 Chapter 1. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Bergoine. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 1. Out of the Hayrick. Oh, my! exclaimed one girl. Oh, mine! amended another. Oh, ours! called out a third. Then there was one awful bump, and the chorus was understood. The old-style hay wagon, which was like a big crib, wobbled from side to side. The young ladies followed its questionable example, and some of them sort of lapped over on the others. Dorothy Dale gasped for one particularly sensitive member of the party. We thought, when you vouched this affair, that it would turn out all right. But it hasn't turned out anything yet, replied Dorothy, although we all came pretty near it that time. She clasped her hand around one of the brosers of the Hayrick, evidently determined that she should be turned out. Her arm would be responsible. That's just like you, Neeta Brandt, declared Tavia Travers, the latter really being manager of the occasion. When I go to work and hire a car like this, and especially stipulate that the ride shall be rural, you kick on the bumps. But scarcely had she uttered these words when a bump came, with neither time nor opportunity for Neeta's kick. In fact, it was remarkable that the old hay wagon did not actually carry out its throat, to roll over in the direction toward which it wobbled. If you young ladies care to ride any farther, called out a man from the front of the wagon, you better be still. I ain't put no corks in the holes in the bottom of this automobile. He chuckled at his own joke. The holes were only two apparent to the fair occupants of the hay wagon. Oh, it's all right, Sam, called back Tavia. The only thin member of the party, who might by any chance fall through a hole, is dying from bumps. And we have a good hold on her. If you could see through the hay, you would behold the human chain in action. And she gave Neeta such a jerk that the latter declared the bumps were lovely, and begged to be allowed to do her own experimenting with them. He laughs best who laughs least, misquoted Dorothy, as the wagon continued to jog along. I don't exactly like the contour of the hill we are approaching. Why? That's the real thing in hills, declared Tavia. I plan this road purposely to Tobog down that hill. I hope the old horses are hooked up securely, remarked Rosemary, whom the girls called Cologne. I don't mind making a hill, but I hope to have the wagon make it in solo. I have had a try of that sort. Now say your prayers, Neeta, or to Tavia, and don't forget to repent this near being my chocolates. Oh, screamed Edna Blake, alias Ned Ebony. I do believe something is going to happen. Sure thing, continued Tavia, in a joking way. Do you suppose the girls from Glenwood ever go out without having something happen? The old man was pulling at the reins, but his horses were starting to slide. Watch that fellow waltz, remarked Tavia. Now, wouldn't he be great in a circus? The waltzing horse tried to sit down, but the farmer tugged at the lines, and otherwise objected to such conduct, and the unfortunate animal did its best to comply with the orders, which were now being flung at him, not only from the driver, but from the girls in the wagon. Oh, hold them, pleaded Neeta. Let them run, suggested Tavia. It will be over sooner. Mercy exclaimed Dorothy, there's a river. This remark was followed by a most significant pause. Evidently, even Tavia saw the danger now, and the old horses were frightened as well, for they backed sidestepped, and made every possible effort to avoid having the wagon and its precious load overturned into the deep river at the very side of the roadway. Don't yell so, called Dorothy, to the driver. That won't help any, and it hurts our ears. Is there no break? Wailed Neeta. There is likely to be one soon, Tavia assured her. The girls were becoming more and more alarmed, and only Tavia kept up the jesting. The hill was very steep, the river fairly curled around it, and the horses grew more nervous each moment, under the strain that was being put upon them. Deep in the bed of hay, the girls from Glenwood School had in concert themselves. The horses were now going at such a pace that it would be rash to attempt to jump from the rick. Neeta Brand actually made her way forward, and had now fairly grasped the old driver about the neck. She felt that he must know how to save himself, at least, and she determined to take chances with him. Tavia did dame to sit up and notice the rate of speed the old horses had acquired. Her dark eye shot glances of daring admiration, and she reminded her companions that Roman chariot races were not in it, just then. Dorothy stood up bravely and agreed to call out, when they should be too near the river. Suddenly there was a crash, and then the horses bolted. Something snapped called Dorothy. Something is broken. No need to announce this, for, with the ominous sound, one of the horses broke from its traces, and the other was now dragging the old wagon along by the straps that had whipped-stood the jerks and plungers. Oh, we will be killed, Scream Neeta. There's the river. The girls made ready to jump. Don't beg Dorothy. You will be dragged along in this stuff. You cannot jump through these braces. Truly they were imprisoned by the uprights of the old-fashioned hay-rick, but if they could not jump, what could they do? Each face showed its panic of fear. If only the one remaining horse would break loose, it might not be so dangerous to fall over in all that hay. As Scream Neeta turned all eyes to her, the man, she screamed, he has fallen under the wheels. By a single impulse Dorothy and Tavia grasped one of the rungs at the rick, and they threw their full weight on it until it snapped, then broke. Quick cried Dorothy. Jump after him. Tavia needed no second invitation. In an instant she had followed Dorothy Dale, and as they landed in the dusty roadway, shaken up, but not otherwise heard, the runaway horse, freed from the interference of its mate that had broken loose, continued to drag the hay-rick towards the dangerous river, which bubbled over the black and sharp rocks, scarcely concealed by the foam that broke upon them. Oh, the girls, the girls in the wagon gasped Dorothy, and she pressed bravely on, followed by Tavia. End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, this reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 2. Tavia Goes Bo Peeping. Well, might Dorothy exclaim in terror at the fate that seemed imminent for the girls left in the wagon? The girls of Glynwood School, her dearest chums. Those of my readers who are familiar with the previous volumes of this series will perhaps pardon the rather unceremonious manner in which I have just introduced the young ladies of this book. To those who are reading of Dorothy Dale for the first time, a few words of explanation may be necessary. And in presenting the young ladies of Glynwood School, I must at once apologise for and criticise Tavia Travis. From the very first book of the series entitled Dorothy Dale, A Girl of Today, we find Dorothy striving bravely to induce Tavia to give up her stagy ways. Every predicament in the story was a scene to Tavia. Well, but for Dorothy's intervention and gentle determination, these scenes would have been turned into tragedies for the wily Tavia. Then, in the second book, Dorothy Dale at Glynwood School, Tavia and the young ladies of that institution got into many a scrape. And, while Dorothy was one of the girls in the true sense of the word, she managed to discriminate between fun and folly. But what sacrifices Dorothy was actually capable of making for a friend were more clearly related in Dorothy Dale's great secret, where she shielded Tavia from the consequences of her daring and foolish venture of running away with the theatrical company. Through two more books of the series, Dorothy Dale and her chums, and Dorothy Dale's queer holidays, we find Dorothy still busy trying to reform Tavia. And while in each of the books there is plenty of other work for Dorothy to attend to, it seems that Tavia is her one perpetual charge. What Tavia thinks fun is not always of the safe sort, and what Dorothy thinks necessary, Tavia often thinks may be passed by as some subtle joke. So it will be seen that each of these two interesting characters always has her own particular following, while the friendship between Tavia and Dorothy has withstood every possible test. So we find the same young ladies in the present story still indulging in their favourite pastime, getting into and out of mischief. They had been out riding on an improvised chariot, a hay-rick of the old-fashioned kind, like a cradle, filled with the fragrant Timothy and Red Top when the accident narrated in the first chapter took place. As Tavia and Dorothy ran after the wagon containing their friends, while the vehicles waged from side to side in the road, they saw it give a sudden lurch, an almost topple-over on the steep embankment which descended to the river. Dorothy gave a gasp of fear, and Tavia covered her eyes with her hand. The next moment Dorothy saw the driver of the wagon crawling out from a clump of bushes, guessing that he was not badly hurt. She ran on, as she had halted momentarily when she saw the vehicle sway so dangerously. Together she and Tavia sprung forward to reach, if possible, before it toppled over, the swan-bounding wagon, whether from an unconquerable spirit, a thun, or from motives purely humane. Tavia had snatched up, armful after armful, at the loose hay, which had been spilled out on the road. In doing this she never halted in her running, but stooped over like some gleener in a field, urged on by the approach of night. Oh cried Dorothy, if we can only reach them before. A figure darted out on the road just ahead of them, and the unexpected move interrupted Dorothy's exclamation. Oh a man shouted Tavia, who was somewhat in advance, now we will be all right. Yes, a man had started down the hill after the runaway, but just how or why Tavia was sure that this would make things right was not clear to Dorothy. He can run, she called. Can't he, Tavia? Can't he, replied Tavia, but I'm not going to let him have all the glory. Here, and she tossed a bundle of hay to Dorothy. Take it along for the hospital beds. I'm going to run. Going to, repeated Dorothy, all out of breath from her own efforts to catch up to the runaway. But Tavia darted on. The strange man kept well ahead. Dorothy paused one moment from sheer exhaustion. Then she saw the wagon overturn. The next instant she noted that the stranger had grabbed the horse