Before Billy could turn the canoe the left-hand red-and-gold herald walked forth.
“Silver loving cup for greatest originality of conception also goes to Miss Merriam and Mr. Lee,” read the herald.
They were clapped again—they could see Tom, on the grandstand, standing up and waving his hat—and then at last the marshal beckoned them to cross to the sparkling ring of other craft in the background. The winning launches, floats, rowboats and canoes were to act as a guard of honor to escort the royal float back to the grandstand, where the court carriages for the king and queen of the carnival waited.
They went to this place at last, and paused by their friends, the Camp Fire float and Marie’s canoe.
“We got a fourth prize!” called Marie gayly as Winona stopped by her. “Oh, Winona, you darling! You always were a mascot!”
“Marie always was an angel,” thought Winona to herself. Edith was not so selfless.
“Congratulations, Win,” she said bravely, holding out a tinsel-wrapped wrist across the canoes. “I’m glad you got it—but I wish we could have had something better. I think we deserved it.”
“You certainly did,” said Winona warmly. “But it doesn’t much matter, you know, Edith. The main thing people will notice is that Camp Karonya landed three prizes. And think of that loving-cup sitting up, with ‘Won by Camp Karonya,’ on it!”
“Aren’t you going to have your name put on it?” asked Edith.
“Certainly not!” said Winona. “It’s a Camp trophy. I shall put my name on the back of the check for twenty-five dollars. That is pleasure enough.”