" the
girl answered with a happy smile that was full of hope and enthusiasm.

A tap at the door, and another visitor announced himself. He extended
his hand at once Co Colonel Baxter.

"How do you do, Mr. Doran," said Colonel Baxter cordially. "Let me
introduce you to Shirley Williams, the proprietor of this shop, and her
three friends, Bet Baxter, Joy Evans and Kit Patten."

Charles Doran bowed with great ceremony to the young girls and then
announced his business.

"I am representing a camera company and I'm anxious to have you put in
a line of good cameras."

"Why Shirley, that's not a bad idea," exclaimed Bet. "Days when prints
are not selling, cameras may. Who knows?"

"But I'm not sure whether we can or not, Mr. Doran. You see we are
just starting and we haven't made any money yet."

"That's all right," replied Mr. Doran. "We've heard of this shop
opening and we consider it an A-1 opportunity for us, and it will give
us a great deal of pleasure to put in some cameras for you on very
satisfactory terms."

Shirley looked toward Colonel Baxter who was enjoying himself, watching
the interest of the girls as business details unfolded.

"Sit down, Doran, and have a cup of tea."

Kit made a dive for the rear room to prepare tea.

"Remember this, girls. If you want to get the best of a bargain,
always feed your victim." This from Colonel Baxter.

Mr. Doran smiled and an hour later when he left, Shirley had consented
to put in a display of cameras to be sold on a generous commission.

Shirley's Shop was progressing and the girls were getting valuable
experience as they watched it grow.

Regretfully they bade it good-bye until the following Friday afternoon,
when they planned to meet there after school to admire their work and
make plans.

CHAPTER XII

A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Shirley's Shop was a success. The four girls had made it so. All
their friends, who heard of their efforts, came to buy gifts.

"Aren't we lucky!" exclaimed Bet. "Everybody has been so good!"

"I didn't know I had so many friends in the world," said Shirley with
moisture in her eyes. "I wish I could pass it on to others."

"How can that be done?" asked Joy.

"Well, there are so many men out of work this year that I'm sure we
could find lots of people to help. I hate to think of children being
disappointed at Christmas."

"Why can't we have a tree, right here in the shop and have all the
children come and get t