Agony and Oh-Pshaw, having been instrumental in starting the group, had “run” it to their hearts’ content; that is, Agony ran it, for her dominating personality completely overshadowed her sister along with the rest of the members.  Agony “ran” the Guardian, too, who admired her immensely, thought everything she did a symptom of genius, stood not a little in awe of her family connections, and let her have full sway in everything.  Agony was fond of the Guardian, too, but naturally was not profoundly influenced by association with her.

But there was an altogether different atmosphere in the Winnebago group, as Agony soon discovered.  No one girl had any more to say than the others, all worked together in perfect harmony, and all worshipped the same sun, Nyoda.  She was a great lode star that drew them together, and kept them circling contentedly in their little orbits; she was their oracle, their all-wise counsellor, their loving elder sister.  Around her the Winnebagos clustered, as the populace did about Peter, anxious to have his shadow fall upon them.  The Twins had also fallen under her spell and after their first meeting had become her adoring slaves.  “Run” Nyoda?  The thought never entered Agony’s mind.

In her own group Agony had achieved her honors easily, for the Guardian had not been too insistent about having things done well, and some of her honors were really only half earned.  So she had become a Fire Maker without any strenuous efforts.  Now her great ambition was to be a Torch Bearer.  All the year at school she had looked with envy on the little round silver pins that Hinpoha and Migwan and Gladys wore and noticed how people who understood the meaning of that little pin always exclaimed admiringly, “Oh, you’re a Torch Bearer!” Agony could not bear to have anyone get ahead of her, she must be a Torch Bearer, too.  She could hurry up and get enough honor beads by the next Council meeting to be eligible.

After the ceremony of the installation was over and she and Oh-Pshaw were really Winnebagos, she spoke of the desire which lay near to her heart.  It was in the little intimate talk time which always took place during the Ceremonial Meeting, when the flames began to burn down to embers, just before it was time to sing, “Now Our Camp Fire Fadeth.”

“Nyoda,” she said confidently, “I’m ready to become a Torch Bearer at the next meeting.”

Nyoda looked at her with serious, thoughtful eyes.  In the Winnebago group, it had not been customary for the girls to announce that they were worthy to be called Torch Bearer.  Nyoda had herself conferred that honor upon them when she considered them worthy.  No one had ever voiced her belief that she was ready, although Nyoda knew how each one had coveted the title.  She was able to read Agony clearly, and knew that the keynote of her life was ambition.  She was pretty certain that Agony wanted to be a Torch Bearer because it was the highest rank to which a Camp Fire Girl