【英文文学】The Camp Fire Girls at Driftwood Heights.docx

【英文文学】The Camp Fire Girls at Driftwood HeightsCHAPTER I THE TORCH BEARERS DESIRE“That light which has been given to me,I desire to pass undimmed to others,”recited Ruth Garnier in clear, purposeful tones.For a brief instant following her spoken pledge, an eloquent silence reigned over the circle of picturesque figures seated about the brightly-blazing camp fire. Then a storm of acclamation rent the still night air, echoing and re-echoing among the giant oaks that hemmed in the company of ardent fire-worshippers. To hear Ruth Garnier repeat the desire of the Torch Bearer was indeed sufficient reason for applause on the part of her comrades of school and Camp Fire. No one of them was more honestly deserving of that honor than sunny, self-reliant Ruth. It was the highest to which she could attain as a Camp Fire Girl until the passing of years should render her eligible to the post of Guardian.Her cheeks flaming at this unexpected tribute to herself, Ruth resumed her place in the wide circle of girls to the accompaniment of the ringing vocal cheer, “Wo-he-lo for aye!”She was feeling strangely humble and a bit overwhelmed at the ovation. At no time vainglorious, she found it hard to conceive of why her promotion to Torch Bearer should elicit such a lively clamor of appreciation. As one in a dream, she listened to Miss Drexal, the Guardian, as the latter proceeded to dwell flatteringly upon the new Torch Bearers good qualities, expressing her pleasure at Ruths advancement in the Camp Fire Association.It was not until the chorus of fresh young voices had begun their beautiful good-night song, “Now Our Camp Fires Burning Low,” that Ruth emerged sufficiently from her trance of wondering happiness to join in the singing. As she sang, a tender smile flickered about her mobile lips. She knew that among those present a sextette of loyal friends was impatiently longing for the Council Fire to end, so that they might tender their more personal congratulations.To the group of girls known as the Hillside Camp Fire belonged not only Ruth, but her six chums, Betty Wyndham, Jane Pellew, Frances Bliss, Sarah Manning, Anne Follett and Emmeline Cerrito. Brought into intimate companionship during their first year at Miss Belaires Academy, the seven young women had found much in common. In “THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT HILLSIDE” the story of how they met, and one by one became interested in the Camp Fire movement, has already been told.Later, when the longed-for summer vacation brought them together again for a months stay in the Catskills at a house party given by Betty Wyndham, their Camp Fire zeal received fresh impetus. It was while they were at Wanderers Roost, the Wyndhams cottage, that they came into the real meaning of the word comradeship.Strangely enough it was the eighth member of the house party, Marian Selby, an unwelcome cousin of Ruth Garniers, who showed them the way. Out of a series of dark misunderstandings, which bade fair to wreck that promised month of unalloyed pleasure, rose the Equitable Eight, of whom Marian eventually became the best-loved member. A complete record of their eventful sojourn in the Catskills has been set down in “THE CAMP FIRE GIRLS AT LOOKOUT PASS.”And now their second year at Miss Belaires was rapidly drawing to a close. So far as the seven Hillside members of the Equitable Eight were concerned, it had been a year of concentrated endeavor, not only as students, but as Camp Fire Girls as well. Devoted followers of the great movement whose watchwords are, “Work, Health and Love,” they had labored conscientiously to forward it at the academy. The Hillside Camp Fire, to which they belonged, now boasted of its full quota of members. The overflow of converts to it had formed themselves into a second group known as the Drexal Camp Fire, named in honor of Miss Drexal, Guardian of the Hillside group, who, with Ruth, had worked unceasingly to organize this second branch.On the balmy evening in June which marked the elevation of Ruth to Torch Bearer, the two groups had joined forces in a grand Council Fire, as a fitting wind-up to the meetings which had been regularly held during the school year. Though each Camp Fire had its own particular out-door rendezvous, the two groups had elected to hold their last Council Fire at the Hillside meeting-place. It was an ideal spot, less than half a mile from the Academy, and situated in a natural grove of magnificent oaks.Due to a long warm fall and an especially mild winter, the Hillside group had made it a point to hold as few meetings as possible indoors by candle light. Only in the case of severe storm had they reconciled themselves to the lesser freedom of the house. To quote Ruths frequent sturdy assertion: “Camp Fire Girls arent supposed to mind a little thing like bad weather.” Her own enthusiasm in the movement always bubbling over, it was not strange that the others in her group had become gradually imbued with the same spirit. Neither was it to be wondered at that those to whom she had been an inspiration to good works were now unselfishly glad to see her thus publicly come into her own.