At luncheon, however, Judy broached the problem that was on her mind, showing Miss Ward the telegram.
“I’m sure Aunt Mattie wouldn’t have made the request, if she had realized how difficult it is to obtain cottages here,” she apologized.
“Why, I think it’s nice your aunt is coming,” Miss Ward replied. “Of course we’ll help her find a place. A Girl Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others.”
“That’s law three,” Judy said with a relieved grin. “I just didn’t want to put anyone to the trouble of having to take me to the village. Aunt Mattie’s good fun, and I’ll love having her near.”
Later that afternoon the Scout leader arranged for all the girls in the Beaver Patrol to ride down the mountain to the little town of Milburn, a railroad and tourist center.
“I may as well tell you the bad news,” Miss Ward remarked regretfully as the camp station wagon rolled smoothly around the curves. “You’ll be crowded into a single tent for another night or two. Miss Lubell tried, but wasn’t able to make other arrangements.”
“Oh, it wasn’t half bad last night,” Kathleen returned. “We’ll manage.”
“Of course,” added Judy cheerfully.
By this time, the station wagon approached a crossroad which bisected the main highway nearly at a right angle.
“There it is!” Ardeth cried, rolling down the car window. “The road to Calico Cave! That cottage Virginia noticed is on the other side of the highway, perched up on a slope among the trees. See it?”