Part 24 (1/2)

”Tell her it is a heavenly refuge from the storm!”

The other girls laughed and Jane added: ”Sort of 'any harbour for a wreck!'”

”Oh won't we have a glorious time practising new steps. Besides, girls, I invented a sea-sh.e.l.l dance that's perfectly adorable,” cried Nita, glad of the camp with a good dancing floor.

”When can we start?” asked practical Hilda.

”As soon as you like-I am waiting for the word,” replied the Guide.

”We can't walk-I'd better call up Jim on this 'phone and see if he can come over,” said Zan.

”And call up Mom too, Zan, and have her send over our machine. I guess we can all crowd in the two as there won't be any tents or equipment to cart,” added Jane.

After a short period of waiting that seemed to the impatient Woodcrafters like an age, the cars came to the school and the girls hurried out regardless of the pouring rain. At Mossy Crest the Remingtons, from the Lady of the Place down to little Teddy, stood in a row inside the great barn doors ready to welcome the visitors.

”I'm tickled to pieces to have you girls spend the week-end with us,”

called Elizabeth, the moment the two autos brought the visitors within hearing.

”And I can show you girls a lot more in Woodcraft right here where I have my equipment than at a mountain camp,” added Mrs. Remington.

So before four o'clock, the Band discovered the rain to be a blessing in disguise for they found the Council House everything that an enthusiastic Woodcrafter could want.

”But the disguise is rather damp, just the same,” added Zan, when Jane mentioned the blessing.

”Not indoors,” retorted Elizabeth. ”We had Alfred help the boys bring the curtains and cots from the hay-loft where we store all camp outfits when not in use. That great trap-door opens on a pulley so we can hoist things up and down without much labour. Now come and see your bed-rooms for the visit.”

The delighted girls trooped after their young hostess while she pointed out the manner in which Mrs. Remington had fitted up the House. Down one side of the large room, a row of 2 x 4 posts had been erected and upon these were firmly fastened the poles that held the white muslin curtains. The s.p.a.ce thus divided from the main room was part.i.tioned by similar curtains hung on shorter poles, making small rooms about 8 x 10 feet. In each room stood a single cot and a small wash-stand bureau with a tiny mirror over it. A simple canvas camp-chair completed the furnis.h.i.+ng of each s.p.a.ce in this dormitory.

When there were no occupants for the rooms, the entire outfit was taken down and stored in the loft overhead. A wide cobble-stone chimney had been constructed in one corner of the building for beauty, comfort, and utility. It was equipped with a crane and pot-hanger so cooking could be done over the open fire on the hearth.

”Isn't this just scrumptious?” cried Nita, pivoting on her toes on the smooth floor.

”I'll test the cots and tell you if I agree with you,” laughed Jane, who dearly loved to sleep late in the morning.

That supper was a jolly affair, for not only Elizabeth and the two younger children attended the camp-meal, bringing their share of the provender with them, but later on Mr. and Mrs. Remington, and lastly, Fred came in, carrying donations in exchange for an invitation to dine.

”Mother ought to give the servants a night off!” laughed Fred.

”All we need to have a regular Grand Council are the Baker and Hubert boys with us,” declared Mrs. Remington.

”Never too late to repent!” said Fred; then other subjects crowded the idea out of thought of the other members but was remembered the next day when Fred showed results of the suggestion.

Tin platters and cups, and aluminium cutlery, were always kept in the Council House, and these made a great rat-a-tat as the hungry Band cut or scooped and rattled on the plates.

Supper over, Mr. Remington called Fred to roll out the Grand Circle furniture from the harness room which had been converted into a property room. Soon the huge logs decorated in true Woodcraft style, and a large gra.s.s rug woven by the Black Bear Tribe and presented to this Council House, were placed in the centre of the great s.p.a.ce, and the girls of Wako Tribe with their guests, a.s.sembled for an enjoyable evening.

”You have some artistic totems, Mrs. Remington,” said Elena, looking about at the unique and decorative emblems belonging to many Tribes started successfully by the lady.

”Yes, and I am very proud of them. They stand for Tribes of girls and boys who are filling their niche in the Scheme of Things.”

”My personal Totem painted and presented to Mrs. Remington's Council House is largest and most practical of all-see who can pick it out from the others,” laughed Mr. Remington.