Ruth cast her eyes about.
"Couldn't we sit in a couple of those rocking chairs all night?" she asked eagerly.
The Salvation Army woman laughed affectionately as if she had found a kindred spirit: "Why, dearie, I could give you a couple of cots out here in the dining room if you didn't mind. I wouldn't have pillows, but I think I could get you some blankets."
"Then we'll stay," said Ruth triumphantly before Mrs. Cameron could protest, and went away feeling that she had a new friend in the wise sweet Salvation Army woman. In five minutes more they were seated in the trolley on their way into the camp.
"I'm afraid your people would not like you to stay in such a place," began Mrs. Cameron dubiously, though her eyes shone with a light that belied her words.
"Nonsense!" said Ruth with a bewildering smile, "it is as clean as a pin and I'm very much excited about staying there. It will be an adventure. I've never known much about the Salvation Army before, except that they are supposed to be very good people."
"There might be some rough characters----"
"Well, I guess they can't hurt us with that good woman around, and anyhow, you're going to stay till your son goes!" laughingly declared Ruth.
"Well, we'll see what John says," said his mother with a sigh, "I can't let you do anything--questionable."
"Please, Mrs. Cameron," pleaded Ruth, "let us forget things like that this trip and just have a happy time."
The mother smiled, sadly, wistfully, through a mist of tears. She could not help thinking how wonderful it would have been if there had been no war and her dear boy could have had this sweet wholesome girl for a friend.