds that were sold were to members of families. An exception was the -case of Pauline Antisdale, whose father was a well known surgeon. - -"My father was one of the first to subscribe," she reported. "I was -too late, so he said. I did not know what to do. Then I decided to see -my father's patients for two days. Father thought for a long time -before he gave the necessary permission. But," Pauline concluded in a -quick manner which evidenced her excitement, "I sold fifteen bonds in -this way." - -"Good," Miss James exclaimed, while the entire group applauded. "That -idea was original and worth while." - -"I'm one of those who had to count on my family," Letty explained -apologetically. "Mary Lee and I worked as partners. Mary Lee, in -addition made father buy at least one hundred bonds for her money. And -she has written to a Mr. Marshall in Mexico who will be sure to buy -some Liberty Bonds too. And we are certain to bring in some more -sales, in a few days." - -Other girls made reports. When quite a number had been made, Miss -James addressed the girls. - -"Of course, your success is quite wonderful. May I add, however, that -such deeds as Pauline's and Mary Lee's stand out. Of course, Mary Lee -was able to use some money which was her own but she showed that she -did not ask anyone else to do what she was not willing to do herself. -Pauline and several of the other girls have shown originality. As you -all know, it is the desire of the President to have all the people -subscribe to the Liberty Bonds. It would be a simple matter if only -those who are specially well-to-do should subscribe. - -"We will continue the sale of Liberty Bonds for ten more days. After -that we shall have to turn our attention to getting contributions for -the Red Cross work. How much do you think we can pledge our group to -collect?" - -There was a pause of many minutes. Finally Ruth inquired: - -"How much do they expect us to collect?" - -The other girls nodded in approval of the question. - -"Well," Miss James answered, "Mrs. Anderson and I saw the local -representative of the Red Cross Committee, as you know. I told them -that we had one hundred and twenty girls, some more active than -others, some better able to collect subscriptions than others, -although all are equally willing. They thought we should be able to -collect three hundred dollars. Do you think that is too much?" - -The girls thought for a few minutes. - -"If each of us collected two dollars and fifty cents, that would mean -three hundred dollars, would it not, Miss James?" one of the girls -asked. - -Miss James nodded her head in assent. - -"We will be able to do that, of course. Let us pledge that much but -make a private pledge to ourselves that we get at least five hundred -dollars. I so move," said Mary Lee. - -"I second that," said Ruth excitedly, while many of the other girls -showed their approval of the idea. - -"Very well, then," said Miss James. "We'll understand, however, that -no actual attempts will be made until next week so that it does not -interfere with the sale of the bonds. - -"We are to have Mrs. Frances Billings for a visit next Friday evening. -The Committee on Plans will arrange for a reception. Mrs. Billings, -as you all know, is an official of the Red Cross work and it will be -splendid for us to have her visit us. The Committee on Plans will meet -tomorrow. Is there anything else?" - -But nothing else had to be taken up that afternoon and the group -adjourned. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -"WHAT SHALL WE WEAR?" - - -Mrs. Anderson's interest in the girls had not abated in the least -because of her marriage. She had watched with pride the work they had -done as members of the Red Cross Group. - -One morning each of the former Campfire Girls received an invitation -to dinner at the Anderson home. Formal dinner invitations did not come -often to the girls; they were not old enough as yet. You may be sure -that it left them an excited, eager lot. The very next morning Aunt -Madge received eight very formal acceptances. - -She smiled for she realized that the girls were very much flattered by -the dignity of the invitation. She had purposely made it so for that -very reason. - -Thursday morning, the day of the party, found two girls greatly -excited, on their way to school. - -"I haven't a thing to wear," said Letty, with true feminine -consistency. - -"Nonsense," replied Mary Lee. "You surely can wear your pale blue -voile. It goes so well with your pretty new hat. But as for myself, I -haven't a fit dress for a formal dinner party." - -Now, Mary Lee had purchased, with the aid of Letty and Mrs. Saunders, -two or three simple gowns, but as this dinner was to be formal, she -was afraid none of her dresses would do for the occasion. - -"Silly," replied Letty, "if I had that love of a Georgette crepe I -wouldn't worry a minute." - -"I guess," remarked Mary Lee with great truth, "we never have the -thing that is altogether satisfactory, it is always something we'd -like to have." - -School was but a half day. It was so near the end of the term that an -unusual amount of free time was permitted. The Campfire girls were -glad to have this leisure. They actually thought they needed it for -getting ready. - -As a matter of fact, none of them really started to dress until five -o'clock. - -At six-thirty Letty and Mary Lee arrived. Mrs. Anderson was in formal -evening dress as was Dr. Anderson. - -"I'm sure there are going to be older folks at the dinner," Ruth, who -had already arrived, whispered to Letty. "Look," and when the host and -hostess were engaged elsewhere she pointed to the formality of their -attire. - -"I don't think so," replied Mary Lee, who had overheard. "It's going -to be our party only and they are treating us as grown-ups, that is -all." - -And so it proved. - -The girls arrived promptly. The dinner was one of many courses. When -it was over, Dr. Anderson arose and said: - -"I don't know just where I fit in. I guess I'm just a husband; but -Mrs. Anderson thought I should tell you that we're very proud of our -Campfire Girls and the unselfish work they have done; and since your -work was the equal of work done by people who are grown-up, we -thought the most fitting occasion would be a very formal dinner. It is -on such occasions that older folks usually tell each other how clever -and good they are. - -"But seriously, girls, your unselfish work in this great cause is what -makes one happy in belonging to such a country. When the time comes, -all of us, young and old, will give the best that is in us for our -country. Pretty soon my time will come, and I shall not fail to answer -the call. But when I go, it will not be I who will do the worth-while -thing--it will be my wife, who will see me go, smilingly and bravely, -because it's the thing I must do. - -"It is you girls and you women, you see, who more and more are doing -the big thing in a war like this." - -Dr. Anderson continued: "I've been very fortunate in knowing you young -ladies and learning of your noble work. I can readily understand why -my wife thinks so much of you. And, of course," Dr. Anderson's eyes -twinkled, "I can understand why you all