“Look!” she exclaimed. “There they are! Just look!”
“Oh, how funny!” Cara said excitedly. “Did you ever see anything—so funny!”
They were looking at the Italians’ camp. It was made up of three old automobiles, or parts of automobiles that could never be expected to turn a wheel again. For the wheels were gone. But the tops were there and in these the little family had taken refuge. Even from the distance where the scouts had stopped little Vicky could be seen. She was swinging gaily on a swing made of rope, hanging from a sturdy tree; and a very good swing it was indeed, for any little girl to enjoy.
A woman, whom Babs recognized as Nicky’s mother, was cooking something over a camp kettle. The fire was set in a stone oven and appeared mighty attractive to Dr. Hale; so he said.
“Not a bad camp at that,” he remarked. “And the best thing in the world for that family. Just see how they manage. Obstacles become useful tools in their willing hands.”
“Yes, look at the home-made tent built on to the side of that old car,” directed Cara. “I should think it would be lovely under that.”
“I wish I could see Nicky,” whispered Babs a little anxiously. They were behind bushes that hid them completely from any one who might be looking out at the camp.
“There he is!” declared Cara. “Look! He’s doing something with that old car, the one with wheels on.”
“Yes, so he is,” exclaimed Babs. “Now I’ll go over and talk to him. You stay here a few minutes.”
“Look out for dogs,” cautioned her father. But Babs knew that the Marcusis had no dog when she went to their place over the tracks, and it wasn’t likely they would have one now to attract attention to their camp in the woods.