The guessing began, and the votes were taken. After a few moments, the prize was awarded to General Pershing—a girl, evidently—who was dressed in a real Army uniform, adorned with many medals and campaign bars. Across the front, on a white ribbon, she wore, to the amusement of everyone, these letters:
"COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF!"
That, and her mustache, made a mistake impossible.
But no one guessed her identity, until Marjorie noticing her hands, exclaimed,
"Ruth Henry!" and the victor laughingly unmasked.
It was another triumph for Ruth!
Miss Phillips called for the boys to volunteer to carry in the tubs of water filled with apples, and as Marjorie watched the proceeding a homesick feeling stole over her. John Hadley was no longer there!
She glanced at Lily, radiant with the excitement and pleasure, and decided that she, too, would find some boy to be interested in. Turning around at the mention of her own name, she found David Conner waiting to put her name on his dance program.
The Scouts played games and danced until ten o'clock, and then Miss Phillips announced that refreshments were ready in the basement.
"The basement!" repeated Frances, in amazement. "Do you mean that, Captain?"