dream comes true, the first class Scouts of Pansy troop will be
able to go anywhere--even to National Headquarters--and pass the
stiffest examination the Director herself could give, bringing credit to
Pansy troop!"

"Whew!" exclaimed Ruth. "I sort of miscalculated at camp, didn't I?"

The girls laughed at the recollection of the episode of kidnapping
Frieda's sister.

"Frieda will never forgive me for that," she added; "I guess I can never
hope to become her friend!"

"I guess you don't care much!" remarked Ethel, with a touch of sarcasm
in her tone.

"Well, I don't believe it's going to do any good!" she flashed back.
"You mark my words--Frieda Hammer can't be trusted!"

"Girls!" expostulated Miss Phillips again. "Come to order! We shall now
review our semaphore alphabet. Lineup! Troop, _attention_! Right
_dress_!"

When the meeting was over, Marjorie and Lily sauntered slowly back to
their room.

"I was so happy about Frieda," said Marjorie, a shade of discouragement
creeping into her voice, "till Ruth threw such cold water on the
project. Do you believe it will work out all right, Lil?"

"I believe _everything_ will work out all right," replied the other girl
optimistically. "After you won the canoe, and I was elected class
president against Ruth, I feel as if nothing we ever really want will
fall through. So please don't worry, Marj!"

And Marjorie decided that she would adopt Lily's cheerful view of the
situation--and wait. In a little over a week, Frieda would arrive; from
the very beginning Marjorie would adopt so friendly an attitude that it
would be impossible for the girl to treat her indifferently.

"For kindness always wins in the end," she thought, as she turned out
the pretty boudoir lamp beside her bed.

CHAPTER V

CHECK-MATED

Ever since Lily Andrews had taken up her duties as sophomore president
she found a noticeable change in the attitude of certain members of the
class towards her. Foremost among this group were Ruth Henry and Evelyn
Hopkins, who boasted proudly among the other girls of their friendship
with the president. If Ruth harbored any resentment against her
successful rival, she carefully concealed it; and most of her classmates
spoke of her as Lily Andrews' "right-hand man."

Without a doubt, Ruth was a great help to the new officer. Marjorie,
always more interested in athletics and Scout affairs, paid only a
half-hearted attention to Lily's official problems;