Part 11 (1/2)
Supper had been prepared and disposed of, and the dishes washed and cleared away before darkness invited every one to sit down and listen to the Captain's stories of girlhood days in this very spot. But she had rather a drowsy audience that night. Four girls were so tired out with healthy exercise and the mountain air that the fire gave them a feeling of peace and rest.
Not a demur was heard when Mrs. Vernon suggested bed, and the hard cots must have felt like a nest of feathers to the newly-fledged scouts, for soon every one was fast asleep.
CHAPTER SIX
FIRST LESSONS IN SCOUT WORK
A loud drumming on a tin pan roused the would-be scouts in the morning, and each girl tumbled out of her cot feeling as if she had slept on roses. The invigorating air and the benefit of sleeping out-of-doors began to be felt. Then the odor of cooking was wafted in through the tent opening, and Joan ran to look out.
”Oh!” sniffed she, ”Verny's up and dressed and has something _awfully_ good cooking for breakfast!”
”Um-m--I should say she has!” added Julie, running over to join Joan at the tent door.
”What is it, Verny?” called a chorus of girls, and as the Captain turned to reply she saw four tousled heads crowded out of the opening.
”Can't tell secrets until you've washed and dressed!” laughed Mrs.
Vernon.
It was not long, therefore, before the hungry campers joined her about the fire and wanted to know what smelled so good. The Captain was adding a pinch of salt to the ”something” in the pot, so she did not look up, but said hastily:
”Will some one watch that toast--it seems to be scorching.”
”Did you ever! Making toast on a stone!” laughed Julie, trying to turn over the slices with a stick.
”But the stone's as hot as any stove-lid,” commented Betty, as she saw the smoke rise from the crumbs that burned on the rock.
”Is that cereal standing off on that other stone?” now inquired Ruth.
”Yes, but who'd a thought a stone would ever be used for an oven?”
laughed Joan, stirring the cereal with a long spoon.
”The oven won't retain heat long after the stone is removed from the embers. Better be ready to serve yourselves as soon as I say 'ready,'”
said Mrs. Vernon, as she removed the pot that had given forth such appetizing odors from the fire, and stood it upon a heated rock.
”Now--all ready!” laughed she, and every girl made a dash for the cereal.
”Here--let me dish it up and pa.s.s it along. The whole mess will be in the fire if we all struggle to be first,” added Joan.
The cereal disappeared like snow in July, and then four eager girls were asking for the next course.
”This food, fit for the G.o.ds, is composed of the leavings of supper last night. But you girls will never dream that it goes by a homely name,”
said Mrs. Vernon, as she ladled a goodly portion upon each plate which was thrust out under her nose.
”What _is_ it called?” asked Ruth, tasting a bit that fell upon the edge of her plate.
”It smells heavenly, Verny!” sighed Julie, rolling her eyes skyward.
Every one laughed, for Julie always was extravagant in her language.