The Captain nodded a smiling assent.

In a few minutes they were on their way, making speed time back to Flosston, where the jolly week-enders were soon again plunged into home scouting, just about where they had left off.

That they knew nothing of Jacqueline and Margaret’s badge did not signify any lull in their interest of the new troop members among the mill girls, and the fact that Tessie, alone and unknown, was struggling with Scout influence for weal, not for woe, did not deter the little girls of True Tred from unconsciously winding their capering steps in her direction.  We left Jacqueline rejoicing over her merit badge and Tessie pondering on her increasing perplexities.

CHAPTER XXI

FORGING AHEAD

Venture troop over in Franklin was making such rapid strides in good scouting that Captain Clark, of True Tred, had reason to warn her troop members to look to their laurels.  The advantage of having only one afternoon each week, Saturday, free, rather than being able to plan for any afternoon, seemed to have a stimulating effect, resulting in highly concentrated effort.

Realizing the advantage this movement was bringing to their employees, the directors of the Franklin mills had at last listened to the importunities of Molly Cosgrove, their welfare worker, and the establishment of a cafeteria for the girls’ lunchtime was now assured.

And Mrs. Cosgrove was going to direct it!

“Now I’ll tell you, Molly,” insisted this very popular and good-natured lady.  “I’ll need some one to handle the cash register, and why can’t I have Rose for that neat little piece of work?  She’s not rugged enough for work in a factory, and you know how splendidly she has turned out.  When we first took that child in, without any training and nothing but the inheritance of an honorable disposition, I had my own fears.  But I tell you, after all, to be born with character is a wonderful start.”

“Indeed it is, Mother,” and Molly laughed outright at the well-aimed compliment that sprang back and hit the mother “square in the eyes.”  With her arm thrown around her mother’s neck, Molly admitted her own inheritance in that line had been guaranteed.  “It’s going to be a wonderful thing for the girls,” went on their captain.  “The Americanization plan of the scouts is admitted the best we have yet tried out.  You should see how eagerly they study now, and how well filled the night classes are!  And slang has already been checked up as foolish.  Really, Madre mia, I almost fear for our own fortunate American-born classes when I see those of foreign extraction making such progress.”

“It is splendid, but after all, daughter, we know America best.  How are you making out with the plans of bringing the Brodix family back?  I will be glad for Rose’s sake when they can be all together again.”

“Our superintendent, Mr. Potter, has made inquiries about the standing of both father and son, and they have excellent records,” replied Molly.  “We hope, of course, the mother won’t have to go into the factory again.”