novelty of
adventuring on foot.

Early the following morning, breakfast being cleared away, each scout
was advised to take an axe, a clasp-knife, a bit of twine, a tin cup,
and some waterproof matches.

"But why should we bother with such stuff?" asked Amy.

"One never knows whether one will arrive at the right destination or
not. Should we get lost, we at least have something with which to get a
meal," said the Captain.

"Are you going to carry that little bag of flour?" asked Hester,
curiously.

"Yes, and a strip of bacon that is wrapped in the paper. I'm not going
to starve, if worst comes to worst," laughed Mrs. Vernon.

"A lot of good a strip of bacon will do for ten of us!" said Judith. But
she had not been with the scouts when they camped at Verny's Mountain
the foregoing summer.

When Mr. Gilroy heard about the bacon and flour, he laughed. "Why, it is
only two or three hours' tramp over the ridge, and a big dinner will be
waiting when you get there."

Mrs. Vernon held her peace, but carried the bacon and flour just the
same. She was not to be jeered out of what she knew to be a wise act,
whether the food would be needed or not.

CHAPTER FOUR

A VISIT TO GREY FOX CAMP

Each girl wore hiking boots, her camp uniform, and carried a light pack
containing the ax, cup, knife and matches. A few of the girls, secretly
following the Captain's example, packed a strip of bacon and crackers,
or other eatables in their packs. Mr. Gilroy saw them safely started on
the right trail, and then drove away in his car. He followed a
woodcutters' road that wound around the mountain, but the scouts were to
use the trail that ran over the crest to the boys' camp.

The scouts were brimming over with spirits (Julie said, "not the kind
made in the moonshine, either"), and spent so much time examining
flowers or watching wonderful birds that the time sped by unawares. The
trail led through small clearings where a brook or waterfall made life
worth living. But the higher they climbed the more rugged grew the
trail, until there were long stretches that seemed to be sheer
wilderness.

At such places, the scouts had to hunt about and find a blaze to guide
them further. In this way, the hours passed and noon came; still the
hikers were far from Grey Fox Camp.

"And I'm starved to pieces!" Joan assured them all.

"So'm I!" admitted Ruth. Then it was learned that every one present
would appreciate something to eat.