think so much of her." - -The girls laughed as Dr. Anderson sat down. - -"One of the reasons," said Aunt Madge, "I invited you tonight was to -extend another invitation. We are leaving for Mount Hope over -Decoration Day. All of you girls deserve a rest and I think it can be -arranged for you to go with us. You can leave Wednesday and come back -Saturday." - -The girls applauded enthusiastically. - -"Good," said Letty. - -"Won't it be heavenly?" said Ruth, equally enthusiastic. - -"It will be different from our Thanksgiving party, for at least it is -spring--and I love spring," said Grace Olcott. - -"You're the one that loved winter, too," said Clara. - -"Well, I did," replied Grace, not a whit abashed, "I like them all as -they come." - -"If we have half as good a time," said Irma, "I'll be satisfied." - -Letty and Mary Lee said nothing. The memory of that Thanksgiving party -when Letty had tried to make trouble for Mary Lee was not a pleasant -one for Letty. Mary Lee also thought of it. She looked at Letty into -whose eyes tears began to well. - -"It's all right," whispered Mary Lee, as she put her hand over -Letty's, but in a way that the other people could not see. "We're good -friends now. Let's forget all of that." - -Letty forced back her tears and gave her friend's hand a loving pat. - -"Of course," said Aunt Madge, "you will have to receive the necessary -permission both at school and at home. I hope you will be successful." - -"Now, girls," Mrs. Anderson continued, "let's make no plans for our -party and instead talk of what we can do in the way of making folks -buy more Liberty Bonds. You see, we want to sell more among the people -who would buy but a few shares." - -The conversation turned to how the Red Cross Girls could further help. -Many suggestions were made and discussed. - -"I want to tell you," said Mary Lee, "that the Red Cross Committee -intends to go out for more money as soon as the sale of the Liberty -Bonds closes." - -"Do you think we should wait and do our work for the Red Cross?" asked -Edith. - -"I realize, of course, how well you girls have already done. Miss -James has given me the amount of subscriptions that the Red Cross -Girls have been able to obtain. It's truly wonderful. Perhaps we might -turn our efforts toward the Red Cross collections," said Aunt Madge. - -"Suppose," Mary Lee suggested, "that we only accept Aunt Madge's -invitation on condition that we get $16,000 worth of Liberty Bonds -sold. That means each of us must sell $2,000 worth." - -"Good idea, Mary Lee," Dr. Anderson cried enthusiastically. - -"We'll do it," said the rest of the girls. - -A little later the girls departed. It was a most enjoyable party, they -all agreed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -WORKING FOR "LIBERTY" - - -A few days later Mary Lee received a letter from Tom Marshall. He had -replied at once to her letter. He told her that he had instructed Mr. -Saunders to arrange with her to buy his share of Liberty Bonds. Things -were going along well and the mine was a great success. He also told -her that he had forwarded his name for registration so that he could -be conscripted when the time came. - -"What do you hear of Jim Lee?" he inquired. - -Lee had written only once to her, as the girl suddenly realized. It -was over ten days since she had heard from him. - -But the afternoon brought a short note in which he announced that he -had been transferred to the Artillery Division. He was going to see -more active service, he wrote. - -When Mr. Saunders came home both Letty and Mary Lee were waiting for -him. - -"How many bonds did Mr. Marshall tell you to buy, dad?" asked Letty. - -"Why should he tell me to buy any bonds?" her father replied. - -"Why, he wrote Mary Lee that he had communicated with you; and we must -get four thousand dollars' worth sold," she added. - -"Must?" Mr. Saunders repeated. - -"Otherwise--so we have pledged--we cannot go on the Decoration Day -party with Mrs. Anderson," Mary Lee added. - -"You mean that you have set a mark which you must attain in order to -allow yourselves to go?" - -The girls nodded their heads very vigorously. - -"Well, I call that a fine thing," replied Letty's father. "You may put -Marshall down for fifteen hundred dollars, and I want to add that if -you don't make the mark, come to me. I won't buy any more, but I'll -see that you get a chance to sell some. Now, be off with you, while I -dress for dinner," and Mr. Saunders chuckled to himself. - -"And they worry about this country, when even the little girls are so -serious-minded," he remarked to himself. - -Mary Lee, together with Letty, called on the Camerons the next day. - -"Now," said Mary Lee, "to business, for that is what we came for." - -"Has Mr. Cameron bought any Liberty Bonds? Have you? Will Bob buy -any?" - -"My goodness," replied Mrs. Cameron, "I don't know whether Mr. Cameron -did or didn't. I know I did not. I never even thought of it. I don't -think Bob did, either." - -"Well, you should buy some," Mary Lee advised. "You see, the country -needs the money. Uncle Sam is behind these bonds and he pays three and -one-half per cent." - -"Three and one-half per cent?" repeated Mrs. Cameron. "My bank and my -other bonds pay only three per cent." - - [Illustration: MARY LEE WRITES TO BOB] - -"And better than that," added Letty, "you don't have to pay taxes on -Liberty Bonds." - -"It sounds so attractive," said Mrs. Cameron. "But I know very little -of such things. I'll leave it to Mr. Cameron. If I buy any, part of -them will be bought through you." - -"Thank you," the girls replied. They told her about their pledge. - -"Better write to Bob and ask him to telegraph you if he will buy two -shares. I think he can buy that many," suggested Mrs. Cameron. - -"I'll do it at once," said Mary Lee, and proceeded to suit action to -words. - -"Here comes Mr. Cameron's car," Letty called. - -Mr. Cameron came in almost at once and greeted Mary Lee warmly. - -"It's good to see you again," he remarked as he removed his gloves. - -Mary Lee did not allow much time to elapse before she stated the -purpose of their call. - -"I'm sorry, girls. Of course, I've already bought the bonds. They are -too good an investment to let pass." - -"What's more, I've bought some for Mrs. Cameron, too. However," and he -paused, "between us we should be able to buy forty or fifty bonds. -Don't you think so, mother?" - -Mrs. Cameron smiling assented. - -"Will that do?" he asked. - -"Do? Do? Why, you're a dear," Mary Lee replied. - -They stayed for tea and had a pleasant visit. The girls promised to -call when they returned from Mount Hope. - -"If we go," said Letty. "We may not be successful in getting the -subscriptions." - -"We simply must," replied Mary Lee. - -"Tell you what I'll do," said Mary Lee. "I feel as if I should go out -to see the Quinns. I owe them a call. Perhaps I can make Mr. Quinn -understand how good these bonds are and if he has any savings he might -want to buy some of them." - -"I'll go with you," Letty replied. - - [Illustration: "HELLO, MARY LEE, HAVE YOU COME TO STAY?"] - -The call on the Quinns was made the next day. The girls took the train -and walked to the home from the station. Mary Lee was delighted with -the farm; it showed great improvement over the year before. - -Mrs. Quinn came to the door, one hand shading her eyes and the other -partly lifting the apron which she wore while busy in the kitchen. - -"Well, if it isn't Mary Lee and Miss Saunders!" she exclaimed. - -Hearing the exclamation, two sturdy boys rushed past her and were -shaking hands with the girls before the mother had a chance. - -"Hello, Mary Lee," they greeted her joyfully. "Have you come to stay?" - -"No, but I'm glad I'm here." - -Mrs. Quinn took Mary Lee in her arms. "I'm so glad to see you, dear, -so glad." - -"I'm going for father," announced Tom. He was off with a rush, the -other boy close at his heels. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -BACK ON THE FARM. - - -The girls sat on the porch during the entire afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. -Quinn were with them. - -"It is so comfortable and cheerful out here," Mary Lee remarked. - -"It's a wonderful place, isn't it?" added Letty as she looked about. - -"Yes, and it will always seem like home to me," Mary Lee replied. - -"We had a great summer last year. The farm did very well. This year -promises to be much better. I tell you, it's a great place," and Mr. -Quinn beamed. - -"Mr. Quinn has been waiting for Dr. Anderson to come out. He has saved -considerable money and he wants Dr. Anderson to deposit it for him," -volunteered Mrs. Quinn. - -Letty looked at Mary Lee who in turn looked at her. - -"That's a queer coincidence," said the girl. "One reason why we came -out was to find out if you and Mr. Quinn didn't want to buy some -Liberty Bonds." Mary Lee then went on to explain about them and also -told about the investments everyone she knew had made. "It pays fairly -well, you see." - -"More than that," replied Mr. Quinn, "it's for Uncle Sam. I know -something about it, but just hadn't decided that it applied to me. -When you get back, Mary Lee," he continued, "will you get Dr. -Anderson's consent? I have seven hundred dollars I can put into these -bonds." - -"I will ask Dr. Anderson to write you about this investment," Mary Lee -readily replied. "He'll probably buy yours with his own." - -The important business completed, the girls reluctantly disturbed -their own comfort to follow the boys about the entire farm. The baby, -over three years old now, was awake by this time. - -Mary Lee was quite disappointed over the fact that the child did not -remember her, but she made friends very quickly with both of them. - -When the girls reached home it was close to eight. The next two days -were hurried ones. - -A telegram came for Mary Lee Monday night. At first she was greatly -alarmed. - -"It's from Bob, of course," Letty reminded her. - -"Why, to be sure." She tore open the envelope as she spoke. - -"He is going to buy three bonds," she cried delightedly as she handed -the telegram to Letty. - -"That gives us $850 over," Mary Lee announced after a few seconds' -calculation. - -"Some of the other girls may not have enough," Letty remarked. "At any -rate, we'll know tomorrow whether we go or not." - -The meeting was in the afternoon. Some of the girls had fallen short -in the number they sold, but Edith, alone, had sold four thousand -dollars' worth. The total amount--the girls held their breath while it -was being figured--was nineteen thousand. - -"So we can all go?" asked Ruth. - -"Yes, you can go," replied Aunt Madge. "And to show you how much faith -I had in you, I've gotten everything ready. We shall leave tomorrow -morning at ten, from the Grand Central Station." - -"Let's not take any more things than we need," said Mary Lee. - -"Very well," answered Letty. "We'll use a steamer trunk for both of -us. We simply can't use anything smaller, can we?" - -"I thought perhaps we could," replied Mary Lee rather meekly. "But -we'll compromise on a small trunk, as you say." - -The girls were all ready by dinner time. After dinner they visited -Ruth, who lived close by. - -"I'm so glad you came, for you can help me decide what to take with -me." - -"Well, if you'll take our advice," said Mary Lee, "you won't take -much." - -"I don't expect to," replied Ruth. - -"You don't?" exclaimed the other two girls in amazement. "Look what -you already have laid out and I suppose you'll declare that you -haven't half your things," said Mary Lee. - -"Here, let's show you," added Letty, who forgot that Mary Lee had -earlier in the day urged her to cut down her own luggage. - -Despite the excited exclamations of Ruth over things she insisted she -must have, the two other girls determinedly had their way. - -"Now, isn't this better?" asked Mary Lee, when they were through -packing, and her trunk, but half the size of the original, still had -room for more things. "You mustn't forget you are only going for a few -days." - -"Very well," replied Ruth, "I suppose you're right. But please," she -begged, "just let me include these shoes--just these." - -"Shall we, Letty?" asked Mary Lee, pretending to be stern, but the -least bit undecided. - -"If it's only these shoes, we will," replied her chum. - -"Thank you," Ruth said with mock humility. "Thank you very much." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -BOUND FOR THE CAMP - - -Spring was late in the year 1917. The trees were just beginning to -show in full foliage and the grass had the freshness and fragrance -that only the early mornings of spring can give to it. - -Mary Lee, Letty and Ruth had awakened and dressed at four o'clock that -morning. Mary Lee had suggested the night before that they do this and -the two girls had loyally but sleepily carried out the plan. - -The party bound for Mount Hope had left on the seven o'clock -Adirondack Express, the night before. When the three girls reached the -observation platform, after going through a long line of sleeping -coaches, the train was running parallel with Champlain and was nearing -Plattsburg. - -It was a gorgeous sight and the three stood for several minutes -enwrapped in its splendor. - -The lake, with the woods running close to its shore, presented a -picture of crystal-like clearness. On the other side of it, the White -and Green mountains were beginning to show in more definite outline. -The sun, too, began to herald the dawn of the new day, forming a rosy -pink in the eastern sky, just over the mountain ranges. - -"My," said Letty. "I'm glad we did get up." - -"We never really saw the Adirondacks before, did we?" added Ruth. - -"If Mary Lee had ever been up here before," Letty further remarked, -"I'm sure she never would have missed doing this kind of thing. It -_took_ her to get us to do it now; without her, I think we would have -come up here again and again and never have summoned sufficient energy -to get up so early." - -On Mary Lee, the clearing outlines of the towering mountains on both -sides of her, the magnificance of the lake, had all made a tremendous -impression. Never had sunrise meant so much to her. - -The girl had never, from that first day, when she was brought to the -city, ever been further away from it than the farm. The beauty of this -new environment dazzled her. Her two friends, though not nearly so -impressionable, yet found themselves stilled by the majesty of the -quiet everywhere. - -So engrossed were the girls that they did not notice that Dr. Anderson -had stopped just inside the door and was watching them as well as the -dawning day. - -He stood there for ten minutes, then came out and joined them. - -Mary Lee gave him a brilliant smile. The three girls looked very -pretty and attractive in their blouses. - -"Isn't it perfect?" she offered with a sigh of pure joy in the -splendor all about her. - -The doctor nodded smilingly. - -"It certainly is that," he answered. - -A little later the train entered Plattsburg. - -"There's a two hour wait here, girls," Dr. Anderson informed them. -"While the sleepy-heads are getting up, let's go up to see the famous -Plattsburg camp. Shall we?" - -"Splendid," replied Letty enthusiastically, "let's." - -"Of course," added the doctor, "we have but little time and so shall -not be able to see very much. But even that little should prove -interesting. Many of our officers for the war will be turned out here -and some of our great men have come here for training." - -As the doctor had remarked there was but little time to spend at the -camp. The sergeant on guard showed them all that could be seen at that -hour. Both Dr. Anderson and Mary Lee were specially interested in the -first aid equipment. Although they had to make a hurried departure -they were glad to have had this closer view of a camp destined to make -history. - -It was almost six-thirty when they returned to the train which was -scheduled to leave in twenty minutes. They found Mrs. Anderson and one -or two of the girls already awake. - -"We've had a heavenly morning, Aunt Madge," said Mary Lee. - -"And I suppose you called the rest of us sleepy-heads for not being -with you?" Aunt Madge answered. - -"I never had any idea it could be so beautiful," Mary Lee said in -reply to a question of Mrs. Anderson's. - -"Well, dear, you will find it even more so as we climb the -Adirondacks. We are to do that from now until we reach our point. -Let's all have breakfast, at least all of us who are awake and ready -for it. I suppose you early risers must be starved." - -The three chums suddenly realized how hungry they were. It had not -occurred to them until the subject was mentioned. - -It was almost nine o'clock when the party reached their station. The -Anderson camp was twelve miles away and the two automobiles waiting -for them took almost an hour to climb to it. - -Mary Lee as well as the rest of the girls found the whole trip a -panorama of delights. - -The country was wild and seemed to have escaped civilization. - -"To think," said one of the girls, "that a place as wild as this -should be so near so big a city. It's hard to imagine, isn't it?" - -The camp picked by Dr. Anderson was truly in a wonderful spot. Far -from human habitation it was hidden from the narrow road up which the -automobiles had come. It was three-quarters of the way to the top of -Mount Hope. Nearby Lake Ormond, a small body of water was almost -hidden by trees and bushes all about it. - -The girls quickly changed to clothes that were comfortable and -suitable. Some of them found hammocks, some walked down to the lake. - -Dr. Anderson had told them that there were no fixed plans and that -each one could do the thing that seemed most desirable. - -When he went into the house to interview the caretakers, Mrs. Anderson -and several of the girls found a comfortable nook. Irma and Clara who -were not inclined to be as strenuous as the rest of the girls joined -her. Mrs. Anderson was doing some sewing. Clara welcomed the -opportunity to finish some beautiful tatting and Irma was equally -anxious to finish a story she had begun on the train. - -Mary Lee, Letty, Ruth and Edith had decided on following one of the -narrow foot-paths to the top of Mt. Hope. They stopped for a few -minutes and added to the group about Aunt Madge. - -"I'm so glad I came," said Edith. "There never was such a place." - -"How did you ever find it?" asked Clara, looking up from her yoke. - -"It must have been a wonderful place for your honeymoon," said the -sentimental Irma. - -"Yes, we think it rather pleasant," replied the hostess. "It would not -have been easy to find, you may be sure. But Dr. Anderson knows this -part of the Adirondacks well and he claims that he picked this spot -long ago for just such a purpose." - -"Wasn't that lovely?" Irma remarked, delighted at any promise of -romance. - -"It's going to be very dear to us, always," Aunt Madge added. "And if -our dear friends get half the fun and joy out of being here that we -do we shall indeed think they are having a happy visit." - -"Well, I for my part feel that I've already had an awful lot crowded -into my holiday," said Mary Lee. "All the pleasure that's coming is so -much added." - -"Be sure to get back for lunch," Aunt Madge cautioned the four girls -as they started off. - -"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Letty called back. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -LOST IN THE WOODS - - -Letty and Edith were soon considerably ahead of Ruth and Mary Lee who -stopped often at the many pretty spots along the way. - -"Isn't it lovely the way the path trails and yet continues ever -upward?" said Mary Lee as the two made their way slowly ahead. - -"It seems so far from the city and war and Liberty Bonds," replied -Ruth dreamily. - -"But it's our country and it simply adds to our reason for being proud -of it," the other girl answered. "But you are right, it is far away -from things." - -At first the voices ahead were clearly distinct but now they were no -longer heard. The road, too, in one or two places trailed into the -woods and Mary Lee and Ruth found that it was necessary to keep a -sharp lookout not to wander off on one of these side trails. - -"Here's how we can tell," the former suddenly called to Ruth. "See -these trees. Someone must have marked them so as to show how to go." - -"It's what they call a blazed trail, I guess," Ruth replied. "I've -often heard my brother tell how he and his guide had found it -necessary to blaze trails as they go." - -"I wonder where Letty and Edith are," Mary Lee suddenly remarked. "We -haven't heard their voices for a long time." - -The two girls called for their friends. But there was no answer. - -"Let's hurry," said Ruth beginning to be alarmed. - -They hurried out but found no sign of their friends nor any answer to -their calls. - -"I wonder where they can be," said Mary Lee. "Do you suppose they -wandered off on one of these trails? I suppose that's what they have -done," she added, answering her own question. - -"Let's turn back, Mary Lee," Ruth advised. - -They did this at once. Mary Lee felt certain that the two girls could -not have gone much further ahead. - -They came across one or two of the side trails but there was no sign -of footprints. At one of these narrow paths they did see the mark of -feet but after cutting into the woods for several hundred yards, they -decided it was the point where they had found themselves branching off -on their way up. - -They did not cease their calls but were unable to get a response. - -By