by the trailing reins. Quick, shrieked Tavia, the girls may be under the cart. With strength gathered from every desperation, Dorothy ran on. She was beside the overturned wagon now, and without uttering a word, she crawled in through the upright sticks, down amid the dust and hay. Three girls, so wound together, as to look like one, lay on one side of the wrecked vehicle. Dorothy gasped Rosemary, are you safe? Yes, but you, Neeta and Edna gasped Dorothy pantingly. I think Neeta has fainted, replied Rosemary, but Edna is all right, where is Tavia? Safe answered Dorothy. A strange man stopped the runaway. Tavia is helping hold the horse. We must get the traces loose before we can attend to Neeta. She made her way out of the overturned wagon. The traces were unfastened and the horse was free, and the strange man was actually astride the animal. Why, exclaimed Dorothy, that horse will bulk again. You had best make him fast somewhere. The stranger looked at her with the air of a chest filled. By kindness we alone subdue, he said. Dorothy stared at him, what could he mean? Tavia seemed to have forgotten the predicament of her companions. She appeared charmed by the stranger, who really was good looking. There comes the man who owns the horse, remarked Dorothy, as the frenzied farmer, whipping hand, ran toward the stranger, yelling all sorts of unintellectible things in the way of threats and predictions. He would see to it personally, he declared, that these things would happen to the man who dead riders used up horse. A fight to finish it off, exalted Tavia, and Dorothy, for the moment, felt as if she could find it in her heart to despise so frivolous a girl. The next second she remembered Neeta and turned back to the wrecked hay-rick. It's all well enough for you to laugh, complain the badly frightened Neeta, but I can't see where the joke comes in, just look at me. A perfect beauty, declared Tavia. The rips are all in one piece, that rent near the hem is positively artistic, looks like the River Nile. It was some time later, but they were still in the roadway. The farmer had patched up his damaged rig, but would not listen to the girl's appeals to give them a lift toward town. He insisted it was all their fault for laughing and scaring the horses, and he vowed vengeance on the man who really had saved the team from positive destruction in the river. The strange young man, after considerable gusto, all of which was wasted on the farmer, but hugely enjoyed by Tavia at least, had made his way off, leaving the girls discreetly to their wows. No one was actually injured, although, as Neeta said, costumes had suffered severely. Wasn't he queer? remarked alone, as she shook small bundles of hay from her Gleamwood cap and blouse. I thought I would laugh outright when he mounted the old horse a second time. He looked like somebody on a variety stage. Yes, added Tavia, and Dorothy had to spoil the show by inducing him to give up the act. What if the farmer did ply the whip? That would only heighten the effect. Since we have to walk, Neeta reminded the others, it might be advisable to start. Great Head, commented Tavia, but do you realise that we shall be locked out that the ogres of Gleam will be ready, acts in hand, blocking evidence, grin prominent? Tavia exclaimed, Dorothy, do gather yourself up, that bundle of hay seems enchanted, as Neeta says, we must be going. Tavia almost lulled over on the soft hay, then she gathered it up with conspicuous tenderness, pressed it fondly to her heart, and agreed to start on. Each of the other girls was taking with her back to the school, a similar souvenir that Cologne and Dorothy threw theirs over their shoulder in true rustic fashion, while Neeta complained that she was not able to carry hers, though she did manage to bribe Tavia with a promised return of the chocolates to tie hers in with the extra-sized bundle that Tavia was lugging along. Five miles of this will just about do me, declared Cologne. I think it would have been infinitely better for us to have hitched on to the hay wagon in spite of the old farmer. And to think that we paid him in advance, it's a wonder we have never had a single lesson in financial economy at gloomy Glenwood, how to cheat farmers, or how to die game in a hay-brick. I must suggest the text to Mrs. Pangbourne, our honoured principal, declared Edna, as she too made her way along under the uncertain weight of a bundle of hay. But what are we dragging this stuff along for, austerity? Sure is fate. We will have to drop them when we get within the city, and why not anticipate? I vote for a drop right here. Never, declared Tavia, these are to make up the sacrificial altar. If old Pangbourne growls, won't allow the doors open, we will do it with a match, and she signified that the hay would make a spontaneous blaze in that lamentable instance. Dorothy saw more than a joke in the remark, Tavia was so ridiculously daring, it would be very wise to get rid of the hay before entering the sacred precincts of Glenwood. The site was most absurd. Five pretty girls, each dressed in the Glenwood blue and white, and each with a bundle of fragrant hay on her shoulder. There's a lamb, declared Cologne. I should do worse than give Mary's pet a tree, and she ran to the rail fence, jumped up on one of the queer cross posts, and called all sorts of names to the surprised sheep that scarcely stopped groaning to notice the girls outside of the barrier. This spectacle induced the other students to climb up on the crooked fence, and presently the old rails were ornamented with the five girls in blue, with the hay bundles in hand. It was getting dusk, and the sunset did not detract from the unusual scene. Great sharps of gold and scarlet fell down on that old fence, and a prettier site could scarcely have been worked up. Much less, imagine. Here's sheepy, sheepy, called Tavia. Here, lamby, lamby, lamby, pleaded Dorothy. Here, woolly, woolly, woolly, invited Neta. Here, kinky, kinky, kinky, kinky, induced Edna. Here, flossy, flossy, flossy, persuaded Cologne. But never a lamb, sheep, or other species of animal, name made a move toward the fence. I'll get a few, declared Tavia, heading down over the fence, into the meadow, and racing wildly among the sheep. The ram, the ram, shouted Edna, Tavia, he's coming directly for you. This was a signal for Tavia to turn back to the fence. The ram did follow her. She pulled down a rail, and bolted through the opening, just as the savage animal and the great herd of sheep followed. Run, sheep, run, yelled Edna. As the much terrified girl scattered hither and thither along the road, fully conscious that they were responsible for the safety of the frantic flock that had broken loose from their pasture. Now for the farmer and his whip, gasped Dorothy. I thought we had had enough of that for one afternoon. Too much is enough, answered Edna dryly. But Tavia likes it. May she have a real account for the little lamb story for the English class tomorrow. Look, they are all following her, Mo Neater. And they seem to think she is taking them home to supper, added Cologne. What shall we do, Wail Neater? We will surely all be arrested. Wish the police van would hurry up then, sighed Edna. Then, getting tuckered out, and she glanced back again to behold Tavia in the very midst of the flock of the now somewhat quieted sheep. A nice cool cell wouldn't be so bad, declared Cologne, who, being inclined to flesh, was apt to give out before her companions would give in. How are the bow-peepers, yelled Tavia, with the flourish of a stick meant to represent a chef-herder's crook? Or do you prefer the old Roman? There will be all kinds of conflagrations when Nero comes. Isn't she dreadful, retorted Neater, whose face was really a sick blue white? She gets us all into trouble, and then bloats over it. You wanted something real to write about today. Edna reminded her. This would make a regular thriller. But, as a matter of fact, begun Dorothy seriously as she stopped, and her companions halted with her. What had we best do? We cannot walk into Gleamwood Hall with the herd of sheep at our heels, for the animals were now following the girls along the road. Let's shoe them, suggested Cologne. Maybe they'll shoe nicely. We'll get shoeed when we try to get in tonight, murmured Edna, and just when we were finishing up the year in rather good style, I had a single thing against my name. There's that man who saved the team, Garth Dorothy. Mercy wherever does he come from, and man has worse than two herds of sheep in our scrape with Mrs. Pangbourne. Just as mysteriously as he had appeared before, the man with the chest of fieldy and war, and the big slouch hat turned into the road where he had come from nobody could imagine. He has followed us, breathed neater. Oh, dear me! And she pressed her handkerchief to her eyes. If you cry, we will tell him you are too ill to walk, and then maybe he'll offer to carry you, blurted out Edna. If one insists on being a baby, she must be baby. This charge rather frightened Neater back to courage, or at least she pretended to it, for she promptly quickened her pace and even hid away her handkerchief. Tavia too saw the strange man as he emerged, seemingly from nowhere, for she started on a run, laughing uproarously at the herd of sheep that trotted as she increased her pace, turned as she turned, and, in fact, seemed to be at a regular game of follow the leader. The young man stood carefully posed in the path, just where a huge stone afforded him a setting for his rather dusty boots. What a chap, commented Edna, seems to me he has enough strikes and poses to make a good cigar box picture. Any particular brand asked Dorothy, I might label it spectacular, with all rights reserved. Look at Tavia, big cologne with a smile, the rights are reserved in her particular direction. She's welcomed, finished Dorothy, just as Tavia reached the spot where the other girls were now waiting, and where the young man stood like a statue. Another situation remarked the man, doping his hat in the most gorgeous fowl. Yes, the climax, answered Tavia. What do you think of the scenery? Mercy breathed Edna aside. If they start that sort of talk, we may as well camp out tonight. But the young man did not express his opinion publicly. Instead he stepped up to Tavia and presently the two were conversing in subdued voices. Dorothy did not like that. She, in fact, did not fancy this young man's apparition habit. And she now determined to force Tavia to a sense of her own obligations to reach Gleamwood School without further delay. Girls, call Dorothy. We