Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls

Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls
By Edith Van Dyne
Author of
"Mary Louise," "Mary Louise in the Country,"
"Mary Louise Solves a Mystery,"
"The Aunt Jane's Nieces Series," etc.
Frontispiece by Alice Casey
The Reilly & Lee Co. Chicago
Copyright, 1918 by The Reilly & Britton Co. --- Made in the U.S.A.

Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls

JUST A WORD
The object of this little story is not especially to encourage loyalty and
devotion to one's country, for these are sentiments firmly enshrined in
the hearts of all true American girls. It is rather intended to show what
important tasks girls may accomplish when spurred on by patriotism,
and that none is too humble to substantially serve her country.
Organizations of Liberty Girls are possible in every city and hamlet in
America, and are effective not only in times of war but in times of
peace, for always their Country needs them--always there is work for
their busy hands.

One other message the story hopes to carry--the message of charity
towards all and malice towards none. When shadows are darkest, those
who can lighten the gloom are indeed the blessed ones.
EDITH VAN DYNE
CONTENTS
I THE MASS-MEETING
II MARY LOUISE TAKES COMMAND
III THE LIBERTY GIRLS
IV THE TRAITOR
V UNCONVINCING TESTIMONY
VI TO HELP WIN THE WAR
VII THE LIBERTY SHOP
VIII THE DETECTIVE'S DAUGHTER
IX GATHERING UP THE THREADS
X THE EXPLOSION
XI A FONT OF TYPE
XII JOSIE BUYS A DESK
XIII JOE LANGLEY, SOLDIER
XIV THE PROFESSOR IS ANNOYED
XV SUSPENDERS FOE SALE
XVI MRS. CHARLEWORTH

XVII THE BLACK SATCHEL
XVIII A HINT FROM ANNIE BOYLE
XIX THE PRINTING OFFICE
XX ONE GIRL'S WITS
XXI SUPRISES
XXII A SLIGHT MISTAKE
XXIII THE FLASHLIGHT
XXIV AFTER THE CRISIS
XXV DECORATING
XXVI KEEPING BUSY

Mary Louise and the Liberty Girls
CHAPTER I
THE MASS-MEETING
One might reasonably think that "all Dorfield" had turned out to attend
the much advertised meeting. The masses completely filled the big
public square. The flaring torches, placed at set intervals, lighted
fitfully the faces of the people--faces sober, earnest, thoughtful--all
turned in the direction of the speakers' platform.
Mr. Peter Conant, the Chairman, a prominent attorney of Dorfield, was
introducing the orator of the evening, Colonel James Hathaway, whose
slender, erect form and handsome features crowned with snow-white
hair, arrested the attention of all.

"You have been told," began the old colonel in a clear, ringing voice,
"of our Nation's imperative needs. Money must be provided to conduct
the great war on which we have embarked--money for our new army,
money for ship-building, money for our allies. And the people of
America are permitted to show their loyalty and patriotism by
subscribing for bonds--bonds of the rich and powerful United
States--that all may participate in our noble struggle for the salvation of
democracy and the peace of the world. These bonds, which you are
asked to buy, bear interest; you will be investing in the Corporation of
Right, Justice and Freedom, with the security of the Nation as your
shield. As a stockholder in this noblest of corporations you risk nothing,
but you gain the distinction of personally assisting to defeat
Civilization's defiant and ruthless enemy."
Loud applause interrupted the speaker. On one of the rows of seats at
the back of the stand sat Mary Louise Burrows, the granddaughter of
Colonel Hathaway, with several of her girl friends, and her heart leaped
with pride to witness the ovation accorded her dear "Gran'pa Jim."
With well chosen words the old gentleman continued his discourse,
stating succinctly the necessity of the Liberty Bond issue and
impressing upon his hearers the righteousness of the cause for which
this money was required.
"The allotment of Dorfield," he added, "is one million dollars,
seemingly a huge sum for our little city to raise and invest, but really
insignificant when apportioned among those who can afford to
subscribe. There is not a man among you who cannot without hardship
purchase at least one fifty-dollar bond. Many of you can invest
thousands. Yet we are approaching our time limit and, so far, less than
two hundred thousand dollars' worth of these magnificent Liberty
Bonds have been purchased in our community! But five days remain to
us to subscribe the remaining eight hundred thousand dollars, and
thereby preserve the honor of our fair city. That eight hundred thousand
dollars will be subscribed! We must subscribe it; else will the finger of
scorn justly be pointed at us forever after."
Another round of applause. Mr. Conant, and Mr. Jaswell, the banker,

and other prominent members of the Liberty Loan Committee began to
look encouraged and to take heart.
"Of course they'll subscribe it!" whispered Mary Louise to her friend
Alora Jones. "The thing has looked like a failure, lately,