This done, they raced to the edge of the camp, to assist counselors, who frantically had started to dig a shallow trench or fire break.
Using garden hoes, rakes, spades and other implements at hand, the Scouts rapidly cleared a band several feet wide between the camp and the spreading ground fire.
A few sparks were flying, but those which dropped in dry grass, instantly were extinguished by a unit assigned to that particular task.
By this time, the wind had spread the fire into an elliptical shape. Inexorably, it crept nearer and nearer the trench the girls were digging.
“It’s going to be nip and tuck to save the camp,” Miss Lubell gasped. “Don’t give up, girls!”
Against the flames, trees were silhouetted as dark, towering shapes. The sight was a terrifying one. But even though they could feel the heat in their faces, the Scouts kept doggedly at work.
Then suddenly a cry went up.
“The rangers!” cried a Lone Tree Scout. “They’ve come!”
Judy drew a deep, tired sigh of relief as she saw the Forest Service truck roll in with fire-fighting equipment.
“Our job is done now,” Miss Lubell said, wiping a smudge from her cheek. “We’ll let the men take over. Everyone report in the assembly room.”