really must hurry. Thank you very much. This to the strange man. For your kindness this afternoon. But you see now, we have to get back to school. We would not have been out so long, but for the fact that this is privilege day. School closes Thursday. Then why not make use of the privilege, the young man asked, with a sly look at Tavia. We don't meet professional friends every afternoon. The thought that Tavia might have met this man while engaged in her brief and notable stage career, as related in Dorothy Dale's Great Secret, flashed across Dorothy's mind. With it came a thought of danger. Tavia was scarcely yet cheered of her dramatic fever. The sheep still around in the most serio-comic style, and the seminary girls were scarcely less comic. Oath screamed neater, suddenly. There comes that awful farmer, and he has a whip. Can't ride off on a sheep this time, remarked Tavia, with ill-chosen levity. Let's run. Yes, let's, chimed in Dorothy with a knowing look at Clown. At this the girls started off, and they did run. When they reached the foot of the steep hill, Dorothy stopped to look back. There, on the summit, stood the unmistakable form of the young man, beside him posed the equally unmistakable form of the farmer and his whip, and the sheep were flocked around them. End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, this reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 3 The Disaster of Strag It was perfectly delicious. I'm glad you think so, Tavia. No, I am not. Either. I am very sorry. Dorothy put aside her notes and sighed the last sigh for one night. That sort of content signal with which young girls usually put the final period to labour. Oh, Dorothy. And Tavia flung herself down directly upon her friends, nicely pressed rogue. You always want to put the damper on. What's the use of being girls if we can't be? Idiots add a Dorothy. And she wondered why she so strongly opposed Tavia. I'll tell you, Tavia, this business of chatting with strange young men is nothing less than foolish. I can't see where it becomes funny. It begins, said Tavia, balancing her pencil on her third finger at the point where Dorothy Dale turns preacher. A poor sermon is absolutely funny. Thank you, returned Dorothy. Without recovering her good nature. But you must remember, Tavia, that we are leaving Glenwood in two days. I may leave tonight if you keep on. Declared Tavia. Dorothy, I never knew you to be so obstinate. Nor have I ever known you to be so foolish. Tavia, that young man is queer. He is mysterious. I have a feeling that he means harm. Pure jealousy, Dorough. And Tavia jumped up and flung herself almost upon the girl who sat in the shade at the study lamp. I am so sorry he did not take the notion to you. Dorothy was accustomed to these outbreaks and they merely meant a gesture or whatever fling came with the speech. The words indicated absolutely nothing. I will leave Tavia and answering smile. Well, dear, we won't quarrel at least this time, but see that it doesn't happen again. When shall we go home? Dear me, it does seem a long time between holidays and Tavia tumbled down in the most nondescript heap. I shall be glad to see dear old Dalton, replied Dorothy. Father and the boys are going with me to settle things up there. Then we will go to Aunt Winnie's. I hope you and I will be able to spend our vacations together. You know, I am going to camp with Cologne and she has included you in the invitation. As Dorothy's paper weight, no. It can't be that. I could never keep anything down. It must have been Dorothy's watch charm. Interrupted Tavia with a slight show of sarcasm. Rosemary was particularly anxious that she should come. Tavia declared Dorothy with emphasis and she has the reputation of never giving an insincere invitation. She likes you and wants to enjoy you as well as to have you enjoy yourself. Three cheers for the enjoys retorted Tavia and may their shadow never grow less. But say, Dorothy, how did you get out of the scrape? I was a traitor to run, but somehow I couldn't stand for Higley's look. When she puts her alleged features at half-mast and sounds taps, I have to quit. But we had to stand. I can't see any good reason for telling you about it, making a report to the deserter. Now Doro and Tavia fairly melted into sweetness. I simply cannot slumber until I have heard. Did need a peach. There was nothing to hide in our part of the comedy. Declared Dorothy. Of course, we skipped the main part and left out the hay cart dump, besides admitting the sheep act and forgetting the farmer's whip. Hip hip threatened Tavia. Couldn't have done better myself and no one ordered to the guardhouse. You have not yet been accounted for, said Dorothy, with well-aimed meaning. Miss Higley said she would see to your account herself. Will I? Not if I see her first. Did anyone say I was there? I should think, with such remarkable skill at admitting that you might have had the good taste to admit me. Tavia, does it strike you that this is packing up night? That tomorrow we make all our bouquets of remembrance more or less artificial and that the day following. We flit the flutter and good riddance. I just evolved skill. Notice how I have improved. Last year I hated it. And I must admit you have improved otherwise than in your vocabulary, said Dorothy. Seems to me you have grown almost tall. Thanks, pretty maiden. Any more in stock like that and Tavia jumped up to get a look in the glass. Tell me, before I shrink, in your opinion, she begged, making clear passes before the mirror. But say, Dorothy, do you ever take a look at yourself? I have to say you are simply splendid and that's putting it mild. The Dalton youths will be suiciding on account of the returned colour. That lily is the one that stands being boxed up without food or atmosphere for half the year. I believe, hence my comparison, you have withstood Glenwood and come out of the ring more beautiful than when you entered. Oh, you need not protest. Everybody admits that you are a perfect resident, animated, of course, and Tavia gays with unstinted admiration at the girl under the studdy lamp. Well, I hope I have not actually grown homely, conceded Dorothy, for Aunt Winnie is so fond of a good appearance. Your hair is darker, that is, on the ripe corn shade. I like that better than the 14 carat variety. I only wish mine would turn mahogany. I have a mind to turn it. I wonder the thoughts do not poison the roots. The idea of you saying a word against your hair. Why? It's simply wonderful. Edna says it sings in the sunshine. Oh, Ned pities me, I suppose. She has such a fine crop herself, but I would love to be handsome. Suppose you start in to drag down some of that stuff you insist on taking home, Tavia, said Dorothy, indicating the decorations that hung on Tavia's side of the room. Then it will be handsome, is as. Handsome didn't, misquoted Tavia. I don't mind dragging it down, but I have a mind to get someone to help me. I might give out that we were having a doings and so enticed Ned Ebony and a couple of the others. You compendium of laziness. You proverbial pro-longer. There, I have used up more energy in giving expression to those expressions. Then I should have used up in expressing the whole art gallery via the amalgamated express company. Now, Dorot, I am going to give a dragging down evening. If you have anything you value that might get in the drag, then you can notice, and she left the room to gather in the innocent victims of her plot. Dorothy laughed. She did love Tavia, and once more they were separating from the days and nights spent together at dear old Gleamwood. The girls had occupied the room, 19, in spite of the fact that their advance in class entitled them to other quarters. But each loved the apartment and went into it as Tavia remarked. I believe I had better rescue my things, used Dorothy, for there is no telling where the dragging may end. And, suiting her act to the words, she promptly put a pile of cushions on the highest chair and began to take from her side of the room such trinkets as are inconceivably dear to the heart of every schoolgirl. How differently her division of the room was decorated, Tavia had actually drawn a line, a clothesline, straight across the room, marking out the territory of each. Dorothy had put up pictures, birds' nests, flags, and the home colours, while Tavia had reveled in collapsed foot balls, moth-eaten slouch hats, shot through and through, and marked with all sorts of labels of the college lad variety. Then she had a broken bicycle wheel, in and out of which were laced her hair ribbons and neck ties. This contrivance being resorted to in order to save the junk from the regulation pile, it being thus marked as a useful article. There were pictures, too, on Tavia's side of the room, but how they got there one could never guess from the bird's eye view, for the hanging indicated a sudden storm on Art Day, without paper weights. This same blow included the mottos and wise sayings, trophies of certain victories in the way of narrow escapes from dismissals, or such mementos as suspicious games outside the school grounds. No wonder Tavia wants help, thought Dorothy, as she hurried to get her own things, safely put in the box that stood ready. I declare, she has the queerest taste, if such things are included in the taste faculty. A shuffle and hum at the portal indicated the arrival of Tavia's guests. Enter, called Tavia, as she threw open the door, and with the kind permission of the fair hostess, proceed to drag. Drag, if you must, this good old bed, but spare my sister's rags, she said, and she deliberately kicked Dorothy's box across the room, while Edna, or Ned, proceeded to shoot up everything she could reach, or at which she could lunge. Cologne, being Dorothy's friend, did the same thing on Tavia's side. Molly Richards, known as Dick, was not particular on which side she dragged, just so long as she got a hold on something. Oh, girls, do be careful, pleaded Dorothy. I have a tea set here I am so fond of. But the warning came too late, for at that very moment Ned had thrown a picture, frame and all, into the box that Dorothy had started to pack the tea set in. There was a crash, and even the reckless girls paused, for the sound of broken china is as abhorrent to any girl, as is the bell for class to Gleamwood's. Tavia dropped the pop gun she had been holding. Dora, I am so sorry, she said. I know you valued that set so highly. Take mind for it. Oh, no, indeed, replied Dorothy, her voice strained, for the set had been a gift from her little brother Roger, and he had used the