“Hurrah for our Ruth!” was the first jubilant exclamation that greeted her ears, the instant the Council Fire had ended. Frances Bliss had pounced upon Ruth with the joyous abandon of a playful bear-cub, and was hugging her vigorously.Free at last to express their individual gratification, her six intimate friends now crowded about her, each one more eager than the next to make herself heard.“Im so pleased and so proud of you, Ruth,” was Anne Folletts affectionate tribute, as Ruth emerged, rosy and laughing, from Frances devastating embrace.“So are the rest of the Equitable Eight,” caroled Jane Pellew, her sharp black eyes glowing. “I speak for Marian, too. Its just what shed say if she were here.”“You truly deserved the honor, Ruth,” chimed in Betty Wyndham. “It was positively thrilling to hear you repeat the Torch Bearers Desire.” Betty had been keenly alive to the dramatic value of the ceremony.“It was just like a play, wasnt it, Betty?” teased Sarah Manning.“Certainly it was,” agreed Betty, calmly ignoring Sarahs intent to tease. “Still I cant see that your remark is strictly in the nature of a congratulation,” she added slyly.“Oh, I hadnt got that far yet,” was Sarahs unabashed retort. “But here goes. Most estimable and magnificent Ruth, deign to accept the humble and heartfelt congratulations of your lowly admirer, Sarey. Profiting by your unparalleled example, I shall live in the fond hope that sometime during the next hundred years I shall be elevated to a like honor.”“Fine!” applauded Frances. “Plain Jane and I will proceed to live in the fond hope that well be there to see it. We may be a trifle time-worn and wobbly by that time, but nevertheless, well be there.”“You neednt include me in your calculations,” cut in Jane scornfully. “I shall grow old gracefully and never wobble.”“You only think you wont,” beamed Frances. “But never mind. No matter what relentless fate Time may bring you, Plain Jane, I shall be on hand to aid and sustain your tottering steps. I refuse to be deprived of my chief pillar of argument.”“Oh, dear, theyve begun,” moaned Sarah. “Wont somebody please stop them?”“I dont understand you, Sarah.” Frances fixed a reproving eye on the protestant. “Always try to say clearly what you mean, then we may perhaps believe that you mean what you say.”“I mean what I say when I say that I dont intend to argue with you, Frances Bliss. Its a waste of breath and I”“Be calm, children,” laughingly admonished Emmeline Cerrito. Her gaze fixed intently on Ruth, Emmy had thus far remained silent. The very expression of her dark eyes was more eloquent than speech. In reality her light expostulation had cloaked a depth of emotion which she jealously sought to conceal even from her chums. Their second year together as roommates had served greatly to strengthen the bond between herself and Ruth. A well-nigh perfect comradeship now existed between them. Emmys happiness in the fulfillment of Ruths desire was second only to that of the latter herself.“I am calm,” declared Frances. “Tis the calm of inspiration. If you dont believe it, wait a little. I am on the verge of composing a great epic poem in which Sarah, Plain Jane and little Frances are all sweetly mingled. It begins, Words, idle words, I know not what they mean! Thats as far as Ive progressed. The rest of it will come to me later.”“I hope it will be after youve gone to bed to-night. Then you cant inflict it upon me,” was Janes unappreciative comment.“What a cruel, unfeeling person you are, Janie.” Frances wide smile indicated small injury. “Never mind. Sarah cant escape me. Ill wait until she is nicely asleep, then Ill wake her up and recite it to her.”“Youre quite capable of it,” giggled Sarah, “but forewarned, you know. Youll wish youd kept your great epic poem to yourself.”“More idle words,” murmured Frances. “Its not wise to take such vague threats too seriously. I”Her further remarks on the subject were suddenly cut short by merry cries of “Break away! Break away!” from a bevy of girls who had come up to congratulate Ruth. Signally entertained by Frances nonsense, the sextette still hemmed Ruth in. Now obligingly obeying the impetuous demand, it broke up to give place to the newcomers. For at least fifteen minutes an impromptu reception went on by the ruddy light of the fire which Miss Drexal had purposely allowed to remain unextinguished for the time being.“Come girls. It is almost ten oclock,” she presently reminded the knots of busy chatterers. “We must put out the sacred flame and depart in a hurry. Remember the ten-thirty bell. I am afraid as it is that there will be a dolorous wail of unprepared to-morrow morning. Betty and Jane, will you please help me?”