“What have we done now?” Beverly Chester muttered uneasily.
The ranger greeted the campers courteously, dropping a handful of literature into Miss Ward’s lap.
“Welcome to Old Baldy Mountain,” he said. “This entire area is a national forest preserve. You’re staying at Pine Cone Camp?”
“Yes, we arrived last night,” Miss Ward replied.
“Girl Scouts always are careful about starting fires,” the ranger continued. “I wish other visitors here were as cooperative. You’re familiar with the regulations. The most important one is never to start a fire except in the designated places. You’ll find them all marked on the forest map.”
“We’ll be careful,” Miss Ward promised.
“My name is Arthur Wentz,” the ranger ended his little talk. “If I can be of service at any time, let me know.”
Back at Pine Cone Camp a few minutes later, the girls found they had just enough time for a brisk swim in the lake before dinner.
Judy and Kathleen, who were good swimmers, were paired together. They tried their skill on the diving board, watched a group of other Scouts receiving instruction in Red Cross Life Saving, showered off and were ready for a hot meal when it was served promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Later, when all the girls had gathered for songs and a nature talk in the main lodge room, Miss Lubell mentioned a plan whereby all interested patrols would take part in a competitive first-aid expedition.