They were merely the best of friends. They had no other ties of a warmer nature than those which bound them in friendship to each other. They felt confidence in each other if the future was propitious; but now——
“I am sure you will make your mark in the army, Tom, dear,” Ruth said to him. “And I shall think of you—wherever you are and wherever I am—always!”
CHAPTER VIII—THE NEAREST DUTY
The county drive for Red Cross funds had been a great success; and many people declared that Ruth’s work had been that which had told the most in the effort. Uncle Jabez inspired many of the more parsimonious of the county to follow his lead in giving to the cause. And, of course, “The Boys of the Draft” was making money for the Red Cross all over the country, as well as in and about Cheslow.
After Tom Cameron went back to camp Ruth’s longing for real service in the war work fairly obsessed her mind. She could, of course, offer herself to do some unimportant work in France, paying her own transportation and expenses, and become one of that small army of women who first went over, many of whom were more ornamental, if the truth were told, than useful in the grim work that was to follow.
But the girl of the Red Mill, as she told Tom Cameron, wished to make whatever she did count. Yet she was spurred by no inordinate desire for praise or adulation. Merely she wanted to feel that she actually was doing her all for Uncle Sam.
Being untrained in nursing it could not be hospital work—not of the usual kind. Ruth wanted something that her capabilities fitted. Something she could do and do well. Something that was of a responsible nature and would count in the long run for the cause of humanity.
Meanwhile she did not refuse the small duties that fell to her lot. She was always ready to “jump in” and do her share in any event. Helen often said that her chum’s doctrinal belief was summed up in the quotation from the Sunday school hymn: “You in your small corner, and I in mine!”
One day at the Cheslow chapter it was said that there was need of somebody who could help out in the supply department of the State Headquarters in Robinsburg. A woman or girl was desired who would not have to be paid a salary, and preferably one who could pay her own living expenses.
“That’s me!” exclaimed Ruth to Helen. “I certainly can fill that bill.”