CHAPTER VI
THE ACCIDENT
It was evening—of the second day of their trip and the scouts were seated about their camp fire, enjoying the leisure after the day’s activities. The flame lighted up the immediate circle, and the tents just beyond; but by way of contrast, it seemed to make the blackness of the woods and the water still deeper.
“Anybody want to go for a walk?” asked Miss Phillips, teasingly.
“We want to stay just where we are!” replied Marjorie, who was comfortably leaning against Lily’s back for support.
“Remember that dark forest in Barrie’s play—‘Dear Brutus’—where everybody went on a summer’s night and got things they all wished for!” remarked Lily.
None of the others had seen the play, and they asked her several questions about the story.
“It would take an Edith Evans to tell that story well,” sighed Lily; “it certainly was a pretty one.”
“But wouldn’t it be strange,” mused Marjorie, “if we could go into the woods over there and get our dearest wish. I wonder what mine would be.”
“To win the silver cup at the races, I guess,” put in Ruth. “I’m sure that’s my greatest desire at present.” Then, becoming very practical, she added, “Now please tell us all about it, Captain Phillips.”
“Well, I haven’t worked out the exact program,” replied Miss Phillips; “but I can tell you most of the things it will include.”