As “Sunflower” took the matches and knelt by the pile of wood and lighted the fire, she recited the Ode to the Fire: 

“Oh, Fire!  Long years ago, when our fathers fought with great beasts, you were their protector.  From the cruel cold of winter you saved.  When they needed food, you changed the flesh of beasts into savory meat for them.  Through all ages your mysterious flame has been a symbol of the Great Spirit to them.  Tonight we light this fire in remembrance of the Great Spirit Who gave you to us.”

Then the girls sang the chant or chanted: 

    Wohelo for aye,
    Wohelo for aye,
    Wohelo for aye,
    Wohelo for work,
    Wohelo for health,
    Wohelo,
    Wohelo for love.

Then they recited the Wood-gatherer’s Desire: 

“It is my desire to be a Campfire Girl and keep the law of the Camp Fire, which is ’To Seek Beauty, Give Service, Pursue Knowledge, Be Trustworthy, Hold onto Health, Glorify Work, Be Happy,’”

None had yet attained the highest rank, that of Torch Bearer, won by still greater achievement, the Camp having been organized so recently.  Their motto was “The light which has been given to me, I desire to pass undimmed to others.”

“Gypsy,” the secretary, then read the “Count” for the last meeting and called the roll, and the girls handed in the list of honors they had won in the last month.  Some amused themselves playing games, while others gathered more wood.

At five o’clock the corn and white and sweet potatoes were in the fire roasting.  A jolly circle of girls around the fire were busily engaged toasting “Weiners” for the feast, which was finally pronounced ready to be partaken of.  The hungry girls “fell to” and everything eatable disappeared as if by magic; and last, but not least, was the toasting of marshmallows, speared on the points of long, two-pronged sticks (broken from near-by trees), which were held over the fire until the marshmallows turned a delicate color.  When everything had been eaten, with the exception of several cardboard boxes, corn cobs and husks, the girls quickly cleared up.  Then, seated around the fire, told what they knew of Indian legends and folklore.

Noticing the sun slowly sinking in the West, they quickly gathered together their belongings and started homeward singing, “My Country, ’tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty.”

Thus broke up the second Council Fire, and in the heart of each girl was the thought of how much the Campfire was helping them to love God and His works.

CHAPTER XIV.

Mary makes “Violet” And “Rose leaf” Beads.

“Aunt Sarah,” exclaimed Mary one day, “you promised to tell me exactly how you made those ‘Rose Beads’ you have.”