She had, at fourteen, a fair acquaintance with American history, and she devised rare amusements, based on the primitive life of our pioneer forefathers. These games lasted for weeks. Bands of Indians preyed on the settlers; the settlers sent messengers to the tribal chiefs. There were periods of parleying, smoking of the peace pipe; there were war dances and uprisings.
The scene might run like this. The ship which was bringing the pilgrims, was wrecked off the beach, and the passengers took refuge in rowboats and canoes, from which they landed upon the unfriendly shores. Red men lay in wait for them, lurking behind sand forts. Occasionally when women settlers were absolutely necessary, Margie Hunter and the other girls were allowed to come along, but for the most part they were ruthlessly shut out. Isabelle, as author and stage manager, was indispensable and, therefore, safe.
It took much strategy on Isabelle’s part to effect her freedom. She assured Miss Watts that all the children went daily to play at the Hunters’, because there was a pool, and “You have the most fun there”; so when, of an afternoon, Miss Watts accompanied her to the Hunters’, and stayed chatting with the Hunter governess until it was time to go home, her charge was always wonderfully behaved until she was out of sight. Then she left the girls and sped off to her true companions. Margie threatened to tell on her, but Herbert took the matter in hand, and nothing came of the threat.
Of course Max and Wally had no idea of her associations; that was Miss Watts’ business. Isabelle played with the children of the right set, which was all that really mattered. That she swaggered and boasted and whistled about the house, these were annoying details, but she had always been a pest.
Wally protested once against her hoydenish manners.
“You talk like a jockey, Isabelle. You haven’t a grain of feminine charm.”
“Feminine charm! Ha!” snorted his daughter, with scorn.
“You’d better try to acquire a little. You’ll need it,” he warned her.
“Need it for what?”
“Need it for your business.”