The warm, wholesome food revived the scouts’ spirits, and they discussed the proposition more hopefully.
“Ruth, you wanted adventure,” remarked Miss Phillips; “now you’re getting it.”
The girl looked down at her plate, and smiled mysteriously.
“I wonder if any of us really will find the canoes,” said Marjorie.
“Whoever does will be a real heroine!” exclaimed Ruth, thus, as it were, arranging the stage for her own complete triumph.
“Well, we’ll each do something,” said the captain. “As soon as your breakfast is digested, we’ll organize into squads. Let me see——”
She paused for a moment, looking thoughtfully around the group.
“Doris—and Alice—and Frances are to stay at camp,” she announced slowly. “Ruth you and I will swim the shortest way to the main-land to look for help. Marjorie and Ethel may swim over and explore all around the farther shores of this creek, looking for nooks in the bank where the canoes may have drifted; and Lily and Florence may take this side. Frieda, I would like you to start with us; for you are such a strong swimmer you could investigate the creek a distance if necessary.”
“But why don’t you take Marjorie with you too?” asked Ruth, obviously dissatisfied with the plans. “She’s a better swimmer than I am!”
“I wanted to give you a chance to earn the glory,” replied Miss Phillips.