first money he ever earned to buy it. Perhaps I can have it mended. Cologne, Edna and Tavia put their heads together. Presently they apologized to Dorothy, and left the room. Wonder what's up now? Dorothy asked herself, she did feel badly, that tea set of all the things in her room. She recalled how Roger had written that he had a surprise for her. Then the arrival of the blue cups and sauces, and the note saying that the boy had sold lemonade, and thus earned his first money. Then that he had spent the money for that set, and to think that it was ruined, for the crash told the woeful story of many pieces. Dorothy did not feel like finishing her packing. She felt more like having a good cry. She was thinking of home, of her father, the major, then of her brother Joe, older than Roger, and lastly of dear and petuous Roger himself. Soon she would be home to them again. Was she not their mother ever since she could remember? For her own darling mother had been called away from her little ones so early in a promising life. Sounds of voices in the hall roused her from her reverie. Tavia entered first, but her following, girl after girl crowded into the small room, until its very capacity was taxed beyond its possibilities. We've come, announced Cologne. So I see, replied Dorothy, all confusion. To make amends for our damage continued Cologne. Every girl on the floor has contributed to the collection, and we venture to present to you the most unique tea set that has ever gone in or out of Glenwood. Here, and she set her contribution down. It's my prettiest piece. And here is mine, followed Edna, placing on the table a real gold and white creamer. And mine, with my love, with Bneta, putting down an egg shell cup and saucer. Oh, God's Dorothy, how lovely. And Dorothea, added Lena Berg. I brought my tanker. It was the best piece, and nothing else would satisfy the committee. I am sure, begun Dorothy. Not too sure, interrupted Dick, or Molly Richards. There here is mine. It came all the way from Holland. Girls, how can I take all these beautiful things? I am sure you must want them your own selves. Not half as much as we want you to have them, declared Cologne. The fact is, we were just waiting for such a chance as this. We are all gone, soft tonight. Take care, we don't kiss you, Doroh. Tears ruined Dorothy's eyes. She loved her school friends. This was an affecting parting. Tavia snatched up the banjo. She sung, good night, good night, good night, good night, good night again, God bless you. And oh, until we meet again, good night, good night, God bless you. The strains swelled into a splendid chorus, and while they sung, the girls wrapped up the china pieces, which safely in the box beside the damaged ones. Speech, speech came the demand from Tavia's corner, and without further ceremony, Dorothy was lifted bodily, up on the table, and compelled to make a speech. It was a dangerous undertaking, for the sofa pillows that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere put in so much punctuation that the address might have been put down as a series of stops. However, Dorothy did manage to say something, for which effort she was roundly applauded. The night bell called them to the sense of skill duties, still unfinished. Oh, that old bell complained neater, pouty. Cologne drew Dorothy over in the corner, asked Tavia about the man on the horse. She whispered. She got a letter from him. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, all to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 4 The Premature Camp After all, the days of skill came and went, and the Gleamwood Girls had started off for their respective homes before Dorothy had a chance to fully realise that the vacation had really begun and that each day of that delightful calendar now seemed suspended from the very skies, ill your mind with the prospects of the very best of good times. Dorothy had promised to spend a greater part of the summer with Rosemary Markin at the Markin Summer Place, a delightful spot on Lake Monodick in Maine. This plan was particularly fortunate as Mrs Winthrop White, Dorothy's Aunt Winnie, with whom the Dale's had lately made their home, was to go abroad, while Ned and Ned, Dorothy's cousins, had arranged such a varied itinerary for their summer sports that one might imagine to hear the schedule that the particular summer involved must have been at the brand which has neither night nor autumn to mark its limits. Then Major Dale and Dorothy's brothers, Joe and Roger, were to take a long-promised cruise on the St Lawrence so that Dorothy was quite at liberty to plan for herself. But these plans could never interfere with the visit to the Seeders, the White Summer Home, and here, on the afternoon of which we write, Dorothy found herself at last surrounded by her family and submerged in their joyous welcome. Roger, how you have grown, she kept saying, as her eyes, time after time, sought out the baby brother of whom Dorothy was so fond. And Joe, why, you are getting to look so much like Ned. Here, now, no knocking, called out the jolly Ned. I don't want to be handsome, but I simply refuse to look ten years younger. This last was said in imitation of the lady-like way girls are supposed to have in expressing their compliments. And me, asked Ned, pulling himself up out of his high enough height before his cousin, what is the verdict? Am I not, um, stunning? You are big enough, that's sure, admitted, Dorothy, giving him a look of unstinted admiration. And as to being stunning, I just imagine that you are even that, in your golf suit. There, now, and that went off into kinks. He has to wear knickers to look cute. You ought to see me in my football togs if you want to behold something really magnificent. Here, here, called out Major Dale. When I was a lad, it was considered a crime to keep a mirror in one's room. We used to keep one blind shut to get a reflection on the window pane for the neck-tie business. And we took a chance at the hair part. But to hear you, young ones, what you actually need, boys, is a little of the real thing in training. Why don't you pitch a tent out on your own river here and go in for roughing it? Great, declared the boys, chorus. Now, that's something like continued nap. And it would do a lot toward patching up a fellow's finances. Let's see, where's that itinerary? Suppose we make it two weeks at home in a tent. Like the proverbial wildfire the suggestion spread until within a short hour the boys, with Dorothy, were out on the river edge selecting the spot upon which to pitch the war tent. For war, they declared it would be against masculine beauties. Dorothy found herself so busy planning the boys' suits figuring out what they would require supplies and furniture though this last was to be cut down to mere necessities that she almost felt her own camping days had begun as Nat expressed it. Now that comes of having a girl around declared Ned, if you had not come, Dorothy we would never have had the admiration conference and then we could never have discovered our own beautiful river for in this case I don't mind using a correct and all right adjective although usually I consider anything adjective rather too much of a spread. He sauntered once more to the river's brink where a short distance downstream could be seen the Lebanon, the family rowboat. Surely the place did warrant the boys' extravagant use of a correct adjective and did look adjectivey away into superlative. Nat found just the spot for the tent Roger and Joe were racing about like little human greyhounds intent upon the scent of fun and Dorothy took time to decide that perhaps this camp would prove as delightful as she expected that one to be with her in a few days she must journey and leave the deer home folks reluctantly indeed. But then boys' fun always seemed like their idea of 4th of July just as noisy and just as unreliable at the same time they always managed to put it off with the rule and this rule had already set in for the blanket Indians of cutted out camp Dorothy had promised her Aunt Winnie not to stay too long away from her as there were so many things to be discussed before the aunt and her favourite niece should part for the summer so that now Dorothy was hurrying to finish up her part of the camp map and go back to the cedars We fellows must get a few good strong poles over there on the knoll said Nat and I see no better time to get them than right now Then I must go home spoke Dorothy I have already overstayed my leave of absence Can you go back alone? Ask Ned. If not, I'll cut the trees by cutting out the work See how well we have named the camp It's in working order already No you don't interrupted Nat You've got to do your share of everything I'll run back while you get about it I'm sure I know the way perfectly well Be sure, called Ned that there are turns and twists in that woodland that I think you are scarcely familiar with But Dorothy was gone She ran along through the twilight tinted woods stalking now and then to look at the grey squirrels that caped up and down the trees Some making so bold defence at her very side This will make an ideal camping grounds, she was thinking I wonder the boys never thought of using it before Suddenly she heard a rustle in the brush She stopped and listened It sounded again This time nearer She looked about her and for the first time realised that she was indeed in deep woods And for the boys Dorothy knew would be worse than useless for it would simply notify any listener of her fears So instead she walked along boldly enough even whistling lightly as any Gleamwood girl would do went in doubt according to the Gleamwood code But she had not more than crossed the first small stream made up of a number of springs through this wood toward the river when something, a most grotesque figure, stepped out in her path It was too absurd to really frighten her at first for it appeared to be a boy dressed up as a bandit and surely any such prank could mean nothing serious she thought Good afternoon Dorothy said attempting to pass A queer growl was her answer and the figure in the Indian suit with a mask of red cloth and all sorts of trappings hanging about from belts and straps actually pointed what seemed to be a real gun at her Hands up came the command Dorothy still felt like laughing surely this must be a trick of some boy in the neighbourhood she decided Hands up again came the command this time the gun being deliberately aimed at her head what do you want demanded Dorothy why should you stop me with your nonsense dropping the old fashioned gun the boy for such