“With pleasure,” responded both at once, halting only long enough to solemnly join their little fingers and wish, by reason of having said precisely the same thing in the same instant.“Thumbs, Shakespeare, Knickerbocker, salt, pepper, vinegar,” mumbled Betty glibly.“Elbows, toes, Webster, Washington, ginger, catsup, paprika,” droned Jane. Whereupon they hastily unlocked fingers, giggled and rushed to the aid of the Guardian who had already begun to beat out the fire with a long stick.That important task efficiently accomplished, a long procession of gay-voiced Camp Fire followers was soon wending a swinging course across the moonlit fields toward the academy. Almost at its head walked Ruth and Emmy, conversing in low, confidential tones.“I cant begin to tell you how sweet it was to hear you repeating the Torch Bearers Desire,” Emmy was saying softly. “It made me feel so glad and happy for your sake.”“I knew youd feel that way about it,” breathed Ruth. “You understood better than anyone else exactly how much it meant”“I thought Id never catch up with you,” broke in a cross voice, as a tall, auburn-haired girl unceremoniously shattered the confidential little session by shoving herself between the two, causing them to relax their light hold on each others arms. In the white moonlight the face of the intruder showed decided sulkiness. “Ever since the Council Fire was over Ive been trying to get in a word edgewise with Ruth. Much good it did to try with the girls all crowding around her, talking at the top of their lungs.”“Well, here I am, Blanche. Sorry I happened to be so popular, for once.” Ignoring the pettish inflection in the newcomers voice, Ruth spoke with her usual sunny good humor. “Was it something special you had to tell me?”“Oh, no. I merely thought Id like to congratulate you,” Blanche answered in anything but a congratulatory tone.“Thank you ever so much.” Privately, Ruth was at a loss to account for this sudden interest in herself on Blanche Shirlys part. Long since, she had reached the rueful conclusion that she and Blanche had little in common. It was only of late that the latter had begun to treat her with condescending friendliness.During her first year at Miss Belaires she had earnestly tried to find under Blanche Shirlys shallow, snobbish exterior some vein of intrinsic worth. Toward the close of that memorable year, when the Camp Fire spirit had begun to manifest itself strongly throughout the freshman class, Ruth had had high hopes of Blanches conversion to a more earnest scheme of life which offered loftier ideals than fine clothes, beaux, theatres and dances, and Blanche had even gone so far as to express a desire to be a Camp Fire Girl. Nevertheless she had not put her desire into execution. She had merely made vague promises to join the organization in the fall, before departing homeward on her summer vacation.Afterward, when the seven friends had chanced to encounter her at Haines Falls, a summer resort in the Catskills, she had apparently changed her mind. On the momentous occasion when Emmeline Cerritos perverse stand was responsible for the call Blanche and her mother had paid Betty Wyndham at Wanderers Roost, both mother and daughter had offered a most unflattering opinion of the Camp Fire movement. Blanche expressed herself loftily as having lost all interest in it.Through the major part of her second year at Miss Belaires, she had pointedly steered clear of the Equitable Eight. Later, for reasons best known to herself, she had abruptly changed her tactics. Greatly to their surprise she and Jeanette Hayes had recently joined the Drexal Camp Fire and religiously attended the meetings.Slightly mollified by Ruths cordial reception of herself, Blanche marched serenely along between the two whom she had interrupted, apparently oblivious to the fact that Emmy had said not a word to her. Emmy was not only incensed by Blanches lack of ceremony, she was also darkly considering the reason for the invasion. She had no illusions concerning Blanche. Far from feeling jealous at this inexplicable display of friendliness toward Ruth, she was nevertheless not favorably impressed by it.“Whats the matter with you, Emmy?” It had suddenly penetrated Blanches somewhat obtuse brain that Emmy was not specially overjoyed at seeing her. “Are you deep in one of your black moods? Anyone might think you werent glad on Ruths account.”In the darkness Emmys eyes flashed ominously. An angry reply leaped to her lips. Forcing it back she merely said with acid sweetness: “What reason have you for thinking that Im not?”“None at all,” Blanche hastily assured. “I was only fooling.” Warned by Emmys tone that she had gone too far, Blanche continued nervously, “I must go back to Jean. She will wonder what has become of me. See you to-morrow.” Promptly beating a retreat, she lef