Not having any other excuse at the moment, Ruth limped to the hut and slowly began the old work, but she rebelled inwardly.
After an hour’s hard work the clearing was done, and the girls threw themselves down to rest. The Captain was ready for this recess.
“I made a jugful of lemonade, girls, and it is as cold as if we had ice water in it. Just taste!”
“Oh, glory! Just what I was wishing for,” sighed Julie.
The others quickly agreed with that exclamation, and tested the drink. The mingled sounds of approval made the Captain smile. After a short rest, Joan said:
“What next? I’m ready to start work again.”
“Dear me! Haven’t we done enough for this afternoon? I want to enjoy a little bit of the time here,” complained Ruth.
“I’m having a fine time! I like this sort of thing,” said Joan.
“You can do exactly as you like, girls; if you want to do any more work on the hut, well and good; if you prefer to rest or do anything else, there is no one to stop you. But it is plain to be seen that the hut cannot be repaired completely this afternoon, eh?” said Mrs. Vernon, with a smile.
“I should say not! If we finish it by to-morrow night we will be clever workers,” replied Julie.