"We have more fun in our Conundrum Club," Carrie declared. "We meet around at different houses, and it's more exciting. Besides, there are fourteen of us—seven boys and seven girls—and we can have better times with a crowd."
"I think clubs and pins and meetings are all nice," replied Ella quietly.
By this time the fire presented a glowing bed of embers and was pronounced "just right" for toasting the bacon and cheese sandwiches. Fred passed around the pointed sticks, and as fast as one toasted his or her sandwich, it was eaten.
"Gee, that's good!" sighed Ward, in blissful satisfaction, after he had disposed of three sandwiches and as many more of the stuffed eggs.
The moon was making a silver path across the water, and the older folk decided that a walk on the beach would please them more than sitting still and toasting marshmallows. So, after promising to return within an hour, they set off up the beach and left the fire to the Riddle Club and their guests.
"I've eaten so many marshmallows I don't want to taste another one," said Carrie Pepper, putting down her stick, after a busy interval in which the luscious brown and dripping marshmallows had been enjoyed to the uttermost. "Let's do something for fun."
It was, perhaps, not Carrie's place to propose a change in the program, but Carrie had never been called backward or shy. She said what came into her head and said it so plainly that few people were left in doubt as to her opinions and wishes.
"Ella hasn't finished yet," said Polly significantly.
Ella Mooney was intently roasting a marshmallow, her whole mind absorbed in getting it just the right shade of brown. There was no doubt about Ella having a good time—her face was transfigured with happiness, and though she did not talk much, she laughed more and more spontaneously.