She could not have observed the little group of her companions when she came past, as she must have left the building some time before. One of the side walls had fallen in and the fire was diminishing.
The police were urging people to return to their homes. The worst was now over, but a space must be kept clear.
Would the Girl Scouts help the children to find their parents?
The officer to whom Margaret had first offered her own and Louise’s aid stopped to lift his hat to her.
“It is not to you only, Miss, I am taking off my hat. It is to the whole of you Girl Scouts. Sure and you’ve done yourselves proud, and the village!” he remarked, with a delightful Irish brogue, appearing as self-possessed and good-natured as if he had not passed through the ordeal of the last hour.
It was after dusk when Louise and Margaret made their way again to Edith Linder’s. They were too weary to speak to each other and too overstrained, yet could not go to their homes for the night without news of Edith.
She came out to meet them, and Margaret Hale, usually so self-contained, put her arms about her, dropping her head on her shoulder.
“Edith, I have not had time to confess it even to myself, but I have been so frightened about you! Why were you so reckless? Surely you could do nothing to help!”
Edith made no reply to this question. Later the Girl Scouts were to learn what she had accomplished.