she decided the person was jumped at her and grasped her hands at the same time making an effort to tie them with a bit of rope from the belt trappings stop, stop screamed Dorothy now thoroughly frightened help, help she yelled at the very top of her terrified voice easy, easy came the exasperating sneering words from the bandit take it easy or it will be all the worse for you now where do you keep the goods he had actually succeeded in tying her hands held her prisoner with one strong arm about her waist and with the other hand he was endeavouring to unclasp her beautiful little gold bracelet fearing to lose her footing in her frantic efforts to get free Dorothy thought quickly it would be better to lose her jewellery than to have her life perhaps imperiled you may take my gold she panted you seem to be stronger than I and if you are not crazy you must be a thief if you shout I'll gag you came the astonishing declaration while the bandit struggled with the bracelet and almost cut Dorothy's wrist on the knife with which he was trying to cut loose the circlet oh don't play to Dorothy let go my hand and I'll give it you how she wanted to yell but if he should tie her mouth voices sounded oh it must be the boys thought Dorothy if only they come this way her assailant heard the same voices and desperately he pulled at the locked bracelet as he had made one final attempt to wrench it from Dorothy's wrist his knife slipped and cut clear across his own hand the blood spurted from a long wound with a cry he dropped his hold on Dorothy and attempted to staunch the flow of blood freed Dorothy ran ran as she felt she had never known she could run she did not stop to call although she judged that the boys might be nearby but ran on across the marshes without any heed to the water that even splattered up in her face as she jumped from edge to edge making her way out to the open roadway how her heart pounded it did not seem to beat but rather to strike at her breast and almost to strangle her it was getting quite dusk but once on the road and she would feel safe hey there came a call in a familiar voice the boys were just coming out of the woods at the far end of the oaks what's your hurry? demanded net Dorothy felt like sinking down the relief was almost as overwhelming as had been her fear oh do hurry she called brother Feedly I am almost dead End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 5 The Search When Dorothy told her folks of what had happened the boys could scarcely believe the strange story that anyone should actually make such a wild west attempt at robbery within reach of the cedars certainly did seem incredible however there was no disproving the marks on the girls arms where they had been rudely tied nor could anyone deny that in the attempt to remove her bracelet her delicate wrist had been badly bruised at first it was thought best to notify the police but upon further consideration Major Dale advised keeping the matter quiet hoping that someone in the neighbourhood would fall upon a clue to the daring young highway man I do hope the mystery will be cleared up before I leave the camp remarked Dorothy as the family sat in the beautiful library at the cedars discussing the strange affair I should never be satisfied with a written account of what may happen when you find the culprit oh, we can tell you that right now declared net warmly when we find him we will lynch him burn him at the stake and have him imprisoned for life when that sentence shall have been served we will make a fresh charge against him and perhaps put him in a reformatory until he was 21 finished net well he deserves it and to think that we should be almost within call Dorothy I am inclined to question the wisdom of your silence why didn't you yell like thunder and have him put some terrible bag down my throat and get all sorts of dunes there from at a joe doro you did just right you got off as well as you did and her brother shook his head proudly as if to say that a mere cousin could hardly know how a closer relative would feel on such a matter I wish I could have seen him mused Roger to whom the whole story seemed like a wonderful tale at the west just for effect put in net with a laugh Roger is rather sorry he missed the show and always falls for the scary part but Dorothy did not mind the child's natural curiosity in fact she told him again just how the strange robber was dressed and how fierce he looked at her through the holes in the red handkerchief maybe he'll come around to the camp said Roger hopefully I'm going to have my rifle already and I haven't yet told you about the adventure we had at Glenwood just before school closed went on Dorothy realising fully how delighted Roger would be with the tale of the home wagon accident as well as that of the scattered sheep we very nearly all lost a week's vacation through it the principle was so indignant with splendid description and with nothing startling left out Dorothy went over the story even the larger boys became interested and when she mentioned about the queer man who sprung from nowhere and who did things so unlike other people Ned and Nat exchanged sly glances you say he rode horseback like a real Indian queried Nat and that he sort of made up to my old friend Tavia don't be jealous Nat answer Dorothy but you really must put Tavia out of your heart never and Nat struck a most tragic attitude Tavia will ever be the queen of my heart and he made a thump toward that organ with seeming suicidal intent Dorothy laughed merrily she knew very well how devoted Nat really was to her own best girlfriend and she also knew that Tavia fully appreciated the friendship of the handsome young cousin when's Tavia coming? asked Roger another special friend of the girl without wisdom I hope she will be here before I start for the lake replied Dorothy she always enjoys the cedars more than she does any other summer place hope she does too with Nat with unhidden warmth I want to put a flee in her rear before she runs any further risks with the night of the horse really said Dorothy aside to Ned when she had an opportunity speaking privately there is something very mysterious about that man I have an uncanny feeling regarding him and Cologne told me he had written to Tavia did he oh and Ned the elder of the white boys instantly put on a defensive air well whoever he may be he had better be careful we happen to have a children called major Dale if you are going out to look for your bandit you would best be at it he will have all his best holding up and done and be off to his cave with the spoils before you bed him outside of his lair just what Ned was going to confide in Dorothy about the strange man was left unfinished much to Dorothy's disappointment for she felt that the boys had some important clue as to the identity of the queer character however there was no time for further confidences and she was obliged to run off to her little personal duties while the boys made ready to explore the woods they proposed to lie in wait for the bandit for some time and if he did not put in an appearance they planned to explore the woodland for at least half a mile around they felt sure that they would come upon his tracks not far from the spot where Dorothy had been attacked for it seemed reasonable to them that any boy or man dressed as he was described to have been gotten up would not attempt to go far from his hiding place with the white boys were two college friends also home in north birchland on their vacation so that when the party actually started out they made up quite a squad all got your guns asked Ned as they sketched out their separate lines of advance and made secret marks to show the starting points yet replied Ben Nichols the biggest boy in all north birchland whose particular gun was a golf driver so they started off Roger insisted upon going so Ned took him under his protection while Joe kept within safe distance of Don Atkins the young man from Bergen claimed to be able to do anything and anyone in the athletic world he swung his light stick expectantly at the underbrush evidently he would be very pleased to have a swing at the boy with the roped on armor it was splendid to have something real to hunt for what boy or girl either would not have enjoyed the prospect when there was not a question of being held up but of holding up then they separated meanwhile Dorothy was very anxious what if the boys should really come upon the steering young villain what if little Roger should run off and be overtaken she almost wished she had never told the whole story for as she believed at all a wild whim of some foolish boy she also felt that he would quickly see the danger of his sport it was the morning after her adventure and she was able now to regard it with less terror still her wrist did pain and she still trembled when she recalled how the knife had slipped and how easily it could have severed her own vein instead of severing the skin of the mask bandit she was sinking this all over while shaking the creases from her lately packed clothes brushing the walking skirt in which she had travelled to North Birchland and generally putting her things in order when Mrs White gown for the street entered the room my dear she begun I am afraid you will lose the outdoor joy of this delightful morning why not slip into your riding habit and take a run on cricket he would be so glad to do with himself poor pony the boys are so busy with their camping that they forget a young horse wants some fun too I should be glad to aunty but I feel I must get my things straightened out the night I was packing up the girls cut up so I had to hurry everything into my boxes in all shapes replied Dorothy but I will take a canter as soon as I have finished and she gathered up the pieces of broken crockery that had remained in her box after the fall of China as Tavia designated the accident to her t-set how lovely you do look aunty exclaimed the girl gazing with sincere admiration at the superb figure in Rose Broadcloth I do believe you have grown taller it's the style of this gown my dear these lines affect the Venus length Ned declared when he first saw me in this that I was put together in sections couldn't possibly be all in one piece and she laughed in the deep velvety tone that perhaps more than anything else about her interesting personality proclaimed her the woman of unmistakable culture when she was gone and Dorothy looked out into the inviting sunlight she hurried with her unpacking and was soon dressed in the simple tan colored riding habit that so well matched herself as to make her look like