Consequently a mad scurrying took place and the scouts were cozily housed when the rain came down.
The next morning Mrs. Vernon said: “I have been waiting for spare time to give you scouts a few lessons in first aid, but now that we expect new members in the Patrol, it may be just as well to wait for them. Many can learn as easily as a few individuals.”
“Still, that need not keep us from having a few tests,” replied Joan, who looked for some fun in this practice.
“True; and if you have a little lesson now, you ought to be able to help the new members when they come in,” added Mrs. Vernon.
“All right—let’s begin,” said Julie.
“My first question will be: What would you do for first-aid in case of accident?”
Julie giggled: “I’d take mighty good care not to have one! I call that genuine first-aid.”
The others laughed, and Mrs. Vernon said: “You are right of course, Julie, but that is not what I mean. Because there are many people who meet with accidents, who need aid at once. And there are nine-tenths of the people who know nothing about rendering help properly. However, during the last ten years, due a great deal to scout work, I believe, the schools are taking up this work and teaching children just what to do.”
“We never had it in our school,” said Betty.
“Maybe the town is too small to pay an instructor, but all city schools teach first-aid, I’m sure,” replied the Captain. “Now, girls, let us be serious in this lesson.