“I took an ancient umbrella for a foundation and then bound on the extra reeds to the original ribs to make it longer and larger all round. Then I glued the paper on the tops,” explained the Guide.
“It makes a great American shade for us,” giggled Elena.
“Ought to be labelled ‘Made in America,’” added Jane.
“But what I want to know is ‘Why-for and Where-for?’” said Nita.
“I see that no one suspects the plot, so I will have to tell,” laughed Miss Miller, sticking the bamboo handle in a wooden block having a clamp to hold it upright—something like the tree holders at Christmas time. But this holder permitted the upper section of the block to swing around on a pivot fastened to the lower section-block.
When the handle was securely fastened Miss Miller gave the huge umbrella a twirl to see if it worked well, and still the girls stood wondering what it all was for.
“Now get busy, girls, and hand me the packages while I tie them on these sticks,” advised the Guide, attaching a small package as she spoke.
“The heavy ones that will drag the ribs down too far we will spread on the grass and tie a card with the name of the owner on the stick instead of the bundle itself,” continued Miss Miller, as a large box was handed her.
With many hands to help, the packages were soon in place, and then the Guide said:
“We will all stand in a circle about the umbrella and as I swing it about we sing: