"It would be too bad to give it up," Marion said earnestly, "for I
understand some of those people are greatly in need of assistance.
There is not only much hunger and privation among them, but
considerable sickness among the children. We can't do a whole lot in
two weeks, but we can do something, and our training as Camp Fire
Girls and in our nursing classes fits us to be of much assistance to
them. It is a shame that they should take an attitude so hostile to
their own interests."

"They probably don't understand your father or they wouldn't be
striking now," said Miss Ladd.

"I'm sure they wouldn't," Marion testified vigorously. "I've often
heard father say he'd like to do more for the men and their families
but conditions tied his hands. Many of the miners are good fellows,
but they get mistaken ideas in their heads and it's impossible for
anybody whom they once put under suspicion to convince them that they
are in the wrong."

"Do you know, girls," interposed Violet Munday enthusiastically; "I
believe we are going to get a lot out of this vacation experience,
whatever happens. I'm interested in what Marion tells us about the
miners. Let's make a study of coal mining, hold up everybody we can
for information and watch our chance to help the poor families and
their sick children whenever we can without doing anything foolhardy."

"That's a good idea," said Miss Ladd. "We'll keep that in mind and if
Marion's father's advice is favorable, we'll take it up."