The second scout was one who had not been able to think of any novel plan for the birthday party, but when she heard May’s idea expressed, she was able to amend the motion by saying: “Why not make a full afternoon and evening of the entertainment, and invite Four Corners to the woods for our share in teaching them scout life, and then let them invite us to the village school-house for the evening, where we can give a regular party with ice cream and lots of Belle’s domestic science cakes?”
Every one laughed at the last suggestion but they also approved of it. Janet then offered the suggestion for debate, and finally it was decided by the “yeas” that were it possible to interest enough Four Corners’ folk, the three village scouts of Patrol Number Two would be delegated to ascertain all about the hiring of the school-house for the evening of the sixteenth.
Norma sat next to the girl who amended May’s motion and now she said: “My party plan is very simple in comparison to May’s, as it was an idea to go for a fine long hike in the woods and take along enough floor and cooking needs to have a gypsy dinner in the woods. I thought we could spend the day and return home at evening and celebrate at the house with singing and games.”
“Sounds inviting, Norma, but who will keep awake to sing and play in the evening after a long day on the hike?” was Natalie’s query.
The scout next to Norma now amended the proposition with: “Why not ride somewhere and play gypsy when we arrive there? Then we won’t be so weary with walking and can sing or play as Norma suggested, when we come back home?”
“We all can’t crowd in the automobile,” said Frances.
Then the girl next to the first amender spoke up and said: “My idea was very similar to the one just announced, but I had thought of using several farm wagons, such as Ames has, and filling the bottom with straw for a straw ride to the hills.”
“That, too, sounds alluring, so we will have the scribe jot that amended plan down for future consideration,” said the Corporal.
The next two scouts had thought of gathering together at Solomon’s Seal Camp and having refreshments and games. But these ideas were not approved, so the turn came to Natalie to speak.
“Well, I must say, that it is disappointing to be in the last row of spectators at the death of the fox,” began she laughingly. “Here am I with as good a plan as the others, but it has been minced up by the girls who proposed and those who amended the others.”