There was no one else at the camp in Beechwood Forest at this moment.
The other girls and the Troop Captain had departed for a day’s hike, not to return until late afternoon.
Nevertheless Tory and Kara had not been alone. This never occurred; Edith Linder had remained to be useful and to relieve Tory. As a matter of fact, the Troop Captain, Miss Mason, and half a dozen girls had insisted that Tory go forth for the long hike. The day was a perfect midsummer day and each and every one of them would gladly remain with Kara.
Tory had declined. In face of the argument that it was her duty to give the other Girl Scouts the opportunity to be useful to Kara, who was their friend as well as her own, Tory insisted that to-day she was too tired for a long tramp. In any case she would stay on at camp. Some other day she would be glad to change places.
At present Edith Linder had gone the half mile or more away to the little House in the Woods on an errand. She had promised to help prepare supper before the camping party could return. Finding herself in need of supplies she had explained to Tory and slipped away. Kara would not be apt to awaken soon and there appeared no immediate need for her.
In truth Tory was glad to be alone for an hour.
In a short time the sun would set.
Weary Tory believed she wanted an hour for quiet thinking.
Earlier in the day Teresa had confessed that she was feeling a degree of disappointment in the summer camp.
Tory Drew was disappointed, but for different reasons.