been of no use because of the lack of water. Now great
irrigating ditches had been laid and the camp was being plentifully
supplied with water by the city of San Diego.

The surroundings of the camp were cheerless enough, it is true, yet
there was nothing cheerless in the atmosphere of the place itself. Even
as the Camp Fire party approached they felt the undercurrent of the fine
new force, the splendid vitality which the war has awakened in the
world.

A sentry ordered Dan to stop his car within a few yards of the officers'
quarters and Mrs. Burton was told that she must receive an official
permit for their inspection of certain features of the camp.

From inside the little house, which looked like a miniature bungalow of
unpainted pine, one heard the noise, not of the rattle of musketry, but
the endless tip, tap, tap of many typewriters.

Captain Mason, who had been told of Mrs. Burton's intended visit, came
out to greet her and her party.

He explained that just at present there were only a few hundred soldiers
within the cantonment, although they were expecting many thousands
within the next few weeks.

An army of workmen were at present engaged in preparing the way for the
coming of the soldiers and the big artillery.

Strolling apart from the other laborers and still carrying a large
hammer, Mr. Jefferson Simpson, the late Camp Fire guide, philosopher and
friend, walked over to speak to Mrs. Burton and her companions. He
offered no explanation for his presence at the camp, but it was obvious
he had concluded that his efforts here were of more importance than his
previous occupation. The Sunrise Camp Fire had always considered his
remaining with them for so long a time an obvious absurdity and presumed
that it was because of Mr. Simpson's continuing interest in Marie,
although he had paid no attention to her since the breaking of their
engagement.

But apparently his leading motive in life was to discover the number and
variety of vocations in which he could engage.

After receiving a written order from the commanding officer for the day,
Captain Mason led the way with Mrs. Burton walking beside him.

They were to be allowed to see only places of minor importance, the
temporary tents and mess room, the Y. M. C. A. quarters. Mrs. Burton had
explained that one of the chief reasons for their visit was a desire to
find out how they might be of service in even the smallest possible way.

"You see, Captai