a shade of the morning when she mounted the pretty little bay pony and set off at a canter along the north Birchland roads she soon forgot the fright of her boy bandit she'd wondered just where the boys were and if they had found any evidence of that person's depredations come cricket she spoke to her pony we must try a crosscut I want some mandrakes the horse pricked up his ears in response Dorothy turned into a field where she thought the plum shaped fruit would be found dismounting she threw the reins over cricket's head and allowed him to nibble at the sweet grass yes there were the mandrakes with their finger shaped leaves and they were turning yellow Dorothy gathered a few then stood up to look about her the bandit she gasped in a whisper he had his hand on cricket's reign drop that she shouted you need not think I am afraid of you now what asked the boy dropping his disguise like a thing held by one single fastening and moving as if to spring up into the saddle Dorothy fairly jumped over the tall grasses and was beside the horse before the boy could mount she grasped the bridle and at the same time more firmly grasped her riding crop now I have you she declared gazing in wonderment at the very good looking boy who tried in vain to escape from the stirrup in which his boot had stuck seeing her opportunity Dorothy dropped the bridle on crop and with both hands grasped the boy very much in the same manner as he had seized her the day before let me go he snarled struggling to free himself not just now but clearly because she saw that she was quite able to hold him and that he was really only a very slight young boy I am going to have a try at your game she added smiling at her versatility the boy almost fell under the horse the cricket was so well trained that he did not attempt to go beyond Dorothy's orders steady cricket now young man to her prisoner I am going to do something very original I am going to tie you to that pretty tree you are not he yelled but she had her whip in her hand and she raised it threateningly I don't want to strife you she said but you know prisoners must obey just step over there a foot or two there was such authority in her voice that the boy looked up frightened don't hit me he pleaded and I'll go this was more than Dorothy expected and as the lad moved to I-bay she raised with her foot the rope he had dropped with his disguise and grasped it in her hand with the riding crop you see skill girls learn a lot about teamwork she said we have to do it lots of games what are you going to do with me ask the boy who actually seemed more interested than frightened well first I am going to make you secure see I just slipped this rope around you you had it already with that slip knot and she put it over his head before he had a chance to protest it fell over his hands and she pulled the cord right then as he was standing near the tree she dropped the rope to his feet gave it a jerk and springing around the tree she had him secure with two turns of the hemp and a knot made after the style of one Nat had showed her how to fashion the boy burst out laughing you're all right he declared you beat me where did you learn oh I often played bandit with my brothers but never with a stranger before aren't you afraid don't you want to say your prayers I've forgotten them he said with a smile guess I forgot them when I started in at this the two don't hitch not exactly and Dorothy was fixing the rope more tightly but you did know some once I can tell how he asked because you don't swear didn't even when you cut your hand how is it saw he replied please don't pass the rope over the bandage I won't answer Dorothy with some tenderness the humour of the situation was apparent to both of them Dorothy however was determined not to relent she would hold him a prisoner she decided to surround the boys they would know best what to do certainly such a desperado was unsafe to be at large are you going to make the fire now he asked in a mocking tone no I am just going to jump on my horse and leave you here to think of your sins I am sure you will be here when I come back oh please miss don't go for the police he begged tears welling into his deep blue eyes I have never done anything wrong before and I can see now how silly I was I am not going after the officers said Dorothy but you must know that you have done very wrong you might have hurt me seriously oh please let me go he pleaded I will promise you anything and I never want to play it was too real for play retorted Dorothy but you need not be too alarmed my cousins are good boys your cousins yes the white boys do you know them of course I do oh don't tell on me really I shall be disgraced forever he was crying Dorothy felt herself weakening I will tell you where everything is I promise you anything in the world if you will only not give me up I can't bear to think of poor mother I couldn't stand it but she is she ill and Dorothy quickly counted what a disgrace it would be to a good mother to find a son in such a plight yes she is away from me all the time with the nurses and I haven't seen her in a week I don't know what I've been doing who takes care of you ask Dorothy whom do you play with oh father is away and I have plenty of money to buy guns and things then I go to plays a lot this was the sequel to the story Dorothy thought would it possibly be safe for her to take the boys word and let him go as he said he would be disgraced so kindness to him might be his clearest lesson how good looking he really was even standing there tired his clear face and light hair could not be undervalued from the point of fine looks somehow he was just a bit like Roger that same round baby face and that one unmanageable curl that would hang down on his forehead in spite of years and in spite of barbers I'll tell you where I put all the things he fairly sobbed and I'll give them all back if you will only give me one more chance I remember the Bible always gave folks a second chance Dorothy could not repress a smile yes that was true the Bible taught forgiveness quick they're coming untie me and I'll run Dorothy heard the voices quickly she untied the slipknot and almost as speedily as he had been tied the lad was made free no don't run order Dorothy you can just stay with me get some grass for cricket and the togs where can I hide them give them here call Dorothy as that very moment she raised a clump of brush to hide the togs under and at the same time she hailed the boys who just turned into the open field from the search through the woods nary a thine called back net guess you were seeing things Doro we have come to the conclusion that the band had lit on your brain maybe replied Dorothy but see the girl I had indicating the captive who stood beside her he saved cricket from a ditch and I haven't had a chance to get his other name hello Roy greeted Ned glad to see you where have you been keeping yourself we wanted you the other day for the town games but couldn't find you hello Roy shouted the approaching Joan Roger who just then threw away his banded stick I'm glad you are all acquainted at a Dorothy I must ask Roy to come up to the house this afternoon I'll be there declared the boy but only Dorothy knew why he spoke so earnestly End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a Libravox recording all Libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libravox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoy Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 6 Off the Camp but Cologne won't wait another day I have got to be off to camp Dorothy insisted isn't our camp good enough asked Jo we have not seen you for so long and now off you go again yes and I thought she was going to cook for us I guess I don't want to camp with the fellows cooking murmured the disappointed Roger I am sure I would love to stay at the Seed as longer their sister assured them but you know I must keep my engagements and I am to live in a real camp this summer and Tavia is going too Roger went on if she was around here there might be some fun perhaps you both can come to Maine for a stay then you would see the great big moose you hear so much about if they are not to be found alive I am sure we can manage to see some dead said Dorothy now be good boys and I will see if I can arrange that she was saying goodbye to her brothers and a half hour later she had taken her chair in the train bound through New England on route for Maine the few days spent at home had been so delightful even her Wild West adventure had ended up happily for Royal Grake the erstwhile bandit did all he could to make up and even went so far as to take Dorothy to a big tree in the hollow of which he had hidden considerable loot during his try at the wild and woolly this loot Roy took back to his own home which had been the first scene of his juvenile depredations he declared he did get out of a window with the stuff and otherwise fulfilled the attempt in true Virado fashion but before Dorothy left him she felt that he had changed his mind as to the propriety of this line of fun I hope I meet Tavia on time Dorothy was thinking as she neared the station where her companion was expected to board the train if she keeps up her reputation though I won't something is sure to happen when Tavia goes travelling some of the folks were taking themselves and their luggage into the crowded cars it did seem that the privilege of carrying freight personally was being abused for old and young were simply bending down under the weight of the stuff for which they struggled to find room in the passenger coaches that would simply spoil my vacation Dorothy reflected it seems to me each season evolves some new sort of hampered to be hampered with Doron it was Tavia oh hello Tavia I was so afraid you don't look at I fancied I saw you sizing up that piece of architecture at the door gothic isn't it and Tavia fell into the chair Dorothy had emptied for her the piece of architecture took the sofa at the end of the car and she appeared to need every bit of it for her hat and other pieces of luggage funny how the porters always liked that sort of thing remark Dorothy I don't believe they ever get a sense for it either but look at the glory said Tavia every eye in the car is on that sofa my gaze is simply crowded out let's want something yes I have lost my porter called Tavia sweetly at the same time touching the button at the window the man in the brass button uniform turned promptly I have lost my handbag said Tavia I surely had it when I entered persons in several seats around disturbed themselves Dorothy's face