Part 20 (1/2)
”Girls, show our visitors the dance-song of 'Summertime,'” suggested the Guide.
The Band then performed the song to graceful steps and motions and the audience loudly applauded when it was finished.
”Mother, why can't I stay over-night with Elizabeth and the other, girls-Zan says they can find lots of room for a little girl like me,”
pleaded Edith.
”Yes, do allow the child to remain with us. It is only for one night, you know,” added Miss Miller.
”Why, you seem to have so many already, that I would not like to add to the care,” responded Mrs. Remington, doubtfully.
”I'll be so good, mother, that it will be no care!” begged Edith.
”And we will look after her, mother,” added Elizabeth.
”I wanna stay, too!” now demanded the youthful Theodore Roosevelt Remington, aged four.
”No, no, Baby, Mother needs you at home!” quickly said Edith.
To the little girl's delight, she was permitted to remain and the others started for home, leaving the weary hostesses to seek tents and cots where all were soon fast asleep, despite the mosquitoes.
CHAPTER EIGHT-QUIET WAYS FOR SUNDAY
At breakfast the following morning, Miss Miller said: ”This being Sunday, we must find a quiet form of enjoyment.”
”That won't deprive us of a swim, will it?” asked some of the anxious campers.
”Why no, but I do not think we ought to shout or dance or do the noisy or boisterous things that are permissible on a week-day.”
”Let's discuss it later. I am having such a fine time with this breakfast at present,” said Zan, munching a mouthful of delicious camp-biscuit.
”So say we all of us,” laughed Jane, eyeing the platter that was in Fiji's hands. It held two fish-cakes and she was keen for one of them.
”These fish-cakes made of the left-over fish of yesterday and that steamed brown rice, are the finest I ever tasted,” remarked Fiji.
”Well, for pity's sake take one and pa.s.s the other this way,” ordered Jane, losing patience as she saw Fiji compare the two to help himself to the larger one.
”I wanted the one left,” ventured Jack, teasingly.
”I'm the oldest, Jack, and so I have first choice!”
Everyone laughed at the twins as they generally argued this point of the hour's difference in age, when it was a question of one obeying the other.
”You may be oldest but I am handsomest, and besides I have always been delicate. The doctor told Mom to give me more fis.h.!.+” retorted Jack.
”Hem-yes! They claim that fish is food for the brain, and goodness knows, you need something to develop that atrophied grey matter!”
taunted Jane, reaching for the platter.