"And why not, Miss Bella?"

"They're too much like men; always wanting something, and never
satisfied when they get it."

"So that's the reason ye never got a man, eh? Ho, ho!" and the captain
gave a gruff laugh.

"Yes," Miss Arabella snapped. "I was afraid he might be just like you,
Captain Josh," at which retort the boys shouted with delight, while the
captain, too, was highly amused at the fun which had been caused at his
own expense.

Thus on the nights when the work of making the wreaths was carried on
an excellent spirit of friendship prevailed. Neighbours, hearing of
the good times at the Anchorage, often dropped in to assist the scouts.
On several occasions they brought refreshments, such as sandwiches,
cakes, and doughnuts, which added very much to the enjoyment of the
evenings.

The neighbours were so pleased with these social gatherings that they
were very sorry when the wreaths were all made and sent to the city.
They had experienced the pleasure of meeting together during the long
winter evenings, and there was now a serious blank in their lives.
They accordingly decided that something must be done, with the result
that a small club was formed, which met once a week at the scouts'
Headquarters. The women brought their knitting or sewing, while the
men were allowed their pipes. There was a programme arranged for each
night, consisting of songs, recitations, and at times a debate on some
familiar subject.