“Workmen will tear down this tent in a few minutes,” Eva explained. “So we will have the ceremony in one of the dressing rooms. Everything should be ready by now.”
As the Brownies and the circus girls walked to the nearby dressing tent, Connie and Veve related the manner in which Pickpocket Joe had been captured. Eva was greatly impressed by the story.
“Brownies certainly know how to work together,” she declared. “I’m more than ever glad I’m going to become one.”
Because the hour was so late, Miss Gordon and Miss Whitlock had decided to make the investiture ceremony a mass affair and quite brief. All the circus children would be taken into the organization in a group.
Upon reaching the dressing tent, the Rosedale Troop Brownies went inside. Eva and the other circus girls waited at the doorway until they were summoned. Finally they were told they might ask for admittance.
“Who comes to the fairy woods?” Connie asked as Eva scratched on the tent flap.
“Five girls who wish to become Brownies,” replied Eva promptly. She had been told what to say. “May we come in?”
“Why do you wish to become Brownie Scouts?” inquired the voice from the darkened tent.
“To form a troop of our own,” answered Eva.
“Then enter the fairy wood,” directed the voice.