"Oh, yes, but then you must understand that they have been scouting for more than four years. Tell them that this is your first summer in a genuine forest camp, and they need not expect you to accomplish wonders. Then you girls must turn in and do your best!" laughed Mr. Gilroy.
The scouts were most enthusiastic, and gaily agreed to follow Mr. Gilroy's suggestions. When they were ready to hike over the crest, the Captain said, "We may as well invite the boys to supper to-morrow and make a party of it."
"That will be splendid. And I'll contribute my quota to the dinner instead of eating it at home," added Mr. Gilroy.
"We may have quail or partridge for dinner if we track the birds carefully," suggested Joan, giggling.
"Venison steaks are better," hinted Mrs. Vernon.
"What's the matter with bear steaks, while we're about it? They're said to be gamier in flavor," laughed Julie.
"We'll have all three, and serve a ten-course dinner to the boys," added Ruth.
With light banter the scouts left Mr. Gilroy where the trails diverged,—they to cross the crest and invite the boys over for supper the next day, and Mr. Gilroy to go home to find the "bait."
Dandelion Camp was abandoned for a long time that day, and it was too late in the afternoon when the scouts returned, to ask what had been done in the woods during their absence; but a great deal had taken place there, as Hiram and his master could have told had they been so inclined. Even Jake could have testified to mysterious actions, and many queer maneuvers of familiar animals from the barnyard, but the girls never asked him. Their faith in Mr. Gilroy was sublime!
While the Dandelioners sat eating their camp supper, they discussed the boys they had visited that day.