“It’s lovely!” exclaimed Ethel enthusiastically, as she sat down on the bench in front of the fireplace.
“Where do you sleep?” asked Lily, with a puzzled look. “Surely sixteen boys couldn’t all find room on the floor!”
“We sleep in tents, when we stay here all night,” said John. “Except, of course, when a candidate is sent out here on probation; then he sleeps on that cot!”
Mr. Remington appeared at the doorway. “As soon as you get rested, we want to play some scout games,” he said.
All the scouts, except the squad who were preparing the dinner, played games until almost dusk; then a whistle signal sounded which John interpreted as “get ready for mess,” and the girls followed Miss Phillips to the stream to wash and make themselves presentable for supper.
The supper was a splendid one—much more pretentious than that which represented the girls’ usual idea of a camp mess. There was broiled steak, baked potatoes, baked beans, cocoa, rolls, and chocolate cake.
“I never knew boys could cook like this!” said Frances. “Why, it’s wonderful!”
The girls wanted to help clear things away, but their offer was refused. Two or three of the boys built up the fire, and in a few minutes everyone was grouped around it, singing and talking.
John Hadley came over and sat beside Doris.
“It’s too bad Roger couldn’t be here to-night,” he said, “but you see he’s one of the newer members of the troop. I daresay you’ll see him at the next party.”