Little attention was paid to this rudeness, as Ruth’s friends knew enough of the laws of the scouts to ignore such shortcomings in others, but to try, instead, to nourish that which was worthy of perpetuation in thought and deed.
“Having our own tent where we can rest when we like makes it seem as if the mountains were much nearer us than so far off as the Adirondacks really are,” said Betty, happily.
“It may turn out that this camp will be all we shall have for this year,” commented Ruth.
“I don’t see why you should say that!” demanded Joan, impatiently.
“Because we’ll spend our money on this old thing and then have to weed and weed all the rest of the summer to earn the carfares.”
“It won’t figure up any differently in the end, ’cause we’d have to have some kind of a tent, wouldn’t we?” asked Julie.
“We might be able to borrow some—or buy them on the installment plan. I even might tease father to lend us the money to buy new ones when we are ready to go,” replied Ruth.
“It isn’t one of our rules to borrow or go in debt. We each want to demonstrate independence as we go along. Buying on credit, or with borrowed capital, is a very undesirable method of doing business,” said Mrs. Vernon, gravely.
“But paying back for a tent next fall, instead of next week, isn’t as bad as you seem to think,” insisted Ruth.
“All the same, we girls are going to buy for cash, and never borrow trouble, if we can help it!” declared Julie, sensibly.