“I learned something of outdoor cooking in my Girl Scout work years ago,” said Kitty proudly. “Then you already have a splendid foundation. Some scouts are helping us this afternoon.” “What must I do to get in? When can I start?” “First you must take a course in nutrition. I’m starting a new class next Monday morning.” “Is the class filled? I hope I can get in.” “I already have a full class, but I can make room for someone like you. You see lots of women take this course, even when they can’t follow it up with Canteen work.” “When this course is finished may I sign up for Canteen work?” “You have to follow the nutrition course with a course in Canteen work.” “Wish I’d started sooner so I’d be ready for work now.” “The course may seem long, but there’s much more to Canteen work than the foundation course and emergency feeding. We do so many things. We often serve refreshments at blood donation centers. We have Snack Bars in USO halls. Sometimes our Canteen women help with school lunch counters or in day nurseries.” “There’s one over on Palmetto Island where Billy sometimes goes.” “So you live on Palmetto Island? That’s all to the good. We’re badly in need of workers there.” “Oh, I’m so happy to learn about this! And you still think I can do it and not neglect my duty to Billy?” “Of course, my dear. We have many mothers with several children, who manage to keep up their quota of Canteen hours every year and not neglect their homes. In fact they’re better mothers and homemakers for having taken the courses.” “I’ve got to hug somebody—you!” exclaimed Kitty, impulsively throwing her arms around Miss Pearson. “It’s so wonderful to find something I can really do to help.” When Miss Pearson had told her the time and place of the nutrition class, Kitty hurried back to Billy, wondering if she would ever have patience to wait till Monday to begin her training. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER TWO A STRANGE MEETING “Will I be eating sandwiches you made the next time the Canteen serves here?” Brad Mason’s eyes twinkled teasingly as he put the question to Kitty when she returned to the duck pond. “Maybe.” “Are you really going to take the Canteen course?” “I wouldn’t miss it for worlds! And say, I owe you a vote of thanks. If you hadn’t dropped those remarks about the Canteen work I might never have thought of joining.” “And what a prize they would have missed!” Kitty flushed as she took Billy’s hand and told him it was time to go home. It was strange how Brad Mason seemed like someone she had always known. “Wait a minute, now!” exclaimed Brad, pretending to be angry. “You can’t walk out of my life like this. After all we’ve been introduced properly with Miss Pearson as witness.” Kitty glanced up into his face as she buttoned Billy’s coat. Then they laughed gayly.