this time it was midday and they were far from the camp. They had -lost considerable time in zagzaging uncertainly from one point to -another in their anxiety to locate their friends. - -"I wonder, Ruth," Mary Lee questioned her friend, "whether you could -find your way back and get help. It's only about two miles from here." - -"What will you do in the meantime?" Ruth replied. "I hate to leave you -alone." - -"I shall try to locate them. But I shall be always coming back to -this point, so that you will know where to find me. See, I shall put -this branch in the middle of the trail so that you will know." - -Ruth hurried off. Mary Lee tied her handkerchief on a small branch of -another tree so that there would be no mistake. She realized that Ruth -would not be able to bring help in less than an hour and so decided -she was going to study the number of trails within a half mile and -follow the one that seemed the most likely. - -A little further up the mountain she found a path that seemed almost -as wide as the main trail and decided to follow it. She had gone but a -little way when she noticed that it cut directly to her right and -began to go down hill. - -Now she hurried and began to call again. She received no answer but -decided to continue on her way. - -The woods became thicker. The thorns and trailing branches scratched -her arms and her face but she was unmindful of this. She made sure, -however, of her way back. She had no wish to join the lost. - -She had cut into the woods about a mile by now and had ceased her -calls. The woods were thick about her and almost inaccessible. - -"I must turn back," she thought dejectedly. "They're not this way." -Her dress was torn, her hair too, was not in its usual neat order. - -"Letty, oh Letty," she called with a last forlorn hope. - -There was silence for a few seconds. Then from a considerable -distance, she heard an answering voice. - -A little uncertain as to the location and inclined to believe that the -hail might come from Dr. Anderson and the rescue party, she called -again. - -The answer was clearer and seemed to come from about a quarter of a -mile ahead of her. - -She hurried forward. Soon she heard someone tearing through the brush -and finally Letty and Edith appeared. - -As soon as the two girls saw Mary Lee they sat down and began to cry. - -"Aren't we the sillies?" said Edith tearfully. "We didn't think of -crying until you found us." - -"We're certainly glad you did find us," Letty added. - -The two girls presented a sorry picture. Their faces and arms were -scratched even more than Mary Lee's. Their dresses, too, were torn and -one of Letty's stockings had a big hole in it. - -The three hurried back to the point Mary Lee had marked. As well as -the two girls could, they explained how they had wandered off on a -side trail without being aware of it. Then they had suddenly realized -they were in the thick of the woods. They had halloaed, but could not -hear any answer. - -Dr. Anderson and Aunt Madge were already waiting for them. The girls -could hear them calling their names and Mary Lee shouted in response -that she found the two. - -When the party reached the camp, there were three girls who could not -decide whether they were too hungry to be tired or too tired to be -hungry. - -After luncheon had been finished and the girls' scratches dressed, -Dr. Anderson joined his wife. - -"Better not tell those children what a narrow escape they had. It is -best for them not to know that there have been people lost in these -woods who have starved to death." - -"I think, too, we had better not let them go off by themselves again," -replied Mrs. Anderson. "They're not all Mary Lees, you know." - -So the Andersons made light of the fact that Letty and Edith had -strayed off. - -By the next day, the girls had almost forgotten the incident in the -excitement of the pleasures and enjoyment of the vacation. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -RETURNING HOME - - -The stay at Mount Hope came to a close much too swiftly for the girls, -who had never enjoyed any outing so much. Bob had come on Saturday for -the two days and after the first half hour of stiffness and shyness -over being in the company of so many girls he found himself thoroughly -at home. - -The boy had grown more manly. Mary Lee soon found that he preferred -the company of boys now. She was glad of that, even though she knew -that it took something from their own close friendship. She wanted Bob -to be a boy's boy and he was certainly proving himself that. - -He was greatly interested in the success of the girls' "Liberty" sale. -Mary Lee told him of the plans for the Red Cross week which was to -begin on June 18th. The boy knew of that for his mother had written to -him about it and he told Mary Lee of the plans his school had made to -help during the same week. - -"I'm one of the committee, too," he told her with great pride. - -It was a still bright day when the party started for the station in -the automobiles after waving a farewell to the caretakers. The train -was due at the station at five o'clock. Aunt Madge had no wish to rush -things and so had decided on an early start. - -Bob left them at Plattsburg. He was to cross Champlain to Burlington -and from there take a train for the school. - -It was the idea of the girls that they would stay awake until late in -the evening. But ten o'clock found most of them in their berths. At -seven o'clock the following morning, the train arrived at the Grand -Central. Letty, Edith and Mary Lee still showed traces of the -scratches they had received in the woods. But they were not in the -least disturbed by this for they carried the pleasantest recollections -of a delightful party. If the truth were told, the incident of being -lost, now that it was a thing of the past, carried a certain zest. - -Letty had been quite vexed at herself for having cried when Mary Lee -found them. She would have liked to pretend that she had not been at -all frightened. - -Edith, however, made an outright admission of how frightened she had -been. - -"And Letty," she rebuked the latter, "you know how scared you were. -You needn't try to pretend you weren't." - -"Well, _I was_, and so was Ruth," Mary Lee admitted. - -"I suppose I must admit that I was, too," Letty ruefully added. -"Though I would have liked to pretend that I was brave." - -"Letty," said Aunt Madge very gravely as she put her arm about her and -gave her a hug, "it's the brave people who are scared and frightened. -It's people who are able to overcome their fear who are truly brave." - -The girls gathered together at the station and surrounded the -Andersons. Aunt Madge, happy, somewhat embarrassed, was the center of -the group and received the evidence of the good time the girls had had -with flushed face and genuine pleasure. People passing by stopped to -watch the pretty party. - -"Now for school," said Edith, as the girls began to separate to get -ready for the same. "Another month and our real vacation time begins." - -"Yes," replied Mary Lee, "but we mustn't, in the meantime, forget the -things we must plan and do for the Red Cross before that vacation time -comes. Remember our promise, don't you, for the week of June 18th?" - -"We certainly do," replied the other girls enthusiastically. