The young Navajos proved to be splendid entertainers in this Nature Game, as well as in other ways the teachers suggested, and the Girl Scouts spoke as they felt when it was time to retire: “We wish all our friends might have been here to-night and have enjoyed this hour as we have.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE PAINTED DESERT
Julie had spoken to Mrs. Vernon about writing to Ranger Sanderson and the Captain wisely advised: “No harm in writing, Jule, as long as you stick to general topics of interest. Eliminate personalities and any form of endearing terms.”
Julie had laughed as she answered: “No fear of any swain being able to produce a letter from me in which I have called him anything more intimate than the ‘dear sir.’ I’m not wasting any emotions on them, because I need to conserve my soul-power in accomplishing my main ambition in life. When I am a successful writer, Verny, then I may dabble in human emotions in order to be better able to transfer them to paper.”
This was the first time Julie had actually spoken of her choice of a profession in life, and Mrs. Vernon smiled as she patted her on the head. But she was not aware that Julie was sensitive over her choice of writing and feared the ridicule or amused smiles of her friends, in case of failure, or partial success.
Consequently, Julie wrote friendly letters to the Ranger, but used discretion in her manner of addressing him, as well as in her signature. Before leaving St. Michael’s, therefore, Julie left a long letter addressed to Sanderson, in which she told of the visit in Gallup and the subsequent trip and visit to the Mission.
The cavalcade of scouts left their hosts filled with gratitude for the donation of a check to advance the splendid work in the Mission.
Tally had secured three fine pack-horses, and a Navajo guide as well, for the Desert trip, and now all rode forward with eager spirits.
“It doesn’t seem a bit like the Desert as I pictured it,” remarked Hester, glancing at the park-like vista of yellow pine and patches of wild flowers through which the trail ran.