The Chief Guardian took her place by the fire.

“My daughters,” she said, “we have gathered this evening about the council fire, that ancient institution, to speak of matters that are near to the heart of each of us.  Last night two of your number gave a marked demonstration of what a Camp Girl may do, of what pluck will do, an exhibition of sheer moral courage, one of the greatest assets of a Camp Girl.”

“That ith uth,” whispered Tommy to Harriet Burrell, who sat beside her.  Harriet’s face was flushed.  She feared the guardian was about to speak of her achievements, which Harriet was not at all eager to hear.

“I refer to the thrilling experiences of Miss Burrell and Miss Thompson in battling with the big seas far out there in the darkness, and with every reason to believe that their efforts would prove of no avail.  It is not the battle of despair to which I refer.  There was no such.  Rather, it was that dogged courage that never even permits a suggestion of give-up to enter the mind of the fighter.  It was a courage such as this, combined with rare judgment and physical ability, that makes it possible for Miss Burrell and Miss Thompson to be present with us at the council fire this evening.

“They have not told the story willingly.  I had to draw it from them bit by bit, which I venture to say is more than any of my girls have succeeded in doing.”  The guardian smiled as she glanced about at the eager, flushed faces of the Camp Girls.

“Yes, yes!” they cried.

“As you all know, Miss Burrell, seeing the danger of her companion, hurried to her rescue, with the result that both girls went into the sea.  They were quickly carried out to sea by the undertow, which they fought away from and propelled themselves to the surface.  Then they began swimming, but in the darkness were unable to see the shore.  After a time, Miss Thompson, less strong than her companion, gave out.  Then began the real battle, and though Miss Burrell was benumbed with cold, exhausted by her efforts, she managed by a great effort to keep herself and her companion afloat.  Fortunately for them, the wind had shifted and they swam and drifted into the bay and eventually to the shore.  We have no means of telling how long our two plucky Wau-Wau Girls were in the water, because they themselves cannot tell when they reached the shore—­but, think of it! cast away on a dark and stormy ocean in a black night such as that was.  That is a triumph, an act of courage and heroism that should be held up as an example to every Camp Girl in America.  However, I should not advise any of you to attempt to emulate the example set by our two young friends,” added the Chief Guardian warningly.

A ripple of laughter ran around the circle, then the ensuing silence was broken by a remark from Tommy which sent the girls nearest to her into a shout of laughter.

“Well, I thhould thay not!” exploded Tommy.