CHAPTER VIII

ENTER SERGEANT MULLINS


"Mollie, you've been crying."

"I have not!" snapped Mollie, turning so the light would not fall on her
face.

"Well, what are your eyes and nose all red for then?" asked Amy
reasonably.

"Ask them," retorted Mollie. "Probably just did it to make me mad."

Several days had gone by, and the entertainment into which the girls had
thrown themselves with so much enthusiasm had been given and pronounced a
great success by the soldiers stationed at Camp Liberty. Since then the
days had been given largely to the routine work of the Hostess
House--afternoon teas, evening coffee served to those who wished it,
writing letters for the boys, entertaining others, looking after wives and
mothers and sisters who were visiting near the camp, suggesting books for
some who seemed to be of uncertain taste. Now, on this day, something
unusual had plainly happened.

"Oh, girls, I've got a wonderful plan--something new for the soldier
boys!" cried Betty, breaking in upon her two friends merrily. Then, seeing