CHAPTER XI.
TENDERFOOT SCOUTS.
Marjorie could not help being amused by the reception with which she was greeted by her troop the next Saturday evening. All of the girls except Queenie appeared subdued, almost ashamed to look their captain in the face; Queenie herself presented a forced gaiety.
“We’re all here, Miss Wilkinson!” cried Queenie, meeting Marjorie and Lily at the door, and slipping her arm through that of her captain. “And we mean to work tonight—to do whatever you say!”
Under her eyelashes Marjorie perceived the sidewise, sheepish glances of the others. It was evident that they fully expected a severe reprimand.
But she had no intention of making any mention of the hike. She felt that the matter had been settled between herself and Queenie; any further reference to it would do more harm than good.
Instead she immediately introduced Lily, and said that if the others were willing, she would serve as lieutenant of the troop. As usual, the patrol leader answered for the rest, in an enthusiastic affirmative.
She went through the usual formal opening of the meeting, proceeding, after the pledge to the flag and the repetition of the scout oath and laws, to the regular business. She could hardly restrain her smile as she called for the report of the minutes of the secretary upon the hike.
“I—haven’t—any report,” stammered Stella, in embarrassment.
“Then please write one up for our next meeting,” answered the captain. “Is there any old business to come before the troop?”