Such an active life had he always led that to be
confined to the house was hard for him to endure. Whyn was also able
to be present, and sat in the big chair the captain had made, and
watched with interest all that took place. She made a few wreaths
herself, though she was not able to do much, as she tired very quickly.
The scouts liked to have her with them, and she was often able to
instruct them, and to pass judgment upon their work.
Another valuable helper was Miss Arabella. It was quite remarkable the
way she "happened along," as she expressed it, whenever the boys met
for wreath-making. In fact, she and the captain became quite friendly,
which was a great surprise to all.
"Guess ye'll have to be scoutmaster, Miss Bella," he told her one
evening.
"Goodness me!" was the startled reply. "I couldn't handle a bunch of
boys."
"And why not, Miss Bella?"
"They're too much like men; always wanting something, and never
satisfied when they get it."
"So that's the reason ye never got a man, eh? Ho, ho!" and the captain
gave a gruff laugh.
"Yes," Miss Arabella snapped. "I was afraid he might be just like you,
Captain Josh," at which retort the boys shouted with delight, while the
captain, too, was highly amused at the fun which had been caused at his
own expense.
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