"At the time I adopted the boys I was a very wealthy woman. Previous tothat year I had given away a great deal for charity, but I had a hobbyand that hobby was to establish a humane Insane Asylum. I had seen somuch cruelty practiced in different institutions where I happened toknow some of the inmates, and I had heard of such shocking treatmentreceived by patients, that I resolved to establish a reform. I gave myhandsome home for the Asylum. I spent large sums in fitting it up, sothat it might seem like a beautiful resort to the poor souls, and as Tomtold you, I succeeded in what I undertook. The boys went through schooland college,--or Tom did, and poor Fred would have graduated had helived a year longer. It was sad that he had to die, and so young, too."Aunt Susan wept as she told of his death.
"Perhaps, you remember, Ethel, of reading or of hearing your fatherspeak of the failure of the Great Western Cereal Company four years ago.No? I was under the impression that your father owned a few shares ofstock. Well, all I possessed in the world was invested in that Company.It produced the greatest excitement known in years; in fact, throughoutthe entire West there were panics. Everyone who had a little money savedup bought stock. The dividends were enormous, but they were bogus; thatis, they were paid to each one from his or her own money. It was one ofthose unprincipled concerns. They had been after me for a long while.They knew that I was honest, wealthy, and respected, and that my namewould attract. At first, I put in only a few thousand; then, as itprospered, I put in more, and finally I put in all that I possessed, forI wished to make another fortune that I might build more 'Homes' and dogreater good to suffering humanity. The week before its failure what doyou think? Three of the principals sailed for Europe. Two were caught,tried and are now serving a long term in prison. Two others committedsuicide. Being one of its directors, when the bubble burst I gave upeverything I possessed to help pay some of its poorer creditors, but itonly went a little way; and I, too, was a victim with the rest. Had Iconfided my business to Tom he would have advised me not to invest init, for Tom has a wonderful way of advising people for the best, but Ikept it a secret so that when he should come of age I could surprisehim, for then I intended to give him full charge of all my affairs. Soyou see, Ethel, I may have appeared close and penurious, but now youunderstand why. Tom, although getting on finely, works very hard forevery penny, and at times he is almost too generous."
"Oh, Aunt Susan," said the girl drying her eyes, "I feel happy now thatyou know all and don't despise me. I'm glad that you're poor and that Ishan't get any of your money. I only wish that I might go to college.Yes, I'd work my way through to get a good education so that I could beable to earn my living and not take everything from poor Papa, who worksso hard," and Ethel kissed the old lady many times.
CHAPTER XVII
COUSIN KATE ARRIVES
Ethel was too loyal to read her mother's letters to Aunt Susan whoalways smiled when she received one, but Mrs. Hollister wrote oftenasking her how she was progressing.
"Aunt Susan writes Grandmother that she has grown to love you verydearly, Ethel, and I see that you have followed my advice like my owndaughter. It is now the sixth of June; probably, you will go with CousinKate to camp soon. I wish it was all over. I don't like the idea at all.It will throw you in with a common set of girls, I'm sure. We have savedquite a little this summer by staying home. The girls come in when theyare in town and Grandmother enjoys their visits. Mrs. Bigelow and I meton the Avenue. She inquired all about you and I told her that upon AuntSusan's death you would probably be a very wealthy girl. She admiresyou immensely and she told me in confidence that Harvey says when youare a few years older and 'come out' you will take Society by storm."
Everyone in the younger set of Akron liked Ethel. She acted in privatetheatricals; she sang and played, attended teas, and was sought afterfor bridge. She gave card parties, and the young people raved over thequaintness of the old-fashioned house. She took long walks with Tom. Sheinveigled him into high collars and discarding shoestring ties orwearing cravats in a bow with loose ends. She even persuaded him to giveup slouch hats and dress more up-to-date. He and Aunt Susan dubbed herthe "Rejuvenator and Reformer," and she was contented and happy.
Cousin Kate arrived and Ethel was overjoyed upon seeing her, she lookedso fine and strong. Her father came with her just to see 'Archie'sgirl,' and Ethel loved him instantly. He was so like her father that thetears came into her pretty eyes when at the depot she kissed himgoodbye.