flushed how observed Tavia was to make that confusion just for fun every time Tavia stood to look under the seat or about it she would pinch Dorothy which act did not add to the letters comfort oh I have it exclaimed the wily one thank you so much and she smiled clear up and down the aisle I was sure I had it and taking her seat she managed in the most conspicuously discreet way to slip into the porter's palm something shiny there she added when he was gone wasn't that neat Dorothy he is ours now for the rest of the trip and the lady on the sofa is new Dorothy knew it was worse than useless to protest but this was not the sort of thing she considered fun did you have a pleasant time at Dalton she asked hoping to get Tavia's attention I was so sorry I could not go up for a day you might be glad replied Tavia of all the stupid times I would have run away but for Johnny he took me fishing and I wore overalls oh only out in the woods of course but it was sport and I caught fish it skirts that who do the catch I have come to that conclusion in what woods did you wear overalls and Dorothy looked almost frightened might Tavia have the guard with her oh a way out mushroom way and I stretched out just like any respectable boy and cast the line dear me Dorro I would just love to have smoked that would have made it perfect there isn't a shock left in me Dorothy assured her so don't try so hard Tavia I am simply immune you must have looked just sweet in overalls I hope they were dark blue ah corrected Tavia ah dark blue and she wheeled around out toward the aisle just as a young chap in white flannels passed along he looked down at her in that all way common in the best style of travelling Dorothy breathed more easily when he passed out to the next coach wasn't he dear commented Tavia Dorro I just know we are going to have a perfectly bang up time this summer take care you come out with it without too much banging up caution Dorothy this summer business is getting exciting wonder if we will see the man of the horse he who made such beautiful bows and acted so aptly wasn't he lovely my I have dreamed of him Dorro foolish replied the other Nath said he fancied that chap would make trouble the thought the cologne might have whispered to Dorothy something about Tavia getting a letter from this man just flashed her mind Tavia was always getting into some foolish scrape and kept Dorothy busy getting her out and it just occurred to Dorothy that it might not be a bad idea to let Tavia try getting herself out should she repeat her usual indiscretions of risking too much for the sake of some trifling win bang all bang all called the porter gathered themselves up to make the change for Lake Monodic I must get a shoe shine said Tavia as they stepped on the platform of the big depot just wait here I won't be three minutes we only have five Dorothy told her and if you are late I must go on Cologne is going to meet us away out from camp I'll be back promise Tavia and then she was lost in the throng End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Dorothy Dale's Camping Days This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's Camping Days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 7 Camp CC There is not another train out this evening Cologne was telling Dorothy wasn't it perfectly dreadful for her to leave you I expected something like that to happen from the start Dorothy replied Tavia has a faculty for missing trains I wonder what she will do there is just a chance she may be able to make the way train and switch off at the junction then if she is lucky she may flag the shore train and get to this spot about midnight but what would she do then better stay out in civilization until daylight I feel dreadfully Rosemary that she should give you so much trouble I sometimes think Tavia ought to be with a smile well with all her faults we love her still and she tightened her hands on the horse reins let us hope she will be more fortunate than we anticipate isn't this lovely exclaimed Dorothy as they started over the hill in the depot wagon these are real main woods aren't they not the big going kind those are farther out before you see our camp then you may say lovely and your camping suit went on Dorothy surely I may say lovely to that it is perfectly splendid and your cap is so becoming think so yes I like the cap and it's handy I've got one for you and one for Tavia if she ever gets here to claim it and Cologne handed the cap to Dorothy for inspection it was a jaunty blue affair with the letters CC in guilt these Cologne explained might stand for anything but they mostly stood for Camp Cologne or Camp Cozy or Camp Climber although some of the members wanted at Camp Capital Cologne said we will end up by making it CC declared Dorothy for it does seem one or other of us is constantly calling upon someone else to see something there is lots to see a party of other campers came trooping along the shady roadway Cologne knew them and hailed them pleasantly they are our neighbours she said and they have the nicest brothers I just want you to meet Teddy he is too funny don't you think that variety would suit Tavia better than me asked Dorothy I thought you always picked out the real good kind for me the sort that wears colors all summer and Dorothy laughed at the idea for the day was warm and the thought of a stiff collar was rather incogruous well he must be nice at any rate replied Cologne as they turned into a lane a short cut over the woodland but say Dorothy do you know I believe that fellow the one who rode the farmer's horse is out this way I saw someone who had the same queer gate and who wore his hat on the side of his head and I am almost sure it was he I was not near enough to see his face but there is something so characteristic about his swing I am sure I could not be mistaken did Tavia tell you anything about the letter no replied Dorothy slowly but I do hope he is not going to spoil our camping days I should never feel safe with him loitering about the woods what could fetch him away out here well this is a great rendezvous for swell invalids and nature lovers Cologne told her and of course it may be a mere coincidence I even might be mistaken let us hope you are said Dorothy fervently I would not mind so much but Tavia oh well you know how queer she is yes indeed I do but never mind we are going to have the time of our lives this summer and we must not go into the missionary business for it is awfully wearing it is quite a long drive out here isn't it I shouldn't think you would often take it after dark oh we never do unless we have a whole party and go merry making but this evening I fear we will have to go for Tavia isn't it too provoking it spoils my plans for tonight I wonder whatever could have kept her she had five minutes and I warned her likely she saw something interesting and determined to make those five minutes grow into ten she has no respect for time I know that and as for the railroads why it would tickle her to miss a train and make trouble for the next one oh there are the tents I see the white specks over that way and there is the little lake exclaimed Dorothy yes we are getting there come on hurry up Jeff this to the horse we must get home by five and we have only three minutes I promise mother to be back at five and punctuality is an unbreakable rule of our camp we made it so because we have always found that tardiness is the ruination of all good summers even camp life must have rules don't urge the steed to a little faster gate is this your own horse ask Dorothy no but we have him for the summer mother insisted on us having a real old timer safer she thinks and he knows all the roads that's something if we should get lost he could find our way home for us indeed he could I often give him the lines and he goes along to the post office and back again without the slightest prompting here we are Cologne drew up not in front of the canvas tent but beside a fine old barn is that the tent the camp asked Dorothy yes but just wait until you see how we have it settled there's mother as Mrs Markin appeared at the door of the most cordial welcome to Dorothy swinging aside the great old fashioned door that opened in two parts Cologne ushered Dorothy into the camp oh how perfectly splendid it was like a picture from an art magazine the real rafters no boxed shaped beans set up like an uncovered poor truth but rafters that hung down low fragrant with the scent of hickory soft intent and brown with the polish and glow of years then the big filled stone fireplace with the sidewalk all around it and the pieces of rag carpet I have never seen anything so perfectly splendid Chimed Dorothy however did you find such a camp the maters idea replied Cologne enthused with Dorothy's delight there used to be a big house on this farm but it was burned down mother knew the place and we got it isn't it a perfect mansion Mater would not hear of us sleeping in the open says tents fly away in the night let me show you the whole house the first floor for there was locked was laid out in a living room with many luxuries even to a hired old fashion square piano the chairs Cologne explained had been bought at a secondhand shop along the mountain road and the man who kept the shop was so surprised to have a call for such odd chairs and tables that Mrs. Markham was able to pick up some splendid pieces for a mere trifle then the sleeping rooms Mrs. Markham and her daughters beside the guest room were on the first floor while Jack the big boy at the family had his bunk on the loft and up there also was a bunk for any of Jack's friends who might pay him a visit the first floor rooms were divided by cretone petitions all curtains made secure top and bottom and the colouring at these greens gave the place an ideal tone in colour the kitchen was outside and the dining room a broad porch with an uncovered roof a canvas flap was hung over the roof to be used all thrown aside just as the weather ordained the table was a matter of two horses and three planks and the seats were of the same brand only in a lower grade the cover was of oil cloth and the dishes were some wooden and marble you see said Claude mother did not want us to be working always so she made the table service Allah indian we burn most of the dishes when we've used them and they keep our camp fire going or rather they only start it then the metal plates are so easy to wash and so hard to break oh we have camping down to a system we will light the system how could I help liking it why it's just ideal it makes our pretentious homes look like cheap bric-a-brac