Presently the group of scout girls could be heard exchanging
opinions on the possibility of finding something lost. One thought
it might have dropped in the deep gutter, another declared she
would have heard it fall if it hit the many stones along the
sidewalk, and still another expressed the view that it would be
impossible to find it until daylight, no matter where it had
fallen.

"But I just got it, and wanted to wear it so much," wailed the
girl most concerned. "I think it is too mean--"

"Now, we will be sure to find it in daylight," assured the tall
girl, evidently the captain. "I will be around here before even
the mill hands pass. Don't worry, Margaret. If we don't find it, I
shall send to headquarters for another."

"But I shall never love it as I did that one," and tears were in
the voice. "Besides, think of all the lovely time we had at the
presentation!"

"Now come," softly ordered the tall girl. "No use prowling around
here, we can't see anything with matches. I promise you, Margaret,
you shall have another badge in time for the rally if we do not
find this," and reluctantly the party of searchers turned again in
the direction of the village.

Watching their opportunity, the two mill girls came out from the
shadows of the high fence they had been trusting to shield them
from the view of the scouts. With quickened step they now turned