CHAPTER XXIII
RUTH’S ADVENTURE
When the sun poured into the cabin the following morning, and Ruth was awakened by the happy laughter of her companions, the incident of the night before seemed like a dream. If she had been a nervous or timid girl the others would have had occasion to attribute her story to an over-wrought imagination; but Ruth was the last girl in the world to be frightened without a cause. Besides, Doris and Edith had testified to the presence of the ghost, and everybody—even Miss Phillips had heard the unearthly sound.
The girls breakfasted out of doors; the day was lovely and warm, and they all felt rested and happy.
“After everything has been put in order,” said Miss Phillips, as she finished her coffee, “we are going to have a simple little service over in that spot under the trees. Then, after that, all of you who want to, can go in swimming.”
The girls prepared to go about their duties. “How shall we know when it is time for service?” asked Ethel.
“I do so wish we had a bugler to blow church-call, and all the other calls for that matter, too,” said Miss Phillips. “But maybe Pansy troop will have one by next year! In the meanwhile, I’ll have to use the whistle signals. So listen for a succession of short whistles.”
The religious service held on that Sunday in June by the little band of Girl Scouts in the silence of the woods was simple in form, but probably out-ranked many a more pretentious one in sincerity and earnestness. Miss Phillips, with her clear voice, led in the singing of several familiar hymns, and the girls recited the first Psalm together. With the exception of the Lord’s Prayer, the prayers were silent ones, but the girls felt deeply moved; and after it was all over, several of them told the Captain that it was the most impressive service they had ever attended.
Everybody except the Captain, and Ethel and Ada, who were cooks, decided to go swimming. It was almost noon when they gathered in front of the cabin, dressed in their swimming suits, covered by sweaters or raincoats.
“It’s rather late,” said Miss Phillips. “Don’t go too far.”