The Automobile Girls."

Mollie flitted around like the spirit of the woods. Nothing could induce
her to keep still. "Do let me get the water," she coaxed the guide. Like
a flash she was off and back bearing a heavy bucket. "Here, Ruth," she
volunteered, pouring a stream of water into the tiny silver cup that Ruth
always carried. Ruth was just in time. With a jump to one side, she
escaped, but the splash descended on unsuspecting Bab, who Was nibbling a
doughnut.

In her ardor at playing waitress in the woods Mollie had turned her
bucket upside down. Instead of dispensing nectar, this little cup-bearer
to "The Automobile Girls" had nearly drowned one of them.

"It's a blessed thing you are my sister," cried Bab.

Mollie apologized, dabbing at Bab with her small pocket handkerchief.
"You can tell me exactly what you think of me. Ruth and Grace might be
too polite. I am so sorry; I was trying to be useful."

"Go over to the fire, Barbara, and dry your dress," advised Miss Sallie.
"It is just as well you have on a thick suit. We must learn to expect
occasional mishaps."

Barbara winked solemnly at Ruth as she arose from the table. Miss Sallie
was sure to be in a good humor when she talked in this philosophical
fashion.

For an hour after luncheon the camping party continued their climb.
Finally Ruth and Bab, who were in front, came to a sudden stop. "Hurrah!"
they shouted, turning to wave their handkerchiefs to the occupants of the
wagon.

Mollie nearly pitched out of the wagon in her excitement, but Grace and
Miss Sallie clutched at her skirts in time.

"Have we arrived?" Mollie cried. "Oh, do stop the wagon!" The little log
cabin in the woods was now plainly in view.

"It's the gingerbread house, I know it is," exclaimed Grace, making a
flying leap over the wheel of the cart. "The logs are the soft, brown
color of good gingerbread, and the little windows must be made of sugar
frosting."

In a clearing on top of a hillside stood the "hut," as the girls
christened it in an instant. A circle of pine and cedar trees hid it from
sight. All around it were thick woods. Higher hills rose at the back of
it. A roaring brook tumbled down the hillside fifty feet from their cabin
door.

By nightfall the little house in the woods was made thoroughly livable.
The girls hammered and worked, assisted by Naki and his wife. Miss Sallie
sat by the big fire in the living room and gave directions. Adjoining
this big room, which