nder the rigid standards of the new handbook it was no easy matter to
become a first-class Scout. It was true that four girls had successfully
passed the signalling, but of these four, only Ruth had made an
acceptable map. For this reason it came about, just as she desired, that
she was the first Scout of Pansy troop to receive that honor.

When she was presented with the badge at the following Scout meeting,
she made no pretense at modesty. With a self-satisfied air, she strutted
forward in answer to her Captain's summons. "_The_ first-class Scout of
Pansy troop!" her manner announced, as plainly as if she had uttered the
very words.

"And I'll be the first Golden Eaglet!" she resolved, as she returned
after the presentation. For it was characteristic of Ruth Henry that she
always kept a goal in view.

Early in February, Marjorie, Edith, and Ethel fulfilled the requirements
and received their badges, outwardly more humbly, though secretly they
were as proud as Ruth. Their finer sensibilities, however, kept them
from openly gloating.

Two more weeks went by, and all the while Miss Phillips grew
increasingly anxious. The money was provided for eight; the opportunity
was precious! Would she be obliged to take only four girls because all
the other twenty Scouts, members of her own troop, were too lazy or too
stupid to pass the test? The idea was distasteful; at every meeting she
urged them on to increased activity.

A week later, she was partially rewarded, for Frances Wright and Lily
Andrews became first-class Scouts. Now Marjorie was happy; she could not
imagine a trip of this sort without her beloved room-mate. Lily,
however, was a plodder, and while she was never among the foremost
ranks, it was seldom that she was left out altogether.

"And now if we could only get Doris!" remarked Marjorie, when she and
Lily were privately celebrating the latter's victory. "The party
wouldn't be complete without her."

"She made a marvelous map at camp," commented Lily. "I wonder what is
keeping her back?"

"Signaling, I think. I say, Lil, couldn't we just make her practice till
she passes? We have two weeks yet!"

"Great idea, Marj!" agreed her room-mate; and the two girls hurried off
that very minute to put the plan into action.

Doris accepted the help gratefully, and practiced the letters steadily
until her ability had so materially improved that she felt qualified to
take the test. To the infinite satisfaction of all