No girl was to leave the ranks, no girl was to make any advance, and no girl was to disobey the slightest order until the call for break ranks would be sounded.
These orders were given with precision which indicated some very particular program, and served to "thrill" the quartette with new expectations.
"Some one else is having a picnic!" whispered Grace. "I see a lot of bright things through the trees!"
"Hush!" cautioned Margaret, for the patrol leaders were inspecting each line.
"Now, girls!" called Captain Clark. "When I blow the whistle you are to follow your leaders, and rush forward. No one is to push, or crowd, but to advance in a solid line, battle formation. Then when I blow three whistles, halt instantly!"
The ground was quite clear at this entrance to the woods, and at the command a grand rush forward was so cleverly executed it seemed the line scarcely lost step making the dash.
Then the whistle sounded three times and behold!
"Oh! oh! oh!"
The woods rang with the cries!
What a sight! A woodland play or Fairyland let loose!