CHAPTER XVIII
SELECTING THE COSTUME
"You like Father, don't you?" asked Kate of Ethel, as they brisklywalked toward the shopping district.
"Like him!" replied the girl, "why, Kate, I just love him. He reminds meof Grandmamma and Papa, but he's more like Grandmamma."
"He _is_ like her," replied her cousin, "and I tell you, Ethel, he'sjust a dear. But, by the way, wasn't Aunt Susan clever to get yourmother to consent to your becoming a Camp Fire Girl? I was so surprised.You see I had already spoken to Grandmother and you about it. Then Ithought I'd tell Aunt Bella and get her interested in it, and ask her tolet you join _my_ Camp Fire, for Uncle Archie promised me that youshould come out to Ohio and make me a visit. I had it in my mind thatwere you to come this summer it would be lovely for you to go with usto Camp, but do you know, Aunt Bella didn't like it a little bit; infact, she became very angry, nor could I convince her of the virtue ofthe Camp Fires nor even the Scouts. She made me promise not to mentionthe subject again, and on no account in your presence. As I was herguest, I promised. What knowledge you had you received before. In thiscase the 'end has justified the means,' and it was consummated by AuntSusan, so it's all right. But here we are. This is the store where theytake orders for Camp Fire costumes. It will take four days to make whatyou need. We'll have to hurry them as we leave in five."
"Oh, Kate," began Ethel in a worried voice, "do you think that I shouldlet Aunt Susan pay for them. She was awfully generous to offer, but whenI accepted I thought that she was wealthy, you know, and now it'sdifferent. I really feel as though I should not accept."
"Do you wish my advice?" answered Kate. "You accept them. Why, you mightoffend her by refusing. It's her pleasure to start you in this goodwork. She obtained your mother's consent and she wishes to present youwith an outfit. Oh, no, it would not do to even demur. Besides, they arevery inexpensive. If you wish, the ceremonial gown of khaki color youmay buy yourself. It can be purchased by the yard and it's of galateawhich is cheap. You are clever with your needle and you can embroider itwith beads and shells. You can also make the leather trimming in notime, and there's your costume complete. But let her pay for the other.So come in and be measured."
The girls selected a blue cloth skirt with pockets. The skirt buttonedall the way up and down the front and back. They selected twoblouses--serge and galatea--each matching the skirt. The waists were cutopen in the neck. They also ordered a pair of blue serge bloomers to beused in camping or hiking. These with a hat completed the purchase.
The hat was of blue cloth with a silver grey "W" on a dark bluebackground. The "W" meant "Wohelo" and could be used as a cockade. Thesaleswoman explained to Ethel that an emblem of two brown crossed logswas to be worn on the chest of the blouses. Honors gained in watersports might be embroidered as decorations around the collar. The samecrossed logs woven into a blue background were used as sleeve emblems.Ethel saw the sample suit and was charmed. The decorations were uniqueand stylish.
"Please send them direct to Columbus," said Kate, as she paid the bill,and turning she said to Ethel: "You will be there, and it will savetime. They generally fit perfectly; if not, as you know something ofsewing, we can alter them to fit."
"I guess I do know something of sewing," replied Ethel. "I can dobeautiful work and I can ride horseback, and I'm at home on a 'bike'."
Cousin Kate laughed.
"Well, I'm glad of that, for at first when you start in you'll be aWood-Gatherer. Three months is the regular time, but you will be livingin camp and will probably be able to fu
lfil all requirements in amonth. Your knowing these things will help you too."
"Tell me something about it, Kate," said Ethel on their way home. "Afteryou have been a 'Wood Gatherer' you become a 'Fire Maker'?" she asked.
"Yes. When you first enter, the Guardian of your Camp Fire gives you asilver ring on which is engraved a bundle of seven fagots, representingthe seven points of the law. You give her the size, your address, etc.,and she gets it at Headquarters for you, announcing your desire tobecome one. You must promise not to sell nor give it away. It may belongonly to a Camp Fire Girl. Upon your right arm, as you already know, arethe crossed logs, etc. When you become a Fire Maker you may add theorange color to your Wood Gatherer's emblem. This color representsflame, and when you advance to the position of Torch Bearer you may adda touch of white which represents smoke from the flame. Then, while youare in that class, you may wear the Fire Maker's bracelet. 'Fire' is thesymbol of our organization. For decorative purposes it may berepresented by the rising sun.