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -ANOTHER ADVENTURE - - -"Oh, what a long week this is!" cried Letty, a few days later as she -walked home from school with Mary Lee and Edith. - -"Yes, school is certainly dragging along at a slow pace these last few -weeks," added Edith. - -"I suppose it's because our thoughts are more on our coming vacation -than on our studies," said Mary Lee. "We ought to feel bright and -perfectly willing to work hard after our delightful outing, but -somehow I must confess I don't." - -"Neither do I. The taste of fun we had was so good we want more. I -wish some one would invite us to another week-end party or something," -said Letty. - -"Oh, wouldn't that be great! Mother has some friends who are at their -lovely country home over on Long Island. If they would only invite us -over," said Edith. - -They had just reached Letty's home when they spied the postman coming -out. - -"Did you leave a letter for me?" cried Letty. - -"Yes, indeed," replied the postman, "a nice big fat one, too." - -"Oh, come on in, girls, till I see if there's anything worth while in -it," cried Letty bounding up the front steps. - -The girls were glad to stop in for awhile, for the house was cool and -delightful, while the heat outside was intense for a June day. - -Letty tore the letter open hurriedly, and glanced first of all at the -signature. - -"Oh, girls, it's from Cousin Edna! What do you suppose she wants?" - -"Why not read it and see?" asked Edith, who was quite consumed with -curiosity. - -Letty did. A smile lighted up her face as she turned over the first -page. By the time she finished the letter she was ready to dance, she -was so excited. - -"Calm yourself, child, calm yourself, till we know what it's all -about," cried Mary Lee. - -"Talk about luck!" exclaimed Letty. "Just think, Cousin Edna's Camp -Fire Group is off on a camping expedition. She thinks it would be a -'lark' if some of our girls could come over and visit them for a day -or so at their camp." - -"_Can_ we?" cried Edith, "well, I should say we could. Tomorrow is -Friday, so why not go this week? I'm sure my mother will consent to -let me go. Whom else shall we ask beside us three?" - -"Nobody," said Letty. "We can have a better time if we go by -ourselves. Cousin Edna says they are living in tents about five miles -out from the railroad station. Of course we shall have to 'hike' all -the way over from the station, but won't it be fun? We can wear our -khaki suits and carry our blankets strapped around us. The camp is on -the beach and we can take our swimming suits along." - -"And we can sleep on the beach," cried Mary Lee, "and watch the stars. -I've always wanted to do that." - -"Come on home," cried Edith to Mary Lee, "and see what mother has to -say. I'm sure she will think it a lovely plan. Letty, you find your -mother and get her consent." - -"When shall we start?" cried Letty. - -"Tomorrow afternoon, right after school," said Mary Lee. "We can go by -train to Port Washington and 'hike' over to the camp." - -"Yes," said Letty, "I'll have father look up the time-table and see -how late a train we can get, so that we can do our walking as the sun -is setting. The woods will be so pretty then." - -"But suppose it gets dark before we reach camp," said Edith. - -"All the more fun. We can take along a flash-light. Father has one -that gives out a big light. He bought it when he went fishing not long -ago. I'll ask him to lend it to us," said Letty, "and mother has some -regular U. S. Army blankets that she takes when we go to the mountains -every summer. She'll let us each take one. They will be just the thing -if we want to sleep on the beach." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -"HELP! HELP!" - - -When the three girls started on their expedition the next day, they -were the center of attention at the depot. Each wore a khaki suit, -consisting of a middy blouse and bloomers, heavy leggings and soft -felt hat. Their blankets were thrown over their shoulders and strapped -at the side. Inside the rolled blanket each had a sweater, a bathing -suit and a cap. One girl carried a camera, one a box of lunch and the -other a flash light. - -"Aren't we loaded though?" cried Letty as they seated themselves in -the train. - -"I should say so. I feel like Tartarin when he started to climb the -Alps," said Edith. - -"I never heard of Tartarin," said Mary Lee. "Who was he?" - -"Didn't you ever read 'Tartarin of Tarascon,' by Alphonse Daudet?" -asked Letty. - -"No, but I've heard of Daudet. He was a celebrated Frenchman, wasn't -he?" - -"Yes, and Tartarin was the dearest old fellow. He started out to climb -the Alps--loaded himself with rope, woolen clothing, Alpine stick, -etc. We had to read the book last year in our French class," said -Letty. - -"Wasn't it the hardest French you ever read?" asked Edith. "It seemed -to me I had to use my dictionary for every other word. But dear me, -why talk about school and studies when we're off on a 'lark'?" - -"That's what I say," said Mary Lee. "Let's make up a song that we can -sing as we trudge along the road." - -"How about using the tune of 'The Bear Went Over the Mountain'?" asked -Edith. - -"Just the thing," cried Letty. "How's this?-- - -"We took our beds on our ba-acks--" - -"Oh, no," said Mary Lee. "It's better to say 'we took our beds on our -shoulders.'" - -The girls were so busy working on their song that they were surprised -when the conductor called "Port Washington." - -How the townspeople did stare as the three girls set out down the -road! Several soldiers, standing on a corner smiled as they whistled -the song: - - "Oh here she comes, there she goes - All dressed up in her Sunday clothes." - -"Don't you feel like a freak?" asked Edith, rather sorry now she had -worn her bloomer suit. - -"Indeed I don't," answered Letty. "These khaki bloomer suits are the -latest fad for 'hikers.' I had a letter from my aunt who is at a -fashionable summer resort in Michigan. She said that there was a party -of young people spending the week end at the same hotel and that all -the young women of the party wore bloomer suits and looked just too -cute for anything. They are university students and had walked all the -way from Chicago. They were making a study of the sand dunes, lake -currents and change of river beds. A professor was with them." - -"How delightful," said Mary Lee. "I'd love to join a party like that, -only I'd rather study Botany." - -By this time the road led into a deep wood where the setting sun -flashed its red light through the verdant foliage. - -"Isn't this ideal?" exclaimed Edith. "Look at those noble looking -trees!" - -"What kind are they?" asked Letty. "I never could tell one tree from -another." - -"Those are red oak and those over there are white," explained Mary -Lee. - -"They look just alike to me," said Letty. "How can you tell which is -which?" - -"The red oak has pointed leaves and its acorns ripen every year. But -the white oak's leaves are rounded and it takes two years for its -acorns to ripen," explained Mary Lee. - -"Oh, look