“Mebbe Miss Marting will tell us somet’in’ about a bee er a snake?” ventured Katy Kronen, a little girl of eight.
“When we get back to the Nest I will tell you all about some snakes I have seen, and about the bees, too,” promised the Mother Wings, as they reached the open field where outdoor games and drills were to take place.
“Dere he is—ain’t he grand?” cried Maggie, excitedly.
“Who—where?” asked several voices.
“Our Uncle Ben—he’s really de Uncle to some kids what live in Oakdale. Dey made up dis camp, and Miss Selina what’s got a heap of money is lookin’ after us an’ payin’ de bills. Uncle Ben is her nephew, but everyone calls him Uncle Ben, ’stead of Mr. Ta’mage, an’ he says he likes to have so many nieces an’ nephews,” explained Maggie all in one breath.
Miss Martin now had her first glance at the man she had heard so much of—not only in the Welfare work but also from the papers at the time of the Christmas Tree and Easter Picnic in New York.
She saw a tall well-built man with the happiest, cheeriest face she had ever seen. No wonder everyone liked him so!
Maggie waved a hand energetically to attract his attention, and soon the man smiled and waved his hat at her.
“Dere now—he’ll come over pritty soon,” sighed Maggie, with sublime faith in her prophecy.
And sure enough! As soon as Uncle Ben had taken down the names of the boys who were to enter a squad of Camp Police, he came over to welcome the lady he had not yet met.