"Really, Aunt Bella," said Kate, as the girls were receiving their honors, "I feel that you deserve some of these beads." CHAPTER VIII THE SCOUTS ARRIVE Great was the surprise of the girls when the next afternoon they beheld walking towards the Camp two young men in Scout costume. They were none other than Harvey Bigelow and young Teddy Kip, the Master and assistant Scout Master of the "Flying Eagles" Scout Patrol. Each wore a small flag, and upon a red ground was a black and white eagle. As they advanced they gave their cry--"Yeh--yeh--yeh!" "Oh! Harvey," screamed Ethel, and rushed forward, greeting them warmly. Then Cousin Kate came and welcomed them cordially, introducing them to the nine girls. "Why, Mrs. Hollister," said Harvey, catching sight of her in her tent, "it does seem good to see you here," and he gazed at her thoughtfully and curiously. "'Pon my word you've grown so young I thought you were Ethel at first." She wore one of her daughter's costumes and really she did look wonderfully youthful. "Well, you can't complain. The Camp life has done you some good, and there you were so down on it." "Yes, I was, but people change. Look at yourself," replied she seriously. "Mrs. Hollister," said he, "I've been here only one week, but I already feel that I'm another man. It's splendid for both boy and girl. It's a boon to be able to get away from city people and fashionable resorts. Nan has put up a big fight and, Ethel, she's coming out to see you next month," he said. "Oh, how lovely! Kate, hear this: Nannie Bigelow is coming here to see us next month." "I shall be here until the middle," said Harvey, "and she'll go home with us. I've an aunt in Springfield and she'll go there for a visit first. After that she'll come on here and spend a few days if you girls want her to." "I'm so glad," said Ethel, and she ran to tell her mother. Teddy Kip was a handsome lad of about eighteen. Immediately Patty Sands suggested that he must see everything, so she took him off under her wing. The rest sat on the ground while Harvey related several anecdotes and funny experiences that had befallen his patrol since they came to Camp. "Now you must stay and dine with us," said Kate. "Our cooking may not surprise you, as it is the Scouts' way as well, but we'll give you a change--a shore dinner. Father sent up some very fresh clams. We'll steam them, and we'll have roasted potatoes, corn, and broiled chicken, a little salad and a ripe watermelon to finish." "Well, I declare--'pon my word, one might imagine himself in Rhode Island. We'll stay," and he smacked his lips. "Nora, will you take Mr. Bigelow and show him our cellar. And the boys--perhaps they'll help us to prepare our meal," said Kate. The young fellows were delighted to help the girls. Nora arose slowly and Harvey followed. Kate remarked to Ethel that Nora had changed so since her mother's death and asked her if she had noticed it.