Dorothy declared well come now and have tea we are to have it alone you and I the mother is busy helping Jenny can berries and Jack is never home until the cows come we can see herds of them trip over that hill every night Cologne put a match to the small oil stove and then when the kettle boiled she made tea in the proper way pouring the water over the leaves as they nestled in the blue delft pot on the table the edibles were produced from an improvised cover and in a remarkably short time Dorothy and her friend were seated at the long table enjoying a meal the like which the visitor declared she had never before fallen air to it must be the air she remarked helping herself to a sandwich for I have never felt so alarmingly hungry Jack says they are sandwiches remark Cologne that he never gets a chance to eat one while sitting down that's true replied Dorothy for at the places where one gets them is never supposed to sit down sandwiches they really are I am anxious to see Jack he gave me such a nice time when I visited you at Buffalo oh he's a perfect giant Cologne told it he grows well you wait he's off fishing today promised to fetch home some nice fish for tomorrow's dinner we get trout for breakfast in the stream over there it's jolly to fish I know you will like it up here Dorothy will like it I do like it there is no future tense on that score I have always longed for a visit way down east and how strange people talk just as soon as we pass Connecticut it was like going into a new country the accent is so different Tavia declared it was nothing but a left over brogue of the Mayflower vintage of course that's what it really is but Tavia I had almost forgotten her could we go out anywhere and look for her hardly replied Cologne but we could drive out to the station again and send a message to the junction I wish Jack was here he would know best what to do it is too provoking and she is so apt to fall in with a friend muse Dorothy I never saw her equal for picking up friends there's an automobile exclaimed Cologne listening to the ripping of the atmosphere as the machine tore down the road we don't have many cars around here it's too hilly they're coming in the lane it's Tavia both girls jumped up and ran to the station that wound around the camp Tavia was standing up waving her handbag she made friends this time declared Dorothy just like her to fall into something easy end of chapter 7 chapter 8 Dorothy Dale's camping days this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Dorothy Dale's camping days by Margaret Penrose Chapter 8 The Wild Animal perfectly delicious Tavia was exclaiming in a reckless way never believed a barn could be thus converted into a home she tossed aside her travelling things and so sweet of you, Cologne to us poor me the old joke as if Rosemary Cologne Lavender could be other than sweet and so dear of you to get here said Dorothy with mocking voice we really thought Doro dear if you only would get over that abominable thinking habit see what happened to me when I thought I was going to be packed up for the night in the little railroad station why along whisked an auto and the lady with the scared to death hair looked at me seeing me was believing the chauffeur in it was a lady and my French is packed up ask me in that was what I got for thinking on the wrong stoop and weren't they deised did you mind the veils first I thought they were hoisted clouds and again when I saw the blues and pinks I decided for fair weather there were enough colours to make a rainbow look like the milky way and they asked me to come see them ask me why they begged me and made me give across my heart yes but you won't go ask Cologne you know the lambits are well they are a troop of theatrical folks and no one knows much about them the only profession that hides the ego but that is what I call cozy to get away from the dear old nosy public I wonder the whole world does not go in for the stage and get a chance to walk through the streets and have folks say isn't she perfectly sweet all the while one could be sticking out her tongue enjoying herself Tavia exclaimed Dorothy do talk something akin to common sense if you cannot do better and don't mix up your pronouns you keep one bobbing through tenses and pronouns as if the sinker were a jack in the box all the same I would love to go over to that big white house in the cherry trees and see a dress rehearsal they play Shakespeare you must not think of such a thing declared Dorothy since Cologne does not wish you to go in the strange set you will surely comply but I do not have to tell you that I am sure you will and she turned away in evident distress the next morning the three girls started to camp in earnest Tavia insisted that it was her share of work to fetch one pale of water from the spring because she said she had to stoop down so low and walk so far the effort was equal to Dorothy's dishwashing or Cologne's muffin making while you do the rest she said I'll just run up and look over the loft the boys are out now and Dorothy won't be afraid I'll forget my manners you come here directly and set this table for lunch order Dorothy and we'll not be in until eating time so we will get everything ready now alright answered Tavia at the same time climbing up the ladder and making her way to the loft oh let her explore said Cologne then when she gets enough of it she will be satisfied don't touch any of the old guns up there called Dorothy Jack says there are dangerous alrighty yell Tavia from above but say wouldn't this be a handsome place to drop from she was in the opening of the hay loft lying on the floor with her head over the edge oh don't beg Cologne Tavia that is dangerous her voice was rather strained Cologne was annoyed Tavia jumped up and with the most un-lady like warp ran from one end of the loft to the other exclaiming at every new found article of interest suddenly she stopped now what do you suppose she is at asked Dorothy as she and Cologne listened maybe Jack's pipes I am sure she would be interested in them he has quite a collection oh girls came a shout from the loft come quick a wild animal the voice left no room for doubt Tavia did see something Cologne and Dorothy dropped their work and scrambled up the ladder over here Tavia was on all fours peering behind an old door that lay close to the side timbers of the barn just look his hair stands up like a porcupine and his eyes oh my such eyes Cologne and Dorothy looked there certainly is something admitted Cologne it has straight black hair exclaimed Dorothy and it does look fierce what shall we do asked Cologne Jack will not be back until night and if we take our eyes off it we run the risk of having it under the bed tonight said Tavia now if only we could shoot a gun and she looked at the line of weapons that decorated the side of the loft I can load and fire a gun declared Dorothy wasn't my father a soldier wasn't her father a soldier repeated Tavia Cologne you hump down there and keep your eye on the bear while we get a gun and load it then if it's all the same to you I'll do downstairs yard until it is all over I hate murder close by I'll choose my own gun if you please said Dorothy as Tavia was about to hand her an old musket I like the vintage of the last century at least are you sure you won't hurt yourself ask Cologne anxiously I think perhaps we had best tried to box the thing in here shooting is rather risky not if I can get a gun I happen to know said Dorothy you may both go out in the backyard if you choose I must try the rifle first oh here is one just like father gave Joe his last birthday I had a mind to borrow it to come out here to main woods but I never dreamed of getting going right in camp don't shoot this nigger Tavia actually making for the ladder Dorothy went over to the open window and put the rifle to her shoulder she pulled the trigger there was no discharge not satisfied with one trial she worked the rifle until there was positively no possibility of any load being in the weapon there that's clean she said now for the cartridge over on the wall hung Jack's ammunition box Cologne was watching at a safe distance Tavia had gone downstairs by way of a rope that Jack Markham used for descending Dorothy put the load in made sure it was all right then went over to the beasts hiding place she crouched down and took aim do be careful Dorothy crack that fetched him exclaimed Dorothy I saw him roll over make sure he is dead before you pull the door away again caution Cologne dead as a carpet tack declared Dorothy let's call Tavia and get her to pull him out she ought to do something in this our first hunt Tavia was called and being assured that the thing came up the ladder and with the aid of a long handled hay rake she dispenshered to touch the strange thing it's dead this was the signal for a series of antics such as Tavia might imagine to be popular in the Fiji islands when some real dainty morsel fell into the camp kettle oh let us see what it is ordered Cologne to go trout fishing it may do for dinner it may then again it may not reply Tavia but may or mammy let's haul her out Dorothy put her shoulder to the framed door back of which the thing was hidden one two three she shoved it over are you ready let her go called Cologne springing up on an old trunk she didn't go neither did it come the girls waited breathlessly pulling out Tavia what's the use standing there with a rake in your hand said Dorothy I want to make sure he does not revive she replied gingerly poking the rake handle a little further under the hidden corner oh here exclaimed Dorothy impatiently to hold this door we ought to get the animal out in time for lunch they shifted positions Dorothy jabbed the rake recklessly into the corner Tavia moaned and Cologne groaned drag drag it was coming out mercy exclaimed Tavia goodness me gasped Cologne the Dorothy who was the only one near the thing quickly dropped the rake and stood aghast too dumbfounded to utter a syllable what is it big Cologne a window brush she gasped at the same moment stooping to pick up the beast the thing with the straight long black hair that stood up in fierce bristles but the eyes asked Tavia I saw terrible eyes might have been imported fireflies Dorothy I believe Jack has a penchant for odd bugs oh isn't that too mean and Jack's good cartridges but the brush is alright declared Cologne we just needed a window brush to make the camp outfit complete but don't let's tell the boys she pleaded hastily oh no chimed Tavia and Dorothy then all three in turn took the rope route down to the lower floor end of chapter 8