as less
able to endure the fatigue, Tory knew from past experience would anger
him.

Curious that no one in their own camp appeared to have been alarmed by
their night's absence!

The morning bugle must have sounded more than an hour before. The
early drill was over.

By the open fire Tory now beheld Dorothy McClain and Louise Miller
preparing breakfast.

Placing her hands to her lips she uttered their Scout signal call.

CHAPTER II

LOOKING BACKWARD

A few minutes later Donald and Lance McClain were standing in the open
space before the Girl Scout camp. They were facing a number of the
girls and their Scout Captain, Sheila Mason, as well.

Slightly in the background and yet within hearing, Victoria Drew
waited.

Kara was lying on the cot inside her own tent. Tory's friends had
suggested that she follow Kara's example and allow breakfast to be
brought to her. Surely she looked weary enough after a night of such
anxiety!

Tory had her own reasons for declining. Now as she overheard the
beginning of the conversation she was glad of her own decision.

"We are sorry to have intruded upon you even for a short time, Miss
Mason," Donald McClain protested. "We know that you have asked that no
member of our Scout camp come within your boundaries this summer. Of
course you appreciate that the present circumstances left Lance and me
no choice. Last night Lance insisted that he saw the light from a fire
on one of the hills which he believed was a signal for help. The rest
of us talked him out of the idea. The fire was plain enough, but we
were under the impression that some one was spending the night on the
hill-top and had kindled the fire either for cooking or companionship.
Lance is an obstinate chap and was not altogether convinced. He arose
at dawn and discovered the two smoke columns. He wakened no one but
me. We set out and were lucky enough to find Tory and Kara without
much trouble. We must say good-by to you at once. The other fellows
will not know what has become of us, as we can't reach our own camp
for another two hours."

Impulsively Tory Drew made a little forward movement. She then
observed Lance's eyes fastened upon her with the half-humorous,
half-quizzical expression she frequently found annoying. What was
there in the present moment to amuse him, save her own intention to
come immediately to Donald's defense? He so rarely made a speech to
any stranger so long as this one to the Girl Sco