In a few clear-cut sentences Mrs. Royall spoke of the Camp Fire symbolism--of fire as the living, renewing, all-pervading element--"Our brother the fire, bright and pleasant, and very mighty and strong," as being the underlying spirit--the heart of this new order of the girls of America, as the hearth-fire is the heart of the home. She spoke of the brown chevron with the crossed sticks, the symbol of the Wood Gatherer, the blue and orange symbol of the Fire Maker, and the complete insignia combining both of these with the touch of white representing smoke from the flame, worn by the Torch Bearer, trying to make clear and vivid the beautiful meaning of it all. When the roll-call was read, each girl, as she answered to her name, gave also the number of honours she had earned since the last meeting. It was then that Laura, watching the absorbed faces, shook her head with a sigh as her eyes met Anne's; and Anne nodded with quick understanding. "Yes," she whispered, "there is some rivalry. It isn't all love and harmony--yet. But we are working that way all the time." There was a report of the last Council, written in rather limping rhyme, and then each girl told of some kind or gentle deed she had seen or heard of since the last meeting--things ranging all the way from hunting for a lost glove to going for the doctor at midnight when a girl was taken suddenly ill in camp. Only one had no kindness to tell. And when she reported "Nothing" it was as if a shadow fell for a moment over all the young faces turned towards her. "Who is that? Her voice sounds so unhappy!" Laura said, and her friend answered, "I'll tell you about her afterwards. Her name is Olga Priest. There's a new member to be received to-night. Here she comes." Laura watched the new member as she stepped out of the circle, and crossed over to the Chief Guardian. [Illustration: "Soon the flames began to blaze and crackle, filling the air with a spicy fragrance"] "What is your desire?" Mrs. Royall asked, and the girl answered, "I desire to become a Camp Fire Girl and to obey the law of the Camp Fire, which is to "Seek beauty, Give service, Pursue knowledge, Hold on to health, Glorify work, Be happy.' This law of the Camp Fire I will strive to follow." Slowly and impressively, Mrs. Royall explained to her the law, phrase by phrase, and as she ceased speaking, the candidate repeated her promise to keep it, and instantly every girl in the circle, placing her right hand over her heart, chanted slowly, "'This law of the fire I will strive to follow With all the strength and endurance of my body, The power of my will, The keenness of my mind, The warmth of my heart, And the sincerity of my spirit.'" And again after the last words--like a full stop in music--came the few seconds of utter silence.