Mollie apologized, dabbing at Bab with her small pocket handkerchief. “You can tell me exactly what you think of me. Ruth and Grace might be too polite. I am so sorry; I was trying to be useful.”
“Go over to the fire, Barbara, and dry your dress,” advised Miss Sallie. “It is just as well you have on a thick suit. We must learn to expect occasional mishaps.”
Barbara winked solemnly at Ruth as she arose from the table. Miss Sallie was sure to be in a good humor when she talked in this philosophical fashion.
For an hour after luncheon the camping party continued their climb. Finally Ruth and Bab, who were in front, came to a sudden stop. “Hurrah!” they shouted, turning to wave their handkerchiefs to the occupants of the wagon.
Mollie nearly pitched out of the wagon in her excitement, but Grace and Miss Sallie clutched at her skirts in time.
“Have we arrived?” Mollie cried. “Oh, do stop the wagon!” The little log cabin in the woods was now plainly in view.
“It’s the gingerbread house, I know it is,” exclaimed Grace, making a flying leap over the wheel of the cart. “The logs are the soft, brown color of good gingerbread, and the little windows must be made of sugar frosting.”
In a clearing on top of a hillside stood the “hut,” as the girls christened it in an instant. A circle of pine and cedar trees hid it from sight. All around it were thick woods. Higher hills rose at the back of it. A roaring brook tumbled down the hillside fifty feet from their cabin door.
By nightfall the little house in the woods was made thoroughly livable. The girls hammered and worked, assisted by Naki and his wife. Miss Sallie sat by the big fire in the living room and gave directions. Adjoining this big room, which ran across one side of the cabin, were two bedrooms. Farther back Naki and Ceally shared a small chamber that connected with the kitchen.
Just before supper time Ruth took Miss Sallie by the arm; Grace, Barbara and Mollie followed them; around and around their new home “The Automobile Girls” marched.