"Now the symbol of membership is the tall pine tree. That stands forsimplicity and strength. Of course, you know the watchword--'Work,Health, and Love.' The first two letters of each form the one word'Wohelo.' After joining you'll learn everything.
"Honors are symbolized by different colored beads--'Health craft,'bright red beads; 'Home craft,'orange; 'Nature love,' sky blue; 'Campcraft,' wood brown; 'Hand craft,' green; 'Business,' black and gold; and'Patriotism,' red, white and blue. These, and the seven laws, arerepresented by the seven fagots on the ring. The beads are strung onleather and may become part of the ceremonial dress.
"Now the name of my Camp Fire is 'Ohio.' It is an Indian name and means'beautiful.' You know Ohio is called the 'Buckeye State,' Buckeyemeaning 'Ohio Horse-Chestnuts.' Unlike your horse-chestnut, our tree issmall and its flower is red. So our 'totem' or symbol is Buckeye,' orthe 'Horse-Chestnut.'
"The girls are to meet at our house the night before we start. Then youcan learn the sign, how to keep count, and the different poems you areto say; and the 'Wohelo' ceremony, toasts, songs, etc. This is all thatI shall tell you now. Our camp is near the Muskingum river. We have novery high elevations in Ohio. The highest is only about fifteen hundredfeet. Where we go is a pleasant stretch of woods. There we camp out fora month or so. A clearing has been made; we can put up tents and be verycomfortable. It is not far from a small town and the girls can walk inwhen they choose. Other 'Camp Fires' will be there as well, so therewill be no lack of society. But, my dear girl, if I were you I'd joinone in New York and keep steadily at it. It's the only way to becomeproficient and gain honors and advancement, and that's your aim, isn'tit?"
"It is, Kate," replied the girl, "I shall surely join this fall. An auntof one of the girls in our set is a Guardian of eight girls or more, andshe's simply lovely. I shall certainly keep it up--never you fear."
CHAPTER XIX
ETHEL MEETS HER UNCLE AND AUNT
Aunt Susan was most interested in the description of the costume, itssymbols, etc. Ethel thanked her gratefully for her gift, impulsivelykissing her many times. The elderly woman had grown very fond of thegirl and dreaded parting with her, but she knew that the new work shewas about to take up would be of the greatest benefit to her, not onlythen but in the future, for Ethel had softened wonderfully. She had lostall of her false pride and worldliness. It was as though a new girl hadarisen from the ashes of the old one, and now she stood revealed asNature had intended her--without sham,--and knowing that it was she whohad helped to bring it about, Aunt Susan was happy. She was proud of thetwo girls--her grandnieces,--Ethel with the delicate beauty of a bud,while Kate appeared and reminded her of a full blown rose. She was talland finely formed, with hair that envious people often termed red, butit really had escaped being red and was auburn. The girl wore it incoils around her shapely head. Her eyes were of the softest brown, whileEthel's were of a deep blue. Each girl had regular features and fineteeth. They resembled each other to that extent that they were oftentaken for sisters, and Tom was proud of them as well and was delightedto take them out.
"Why," he'd say, "when I'm out with you two girls everyone makes such afuss over me that I really feel as though I was 'somebody,' and I knowit's all on your account. The fellows come up and say 'Harper, old man,I haven't seen you for an age,' or, 'Harper, I heard of you through soand so last week. I wish to congratulate you on that case, etc.' But Iknow what it means,--they want an introduction to you girls--and I strutaround like a peacock."
But the day for their departure arrived only too soon:
"I'll write every other day to you, Auntie," called Ethel from the carwindow.
"How about writing to me?" shouted Tom.
"Once a week to you, Tom," laughed Ethel.