here," cried Edith, bending over a bed of dry leaves. -"Here's an Indian pipe growing. I haven't seen one for years." - -"Why, it's pure white," said Letty. "Not a bit of green on it. Even -the root and the stem are white. It is like a regular miniature white -clay pipe, isn't it?" - -"One could almost blow soap bubbles through it," added Edith. "But -come, girls, we must hurry on. It will be dark before we know it." - -"Who is afraid?" said Mary Lee, "we have a flash light." - -"How would you like to have a cup of sassafras tea?" asked Edith, -examining a small shrub. - -"Where would you get the sassafras?" asked Letty. - -"Come over here and help me pull up this baby tree and I'll show you," -said Edith. - -All three girls pulled and up came the little tree, roots and all. -Then Edith took her jack knife which hung on a chain from her belt and -peeled off bits of the bark down around the roots, and gave each of -the girls a taste. - -"It's sassafras all right," said Edith, "but it doesn't look like the -kind the women sell on the street corners in town. That's more reddish -looking. Why is that, I wonder?" - -"Don't ask me," said Edith. "I think I'm smart enough in knowing it's -sassafras. Why worry over its color?" - -"Oh, here's a snail in its shell," said Mary Lee, picking up a round, -brownish shell from the sandy path. "Come out here, Mr. Snail and show -yourself," she said, holding the end of a long stick at the opening of -the shell. - -After a few minutes, there was a movement within, and out came a head. - -"Look at its horns," said Letty. "Aren't they long?" - -"Those aren't horns, those are its eyes at the very end of what appear -to be horns. Watch, it is crawling entirely out of its shell. Isn't it -funny looking, as it crawls along, carrying its shell on its back?" -said Mary Lee. - -"And to think people eat the horrid little things," said Letty. - -"They do?" exclaimed Mary Lee. "Whoever would eat them?" - -"The French are very fond of them," explained Letty. "Haven't you ever -seen the word 'escargots' on the menu cards?" - -"I have," said Edith, "but I must confess that my French is so limited -I never dreamed it meant snails, though." - -By this time the road led again into the open, with woods on one side -and farm lands on the other. The sun had now disappeared and night -would soon settle down, so the girls quickened their pace. - -"Do you think we can make it before it's pitch dark?" asked Edith, the -most timid of the crowd. "It seems to me we have walked about five -miles already." - -"Oh, no, we haven't, but I do think we are within two miles or so of -our destination. Cousin Edna and the Camp Fire Guardian are going to -walk out and meet us. I suppose they have started by this time," said -Letty. - -"I'm glad we don't have to go through any more woods. This road is -fine and hard," said Edith. - -It was now quite dark, so Mary Lee walked ahead and flashed on the -light. - -Suddenly they heard a strange noise. - -"Oh, what is that?" cried Edith, rushing on ahead, not waiting to find -out from which direction the sound came. - -Suddenly there was a dreadful scream from Edith, on ahead. "Help, -help!" she cried. "Oh, girls, where am I?" - -Mary Lee and Letty rushed on ahead, flashing the light. In the middle -of the road sat Edith and near her was stretched a big cow, half -asleep. - -Edith, in trying to run from the mooing cow, had run upon it instead. -It had evidently strolled away from a nearby farmhouse. - -"The big boob," said Edith, "to stretch itself out in the middle of -the road. It was a dreadful sensation to fall against that big hot -animal, and not know what it was," she laughingly said, now beginning -to see the funny side of the incident. - -"Listen," said Letty, "what's that whistle?" - -"It's the Campfire Guardian's whistle," exclaimed Mary Lee. "They must -be near us now." - -"What a relief," sighed Edith, picking herself up, and trudging on -after the others. - -When Cousin Edna and the Camp Fire Guardian met the girls, there was -great rejoicing and before long all five arrived at camp. - -The "hikers" were pretty tired, so they soon unstrapped their blankets -and made ready to sleep. - -"I'm so glad Cousin Edna could manage to get us cots to sleep on up -here in the tents. I'm too tired to try it on the beach tonight," said -Letty. - -"Me too," said Edith. "Falling over that cow in the pitch dark was -sensation enough for one night." - -"Perhaps we'll feel more like it tomorrow night. I'd hate to go back -to town without sleeping down on the beach one night," said Mary Lee, -unrolling her blanket. - -"Isn't this a scheme to sleep in our bathing suits, so as to be all -ready to run down and take a dip at sunrise tomorrow morning!" -exclaimed Letty. - -"I should say so. I do so love to take an early morning plunge," said -Mary Lee, jumping into bed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -LETTY'S SURPRISE - - -"My! doesn't this bacon taste delicious!" exclaimed Mary Lee, the next -morning as the Campfire Girls were gathered for breakfast in the mess -tent. - -"And this corn bread and the cantaloupe," added Letty. "That early -plunge surely gives one a great appetite, doesn't it?" - -"Yes, indeed, but don't eat so slow. Remember we have to wash our -dishes and clear up our own tents before we can do what we like." - -"That's so," said Mary Lee, "see, some of the girls are through -already." - -As each girl finished, she gathered up her own dishes, walked to the -end of the big table and washed and rinsed them in the big pans, -placed there for that purpose. - -After breakfast the tents were put in order, and when everything was -ready the guardian inspected them all, to see which tent should be -awarded first honors for the day. - -The Guardian was about to select the tent in which Letty's cousin Edna -slept when she discovered a hair pin sticking up between the boards in -front of the tent. - -"My, isn't she a strict Campfire Guardian?" whispered Edith to Letty. - -"I should say so! Weren't we lucky to have Aunt Madge for our -Guardian?" said Letty, "instead of one like her?" - -Cousin Edna came up just then to tell the girls that she wanted them -to come over and meet her friend Josephine. - -"She's the dearest little French girl. Her father was killed two years -ago over in France. Immediately afterwards she and her mother came to -this country to raise funds for the French Red Cross. The mother can't -think of anything but the war. She's a regular fanatic on the subject. -She gives lectures around at the houses of the 'four hundred' and has -made no end of big money for the good cause." - -"But how did the daughter get to be a Campfire Girl?" asked Edith. - -"The Guardian of our camp met her several times at lectures and felt -sorry for her. She seemed to be growing melancholy from so much war -talk. She never went anywhere except with her mother, so our Guardian -took her under her wing, asked her to join our camp and now she's the -favorite everywhere. She's getting her color back and is almost jolly -at times." - -"I suppose she can tell blood-curdling stories about the war scenes -she saw before coming to this country." - -"Yes, indeed; but we try to