“Why should I obey you?” questioned Eleanor, stubbornly.
“Because I am in command of this camp and what I say goes without questioning. Either do as I bid you or take your bag and start for home at once!”
“Wh—h—y! You couldn’t do that!” gasped Eleanor.
“We can oust you from camp and send you away but it is up to you whether you return home or hang about the woods.”
Eleanor had never camped before and it was a new experience she had looked forward to because of the joys claimed by the other Woodcrafters. But to wander in the woods alone in the dark was quite a foreign plan to the one she had anticipated. She was hungry, too, and being sent away at once meant going without supper. She glanced from the corners of her eyes to see just how far Miss Miller might carry out her threat, but the Guide was watching her with a stern expression.
Eleanor, not knowing what to do at the moment, sat down to gain time. Miss Miller, who feared she might weaken in her sudden and unprecedented manner of severity, immediately spoke.
“I have watched you most carefully for the past two weeks and I have seen things you never dreamed of! Now, I am going to have it out with you!”
At this, Eleanor went white and trembled. She cowered as if she expected a blow, but she refused to look at the Guide.
“You will remember a threat you made to May Randall the day you stopped to see how the girls were progressing with their work?” asked Miss Miller, referring to the lack of interest the girl displayed in carpentry and the unkind words she used to May.
“Oh for goodness’ sake don’t say a word about that old chest! I wish to goodness I had never seen May Randall and her Woodcraft box!” cried Eleanor, as if driven to desperation.