When Frances concluded her speech, the scouts applauded and Mrs. James said, smilingly: “Belle ought to speak now.”
Belle jumped up instantly and remarked laughingly: “All I can say is that it will be wise for you scouts to keep on good terms with me, after I have experimented more with my domestic science; as I can either treat you well with my finished products or kill you off with heavy biscuits and doughnuts, if you make me an enemy. That’s all.”
When she sat down, the scouts laughed heartily and Janet swore friendship from that moment on, in order to insure her life, she said.
The Captain now said: “If there is nothing more to take up for discussion, we will proceed with the scout exercises.”
Then Janet jumped up and called for attention. “We have a most important matter to discuss but we cannot plan or talk with Jimmy and you present. Now, which shall we do—adjourn this meeting in order to discuss our own business, or excuse you two undesirable attendants until we have concluded our conference?”
Miss Mason laughed and retorted: “I am not accustomed to hearing so frankly that my company is not wanted, so I shall leave without asking to be excused.”
Mrs. James took the Captain’s arm and nodded her head approvingly, as she added: “Them’s my sentiments, too.” And the two departed from the Council but every one knew what the topic of general interest was.
As the two ladies walked slowly away, the Captain turned and called out: “Plan all you like, girls, but don’t spend any money on our double birthday!”
Corporal Janet tossed her head at that, and beckoned to the scouts to draw closer so they could confer without a word being heard by the two principals in the case.
“First, I want to know how many have thought of a novel idea for entertainment at the party on the sixteenth?” asked Janet.