rug with a
heavy piece of denim. This was done to prevent the rug from curling up
at edges, and caused it to lie flat on floor; but I think I should
prefer just a firm lining or foundation of heavy burlap or denim."

"Thank you, Aunt Sarah, for your explicit directions. I cannot fail to
know just how to knit a silk rug, should I ever care to do so. I think
the work would be simply fascinating."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE GIRLS' CAMPFIRE, ORGANIZED BY MARY.

One day in early June, when all nature seemed aglow with happiness, we
find Mary earnestly discussing with Elizabeth Schmidt the prosaic,
humdrum life of many of the country girls, daughters of well-to-do
farmers in the vicinity.

"I wish," said Mary, wrinkling her forehead thoughtfully, "I could
think of some new interest to introduce into their lives; some way of
broadening their outlook; anything to bring more happiness into their
commonplace daily toil; something good and helpful for them to think
about."

All at once Mary, who was not usually demonstrative, clapped her
hands, laughed gleefully and said: "I have it, Elizabeth. The very
thing! Suppose we start a 'girls' campfire,' right here in the
country? I don't think we shall have any trouble to organize."

"And you, because you understand all about it, will be the Guardian,"
said Elizabeth.

At first Mary demurred, but, overcome by Elizabeth's pleading, finally
gave a reluctant consent. They then made out a list of the girls they
thought might be willing to join, Mary promising to write at once for
a handbook. They separated, Elizabeth to call to see the girls, and
Mary to interview their parents. Their efforts were rewarded with
surprisingly gratifying results, for many of the girls had read about
the "Campfire Girls" and were anxious to become members.

* * * * *

One afternoon, several weeks later, had you gone into the old apple
orchard, at the farm, you would have seen thirteen eager young girls,
ranging in age from fourteen to sixteen, listening intently to Mary,
who was telling them about the "Campfire Girls." What she told them
was something like this:

"Now girls, we are going to have a good time. Some of our good times
will be play and some work. When you join, you will become a 'Wood
Gatherer,' and after three months' successful work, if you have met
certain qualifications, you will be promoted to the rank of 'Fire
Maker.' Later on, when you come to r