"Very well," replied Ruth, "I suppose you're right. But please," she begged, "just let me include these shoes—just these."
"Shall we, Letty?" asked Mary Lee, pretending to be stern, but the least bit undecided.
"If it's only these shoes, we will," replied her chum.
"Thank you," Ruth said with mock humility. "Thank you very much."
CHAPTER XXIV
Bound for the Camp
Spring was late in the year 1917. The trees were just beginning to show in full foliage and the grass had the freshness and fragrance that only the early mornings of spring can give to it.
Mary Lee, Letty and Ruth had awakened and dressed at four o'clock that morning. Mary Lee had suggested the night before that they do this and the two girls had loyally but sleepily carried out the plan.
The party bound for Mount Hope had left on the seven o'clock Adirondack Express, the night before. When the three girls reached the observation platform, after going through a long line of sleeping coaches, the train was running parallel with Champlain and was nearing Plattsburg.
It was a gorgeous sight and the three stood for several minutes enwrapped in its splendor.