six o'clock
Then they began to eat . There were chicken sandwiches , and cocoa with whipped cream , and ice-cream , cake , candy , fruit , and nuts . The Scouts simply loaded their plates , telling them that they might carry home what they could not eat . They were having such a delightful party that they were all surprised when six o'clock came , and Miss Phillips gave the signal for departure . The Scouts put on their hats and coats , and , with their arms laden with goodies , and gifts , and holly , the children returned to the village . Lily reappeared , dressed in her Scout uniform , to accompany them . One of the children , who had been looking at her closely for several minutes , exclaimed abruptly , `` Santa Claus is a Girl Scout ! ''