During the long walk to their homes, the Brownies chatted gaily about everything they had seen. Miss Gordon, however, seemed unusually quiet. Although she did not say so, the girls knew the teacher was very discouraged about losing her wrist watch and the Brownie camping money.
During the next few days, the girls gradually forgot the circus, for examinations occupied their attention. Then came the class picnic at Elk’s Grove. After that, report cards were handed out, and school was over until fall.
At the regular Brownie Scout meeting held in Belinda Matthews’ home, Miss Gordon was quite cheerful about the lost camping money.
Taking the blame entirely upon herself, she told the girls again that she would make up the loss.
“Well go ahead exactly as we planned,” she declared. “Our reservation is in for the third of June at Shady Hollow. This very afternoon we’ll go downtown and buy our camping equipment.”
“Will we have enough money?” Connie asked anxiously. “None of the girls have paid their five dollar individual fee yet.”
“I brought mine today,” announced Eileen, waving a five dollar bill.
“I’ll have my money by tomorrow,” added Rosemary. “I guess I’ve wiped a million dishes to earn it!”
All the other troop members except Veve, said they would have their fee within two days.
The Brownies were careful not to look directly at her. Veve, they knew, had tried to earn money, but had failed.