Uncle John Hollister met them at the depot and Ethel at once fell inlove with Kate's mother, who seemed more like the girl's sister. Theyvied with one another to give Ethel a good time and she enjoyed everymoment. She met the Camp Fire girls, some of whom were charming. Two ofthe girls--Mattie Hastings and Honora Casey--she did not care for. Toher they seemed unlike the others and she found herself saying mentally,"They are extremely common; I wonder where Kate picked them up,"immediately after which she would become ashamed.
"I'm going back into my old ways," she thought. "These girls are to bemy sisters and companions. I _must_ like them."
Honora had a large red face, partially freckled. Her voice was loud andcoarse. She seemed to be one of the "nouveau riche," as Ethel's motherwas wont to say of people grown suddenly wealthy and prosperous. YetEthel was not alone in her dislike of the girl. No one seemed to carefor her, although each member treated her politely.
Mattie Hastings had small eyes that never seemed to look you quite fullyin the face. She had also an obsequious manner. At times it was fairlyrepellent.
"I wouldn't trust her," Ethel said to Kate one evening.
"She's not popular, I admit, and her manner is against her, but, Ethel,I have never found a fault in her; that is, one I could criticise. Sheis very quick to learn and seems ambitious. She came to me and asked ifshe might join. They are poor but her people are respectable. Now HonoraCasey's parents are the wealthiest people here. They came into theirwealth suddenly. The father is a builder and contractor. The mother ishurting the girl by her method of trying to get into society. She fairlypushes everything before her. Mr. Casey, or Pat Casey, as he is called,is a good-hearted Irishman. He is sensible and knows that it is hismoney that buys everything, even social standing, for although muchrespected he is a man of no education, nor has his wife any more thanhe, but she tries to bluff it through, therefore she is not popular.Nora has been educated, or half educated, at a Convent. She nevergraduated, but she's so good-hearted one can overlook her mother'sfaults. You see, Ethel, it takes all sorts of people to make a world. Wemust try to excuse their failings and see only the best in them. Ofcourse, you know we are an old family of good standing and can go wherewe choose. Perhaps it was on that account that Mrs. Casey made Nora joinmy Camp Fire Girls, but she seemed most anxious that she should. Itdoesn't matter much. She'll make a fine woman if she sticks to her work.You see, our organization is most democratic. One has only to express awish and she may become a member."
"The other girls are lovely," said Ethel. "I think Patty Sands ischarming."
"Isn't she?" responded Kate. "Her father is an ex-Congressman. He isJudge of the Supreme Court. He didn't care for politics--refused thesecond term."
"Yes, I suppose it is poor taste for me to even criticise the girls, butevery once in a while the old bad habit comes back and I forget my goodresolutions. At heart they are probably far better girls than I, but Ido wish that Mattie Hasting's eyes were not so close together."
CHAPTER XX
GATHERING OF THE "OHIOS"
That evening the girls met in Kate Hollister's library. Although it wasJune and there was a log fire in the fireplace it was not warm. Thegirls carried a small flag upon which the word "Ohio" was embroidered,a
nd underneath appeared a horse-chestnut. Each girl had made her ownflag and they were well done.
That afternoon Kate had taken her cousin to the Camp Fire counsel,where, upon her signifying the desire to become a member, the silverring had been presented to her.
After order had been established and the roll called, Kate, who made adignified Guardian, began to address the girls, formally introducingher cousin, the new member. Then Ethel repeated the following:
"It is my desire to become a Camp Fire Girl and to obey the Law of theCamp Fire, which is
Seek beauty, Pursue knowledge, Give service, Be trustworthy, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy.
"This Law of the Camp Fire I will strive to follow."
Then she took her seat while Kate arose and explained the Law, phrase byphrase, after which Ethel stood before her and repeated the WoodGatherer's Desire, whereupon she taught Ethel the "sign" which was madeby flattening the fingers of the right hand against those of her left,which indicates crossed logs. From the first position, Ethel raised herright hand and followed the curves of an imaginary flame. Kate explainedthat this sign was used by the early American Indians. It may be madeeasier by placing the fingers of the right hand across those of the leftwith the forefinger slightly raised. Ethel learned how to use the signand practiced it, after which Kate presented or awarded honors to thevarious girls who had worked for them. They were only the differentcolored beads, but each girl's eyes beamed with happiness as shereceived them.