get her mind off the war because it has -such a depressing effect on her. But she can tell you the most -fascinating things about 'gay Paree' before the war. Her father was a -member of President Poincaire's cabinet before he enlisted, and she -used to attend all the state balls at the Elysee Palace." - -"How thrilling!" exclaimed Letty. "Do introduce us." - -"Isn't she a perfect darling?" whispered Edith to Mary Lee, after the -introduction was over. - -The girls then passed a delightful hour, playing their ukuleles and -telling stories. - -At eleven o'clock all went down to the beach for a swim. What fun they -had diving from the spring board and learning the "Australian Crawl." - -After dinner they had rest-hour till 2:30. They had to keep pretty -quiet, so our three "hikers," Cousin Edna and the French girl decided -to sit outside their tent and read. - -"But whatever shall we read?" asked Letty. - -"We have some books here," said Cousin Edna, rummaging around in an -empty soap box, which stood on end, and took the place of a wash-stand -in the tent. - -"How are these titles: 'Woodland Nymphs,' 'Oh Jerry, Be Careful,' 'Mr. -Ripling Sees it Too,' 'The Baby and the Bachelor'?" - -"That's the one," cried all the girls in chorus as the last title was -called out. - -The book proved to be an interesting one. In fact, it made them laugh -so, that it was not long before the Guardian came to hush them up and -to remind them that it was "rest hour." - -"Are we going to have our beach supper tonight?" asked Cousin Edna. - -"Yes, and if you like," replied the Guardian, "we can take our -blankets and sleep all night on the beach." - -"Lovely," cried all the girls at once. "Let's get ready at once, shall -we?" - -Soon the picnic basket was packed and off they started to a pretty -point two miles down the sandy beach. - -The first thing they did upon arriving was to gather enough wood to -make a fire. - -Then they hunted up a large clean-looking stone and put it in the fire -to heat. - -While this was heating some of the girls gathered long blades of -strong grass and wove two mats the size of the top of the stone. - -As soon as the stone was heated, they pulled it out of the fire and -dug a big hole in the sand in which they placed it. Around and over it -they put hot ashes. They had brought a supply of nice fresh fish -already cleaned and seasoned. These they placed between the grass -mats and then covered the mats over with more ashes. - -"Do you mean to say that the fish will cook like that?" asked Mary -Lee. - -"Indeed they will," said Cousin Edna, "and they will be so delicious -you will wish you could have them cooked like that all the time." - -"How long will it take to cook them that way?" asked Letty. - -"About an hour," replied Cousin Edna. "In the meantime, we can all -gather wood for our big fire tonight. We are going to roast corn and -toast marshmallows this evening." - -"We have a lot of wood already," said Letty. "See the big pile over -there!" - -"Bless you, child, that's nothing. We have to have enough to keep the -fire going all night." - -"All night?" exclaimed Edith. "Whoever has to sit up and tend it all -night? I'd certainly hate that job." - -"Oh, no one has to tend the fire _all_ night. A number of us are -chosen and each one has to keep watch an hour at a time," explained -Cousin Edna. - -"It must be hard to sit up a whole hour; I'm sure I'd go off to -sleep," said Letty. - -"You can doze if you like, but you have to keep one eye on the fire. -You see, it gets very chilly on the beach before morning and the fire -helps a lot. Besides, it keeps away the mosquitoes." - -What a delicious beach supper they had and what a delightful evening -they passed afterwards, telling stories, etc. - -When nine o'clock came each girl put on her sweater and rolled herself -in her blanket. - -"Here's where I sleep," said Letty, throwing herself down on the beach -and piling sand into a heap for a pillow. - -"Good idea," said Edith, "let's all make pillows out of sand." - -The night on the beach proved to be a delightful one, to all but one -of the girls. She woke up next morning with a stiff neck from sleeping -in a cramped position, and could not go in bathing. - -Thanks, however, to Mary Lee's training under Dr. Payson, and her Red -Cross first aid lessons, she knew just how to massage the girl's neck -and thus relieved the pain in a short time. - -After bathing, the girls all walked back to camp, where the cook had -prepared a good substantial breakfast for them. They then passed the -day quietly as it was Sunday. Late that afternoon, Letty, Mary Lee and -Edith said good-bye and started on their homeward journey. - -"Wasn't it a delightful trip?" said Mary Lee, as they finally reached -the railroad station. - -"Just splendid," answered the two other girls in one breath. - -"I have some good news for you, too," said Letty. - -"Oh, don't keep us in suspense," cried Edith. - -"I have invited Cousin Edna and her little French friend Josephine to -come and spend a week with us when we go up to our log cabin in the -Catskills in July," said Letty. "Mother said I could invite a party of -girls for a week, before she begins to fill the house with her -company. You see, there will be five of us." - -"Oh, Letty, you darling," cried Edith, leaning over and giving her a -hug. - -"That's the best plan of any," said Mary Lee. "I'd love to go if you -will let me devote a part of the time to making those 'housewives' -that we have to make. You know, Uncle Sam only provides one housewife -for each four soldiers and that is not enough. Each soldier must have -his own." - -"Indeed he should," said Letty. "Now that brother Ted's number was -chosen in the draft, I am going to get right down to serious work and -do everything I can to help. We can devote a certain part of each day -to our Red Cross work and in that way set a good example to all the -nearby summer colonies. You ought to see the quantity of yarn that -mother is laying away to take up there for knitting wristlets and -scarves." - -"It won't be like work up there, either," said Mary Lee. "I've heard -it's just wonderful up in the Catskill mountains." - -"It is," answered Letty, "and our cabin is immense. It has a porch -screened in on three sides, a wonderful fireplace, and the most -fragrant pillows of pine needles. You'll just love it, I know." - -"Here we are at the station, already," cried Edith. "After we ferry -over, let's take a taxi up home. It's Sunday, you know, and I'd hate -to meet anyone in these togs." - -"I don't particularly care about how we look, but a taxi would be just -the thing," exclaimed Letty. "I'm beginning to feel tired." - -"The next few weeks of school won't drag a particle," said Edith, "now -that we have our mountain trip to look forward to." - -"Indeed not, thanks to Letty," said Mary Lee, giving her hand an -affectionate squeeze. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY LEE THE RED CROSS GIRL*** - - -******* This file should be named 41097.txt or 41097.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/1/0/9/41097 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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