“Speak now or forever after hold your peace!” declared Mrs. Vernon, with a magisterial air.
Every one laughed, but Julie obeyed the command: “You said we would give fifteen minutes to knot-tying and forty-five to recreation. Now I wish to ask Your Honor, is this Scout Reading to be considered as recreation?”
The Captain smiled, and after a few moments’ pause said: “I am guilty of theft. But I plead extenuating circumstances. I forgot what I said about recreation, and was so over-anxious to have my infant Patrol grounded in the first lessons of scout duties that I stole time from the hour. Who is there here just enough to sentence me?”
“We have no jury, but in lieu of a speaker, allow me to speak for myself: your zeal shall be your excuse, but hereafter see that you do not commit the same offense,” spoke Julie, with a judicial air.
The Captain and girls laughed heartily, and thus ended the first reading of Scout Laws. Mrs. Vernon closed the book and got up from the knotty seat of rope, and asked the girls if they had thought of any form of recreation.
“We still have to be informed by the Court if the time stolen from our forty-five minutes must be returned or deducted?” countered Julie.
“The Court thinks you should have the full time given you for any useful recreation—not for foolishness,” said Mrs. Vernon.
“Well, would the Court adjudge a good hike to be useful?” demanded Joan.
“The Court most certainly would, and will even offer to accompany the jury, or whatever body you call yourselves.”
“Then it’s us for a hike, girls!” cried Joan.